April 2014 Swindon Link

Easter holiday offers on page 23

Great fundraising opportunities for groups - race nights, disco bingo. karaoke. Organise your supporters, Star Bar will do the rest. See page 38

SWINDON

Win a £40 meal at the Bombay Lounge.

See page 26

No. 383 April 2014 • Circulation 27,000

Enjoy a curry and make money for a good cause in Peatmoor or Old Town Details on page 26

the positive newsforce • swindonlink.com

Festival comes of age Over 21 years the Swindon Festival of Literature in May has become a central feature of the town’s calendar - a celebration of words well written, good conversations and life learning.

MEADOWPARK inspirational education childcare with love

Famed BBC foreign correspondent Kate Adie will be talking about women in the First World War, presented in association with The Link See the diary of events on pages 20 & 21 Left, festival director Matt Holland ringing in the launch on 20 March. Photo: Richard Wintle of Calyx.com Right, Katie Adie. Photo: Ken Lennox

SCHOOL 4 to 11 years Independent education Small classes, high standards Open 7.30am to 6pm Every day is an Open Day Visit us soon on any day!

No church charge on new housing The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards has declared that home owners are not liable to contribute to the upkeep of St Mary’s Church in Lydiard Park. See page 9 Find out more about the unique treasures at St Mary’s. See open day dates listed on page 19

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for Boys and Girls age 7+ APPLY NOW! Swindon prepares to look back a century when the drums of war grew louder, to spread awareness of the role the people of the town played in the conflict which was to change the world forever. See page 28

Tel: 01793 752600 meadowparkschool.co.uk Cricklade SN6 6DD

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Greenfields at Ridgeway Farm is far more than just a collection of 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes – it’s a community in its own right! A primary school, play area, wildlife areas and public open spaces will all go into making Greenfields a vibrant and exciting new place to live, on the north west edge of Swindon.

The first phase of homes is now available. Visit today and: + Secure your new home at today’s prices + Get a better choice of the home that’s right for you + Choose your fixtures and fittings to make your new home individually yours Best of all, there are many ways Taylor Wimpey can help make your move more affordable than you think.

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greenfields at ridgeway Farm is currently selling from Wichelstowe

call 01793 688734 or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk/greenfields Sales information centre and show homes open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm, monday 1pm – 5pm

Prices correct at time of going to press. Photographs show typical Taylor Wimpey homes, which may include optional upgrades or extras available at additional cost. Please ask your Sales Executive for details.

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19/03/2014 15:04

Developer lists cash for projects Taylor Wimpey have written to people in West Swindon and North Wiltshire providing an update on their plans for Ridgeway Farm and explaining their financial contribution to community projects arising from their 700 home development.

Taylor Wimpey have agreed with Wiltshire and Swindon councils to pay: £395,580 for road improvements; £75,950 towards the upgrade of Westlea fire station; £700,000 towards secondary education provision at Bradon Forest School, Purton; £365,000 for the building of Ridgeway Farm primary school, to open in mid-2016; £365,000 towards improvements at Cricklade Leisure Centre and Link Centre in West Swindon; £170,200 for changing rooms to serve the sports pitches at Mouldon Hill Park in North Swindon.

Ridgeway Farm will be developed as ‘Greenfields,’ the responsibility of Taylor Wimpey Oxfordshire office and ‘West Point’ by the Bristol office.

The Link in the chilly big apple Nine year old Phoebe Maddison and her dad Antony from Groundwell packed the February edition when they travelled to New York to attend the International Emmy® Kids Awards on 10 February.

Phoebe had a starring role in Same But Different, a BBC documentary made by Libra Television, where she explained what it’s like to live with type 1 diabetes since the age of 4.

Antony said: “It was absolutely brilliant when Same But Different was announced as the winner in the factual category. Phoebe went on stage with Archie Cable, who has cerebral palsy, and the producer and director David Barnes and Louise Lynch. They were so proud.

“There was tough competition including a film from Japan about the lives of children after the tsunami.”

Phoebe and Antony were able to fit in some sightseeing around the city. Despite sub-zero temperatures Phoebe was happy to hold up The Link on the ferry to Liberty Island.

Phoebe has raised thousands for JDRF, the world’s leading charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research.

She will soon be recording a single titled ‘My Life’ to raise funds and awareness of diabetes.

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Angel Care Homes is a premier care provider with a simple aim - to provide excellent care for the elderly requiring nursing or dementia care within a home from home, welcoming, friendly environment Angel Care offers: • 83 single rooms all with en-suite • Library • Minibus for trips and outings including walk-in showers • Large cinema room • Free WIFI • Hair dressing salon

• Café • Private family dining room for all occasions Fees: Dementia nursing £750-£850/week; Nursing £750-£850/week. Social Services accepted

To arrange a visit please contact Debbie Northrop, Manager. Tel: 01793 753336 e: debbie.northrop@aol.co.uk www.carehomesgroup.com Now recruiting Qualified Nurses and Carers, day and night duty available swindonlink.com • April 2014

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You don’t have to search for stories Receive instant updates when a story appears at ����������������������� swindonlink.com by following us on Twitter.com/swindonlink or Facebook: Swindon Link

News round up If you prefer we can send you a weekly email with links to all the latest headlines. Register to receive it via: swindonlink.com/login

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Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840

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It allows us to shorten web addresses so that a link to a story doesn’t occupy several lines which nobody would want to type into their browser. We can also customise the link. For example, instead of a link being: www.swindonlink. com/news/aldi-plan-for-west-store-30-jobs--70-houses we can publish it as www.bit.ly/aldiwest

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What’s the bitly all about?

Some readers have asked us why bit.ly sometimes appear at the end of articles directing readers to stories at swindonlink.com

Editorial for May: 7 April Published: 26 April Copy for June: 5 May ‘Like’ Swindon Link

swindonlink

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Call (01793) 602540 or mail: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for May advertisements: 9 April Swindon Link magazine

Take a Google tour of The Link office @ www.bit.ly/Linkofficetour “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission.

Articles and photographs require similar authority.

Swindon Publications Ltd. cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks. Printed by pcp, Telford

swindonlink.com • April 2014

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21/03/2014 14:54

West skatepark might be built in time for the summer holidays

Plan for festival in Priory Vale takes shape

A group of residents living in North Swindon are looking into the posSwindon Council officers and skatepark company Wheelscape have come sibility of holding a festival at Mouldon Hill Country Park after receiving up with a plan to locate a 33 metre by 10 metre neighbourhood skate park a £200 grant from Swindon Council to help establish a community group.

A meeting took place at North It would be good to gather people toopposite the Spectrum/Renault building, on Rivermead Drive.

Swindon Library on 25 March to gether with stalls, entertainment, live discuss what is required to organise music and food outlets in a festival to an event. complement the one in Old Town.”

Priory Vale Ward councillor Emma Chris Priddy, who secured the Faramarzi is appealing for caterers, grant, added that the festival will only Westlea musicians, entertainers and volun- take place if residents step forward to teers to step forward to contribute contribute time and effort to make Mea their ideas and talents to make an it happen. d Wa y event happen. She said: “We’d like to Stay in touch via Facebook: North stage a medium-sized festival day this Swindon Noticeboard or contact year and expand it in the coming years. Emma Faramarzi on 07983 972630.

The Vine Church

Skatepark StreetSmart team leader Martin Hambidge reported the results of a site study to the West Swindon Forum on 10 March. “Work can proceed without planning permission as the site is council owned public open space,” he said. “The location has moved slightly to higher ground to reduce the risk of flooding. The facility will be built parallel to Rivermead Drive, next to a lit footpath. However

we will have to remove some of the trees before the nesting season to improve visibility and lines of sight.”

The £65,000 project was due to be built by Easter 2013 at Saltway Fields in Middleleaze until objections forced the search for a different location.

Forum councillors agreed that Swindon cabinet should sanction the project so that work can start by the summer months.

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21/03/2014 12:06

Redhouse Community Centre to be built rapidly, to open first as a school Due to the foul winter weather, plans been delayed by several months. accelerate construction of the long open with two class rooms. to build a primary school at Tadpole However Swindon Council has awaited Redhouse community centre The site off Frankel Avenue, left, Farm in time for September have come up with a stop-gap measure to close to the village centre so that it can has planning permission and Swindon Council leader David Renard has been assured the building can be ready by the end of the summer. “The rain at the beginning of the year made it increasingly clear that the access road to the Tadpole Farm school site would not be ready so we’ve been considering options.

“Building the community centre in time for September is also a very tight timescale but I’m told it can be done.”

North Swindon landfill closed for odour control The council cabinet agreed on 19 For over a year residents across Priory Vale have been complaining to local councillors and to the Environment March that £852,000 of Section 106 Agency about the smell being blown across their homes from the Chapel Farm landfill site to the north. developer contributions can be spent It became a lot worse in mid-Feb- Agency on a daily basis to understand Hills remains responsible for the enthis year. ruary and by 10 March operators Hills the reason for the odour increase. vironmental management of the site “We’re killing two birds with one Waste Group decided to temporarily However, despite completing all the under its Environment Agency licence. stone, ” said Cllr Renard. “The altershut down the site whilst the problem additional works agreed with the EnPriory Vale councillor Emma Faranative would have been spending an is brought under control. vironment Agency, and undertaking marzi said: “It’s taken over a year of extra £350,000 on preparing a site for Spokeswoman Monique Hayes substantial additional works which hard work to get action from the said: “Hills Waste Solutions offers go over and above what is normally Environment Agency and Hills. I wel- temporary classrooms which would sincere apologies to local residents required of a landfill operator, the come the efforts to sort out the gas be removed after one or two terms.

The school will start with 40 who have been affected by odours situation has not improved.” problem so that residents no longer children and will begin to relieve the coming from the Chapel Farm landfill She added that additional capping have their lives blighted by stomach shortage of places in North Swindon, site and would like to reassure people material is being used to seal off parts churning smells.” that every possible action is being of the site and a drilling rig has been • To report further problems call the which will increase as the 1,700 houses taken to try and bring this situation brought in to install further gas extrac- Environmental Health hotline on 0800 at Tadpole Farm are built. back to normal. tion points.

80 70 60.

The school will be run by the “Since receiving complaints Hills Landfill operations at Chapel Farm • Read the full story at bit.ly/Cfarms- Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust. has worked with the Environment

are due to be completed this summer. mell

No requirement to dredge lagoon The status of Peatmoor Lagoon, one of Swindon’s main rain water storage areas, is to be formally regularised when it is finally registered as a reservoir under the terms of the 1975 Reservoirs Act.

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Work started on building the lagoon during 1987 European Year of the Environment and was finished the following year, but the reservoir paperwork was never completed.

Now documents, including an article and photographs from Swindon Link describing how and why the lagoon was built have been submitted to the Environment Agency.

Throughout the recent wet winter, the lagoon did its job holding back water that otherwise would have

caused more flooding downstream on the River Ray and River Thames.

Over 25 years of accumulated silt as well as large quantities of plastic and glass litter does not appear to have hindered its efficiency.

Swindon Council’s drainage engineer Simon Masters said: “The site is a very low risk reservoir which functions well. There is no dredging needed unless there is a problem.”

• Read the swindonlink.com 2008 article at: bit.ly/PmoorLagoon20

swindonlink.com • April 2014

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21/03/2014 10:19

25 years since the start of a great Chinese cuisine experience

Richard Wintle of Calyxpix.com was rifling through his archived film negatives in February and came across the picture below taken on 18 March 1989 when Mayor of Swindon Jim Cordon climbed aboard a digger to start construction of a huge Chinese restaurant next to Peatmoor Lagoon.

25 Years of Great Oriental Cuisine Experience Online Reservation:

www.hongxin.co.uk 01793 877888 Bring the Fantastic Banquet to Town Centre: Although many believe the building was transported as a kit from China, it was in fact designed by Swindon firm Wyvern Architects, but tiles had to be imported from Taiwan to achieve the distinctive roof line.

When completed in 1990 The Chinese Experience was thought to be the UK’s largest Chinese restaurant and it quickly became a landmark destination in the town.

Over the last 25 years there have been several management changes.

In 2012 James Yang and Tony Jiang completely refurbished the building, renamed it The Hongxin and introduced a new style of dining out.

The fixed price all-you-can-eat buffet offer has made the Hongxin the busiest restaurant in West and North Swindon. According to TripAdvisor it is the most popular buffet restaurant in the town and is rated 46 out of all 286 restaurants in the town.

“Even with 200 seats the Hongxin is very full and we have to ask customers to wait to be seated,” said James. “It has been a very successful two years since we completely refurbished the building.

“Our customers can make bookings by phone or through our website, and provide feedback electronically so we can react quickly to improve the quality.”

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20/03/2014 14:39

Foodbank, supported locally to feed ‘Swindon people in food crisis’

The rapid growth of Foodbanks is a phenomenon of the age of austerity that we live in. Recent media coverage suggests it’s a feature of 21st Century Britain that some politicians don’t like. Here David Hartridge, manager of Swindon Foodbank, describes how it works to ensure people who donate food are clear about the help they are providing.

In 2005 Swindon Foodbank was one of the first in Britain to open. Over the last 8 years or so, it has been able to supply 3+ days’ emergency food assistance to more than 28,000 Swindon people. A third of those helped have been children.

Our clients come from all walks of life, we help young and old alike.

However, we can only do this because of the amazing generosity of people who live and work in our town. To help us deliver our service, we also have a great team of enthusiastic and loyal supporters and volunteers – for whom we are also very grateful.

Swindon Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust network, with 400+ foodbanks across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Recently, numbers referred to Trussell foodbanks have increased significantly, with over 500,000 people receiving food between April and December 2013. This is almost double the 2012 numbers.

Here in Swindon we work with

about 50 different agencies which hold our vouchers. These frontline professionals include Swindon Borough Council, Job Centre, Citizens Advice, local colleges, social workers and many other specialist agencies.

The people who need to use the Foodbank first need to approach an agency to discuss their circumstances and eligibility – people cannot just

arrive and ask for free food. It is important that the agency takes responsibility for working with the person, as the Foodbank can only supply a short-term answer to a lack of food.

The participating agencies are those best placed to help people in the medium and longer term. Many of our clients have been affected by recent benefit changes and delays,

and increasingly are those who in fact have a job, but are struggling to make ends meet.

We meet our clients at six distribution points around the town. In exchange for their Foodbank voucher, we supply a carefully selected range of tinned and packaged food items, sufficient to last at least 3 to 4 days.

Despite some media suggestions to the contrary, here in Swindon we do operate a regulated voucher redemption scheme. We seek to use all resources and information available, to ensure we only feed genuine ‘Swindon people in food crisis.’

