December 2015 Swindon Link

No 403 December 2015

Swindon’s largest free news publication. Est. 1978

Est. readership: 70,000

Season’s Greetings to our readers from all at Swindon Link &

Celebrate Swindon in 2016

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

Services: P40-P45

Made in Swindon - King George V, the greatest locomotive built in the town, now back at Steam. See page 4

Viewpoint: P46-P47

Spare a thought and some time for the homeless this festive season Threshold Housing Link are holding their annual sleepout event on Friday 4 December at Immanuel United Reform Church, Upham Road to raise vital funds to support homeless people around the town.

Everyone can make a meaningful contribution by joining in to show solidarity with the homeless, raise funds to support Threshold’s work and to give a small insight into what it feels like to sleep rough.

However, Threshold have said that they ‘are not attempting to recreate the experience of rough sleeping’ and will aim to keep volunteers safe and secure.

The last sleepout event in 2014 raised an impressive £10,000, which helped to fund the charity’s Street Outreach Team. Threshold hope to raise the same amount this year.

CEO Cher Sawyer-Smith MBE said: “‘This is a very important annual event for Threshold, not only in terms of fundraising but also because it makes people more aware of our services and the great need for them for those local people who are unfortunate to become homeless.

“By sleeping out our supporters gain a better understanding of the

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swindonlink.com n December 2015

More than 2,309 people a night sleep rough across the UK - Photo credit: Marc Brüneke/Flickr reality faced by some homeless people each night in Swindon. Every pound raised goes to supporting our Street Outreach Team who work with homeless people on the streets helping them to get into accommodation, access health care or benefits.”

To register for a place, obtain a sponsorship pack or find out more call 01793 524661 or email adminthreshold@thl.org.uk.

If you’re unable to take part make a donation to the charity at www. virginmoneygiving.com/charities/thl £1 pays for a meal and £10 pays for a meal, wash facilities and a bed for the night.

Call for caring Christmas volunteers Swindon Christmas Care will again provide temporary shelter for homeless and lonely people and those in need from 11am on Thursday 24 December to 11am on Monday 28 December at Queen’s Drive Methodist Church Hall, Park South.

Run entirely by volunteers, tea, coffee and a friendly face will be available 24 hours a day. Queens Drive Methodist Church Hall will be open in December for delivery of donations on: Saturday 12th, 10am to 3pm

Friday 18th, 7pm to 9pm Saturday 19th, 10am to 3pm Sunday 20th, 12noon to 2pm Thursday 24th open all day Food, bedding, clothing, toiletries and cash are also required.

For details about volunteering or making a donation call Patsy Moloney on 01793 642368 or visit www.christmascare.co.uk l Runvember anyone? Turn to page 30 to find out how ultrafit Alan Butler has been making everyone run at least a mile a day for Swindon Christmas Care.

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A year to celebrate how great Swindon is The unveiling of two iconic locomotives - King George V and City of Truro - at Steam Museum on 18 November has launched a year of events to mark the beginning of Swindon as an industrial powerhouse.

On 25 February 1841 the directors of the Great Western Railway agreed work should immediately start on building an engine repair shed, a decision that echoed down the ages into the lives of every resident and the whole region.

The theme of the Swindon 175 year is Made in Swindon, to both pay tribute to those who built the

railways, but also all who have created the successful thriving town we now know.

The logo designed by Paul Gentleman includes seven significant elements representing the town, from Daniel Gooch, who identified the rural hamlet on the hill overlooking green fields ripe for development, through to the Supermarine Spitfire, built in the town from 1943, to the famous Mini in its original form and the latest Honda Civic.

Launch coordinator Caroline Black said: “Swindon 175 is a celebration of how great the town is and how

Dave Clements, great, great grandson of Moses Clements, the driver of City of Truro, the first man to travel at 100mph

much has been achieved. It will be an exciting year and a platform for the enormously talented people here.”

A programme of heritage, social, arts and cultural events is being developed including new displays and events at Steam Museum, a concert by the Swindon Symphony Orchestra, the fourth Swindon Fringe Festival and a week-long Arts Trail.

Janice Thompson Performance Trust will be reviving The Little Man in the Tall Hat, the community opera about Isambard Kingdom Brunel first performed in 2006.

Details will appear at www. swindon175.com and on Facebook.

Organisers are keen to hear from businesses interested in supporting and promoting Swindon 175 Made in Swindon, and also from schools

and community organisations who want to organise activities and events related to this special year.

For details contact Swindon 175 via Facebook In the meantime a visit to Steam is a must to see the City of Truro and King George V, regarded as the greatest locomotive built in Swindon. It’s the first time it has been seen in the town since 2008 when it was taken to the National Railway Museum in York.

• See a gallery of images by Richard Wintle of the two locomotives being installed at Steam: www.bit.ly/Swindon175Locos • Watch a video at: www.bit.ly/locos-return

GWR unveils loco honouring last survivor of the trenches

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A train wrap by Swindon based graphic designer entitled ‘Harry Patch – The last survivor of the trenches’ can now be seen speeding along the London to Bristol line after Great Western Railways unveiled a new livery on a Class 43 locomotive on 6 November.

Harry Patch, who died at the age of 111 in July 2009 was a native of the West Country, born near Bath in 1898. He was conscripted in October 1916 and served as an assistant machine gunner in the 7th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.

On 22 September 1917 he was badly injured when a shell exploded overhead. The design incorporates words from Laurence Binyon’s Ode to Remembrance and the names of Harry’s comrades Jack, Maudy and Jilly who were killed. It is

said memories would flood back whenever he heard the poem.

Paul said: “I was thrilled to work with Great Western Railways to remember Harry and the fallen of the Great War. It is important that we never forget the sacrifices made so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today.”

Harry’s grandson, Roger Patch unveiled the locomotive. Speaking for members of the family he said: “We are absolutely delighted that GWR have named one of their locomotives after Grandad, he would have been thrilled. Harry was a very modest, quiet man and it was incredible how so many people took him to their heart as he became a symbol of remembrance. But to us, he will always be Grandad and we are extremely proud of everything he achieved.”

Nominate your community hero for Pride of Swindon 2016 Brendon Ball and all staff wish a Happy Christmas Wetheir are anpatients independent family owned and run agency offering over 50 years of combined and Peaceful New Year property experience servicing, Royal Wootton Hygienist • Sedation • Cosmetic Dentistry Bassett, Purton, Lyneham, Swindon and Family Friendly Care surrounding villages.

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The organising committee from left to right: Stephen Davy-Osborne, Shirley Ludford, Gladys Barr, Ian Robins, Sue Dunmore, Mayor Andrew Bennett, Erz Turner and Tony Martin It’s time for the people of Swindon to get their thinking caps on to find the town’s community heroes.

The Pride of Swindon 2016 awards will be taking place on Thursday 17 March at STEAM and will be officially launched on Tuesday 1 December in the Mayor’s Parlour.

This year Swindon Link and Positive Media Group have become one of the event’s main sponsors joining Excalibur Communications, Swindon Advertiser, Intel, Nationwide and McDonalds.

The awards’ organising committee met for the first time in November.

From the launch until 29 January the people of Swindon will have the chance to nominate who they believe are the unsung and

selfless heroes in their community.

Each nominee is presented with a certificate and a select group of people who have gone the extra mile will receive a special badge and their name honoured on a plaque at Swindon Central Library. Nominations can be for an individual or a team.

Tony Martin, of Zurich Community Trust, said: “The quality of the nominations that we get suprises me every year. This year we want people from every walk of life to really get involved in putting forward their community champion.”

From 1 December there will be an interactive form available on the Swindon Borough Council website.

Souper idea for communities reaches Swindon from Detroit Do you have an idea that could benefit your community – but need advice, help and some cash to get you started?

If so, on Thursday 3 December from 6pm to 8pm, the first bi-monthly Swindon Soup event is being held at Excalibur Communications, Arclite House, Century Road, SN5 5YN in association with Swindon Link.

Three groups will be pitching their ideas.

They are Inner Flame, Wrong Shoes Theatre Company and Meet, Eat & Learn.

Sara Witham, marketing manager at Excalibur Communications, said: “It costs £5 to attend (you can donate more if you wish), and at the end of the evening, the cash goes to the group whose idea has received the most votes.

“It’s certainly not only about the money. Swindon Soup is a not-forprofit organisation, where people can create or develop something that they feel would benefit the local community. Ideas could range from urban agriculture, art, justice and social entrepreneurship”.

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To attend the first ever Swindon Soup you need to register on the website beforehand so the organisers have an idea of how many people to cater for.

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The holidays are coming to Swindon town centre The Coca-Cola truck, Santa’s grotto and a winter wonderland are all on the menu in Swindon town centre this month.

And the town will also become a shopper’s paradise with late night opening and free parking every Thursday evening.

We all know Christmas is coming when the Coca-Cola truck comes to town. Swindon is one of just 46 lucky locations that are part of the exclusive tour.

The spectacular vehicle will be at Swindon’s Wharf Green between 12pm and 8pm on Friday 4 December.

Visitors will have the chance to take photos with the truck and experience a magical winter wonderland setting to get you into the festive spirit, whilst also enjoying a free Coca-Cola of your choice.

You can also get the chance to meet Santa himself in the free grotto which will be in the Brunel until Christmas Eve. The Town Centre based shopping centre welcomed Santa and his elves when the grotto opened in November and have already seen

a steady stream of visitors. Jane Stewart, marketing manager at The Brunel, said: “We know that Christmas can be an expensive time for families so this year we are pleased to be able to offer children a free visit to Santa plus a small free present. We know this will be welcomed by families and it’s already proving to be very popular.”

The grotto is situated upstairs in The Brunel Plaza, between Boots and Marks and Spencer. Opening times vary each day so check the centre’s website first at www. thebrunel.co.uk Visits to Santa can be pre-booked via the website. Although prebooking isn’t essential it will help avoid queues at busy times.

For those who would like to have a photograph taken with Santa there will be an opportunity to purchase a photograph and an alternative present too.

A free Santa Mail service is also operating in the centre this year.

Simply complete your letter to Santa, add your name and address and post in the Santa Mail post box at the entrance to the grotto. Last posting day is Friday 18 December.

The Coca Cola Truck will be coming to Swindon on Friday 4 December Once again The Brunel are supporting local charity Christmas Care. Children can donate their pocket money in return for a small sack of magic and sparkle Reindeer Food, with all donations going to the charity, who look after the homeless and lonely at Christmas.

The special reindeer food is available from the picnic basket by the grotto.

Free town centre parking is on offer between 3pm and 9pm every Thursday until the end of January,

thanks to inSwindon, Swindon Borough Council and the Brunel shopping centre.

The car parks where the offer applies are the Brunel North Car Park (Farnsby Street) and Fleming Way (Debenhams) car park.

The free parking is aimed at visitors popping into town after the school run or after work, and to encourage everyone to make the most of the cafes, bars and restaurants on an evening out without extra costs.

Prospect Hospice wraps up Christmas at Brunel

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Following the success of last year’s charity gift-wrapping service, Prospect Hospice volunteers will be on hand to wrap shoppers’ presents at The Brunel shopping centre.

Volunteer wrappers will be in The Brunel Plaza (outside Sainsbury’s) each Saturday and Sunday from 28 November, until Christmas Eve.

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A family Christmas shopping experience will be open to all at Stanton Park on 5 and 6 December, hosted by Every Cloud Arts & Crafts.

Promising a stress-free Christmas shopping environment for all the family, the farmhouse cafe will be open, serving hot soup and a roll, warm punch and hot drinks to keep you warm inside, with a choice of delicious home-made cakes and mince pies.

Browse at leisure in the farmhouse shop packed with high quality, bespoke Christmas cards and gifts handcrafted by members of Every Cloud.

And to round off the day, why not simply enjoy a relaxing stroll in the park? There are circular marked paths around the lake and through

From 10am until 4pm on Saturdays and from 10.30am until 4pm on Sundays Prospect’s volunteers will expertly wrap shoppers’ gifts in return for a donation to the charity.

From Monday 14 December the gift wrapping service will run daily from 9.30am to 4pm (on Sunday 20 December it opens at 10.30am).

the woodland. You can pick up an eye-spy challenge from the Farmhouse to add to the family fun.

Free workshops for all ages will be held on both days between 12pm and 2pm offering the opportunity for visitors to decorate their own mini Christmas tree or Christmas bauble, to take home.

On Saturday 12 December there is another opportunity to enjoy the park with an event organised by the Ranger Service. From 4pm to 6pm there is story telling in the farmhouse, a wreath making workshop in the barn, festive games and a children’s craft workshop, and at 7pm there is a carol service in the barn with the Gorsehill Salvation Army Band.

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Father and son die on ‘trip of a lifetime’ whilst whale watching Tributes have poured in for Swindon father and son David and Stephen Thomas who died after their boat capsized during a whale watching trip off the west coast of Canada.

Five of the 27 people on board the tourist boat drowned, all of whom were British citizens, during the tragedy at the end of October.

Wife and mother Julie Thomas was amongst passengers rescued after the stricken vessel capsized having been hit by a freak wave.

