Community

Charity nights going strong at Swindon restaurants

Started in 2008, popular Indian restaurant Bengal Square in Peatmoor has consistently run charitable fundraising nights donating all profits to worthy causes across the Swindon area. Now, the restaurant is expanding this charitable evening to their newly reopened sister site Mantra in Old Town. Held every Monday and Tuesday at Bengal Square, and every Tuesday at Mantra, the charity nights have raised over £100,000 to date which has been shared amongst local causes from youth football teams to Macmillan cancer research. Owner Hanif Robbani said: “We donate all profits raised on the evening to the cause of choice, and this can be further added to if the organisers hold a raffle, quiz or auction. “Donations from ourselves of £350+ are not uncommon and the best night we’ve ever had raised a grand total of over £3,000. “We are happy to host events for any worthwhile cause and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a charity.” To host a fundraising event at Mantra, email your event details to: info@mantraswindon.co.uk Or to host your event at Bengal Square email: info@bengalsquare.co.uk

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Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5DJ 01793 887799 01793 882233 info@bengalsquare.co.uk www.bengalsquare.co.uk

By Group Editor Jamie Hill

We had a message sent to us this month in reaction to our Positive Swindon feature in our March edition.

The email from Glenda Prothero reads: “Reading the editor’s header in the Link he talks of what makes Swindon great. How can we spread this idea when it is becoming a dump? There is litter everywhere with areas looking like dumps. The public are to blame of course but it us being left to clean up. Visitors must be appalled and won’t want to come again. Pride - not at present. Sad.”

I’ve got to say that I completely agree with Glenda.

There’s nothing that annoys me more than seeing people chuck stuff away willy nilly and although there is a lot to be proud of in the town if people continue to treat it with such contempt it’s hard for us to have real pride.

It only takes a few seconds to put your litter in a bin and we’re all responsible for this.

Another worrying aspect of this is By Sue Pycroft on behalf of Spirit of Swindon One of the key factors in reducing inequality in a society is access to education. The Equality Trust, a charity that works to improve the quality of life by reducing economic inequality, states: “Everybody agrees that education is important and that education benefits societies as well as individuals. People with more education earn more, pay more taxes, are more productive, and happier. Well educated people contribute more to society; they’re also more likely to volunteer and to vote.”

So how is Swindon doing in terms of educating its young people, to help them achieve their goals and enable them to give back to the community they live in?

In many ways, Swindon is doing well, despite the recent public criticism. Overall, the numbers of young people participating in education, employment and training is high, with the number of 18 to 24 year olds seeking work lower than the national average. The town’s strong, diverse economy offers young people employment opportunities in a range of industries including advanced engineering, financial services, science and technology, and digital. Overall, we have 78 per cent of that one of the responsibilities that will be taken over by the new and existing parish councils is street cleaning as the borough tries to offset yet more costs to afford the increasing social care burden.

Let us all hope that the parish councils are up to this difficult challenge. We know that some like Haydon Wick have the experience already to take on these responsibilities and hopefully the newly formed parishes will follow suit and make this a priority.

We are all responsible though and it is us that need to ensure we keep our town tidy. There are already lots of community groups who go out of their way to clean up neighbourhoods and they should be praised but let’s have some pride and tidy up after ourselves.

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The Spirit of Swindon: Levelling the playing field

editor@swindonlink.com

residents in employment, against 74 per cent nationally.

But we haven’t got it right yet. In 2015/16, 54 per cent of our 16 year olds who attended Swindon schools gained five A*-C GCSEs with English and Maths, compared to a national average of 57 per cent. Clearly, that needs to improve. This difference persists in our adult residents. Nationally, 74 per cent of 16-64 year olds have GCSE level qualifications, but in Swindon we lag behind at 69 per cent. And approach is supporting all young while 37 per cent of UK residents people and their families to explore have university level qualifications, the lifelong benefits that higher only 29 per cent of Swindon qualifications can bring. Routes to residents have achieved that level. higher level skills and degrees have We can, and must, do better. never been easier whether young

The good news is that practical people choose go to University or steps are being taken to raise the achieve a degree apprenticeship bar, and we can all play a part in whilst in work. Swindon Challenge that. It is recognised that one of is enabling a national education the significant issues relating to expert, Marc Rowland, to work education is lack of aspiration – in partnership with Swindon among some students, parents, and secondary schools. The schools employers. A new initiative, called will collaborate to identify and Swindon Challenge, is being applied implement what works well to to every child in every school. raise aspirations including support

Swindon Challenge is a partnership for vulnerable pupils. Swindon with schools, local businesses, Challenge is aspirational for all further education colleges and young people no matter what their Oxford Brookes University. It starting point. So what can we all will build on the town's existing do to support this? strengths to improve education Employers and parents can get and employment outcomes for in touch with Swindon Challenge everyone. This collaborative to find out more about how you can sponsor this important work; work with schools to bring to life the ‘world of work’; build young people's employability skills by offering experience of work; or benefit from young people's skills by training them as an apprentice. For information email: swindonchallenge@swindon.gov.uk

We all want our children to have full, rewarding and happy lives. We need to help our young people to aim higher, for themselves and ultimately for what they will put back into society. We should never think that a good education is “for someone else”. It should be “for me and mine, too”.

Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon offer a lead to other towns and cities in the UK. swindonlink.com n April 2017 3

Swindon Town Football Club Supporters’ Trust are considering making a £1.1 million bid for the County Ground.

Supporters discussed the move at the trust’s annual general meeting in March and the plan is to buy the town’s stadium from owners Swindon Borough Council.

The £1.1 million price has been part of discussions for the past two years between the Trust and the council with a formal offer put forward last June – with a view to complete the transaction before March 2018.

The relatively low price for the stadium takes into consideration the Trust’s community status, the need for extensive work to get the stadium up to scratch and the covenant put in place by the Goddard family that stipulates that the land be used for recreation purposes. As part of this the council would put in place a buyback clause to prevent the County Ground being sold on to a third party by the Trust in the future.

It is understood that the current Swindon Town Football Club chairman Lee Power and the club itself is not part of this proposal at the moment although it has been put to them.

The Trust, led by chairman Steve Mytton, wants to bridge the divide between the club and its supporters. In recent years a bid to put a roof on the Stratton Bank failed after the Trust were unable to raise the £500,000 needed for the job – as investors were reluctant to invest money into an asset not owned by the club.

The plan is not without risk for The Trust as the proposal would need to be approved by full council and the team could relocate to another venue at any time leaving the County Ground altogether.

Plans are also being discussed to develop the surrounding area to include ideas for a club museum, sport-themed hotel and gym, and a ‘Legends Way’ among other community and fan friendly facilities. Discussions are now taking place on how to fund the project, taking into account urgent repairs and maintenance, further contingencies, and investment in further developments. This could include crowdfunding, external funding bodies and community shares in the County Ground.

The document released for the AGM said: “There is much more at

The Swindon Town Football Club Supporters’ Trust

stake than simply what happens on the pitch this season, or next. There is a unique and exciting possibility for fans to own their own stadium, and from there we can set ourselves up for real progress.

“It would be a huge step forward and a great selling point to outsiders. But we can do more. We need to work on the relationship with Lee Power and try to improve it, as much as some may not like it, he is in the driving seat when it comes to ownership of the Club.

“At some point, we’re sure he will be interested in selling up and we want to be first in the queue, with the ultimate dream – a 51% fan owned Football Club. Okay, we know that’s some way off. It would be a chance for Mr Power to leave a great legacy though, passing the club over to the fans.

“Our dream is based on the German model, where there is the “50 + 1” rule. It means that clubs must be majority-owned by their members (thus a minimum of 51%), thereby preventing a single owner taking control of the whole club.”

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Bids by community groups to take on the running of local libraries in Swindon are being considered ahead of a cabinet meeting at the end of the month.

A total of 12 expressions have been received by Swindon Borough Council to support local libraries, after the local authority decided to cut funding to all but five core libraries in the borough - Central, North Swindon, West Swindon, Highworth and Park.

The department for culture, media and sport will be consulted ahead of the cabinet meeting on April 26 and it will meet key stakeholders including local councillors, library users and staff to map out recommendations for the way ahead.

Local groups or individuals had until 31 January to submit expressions of interest in the non-core libraries and the council’s officers are now supporting 12 groups to develop their plans and business cases.

The council has been working with Mutual Ventures, an independent organisation which specialises in developing charitable and public Swindon heads to the polls on 4 May as the first of the new parish council elections take place.

Information about what is required to become a parish councillor is available on the ‘How to become a councillor’ webpage. All nominations must be received by 4pm on Tuesday 4 April.

In each of the new parishes, a shadow parish council has been formed to decide on services that will be transferred from the council. This is made up largely of Swindon Borough Council ward councillors from each area.

The decision to parish previously unparished areas of the Borough followed a year-long Community Governance Review process which involved extensive engagement and formal consultation with residents and parish councils.

However, the new parish system has not been introduced without objection. A very vocal element in the public gallery during the council meeting that saw the plans voted through to set up the new parishes, as well as calls from the Labour group calling the whole process a “debacle” have been key flash points in the implementation

Coun Mary Martin service mutual enterprises, to look at various delivery models for the town’s library service.

Suggested approaches include non-staffed libraries - where users are responsible for checking out and returning books and making use of volunteers from local schools to support local library provision.