As a local charity, we do not receive any food or financial donations from other parts of the country or head office - everything we collect and raise, we re-distribute within our local, Swindon community. www.swindonfoodbank.co.uk Facebook: Swindon Food Bank Left, David Hartridge and assistant manager Andrew Hill in the foodbank warehouse in Westlea

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21/03/2014 12:12

Lydiard Park not an election issue

Visit Coate before it’s built on

Accusation and counter accusation by councillors and election candidates As work starts on the first houses between Coate Water and Great Western in early March about the future of Lydiard Park have been put to rest. The Hospital, Swindon Civic Voices is organising two events to celebrate the landscape before it disappears under development. house and grounds are not to be sold.

Friday 4 April, 7.15pm, Swindon Central Library. Talk by Maria Wheatley about the Coate Stone Circle, what it meant to our ancestors and why it was constructed in Swindon. Tickets £1.50 library members or £2.50. Call 463219 to book

All political parties have now committed themselves to seeing one of Swindon’s favourite places continuing under council management.

However the council is looking for more commercial activities and events to boost visitor numbers and income in order to reduce the level of public subsidy the site requires.

Saturday 5 April, 10am to 4pm, Lambourne Room, Holiday Inn, Coate Talks and videos focused on Coate, the life and land of poet Richard Jefferies who celebrated the area in the mid-19th Century, and the history of the country park, Coate Water and the canal it supplied.

There will be displays of post cards, photographs, maps and stories told by local people. Refreshments will be available. The event is free to enter but, in the absence of any funding, donations are needed to cover costs.

Call 01793 520592 for details or Facebook: Swindon Civic Voice We offer

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Ideas of offloading heritage asset have been kicked into touch

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The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards has declared that charges for chancel repairs at St Mary’s, Lydiard Park, which date back to 1645, do not apply to people now living on land once owned by the St John family.

Read the full story: bit.ly/smchancelcosts • St Mary’s shows off historic treasures from April to end of June. See page 19

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21/03/2014 12:16

Grant to assess location for art gallery in the town centre A plan to find a new home for Swindon’s notable collection of 20th Century modern art has been given a major boost after the Arts Council announced a £95,000 grant towards paying experts to advise on how to house and present the works donated to the town in 1944 by collector and benefactor H J P Bomford.

Swindon Council’s cabinet agreed in Autumn 2013 that a new art gallery and museum should be the centre piece of the town centre cultural quarter, located between the Wyvern Theatre and the magistrates’ court. If funding can be secured for the multi-million pound project, it would mean the collections could be moved out of the cramped and difficultto-get-to Museum and Art Gallery in Old Town.

Cabinet member for regeneration councillor Garry Perkins, said: “This really is a massive boost for the art museum project and we are all delighted with the grant allocation.

We haven’t built an art museum recently so we need to bring in the expertise to advise us on the right type of facility for the town.

“The grant shows that there is a belief that the artworks in the Swindon Collection should be seen by the wider community in the right setting. A new museum and art gallery will contribute massively to Swindon’s continued regeneration, so it’s crucial that we make the most of the commercial opportunities the collection offers by learning from other towns and cities around the country.”

Read the full story: bit.ly/SwinArtfuture Action! Abstract paintings from the Swindon Collection are on display from Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 3pm, at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. Entry is free.

Lord and Lady Joffe at the opening of Action! at the art gallery.

Photo: Richard Wintle calyxpix.com

Next stage in regenerating Swindon town centre As part of the £350 million regeneration of Swindon - managed by Forward Swindon - major changes are to be made to extend the town centre from the Parade incorporating Fleming Way as shared space for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.

Work is due to start in 2016 to close the area to traffic and get rid of the existing subway so that the business district and the station to the north are connected with the existing shopping area. When completed, a new bus exchange is planned, with the existing bus station being re-developed as part of the new Kimmerfields central business district. Read the full story: bit.ly/Kimmerfields1 • Author Jasper Fforde reacts to the plan to demolish Carfax Street car park, one of his Seven Wonders of Swindon. Read what he has to say and suggest a new wonder on page 21

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Finalist in five categories in the Wiltshire Business of the Year Awards 2013 “We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to great cuisine and customer service” - Arju Miah MBE

swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Cultural quarter back on the agenda

richardjames.info

Des Morgan looks back at previous plans and casts a critical eye upon Swindon Council’s grand designs for cultural space.

Whilst I am sure many people would welcome the building of a new cultural centre to house the Swindon art and museum collections, I will not be holding my breath waiting for this to become a reality.

In the 1970s the council proposed a concert hall on the Princes Street surface car park, between the magistrates court and the Wyvern Theatre. Forty years on no concert hall exists. The original concept was for retail outlets and offices to form the basis of the revenue stream - similar in fact to what is being proposed today.

In 2006 the predecessor to Forward Swindon, called appropriately The New Swindon Company, put forward a plan to build a promenade from the old college site to the Whale Bridge roundabout, adjacent to the Jury’s Inn Hotel. According to then leader of the council, Rod Bluh, a cultural precinct was a vital area for town centre regeneration.

Envisaged was an enormous tropical greenhouse like the Sheffield Winter Garden - above - to act as the showpiece attraction.

Clearly ambition is not stifled by a lack of money and yet nothing approaching the aspiration has oc-

curred, unless you count as progress a car park and a few apartments.

The new plan calls for the Wyvern car park to be demolished in 2014, but why do that until a date for redevelopment is set; are we to see yet another flattened site boarded up for 20 years?

There have been numerous suggestions from outside the council for a suitable location for the town’s art and museum collections. All have been either ignored or dismissed on the basis it wasn’t sound, the location inappropriate or the costs too high. In 2014 some 40 years after plans for the site were first mooted, Coun Perkins now asks the residents of Swindon to believe him that a museum is a key part of the regeneration of the town centre.

I have only one question to ask, if there was no money available in the 70s, 80s and 90s where will he find the many millions required to bring this project to fruition?

Restaurateur wants Bangla to be a UN language Arju Miah OBE, the respected member of the British Muslim community, is supporting a long running campaign to make Bangla one of the official languages used by the United Nations.

Mr Miah, who runs the restaurant with his name at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, said the campaign originates from 21 February 1952 when students were killed in Bangladesh demanding the right to use their mother tongue.

“Being allowed to speak a language of your choice is an important mark of cultural diversity.

“Bangladesh achieved independence in 1972 partly because people fought to speak Bangla, the world’s fifth most spoken language. It is time Arju Miah with his 2013 nomination for the United Nations to recognise it for the best curry restaurant in the as one of its official languages.”

South West

Summer festival needs performers Organisers of the Little Big Festival, which runs in the Old Town Gardens from early April to September, is looking for bands and people to run workshops and activities such as martial arts, yoga, running, dance, gardening, flower arranging, arts and craft, and outdoor chess.

For details see Facebook: Little Big Festival or mail: josie@commonweal. co.uk or call 01793 427860.

Helping Ann and Ron manage their properties How can we help you?

Your specialist property service for West and North Swindon: Shaw Village Centre Call: 01793 877708 shaw@richardjames.info

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swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Thames Water starts on Taw Hill sewage tanks Despite huge objections from residents living in Taw Hill, supported by local councillors and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, Thames Water, through its contractors Optimise, started work on building two huge underground storage tanks on Monday 17 March.

Taw Hill resident Marie Percival at the north site off Queen Elizabeth Drive

Link Blunsdon HP April AW.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2014

The sites are situated right in the middle of housing at either end of Queen Elizabeth Drive and will provide 1 in 30 years overflow rainwater and sewage storage capacity for the 1,700 home Tadpole Farm development, to the north of the existing housing area.

Residents believe the tanks will create a flood risk and having them so close to housing may result in odour.

Excavation of the tanks could also result in structural damage to nearby properties.

Thames Water are responsible for planning rainwater and sewage 11 : 32:am Page 1 storage and do not require planning permission for underground works.

But David Parkinson, who has led the campaign against the tanks since May 2013, said: “It is a sorry tale of ordinary people being shoved aside by big organisations.

“Nobody at Swindon Council cottoned on early enough to Thames Water’s plan. There are no procedures to ensure ward councillors are made aware of the implications of schemes like this so that residents can have a say in the way their environment is to be treated.

“Swindon cannot just accept that companies like Thames Water can ride roughshod over people. We look to our council for protection.”

Read more at: bit.ly/thillstart

Come and see what’s cooking at Blunsdon Abbey Park Please come and meet us on our first park open days of the year on

Saturday 12th April 2014 Saturday 26th April 2014 Come to talk with us and see for yourself what benefits park home life can offer.

Be amongst the first to visit our new stock home!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of our new phase of park homes, offering the opportunity to downsize and release equity whilst maintaining a wonderful standard of living.

If you are seeking the freedom to enjoy your life in a modern single-storey home, set within a friendly community, your wishes could come true at Blunsdon Abbey Park.

Blunsdon Abbey Park Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon SN25 2DU 12

swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Council wants to be relieved of managing its leisure assets Faced by the need to cut another £54 million from its budget over the next three years, Swindon Council is aiming to shed responsibility for managing and subsidising the cost of its leisure and golf centres, whilst retaining ownership of the land.

The facilities involved are the golf for a similar length of time courses at Broome Manor, Highworth However critics have complained and Moredon and six leisure centres: about the lack of transparency in the Croft, Dorcan, Haydon Centre, Link process of offering facilities to the Centre, Delta Tennis Centre and the market, and the method of engaging Health Hydro. residents which saw bids from potenAs an alternative to closing fa- tial operators being submitted a full cilities, the council has been seeking month before a public consultation operators from the private sector, or exercise ended in early March. not-for-profit organisations, to take them over on leases of up to 99 years.

Councillor Keith Williams, cabinet member for highways, strategic transport and leisure, said: “Our objective is to absolve Swindon tax payers of ongoing repairs, maintenance and The cover of the mark eting brochure offering the subsidy of users. exceptional opportunities in Swin don “After a soft marketing Kareen Boyd, on behalf of residents exercise we were advised that terms of up to 99 years gives us the scope who met Cllr Williams and council to design leases that meet this aim. officers for more information in Many councils have offered shorter March, said: “The council is propos25 year management contracts, but ing to take an irreversible step for which the consequences do not aphave retained financial burdens.

“The new reality is we cannot pear to have been made sufficiently continue to subsidise users and fund clear. We believe a public debate improvements. This model will be- should be extended for 6 months come far more common in future as which is a short time in the context councils struggle to balance budgets of 99 years.”

Although involved in the counto meet the increasing costs in statutory areas such as adult social care and cil’s cross-party Leisure & Culture Cabinet Member Advisory Group, children’s services.”

He added that the 99 year lease of Swindon’s Labour opposition has the Oasis Leisure Centre was a local changed its stance and is calling for example of a long term partnership leases to be no more than 25 years.

Council officers are currently with GLL and pointed out that in March Birmingham City Council evaluating the bids before a progress announced it would offer the NEC report to cabinet.

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Tel: 01793 750415 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Spring fair to support Swindon Young Carers Educational Toys & Games ✷ Handwriting Practice ✷ Support for Spelling ✷ Maths (+/-) Times Tables & Fractions ✷ Art & Craft ✷ Bibles & Story Books

Visit us @ Butterfly World, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9QT

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Open Evening

Thursday 24th April 2014 5-7pm

Sw i n d o n Co l l e g e, N o r t h St a r Ave n u e, Sw i n d o n , Wi l tshire, SN2 1DY

14

Caryn Roberts, design technology teacher at Isambard Community School, is organising a Spring Fair on 23 May and has committed to jumping out of an aircraft at 10,000 feet the following day.

She said: "I'm very At midday on Saturaware of the amazing day 24 May Caryn will job that young people make a tandem skydive who care for others do at Redland Airfield outon a daily basis, looking side Swindon. Help her after others emotionally out with a donation via and physically whilst www.virginmoneygivalso living their own ing.com/MissRoberts. lives and dealing with Supporters to watch their own personal her dare devil jump are needs. They do this with little rec- welcome. ognition or reward for their efforts.

"Swindon Young Carers provides Are you up for a big thrill? support and respite for these young Brighter Futures, Great Western people, but rely solely on donations.” Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s The Spring Fair takes place on Fri- charity, is looking for adventurous day 23 May, 5pm to 7pm, at Isambard. people to take part in a mass skydive Entrance is 50p for under-16s and £1 to help raise £75,000 for a new intraoperative radiotherapy treatment for adults.

In addition to stalls, traditional fair for breast cancer. games and competitions, organised by students and staff, Caryn is appealing for: • donations of items to give away as prizes, such as books and chocolates; • readers who could host a table to sell crafts, hair braiding, henna, cakes, local produce and/or bric-a-brac.

The cost of a table, £5, will go to The ‘Big Thrill’ takes place on SaturSwindon Young Carers. Any profit day 9 August. Participants are asked to made on the day is kept by the stall raise a minimum of £360 in sponsorholder. ship money. Find out more about the To donate or book a table mail treatment and how to register via bit. robertsca@isambard.swindon.sch.uk ly/GWHIRjump

Talent in the West on show

Youngsters from seven primary schools put on a fantastically varied set of performances at West Swindon’s Got Talent at the end of February.

Organised by Lydiard Park Academy, two entries each from Brook Field, Millbrook, Oliver Tomkins, Peatmoor, Tregoze and Westlea primary schools were sent to the show after holding auditions.

Singers, drummers, gymnasts, impressionists, dancers and actors performed in front of a large audience.

Oliver Tomkins headteacher Rhian Cockwell Matti Pilich from Westlea Primary School was said: “The annual talent chosen as the winner for his athletic Brazilian show is eagerly awaited by Capoeira dance performance. Runners up were Year 4 and 5 pupils. Children singer Precious Malinga from Millbrook and magic really enjoy preparing a duo Mia Hudson and Kate Searle of Brook Field show; they have a lot of fun, but it takes Jenny Taylor, Lydiard Park Academy courage and determination to step head of drama and one of the judges, out in front of a crowd. Last year our said:“There was a lot of talent this year pupils won the novice category and and it was really difficult to choose they became local heros in the school.” who would win the trophies.”

swindonlink.com • April 2014

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21/03/2014 12:20

Books still an important learning tool Imaginations ran riot at schools across the town to celebrate International Book Day on 6 March.

How can Musical Minis help your child be ... .. a skillful communicator - by developing language and co-ordination. .. emotionally developed - through sharing stories and songs whilst meeting new friends. .. a confident child - by joining in the activities in a relaxed group atmosphere. .. a creative child - by exploring instruments, sounds, rhythm and movement.

Phone Chrissie on 01793 725259 www.musicalminis.co.uk

Musical Minis is a pre-school fun time music group for babies and toddlers.

Each structured session encourages cognitive, physical and emotional development through the use of music, instruments and stories.