The holiday to Canada was a trip of a lifetime for photography enthusiast 18-year-old Stephen, who had Down’s Syndrome.

His father David, 50, was a huge supporter of the Down’s Syndrome Association and was one of the driving forces behind Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group where he was clerk to the trustees.

Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, said: “Everyone at The Down’s Syndrome Association and the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group were deeply saddened to hear the news of the deaths of Stephen and David.

“Stephen was a very talented young man and a gifted photographer. His love of photography started when he

David and Stephen Thomas was eight years old. We were all delighted when Stephen’s beautiful image ‘Moraine Lake’ won the national ‘My Perspective’ photographic competition in 2014.”

“All of our thoughts and condolences are with the Thomas family at this terrible time.”

Stephen’s older brother was not on the trip.

Sue Banks, headteacher at Isambard Community School, said: “Stephen never used the term ‘I can’t’ and was constantly smiling.

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staff alike.”

Kirsty Winnan, one of his teachers, said: “Stephen was rightly proud of his well deserved A* GCSE photography and his Silver Arts Award.”

Fitness instructor Les Slinn expressed the shock felt with his wife Clare. “Youngsters from the Down’s group come to the studio to enjoy fitness sessions. Stephen was a lovely, caring and always enthusiastic lad. He would help me with some of the other children during our gym sessions. We were

distraugt when we heard the news.

Our thoughts are with his mother and brother at this difficult time.

Minister for the Disabled Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, said he met Stephen earlier this year on a visit to the Down’s Syndrome Group. “The loss of so many people’s lives whilst watching wildlife was an utter tragedy.

“Stephen was the official photographer when I visited the group; he was fun and cheeky, we talked about our love for sport and dance music.

“I promised him that when he was a bit older he would spend a day with me taking pictures. He was such a smashing young lad, helped by his parents who were so supportive of Stephen’s interests and also of the Down’s Syndrome Group.

“The whole of Swindon was devastated by the news; a really, really sad time.”

The family from Peatmoor in West Swindon are members of Swindon Gateway Church.

Stephen’s photography can be seen at www.stephensview.com David was also a keen photographer and his images can be seen at www.pixelexhibition.com

Toothill residents can now apply for the area’s lottery million Five years after the National Lottery announced that Toothill was one of an initial 50 neighbourhoods across Britain to receive £1 million for community development projects, the Toothill Big Local Team is ready to allocate funds through a new website.

During October and November every household in the area will have received a launch pack promoting Toothill Big Local’s online grant application system at www.toothillbiglocal.co.uk It includes information and background about the lottery funds, frequently asked questions, an explanation of how to apply for support and how money will be allocated.

Big Local chairperson Kareen Boyd said: “We realise the funding for Toothill has been been coming for a long time and residents have been asking what’s going on, but the committee has had to put in a tremendous amount of voluntary work to meet the requirements of the National Lottery. We now have a method of determining which projects should be supported based on the choices made by the community at large.

“Our new website is simple to use, helps to keep residents up to date with news, make applications for support, and most important gives people the chance to vote for the grants they support.”

Applications can be submitted at any time and the process is the same irrespective of the amount required. So long as the request is within the Big Local rules and the community supports the proposal with their votes, it will go ahead.

Money is available to further the activities of local community groups, or develop new activities in response to need. Funding cannot go directly to individuals but grants can also be made as a bursary to a club to help an individual further their studies or, for example, sports training.

“Although applications need to be made online, residents don’t need to have to use a computer,” said Kareen. “Members of the Toothill Big Local Team are ready and willing to help groups or anyone with an idea to make Toothill an even better place. Just pop into our office at Toothill Community Centre on Tuesdays or Thursdays, between 10.30am and 3pm, to discuss an

groups have expressed an interest in submitting grant applications and one bursary application has already gone live and gained community support at: www.toothillbiglocal. co.uk”

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“Toothill has a wonderful opportunity and dedicated funds to improve the area. All it needs is for the community to use it. Over 15

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for 100 Swindon Scholars Lawn Primary School pupil wins the AMS Accountancy card competition An image by Year 6 pupil Kathryn Barrett of the Lawn Primary School has won the annual ‘Design a Christmas card’ competition run in collaboration with AMS Accountancy.

Kathryn – known as Katy - has won an Amazon voucher for £25 and AMS donated £250 to the school.

Katy described her card as a reindeer being nosey.

Deputy head, Emma Jelley said “We love working with AMS and the children in year 6 get very excited by the competition.”

Barbara French, partner at AMS said: “Many of our clients are fans of our lovely Christmas cards.”

Old Town Christmas lights switch on set to be brighter than ever The Christmas lights switch on in Swindon Old Town is set for Sunday 29 November, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The Old Town Business Association have helped organise the array of stalls, surprises and

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swindonlink.com n December 2015

entertainment for the afternoon and evening festivities across the area, with rumours of a grotto being included.

For more details on the festivities, search Facebook for Old Town Events.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance release 2016 calendar and Christmas cards Aerial photographs of iconic Wiltshire landmarks and rural scenes feature in Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s 2016 calendar.

The charity’s new helicopter, a Bell 429, features in many of the photographs in the calendar.

In one it is pictured in the sky above Wiltshire with the county’s previous helicopter, an MD 902, used by Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA).

Others include the Bell above Westbury White Horse and the Caen Hill flight of locks in Devizes.

There are also aerial photographs of famous landmarks including Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral.

All the images in the calendar have been generously donated by the photographers involved.

Claire Kelly, head of People, Vision and Values at WAA, said: “It’s been a few years since we produced a calendar and we hope that people will enjoy seeing parts of Wiltshire from the air. The photographs highlight our rural county and show some of our operation. We are so grateful to all the photographers who supplied their images for free.”

The helicopter also features on its

Steve Riddle of the Air Ambulance new Christmas cards. One design is of the helicopter flying over the Cherhill Monument and White Horse while another features it flying over the Westbury White Horse.

Another six designs feature traditional Christmas scenes, including Santa and a robin.

Claire Kelly said: “Last year’s Christmas card featuring the Bell 429 flying above the Caen Hill Lock Flight in Devizes proved extremely popular with the public and it sold out. We hope the new designs will be of interest.”

The Christmas cards are priced £4 for a pack of ten. A triple pack, called Bethlehem, has 15 cards. The calendar is priced £5. Also for sale is the WAA 2016 diary, priced £3.

See the full list of outlets at: www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk

Making a difference Volunteers provide vital support to organisations in Swindon and the people they work with. Here are groups seeking help.

with disabilities and special educational needs is looking for help in their centre and their shop in the Brunel Centre.

RVS Home Library Service needs a Book Choosing Co-ordinator. If you have a love of literature and care for older people, this role is for you. You’ll be supporting the Home Library Service to choose collections of books to be taken out to serviceusers’ homes, via their local library.

Buckhurst Parks Community Centre is looking for help with administration and office bookings.

They are also need volunteers to help set up and run English conversation classes for Nepalese women.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association is looking for visitors to train and become the main contact for people living with MND, their families and carers. Volunteers who can offer two to four hours a week can have a huge impact on the lives of people affected by condition Council tenant support. If you live in house rented from Swindon Borough Council, there are several roles on offer to help other tenants.

Among the range of projects you can help with are staff recruitment, writing newsletters or deciding on local improvement projects Hop, Skip and Jump which is dedicated to supporting families

Swindon Museum of Computing requires assistance with website maintenance, including backup and upgrades. It also needs a volunteer to organise museum publicity and marketing.

To find out how you can get involved in these or any of the many other volunteering opportunities, contact Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557 or email: info@ swindonvolunteers.org.uk The centre is located at Voluntary Action Swindon, 1 John Street, Swindon and staff are available to discuss opportunities from Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm.

All the positions are displayed at: www.do-it.org

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Parishing Swindon: What will be the impact on you?

Swindon Council has launched a year-long governance review which includes a proposal to create local parished areas in parts of the borough that are not already within a parish council area.

Better Swindon, the independent group seeking to raise standards of council decision-making based on more open and fair consultation, held a debate about introducing another level of local government on communities across the town.

Better Swindon chair Chris Barry said: “This will have an impact on everyone, whether living in a parish or not, as your services and council tax will be affected.”

Below he reports on the debate at the Civic Offices on 5 November.

‘Some 28 people attended, including four Labour councillors and two Conservatives. However, over 500 others had seen the post on Better Swindon’s Facebook page advertising the event and the meeting was advertised in the November Link magazine.

‘Coun Des Moffatt said a final decision will be not be made until November 2016 and quoted the council’s chief law officer, saying ‘Consultation is not the same as a referendum.’

‘He pointed out that, though the council tax is capped by central government, parish council precepts are not, although these vary from zero in Inglesham to over £100 a year in Highworth.

‘He sees the proposals as a device to increase the council’s revenue by passing on some services to parish councils, for example, street cleaning, hedge maintenance, and graffiti removal. If these were paid for by parish precepts, Swindon Council could focus the freedup council tax funds on its core commitments: Social Services and care of the elderly.

‘He said this may sound good on paper, but he pointed out that different areas of the town have widely differing needs in terms of maintenance and public space.

Because of the differing social profiles and age of each area, it could mean that more deprived areas will need more maintenance and residents would have to pay a higher precept.

‘Also, if your pavement is

overgrown, it’ll be easier to get action from your parish council than from the borough council.

But, whilst there may be a quicker response there will be greater cost because the smaller parish may not have the economies of scale that a big council has.

‘In other words, it’s about a fundamental change in how Swindon Council delivers its services.

‘John Stooke, former chair of Haydon Wick Parish Council, spoke in favour of the idea of parishing, strongly proposing that parish councils represent grass roots democracy, though he agreed that no one size fits all.

‘Parish councillors are local, accessible and committed, they cost nothing and don’t get involved in party politics.

‘Many non-parished areas have active residents’ or community associations and he believes these could easily morph into parish councils.

‘To illustrate the benefits of local

service delivery, he said Swindon Council employs just one person to clear graffiti across the town.

Haydon Wick Parish Council employs its own maintenance operatives who clear all graffiti within one working day of it being reported. They also clear litter and trim hedges within 48 hours of the request being made. The parish also employs a full-time parish clerk.

The annual cost is £31,000 a year.

‘With regard to variations in precept, he said Inglesham’s precept is zero but the parish council does very little. By contrast Stratton has a high precept, but they run a leisure centre.

‘If parishing goes ahead he sees the town being divided into a number of community hubs, with parish councils at the core of each.

‘In contributions from the floor, 11 speakers raised points both for and against parishing the town, but there was a strong consensus that a citizens’ referendum should be held before such a profound change in local government takes place. It will have impact on all of us.’

• Keep up to date with this issue on Facebook: Better Swindon • Call for a referendum: www.bit.ly/ SBC-parishing-wicks-view

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Excalibur shows support for cancer charity with purchase of giant bra for headquarters The massive bra that was on display at Swindon’s Brunel Centre during October has been bought by local businessman James Phipps.

Made by members of Stitch and Bitch the gigantic item of underwear, which measures more than 13 foot across, was part of the shopping centre’s ‘Bra the Brunel’ campaign in aid of charity Against Breast Cancer.

The campaign achieved national news coverage and received huge amounts of support.

Excalibur Communications CEO James Phipps bought the bra for nearly £600 after seeing it advertised on eBay. It is now displayed at Excalibur’s glass fronted HQ at Arclite House in Peatmoor.

He said “The campaign gained national coverage, and I felt it had to have a successful conclusion.

Having seen the bra for sale at auction, I couldn’t let this campaign that has done so much to raise awareness fizzle out without the sale.

“The crocheted bra is now on display in our window so everyone driving along Mead Way can enjoy it, just as they have in the Brunel Centre. Involving Excalibur in the community is something I’m truly passionate about.”

The campaign was launched at the start of October by famous rugby streaker Erika Roe and members of the Swindon Supermarine Ladies Rugby Club.

The focal point for the Brunel’s campaign was a month-long exhibition of bras owned by a myriad of famous names, including the famous fur bikini top worn by Swindon’s own Diana Dors at the Venice Film Festival in the 1950s.

Jane Stewart, Brunel marketing

From left to right, Eileen Ashmore, Susan Cowper and Tracey Major of Swindon Stitch & Bitch with James Phipps, CEO Excalibur Communications, at Arclite House, Peatmoor manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted James and the Excalibur team bid £560 for the giant bra made by Swindon Stitch and Bitch.

We have been overwhelmed with how many customers got on board in support of Against Breast Cancer, donating both their bras and cash. A big Brunel thank you to everyone.”

Against Breast Cancer funds pioneering research into new treatments and tools for earlier diagnosis of breast cancer.

For more information about Against Breast Cancer see the Swindon Bra Facebook page.

Find out more about joining Stitch and Bitch on Facebook or mail: majortracey@gmail.com

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Gateway Church are running an over-60s lunch at their Trinity Centre in Westlea every third Tuesday of the month.

Offering a simple lunch and good company the event aims to provide a service for older people to help engage with each other and have some time away from their homes in a safe and sociable environment.