Other delivery models include keeping the library service in-house so it continues to be run by the council, setting up a Local Authority Trading Company owned by the council with services delivered via a contract, or creating a Public of this new layer of governance.

The Blunsdon St Andrew Parish is to be split under the new system, and parish chairman Ian Jankinson has told Swindon Link of his dismay over the changes.

Ian said: “This month Blunsdon St Andrew Parish Council will be forced to give up its role of supporting the community of St Andrew. After an 18 month struggle against an unnecessary Governance Review, St Andrew will split from Blunsdon after 125 years of cohesive community development. Despite our resistance to some personal acrimony and misinformation we have worked closely with the recently appointed shadow Parish to help enable a smooth transition for the community.

“Our residents will by now be aware of the parish precepts for both new parishes of £55 for St Andrew and £89 for Blunsdon (for equivalent Band D properties).

“The irony is that had we remained as one parish our precept would have been less than either of these. The Parish of Blunsdon St Andrew had budgeted for a precept of £47 for both areas and the extra Service Mutual.

A PSM would be a new organisation that shares ownership of the service between the council, communities and staff. The final model which will be assessed includes establishing a joint venture with an existing library service provider.

The options appraisal would also look at whether the delivery model would take the form of a Limited Company, Community Interest Company, Co-operative or Community Benefit Society and whether it should be a social enterprise or charity.

Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “I am delighted there is such strong interest from a number of groups. We will be working with the groups who have come forward to talk through their plans and ensure their proposals are robust enough to provide a sustainable service. At the same time, we will be working hard to find the best model for delivering our core service through the options appraisal so those five libraries have

One month to go until new parish elections

an equally sustainable future.” costs associated with the split and the new parish have driven up the precept beyond this.

“In the ensuing parish council elections in May, those 7 or 8 parish councillors who live in Redhouse and St Andrew’s Ridge and have worked hard to support both Blunsdon and St Andrew over the years, will now stand for election in the new Parish of St Andrew. They feel that they still have work to do in supporting the community in which they live and have had years experience of working with residents to resolve local issues.”

The statutory minimum number of parish councillors for each area is five - there is no maximum number. The number of parish councillors in existing parishes in Swindon range from 5 to 23.

Anyone wishing to vote but unable to get to a polling station on 4 May can request a postal vote.

To apply, call 01793 464601 or email: elecreg@swindon.gov.uk

Residents who still remain unsure which parished area they live in can use an online postcode checker by heading to:

www.swindon.gov.uk/parishes

New home for band

The Cricklade Band is celebrating after moving into new premises, with a ‘house warming’ concert on Sunday April 2 at the Town Hall.

Since the start of the year, the band, formerly based at the Cricklade United Church Hall, have been looking for new premises. And thanks to the support of the Town Hall Committee, the 130 year old band have now secured a place at the Town Hall.

The Band Academy rehearsal base will continue to be at Cricklade United Church Hall, Tickets for the event, which is taking place at 7.30pm, are available from the Cricklade Council Office in the High Street.

Festival date set

Preparations are being made for a community festival to be held at Emmanuel United Reformed Church in Haydon Wick.

The event, on July 8, will feature a procession led by Wroughton Silver Band, drum majorettes, police cadets, and a children’s fancy dress competition. There will also be Morris dancers and a variety of stalls on the day.

For further details contact the Rev Gerald England at minister@ emmanuelhaydonwick.org.uk

Cats in the spotlight

Cats of all shapes and sizes will be in the spotlight at a show at Cricklade Town Hall on 13 May.

Doors open from 12.30 to 4pm. The event is open to pedigree and non-pedigree cats and will also feature an auction, stalls and food. Entry: adults £2, concessions £1. Enquiries to (01666) 860646 / 07801 802832.

Highworth art show

A free exhibition featuring work by artists Ann March and Richard Harpin will be held at The Community Room, Council Offices, 3 Gilbert’s Lane, Highworth on May 26 to 29. Opening times are from 10am to 4.30 pm.

Canal AGM date

The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust is holding its AGM at the StoweAway, Wichelstowe on 6 June. All are welcome. Contact chrisbarry1945@gmail. com

Community News Place your trust in us: heritage group takes on Lydiard House

A new chapter has begun in the history of the Lydiard Park estate - following Swindon Borough Council’s decision to hand over its running to the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust.

The decision, which was officially confirmed at the council’s cabinet meeting on March 15, sets in motion a handover timetable which will see the trust ratify employment arrangements with staff working in the park and house and conduct a comprehensive property survey by the start of April.