Children dressed as characters from their favourite books and schools focused on literary matters for the day.

At Brook Field Primary School, Shaw, staff organised a double celebration as 6 March was also World Science Day. All the Year 4 staff dressed up as mad scientists whilst Year 5 pupils came up with new potions that Alfred Noyes could have used in his poem The Highwayman.

See pictures from Abbey Meads, Tregoze and Brook Field primaries and Isambard Community School at: bit.ly/SwindWBD14

Above, pupils and staff at Brook Field Primary. Below, Hogwarts came to Abbey Meads Primary to encourage children to delve into books more

SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOP Monday 4th – Friday 8th August Open to both Stagecoach and non- Stagecoach students Performances on Friday in The Phoenix Theatre Call now: 01793 791746 Enrol on-line: www.stagecoach.co.uk/swindon

OPEN FRI 2 MAY 2014 DAY 9.30am-3.00pm 3-13 IAPS Boarding & Day Established Co-educational Catholic Preparatory School

www.thepriorfoundation.com swindonlink.com • April 2014

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20/03/2014 11:02

Shake it all down for charity

YOGA for KIDS

Swindon Shimmyers is organising a ‘Hafla’ or get-together to include 20 belly dance performances and Arabic drumming in aid of Prospect Hospice and the Mayor of Swindon’s charities.

Friday 4:30-5pm Ages 4-7 5:15-6pm Ages 8-12

MP agrees to be 30th birthday patron South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has become patron of Swindon Children’s Cancer And Leukaemia Movement (CALM) which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year.

jj

Community Centre @ Christchurch, Old Town, Swindon For details contact:

Bindu Massey bindu@sarasyoga.com 07709 577 119

Saturday 12 April, 7pm to 11pm Stratton Community Centre, Grange Drive, Swindon, SN3 4JY Please bring a plate of food to share for a buffet. Bar available.

For tickets at £8, contact Sue Bickell on 01793 538288 or mail: susanbickell@hotmail.com

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

l An

independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

ISTD - Ballet - Tap - Modern - Jazz Contemporary Street Jazz Musical Theatre & RAD Major Ballet

Robert, marking his new office with a trip to Laserquest at Shaw Ridge with CALM kids during February half term. Image: Richard Wintle calyxpix.com

The charity has been run entirely by parent volunteers since 1984 to provide support to parents of children going through treatment for cancer and leukaemia.

All funds raised go towards providing practical help, arranging short holidays around treatment and giving siblings attention to help them understand what’s going on in their family.

Robert said: “CALM is such an important organisation in Swindon

and I’m really honoured to have become their patron. The work they do to support the whole family where a child is undergoing treatment for cancer or leukaemia is invaluable.”

CALM chair Richard Crowley said: “Robert has always been ready to help us at fundraising events and to provide advice. We’re all delighted that he agreed to be formally linked to CALM.” Find out more at: calmcharity.org

Making sense in childhood Alison Randall launched Baby Sensory classes in Swindon in early 2010 and more recently introduced Toddler Sense.

Baby Sensory’s award winning Toddler Sense, for children from development classes are for parents 13 months to over three, introduces and babies up to the age of 13 months. a world of adventure. Every class is Alison said: “Activities stimulate different and using music and equipthe senses and aim to delight and ment, children can climb a snowy surprise parents and their baby. We mountain, go on safari, swim with use a combination of original and dolphins and hunt for dinosaurs. traditional songs and rhymes to Alison added: “Toddler Sense is develop early communication skills. different to Baby Sensory, but equally You’ll always remember the moment addictive It’s fast-moving and actionyour baby first uses the signs of our packed with the main emphasis on Say Hello song which is played at the mobility, excitement and adventure. beginning of each Baby Sensory class.”

See the advert below for details.

BRING THIS ADVERT AND GET FIRST TWO WEEKS FREE

Classes from 21/2 years upwards.

Lessons held at: The Haydon Centre Haydonleigh School Abbeymeads Community School Blunsdon Village Halls

Tel: 07825 543529 or 01793 524112 Visit our website for more details: www.swindonacademyofdance.co.uk

16

swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Dragonflies gives families cancer support A new support group has been launched in North Swindon to bring together families where: • a parent is receiving treatment for cancer; • there are children whose mother or father has died of cancer.

Dragonflies is the inspiration of AnneMarie Burgess who was diagnosed with advanced terminal melanoma in November after the return of the disease she first experienced in 2004.

She said: “I have a three year old and a 13 year old stepson Elliot whose own mother died of cancer and will lose me if the treatment I’m on doesn’t work.

“We looked for a support group where parents can meet to Ann-Marie and Gary Burgess, with Elliott, 13, and provide mutual support Fynley, 3 and share experiences, and where situation they find themselves in. Canchildren of all ages can make friends cer is really hard to deal with but we as well as talk about what’s happening don’t want families to struggle alone.” to a parent.

Group meetings are planned for “It is a very sad fact that cancer Saturday 29 March, 26 April, 24 touches so many lives, it does not May and 28 June at Butterflies Childiscriminate who is affected. Talking dren’s Centre, Abbey Meads Primary to someone who has been in your situ- School. ation is a powerful form of support. See details at dragonfliesfamilysup“Dragonflies is a safe place where port.org.uk or Facebook: Dragonflies the members understand the unique Family Support

Fun, interactive classes that help your child develop…

• self esteem and social confidence • great listening and attention • turn taking and sharing skills • confident communication

• imagination & story telling

• good pre-literacy skills

www.talkingtots.info

preschool gymnastics where an early start makes a world of difference!

12 months - 5 years

Classes in Swindon & surrounding areas

Contact Karen on 07955 697407 Or email: karenwilliams@talkingtots.info Facebook: Talking Tots Swindon

Classes held at:

Esprit Centre, Headlands Grove, Swindon Contact us now: 07980 918192 enquiries@tkfda.co.uk www.tkfda.co.uk

daily classes for the under 5’s

01793 822262

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

*Subject to terms and conditions available on request

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts look for community projects Every June the Scout Association run a Community Week where groups carry out work in their area – a more organised and supervised activity that replaces the old bob-a-job week.

7th Swindon (Abbey Meads) are looking for projects to increase awareness of the group and also, if possible, raise money for activities. Previously the Beavers have cleaned inside a local church while the Cubs and Scouts tidied the churchyard and cut back hedges. The group has also undertaken a litter pick around Mouldon Hill Country Park.

An organisation can make a donation or children can be sponsored by friends and family to complete the task. If you have any suggestions for projects, mail group secretary Phillippa Kennard: ph@k.gg

Monday 28th April 9.30am - 4pm

The Springboard to Confidence for your child Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play programme for children from 6 months to 7 years.

Your child will learn agility, balance, climbing, co-ordination appropriate to his or her age.

Structured programmes designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills.

Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment.

Tumble Tots now in your area!

For information about local centres call

Liz Davies on 0844 800 0219 swindonlink.com • April 2014

1-18 April 14.indd 17

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20/03/2014 14:55

Outstanding Ofsted for independent school

Hospice lottery calls on Swindon people

Meadowpark in Cricklade is celebrating an excellent report from Ofsted, to make this year the best ever with the school achieving outstanding in all five categories.

It’s 15 years since the Prospect Hospice launched its monthly lottery to contribute much needed cash towards the £5.8 million needed annually to keep it open.

Founded over 32 years ago, the offers 28 chances to win weekly hospice in Wroughton provides free cash prizes, including the top prize high quality palliative care to people of £1,000. facing the end of life. Last year it As part of this year’s celebration, cared for nearly 2,000 patients and the charity is asking the public to help their families, offering services at the make it the best ever, by either helping 15 bed hospice, at a ward in Great to promote the lottery to friends and Western Hospital and through a team family, or by signing up to play. of community nurse specialists caring Fundraiser Sarah Bedry said: Outstanding children and staff at Meadowpark School for people in their own homes.

“We’re really grateful to everyone who In addition to immediate medical already takes part in our lottery. But Meadowpark joins the 12 per means pupils progress both academicare, vital services for longer term there’s still a lot we can do, especially cent of independent schools which cally and socially. were judged outstanding by Ofsted “The criteria Ofsted uses to award patients, including various comple- in this fifteenth year. Getting friends last year. outstanding has become more strin- mentary and occupational therapies, and family involved is a really easy The report praised the progress gent recently, so this is a great achieve- are provided. A day hospice supports way to support the invaluable care pupils make thanks to the teach- ment. I am so proud of the hard work families through what may be, for that Prospect provides.

“If anyone’s interested in other ers' high expectations, experience and dedication shown by the teachers many, the most difficult time of ways of supporting the lottery, for and skill at making the curriculum every day. We set no upper limit on the their lives.

Whilst all these services are free of example by setting up payroll giving stimulating. It also commented on achievements of pupils and similarly the friendly, welcoming atmosphere the school will continue to look for charge, less than 30 per cent is funded in their firm, we’d love to hear from at Meadowpark and how pupils enjoy ways in which to improve further, by the government. The lottery was you. And you never know – it might coming to school. including working with parents to set up to involve more people in their be you who wins the £1,000.”

Find out more about taking part "We are thrilled with the outcome ensure we deliver the best education local hospice and to raise vital funds, meaning that patients do not have the in the lottery, or setting up a payroll of the inspection,” said headteacher for their children."

Rajvinder Kular. “Our approach to Read the full story: bit.ly/MPofsted14 additional burden of having to find giving scheme, at: prospect-hospice. net/lottery or call the fundraising educating children in small classes and See the Meadowpark advert on the money to pay for their care.

For just £1 per week, the lottery office on 01793 816 190. treating each child as an individual front page.

Join your local hospice lottery

Every week

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18

swindonlink.com • April 2014 Link Magazine Ad.indd 1

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01/03/2013 11:18:06 20/03/2014 14:55

Spring is sprung as Swindon goes retro crazy Our taste for old things and old times knows no bounds, as the continued success of Swindon Heritage magazine and the Brunel Centre’s Vintage and Retro Festival in early March proved.

A vacant shop was taken over for a Made in Swindon local history exhibition. Ken White, the artist featured on the front cover of the fifth edition of Swindon Heritage, dropped in.

“We were delighted that Ken came along to support us,” said chief writer, Frances Bevan.“The festival was excellent with people dressed in period clothing, music and old vehicles.

“Thanks to the support of various local groups and historians, it underlines

By Sue ◆ Your local family hairdresser ◆ 25% discount for Seniors Graham Carter and Frances Bevan of Swindon Heritage with Ken White, who features in the new Spring edition. Picture by Richard Wintle of Calyx

Swindon’s pride in its past.”

See pictures from the festival at bit. ly/swinretro

Subscribe to the magazine via swindonheritage.com • Ken also featured on the front page of the March Link magazine.

Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322 HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

Church unlocks its treasure of the past Visitors to Lydiard Park have the chance to see a priceless multi-layered artwork when St Mary’s Church opens its unique polyptych on selected Sundays over the next few months.

The folding panels, which were It will be revealed, with information commissioned almost 400 years ago, provided by Paul Gardner and memare usually locked, but there has been bers of St Mary’s congregation on 23 a lot of interest in the history of the March, 27 April and 25 May, between Lydiard estate after the success of a 2pm and 4.30pm. The artwork will be 2013 BBC TV series on the Wars of the open each Sunday afternoon in June, Roses, The White Queen. as well as during the church flower The drama, featured a character festival on 27, 28 and 29 June. called the Red Queen, played by Read more about the panels at bit.

Amanda Hale, who in real life was ly/Swinpolyptych Margaret Beaufort, matriarch of the • The Spring edition of Swindon St John family of Lydiard Park. It has Heritage features Lydiard’s royal conled to part of the polyptych being nection as painted in the Bolingbroke referred to as ‘the Red Queen panel’. family tree, below.

This Easter Sunday 20th April. Join us for a 3 course carvery lunch for only £12.95 per person.

50% off for children 5-12 years, 4 and under eat free.

Unlimited soup and salad bar, followed by a mouth-watering choice of roasts, fish or vegetarian dish from our carvery and a selection of chef’s desserts followed by freshly brewed tea or coffee.

Includes an Easter egg for the children!

Photo: Richard Wintle calyxpix.com swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Swindon Festival of Literature

D&L Blinds

Swindon Festival of Literature directory Matt Holland outlines the thinking, enthusiasm, and planning that has carried the Festival into its twenty-first year

Quality made to measure Blinds & Curtains All types of blinds, supplied and fitted by a family run business Choose from a wide range of fabrics in the comfort of your own home 01793 619428 / 07974 380865 email: dandlblinds@hotmail.com www.dandlblinds.co.uk

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21 5th – 17th May

Some of the many in May: Ann Widdecombe, Jonathon Porritt, Kate Adie, Jacqueline Wilson, Simon Heffer

Our passion and founding spirit is rooted in love of the word, good reading, exploratory talk, finding out about things, making connections, and the notion that life is for learning, and, where possible, pleasure.

This is a festival that brings people together in Swindon to enjoy things well-thought, well-written, and well-said.

Now that we are twenty-one, we are meant to be properly grown up. This means that we can not only have fun but also be serious and idealistic about things that matter in our everyday lives.

We intend to do just that, with adventurous authors, terrific talks, delightful discussion, wonderful workshops, and excellent entertainment.

If you like the idea of literature celebrated this way, look at the festival diary below and read more at swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk We want this celebration of good writing and clear

FESTIVAL

INFORMATION:

Tel 01793 771080 email litfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk

www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

book online for most events at

www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Diary 2014

Monday Bank Holiday 5th May DAWN CHORUS 5.30am Lawn Woods, High Street, Old Town Tel 01793 771080 ALEXANDRA HEMINSLEY & Freedom parkrun 2pm Lydiard House, Lydiard Park, West Swindon 01793 771080 RACHEL ROSE REID & STORYWALK 2pm Lydiard House, Lydiard Park, West Swindon Tel 01793 771080 HILDA SHEEHAN & Wildflower Story Hunt 1pm Richard Jefferies House PATRICK BARKHAM 7pm Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon Tel 01793 771080 Tuesday 6th May ANN WIDDECOMBE 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 PHILIP LYMBERY 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 LAURENS DE GROOT 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 LINDA REGAN 7pm Highworth Library, Brewery Street Tel 01793 463500 HERE TODAY 8pm Cakes & Ale Café Bar, 1 – 3 Devizes Road Tel 01793 611025 Wednesday 7th May BEE WILSON 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 NIGEL JONES 7.15pm Central Library, Regent Circus Tel 01793 466454 AMARYLLIS AT THE FAIR 7.30pm Richard Jefferies Museum Tel 01793 466561 JOHN CAREY 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 GAVIN & TOM – with ukuleles 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

thinking to connect with the texture of life as we know it, today, yesterday, and in days to come, with all its challenges, difficulties, and delights.