Helen Howarth of Gateway church said: “We have been running since April, mainly with people who are part of the church

and their friends but would like to invite anyone to come along and join.

“It is an opportunity to meet new people and get out of the house. It is usually a simple lunch of soup, bread, cheese and lots of cake, hence our strap line ‘simple lunch and good company.’”

To book your place at the lunch, leave a message on 01793 526130.

If travelling is a problem, leave a message and the church will make arrangements.

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Supporting orphans in Romania

Volunteers gather supplies to send out to Romanian orphans, from left, Kerry Paterson, Marion Jeffels, Gloria McLean-Anderson, Jean Gibbons, Tony Abrams and Claire Robinson Abbey Meads resident Marion Jeffels has dispatched a huge quantity of clothing and footwear to an orphanage she supports in Romania.

Throughout the year her garage and house has filled up with boxes to be sent to the St Francis Of Deva Foundation Children in Romania.

Set up by Franciscan monk Bojte Csaba, the foundation raises money globally and houses thousands of orphaned Hungarian and Romanian children in the Transalvanian region who don’t receive funding from the Romanian government.

Marion said: “Parents in mountainous areas are poor and education levels are low. Sadly

14

swindonlink.com n December 2015

Younite volunteers assist Kenyan family after house fire

Swindon based charity Younite has assisted a Kenyan family who suffered a house fire in October. they regularly abandon children The outreach project provides leaving them in look-out huts in the mountains hoping bears and wolves opportunities for people to will take them. Bojte Csaba provides volunteer directly at two schools for orphans in Kenya. hope for a more positive future.

To date over 200 volunteers, who “I pay for fresh fruit weekly for do everything they can to fundraise children in his Szovata home. The for the projects, have been out to clothes I buy and collect and send are for over 40 children in Ghimes- Kenya with Younite.

In October the organisation had Faget in the Bacau region. some sad news regarding a family “In June I visited the home with who live in the slum area near Apple laptops, a pressure cooker Younite’s partner school Melon and toys for the children. I’m now Mission. Due to an electrical fault learning Hungarian and Romanian their home and all their belongings to help me communicate with were lost in a fire. everyone there.”

Thankfully the family, whose Find out how to help by children all attend the school, were contacting Marion via her Facebook unharmed but they were left with page.

nothing.

Thanks to Younite volunteers, the organisation was able to provide the family with a new home and belongings, something that, in any other circumstances, would take them years to regain.

Without people directly supporting these schools Younite would not have been in a position to respond so quickly.

If you would like to assist further with Younite Outreach, get in contact through their website: www.yoproject.org.uk Spaces are currently available on their two week Easter trip out to Kenya and they are holding a fundraising ball on Friday 5 February at the Marriott Hotel in Swindon.

Pyjama party promotes bedtime reading Encouraging children to pick up a book in the modern world of TV, video games and smartphones can be a tall order, but staff at Oliver Tomkins Primary School in Toothill found a method to encourage pupils and parents to reach for a good, old-fashioned page-turner.

Up to 60 pyjama clad pupils joined their friends over cocoa at an after-school reading party in early November, with senior staff and teachers donning animal print onesies or dressing gowns, much to the amusement of children.

Headteacher Rhian Cockwell

said the point of the party was to emphasise how much fun books are at home. “It’s all about getting the children to read for pleasure, not forcing them to sit there staring at a book. If they are encouraged to read it has a direct effect on their learning ability, cognitive understanding and focus in school.

“We’ve had evenings for parents to get involved so that they can enjoy reading and sharing a good book with their children. This is our first pyjama party with pupils; we have other things planned to encourage them to pick up a book.”

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Pupils of Peatmoor Primary School enjoying a recent trip to Steam Peatmoor Community Primary School has four new travel ambassadors from their Year 5 class.

The Junior Travel Ambassador (JTA) scheme encourages peer-to-peer engagement and gives children and their school all the resources and guidance they need to promote safer, active and independent travel within the school community.

Specifically aimed at pupils and their parents, as they prepare to start secondary school and begin travelling by themselves for the first time, the JTA scheme aims to take a direct approach to promoting independent travel.

Lucie, Isabella, Ethan and Reece from Peatmoor School all travelled to London recently to collect awards at an event as junior travel ambassadors, each getting a bronze and silver award.

Whilst in the capital, the pupils from Swindon learnt how the other schools in the scheme and their counterparts gained their awards and how they could achieve higher success.

They are now aiming to gain their gold star awards and are really enjoying their experience as ambassadors. www.peatmoor.org.uk

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES

Xmas Eve: 4.30pm - 10.30pm. Xmas Day & Boxing Day CLOSED. New Years Eve: 4.30pm - 11pm. New Years Day: 4.30pm - 11.15pm Please Note: Phone lines will be open from 12 Noon on 24th & 31st December. We recommend that you pre-order at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment

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www.rendezvous.uk.net swindonlink.com n December 2015

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Second North Swindon secondary school to open in 2018 Crest Nicholson and the Education Funding Agency have agreed the sale of land at Tadpole Garden Village to allow the development of Great Western Academy.

The 14.5 acre site, to the north east of the garden village which commenced in 2014 and will eventually contain 1,700 houses, was originally zoned as commercial development space.

Great Western Academy will be a free school run by New College Swindon and is scheduled to open in September 2018, just in time to cater for a predicted shortfall in secondary school places in the north of the town.

New College principal Graham Taylor, said: “We are delighted that the Government has moved swiftly to secure the land and look forward

Graham Taylor

16

swindonlink.com n December 2015

The location of the Great Western Academy, to the north east of Tadpole Garden Village to working with top-class project managers, designers and builders to deliver a high quality, state-of-the art digital and business academy.

“We aim to create a great school for learners to enjoy and achieve in.

The educational planning begins now – to attract the best staff, develop the best curriculum, source the best learning materials and provide the best support systems to meet learner needs. We want to involve parents, businesses, local community groups and universities on our journey. I know parents will be disappointed

that it’s not opening sooner but it’s now going to happen for sure.

“We are delighted that Crest Nicolson has been able to provide such a great site and are looking forward to working in partnership to deliver the new school, which will contribute to the great work they are doing in building a sustainable community at Tadpole Garden Village.”

Andrew Dobson, development director at Crest Nicholson Strategic Projects, said: “We are excited to be working with the

Education Funding Agency and New College to welcome a new secondary school at Tadpole Garden Village, which we hope will provide outstanding learning opportunities for generations of youngsters living at Tadpole Garden Village and the wider North Swindon community.

“We are proud of what we are creating at Tadpole Garden Village, which has set benchmarks in design, community life and infrastructure. The development is a great example of our commitment to build healthy and sustainable communities that adhere to our Garden Village principles, providing a sense of ownership and responsibility.

“The delivery of New College will further develop a sense of civic pride and legacy at Tadpole Garden Village, continuing the work we are doing to create a place that people are proud to call home.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “This is fantastic news for the area and for those who have supported my campaign for this vital new school.

“Securing the site is a major and tangible milestone; we can now all focus on helping shape this new provision.”

MP cuts ribbon at North community centre After a long wait, Redhouse finally has its own community centre which was officially opened by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson on 11 November.

Until late-2013, St Andrew’s ward councillor Vera Tomlinson had been battling to secure funds for a community building in the area. But when Swindon Council identified an urgent need for another primary school in North Swindon, the building project went into overdrive. Tadpole Farm School used it for a year from September 2014 until it moved to permanent accommodation. Blunsdon St Andrew Parish Council took on the lease from Swindon Council in September 2015.

Parish council chair Ian Jankinson said: “We are proud to run the centre which is contributing so much to community development at the heart of Redhouse. Activities include ante-natal classes, martial arts and Slimming World sessions.

Brownies and Rainbows as well as mums and toddlers’ events are well established, as are a couple of church groups.

“Glitterbugs pre-school also offers

high quality educational activity on weekdays.”

“In Adrian Boast we have an able centre administrator who is efficiently developing the business, and Ian Cox our caretaker is keeping the building looking good.”

He added the parish had invested about £12,000 to equip the community centre and this had been found in this year’s parish precept.

At the opening, Justin Tomlinson commented: “Redhouse Community Centre is a significant boost to North Swindon. After years of pushing, Cllr Vera Tomlinson was able to secure the funding for the building. Working with Blunsdon Parish Council and the local community this building is quickly becoming a thriving hub of activity.”

The centre has two main rooms.

The main hall accommodates between 30 and 90 people depending on use and there is an adjacent kitchen. The pre-school room is only available during the evenings and weekends.

To visit the centre and discuss room hire availability contact Adrian Boast on 01793 745200, or see: www.book-online.uk/redhouse

Justin Tomlinson with parish council chair Ian Jankinson and Swindon Borough councillor Vera Tomlinson

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Second onesie day in support of student Torben Children and staff at Tregoze Primary School in Grange Park donned their onesies on Friday 13 November in support of JDRF’s #TypeOnesieDay. This is the second year running that the school has decided to support the charity that is trying to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

It was prompted by the sudden diagnosis of pupil Torben Reeves with Type 1 Diabetes in January 2014, the first since the school opened in 1991.

Torben’s mum Penny said: “It was a huge shock for Torben and for us as a family. He had been under the weather over Christmas and was really thirsty all the time. Then one day at school he was very unwell and we had to rush him to hospital for emergency treatment. We didn’t realise the danger he was in.”

Coping with diabetes has become a routine Torben has learnt to fit into an active life. He said: “I really like football and play in the school team and for Swindon Rangers.

It feels like a lot longer than two years ago since the diabetes started.

I now have to count the carbs and sugar I’m taking in, and have to monitor my blood sugar by pricking

Torben, third from left, with his classmates at Tregoze, including Grace Hodge, left, who donated her £20 birthday money to JDRF my fingers and inject insulin up to five times a day. I can now tell if my blood sugar is too low and will have a small can of coke to boost my sugar level.”

Penny said: “Everybody at the school has learnt what it means to have Type 1 Diabetes. Earlier this year Torben went on a Year

5 residential weekend which was quite nerve wracking as it was his first time away from home. But the support he received was fantastic.

Class TA Laura Stoneham said: “I’ve had to learn all about Torben’s condition and how to respond.

But he’s been amazing how he’s handled his diabetes.”

Childminders needed in new housing areas Wiltshire Council is seeking childminders in the new housing developments at Ridgeway Farm and Moulden View.

They can be already registered or people who want to work from home. There are courses available, as well as support and advice from dedicated council childcare officers who will provide guidance on Ofsted registration, further training,

personal development and grants that might be available to assist in becoming a childminder.

If you live in the Wiltshire Council area contact the Childcare Workforce Development Team on 01225 712966.

If you live within Swindon Borough, call the Family Information Service on 01793 445500.

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Memories to cherish for a lifetime

Lyn Hartman, co-founder of Memory Makers, looks back on the first two years of a groundbreaking project which links children at primary school with volunteer mentors.

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.

Michelle and Lucy, promoting Memory Makers in the December 2014 Link For the past 18 months, every other Wednesday, graphic designer Lucy has knocked on Michelle’s door to take her out.

Over the next few hours they have, amongst other things, played on the swings at Lydiard Park, learnt how to arrange flowers, painted old furniture and looked around an art gallery. Whatever the activity the overriding atmosphere has been one of laughter and fun and a growing bond of friendship.

Lucy was one of the first volunteers to be trained as a Memory Maker; the new arm to Swindon based youth mentoring charity SMASH. Each Memory Maker is matched with a child who has experienced a one-off traumatic event like the death of a parent, or is living with stress because of an ongoing issue such as illness or disability within the family.

Lucy has thoroughly enjoyed the time she’s spent with Michelle. She originally volunteered because she felt she could make a difference to a child’s life but has been surprised at how much fun she has had spending time with Michelle and doing all the activities.

Michelle, who is now 13, remembers vividly the first time they went out together. “We went to Coate Water, walked around the lake, had a picnic and then rode on the miniature railway and saw the rabbits in the undergrowth – it was a great way to get to know each other and have a laugh”.

“Lucy has been an amazing role model for Michelle,” says Clare Armagan, the Memory Makers programme manager. “She has a great career, social life and travels a lot, and yet she has always been there for Michelle.”

“Michelle is very proud to have been the first child ever to have a Memory Maker and she now helps train the new volunteers. She is confident speaking in front of a group of adults she’s never met before and asks them interesting questions.”

After 18 months the relationship is now ending as the programme is principally for primary school children to help with their transfer to ‘big school.’ And although they are very fond of each other they both recognise it’s time to move on.

“I’ve introduced Michelle to lots of new experiences and I’ve helped her learn to swim and improve her reading,” recalls Lucy. “I’ll miss seeing her on such a regular basis, but I feel we’ve almost gone full circle and she has told me she has lots of great memories of our time together.”

Michelle has been making new friends at secondary school since September. Lucy would like to continue being a Memory Maker and after a short break wants to be matched with another child.

Strangely, Lucy feels that in some ways her last outing with Michelle mirrored their first together: they went to Lydiard and played on the climbing frames, chatted and giggled. When they looked at the pictures Lucy realised she was even wearing the same outfit on the first and last visit.