Chairman of the trust, Mike Bowden said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the council’s preferred bidder. There was a tidal wave of people who did not want it to fall into private hands and become a commercial project. And the heritage component of our bid reflected local people’s desire to see this asset preserved. Future vision: Kevin Fisher, Sarah Finch-Crisp and Mike Bowden He added: “I can assure both the council and the local people that Fellow trust member Sarah Finch- make it such a fantastic asset. We threaten to undermine the beauty the hard work of all our trustees Crisp explained that a great benefit plan to sensitively build on and of the estate: “Lydiard continues will continue, complacency will not of the trust model is that it will enhance those qualities rather to face external threats and we be an issue. We have never seen allow a total focus on Lydiard Park than making any great changes. anticipate further applications for the process in party political terms and Gardens whereas at present We’re taking a steady as she goes planning consent that would have and we have to thank members it is forced to compete with other approach.” a detrimental impact on the house, of all parties for their support and council priorities. She explained that the trust will park and St Mary’s Church. We will contributions. The preservation “It means that we will now be be working to build on commercial continue to offer leadership and of Swindon’s rich heritage is so allowed to ring fence the money opportunities at the park and house, coordinate well informed objections important and I hope we have that we generate from parking for including conference facilities and to any such proposed development.” persuaded many that a well the use of the estate.” hosting wedding celebrations, For further information about the organised charitable trust may be a She added: “We are aware that Trustee Kevin Fisher added that work of the Lydiard Park Heritage useful template for other heritage the vast majority would like to see the trust will continue to guard Trust log on to challenges in the town.” Lydard retain the qualities that against planning applications that www.lydiardtrust.org.uk

Tree cheers for ancient park

An ancient and historically important walnut tree at Lydiard Park, destroyed by high winds three years ago, will live on thanks to the efforts of keen gardener Mike Critchley.

The former Ray Chem plant engineer explained that he had collected a walnut from the 300-year-old tree when he was walking through the park with his young son a number of years ago.

He planted the walnut seeds in pots and they grew so vigorously that he was then able to transfer them to his back garden where they developed into saplings.

Estate and properties manager Stuart Webb explained: “The original walnut tree was thought to have been the fifth largest in the country. It was also important because it would have been planted as part of the overall scheme for the garden when it was created.”

He explained that the Lydiard team wanted to replace the tree but had to carefully consider the context of how it would be placed in the landscape. The team looked at ways to continue the Walnut line through propagation but sadly, although there had been some regrowth, the long term prospects for its survival were not looking good.

However Mike Critchley got in touch, having heard about the dilemma and offered a replacement tree.

Stuart Webb, Estate and Parkland manager said “We are indebted to Mike, and his son of course, for their generosity and horticultural prowess. We hope that in the year 2217, we will be interviewing their descendants to reflect on this amazing story and on the family's lasting connection with Lydiard Park.”

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Members of staff enjoy taking part in the Excalibur fundraising fun day

Excalibur Communications Peter Boucher, Emma Carter and 100 Club, of which it is a founding celebrated its place in the coveted Graham Ford receive more than member. Businesses who join Sunday Times’ Top 100 Best Small their fair share of turns to get The 100 Club each pledge to raise Companies to Work For list with splattered. £10,000 towards the Airbase Appeal, a fun-filled games marathon that Sara Witham, Marketing Manager which is raising the remaining raised over £300 for Wiltshire Air at Excalibur, said: “The office has £1.25 million towards the airbase. Ambulance. In addition to a pool tournament on the company’s hallowed table, staff competed in a highly had an even better atmosphere than usual because of breaking into the Sunday Times Top 100, so with everyone in celebratory mood, For the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For list, Excalibur made its debut with an competitive but fun Bake Off, we decided to do some more team impressive ranking of 55th. as well as a Mr & Mrs contest, building with some games and see This was based solely on the Blankety Blank and an Excalibur how much we could collect for opinions of its employees, who have Genius Competition. Wiltshire Air Ambulance.” put forward their views about their

A particular favourite was ‘Pie Excalibur’s donation goes towards leaders, their working conditions Face’, which saw board members Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s new and their employer’s values.

Thamesdown Transport on the route to improvement

Thamesdown Transport is injecting to see,” said Andrew Wickham, WiFi and USB charging points for an investment into the bus services managing director of Thamesdown those using smart devices, new it provides for Swindon and North Transport. lighter coloured flooring to assist Wiltshire. “We have already begun to make partially sighted customers and

The firm is introducing 13 new improvements – including scrapping those suffering dementia, plus a single decker buses for its local operations. “Since taking the reigns at the previous exact change policy. And now we’re making a significant investment to introduce 13 brand new style of seating for passengers. “All of our new vehicles are to Thamesdown Transport, we’ve been new buses.” Euro 6 vehicle standards, helping to listening to those who use our The buses will also feature full reduce harmful emissions. services here, and our customers destination displays – front and rear For more information about have been very clear about the – with white LEDs, giving greater Thamesdown Transport, please visit enhancements they would like clarity, particularly after dark, free thamesdown-transport.co.uk

Major phase of work begins at Junction 16

Around 100,000 tonnes of clay will be transported onto Junction 16 of the M4 over the coming months as part of the latest phase of works to transform the key highway interchange.