This is the way it is at the Swindon Festival of Literature.

Writers meet readers and readers meet writers. We talk, we listen, we think, we drink a little, and also like to laugh. As a result, enjoyable, interesting, challenging, unpredictable, funny, and even memorable things happen.

In its attempt to lure you along, this year’s Festival includes novelists, poets, philosophers, storytellers, historians, columnists, adventurers, broadcasters, artists, and activists.

To those who have enjoyed the festival already, welcome back. To those who have yet to discover it, our twentyfirst year is a great time to start meeting, greeting, and listening to writers, thinkers, entertainers, and fellow festival followers.

Thursday 8th May RACHEL JOYCE 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 DAVID PEARSON 7.30pm Central Library, Regent Circus Tel 01793 466454 MARTIN FIGURA – WHISTLE 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 BLUEGATE POETRY NIGHT/OPEN MIC 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Friday 9th May LISA APPIGNANESI 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 NICK COHEN 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 STEFAN COLLINI 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Saturday 10th May YOUTH SLAM! 11am Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 SWINDON SLAM! 7.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Sunday 11th May CHILDREN & FAMILIES DAY 10am – 4pm Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon Tel 01793 771080 JACQUELINE WILSON 3pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837

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Literary landmark doomed by Swindon town centre plan Suggest a new wonder to replace it

To drivers it is simply the Carfax Street Car Park, but to readers of fantasy writer Jasper Fforde it’s one of the Seven Wonders of Swindon. But its days are numbered and the search is on for a new one.

The site is immortalised as an honour guard. the Double Helix of Carfax in “In light of this, I have given my Fforde’s Thursday Next series fullest and enthusiastic approval of novels which are set in a to the removal of the car park.”

Swindon existing in a parallel At jasper fforde.com/ universe. swindon/7wonders, he writes: It will be demolished as ‘At the number three slot, Swinpart of the Kimmerfields don’s famous and groundbreakredevelopment. ing early design in stressed steel The author has surprisconcrete laid the groundwork for ingly given his blessing to Jasper Fforde’s re-imagined Carfax Street car park Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, the reshaping of the town Gaudi and many others. centre. He told The Link: “Whether it to a senseless and degrading act ‘It was designed by Swindon Univerwill be dismantled to be rebuilt at a of vandalism, I am heartened to sity physicist Alvin Suggs in 1893 as a theme park in Arizona has yet to be learn that the new development of friction compensated slope to study Swindon Town Centre will feature a Galileo’s theories of conservation of determined, “Dismayed as I might be to learn 40-foot-high bronze cast of myself, momentum – ‘Sugg’s Marble run’ as of the loss of this historic landmark surrounded by 4 eternal flames and it became known.’

Ideas wanted by the Swindon Special Committee for Wonders What could be the new Wonder of Swindon when the Double Helix of Carfax disappears into the concrete crusher?

Jasper has asked Swindon Link to receive ideas, ideally accompanied by Photoshopped renderings. The winner will not only feature on the official Jasper Fforde website, but its designer will receive a signed hardback copy of his latest book. “The only proviso,” says Jasper, “is that all submitted Wonders have to be suffering some form of existence deficit issue and to be utterly bereft in accepted forms of established logic.”

Mail suggestions and images to: publisher@swindonlink.com by 12 May. Monday 12th May Monday 12th May NATHAN FILER 12.30pm Arts Centre, Monday 12th May01793 NATHAN FILER 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 614837 Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 NATHAN FILER 12.30pm Arts&Centre, DEATH CAFE 4.30pm Cakes Ale Café Bar, Devizes Road Tel 4.30pm 01793 614837 page 22 CAFE Cakes240508 & Ale Café Bar, 1DEATH – 3 Devizes Road Tel 01367 1 – 3 Devizes Tel Cakes 01367 & 240508 DEATH CAFERoad 4.30pm Ale Café Bar, KATE ADIE 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road 1KATE – 3 Devizes Road TelArts 01367 240508 page 22 ADIE 6.30pm Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Tel 01793 614837 KATE ADIE 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road ROSIE SWALE POPE 8pm Arts Centre, Tel 01793SWALE 614837 ROSIE 8pm Arts Centre, page 23 Devizes Road Tel POPE 01793 614837 DevizesSWALE Road TelPOPE 01793 8pm 614837 ROSIE Arts Centre, Tuesday 13th Devizes Road TelMay 01793 614837 page 23 Tuesday 13th May ALEX BELLOS 12.30pm Arts Centre, Tuesday 13th May ALEX BELLOS 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 DevizesBELLOS Road Tel12.30pm 01793 614837 ALEX Arts Centre, SIMONRoad HEFFER 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Tel 01793 614837 page 24 SIMON HEFFER 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Devizes Road Tel 01793 SIMON HEFFER 6.30pm614837 Arts Centre, PHILIPRoad DAVIS 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Tel 01793 614837 page 25 PHILIP Road DAVIS Arts Centre, Devizes Tel8pm 01793 614837 PHILIP Arts614837 Centre, Devizes DAVIS Road Tel8pm 01793 Wednesday 14th May614837 Devizes Road Tel 01793 page 25 Wednesday 14th May FREDERIC 14th GROS 12.30pm Arts Centre, Wednesday May FREDERIC GROS 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 FREDERIC 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes RoadGROS Tel 01793 614837 MICHAEL 7pm STEAM, Devizes RoadWILLIAMS Tel 01793 614837 page 26 MICHAEL WILLIAMS 7pm STEAM, Kemble Drive Tel 01793 466454 MICHAEL WILLIAMS 7pm STEAM, Kemble Drive Tel 01793 466454 OLIVER JAMES 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Kemble Drive Tel 01793 466454 page 26 OLIVER JAMES 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793JAMES 6148376.30pm OLIVER Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 RACHEL COOKE 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 page 27 RACHEL COOKE 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 COOKE 614837 RACHEL 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Tel 01793 614837 page 27

llo e ovv e re ve l o e r t a t i lliitteerraattuu urree l

Thursday 15th May Thursday 15th May JONATHON PORRITT 12.30pm Arts Centre, Thursday 15thTel May JONATHON PORRITT 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road 01793 614837 Devizes RoadPORRITT Tel 01793 614837 JONATHON ArtsLibrary, Centre, KEITH HOOPER 7pm 12.30pm Wroughton Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 KEITH HOOPER Wroughton Ellendune Centre Tel7pm 01793 798112 Library,page 28 Ellendune Centre Tel 798112Library, KEITH HOOPER 7pm01793 Wroughton CAROLE BLAKE 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Ellendune Centre Tel 01793 798112 page 28 CAROLE BLAKE 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Road Tel BLAKE 01793 614837 CAROLE 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes TRACEY THORN 8pm Arts Centre, Road Tel 01793 6148378pm Arts Centre, page 29 TRACEY THORN Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 TRACEY THORN 8pm Arts Centre, RICHARD EMDEN 7.30pm Central page Library, Devizes Road VAN Tel 01793 614837 29.

RICHARD VAN 7.30pm Central Library, Regent Circus Tel EMDEN 01793 466238 Regent Circus Tel 01793 466238 RICHARD VAN EMDEN 7.30pm Central Library, Friday 16thTel May Regent Circus 01793 466238 page 28 Friday 16th May ANN KARPF Arts Centre, Friday 16th May12.30pm ANN KARPF 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Devizes Road 12.30pm Tel 01793 614837 ANN KARPF Arts Centre, CAT WEATHERILL 7pm Museum & Art Gallery, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 page 30 CAT WEATHERILL 7pm Bath Road Tel 01793 466556Museum & Art Gallery, CAT Museum & Art Gallery, BathWEATHERILL Road Tel 017937pm 466556 ROSA 7.30pm Central Library, Bath RoadMATHESON Tel 01793 466556 page 31 ROSA MATHESON 7.30pm Central Library, Regent Circus Tel 01793 463238 ROSA MATHESON 7.30pm Central Library, Regent Circus Tel 01793 463238 SANDRINE BERGES 6.30pm Arts Centre,page 30 Regent Circus Tel 01793 463238 SANDRINE Devizes Road BERGES Tel 01793 6.30pm 614837 Arts Centre, SANDRINE BERGES 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 THINK SLAM! 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 page 32 THINK Tel 01793SLAM! 6148378pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road THINK SLAM! 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road Tel 01793 614837 Saturday 17th May Tel 01793 614837 page 32 Saturday 17th May WRITING WORKSHOP & WRITERS’ LUNCH Saturday 17th May WRITING WORKSHOP &Lower WRITERS’ LUNCH with Rebecca Lloyd 12.30pm Shaw Farm, WRITING WORKSHOP & WRITERS’ with Rebecca Lloyd 12.30pm Lower ShawLUNCH Farm, West Swindon Tel12.30pm 01793 771080 with Rebecca Lloyd Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon Tel 01793 771080 FESTIVAL West Swindon FINALE: Tel 01793POEMS, 771080 STORIES, page 33 FESTIVAL FINALE: POEMS, STORIES, & MUSICFINALE: 7.30pm Town Hall, Regent Circus FESTIVAL POEMS, & MUSIC 7.30pm Town Hall, STORIES, Regent Circus Tel 01793 601700 &Tel MUSIC 017937.30pm 601700Town Hall, Regent Circus Tel 01793 601700 page 34

Book online for most events at www.swindontheatres.co.uk Book online onlinefor formost mostevents eventsat atwww.swindontheatres.co.uk www.swindontheatres.co.uk Book

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FESTIVAL FESTIVAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION: INFORMATION: C Daily reviews, comment and pictures at: bit.ly/SFLchronicle

INFORMATION: Tel 01793 771080

Tel 01793 771080 email litfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk Swinlitfestival Tel 771080 email01793 litfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk email litfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk book online for most events at www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk book online for most events at

Swindon Festival of www.swindontheatres.co.uk book online for most events at www.swindontheatres.co.uk Literature www.swindontheatres.co.uk Festival sponsors Dominic Winter Book Auctions, Swindon Borough Council, Swindon Artswords, Adult Community Learning and Lower Shaw Farm Media partner

Diary 2014 Diary2014 2014 Diary 3 3

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Local writer becomes a top romance story teller in the US Author Jane Lark, who lived in West Swindon for many years, has become a best selling author in America.

Her first novel renamed The Il- You, is now also racing up the Ameri- the stories behind her stories to give licit Love of a Courtesan, has been can romance book charts. historical context to her characters. re-released by Harper Collins in the Jane, who was featured in the June Jane also gives tips on writing and UK under their new HarperImpulse 2013 Link , said: “Romance is the she describes living with Ankylosing brand. It became the highest selling top selling genre in America and historical romance in America in there’s a real passion for history, February, and achieved number 22 so I can understand why people in the overall Kindle bestsellers list. are drawn to my historical series, Jane’s contemporary novel I Found The Marlow Intrigues. My fiction is drawn from letters and accounts written at the time. The Illicit Love of a Courtesan is inspired by a real 19th Century courtesan, Harriette Wilson.”

Jane’s success is enhanced by Try something new this spring! the community of followers she Art on Thursdays has created on the internet. Her Rodbourne Methodist Church AM Learn to paint flowers & plants in acrylics website gives details of her books PM Seasonal Collage - capture the changing and she blogs at length about

landscape From 24 April for 10 weeks, £88 + £4 for materials, for either course

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From 22 April for 7 weeks, £59 + £4 materials

Pottery for beginners

Design and create using air-drying clay From 23 April for 7 weeks, £59 + £4 materials (All WEA courses free to those on certain income-related benefits)

For more details and booking forms contact Jill on 07825 450352

Art group invites new members

Visitors and new members can join Cricklade Art Group workshops held in Cricklade town hall annexe on the third Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.

On 22 April there will be a short talk on framing

by Lynne Young, which will follow the AGM when a new programme of events for the coming year will be unveiled.

Cricklade Art Group organises two exhibitions each year and members are now preparing for the next one which takes place during the Cricklade Festival in June. crickladeart.co.uk Facebook: CrickladeArtGroup

Spondylitis which developed after a serious road accident in Swindon in 1991.

Jane describes her growing success as surreal. “Being taken on by Harper Impulse has added profile to my stories, along with all the reviews by people who read them.

“After many years of writing I can’t believe I am now officially a bestselling author, I feel like I’m dreaming.”

Win a signed copy of The Illicit Love of a Courtesan Go to janelark.co.uk and tell us in which year Harriette Wilson’s memoirs were published.

Mail: publisher@swindonlink.com by 14 April.

Festival brings piano talent together

Swindon Youth Piano Festival takes place on Tuesday 1 April, 7pm to 9.30pm, at Swindon Arts Centre and will feature 31 pianists from across the town aged 7 to 17 years, performing a wide range of compositions, from the theme tune of Sherlock to Prelude by Debussy.

The festival organised by The Commonweal School in Old Town is not a competition, but a showcase for parents, family, friends and the general public celebrating the talents of local young pianists.

Tickets at £5 are available from the Arts Centre box office: 01793 614837.

Come to our free

Introduction to Fostering course!

Find out about becoming a foster carer - help a young person find their potential and face their future with confidence.

Introduction to Fostering course

Wednesday 30th April 10:30am - 1pm UK College of Personal Development 3-5 Wood Street, Old Town Swindon SN1 4AN (Places must be booked in advance, contact us now to book your place!)

To foster, all you need is a spare bedroom, a driving licence, patience, determination and the desire to make a full time commitment and a real difference to local young people.

In return you will receive: • £336-£581 a week • 24/7 support • full training • a fulfilling career

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Thomas, OR members of his team at Special Auction Services, will value portable items between 10am and 3.30pm on: Monday 7th April Monday 12th May Monday 9th June Valuations are by

Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, appointment only.

Swindon SN1 2NG Please call 01635 580595 or visit www. specialauctionservices.com to arrange a meeting

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Until Sunday 6th Outdoor Lambing. 120 ewes will be lambing close to the visitor centre.

Roves Farm. See the advert on page 25 Thursday 3rd, 4pm Pirate Gran. With a pet crocodile under her bed, and a whole raft of adventures under her belt, time with Gran is never dull. Suit children aged 3+. £10; child £8; family £30. Arts Centre From Thursday 3rd Mouse Trail.