When they said goodbye Lucy asked Michelle what she needed to remember - she said: “Be good. Be good at school. Be good.”

If you would like to become a volunteer Memory Maker or support the project by raising funds call Clare on 01793 729748. www.smashyouthproject.co.uk

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19

At Church this Christmas Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads Sunday 13th 4pm Christingle Service, bring an orange Sunday 20th 10.30am Sunday School Christmas Play Christmas Eve 4.30pm Carols and Mince Pies Christmas Day 10am Christmas Morning Service

Toothill Church, Toothill Village Centre Sunday 13th 4pm Family Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day All Age Service.

Sunday 27th 10am Partnership Carols and Communion at St Mary’s

North Swindon Baptist Church Sunday 20th 4pm Family Carol service at Abbey Meads School Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Service at Abbey Meads School

Westlea Church (meeting in Westlea School) Sunday 20th 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Family Service Sunday 27th 10am Partnership Carols and Communion at St Mary’s

Cornerstone Church Sunday 20th 10am Christmas Eve 4pm

Christmas Family Service at Uplands School Christmas Eve Carol Service at Redhouse Community Centre

St Andrew North Swindon, Tadpole Lane Sunday 13th 4pm Traditional Christmas Carol Service Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle Service at St Francis School, Taw Hill Christmas Eve 11.30pm Candlelit Midnight Mass at St Andrew’s Church Christmas Day 10am Christmas Morning Service Emmanuel URC, High Street, Haydon Wick Sunday 20th 10am All age Christmas Service Sunday 20th 6pm Candlelit Carol Service Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day 10am Joint Christmas Celebration at Christ the Servant St John Haydon Wick (next to Morrissons) Sunday 13th 4.30pm Christingle Service Sunday 20th 6.30pm Service of Seven Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10am Carols for All Ages All Saints Church, Lydiard Millicent (parking at the parish hall and at the school) Sunday 6th 4pm Puppets Alive Christmas Special - for all the family Sunday 20th 6pm Candlelit Carol Service Christmas Eve 5pm Christmas Eve Crib Service and Christingle Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Christmas Day 8am BCP Holy Communion with no hymns Christmas Day 10.30am Family Service for Christmas Day St. Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze (The Church in the Park) Sunday 13th 10am Christingle Friday 18th 7pm Carols in Hook Village Hall Sunday 20th 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 4pm Family Crib Service Christmas Eve 11pm Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Family Service/Communion Sunday 27th 10am Partnership Carols and Communion Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Sunday 13th 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Sunday 20th 10am Partnership Nativity children’s workshop day Sunday 20th 4pm Partnership Nativity Christmas Eve 3pm Crib Service Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day All Age Service Sunday 27th 10am Partnership Carols and Communion at St Mary’s

St Mark’s Church, Church Place, St Luke’s, Broad Street and St Saviour’s, Ashford Road Sunday 20th 4pm Children’s Crib Service at St Mark’s Sunday 20th 6pm Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Luke’s Tuesday 22nd 7.30pm Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Mark’s Christmas Eve 4pm Children’s Crib Service at St Saviour’s Christmas Eve 9pm Mass of the Nativity at St Luke’s Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass at St Mark’s Christmas Day 10am Family Mass of Christmas Day at St Saviour’s Freshbrook Church, Worsley Road Sunday 13th 10am Family Carol Service Wednesday 16th 7pm Carols at The Windmill Pub Sunday 20th 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day 10am Family Service St Peter’s Catholic Church, Carronbridge Road, Eastleaze Christmas Eve 5.30pm Nativity Mass for the children with carols from 5pm Christmas Eve 9pm Sung Mass of Christmas with carols from 8.30pm Christmas Day 10am Mass with carols Gateway Church, Stonehill Green, Westlea Sunday 13th 10.30am to 1pm Community carol singing, choir, drama, children’s activities at Orbital Retail Park Sunday 20th 6pm Carol Service including drama and a choir Monday 21st 7pm Carol Service including drama and a choir Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Worship

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

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

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swindonlink.com n December 2015

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STRESSED AT CHRISTMAS? Do you want to be relaxed and able to cope?

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Celebrating the fantastic magazine that delves deep into the history of the town There were critics who said it couldn’t be done, but the small team of volunteers at Swindon Heritage have proved them wrong as the 12th edition of the quarterly magazine goes on sale in early December.

Editor Graham Carter said: “People told us not to put all the best stuff in the first editions of the magazine but we have proved Swindon has more than enough fantastic heritage to fill 84 pages every time.”

And this year cofounders Frances Bevan, Graham Carter and Mark Sutton have seen the magazine become a vehicle to deliver amazing events when Swindon Heritage teamed up with Paul Gentleman and Caroline Black to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The team organised a series of sell-out talks at Central Library and The Beehive and brought replica Spitfire and Hurricane planes to the town centre. The commemorative events culminated in a royal visit

by HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and a spectacular flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in which four Spitfires and two Hurricanes flew over Radnor Street Cemetery to honour Swindon’s own Battle of Britain hero Squadron Leader Harold Starr.

In another successful partnership

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Where You Live telling the history of Old Shaw Lane, Swindon’s best kept secret place.

And for a real life Call the Midwife story, read about 101 year old Jane Allen who recalls working at the Kingshill Maternity Home during the 1940s and 50s.

Copies of the current and past editions of Swindon Heritage are on sale at Swindon Central Library from the first week in December.

Other stockists are listed on the website. And it’s not too late to buy a subscription for that perfect Christmas present that lasts all year. www.swindonheritage.com

Swindon Heritage and the Swindon Suffragette group organised a month long celebration of Swindon born suffragette Edith New who became one of the leading figures in the Votes for Women campaign.

And coming up in 2016, the big heritage story is Swindon 175, marking the opening of the Great Western Railway Works and the creation of the Victorian new town.

The key feature of the December edition of Swindon Heritage is the arrival of King George V and the City of Truro locos at STEAM Museum, as well as the launch of Swindon 175.

Other stories in the Winter edition include regular feature The Street

Dick Whittington comes to Wroughton Wadams is presenting the Pantomime “Dick Whittington” written by Tina and Rob Burbidge at the Ellendune Centre, Wroughton from Friday 11 December to Sunday 13 December.

The panto will be performed at 7.30pm on the Friday and 2.30pm

Please call to book your free initial consultation.

on the Saturday and Sunday Box office numbers are 01793 813847 and 01793 825645. Tickets are £10 and £8 and groups of 10 will receive a free ticket.

For more information about the panto visit the website at www. wadamsdrama.org.uk

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New intimate theatre for Swindon A new theatre will be opening in Spring 2016 on the site of the Post Modern Art Gallery - previously the base of Artsite.

Shoebox Theatre, which is partly funded by the Arts Council, will cater for smaller original, contemporary, and experimental performances that would not normally find a place at The Wyvern or Swindon Arts Centre.

It is being run by Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, which was formed in 2009, specialising in site specific and devised theatre.

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swindonlink.com n December 2015

The new venue will have 50 seats once it is transformed and will be run in collaboration with Artsite, who previously managed the gallery on the site.

Artistic director Luke Marquez will run the theatre alongside his wife Hannah who is the marketing director. He said: “This is all very exciting. As part of our Arts Council funding the space has to be used for original pieces of work, whether it is art exhibitions, live music, dance or theatre.” www.wrongshoes.co.uk

Hannah and Luke Marquez of Shoebox Theatre. Photo: Richard Wintle

Trousseaux - still very much part of the town “No, we have not closed,” says Vicki Bruce, who has taken over Trousseaux and moved the bridal, prom and evening wear outlet from Old Town to Gemini House, Hargreaves Road, Groundwell West.

“Parking is a pleasure, both ample and free of charge, and we have a bright and upbeat studio with one section devoted to bridal wear, and another dedicated to bridesmaids, evening dresses and prom wear,” she added. “We recently expanded our collections to include Eddy K of Milan, and Sophia & Camilla, as well introducing our ‘Build a Bride’ collection where you can bespoke

your bridal gown, and welcomed Lou Lou, our vintage T-length gowns.

“We are also stockists of Dessy which are exceptional dresses for bridesmaids and prom.

“Our aim is to make your visit to Trousseaux friendly, fun and memorable.

“What’s more, Trousseaux is supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance this year and we will be donating a percentage of every full priced wedding gown sold.”

See the Trousseaux advert on page 21 and catch up with the latest on Facebook.

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Storytime with Santa at the Steam Christmas weekend Nothing could be more magical than the sight of steam engines King George V and City of Truro, standing proud inside a wonderland of Christmas festivities, with live choir music echoing throughout the halls.

This unique scene will be there for all to experience at Steam’s two-day Christmas event on 5 and 6 December, from 10am to 5pm.

Visitors get to see the two new arrivals as well as having the opportunity to browse over 40 luxury Christmas market stalls in Steam’s spacious Great Western Hall. Among the (mostly handcrafted) fine gifts on sale will be jewellery, art, toys, skincare, home furnishings, preserves and

confectionery.

Santa will be making an appearance too. In a cosy fireside setting inside Hawksworth Hall, children will hear delightful festive tales at Santa’s storytime sessions (bookable in advance and for a small extra charge), before receiving a special wrapped gift.

Concert seating is included in the entry price and a Christmas café completes the scene.

Entry to Christmas at Steam is offered at the very cheerful price of £3 for one adult and just £5 for two adults. It’s £1 for each child aged 3 to15 and under threes go free.

Tickets can be purchased on the day.

See details at: www.steam-museum.org.uk

Festive market stalls at Steam

Call Graham on (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350

swindonlink.com n December 2015

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Friends question council’s Lydiard Pa in rush to offload heritage asset

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Swindon Council is in a desperate financial situation due to central government grant cutbacks. After several years of cost reductions, this year alone the council is looking to reduce its budget by £10 million.

Lydiard House and Park has now come into focus to achieve savings and the council has advertised in commercial property publications for partners to take on the much loved heritage site.

In a full council meeting on 12 November Cllr Jim Robbins (Labour) said the council should be investing in Lydiard Park rather than bringing in the private sector. He reminded councillors of the £3.1million Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant to regenerate the park awarded in 2005.

He said: “One of the conditions was the council would not sell or let the park without first discussing the proposal with the HLF. I don’t believe this has happened and considering the council is applying for lottery support for its £20 million art gallery and museum in the town centre, I’m worried about playing fast and loose with the HLF.” Cllr Garry Perkins (Conservative), lead cabinet member for Lydiard said the council is facing a serious financial situation. “In three years time

Friends of Lydiard Park from left, Anthony Sonia St John, Julie Holland, Mike Bowde 92 per cent of the council’s budget will be spent on care for vulnerable people which leaves eight per cent for everything else, including Lydiard Park. We’ve saved £100million from the budget and we have to find another £60 million.

“We don’t have the capital to invest in places like Lydiard; it is essential we find partners who understand how to manage heritage assets better than the council.”

He pointed out that cabinet considered Lydiard’s future in 2013 when it launched a review of leisure and heritage provision, but officer time had been taken up with the disposal of leisure centres and golf courses.

ark figures and calls for delay

that salaries paid to 23 full time staff at Lydiard totalled £665,000. This takes some believing.

“A report commissioned by the council in 2011- which coincidentally was the subject of an unsuccessful Freedom Of Information request - states the Lydiard subsidy was only £350,000. But here’s the really interesting bit, since 2011 catering has been included in the Lydiard accounts.

In 2014 /15 the profit is recorded as £73,000 seemingly reducing the subsidy y St John, Sarah Finch-Crisp, yet further to £277,000. en “And there’s more. Many Lydiard and Steam operations are now combined The Friends of Lydiard Park which to achieve economies of scale and has advocated and protected the reduced staff numbers - presumably to interests of the house and park for further reduce the subsidy. We suspect 60 years argue that the council needs costs that belong to Steam have been to rein back its enthusiasm to shed incorrectly allocated to Lydiard. responsibility for these assets.

“We believe the true subsidy is at a Friends chairman Mike Bowden level which seriously questions the said: “As far as we can tell Lydiard need for this radical and rushed Park was advertised by the council’s process. The council should look at commercial property consultants in just three business publications. We’ve other simpler ways to eliminate the subsidy, for example the introduction been unable to find out if charities of car parking charges and increasing or heritage organisations have been revenues from the catering offer.” approached.

The outcomes of two public “We believe the subsidy or investment engagement sessions in November will in Lydiard by the council is seriously overstated. The 2014/15 accounts state be presented at another event in the that the subsidy is £458,000 but claims future.

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Situated in the beautiful Studley Grange Craft Village, Sparkle Dreams offers a wide range of products for all paper crafters, including cardmaking, scrapbooking and mixed media supplies. We also offer a wide range of classes to suit all abilities. Our knowledgeable staff are paper craft enthusiasts and are happy to help with any of your queries.