Lorries will be operating between 8am and 5.30pm between Brinkworth and the motorway junction on a regular basis throughout the day. This is expected to continue until July.

Approximately 2,000 tonnes of material will be transported each day, and it’s anticipated this phase of the work will have a minimal impact on traffic, but the situation will be monitored. No lane closures will be allowed during peak hours.

The £11.5m upgrade of Junction 16 will ensure it can cope with forecast future traffic levels and 10 swindonlink.com n April 2017 cater for future development in the surrounding areas, including the nearby Wichelstowe development.

Contractor HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction Ltd, is on track to complete the scheme by spring 2018. Cllr Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Motorists will now see the Junction 16 scheme really start to accelerate through the spring and summer months as the weather improves. The junction will be open throughout and work will be monitored to ensure traffic is flowing as freely as possible. This major investment in our road infrastructure is essential in order to keep pace with Swindon’s continued growth.”

News in brief Community boost

Robert Buckland MP is supporting the creation of the Swindon Supermarine Sports and Education Trust, a charitable trust based at the Webbswood Stadium in South Marston.

The Trust’s first action will be to open a new, purpose-built £85,000 community facility at the Stadium.

Swindon Supermarine Sports and Education Trust has already received the backing of the local business community with an essential £50,000 funding boost from The Hills Group Limited, which enabled the Trust to begin building work at the beginning of November 2016. The Community building is expected to be completed in May.

To find out more details about Swindon Supermarine Sports and Education Trust and how you can become involved, please contact Hayley Tarrant at hayley. tarrant@bevirs.co.uk

St Andrew’s services

St Andrew’s Church in north Swindon is set to mark the Easter period with Palm Sunday celebration on April 9 at 10am led by the Archdeacon of Malmesbury Christine Froude. On Maundy Thursday, April 13, the church will host a fellowship supper at 6.30pm and communion at 7.30pm. At 10am on Good Friday, the church will hold a children’s service and at 9pm there will be a reflective service at the foot of the cross. Easter Sunday (April 16) Holy Communion will be held at 10am.

Charity golf event

Calm, the cancer and leukaemia movement, is holding a charity golf day on Thursday June 22 to boost funds. The event costs £240 for a team of four. For further information contact Helen Steward on 07787 534551 or email info@calmcharity.org

Apprentices offer

Developer Crest Nicholson, which is building Swindon’s Tadpole Garden Village, has announced 35 new apprenticeship vacancies. In September it will introduce a degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying in addition to numerous other subjects. Applicants should email their CV to apprentice@ crestnicholson.com

Community News High flying 20-year-old has eyes set on instructor role

One of the youngest qualified flight that’s certainly true in my case. instructors in the country, 20-year- “I’m lucky to be able to do what old Yakupcan Tuna, is preparing to I do, but it didn’t just happen by leave his home in Swindon to teach accident and it didn’t happen by the next generation of pilots - in luck. I have worked really hard to Inverness. earn the money I needed and I have

Yak, as he prefers to be known, spent hours and hours studying developed the flying bug at the to make sure that I can pass the age of 13 as a member of the Air exams. Cadets. “I hope my example inspires any

And unlike most youngsters, kids out there who want to do who struggle to decide what they something similar. Don’t ever think want to do with their lives, he very something like quickly realised that aviation was being a pilot is the path he wanted to follow and beyond your devoted every minute of spare time reach.” towards achieving that dream.

“I was never very academic at school - but to me that didn’t Yakupcan behind the controls of his single engined aircraft matter because I knew what I wanted to do. I just really love passion for aviation. because there is some great flying flying,” he said. Yak took the first opportunity to up there with amazing scenery.”

“None of my family are pilots, fly solo, at the lowest legal age of Although he will be living 500 but they recognised that it was 16 - flying a PA28 single engine miles away from his family in something that I was really four seater aircraft. Swindon he explained that he plans passionate about and helped And he managed to obtain his to fly back down on a regular basis. support me.” private pilot’s licence shortly after “A lot of people don’t realise the

Yak worked hard to earn the extra his 17th birthday - a month before dedication that you have to put into money to help pay for his flying getting his driving licence. something like becoming a pilot. lessons at Kemble Airfield - and “As far as my flying career goes, But if it is something that you love his first job was as a delivery agent I want to take things one step at a then it’s not such a hardship. There’s for the Swindon Link magazine at time. For me it’s all about the flying. a saying that if you find something the age of 13. As he got older, he I’m so lucky to have got a job as an that you love and then you never worked at Honda to support his instructor in a place like Inverness, have to work a day in your life and

Mechanics’ Institution Trust announce alternative Railway Village vision

The Mechanics’ Institution Trust has announced what it sees as the most logical course of action for the historic Railway Village area of Swindon at a meeting during March.