A family of little mice have taken up residence in Lydiard House. Can you find them all? Suit 5 years and under. Free, with house admission. Lydiard House Friday 4th, 6pm to 9pm Roller Disco, family session. £5 (+BF); skates & safety equipment hire £2. MECA Saturday 5th to Monday 21st Easter At Roves Farm. See details on page 35 and advert on page 25 Saturdays 5th & 19th, 10am to 4pm Meet the Railway Workers. Former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers bring the days of steam to life. Normal admission charges. STEAM

Tuesday 8th to Thursday 10th, 7.30pm & Thurs 2.30pm The Little Mermaid. Ballet Theatre UK tell the classic Hans Christian Anderson fairytale. £19.50; family £62. Wyvern Wednesday 9th, 2pm Little Howard’s Big Show For Kids. Life is tough in showbiz and Little Howard’s big new act keeps going wrong. £8; child £6; family £25. Arts Centre Friday 11th to Sunday 13th. Fri 1.30pm & 4.30pm; Sat & Sun 10.30am & 1.30pm The Gruffalo. Songs and fun for children aged 3 +. £12; family £44. Wyvern Saturday 12th Easter Egg Hunt. Celebrate the arrival of Spring. Free. Purton House Farm.

See page 35 Monday 14th, 11am & 2.30pm Peter Pan The Musical. Take a trip to Neverland with Peter and Wendy.

Plenty of fun with a sprinkling of fairy dust. £9; child £7; family £28. Arts Centre Saturday 19th, 11am & 2pm Chris & Pui. Join CBeebies favourite double act with songs, rhymes and comedy sketches. £13; children £11; family £44. Wyvern Sunday 20th, 11am to 5pm The Great Lydiard Park Easter Egg Trail. Lydiard Park & House. See page 35

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Swindon Wide What’s On

Children & Family

swindonlink.com • April 2014 23

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Swindon Wide What’s On

CANDICE - Black snake print, Navy and Beige leather, £57 EASY - Black, Gold and Beige leather; Blue nubuck £57

BLAYLOCKS Bath Road Corner, Old Town

Tel: 534271

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Foster for Swindon e - Providing a Hom People Like You Make a big difference to children and young people in Swindon. Foster.

01793 465700 familyplacement@swindon.gov.uk fosteringswindon.org.uk

The

Harold Jolliffe One-Act Play Festival

2014 Comedy!

Showcasing great local talent!

Drama!

See up to 3 plays in a session!

New writing!

The Swindon & District Theatre Guild presents a First Round in the AETF and NDFA Theatre Festivals th

th

Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 April: 7.15pm nightly Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road 01793 614837 £10.50 or £8 concessions Ask at the Box Office for other great deals!

www.swindonweb.com/hj1act

Music

Comedy

Tuesday 1st, 7.30pm Paul Carrack. The internationally respected British singer songwriter returns from a worldwide tour to perform songs from his vast catalogue. £29.50 - £39.50. Wyvern Friday 4th, 7.30pm The Barron Knights with their unique musicianship, harmonies and humour. £18.50. Wyvern Friday 4th, 8pm Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders: Zone-0-Tone. £20. Arts Centre Saturday 5th, 7.30pm Swindon Recital Series: Paul Turner, piano. As founder and musical director of the Swindon Recital Series Paul brings the 20th anniversary season to a grand finale. £12; student £2.50; accompanied children under 14, free.

Arts Centre Sunday 6th, 7.30pm Oasis UK. Hear all the classic hits from the Oasis tribute band. £19. Wyvern Tuesday 8th, 8pm The Move. Trevor Burton and Bev Bevan are back together after 40 years. £14. Arts Centre Sunday 13th, 3pm Lazy Sunday Afternoon with MR Love & Justice and friends. Acoustic folk/pop and roots music with guest performances. £5. Arts Centre Studio Tuesday 15th, 8pm Patsy Matheson, one of UK’s great contemporary female folk musicians. £10. Arts Centre Thursday 17th, 7.30pm The ELO Experience. Enjoy the music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra. £21. Wyvern Wednesday 23rd, 1.05pm Swindon Recital Series: Nigel Cliffe, baritone, Paul Turner, piano. £5; tea & cake £3.50. Wyvern Thursday 24th, 8pm CoCo and The Butterfields. A unique fusion of folk, pop and hip hop. £10.

Arts Centre Saturday 26th, 8pm Joe Driscoll & Sekou Koyate. A bond between these musicians has resulted in a musical fusion of afrobeat, hiphop, folk and reggae. £15. Arts Centre Sunday 27th, 7.30pm The Day The Music Died. A celebration of Buddy Holly’s music in this 55th anniversary tour. £18. Wyvern

Wednesday 2nd, 7.30pm Billy Pearce. One of Britain’s most talented comedians brings laughter to Swindon. £19.50. Wyvern Wednesday 2nd, 8pm Kerry Godliman with her critically acclaimed show. Age 14+. £12. Arts Centre Wednesday 9th, 8pm Howard Read: Hide & Speak. A unique blend of stand-up and interactive animation. Age 16+. £12.

Arts Centre Thursday 17th, 8pm Patrick Monahan: Cake Charmer.

Patrick is renowned for his superb anecdotes, his endearing charm and unmistakable brand of humour.

Age 12+. £12. Arts Centre Wednesday 23rd, 7.30pm Jethro. The Cornish comedy legend is back with his West Country tales. £20.50. Wyvern Wednesday 23rd, 8pm The Only Way Is Downton. As celebrities start appearing at the Abbey, cultures, class and eras hilariously collide in this brilliant new parody from Luke Kempner. £12, Arts Centre Thursday 24th,8pm Grumpy Old Women. Jenny Eclair, with Susie Blake and Kate Robbins in a brand-new show. £21. Wyvern Friday 25th, 8pm Jo Caulfield’s Celebration of Anger.

The award-winning comedian is back with a hilarious new show. Enjoy your anger. Age 16+. £14. Arts Centre

Quiz in aid of NSPCC Thursday 10 April, County Ground Teams of up to 6 people £25 per team NSPCC is Swindon Town FC’s charity of the year Players will be in attendance and there will be a STFC round

Musical Saturday 26th, 6pm Grease. Rising Aspirations Academy of Performing Arts present the story of Danny and Sandy. Meet the class of ‘59 at Rydell High. £11.50; children £9.50. Wyvern

Venues Arts Centre Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 614837 Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG. Tel: 463782 Lydiard House Lydiard Park SN5 3PA. Tel: 466664 MECA Regent Circus SN1 1PR. Tel: 251111 Roves Farm Sevenhampton Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 763939 STEAM Kemble Drive SN2 2EY. Tel: 466637 Swindon Dance Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus. SN1 1QF. Tel: 601700 Swindon Information Centre Central Library SN1 1QG. . Tel: 530328 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

24 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Exhibition

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Dance

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An Exploration in Stitch. Unique and original pieces of textiles and embroidery created by the Great Western Embroiderers. Entry included in admission charge. Lydiard House.

73 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, West Swindon

Tel: 01793 602552

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Film

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Open Tuesday to Saturday.

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Friday 4th, 7.30pm Cocktail (15). Enjoy the classic Tom Cruise film about a young New York city business student who takes up bartending, whilst learning to make cocktails yourself. ÂŁ25, incl cocktails you make. The Place, Wyvern

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Thursday 3rd, 7pm Swindon Academy Gym & Dance Display. A skilled performance from over 150 students of Swindon Academy. ÂŁ3.50; children ÂŁ2. Wyvern Friday 4th & Saturday 5th, 7.30pm Dancehouse 14. A diverse evening of high quality dance from young people who attend Swindon Dance classes. ÂŁ9. Swindon Dance Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th, 7.30pm Stars of Strictly Come Dancing. Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas take to the stage to showcase stunning exhibition dance routines. ÂŁ24. Wyvern

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Until Saturday 31 May, Wednesday Nails ♼ Lashes ♼ Tanning to Saturday, 11am to 3pm 78 Basepoint Business Centre, Action! Abstract paintings from the Rivermead Dr, Westlea, SN5 7EX • Free Parking Swindon Collection. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery.

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Thursday 10th & Friday 11th, 7.15pm; Sat 12th, 1pm & 7.15pm Harold Joliffe One Act Play Festival.

Comedy, drama, farce and new writing come together in the first round of two national play competitions. See advert below left.

Wednesday 30 April to Sunday 3 May, 7.30pm What Is Susan’s Secret? presented

by Phoenix Players. A farce of great fun and ingenuity. ÂŁ9. To book tickets call 07517 698083 or mail: bookings@ phoenix-players.com. Arts Centre

Swindon Wide What’s On

Drama

Roves Farm A great day out, come rain or shine

NEW

Pets Corner Barn &

Indoor Adventure Play

OPEN DAILY 10am - 5pm Easter Bunny 5th Apr - 21st Apr

Newborn Lambs

Sevenhampton, SN6 7QG

01793 763939

www.rovesfarm.co.uk

swindonlink.com • April 2014 25

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Scrapstore extends opening hours in response to greater demand After a bumpy couple of years following a serious fire and two major moves, Swindon Children’s Scrapstore is back on track and going from strength to strength.

The charity is now open Reusable materials, such beyond them. for longer at Unit 2, Bramas household paint, tiles, M4 Van Services stepped in to ble Close, Elgin Industrial lino, carpet, paper, pic- undertake the work at cost, returning Estate, from Monday to ture frames, fabric, foam, the vehicle in full working order with Friday, 10am to 5pm, and stationery, art and craft a year’s MOT certificate.

Saturdays, 10am to 2pm. materials, IT equipment The firm also arranged for the van For many years Scrapand office furniture are put to be sign-written with the Scrapstore store has been an essential to good use, and diverted logo on both sides to help raise awareresource for schools, prefrom landfill. ness of the charity. school and youth groups, Scrapstore made an apDavid Hyde, service manager, said: as well as individual mempeal last year for help to get “The M4 Group was glad to help out bers. its van back on the road so such a worthwhile cause, and thank Using the strapline Scrapstore manager Olivia McCann thanks Lisa Wilson of M4 it could continue collection Scrapstore for providing such a won‘making waste things play Van Services. Photo: Richard Wintle of calyxpix.com of waste materials. Having derful service to the community.” things,’ the organisation is commit- materials, much of it obtained from spent most of its reserves on movFor details of Scrapstore, call 01793 ted to reducing waste and recycling businesses. ing base twice, the £1,500 cost was 513982 or see scrapstore.co.uk

£200 curry giveaway The Bombay Lounge in Peatmoor and Old Town are offering another draw worth £40 to enjoy a meal in either restaurant.

We have 5 vouchers available.

All you have to do to enter is send your details to The Link - address on page 4 - or mail: publisher@ swindonlink.com by 14 April.

Nationwide boosts charity cafe Employees at Nationwide Building Society responded to an appeal from the Olive Tree Cafe at Manor Garden Centre to fund a mixer suitable for an increasingly busy business.

The café provides positive, work-related opportunities to people who are recovering from or at risk of suffering mental illness, and the cash will pay for an industry-strength food mixing machine to replace one which wasn’t up to the job.

Read the full story at bit.ly/OTcafe-mixer Helen Algar, manager of Nationwide Community Champions groups with Olive Tree Cafe manager Phyllida Richards.

Photo: Richard Wintle calyxpix.com

Charity nights now available on Monday and Tuesday evenings at both Bombay Lounge restaurants.

Find out more and to book an event via http://bit.ly/bombaylounge2014 26 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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21/03/2014 12:29

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BBC Wiltshire’s birthday celebration at Wyvern It’s 25 years since the opening of BBC Wiltshire in Swindon, and the radio station is celebrating with a free family event at the Wyvern Theatre on Saturday 5 April.

Between 10am and 4pm visitors will be able to have a go at TV presenting, performing a radio play and sports commentary, get made-up as a casualty from Casualty and meet Pudsey Bear.

There will also be two free (but ticketed) events in the Wyvern’s auditorium – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – featuring The One Show’s Mike Dilger, a performance from Swindon Scratch Choir and the chance to hear from all your favourite BBC Wiltshire presenters.

To apply for tickets to either show, contact the Wyvern Theatre box office on 01793 524481.

Swindon in the Great War working on projects to mark the role of people from the town As the television schedules fill with programmes explaining the reasons for the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the Swindon in the Great War team has been given unique access to archives held at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery where they plan to hold a series of exhibitions.

They have published a leaflet advertising the talks, workshops and exhibitions on offer to groups and schools across the Swindon region.

The illustrated talks cover a range of topics including the role played by women and award winning digital media organisation, Create Studios, is already on board.

In 1915 local school teacher Mary Slade, above, headed the Swindon Committee for the Provision of Comforts for the Wiltshire Regiment volunteers, mostly women, based at the old town hall on Regent Circus.

However, when the plight of men captured in battle became known, the women switched their efforts to sending food parcels to the PoWs instead.

With more than 650 men on their books, each prisoner received a life saving parcel once every seven weeks, containing seven shillings worth of food.

Create Studios will be working with two secondary schools and

a primary school on a media project exploring the Prisoner of War archive held at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery.

The Create Studios’ Back to Bread and Water project will catalogue and curate the archives, making them available to the public through a digital format.

“We believe this collection of documents and letters could be something unique to Swindon,” said local historian Fran Bevan. “Other planned events this summer include a series of guided walks around the cemetery at Radnor Street where there are more than 100 Commonwealth war graves.

“Looking ahead to October there will be a special War Poets event as part of the Swindon Festival of Poetry.

Anyone with a Great War project is invited to join the Swindon in the Great War volunteers and have their event included in a publicity brochure to be launched this summer.

To find out more and submit a project, mail: info@swindongreatwar. org.uk

28 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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20/03/2014 15:05

Hair academy is getting ahead The Old Town-based Marvell & Hair Group Academy are driving up standards in hairdressing – and have the credentials to prove it.

The academy is approved by the over 20 years’ experience in the hairVocational Training Charitable Trust dressing industry, including teaching (VCTC) and is a member of Habia, at an Ofsted grade one college. the leading specialist awarding organiSee more in the advert on page 25. sation for the hair and beauty sector, and founding sponsor of the Habia Skills Academy (HSA).

Marvell & Hair Group offer courses including NVQ Level 2 and 3 in hairdressing, as well as refresher courses, awards, certificates and diplomas.

They also run courses in bridal and ‘hair up’, plaiting and twisting, creative cutting and more.

Their professional trainers have

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Guide dog puppy gets stuck into work Training is going well for Froome, the guide dog puppy being trained after fundraising efforts by Les Slinn and 17 members from his fitness centre.

The 4 month old Labrador retriever dog puppy as well as having the right cross has been with puppy walkers to name the dog.

Adele and Charlotte Marshall-ReynNot only did a Brit win the Tour to olds in Cricklade since mid-January. give the team the name for the puppy, Les launched an appeal in the they actually raised £7,500. Les said: February 2013 Link for a charity to “It’s absolutely phenomenal to know support when they cycled to the Paris that the money we raised will soon finale of the centenary Tour de France. help somebody without vision to lead Swindon Guide Dogs was chosen a more independent life.” and the team had a target of £5,000 See full story with more photos at: to fund a year’s training of a guide bit.ly/SLfroome Froome meets Les and fellow fundraisers. Photo: Richard Wintle Calyxpix.com

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West Swindon boxer makes pro debut Three teachers from Lydiard Park Academy went to see one of their former students step into the ring as a professional at the Oasis on 14 March.