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8.00pm Ballroom Dancing at Improvers Red OaksforPrimary (Learn Foxtrot and more) School Hall Redhouse Way Redhouse Swindon For more information about joining a class, For morecall: information about joining a class, please 07789974866 please call -p.anslow.123@btinternet.com 07789 974 866 or email: or email - p.anslow.123@btinternet.com or visitourour website: or visit website - www.dancewithpatanslow.co.uk www.dancewithpatanslow.co.uk swindonlink.com n December 2015

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WHAT’S ON MUSIC Thursday 3rd, 8pm

Tin Spirits. The progressive rock band featuring guitarist Dave Gregory (XTC) following their critically acclaimed latest release, Scorch. £12.50. Arts Centre Saturday 5th, 3pm & 7.30pm Everybody Sing. A fantastic evening of music showcasing the talented students of Everybody Sing. £12.

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Sunday 6th ,7.30pm The Generation Gap. Father and daughter Clarry Bean and Abby Mansi showcase a musical mix from the 50s to present day including pop, jazz, musical theatre and some festive tunes. £12. Arts Centre Thursday 10th, 7pm Welcome The Rat Pack. Take a trip to the Sands Las Vegas and enjoy live performances from Frank, Sammy & Dean along with a four piece band. £15 (+BF), show & dinner tickets £25 (+BF). MECA Thursday 10th, 7.30pm Limehouse Lizzy with their most explosive and critically acclaimed line-up yet. £15.50. Arts Centre Saturday 12th, 7.30pm Aldbourne Brass Band Christmas Concert organised by Haydon Wick Bowls Club. £8, concessions £7.50 available from 01793 725605 or on the door. Haydon Centre Saturday 12th, 8pm A Night of Burlesque. The Flaming Feathers return with a cabaret night studded with sequins, feathers and Burlesque. For over 18s. £25, incl cocktail and nibbles. Wyvern Friday 18th (Dec) West Country Music Club: The Chris Dunne Band. £6; under 18 years, £3; under 10s free. Ferndale Club Saturday 19th, 8pm An Evening with Blues Patrol including soulful blues vocalist Andy Roberts. £25, incl beer or wine and nibbles. Wyvern Thursday 31st 8pm to 2pm Funk, Soul & Disco New Years Party. In adv £5 (+BF); OTD £7. MECA

DANCE Tuesday 8th, 6pm Hot Steppers. An evening of stylishly modern dance moves, designed to inspire and impress. £10. Arts Centre

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CHILDREN & FAMILY During December Festive Farm Fun. Toddler fun with Santa during term time; weekend nativity plays and Christmas crafts; animals and play sessions. See dates, times and prices at rovesfarm. co.uk/christmas-2015. Roves Farm Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th, 7pm Mother Goose.

Enjoy a live band, dancing, singing, slapstick and shout-outs. £6, under 12s £2. The Phoenix Theatre, New College Friday 4th, 6pm to 9pm Family Roller Disco. In adv £5 (+BF); skates & safety equipment hire £2. MECA Saturday 5th December to Sunday 3rd January Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Adam Woodyatt headlines as Chambers with David Ashley as Nurse Nelly. See times and prices at swindontheatres.co.uk. Wyvern Saturday 12th to Thursday 24th Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure. Chaos strikes at Santa’s HQ in the North Pole when Rudolph goes missing and the Elves are up to no good. £13 - £16.50; family offer available. See times and prices at swindontheatres.co.uk. Arts Centre Thursday 19th, 6pm, doors 5.30pm Round the World in 80 Minutes.

The Swindon Ice Figure Club takes you on a round the world adventure with their spectacular dances on ice. £5, for tickets: sifc.co.uk. Link Centre Tuesday 22nd, 11am to 2pm Kids Disney Party. Join Snow White for music, party games, bouncy castle and mini Christmas buffet. £15. Wyvern Wednesday 23rd, 11am to 2pm Minions Party. Music, party games, bouncy castle and mini Christmas buffet. £15. Wyvern

COMEDY Tuesday 1st, 8pm Hal Cruttenden. Hal is back ranting about the real evils of the modern world - over sharing on social media and the 5:2 diet. £18. Arts Centre Friday 4th, 8pm Jeremy Hardy, beginning his fourth decade as a stand-up. £15; unwaged £9. Arts Centre Thursday 17th, 7pm Chuckles Comedy Club. In adv £6 (+BF); OTD £8; show & dinner £12 .

MECA

SWINDON FILM Wednesday 2nd, 7.45pm Before The Winter Chill (15). A man in the autumn of his life is torn between a loving wife and his dangerous attraction for a troubled, mysterious young woman. Arts Centre. SFS Wednesday 9th, 7.45pm, The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared (15). A man escapes from a retirement home, embarking on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey. Arts Centre. SFS Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join at any film showing

VENUES Arts Centre Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 Haydon Centre Thames Avenue SN25 1QQ. Tel: 01793 721526 MECA Regent Circus SN1 1PR Tel: 01793 251111 Phoenix Theatre, New College, New College Drive SN3 1AH West Point Country Music Club at Ferndale Club, 131 Ferndale Road SN2 1BX Tel: 07910 111825 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

Wanborough Farmers Market Wanborough Village Hall Saturday 19 December 9am to 12 noon Locally produced meat and veg plus Traidcraft (Fair-trade) foods Free parking opposite the village hall at the Harrow Pub, where you can buy the chef’s excellent bread Wanborough Farmers Markets are held every third Saturday of each month throughout the year

Fundraising Millbrook Primary School Christmas Fete Friday 4 December, 3.15pm to 5pm Tombolas, games, raffle, Santa candy floss and lots more Worsley Road, Freshbrook Pinetrees Community Centre Association Christmas Craft Fayre and Activities Afternoon Saturday 12 December 12noon to 3pm Craft stalls, luxury hot chocolate stall, cake decorating, craft activities, Father Christmas Pinetrees Community Centre CafĂŠ The Circle, Pinehurst SN2 1QR

swindonlink.com n December 2015

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Swindon Suffragettes make plans for annual festival Over 70 people took part in a suffragette march through Old Town on 25 October, culminating in a rally at Radnor Street Cemetery Chapel to celebrate the contribution made by Swindon born suffragette Edith New to the Votes for Women campaign over 100 years ago, writes Frances Bevan.

Undoubtedly Edith New was a radical. She was the first suffragette to chain herself to railings and to break windows as a means of protest in the battle for female enfranchisement at the beginning of the 20th Century. She was also among the first imprisoned in Scotland to go on hunger strike.

At the chapel the Sixth Sense Youth Theatre Group gave a thought provoking performance and members of the Swindon Community Choir led the 21st Century suffragettes in singing the March of the Women.

There has been so much support for the celebrations of Edith’s life that plans are being made to continue raising awareness of the suffragette’s achievements.

In 1918 the Representation of the People Act granted the vote

to soldiers returning from the battlefields and to women over 30 who met a minimum property qualification.

More than 8 million women were enfranchised but it was another 10 years before all women were able to vote on equal terms with men.

Swindon Suffragette’s joint organiser, Leah Bevan-Haines said: “We aim to make our first festival an annual event moving forwards to the nationwide centenary celebrations in 2018.”

Plans for next year begin with a tea party in March to mark Edith’s birthday, and a summer arts and crafts fair.

Leah added that the fair will emulate what happened 106 years ago. “In 1909 the suffragettes held a Women’s Exhibition at the Prince’s Ice Skating Rink in Knightsbridge where they sold items of needlework, toys, cakes and sweets to raise funds for the Votes for Women campaign.

“For our big event for next summer we are looking for crafters, cake bakers and local artists to join us.”

Dates and further details will be posted at Facebook: Swindon Suffragette.

Swindon Suffragettes on the march along Wood Street, watched closely by the constabulary

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Swindon takes up the ‘Runvember’ challenge for Christmas charity

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BEGINNERS RUNNING COURSES In just 10 weeks we will help you run non-stop for 30 minutes (approx. 5km) INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION EVENING Tuesday 5th January, 7.30pm at Unit 8, Star West, Westmead Drive, SN5 7SW For more information call Clare on 07793 573487 Email: slinnallstars@hotmail.co.uk www.slinnallstars.co.uk Affiliated to England Athletics Qualified Running Coaches

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A local running challenge across Swindon raised much needed donations for the homeless charity Christmas Care throughout November.

‘Runvember’ involved more than 150 people running every day throughout the month and logging their distances on a Facebook page.

It was organised by Alan Butler, a building services contractor from Royal Wootton Bassett.

Mr Butler is no stranger to running challenges. Last year he ran a total of 760 miles in the 30 days of November, with 227 of those coming in the last week alone.

He said: “It’s a way of encouraging people who wouldn’t normally run to try it and feel the buzz I get.

When I’ve completed 20 miles, I feel so proud and fulfilled. Thirteen years ago I used to smoke 40 a day and got out of breath walking up the stairs, but now I run 20 miles without even thinking about it.

“Last year I had 25 people join me in the challenge and it was just a fun thing. I never thought that I would get 150+ people sign up this year, and the emotion that I get when people comment on the Facebook posts is priceless.”

The challenge also had a fun

Run Santa Run - Alan Butler running for Christmas Care element too, with participants asked to take selfies with strangers during their runs and then post the pictures on the event’s Facebook page. There was even a day of the challenge when a group left Coate Water to run around Swindon in swimming costumes.

The challenge took place in aid of Christmas Care, the charity that helps homeless people in Swindon during the Christmas period with temporary accommodation, food and support.

Alan’s motivation to work with the charity during the challenge came from the previous year’s Runvember events. He said: “During

last year’s challenge I used to frequently run through the town centre early in the morning.

“Seeing the homeless in the doorways made me realize how lucky I am. For them I couldn’t begin to understand how hard it must be. To take part in the challenge you had to donate a bag of items from a list at www. christmascare.co.uk as your entry fee.”

Details and pictures from the challenge can be found at: fb / runvember2015 and you can visit Christmas Care’s site at www. christmascare.co.uk l See Volunteer call on p2

Foodbank benefits from Bollywood dinner and dance

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Head Rush

Members of the Gujju Belles fundraisers with Andrew Hill, manager of Swindon Foodbank, from left, Geeta Shah, Sushma Patel, Meena Ladwa, Khayti Bailey Swindon Foodbank received a boost to its Christmas drive to help people in emergency financial distress when the Gujju Belles presented a cheque for £3,000 on 17 November.

Part of the Swindon Hindu Samaj, the social club name comes from a shortened version of Gujarati and the addition of Belles denotes it’s a ladies group. Formed ten years ago in 2005, the ladies meet regularly for keep fit classes, run lunches and entertainment for older members of the Hindu community in the town, and to organise fundraisers in aid of

We wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year

local and national charities.

A Bollywood dinner and dance at Supermarine Sports Club on 24 October raised £5,860 through ticket sales, a raffle, an auction and donations. £2,860 was donated to Cancer Research UK and with a top-up £3,000 was presented to Swindon Foodbank.

Belle member Shushma Patel said: “We wanted to support the Foodbank because the charity does such important work helping families when they find themselves in a sudden financial crisis.”

73 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive Westlea, West Swindon

Tel: 01793 602552

Open Tuesday to Saturday.

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Merry Christmas from us all at Strandz swindonlink.com n December 2015

31

The Swindon Wildcats column with Mike Wray

THE CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTRE

Lifelong dream for Mike

CLARE DUNCAN-HAWES

FREE SPINAL HEALTH CHECK • NECK PAIN • BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • SPORTS INJURY • CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Free 20 minute consultation to assess if Chiropractic will benefit you.

Please call

01793 602454

Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike.

54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk

PAINFUL FEET? Mrs Lesley Taylor MCFHP, MAFHP, MIIR, MAR

Corns, Calluses, Verrucas, Thick Nail or Ingrowing Toenails Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 or 01793 849914 Clinic at: 113 High Street Royal Wootton Bassett

Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC Member of the British Chiropractic Association & College of Chiropractors.

Registered with GCC

Affordable Personal Care for Your Feet Treatments: Nail cutting (feet & hands) Nail deformities & ingrowing toenails Nail infections Verrucae treatment Corns & callus treatment Diabetic foot care Contact Joan Schofield MCFHP MAFHP 07763 908167 Hours to suit your busy lives

www.healthy-happy-feet.co.uk

Wildcats forward Michael Stratford gets a buzz every time he kits up Eighteen-year old Michael Stratford realised one of his ambitions when he signed for the Swindon Wildcats during the summer and with three months of his first ever senior contract under his belt, the forward is still just as excited as when he was offered the chance to step up to the English Premier Ice Hockey League on a permanent basis.

“I get the same buzz when I’m kitting up as I did when I first started playing the game,” he said when talking about how he’s finding life at the Swindon Ice Arena.

“Obviously the game is much harder the higher you go, but I’ve dressed for all of our games so far. The experience that I’ve been gaining each week is immense, it gets more exciting every time; and it will only help my game in the long term.”

One of two players who has graduated from the Okanagan Hockey Academy to the Wildcats roster, Stratford has so far this season featured in seventeen games and scored his first ever EPIHL goal in a 5-3 win against Manchester Phoenix back in September.

Speaking about his progress, newly

appointed player-head coach Aaron Nell said: “I’ve known Michael for a while and he is a real talent.”

“He’s a strong, tall lad who is hungry to better himself and play the game to the best of his ability.