With a packed crowd gathered at the Central Community Centre, Chairman Daniel Rose explained the Trust’s ideas for the public assets in the area, and shared some key details from a major viability study on the Mechanics’ Institute itself.

The vision laid out during the meeting would involve the Mechanics Institute, Central Community Centre, Health Hydro, Carriage Works, The Platform and the disused Cricketers pub coming under the management of the Trust, and utilised so that they mutually benefit one another in a revitalised cultural quarter.

The Mechanics’ Institute itself would become a central hub with a new restaurant, revamped 200 seater auditorium in the Reading Room, a 350-400 capacity venue space on the first floor, as well as several spaces for community groups, office and conference space and a ‘hot-desking’ area for small start up companies to utilise.

To achieve this, almost £12m will

Mechanics Institute Trust Chair Daniel Rose

be sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the remainder of the estimated £20m cost of restoring the Mechanics’ Institute coming from a trust and public fund raising.

The Trust is now seeking a letter of support from Swindon Borough Council, which up until recently seemed likely.

Daniel Rose explained: “We felt that with the current attitudes in the town towards our heritage assets and the future of some of our most important public buildings such as Lydiard Park, as well as the explosion of community projects in the arts and culture sector like the Bohemian Balcony and Shoebox Theatre, meant that now would be an ideal time to showcase our ideas for the Railway Village area and specifically the Mechanics’ Institute. We were humbled to see so many people at our meeting. The response has been extremely positive. The encouraging thing for me was that I only knew about 20% of people in the room.

“It is clear that we need to stop the back room deals and shady business that is keeping these buildings from being properly utilised. There are too many personal and private interests and not enough concern for the public assets in play here.

“We have a chance to show what community-led regeneration can really do. Our discussions with the HLF have been really positive and from the council’s point of view, with their finances stretched, why would they not take us up on our offer of managing these sites and turning them into sustainable, successful community businesses?”

The Mechanics’ Institution Trust has called for the transfer of control of The Platform and Cricketers Pub over to them in a bid to put into action their vision for the area, and is also calling on leisure operator GLL to clarify their plans for the Health Hydro as part of their agreement with Swindon Borough Council. If these plans aren’t made clear, the Trust has stated they have proposals to make the Victorian baths viable again as part of their combined scheme.

Refresh your Kitchen this Spring

Holi – the Hindu Festival of Colours created a riot of colour and celebration at the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre in Swindon on Sunday (12 March).

The first festival of its type to be held in the town, the event was a huge success, and despite slightly damp conditions, the colours and fun became the order of the day.

The cheerful event was organised by the team at the Hindu Temple and Community Centre to promote Members of Toothill Church and the Tinies Playgroup have donated £400 to the Swindon Asthma Relief charity.

Christmas collection money was donated to the cause after the charity provided a nebuliser to a child who attends the playgroup.

Carly Reed explained: “My daughter Emme, suffers from cyctic fibrosis and finds it difficult to breathe.

“We were lucky enough to receive this donation of a nebuliser that she can use at home. We are so grateful and it’s wonderful that Toothill Church has been able to give something back to the charity.”

The money was handed over to Dave Penman, who founded the Swindon charity and office manager Patricia Davis, by church secretary Becky Bondah.

The money will be put towards paying for a new £600 nebuliser, to be donated to Great Western Hospital for patients with cyctic fibrosis to alleviate the symptoms of their conditions. and foster equality and tolerance, as well as to bring people and communities together.

Amidst Bollywood music and Dhol (Indian drums), the large gathering of people from across Swindon celebrated by greeting each other using both dry powder paints and water colours.

For a full gallery of images from the colourful celebration, visit the Swindon Link website:

Toothill Church donate £400 to Asthma Relief Charity

www.swindonlink.com

Toothill Church members and Tinies Playgroup with Dave Penman, Carly Reed, her daughter Emme and Patricia Davis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which the lungs and digestive system can become clogged with mucus. It can cause problems with breathing and digestion from a young age.

For more information about the work of Swindon Asthma Relief log on to www.asthmarelief.org.uk

Community News It’s all change as Isambard school reveals new name and logo

Isambard Community School is set to be renamed Abbey Park School, as of September, as part of a major rebranding exercise that will also see the introduction of a smart new uniform and school logo.

Executive Principal Clive Zimmerman, who also runs Lydiard Park Academy, explained: “I think we felt that there was a mixed perception of Isambard in the community and it needed to be refreshed. We felt it was important to introduce a new vision and set of values.