Conceding 20 years and 7lbs to his opponent, 19 year old Ryan Martin, who lives with his parents in Grange Park was quick with his jab and his feet to win all six rounds.

Assistant headteacher Chris Dobbs said: “We were really impressed by how Ryan has come on in his sport.

He rarely looked in trouble as he took the fight to his opponent.

“Ryan has shown such determination and self motivation to realise his dream. He still holds several athletics records at Lydiard Park Academy; he’s one of the best athletes I’ve had the privilege of working with. He’s destined for bigger things.”

Clive Zimmerman added he’s delighted by Ryan’s success. “I took him for Maths. He was a level headed young man, aware of the importance of doing well at school whilst being Photo: Richard Wintle of calyxpix.com dedicated to his sport. He was disci- an under 16s international boxing plined to keep things in balance and match which was to take place in Birwe were able to tailor his learning mingham, right in the middle of the exam season. We found a school there around his training regime.

“I remember we had to make a which agreed to provide supervision special arrangement for him to do for Ryan to sit the exam. He went on one part of his Maths GCSE around to gain a grade C.”

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Swimmer sets himself high target Isambard student and Swindon Dolphin swimmer Will Davies, 13, has his sights set on swimming for his country – and if his success in the February Wiltshire County Championships is anything to go by he could be right on target.

Competing in the 1500m freestyle swim at Bath University Will, right, came first in his age group with a gold-medal winning time of 18:30.10.

The time was third quickest in the 15 year old class and eighth quickest in under 18s.

Commenting on Will’s success his dad Terence Davies, said: “A lot of his achievement is down to the club and the coaching staff. Will is very focussed and never moans about getting up for training at 4.30am. Now he is starting to reap the rewards and can see the future.”

Photo: Richard Wintle of calyxpix.com Will’s training regime is very de- want to go onto university and keep manding, involving five early morn- swimming. I’d love to swim for my ing sessions starting at 5am and two country in the Olympics.” evenings between 5pm and 7pm.

The only question is whether it will Describing his plans Will said: “I be Rio in 2016, or Tokyo in 2020?

Swim for Prospect Hospice on 26 April

Next Generation Fitness Centre, Larch Close, Kembrey SN2 8LY Organised by Swindon North Rotary Club the Swimathon is a ready made fun event for local organisations, businesses, work colleagues, school friends, scouts, and sports clubs to raise funds for Swindon’s Prospect Hospice as well as a charity of their own choice.

Entries are invited from teams of 4 people. It is not a race, nor a marathon; each team will swim for 55 minutes with only one team member in the water at a time.

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Chiropractor wins national quality award The Shaw Chiropractic Clinic at Shaw Village Centre has been awarded the Patient Partnership Quality Mark (PPQM) by The Royal College of Chiropractors.

The PPQM is awarded to chi- accessibility, cleanliness and safety, ropractic clinics that demonstrate and patient communication. excellence in meeting patient expecThe decision to award the PPQM is tations in a range of areas including made by a panel of patients and public who form the Royal College of Chiropractor’s Lay Partnership Group.

Sandra Davies said: “The award of the PPQM recognises this clinic’s commitment to meeting the expectations our patients have when they visit us for advice and treatment. Our aim is to continually improve our levels of service and we always welcome feedback from our patients to help us achieve this.”

Sandra Davies receiving the award in London from Lay Partnership Group member Paul Shorten

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20/03/2014 15:10

Call for Living Wage for town’s lowest earners

Help make African footballers’ visit memorable

On Saturday 26 April Swindon Equality Group will be urging shoppers at Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust have formed and develthe Brunel Arcade to join the campaign for the Living Wage and greater oped a community project with a football league and schools in Zambia income equality both locally and nationally. since 2008.

Currently employers can opt in and They are also encouraging people to Having made several pay workers the annually calculated challenge electoral candidates before trips to coach and set up Living Wage, which in 2013 was £1.34 the 22 May elections about how they programmes in the city more than the hourly minimum wage. will make Swindon a less unequal of Livingstone, the trust Swindon Equality Group hope to place to live and work. will be welcoming three persuade Swindon Council to commit To join the Swindon group contact coaches and two players to the scheme and pay their lowest swindonequality@gmail.com who will spend three earners the higher rate.

• The campaign began in London’s East weeks developing the skills The group wants to raise awareness End in 2001 by parents exhausted by and making contacts in of the campaign and the benefits to holding down more than one mini- schools and football clubs both employers and their staff of mum wage job to make ends meet. across the town, and meetpaying more than just the minimum. Find out more at equalitytrust.org.uk ing up with the people

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Becka Ash with young players on the visit in 2013 The guests arrive on which included setting up a girls’ coaching project Sunday 6 April and depart on Thurs- with the Zambia project, contact Jon day 24 April. The trust is still fund- Holloway on 01793 421303 or jon@ raising to make this an unforgettable stfc-fitc.co.uk experience for the visitors. If any local Find out more and watch videos at: businesses would like to get involved bit.ly/stfitczambia

Gambia connection starts to build Two West Swindon schools strengthened links with partners at Pirang Basic and Secondary Schools in Gambia when staff from Peatmoor Primary and Lydiard Park Academy spent February half term week there.

Staff from Pirang Basic School with Sarah Adams and Helen Bissex of Peatmoor Primary School and Lydiard Park Academy teachers Alex Ford, Cristina Bennett, Laura Paterson and Vinny Colley. Picture taken by Jo Gilbert

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Peatmoor teacher Sarah Adams set up the link as part of the British Council Global Classrooms programme in early 2013 and Pirang headteacher Molifa Daffeh visited Swindon last summer.

Sarah said: “Our trip was all about meeting Pirang staff and students and discussing how we can work together and to set up the link with the senior school. Parents helped us fundraise for resources and sports equipment;

the footballs, tennis balls, rounders bats, tabards and a parachute were the favourites when we got there.”

The teachers helped in classes using work done at Peatmoor to compare how children get to school and their routine before and after school.

Mr Daffeh will be returning to Peatmoor again this summer term and there are plans for Lydiard Park Academy 6th Form students to go to the Gambia in 2015.

Croquet club looking for new players If you’ve ever fancied giving croquet a go, Swindon Croquet Club hold coaching sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 2pm, at Moredon Playing Fields. A beginners’ coaching course starts on Thursday 24 April.

With a new clubhouse and three croquet lawns, players of all standards are welcome. For details call 01793 873026 or mail: william.airey@ntlworld.com

32 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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21/03/2014 14:34

‘Energy from rubbish’ scheme goes live

New green waste collections underway

Swindon’s groundbreaking facility to turn household waste into energy – Swindon residents are being reminded that the current green waste collecand save £3 million a year in landfill charges – has been officially opened. tion service has been replaced by an optional, paid-for service.

The final green waste collections under the old free service ended on 28 March with the new scheme beginning on 31 March.

The service costs £40 per annum for a fortnightly collection, except two weeks at Christmas – the equivalent of £1.60 per collection – and includes a wheelie bin, or an annual supply of bags for those addresses where a wheelie bin is unsuitable. To register or find out more, call 01793 445501 or register via www.swindon.gov.uk/greenwaste.

Composting at home is also being encouraged as another option, and the council has teamed up with SEQOL Enterprise Works, which provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities, to offer heavily discounted compost bins for sale, with prices starting at £15.99.

To buy a composter, or for more information, call 01793 464646 or see Watching a fraction of the town’s daily garbage collection speeding by, from seqol.org/enterprise-works left, Robert Buckland MP, George Eustice MP, Justin Tomlinson MP and plant manager Sean Magee. Photo: Richard Wintle calyxpix.com

The £6 million project is the first council installation in Britain to process household black bag waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for incineration at power stations outside the town.

George Eustice MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Farming, Food & Marine Environment at the Department for Environment cut the ribbon to officially open the facility on 20 February.

He heard that residents currently separate about 50 per cent of waste – glass, paper and plastic – for kerbside

collection, recycling and resale back into industry, but up to 200 tons of rubbish is picked up every day which, before the opening of the new facility, went into landfill. Now 95 per cent of the town wheelie bin waste is being mechanically sorted to be turned into a source of fuel.

Trials at the installation at Swindon Commercial Services household waste centre at Waterside Park started in December and was featured exclusively in the January Link.

See full story and more pictures by Calyx at: bit.ly/SwindonRDF

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Black & White Cat Club Championship & Cat Show Britain’s oldest cat club’s annual show for pedigree and non-pedigree cats (not just black and white ones) Saturday 19 April 12.30pm - 4pm Refreshments, auction, stalls Entry: £2; concs £1 Cricklade Town Hall High Street, Cricklade Enquiries: 01590 677914

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Footie fans make epic trip for children’s hospice

Lifelong Swindon Town fan Marc Harris from Haydon Wick is planning a road trip to visit all 92 Football League clubs in just four days to raise money and awareness for Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice, starting on 9 April.

Marc, who estimates the total but offers care facilities, counselling auction at Facebook: drive92in92, distance travelled will be about 2,500 and support to children and their and on Twitter @Drive92in92. miles, is being joined by three friends families without charge.

To sponsor the team, text DRIVE92 who all support different teams.

Football fans are encouraged to and £2/ £5/ £10 to 70070 (for exAlong for the ride are Cris Bowden, follow the challenge and news of the ample, DRIVE92 £10).

Andy Price and Steve Wells who hope to raise £5,000 from sponsorship and Janet’s Puppy Skool celebrates 7 years an auction of memorabilia picked up Dog behaviourist and puppy trainer Janet Garret from Haydon Wick is from the 92 clubs during the trip. still pinching herself that the business she set up in 2007 is going from All the money raised will go to the Oxfordshire-based charity, which has strength to strength and is busier than ever.

Janet, reflecting on her experian annual running bill of £5 million, ence, said: “It really is the best job in the world and I’ve lost count of the FOSSE DOGOTEL number of puppies I’ve trained now.

AND CATTERY “Winter seems to be the busiest Going on holiday? time with people enrolling in SepWorried about your pets? tember and attending courses all the way through to July. So it really is like They can a school year.” have a fun time Janet is looking forward to a at Fosse much-needed two week holiday in Dogotel August, though not before an end Janet with Gus and Mack, her two Vet on call Bouvier des Flandres of year party.

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From China to Coate Water

Animals Asia Swindon welcomes charity founder aboard Last year Jo Tomlinson and Justin Tomlinson MP were the celebrity paddlers in the Animals Asia team for the Rotary Club Phoenix dragon boat races at Coate Water.

In June the charity’s founder Jill Robinson MBE will be flying in from the Moonbear Animal Sanctuary in China to help boost fundraising by the Swindon branch.

Group coordinator Sarah Chilvers said: “We’re really delighted Jill Robinson, above. Below, the Animals Asia crew Jill is going to join us. ready to race at Coate in 2013 She said she was so impressed by our effort last year that she wanted to take part when she is in Britain on a fundraising tour.”

Animals Asia now runs sanctuaries in China and Vietnam for Asiatic moon bears rescued from bile farms.

Find out more at: animalsasia-swindon.co.uk

Paddle for charity on 29 June The Rotary Club is inviting entries from business, charity and This year youth teams aged 12 to 18 community teams who want to raise years can also take part. See entry money for good causes. details: dragonboatswindon.org.uk

34 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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21/03/2014 12:35

Family activities Roves Farm

Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April Easter Bunny is back to his old tricks .. bet you can’t run faster than him.

Create Easter cards, fluff y chicks and pictures in the craft area.

Friday 18 to Sunday 20 April, 11am to 3pm Resident artist’s farmyard art show and sale in the Old Granary.

See the Roves Farm advert on page 25.

Purton House Farm

Saturday 12 April Come and celebrate the arrival of Spring and join an eggsciting Easter egg hunt. The farm shop will be open 9am to 4pm, with plenty of local goodies and treats.

There will also be farm and woodland walks, animals to meet (the chickens and pigs are particularly inquisitive), and hot drinks, snacks, lunches and cakes to enjoy.

Entry is free. See the Purton House advert on page 20.

NEW HORIZON CHICKEN MANURE only

£5.99

only

7.5kg for price of 5kg

BARK CHIPS 100 litres £7.99, or 4 for only £28 COTTAGE GARDEN PERENNIALS

Bucket of 50 Fat Snax ONLY £8.49

TREES

Over 50 varieties!

Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

BAKERS

14kg Special Price £22.00

NICKY’S PANTRY Breakfasts, Morning Coffee, Lunches, Afternoon Tea

Lydiard House and Park

Sunday 20 April, 11am to 5pm The Great Lydiard Park Easter Egg Trail starts at Lydiard House. Find clues hidden around the park and solve the puzzle to pick up a chocolate treat. £4 per child.

£5.49

FROST PROOF TERRACOTTA POTS 42cm

Over 100 varieties!

GARDMAN

ROUNDUP READY TO USE 1 litre

EUKANUBA 15kg Now with £10 OFF!

We look forward to seeing you!

12th year for open gardens West Swindon Open Gardens takes place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June and organisers are keen to increase the number that people will be able to visit.