“You can see that in every training session and every shift he puts in on the ice on game days. It’s a real pleasure to be part of his success.”

Having played for the GB under 18s in previous years, the player has also made the successful step up to the U20s side and featured in the side which beat the Nottingham Lions 7-0 in October. He has been confirmed as having a place in November’s World Championships (Division 1B) in France where Great Britain will face the hosts as well as Japan, Poland, Slovenia and the Ukraine in the six-team tournament. l The next kids Go FREE dates at the Wildcats in conjunction with game night sponsors Wyvern Theatre & Arts Centre, are Saturday 9 January, 2016 vs Hull Pirates, face off 5:45pm; and Wednesday 9 March, 2016 vs MK Lightning, face off 7:45pm. Visit www. swindonwildcats.com for further details.

Home fixtures in December Sat 12th, 5.45pm - Bracknell Bees Sat 26th, 5.45pm- Basingstoke Bison Mon 28th, 5.45pm - Bracknell Bees

32

swindonlink.com n December 2015

Christmas story time in a library Santa Claus is planning to take time out from his busy schedule to deliver story times and rhymes to under fives at libraries across Swindon before jumping into his sleigh on Christmas Eve. As you would expect of somebody in a hurry, Santa will be at the following libraries for only half an hour on these December dates: Wroughton: Tuesday 8th, 10.30am; Penhill: Tuesday 8th, 2.30pm;

Even Swindon: Wednesday 9th, 2pm; Central: Tuesday 15th, 11am; Old Town: Tuesday 15th, 2.15pm; Liden: Thursday 17th, 10.30am; Highworth: Thursday 17th, 10.30am; West Swindon: Friday 18th, 10.30am; Pinetrees: Monday 21st, 10am; North Swindon: Wednesday 23rd,11am; Find out more at: www.swindon.gov.uk/libraries

NSPCC Swindon looks for local volunteers ‘Pregnancy in Mind’ is a new service launched by the Swindon NSPCC to work with expectant and new parents in their first year.

The aim is to equip parents with skills to help their mental wellbeing.

NSPCC service manager Ingrid Anson said: “Peer supporters are key to the success of our new service in Swindon, providing reassurance and a friendly face. We want to help parents feel comfortable attending

sessions and encourage them to make use of the skills they have learned once their baby is born.”

Volunteers who would enjoy interacting with expectant parents on transition to parenthood are needed. Roles include driving, crèche work and supporting practitioners alongside group work.

For details contact Jan Davidson janis.davidson@nspcc.org.uk or call 01793 683100.

Take a Boxing Day dip Slimming class starts for Air Ambulance on New Year’s eve Cotswold Open Water Swimmers are inviting swimmers & Wiltshire Air Ambulance supporters to join them for their Boxing Day Dip on 26 December, 9am to 10am, at Lake 32 in the Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester.

Seventy swimmers took part last year and they hope to attract 100 brave souls on Boxing Day, in return for a suggested £5 donation.

For more details please go to the COWS Facebook page at fb/ CostwoldSwimmers or mail jason@ southwestswim.co.uk

A new Slimming World class starts on Thursday 31 December to give people who set themselves a New Year’s resolution a flying start.

It launches at Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue, SN25 2GY. Turn up and set yourself a target for 2016. For details contact Kerry on 07989 500151.

A second new class at the community centre takes place on Saturday mornings.

See page 12 for details of these and other Slimming World classes.

Men - lets talk!

Here’s a challenge from Simon Vizard It’s disappointing that stigma still exists when people admit they need help. Seeing a therapist or receiving counselling is often met with the usual ‘what’s wrong with you?’ response.

Even worse and still common is: ‘You just need to pull yourself together!’

Both statements are incredibly unhelpful if you are struggling to cope. They do nothing to make you feel better or encourage you to get that help. Why is it that someone is considered weak or silly if they admit that they simply need to talk to someone, and be listened to?

In our enlightened world with so many amazing, technological and scientific advances, counselling is still met with suspicion, fear, ridicule and ignorance, which is a sad fact as research shows it is proven to work for many that seek and receive it.

Such comments can instil fear and anxiety in those considering counselling and this is known to be much more prevalent in men. They also face adversity, personal problems, sensitive and embarrassing challenges, and why wouldn’t they? They are not immune to getting hurt, disappointed, sad, confused, lonely or depressed.

Seeking help is often even tougher for men facing relationship difficulties or sexual health issues.

For some, admitting they need help

can lead to feeling alienated or excluded from peers or family; some struggle with not being able to live up to the stereotypical man concept as portrayed in the media.

Put bluntly, men are only human, we are all only human, and we all have a right to seek help and to be happy.

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed, get in touch, and let’s talk.

• Simon Vizard is a qualified Person Centred Counsellor based in Swindon who has been working with men needing support with sexual health related issues including sexuality, homophobia and discrimination, mainly in the gay men’s and LGBTI communities. He also supports men and women with a wide range of other challenges.

Find out more at: www.simonvizard.com Registered Counsellor MBACP/Dip Couns (732631)

swindonlink.com n December 2015

33

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may not reflect real driving results. Promotion available on Fiat 500X Pop 1.6 E-Torq 110hp registered by 31st December 2015. Fiat Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Fiat i-Deal PCP. With Fiat i-Deal you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Fiat Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. We work with a number of creditors including Fiat Financial Services.

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The Jeep Cherokee turns every journey into an adventure. Now with a new 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine, you can go even further. Not just more powerful, it’s also more fuel-efficient and has lower emissions.† AVAILABLE NOW FROM £299 PER MONTH,* £3,000 JEEP DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION, 0% APR REPRESENTATIVE.

Call us today on 01793 393529 to arrange a test drive or visit www.motors.thwhite.co.uk T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre, Forest Park Road, Mead Way, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5QJ.

Model shown Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Longitude Plus 185hp 4WD 9-Speed Automatic at £33,695 OTR including special paint at £650. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE NEW JEEP® CHEROKEE DIESEL RANGE IN MPG (L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 53.3 (5.3) – 61.4 (4.6), URBAN 37.7 (7.5) – 44.1 (6.4), COMBINED 46.3 (6.1) – 53.3 (5.3), CO2 EMISSIONS: 160 – 139 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not 2

be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. †Than the 2.0 170 Active Drive I 4WD version it replaces. *Customer deposit is £4,999. Optional Final Payment is £10,993. Contract Term is 48 months. Promotion available on Cherokee 2.2 Longitude Plus 185hp 4WD 9-Speed Automatic registered between 7th October and 31st December 2015. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP or Jeep Hire Purchase. With Jeep Horizon you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 12p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Jeep Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. We work with a number of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Please visit jeep.co.uk for latest information. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

34

swindonlink.com n December 2015

Kia procee’d GT – Even Better For 2016

Geoff Maxted of Drivewrite.co.uk takes the latest Kia procee’d GT for a spin Kia is a brand of which it can truly be said has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years.

Their model range has widened to include something for everyone and for the driver who prefers a little more action that means the procee’d GT. The Kia cee’d, despite the name, has grown in popularity as a fine all round five-door hatchback. The procee’d is the arguably better looking but not so convenient three-door version. In the GT the company has engineered a car that is just about perfect for an

entertaining drive on Britain’s regulated roads. With a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds it is perhaps best described as a warm rather than hot hatch. What makes this motor excel however is the way it handles. The Kia procee’d GT with its premium-class looks really is good to drive.

The GT is powered by a turbocharged version of Kia’s Gamma 1.6L direct-injection petrol engine, which satisfies EU6 emissions standards. Driving through a six-speed manual ‘box with, in my view, an ideal spread

of ratios, it delivers genuine performance up to, as if it mattered, a top speed of 143mph. At the same time it is an efficient everyday car, with the emphasis on usability and civility in all conditions rather than simply raw speed.

Sports-tuned suspension and steering plus bigger, more powerful all-disc brakes, ensure the car is more than capable of handling the power and torque outputs of 201bhp and 265Nm. For additional grip the GT comes with new 18”alloy wheels fitted with 225/40ZR18 Michelin Sport tyres.

The 2016 GT model has an electronic sound generator which delivers, depending upon your point of view, a distinctive and exciting engine note into the cabin. When activated via a ‘GT’ button on the steering wheel, the traditional analogue speedometer changes to a digital numerical display and shows torque and turbo gauges. I can’t say I care for this. It is artificial and smacks of a boy-racer image.

The comfortable steering wheel has a new D-shaped rim and is trimmed in leather with perforated grips and red stitching. A new

aluminium engine start/stop button is part of the Smart Entry System, complementing the new chrometipped window switches and airvent surrounds which I have to say lend the interior an even classier appearance.

All the usual tech is present including the addition of an MP3compatible DAB radio as part of the six-speaker audio system. There’s illuminated USB and AUX ports, but the old-school amongst you will mourn the loss of a CD player.

It seems that these days we prefer digital music streaming via Bluetooth. Sounds good though.

GT also offers a new 7-inch satellite navigation screen with multi-function Kia Connected Services too numerous to list here.

The 7-inch screen is also linked to a really very good colour reversing camera.

I’m very impressed with this car.

It has a firm but comfortable ride, handles like a dream and can crack on when you need to.

Although it isn’t as quick as a Golf GTi it competes well in all other departments and at just shy of £24k all-in is considerably cheaper too.

With its standout design, the Swift SZ3 is hard to miss. Its light, agile chassis works with responsive steering for handling that’s nothing but fun. With top-class safety, low running costs and head turning curves, you really must see one.

Contact Pebley Beach Swindon today

Request a Test Drive today: suzuki.co.uk/pebley

Pebley Beach Swindon

West Swindon Motor Park Paddington Drive Swindon SN5 7SB 01793 816800

Swift SZ3 official fuel consumption figures in mpg (L/100km): Urban from 46.3 (6.1), extra urban from 64.2 (4.4), combined from 56.5 (5.0). Official CO2 emissions 116g/km.

Fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. 0% APR representative on Suzuki Personal Contract Purchase. Maximum 43 month term. Terms and Conditions apply. Offer available on registrations of Suzuki Swift SZ3 between 1st October 2015 to 31st December 2015, subject to availability. Offer excludes 5dr SZ3 4x4. This finance offer is at a rate better than that of High Street lenders. The offer above is available from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Finance is provided, subject to status by Suzuki Financial Services Ltd. Applicants must be 18 years or over and UK resident (excludes Channel Islands and Isle of Man). Suzuki Financial Services Ltd reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer without notice or prior warning. Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, part of Lloyds Banking Group, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to Suzuki Financial Services.

swindonlink.com n December 2015

35

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

A wide selection of top grade Christmas trees available

All our trees are bushy and we stock many sizes from 4ft to 12ft.

We have a choice of Nordmann low-needle drop, traditional Norway Spruce, Fraseri and various pot grown trees.

We will be selling our popular wreaths, plus holly and mistletoe, as well as a range of quality artificial trees and decorations

Houseplants for Christmas

See our range of plants, including cyclamen, poinsettias, Christmas cacti and our speciality - orchids.

Any of these can be gift-wrapped.

Tel: 01793 731418 Mobile: 07808 355487

Established locally for over 8 years References available

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

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

PET FOOD OFFERS 50 Tub Fat Snax for Wild Birds

ONLY £7.99 Eukanuba £10 off all 15kg bags Loyalty Scheme Available

Range of Coal, Logs, Kindling and Gas

COFFEE SHOP open for Breakfasts, Lunches & Teas

❖ 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

Smallholder Range of Feeds including Poultry, Pig, Goat & Sheep 36

swindonlink.com n December 2015

New in the landscape

worst weather.

It can be configured with three pitches separated by nets or as one large pitch.

The Swindome at Supermarine will be available for hire in early January. For details on how to book, see www.swindonsupermarinefc. com

Cut down trees to improve a West Swindon wood

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care `````` for your garden Grass cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Decking and Fencing Hedge cutting & pruning

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon 01793 526691 Open 7 days a week

01793 790210 07971 566880

for free quotation on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

Email: treeman@iwalding.freeserve.co.uk

Open daily from Saturday 28th November

Southleaze Christmas Trees

The widest range at the best prices

West Swindon’s supplier Also seasoned logs available and Xmas tree recycling Open daily 10am - 6pm at Common Farm, Wroughton Tel: 01793 812322 email: brendabell8@btinternet.com WEST SWINDON

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Free quotations and advice Call Ian Walding (N.C.Hort N.D.Arb)

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Tel: 01793 848708 or 07967 341567 www.earthmovingservices.co.uk

• Pruning and Shaping • Felling and Removal • Hedge Cutting • Stump Grinding • Tree Planting

No Job Too Small. All works insured

• 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) Call Steve to discuss your needs and receive a free estimate

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traditional woodland management techniques are invited to come along. Children are welcome to learn woodcraft skills if accompanied by an adult. The site is not suitable for wheelchairs.

The pre-Christmas outing takes place on Sunday 6 December, 10am to 1pm. Or shake off the festive cobwebs and enjoy a New Year’s jolt on Sunday 3 January.

For details mail: roger_ogle@ mac.com or call 07714 261576.