“We have introduced a new tie and blazer and this along with the Executive Principal Clive Zimmerman left and operational head teacher Jon Young name change and the new logo A new operational headteacher, consequences system. There will represents a fantastic opportunity signal that things at Isambard have Jon Young, has been appointed and also be changes to the school day for everyone in the North Swindon changed. We hope that this will staff have been working hard to that will see the introduction of a community. make the children who attend the bring about a cultural shift and short break between each of “We open in a modern, well new Abbey Park School feel proud raise expectations at the the lessons and a shorter equipped building with outstanding of their school.” North Swindon secondary lunch break aimed facilities that will allow our staff to

He explained that the new name school. at helping students use up to date approaches to really and logo reflected the school’s Mr Zimmerman give maximum bring education to life. proximity to Blunsdon Abbey, a said: “The newly concentration on “That’s not to say that we shun former Victorian country house named Abbey Park learning. traditional approaches - far from situated just off Tadpole Lane - with School and Lydiard The Lydiard Park it. When it comes to standards the folly tower forming part of the Park Academy will be Academy’s 6th form, of personal conduct, maintaining new school crest. working hand in hand now in its third year, respectful relationships and

And the revamp at the school, from September, sharing will be renamed The developing a strong work ethic, our which saw a change of leadership best practice.” Park Academies Trust expectations are very traditional. at the end of October last year, Other changes that have and give equal access to “This is reflected in our choice of extends beyond the cosmetic. been introduced, to address students from both schools uniform for Abbey Park School, as

Since a highly critical Ofsted concerns raised by Ofsted, have wanting to study A-levels and we believe that dressing smartly report, the school has been included a renewed focus on the general vocational courses. is part of developing a positive brought under the leadership of Mr consistency and expectations Mr Young, in a letter to parents mindset that will help our pupils Zimmerman as part of a multi- of teaching throughout the to introduce the changes said: become confident, successful young academy trust. school and a new rewards and “The opening of Abbey Park School people.”

Schools around Swindon celebrate World Book Day in style

Pupils from Haydon Wick Primary School join in the fun

Characters sprang from the pages of well-known books at schools around Swindon to mark the 20th World Book Day.

Youngsters from Haydon Wick Primary School were encouraged to dress as their favourite book characters and dozens of Harry Potters and Hermione Grangers were joined by a glitter of fairy tale princesses, a snarl of pirates and an exaggeration of Roald Dahl characters.

To support the event, the National Book Tokens organisation will be handing out more than £15 million £1 book tokens (one per child) to inspire school age youngsters to put down their iPads and curl up with a good read.

Winners at the ninth Pride of Swindon award ceremony

The winners of the ninth annual Pride of Swindon award were celebrated at an award ceremony at the Swindon Steam museum on March 16. The 10 winning individuals and six teams were decided upon by a team of invited judges drawn from various sectors of the Swindon community.

The individual winners were: Alan Butler: RunVember charity running group organiser. Clare Stow: For her work with numerous local charities including the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group. Noreen Vitale: Catering manager for the Christmas Care shelter. Caroline Watson: for supporting elderly people. Kathleen Wyatt: for her work with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Joan White: For her work supporting Pinehurst Netball Club Roy Dowling: For his work as a volunteer benefits advisor for Swindon Carers Centre Oscar Moulding: Nine year old Oscar raised money for a friend to pay for a new wheelchair in Bosnia John Popowicz: For his service with Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Pat Bennett: For her work to support Immanuel Reform Church.

Team award winners were: Colin Crook and Jacqui Collins for their conservation work. Lorraine Parker and Pippa Watts for their work with the social team at Clarence House. The Swindon Lagoons Volunteer Group for their conservation work. The Harbour Project: for their work with refugees. Prime Theatre for supporting young people. The Witness Service for providing support to people attending court.

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Members of Poppydown Quilters with the hearts they will send to GWH

The busy sewing bees of Poppydown Quilters are helping parents exchange body scent with their new born in the special care baby unit at Great Western Hospital.

Because premature and unwell babies are quickly transferred to life-giving incubators after birth, the opportunity to spend the all important bonding hours is lost.

Now the keen sewers at Poppydown, who meet at Shaw Ridge Primary School, have sent more than 90 pairs of heart shaped pieces of fabric to the intensive care ward so that they can be given to parents.

One of the bonding hearts is placed on or next to the baby in the incubator whilst the parents keep the other close to their skin.

Swapping the hearts regularly can help to get mums, dads and babies used to each other’s scent during the difficult days and weeks when they are unable to hold or cuddle each other.

The smell can also help to produce the hormones needed to aid breastfeeding.