Your garden does not have to be show standard; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your green fingered enthusiasm for growing plants. For details mail: opengardens@virginmedia.com westswindonopengardens.com swindonlink.com • April 2014 35

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Grow great flowers and vegetables in planters made to fit your garden Pet & poultry housing as well Handmade and built to last with pressure-treated timber Competitively priced Free local delivery

Tel: Neil 01793 814068

LANDSERVE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care `````` for your garden Grass cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Decking and Fencing Hedge cutting & pruning No Job Too Small. All works insured

Call Martin Emery MI Hort.

for free quotation on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

Blackwood JillGarden Magic Royal Horticultural Society Silver Medal

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND LANDSCAPING SERVICE

For a free consultation in the Swindon area call Jill Blackwood on:

Mobile: 07951 014119

or e-mail: gillian.blackwood@ntlworld com www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD Est. 1990 35 Spencer Close, West Swindon

• All Traditonal Fencing • Decking •Gates •Sheds • Pergolas & Planters • Timber supplies • Insurance Repairs

Call today for a free quote

01793 850457 or 07809075792 www.lindenfencing.co.uk

GAZEBO

LANDSCAPING

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHED 1992

• •

•

• •

Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

Drives & patios - slabs, concrete, shingle Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up Turfing, grass seeding Ponds & pergolas

Tel: 07711 253508 freshwind@blackberry.orange.co.uk

❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden

maintenance

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152

www.freethfencingandgardenservicesltd.com

HERITAGE TREE CARE

PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS Comprehensive service Qualified staff Fully insured • Pruning and Shaping • Felling and Removal • Hedge Cutting • Stump Grinding • Tree Planting Free quotations and advice Call Ian Walding (N.C.Hort N.D.Arb)

01793 790210 07971 566880 Email: treeman@iwalding.freeserve.co.uk

CLIFF WHITEWAY SERVICES For all your home & garden needs Patios Decking Paths Turfing Walling Fencing Driveways For a free quote call Cliff on

Tel: 01793 731418 Mobile: 07808 355487

Established locally for over 8 years References available

Lawn & Hedge Cutting Maintenance General Garden Tidy Turfing Give your garden a makeover Call John Dowell on 07892 436198 or 01793 951076 j.dowell@live.co.uk

Hard & Soft Landscaper Patios & Decking Panelled & Close Board Fencing Hedge & Shrub Pruning Regular Lawn Cuttings & Maintenance Free Quotes & Advice

stevebrander@hotmail.co.uk 01793 874403 / 07949 896349 www.brandnewgardens.co.uk

36 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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TWIGS Community Garden Spring Open Day Sunday 13 April, 11am to 4pm Wildflower nursery • Plants and crafts for sale Live music, refreshments, children’s activities Admission £2, OAPs/concs £1.50; children free TWIGS (Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon), Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor

Fresh air enhances Feelgood Friday

• Regular lawn mowing

• Full garden

maintenance service

• Hedgecutting, pruning and weeding

Over the winter months the volunteers who look after Peatmoor Copse in • Planting, clearance West Swindon, using traditional woodland management methods, have and much more been clearing an overgrown area that had not been touched for years.

For a free no obligation quote call Cliff on 01793 703986 or 07973 391 668

Email: info@gardencareswindon.co.uk

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

Zac, left, and Brian getting stuck in at Peatmoor

They turned to offenders on probation service community payback and also staff from water hygiene specialists Clarity for some muscle power to clear the felled wood, brambles and nettles so that new trees could be planted for coppicing in 2030.

Brian Caswell, head of surveying, and Zach Ockwell, at Clarity are offering their time to help community projects for a few hours as part of the Feelgood Friday initiative.

Clarity provides legionella risk

assessments and water management consultancy. Brian said: “We’re offering a sort of bob-a-job service for a couple of hours on a Friday - without the bob - and would like to hear from individuals who need a bit of help because of age or illness, or a group which requires a small job done. We’re open to challenges.”

To find out more call Brian on 01793 602562. clarityassess.co.uk

Facebook: Peatmoor Community Woodland

Allotments at a discount available within days You don’t have to wait years until a council allotment plot comes free.

Spaces are now on offer close to M4 Junction 16 and you can start work turning it into your own food production space by Easter.

What’s more, if you contact Andy Laker by 16 April, you’ll qualify for an exclusive Link magazine reader discount of 40 per cent off your first year’s rent.

Find out more in the advert below.

swindonlink.com • April 2014 37

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Star Bar offers ready-made fundraising events for your charity or good cause

Swindon’s only karaoke venue, Star Bar on Wood Street, is offering fundraisers the use of its facilities to make money.

Proprietor Howard Taylor said: tive quiz. With four screens in the bar “I’ve been involved with groups and everyone gets a good view of the form charities and I know how hard it is to to place their bets. arrange events to raise money. At Star Howard added:“I want to hear from Bar all organisers have to do is invite anyone who would like to boost a friends and supporters to have a good good cause by holding a race night night - we’ll organise everything else.” or a disco bingo evening. There’s a Star Bar is open for karaoke on discount of 20 per cent on drinks and Thursday, Friday and Saturday eve- all the proceeds from the games can nings, but on Wednesdays there are go to the nominated charity.” different activities including race See the advert on page 23 or Facenights, disco bingo and an interac- book: StarBarSwindon

KITCHEN MAKEOVER Are your kitchen cabinets OK but the door and drawer fronts are looking a little tired?

Why not consider replacing them? With a new worktop to match, you could achieve the look of a new stylish kitchen, saving you time, money and a lot of upheaval.

• Complete made to measure kitchens and bedrooms also available.

• Many superb styles and finishes to choose from.

Toothill Big Local team issues invitation to get involved in advance of £1 million allocation Four years after Toothill was earmarked for a £1 million National Lottery Big Local grant, the Partnership Committee responsible for administering the fund is gearing up to take the project to the next stage, and wants to hear from local residents who wish to get involved.

Explaining the story so far chair- nity Chest award. Or you might be person Kareen Boyd said: “A lot of between employment, or a student, heavy-lifting has been done to get the or stay-at-home parent wishing to Big Local programme off the ground. improve your skill set. Or maybe As a result we’re hoping to finally have you are retired and looking to give access to the £1m from the middle something back to your community. of the year.”

We would love to hear from you, and “Since last autumn we have been welcome you onto the Toothill team. inviting bids from local groups for “The money is for the people of grants of up to £500 from our Com- Toothill and can only be put to best munity Chest fund. Awards have al- use if Toothill people play their part. ready been made to support Survivors Whether it’s improving the outdoor of Bereavement by Suicide, and to environment, maintaining existing or Ideal Films, a youth project running setting up new clubs or societies, or at Toothill Farm. finding ways of learning new things “There are a further six bids in the there’s lots to do.” pipeline for assessment this spring Look out for posters and leaflets and we welcome more during the in the area. For details and to get remaining quarters of 2014. involved mail: toothillbl2013@ “We are looking for people to outlook.com help create a buzz about Toothill Big Find out more at a coffee morning Local. You might run a local group at Toothill Community Centre on 29 April, 10.30am to 12noon. that would benefit from a Commu-

Call Peter Galbraith on

01793 741234

www.petergalbraith.co.uk

Freshbrook group’s fresh success The management committee running two community centres in West Swindon continues to go from strength to strength, with a new outdoor play surface at Freshbrook Community Centre their latest success.

25KG BAGS WITH FREE DELIVERY 1-5 bags £9.40 each, 6 bags £53, 10 bags £85

Youngsters welcome the new outdoor play area for toddlers at Freshbrook Community Centre

Children attending the twiceweekly toddler group at the community centre can also enjoy a new obstacle course, which was bought with money kindly donated by a team of Nationwide workers, who gave a day of volunteering last year.

The committee has been running the centre at Freshbrook for four years, and last year also took on responsibility for Roughmoor Social Hall in Peatmoor from Swindon Council.

The two halls host activities for

people of all ages, with more than 30 classes running each week.

In recent months, several new groups have started, including a powerhoop exercise class, Talking Tots and extra Irish dance lessons.

See the WEA advert on page 22 for details of sewing and pottery classes starting in April.

Find a listing of all activities in both buildings at freshbrookcommunitycentre.org.uk, along with information on weekend party hire rates.

38 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Bid to boost pancreatic cancer research Gavin Waugh is in training for the Great North Run to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK after his father Ian was diagnosed with the condition.

A runner with Slinn Allstars, Gavin, enter the run on 7 September to raise who lives in Haydon Wick, decided to money for research into the disease, which is badly funded compared with other cancers.

“Because the disease is poorly understood, it is extremely difficult to diagnose,” said Gavin. “My father is now living with chemotherapy and has six to nine months left.

“We are all shocked at how little time we have with him, so I want to do the run to make a difference for others in the future.”

Help Gavin at: justgiving.com/ Gavin and his partner Meena Gavin-Waugh1

Make a difference with CAB Swindon

Volunteering with Swindon CAB is a great opportunity to use your current skills, try something new, make friends and feel part of an enthusiastic team, writes Lucy Macintosh.

Last year we helped 8,500 people solve over 21,000 different issues and to continue doing this we need you.

We are seeking volunteer receptionists who can demonstrate a positive attitude towards customer service, are organised, proactive and are used to working in a busy environment.

Whether it’s the phone ringing or a person seeking an appointment face to face you will be our clients’ first contact with the service.

Alternatively you might be inFree charity fundraiser targets ovarian cancer terested in our Gateway Assessor/ Lisa and Alison Williams are planning a trek along Hadrian’s Wall in aid Information Guide role to help our of Target – Ovarian Cancer, a disease that has affected several of their clients find the information they need friends. But first they are hosting a fundraising evening closer to home. or access the services they require by carrying out a short interview to Entry is free to the event at Lydiard assess what resources are needed to Park Conference Centre on Saturday help them deal with the problems 12 April, which starts at 7pm and they present. features live music from Indigo Blue.

Full training and ongoing support There will also be a raffle with prizes will be provided for each role. including a signed Swindon Town For details and an application pack football and a Wet and Dry vacuum, mail: trainer2@swindon.cabnet .org. plus a cake sale and an Easter stall. uk or call 01793618781 ext 6.

If you can’t go to their evening, but would like to make a donation, log on to www.justgiving.com/AliLisaWilliams Lisa and Alison will make the 25 mile trek along Hadrian’s Wall in July.

Soup served up for Rotary polio campaign

Students at Uplands School in Redhouse invited parents and readers to join them for lunch on 27 February to raise money for Rotary International’s World’s Greatest Meal to Help End Polio Now campaign.

Fiona Clark, community inclusion lead teacher at Uplands said:“It’s fantastic that our students want to help other people who are perhaps dealing with bigger problems than they might have. They really enjoyed preparing the soup and serving lunch to guests.”

Students Chloe and Louise, with Jordan, president of the Uplands Roteract Club, with Rotary members Mary and John Loran, Jim Cooke and parents Heather and Neil Fisher

endpolio.org

IS DAMP A PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME?

Do you have: • Streaming windows?

• Damp clothing & furniture?

• Unsightly black mould?

• Rotting interior window frames?

• Wet internal walls?

• Mildew and odours?

Damp surveys undertaken All damp problems solved Call for a free damp inspection and advice

01793 886222 / 07753 355931 www.swindondamp.co.uk

UNITS 19-20 KENDRICK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SWINDON WILTS SN2 2DU

TEL: 01793 536784 SANSUM SAND & GRAVEL SUPPLY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TRADE CUSTOMERS

BRICKS, CONCRETE BLOCKS, CELCON BLOCKS, BLOCK PAVING, PATIO SLABS, SAND, GRAVEL, TOP SOIL, BARK, CANTABURY SPAR, LANDSCAPE FABRIC, DRAINAGE CHANNELS, BUILDING CHEMICALS, ROCK SALT AND CEMENT

www.sansums.co.uk swindonlink.com • April 2014 39

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Semi-retired Plumber 24hr emergency call out

Haydon Wick Heating Services

• Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in • Radiators changed

• Full central heating systems • Boiler changes / services and repairs • Power flushing • Full bathroom / ensuite installations • General plumbing works • Free quotes and realistic prices

All heating and plumbing works undertaken

Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

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hwheating@googlemail.com

D E Carpentry For all your carpentry needs k Door hanging New builds • Extensions Garages • Porches Alterations • Patios • Walls Building maintenance All aspects of brick, block and stonework undertaken 16 years experience. Insured Local, reliable, competitive References available. Free estimates

KP Builders (Swindon) Ltd 01793 871865 / 07919 204647 www.kpbuildersswindon.co.uk

J’s Electrical ✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing ✭ 24 hours

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms & Bedrooms Tiling & Worktops Laminate Flooring Skirtings & Architraves Dados & Coving Doors & Decking And much more

For a FREE no obligation quote call now on 07874 021004 or 01793 701797

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• Handles replaced • Dropped doors • Patio rollers • Hinges and locks

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

Call 01793 514069 or 07885 972172 e: ellisj10@sky.com

Contact Adam for free advice and quote: 01793 940089 07729 703898

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upvc-swindon@hotmail.co.uk

Call Justin:

Tel: 01793 871 593 Mob: 07503 210 748

Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice

Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597

justinhallplumbing@gmail.com

www.haynesconstruction.org.uk

Earthmoving Services

DJR General Builders Ltd

• Garden/site shaping, levelling, clearance • Footings, trenches & ditches excavated • Hardcore sub-bases & roadways/tracks • Concrete, tarmac, hedge & stump removal • Soil screening/debris removal • Micro excavator, minimum access width required: 29” (730mm) C.P.C.S Licensed • Fully Insured Call Steve to discuss your needs and receive a free estimate Tel: 01793 848708 or 07967 341567

www.earthmovingservices.co.uk

Electrical (Part P registered) Plumbing Painting & Decorating Tiling • Plastering Carpentry • Cabinet Making • Reliable • Trustworthy • Affordable

Call Andrew on 07718 022201

Electrician

The Plumber you’ll Recommend!

RepaiRs, installation, Maintenance FRee Quotes! excellent seRvice!

RETIRED TRADES ASSOCIATES

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All aspects of building and maintenance work carried out to private and public properties.

Please call for a free quotation.

01793 871660 (Office) Mob: 075151 25060 derek.richardson5@virginmedia.com 24 The Elms, Nine Elms Swindon SN5 5XA

Fuse board upgrade Rewiring New sockets Lighting Cooker & Shower installations No job too small Free quotations e-mail: iain@dixiain.co.uk

T: 01793 851374 M: 07860 689695

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dixiainltd

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Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ For ALL your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

07845 90 80 60 or 01793 700 820

www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

40

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GASTECH

Part PartPPRegistered Registered

• Extra Sockets/lights

THE INDEPENDENT GAS SPECIALISTS

• Servicing, Repairs, Installation • Central Heating (including Combination boilers and Warm Air) • Landlord Safety Checks • Cookers, Fires, Water Heaters

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•

142573

• No job too small!

SERVICE CONTRACT SPECIALISTS

Connected Electrical Electrical && Connected Property Services Property Services

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Call Geoff : 07824 314080 oror Tel: 07824 314080 01793 703308 01793 703308

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28 years experience Friendly, reliable service OAP discount on request Tel: 01793 977377 Mobile: 07813 950899

Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on

0800 1357063 or 07967 155502

mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk

SWINDON GAS SERVICES

Complete Property Renovations & Alterations Kitchens / Bathroom Tiling / Flooring Brickwork / Blockwork Paving / Patios Fencing / Decking & Ground Works Carpentry / Plumbing

• Free no obligation quotes • Fully insured • Interior/exterior work • Gardening services and maintenance • No job too small • Reliable, honest, friendly service

General building maintenance Garage conversions Bathroom makeovers Carpentry • Wall & floor tiling Plastering/Plaster boarding/Coving UPVC doors, windows & repairs Fascias, soffits, guttering Patios and painting Insurance work undertaken For a prompt professional service contact Andy: 07969350160 /01793 435513 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk

Building Services

Painter, Decorator & General Handywoman

• • • • • • • •

MILESTONE

Alison J Hook

t: 01793 692149 m: 07780 915446

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01793 847517 ★ boiler changes ★ boiler breakdown ★ full central heating systems ★ heating system upgrades ★ power flushing ★ bathroom suites ★ all types of plumbing work undertaken ★ no call out charge 550065 ★ 15 years experience

All Building Works Undertaken No job too small • Free estimates Contact: Dean Scanlon Telephone: 01793 422032 Mobile: 077 8968 1536

e: ajh.decor@gmail.com

ELECTRICIAN

PB Plastering & Bricklaying

J&R Plumbing Providing plumbing services to clients throughout Swindon

• Project Management • Alterations / Renovations • Garden walls / Patios / Decking • Conservatory bases / Porches No job too big or small!