Facebook: Peatmoor Woodland

LL

Peatmoor Community Woodland Group is in the midst of its winter coppicing programme and welcomes new volunteers to its monthly activity sessions on the first Sunday of the month.

Using only handtools trees are cut down to the ground (coppiced) in a seven year cycle to increase their lifespan and improve the biodiversity of the woods.

Newcomers who want to get practical, do something for the environment and learn about

HERITAGE TREE CARE

LANDSERVE

MI

Some 40 volunteers at Supermarine FC helped construct a 70 metre by 47 metre air dome on 15 November.

Erected on top of an existing all weather 3G surface the German designed structure manufactured in Slovakia provides an excellent indoor training and playing surface available at all hours, even in the

WHARF ROAD

WE ARE HERE

M4 WROUGHTON

swindonlink.com n December 2015

37

Thanks from Swindon Guide Dogs

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

Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind would like to thank everyone for their support during 2015.

Chair Alan Fletcher said: “Without your help we would not have been able to support our aims to help our guide dog owners to achieve their freedom, mobility, independence and confidence and being able to get as much out of life as sighted people.”

To help the charity in 2016, see Facebook: Swindon Guide Dogs or email: fletcas@sky.com

Dog lovers wanted: Open your home to a friendly dog for his holiday.

While owners are away you will welcome their dogs into your family home and give them the love companionship and exercise they deserve.

For more information please contact:

Hilary Coates Tel: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk

www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn A franchise owned and operated under licence by Hilary Coates

Thameswood Veterinary Clinics

Making Life Better

Wishing all our clients a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Our emergency service will be available over Christmas and we are opening on Sunday 27th December, 10am to 12pm at our Greenbridge clinic for routine appointments

62-64 Purton Road Swindon SN2 2LZ (end of Akers Way) Tel: 01793 526780

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk 38

swindonlink.com n December 2015

Hare brained quizzers launch Mad March Hare 2016

Mad March members presenting their cheque for £9,000 to Breast Cancer Now, from left, Kathy Doyle, Barbara Thompson, Richard Nicholson, Jo Ridley, Breast Cancer Now treasurer Clare Rich, Margaret Nicholson, Laura Parnham, Georgia Nicholson. Front, Eunice Salmon and Violet Bell Twenty four teams hopped over to the Mad March Hare quiz at the Winners Lounge at Swindon Town FC on 4 November to launch fundraising for the 2016 event, writes Kathy Doyle.

Nearly 150 supporters took part in the evening and raised £955. The 2015 Mad March Hare run raised £9,000 for Breast Cancer Now and Swindon & North Wiltshire Group and treasurer, Clare Rich, was presented with a cheque by the organising team.

Since the Mad March Hare began in 2008 over £87,000 has been contributed to Breast Cancer Now, the largest breast cancer charity following the merger in April of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign.

Lynn Parfrey, leader of the Swindon & North Wiltshire Group, said: “The Mad March Hare event has consistently donated substantial funds to the charity. It has grown from strength to strength and provides invaluable support to the challenge of research and raising awareness of Breast Cancer.”

The 9th Mad March Hare takes place on Sunday 20 March 2016, starting and finishing at Lydiard Park Academy. The 5km or 10km routes will take walkers, joggers and runners on a circular route of West Swindon and Lydiard Park.

Register for a place or as a volunteer organiser at www. madmarchhare.org.uk, email at info@madmarchhare.org.uk or call 0845 6808064.

Scout Christmas Post 2015 Scouts across Swindon are again taking part in the annual Scout Christmas Post this year.

The 7th Swindon (Abbey Meads) Scout Group will be selling stamps at 30p each at Asda Walmart, North Swindon District Centre at the following times: Friday 27 November, 7pm - 8pm Saturday 28 November, 10am - 4pm Sunday 29 November, 10am - 4pm Friday 4 December, 7pm - 8pm Saturday 5 December, 10am - 4pm Sunday 6 December, 10am - 4pm

Friday 11 December, 7pm - 8pm Saturday 12 December, 10am - 4pm Stamps are also available at the Uplands School Charity Shop in Redhouse Centre.

A special green posting box is located in Asda to receive cards.

Last collection from the post box will be 4pm on Tuesday 15 December. Cards will be delivered over the weekend of 19 and 20 December.

For details visit Asda or Uplands or call mail Philippa Kennard: ph@k.gg Since 1981, Scouts across the UK have been

licensed to deliver Christmas cards as part of a Scout Post. In Swindon this helps to raise funds for groups and raises the profile of Scouting within the local community.

The delivery area includes Swindon as well as Badbury, Bishopstone, Blunsdon, Burderop, Chiseldon, Draycott Foliat, Elcombe, Hannington, Highworth, Hinton Parva, Hodson, Inglesham, Langton Park, Liddington, Overtown, Red Barn, South Leaze, South Marston, Stanton Fitzwarren, Stratton St Margaret, Thorney Park, Wanborough, West Leaze, Wroughton.

Other towns and villages: Wootton Bassett, Purton, Lydiard Millicent, Bushton, Clyffe Pypard, Tockenham, Broad Town, Cricklade, Latton, Ashton Keynes, Shrivenham, Watchfield, Bourton, Idstone, Ashbury & Kingston Winslow.

Trampoline centre receives award for military commitment HM Lord Lieutenant for Somerset has presented her award for 2015 to Freedog Urban Activity Centre in Swindon in respect of its commitment to members of the armed forces.

Freedog, which has its headquarters in Bath, opened the UKs largest indoor trampoline centre at Kembrey Park in July. It currently employs two ex-service personnel in senior positions and has opened up the 36,000 square foot facility to the armed forces community. Recruitment events have taken place and family days for local regiments are planned. This winter an armed forces dodgeball league will be launched.

Freedog’s human relations director Le Roux Dupper said: "We are very proud of this award and

Royal Marines Corporal Daniel Smart receiving the award on behalf of Freedog from the Lord Lieutenant for Somerset Anne Maw

Town centre literary landmark turned to dust

Top, the Double Helix being unwound by demolition contractors.

Below, Swindon’s 7th Wonder of the Ffordian world To drivers it was simply the Carfax Street car park above the bus station in the town centre, but to readers of fantasy writer Jasper Fforde, it was one of the Seven Wonders of Swindon – but no more.

The site is immortalised as the Double Helix of Carfax in Fforde’s Thursday Next series of novels which are set in a Swindon existing in a parallel universe.

But, as reported in the March 2014 Link, Fforde’s fantasy was unable to resist Swindon Council’s desire to redevelop that part of the town as Kimmerfields.

At the time Fforde was surprisingly sanguine about the prospect of his vision being vapourised. “Whether it will be rebuilt at a theme park in Arizona has yet to be determined. Dismayed as I might be to learn of the loss of this historic landmark to a senseless and degrading act of vandalism,

I am heartened to learn that the new development of Swindon town centre will feature a 40-foot-high bronze cast of myself, surrounded by 4 eternal flames and an honour guard.”

According to Jasper: ‘Swindon’s famous and groundbreaking early design in stressed steel concrete laid the groundwork for Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Gaudi and many others.’

Read more about Jasper Fforde’s reimagined Swindon at: www. jasperfforde.com/swindon/7wonders

our continued relationship with the armed forces. It is one of the first commitments made by the company, one that is supported from the very top. We provide fantastic benefits to armed forces personnel returning to civilian life and continue to support them with special leave for reservists and Army Cadet Force volunteers.

“The award is the first building block of what we hope is a very special relationship with the armed forces, one that we can build on as we continue our expansion" Freedog can be found at Unit 30, Techno Trading Estate, Kembrey Park, Bramble Road, SN2 8HB See details including opening hours at: www.freedog.com

VACANCY

Part-time caretaker for Freshbrook Community Centre and Roughmoor Social Hall, Peatmoor.

Hours vary but the job pays up to 32 hours per fortnight on a week on/week off basis.

The successful applicant will need to be a car owner/ driver, be able to set out and put away the bouncy castle and be available to open and close the buildings as required, including some late evenings.

Pay: £7.85 per hour (Living Wage) For details call 01793 870526

Christmas cracker run around Lydiard The fifth Swindon Santa 5k Run around Lydiard Park in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Swindon and North Wiltshire Breast Cancer Now takes place on Sunday 6 December.

All registrants aged over 15 will receive a Santa suit comprising trousers, jacket, hat, beard and belt.

Younger participants aged 9 to 14 will also be given a full youth Santa suit.

The festive fitness morning starts with a lively Zumba warm-up and a reindeer-pulled sleigh will heighten the festive mood.

Registration starts at 10am, ready for the 11am start.

Tickets are: £15 - 15s and over; £7 for 9 to 14 years; £5 for 5 to 8s.

Under 4s free.

Register for this festive fitness outing at: www.swindonsanta.org.uk

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

Tel: 01793 705333

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 n December 2015

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REPAIR & IMPROVE YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

MILESTONE Building Services

Complete Property Renovations & Alterations Kitchens / Bathroom Tiling / Flooring Brickwork / Blockwork Paving / Patios Fencing / Decking & Ground Works Carpentry / Plumbing All Building Works Undertaken No job too small • Free estimates Contact: Dean Scanlon Telephone: 01793 422032 Mobile: 077 8968 1536

• • • • • • • • • •

Extensions Garage & Loft Conversions Conservatories Garden Walls Patios & Fencing Plastering Wall & Floor Tiling Laminate & Wood Flooring Block Paving Painting & Decorating All our work is carried out to your complete satisfaction

Contact: Pete

Tel: 01793 932 570 Mob: 07790 283 186

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

Do better business!

Promote what you do on paper and online @ swindonlink.com Call Sue Roberts to discuss our combined advertising packages

01793 781502 40

swindonlink.com n December 2015

Semi-retired Plumber 24hr emergency call out • 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

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

Misted or Broken Windows?

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS ● Repairs to all upvc doors and windows ● 24 hr boarding up service and lock change ● Hinges, Window/Door Locks and Handles etc.

Call Jamie for free advice and quote on all aspects of upvc.

We will beat any like for like quotation

Alison J Hook Painter, Decorator & General Handywoman

• 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

DJR General Builders Ltd Competent, reliable and fully insured.

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

• • • •

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

t: 01793 692149 m: 07780 915446 e: ajh.decor@gmail.com

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

derek.richardson5@virginmedia.com

NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447

upvc-swindon@hotmail.co.uk

24 The Elms, Nine Elms Swindon SN5 5XA

Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

All types of electrical work undertaken

SWINDON GAS SERVICES

01793 940089 or 07526 647673

• House extensions, alterations & rewires • Fault finding & repairs • Fuse board repairs & replacements • Testing & certification • Intruder alarm systems • Bathroom installations • Lighting & socket outlets • 24 hour emergency call out

Fully qualified, NAPIT & Part P Approved Electricians

01793 847575

www.wired-electrical.co.uk info@wired-electrical.co.uk

www.swindongasservices.co.uk

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 ★ 15 years experience 550065

Affordable luxury fitted wardrobes, measured, manufactured and fitted from only £495 Made to measure, floor to ceiling, a wide range of traditional and modern designs in various finishes For a free brochure and no obligation quote Call 01793 827188 www.mryprojects.co.uk

ACP

Chrome sockets and switches Home extensions/rewire Replacement fuse boards Kitchen & bathroom electrics Data cabling/office conversions Garage/garden power Decorative lights Fault finding/repairs Fully insured to £2m Free, no obligation quotes and advice for the Swindon area

Call Dan: 07791 791513 Email: dan@boylectrical.co.uk Visit: www.boylectrical.co.uk

Haydon Wick Heating Services

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

Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

hwheating@googlemail.com

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

REPAIR & IMPROVE

41

YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

GASTECH THE INDEPENDENT GAS SPECIALISTS 217129

24 YEARS EXPERIENCE 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

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

142573

SERVICE CONTRACT SPECIALISTS

FOR GAS SERVICE CALL 01793 848800 6 Templars Way Industrial Est, Marlborough Rd, W. Bassett SN4 7SR

07845 90 80 60 or 01793 700 820

www.gastechwilts.co.uk

www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

A&J DEVELOPMENTS LTD • • • • •

Home Improvements General Building Extension & Renovations Kitchens & Bathrooms Plastering & Decorating

• • • •

Gas Safe Registered 190354 Plumbing & Heating Boilers Electrical Installations

• Fencing & Sheds • Decking & Patios

Call Andy on 07779 300121 or 01793 825005 aecampbell6@googlemail.com

WARMSHIELD SERVICES LTD

• Boiler breakdowns and maintenance contracts from £15/month • Boiler servicing from £59 + VAT • Landlords Gas Safety and PAT testing • Boiler and heating systems upgrades • Full central heating designs and installation • Power flushing / Descaling Combi • General plumbing boilers from from tap washers to £1,350 full bathroom suites + VAT • Free no obligation quotes u 10% discount with this advert (quote ref WL 2714) u £500 off any new boiler installed

559105

Tel: 01793 753341

www.heatingswindon.com

D E Carpentry

J&R Plumbing

DLS Property Services Ltd

Providing plumbing services to clients throughout Swindon 30 years experience Friendly, reliable service

k Kitchen fitting

Plastering • Floor & wall tiling Plumbing • Electrics Facias, soffits & guttering Part/full house refurbishments

k Fitted wardrobes

Tel: 01793 338275 Mob: 07796262942

Tel: 01793 271185 Mobile: 07813 950899

k Door hanging

Kitchens & bathrooms supplied & installed from start to finish

For a free estimate from a Home Improvement Specialist please call David on

OAP discount on request

For all your carpentry needs

k Real wood and laminate flooring k 15 years experience

Call 01793 514069 or 07885 972172

Email: info@dlspropertyservices.com

e: ellisj10@sky.com

Web: www.dlspropertyservices.com

www.delliscarpentry.co.uk

EJS-Link-QPC_93x133mm.pdf 1 12/11/2015 13:55:31

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician

The Plumber you’ll Recommend!