Group member Sue Buford said: “The bonding hearts are a lovely idea to help parents build a close connection with their babies when things are confusing and difficult; they give hope.”

‘A Love of Learning for a Lifetime of Opportunities’

We are a village school situated in a favourable rural area a few miles south-west of Swindon. We were founded in 1743 by Thomas Bennet and taken over by the LEA about 100 years later. Over recent years we have extended our facilities to accommodate four mixed-age classes, a large hall where hot meals are served, a multi-purpose unit housing a pre-school facility and a conservatory area for individual or small group teaching, including a multi-sensory learning library for parents and carers to access resources for learning at home.

OFSTED February 2012:

“A good school where pupils achieve well” ... “promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development outstandingly well” ... “pupils’ behaviour is exemplary” ... “excellent, well-planned support for disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs” ... “examples of outstanding teaching in all classes” ... “outstanding cross curricular provision”

Parents say: “amazing grounding, both educationally and emotionally”

Everyone knows each other throughout the school, from the oldest to the very youngest, staff, parents and children alike, giving us a warm family atmosphere. Our professional and enthusiastic staff provide a safe and secure environment and a creative and stimulating curriculum.

You are warmly invited to make an appointment to visit our school and we look forward to welcoming you. Applications from outside our designated catchment area are welcome. Please find out more about us from our website. Mrs E Floyd, Headteacher 01793 731262 admin@broadhinton.wilts.sch.uk www.broadhintonschool.org

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Peatmoor student raising funds to help Ecuadorian villagers

First year university student Charlotte Butler from Peatmoor is raising funds to travel to Ecuador and assist villagers as part of a volunteer programme.

Currently studying Internatonal Tourism Management at the University of Surrey, Charlotte will be hosting a fundraising curry night at Bengal Square in Peatmoor on 24 April that will go towards the £1200 cost of the trip to South America.

Charlotte said: “I love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit places such as India, China, Borneo and Namibia, which has driven my passion to study this subject at degree level. Volunteers provide vital support to organisations in Swindon and the people they are working to support. Are you free on Saturdays? Uplands Educational Trust are looking for people to help support their Saturday Youth Club for young people aged 11-19 with disabilities, either physical or learning. You will be helping with trips, art & crafts and sport and more. Have you got admin experience? There are several organisations looking for volunteers to carry out these roles including Swindon Carers Centre, who are looking for Reception/Admin Volunteers. You will answer the phones to people, mostly carers, calling the office and to undertake some general admin work. So if you have half a day a week to spare this could be for you. If you have more time on your hands Citizens Advice Swindon are looking for both Reception and Telephone Assessor volunteers. Do you want to help promote equality and support for LGBT people? Swindon and Wiltshire Pride has a range of roles on offer to support the planning of the annual Pride event, including

“I was first introduced to VESA (Volunteer Eco Student Abroad) through my university and the trip will include renovating and providing support in constructing new and improved infrastructure, such as bathrooms and water catchment systems, for a small village in Ecuador that works closely with VESA.

“I have raised just over £200 so far and have also been actively looking for sponsorship with businesses around Swindon.”

If you can help Charlotte achieve her target, or want more information, visit: www.volunteerforever.com/

Charlotte Butler from Peatmoor is traveling to Ecuador as part of a University student volunteer program

Janet’s Puppy Skool

Have fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes

3 Playskool class for puppies 3 Adult beginners/improvers 3 Senior Skool/advanced classes 3 One to one advice & training 3 Fun agility workshops

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk APDT Member (01066)

Janet Garrett DipCABT (QCF-Level 4) Tel: 01793 727158 janet@janetspuppyskool.co.uk

Are you at work all day? Going away? Or just too busy? The National Pet Care Company Dog holidays with host families, Cat Care, Pet Feeding The Complete Pet Service Pet Taxi/Ambulance Tel: 07496 855694 info@swindondistrict.animalsathome.co.uk www.animalsathome.co.uk/swindon-district

volunteer_profile/charlotte-butler looking for event sponsors, writing press releases, researching and applying for funding. Do you have time to spare in the evenings and enjoy attending events? Brighter Futures, that works to fundraise for the Great Western Hospital, including the Radiotherapy Appeal, are looking for Ambassadors. You will support events, give talks and attend charity cheque events. They are looking for people who can give a couple of hours a month. Are you a dog lover? Forever Hounds Trust ,that works to rehome lurchers and greyhounds are looking for Local Community Events organisers to help run events .They are also looking for volunteers to check that homes are suitable for rehoming a dog. To find out how you can get involved in these or any of the many other volunteering opportunities please contact Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557 or email info@ swindonvolunteers.org.uk . We are at 1 John Street, Swindon and we would love to see you between 11am -3pm Monday to Friday. You can also find these at the Do-it website at https://do-it.org