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General Building Services

• Extensions • Driveways • Conservatories • Patios • Garden Walls • Fencing All general building and landscaping projects undertaken NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Stewart on

01793 670115 or 0784 182 6390 for a Free Estimate

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Swindon’s Heating & Plumbing Specialists • Full Central Heating Installations • Boiler Replacement, Servicing & Repair • All Plumbing & Maintenance Services • Full Bathroom Installations • Landlord & Letting Agent Services • Renewable Energy Installations

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M.

41

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02/02/2011 09:58 20/03/2014 10:19

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

MJP Home Creations

BATHROOMS

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The complete package in bathroom installation including wall and floor tiling, underfloor heating and plumbing.

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Contact Matthew Pollard: 07779 318717 info@mjphomecreations.com See our customer testimonials: www.mjphomecreations.com

darrenbakerstewart@rocketmail.com www.stylishbathrooms.biz

Creation Born Of Perfection Specialists in kitchens bathrooms and wetrooms

CARPENTRY J&R Carpentry Services ❍ Specialist in kitchens.

Supply and fit or fit only ❍ Fitted bedrooms ❍ Replacement doors and staircases ❍ Wooden and laminate floors ❍ Timber decking specialists ❍ Free no obligation quotes

DECORATOR

TREVOR WYSE 38 years experience

Professional Painter & Decorator Wallpaper Specialist Coving • Dado Rails • Tiling

Call for Free on 0800 6444266 or tel: 07976 885203

Call Kevin Cook on Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

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Please call Paul Eastham on 07769 883717

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Free advice and quotations contact Darryl Bevan on 01793 497461 or 07919 671307

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repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks

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BATHROOMS

Est. 30 years

Plumbing & Heating Services 30 years plumbing & heating experience British Gas trained

t Central heating installations t All Plumbing work undertaken t Servicing & repairs t Bathroom Installations All at competitive rates Alec McKay Tel: 01793 951399 Mobile: 07963 953439 E-mail: alecmckay@sky.com

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Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367 www.swindonheating.co.uk

PLANS DRAWN Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.

From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and advice given.

7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered

Call Bob on 07778 324228

42

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BUILDING SERVICES

Paul Rhind

mjplumbing64@gmail.com

DECORATOR

DECORATOR INSIDE AND OUT • High class painting and decorating • 30 years experience • Competitive rates • Interior & exterior • References available • Reliable friendly service, all work undertaken For free quotation call Paul on

01793 321981 07775 840236

Open: Mon to Thurs 9.30am - 5.30pm Fri 9.30am - 5pm; Sat 10am - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor, Swindon

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• Laminate flooring

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• Kitchen • Bathroom

internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

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or 07900 835116

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on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers

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H

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(Household Maintenance) Handyman

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For a free no obligation quote call Gary on 203455

PLASTERING BSJ PLASTERING & DECORATING SERVICES

All areas of Plastering, Decorating and Refurbishment undertaken

• Ceilings and Walls Plastered • Coving • Rendering • Painting & Decorating - Internal & External • Complete Home Improvements undertaken • Free quotations

Free estimates Call Jamie on 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

DECORATOR

loft boarding & repairs Competitive Rates, Flexible Hours, Reliable, No job too small

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For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

PLASTERING

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Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

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HEATING & PLUMBING

• Central heating

Roofing & building maintenance

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

TILING

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Conservatories, fascias and guttering

Suppliers of all types of blinds, awnings and shutters Full fitting service or cash & carry

General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance

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TILING WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST Please call Leon for a free quote

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Please contact Brian Jones

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Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

Mobile: 07976 572905 Home: 01793 725834

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ACCOUNTANCY

CJD

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Craig Dell FCCA

Chartered Certified Accountant Over 20 year’s experience for all your accountancy & taxation needs including: • Self Assessments • Sole Traders • Partnerships • Limited Companies • Available evenings and weekends • Fixed fee quotes • No VAT • First consultation free

Tel: 01793 343255 M: 07557 399987 Email: cjd.accountancy@virginmedia.com

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CARPET CLEANING

AERIAL SERVICES

AERIAL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

aerials & satellite systems

Aerial Solutions

HALE SKILLS

Chris Payne ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

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CARPET CLEANING

• Does your picture freeze and break up?

• Would you like TV points in other rooms?

• Do you want Freesat or Sky installed?

Then contact your local VAT free aerial and satellite installers

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CARPET CLEANING

Call 07963 131429 e.mail: haleskills@gmail.com

CARPET CLEANING Abacus Cleaning Services

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured

• Quickly usable

You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Natural Stone Restoration h Domestic and Commercial h End of Tenancy Cleaning h Stain Removal h Tile & Grout Colour Sealing h Driveway/Patio Cleaning h Stone Cleaning & Sealing h Free Competitive Quote h Fully Insured

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COMPUTER SUPPORT

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Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Professional Carpet Cleaning • Domestic & Commercial • Fully Qualified & Insured • End of Tenancy Carpet Cleaning • Quality Work at an Affordable Price

Call Now for a FREE QUOTE 0800 612 6532 www.cleaning4swindon.co.uk

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802

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DE-CLUTTERING

FURNITURE WANTED

Spring clean help from Est 2002 For all your computing needs

• • • • •

Hardware & Software Installs & Upgrades Repairs • Maintenance • PC Security Home or Business Networking Wireless Setup On Site Service, Home or Business

For a dedicated local service with a Microsoft Certified Professional, with over 21 years experience, call 01793 734 710 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

• Discrete & professional service • Waste carriers licence • Public liability/professional indemnity insurance • Police checked Regular cleaning service also available

Call (01793) 701413 or 07951 184424 acleanstartdecluttering@gmail.com

is a West Swindon based charity, providing furniture and white goods to people in need Call the collections line on 07714 091011 HELP US TO HELP OTHERS

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OVEN CLEANING

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 2, River Ray Ind. Est., Barnfield Road, Swindon SN2 2DT

Tel 01793 847545 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves

BROKEN OR FAULTY LOCK? LOCKED OUT? Local Locksmith and Carpenter Not a call centre with huge charges!

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Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £35 - Range £55 No hidden extras, includes racks, doors, glass 20 years experience No toxic chemicals in your home Reliable & Friendly Free Quotation To book your oven clean call

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APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances Same day/next day service

Tel: 01793 469300

CLEANING

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Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748 www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

COMPUTER SUPPORT We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • PC repairs and maintenance • System upgrades, networking • Custom built computers • Windows home server installs • Virus removal • Data recovery • Internet solutions With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

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Call Darryl Pace on 01793 812738

Residents in an area of Redhouse have had to tolerate a pile-up of rubbish in communal bin-stores in their area thanks to a peculiar stalemate between Swindon Borough Council, property management company Crabtree and service users.

Local houseowner Michael Ver“The issue is further complicated meersch said: “If someone does by fly-tipping laws, which prohibit something wrong – such as place their individuals from tidying up the area rubbish by the side of the bin store around the bins.” rather than in the bin, or leave the bin Mr Vermeersch wonders what has lids open – then the contractors do happened to people’s pride. He added: not collect any of the waste.

“Even Swindon Council’s waste col“As the bins are only emptied every lection teams could do something two weeks, this can mean a huge about it. The technology exists these amount of rubbish piling up. days for them to log information on “The problem has been reported their lorries that can then be dealt to the council but, because the bin with centrally.” stores are only for tenants in the Meanwhile, Sandy Arnold, who apartment buildings, which are not lives in Middleleaze, contacted The under municipal control, the council Link to complain of problems with says it isn’t anything to do with them. fly-tipping by residents of Shaw.

“The property management comShe said: “The problem is people pany say they are unaware of the throwing rubbish over their back problem too. So nothing gets done.” fences, rather than taking it to the tip.

To add to the impasse, Mr Ver“I’ve been writing to and emailing meersch said: “Sometimes the bins the council for three years but they are placed in the stores at an awkward don’t want to know. You can see the angle which makes them difficult to mess as you drive along Roughmoor open. It would be a lot better if the Way and Tewkesbury Way.” contractors could make sure that the The issue was raised at the West bins are easy to open after they’ve Forum on 10 March and is being been emptied. investigated by the StreetSmart team.

45

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International Women’s Day marked with events in Swindon town centre Swindon Central Library and the Artsite gallery were buzzing as International Women’s Day was marked on 8 March with events designed to inspire respect, empowerment and creativity, writes Rhona Jack.

Your VHS video, camcorder tape or cine film transferred to DVD Disc from £15

Tel: 01793 705333

Activities included crafts, henna hand painting, makeovers, seminars on journal writing, a businesswomen’s panel and discussion, stalls and a great deal of networking and sharing of experiences.

To mark the Respect Not Violonce: Men’s Voices campaign, more than 100 people gathered outside the library for the launch of balloons, with the purple ones representing the one in four women affected by domestic abuse.

Robert Buckland MP, said: “To-

day’s positive message is that we need to celebrate the contribution of women in all our lives. We also need to let abuse victims know they are not alone, there is a network of support and they will be believed.

“The Respect agenda allows men to send a message to other men that this is not acceptable behaviour. It’s not good for individuals and it’s not good for society. I’m delighted to support this event.”

Mandy Thomas, the mother of Swindon’s X-Factor singer, Jahméne

Douglas, gave a short, moving speech.

In 2003, hers was one of the worst cases of domestic violence on record, and her injuries still cause excruciating pain. In court the judge imposed the maximum sentence of 15 years, but Mandy’s ex-husband was released after just six.

She wants the authorities to listen more closely to victims’ fears, and her heartfelt cry was: “Make sentencing make sense.”

Read the full story with more pictures at bit.ly/IWD14Swin

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Please join us in worship on Sunday mornings Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.30am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 01793 874221 Email: wspartnershipoffice@gmail.com Website: WSwinlyd.org.uk

Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

St. John’s Haydon Wick

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Sunday 9am Traditional communion service Services 11am Eventful, contemporary worship

with children’s groups meeting www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

Open to all, serving tea, coffee, cakes & light lunches Fridays and Saturdays: 10am - 2pm

IWD coodinator Rosa Matheson pictured with some of the participants on 8 March by Richard Wintle of Calyxpix.com

Centre supports female offenders A new service to help women transform their lives after offending has opened up in Swindon.

The ISIS Women’s Centre on Vic- report on the plight of women in toria Road is a county-wide service the prison system inspired the very offered by the Wiltshire Probation first ISIS centre to be established in Trust, in partnership with the Nelson Gloucester in 2010. The service will Trust. also reach into HM Prison Eastwood The Probation Trust will be respon- Park to work with women being sible for monitoring and ensuring released back to Wiltshire, making court orders are complied with, while sure they have support plans in place. professionals from the Nelson Trust Centre manager Rose Mahon said: will help women overcome problems “There is a huge number of women of substance abuse, domestic violence, with very complex needs. We offer homelessness and mental health. them a welcoming, all-women space The centre was opened in January where they can feel safe and find the

by Baroness Corston, whose 2007 right kind of professional support.”

Baroness Corston speaking at the opening of the Isis Centre with centre manager Rose Mahon and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson

46 swindonlink.com • April 2014

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Swindon Travel Choices Swindon Travel Choices aims to make it easier for those living or working in Swindon to get around without clogging up the road network. We believe that by giving people proper travel choices, many everyday journeys can be made by bus, bike and foot rather than by car.

Get active and win an iPad Get pedalling, walking and using public transport this summer for your chance to win an iPad! The Active Swindon Challenge is a free competition for individuals, teams and families running from May to the end of August. It’s open to everyone of all abilities, so whether you’re giving cycling, walking and public transport a try for the very first time, or see yourself as a commuting pro, sign up and keep logging journeys to be in with a chance to win some great prizes, including an iPad and cinema vouchers!

Everyone who registers and completes one journey will receive a FREE water bottle. You can sign up at: www.activeswindonchallenge.org.uk from April ready to log your journeys and join in the challenge!

Second cycle park set to open Building on the success of the Brunel cycle park in Wharf Green, a second cycle park is to open in the town centre.

The Fleming Way cycle park is located in the Fleming Way car park (behind Debenhams) and has space for 60 cycles.

It is also undercover, accessed 24/7 by swipe card and monitored by CCTV, with no charge for use (other than a one off cost of £10 for the swipe card).

There are currently over 300 people that have a card for the Brunel cycle park, and these cardholders will be able to use either facility.

The new cycle park will be formally launched in April and plans are afoot for a third cycle park at the railway station later in 2014.

We did… you said!

The Swindon Travel Choices team have now completed their door knocking in West Swindon, having worked with 4,148 people and distributing 15,100 pieces of travel information.

95% of surveyed participants said that they found the conversation useful, with 36% saying that they had increased the amount they walked, and 22% able to use their car less.

One participant summed the project up by saying: “Brilliant to have someone come to the door and tell me this stuff as I never would have gone off my own back to find this information…

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by what I’ve found in practice.”

The team will be rolling out the project to other areas of Swindon throughout the summer of 2014

Swindon schools success in the Big Pedal!

Youngsters at Ferndale Primary School who took part in the March 2014 event. Photo: Richard Wintle of Calyxpix.com

Twenty two Swindon schools enjoyed success in a national promotion that saw thousands of youngsters pedalling and scooting to school.

The annual Big Pedal, organised by Sustrans, runs across two weeks in March and invites schools to compete in the number of children clocking up journeys to school on two wheels.

It’s hoped that those joining in the Big Pedal will carry on pedalling to Easter and the rest of 2014.

You said, we did…

Thamesdown Transport’s Service 19 (serving Sparcells, Peatmoor, Shaw and Nine Elms) has been improved in response to residents’ feedback Following our doorstep conversations last year, additional evening services have been introduced.

There is a new leaflet containing the times which can be downloaded from the Swindon Travel Choices website, or from www.thamesdownbus.com

Keep in touch with the latest Swindon Travel Choices news, events and initiatives by subscribing to our e-mail newsletter via: www.swindontravelchoices.org.uk

19 - 48 April 14.indd 47

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19/03/2014 16:32

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