Part P Registered Part P Registered

• Extra Sockets/lights Extra Sockets/lights • • Fuse Board Upgrade • Fuse Board Upgrade

• • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and Complete Rewires • • Complete Rewires No job too small!

• • No job too small!

Connected Connected Electrical Electrical && Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 or Tel: 07824 314080 or 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

RepaiRs, installation, Maintenance FRee FREE Quotes!

QUOTES! EXCELLENT seRvice!

SERVICE! excellent Call Call Justin: Justin:

Tel: 593 Tel:01793 01793 871 826322 Mob: 07503 210 748 Mob: 07503 210748

justinhallplumbing@gmail.com justinhallplumbing@gmail.com

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 www.haynesconstruction.org.uk

Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists • • • •

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

Fully insured. 18 years experience Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on

0800 1357063 or 07967 155502 or email:

info@benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk swindonlink.com n December 2015

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REPAIR & IMPROVE YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

Plumbing

& Heating ❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring, all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed 302877 Free estimates

01793 876600 07748 964433

MJP Home Creations Creation Born Of Perfection Specialists in kitchens bathrooms and wetrooms Design and installation, plastering, plumbing, electrics, underfloor heating and tiling

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

Approved Plumber

mjplumbing64@gmail.com

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

Doctor Glass repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671

G R SERVICES Painting and decorating Carpentry services Grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Kitchen & bathroom installations Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879 email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

42

swindonlink.com n December 2015

DECORATOR

DECORATING & CARPENTRY

Quality painting and decorating at an affordable price

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen & bathroom refits • Internal alterations

40 years experience No VAT Free estimates For professional, reliable and friendly service call

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

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

Call 01793 618936 or 07976 885203

www.trevorwyse.com

RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work • Central heating • Bathrooms & showers

7 YEAR GUARANTEE on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers

• Competitive rates • All work guaranteed

203455

PLANS DRAWN

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

Call Bob on 07778 324228

01793 979282 or 07453 966627

Quality Plumbing & Heating Est. 30 years • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Bathrooms & tiling • Power showers • Outside taps Reg: 128966

Kevin Rolfe

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

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.

GBD Services

All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Accredited Installer

• No job too small

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

DECORATOR

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

GILES BROS WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST

FLOOR & WALL TILING SPECIALISTS

Please call Leon for a free quote

Free Quotes

TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673

Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Email: leon.jack@hotmail.co.uk

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

TILING

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories

REPAIR & IMPROVE

43

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

Free estimates Call Jamie on 01793 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

J SBUILDING PropertySERVICES Services Bathroom suites Homeand & Garden Improvements kitchens fitted General carpentry UPVC windows & doors Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Conservatories, fascias Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors and guttering Skirtings / architraves Roofing & building Decking and patios maintenance General building maintenance

Painting, decorating, Free estimates ceramic tiling Call Jamie on 704309 or 0777 594 8833 Telephone/fax: www.jspropertyservices.co.uk 01793 874807

Experienced in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating ✓ Domestic, commercial & letting ✓ Specialist in insurance claims & DIY 'rescues’ ✓ Competitive rates (no VAT) ✓ Excellent references ✓ Registered & recommended by the Painting & Decorating Association ✓ Age UK Registered ✓ Full public liability insurance Free advice and quotations contact Darryl Bevan on 01793 497461 or 07919 671307

or

FREE ESTIMATES

Paul Rhind

PA I N T I N G A N D D E C O R AT I N G

CARPENTRY

A C h a n g e o f Co l o u r

YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

&D

eco

rat

TREVOR INTERIOR & WYSE EXTERIOR Professional Painter ain

ter

& Decorator REDUCTIONS FOR OAPsWallpaper Specialist

EP

Coving • Dado Rails •Call Tiling

PR

ID

01793 Call 01793 721455 or 334823 07976 885203 or 07788 572043 www.trevorwyse.com

SAFE & SHAW ELECTRICAL SERVICES ✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS NO OBLIGATION

Please call Paul Eastham on 07769 883717

INTERIOR H EXTERIOR H WALLPAPERING H COVING H

• 20 years experience • Competitive rates • No job too small • Reliable & friendly service • Free estimates

Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051 Services

(Household Maintenance) Handyman • Plastering • Carpentry • Garden maintenance • Decorating, Coving • Groundwork • Tiling • Bathroom & Kitchen installation • Fencing & Patios • Power jetting • Building, installing partition walls, loft boarding & repairs Competitive rates, flexible hours, reliable, no job too small For a free no obligation quote call Gary on

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

swindonlink.com n December 2015

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SERVICE SECTOR YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL SERVICES

CJD

Aerial Solutions

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

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

• 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

01793 744957

50% off digital aerials

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

www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

ARCHITECT

BOOK-KEEPING

AJC Architectural Services Plans drawn Building Regulations Extensions, alterations & newbuilds All aspects of architectural design & engineering

01793 976605 07788 265772

AERIAL SERVICES

Shaun Guard

TV AERIAL SERVICES Poor Reception Solved Aerials repaired & supplied TVs - Hung on your wall and tuned Extra TV Points - For aerial and Sky (In HD!) Sky TV - Also Foreign Language TV

Call Swindon 01793 474720 CARPETS

Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work?

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.

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

CLEARANCE

AERIAL SERVICES

Chris Payne

aerials & satellite systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points NO VAT

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

CARPET CLEANING

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

We bring the showroom to you!

Carpet, Vinyl, Wood & Laminate

01793 200071

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

• Quickly usable

Great personal service with great prices!

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

COMPUTER SUPPORT

COMPUTER SUPPORT

www.jcarpets.co.uk

Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

Computer problems?

Let us help

Man & Van Service Rhino bag (skip bag) Grab hire & aggregates delivered

Call us today on 0800 68 999 88 or 01793 680297 or book online at www.absolute-rubbish.co.uk

GARAGE DOORS

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 8, Central Trading Estate, Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD

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

44

swindonlink.com n December 2015

OVEN CLEANING

Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves

Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £40 - Range £60 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

01793 877677 or email:

office@enlan.co.uk

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 • Web design With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

Tel: 01793 325685

LOCKS

Local locksmith Reasonable rates • New locks fitted • Gain entry • Problem uPVC doors and windows • Fitting of all wooden doors and hardware For a competitive quote call Matt on 07734253189 or email oakhurstlocks@aol.com Checkatrade registered & insured

PEST CONTROL

Cost Effective Pest Prevention and Control

Highly competitive pricing Swindon based • Fully qualified Specialists in all pest removal Bird proofing 7 Day - No call out charge

Call 07818 550347

russell@whelanpest.co.uk

SERVICE SECTOR

45

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Hale SkillS • Washing Machines • Cookers

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances

• Dishwashers • Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 year’s experience

Same day/next day service

Call 07963 131429

Tel: 01793 469300

e.mail: haleskills@gmail.com

CARPET CLEANING

CLEANING

Abacus Cleaning Services

THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE

Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

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

or 01793 490668

House cleans from £16 per house.

Around £26 for a 4 bed.

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly cleans.

One-off Spring cleans Ironing £17 per basket, collected and returned the next day

01793 421802

www.abacuscleaningswindon.co.uk

Call 01793 875665 07780625244

COMPUTER SUPPORT

FURNITURE WANTED

Est 2002 For all your computing needs

• • • • •

CLEANING

Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

Call us now for free, no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 511885

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

Mobile: 07506 740921

www.procleancleaningservices.co.uk

GARAGE DOORS

Installation & Repairs New Doors • Automation No Obligation Quotes Est. 1981

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 320 439 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

CLEANING

Showroom:

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

Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796 swindondoorservices@ btinternet.com

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

REMOVALS

SCRAP METAL

TV REPAIRS

UPHOLSTERY

WHITE VAN MAN

RODDERS SCRAP METAL

Gogglebox

M & J Upholsterers

SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35

• Full house removal • House clearance • Disposal of unwanted items • Any distance long/short • Fully insured NEW: Licensed to remove fridges

Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436

All metals removed FREE of charge Washing machines, cookers, microwaves etc.

Sorry no fridges or freezers Scrap cars collected FREE of charge

01793 613396 07899 018167 Registered waste carrier

New TV tuning & system set-up In house TV repairs In house estimates

Call Darryl Pace on 01793 812738

RE-UPHOLSTERY & ALL SUITE REPAIRS Re-upholstery of 3 piece suites, dining & fireside chairs etc.

Also new seat interiors Seams - Zips - Springs

LEATHER CLEANING Repairs carried out in situ Established 1972

Call 07709 453949 emanjayupholstery@gmail.com swindonlink.com n December 2015

45

VIEWPOINT: After Paris - we should love and not hate Charity Clubbercise Class in sports chairs on Tuesday 8 December at Commonweal School, Old Town in aid of Swindon Shock wheelchair basketball team Book a chair for £10 by contacting: samjamesfitness@outlook.com

Round the World on Ice in 80 Minutes

Thursday 19 December, 6pm, doors open 5.30pm Swindon Ice Figure Club’s s ice dance show at Swindon Ice Arena Tickets £5 from club table at Link Centre on Thursdays 5pm to 8pm or www.sifc.co.uk

Taste of Christmas @ Purton Farm Shop Sat 5th - Sun 6th December 10am-4pm Free Entry Local craft & artisan products Fresh coffee & mince pies Mulled wine & cider

Church End, Purton SN5 4EB www.purtonhouseorganics.co.uk

46

swindonlink.com n December 2015

Group Editor Jamie Hill believes that it is vital we do not let the terrorists lead us down a path of xenophobia and fear and instead do all we can to help those in need.

The recent terror attack on Paris had one simple aim - to sow discord and fear. To make us look over our shoulders in suspicion at everyone around us.

The terrorists want that. They want us to ‘hate’.

In this they have the same aims as Britain First and other UK far right groups of making us fear each other. The so-called Islamic State thrives on that. It thrives on Islamophobia.

The more hate there is, the more they’re able to use it to swell their ranks with disaffected young people who believe that the West hates them for wherever they look they can only see more hate, making these disaffected and alienated youths easy targets for radicalisation.

It’s a vicious circle. Hate leads to hate leads to more hate.

I believe as a species we need to do the exact opposite and find our

humanity.

We’ve definitely got humanity.

The recent groundswell of public support for the refugee crisis shows that.

And although there have been other recent terror attacks in Nigeria and Beirut, for the majority it is Paris that has really made us look up from our smartphones and take notice.

Paris is our closest mainland European capital city. It’s a city that we all know and love.

The people that live there have lives not too disimilar to our own.

We can relate to them.

We need to show solidarity with France right now and for its ideals of ‘liberté, egalité and fraternité’ all ideals despised by the terrorists.

Take the aforementioned refugee crisis. These people are fleeing the horrors of this cult of death in the chaos that is Syria and Iraq. We need to take them in and help them

Christmas Bookings as much as possible.

And I refuse to believe that these killers are using the refugees to covertly smuggle more and more terrorists into our countries. That is a claim that originated with the terrorists themselves trying to sow even more distrust, making us push away our fellow man in their time of desperate need.

Daesh has built a billion dollar terrorist network with a very organised infrastructure built from criminal enterprise. To send its fighters on perilous sea crossings and unpredictable border controls by joining the stream of refugees just to get its fighters here does not make sense. They have access to a lot easier and more secure means of getting their fighters where they want them to be rather than taking

such unnecessary risks.

After events like this, in recent years, social media has tended to go into a frenzy of half-truths and propaganda. Religious hatred and overt racism is rife during these times.

They are not representative of Muslims. Just like the Ku Klux Klan and Anders Brejvik in Norway are not representative of Christianity.

They are all simply mad pscyhotic people who are full of hate.

I’m proud of being British because we are an open society who in my lifetime has welcomed other cultures with open arms and long may this continue.

The best way to fight the terrorists is to not let them take our humanity away. We can do this by showing love instead of hate.

Now Being Taken in

HongXin & The Banquet!

FREE Meal Voucher(s) for a Party with 6 or More Adults* (booking required, please visit website for details) Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor, SN5 5EZ

FREE Xmas Crackers for Early Bookings*

www.hongxin.co.uk

*T&Cs Apply

01793 877888

Bring the Fantastic Banquet to Swindon Town Centre: The

BanOuet 盛 宴

Best Value in Town!

Include Desserts, Fruits, Salad, Sushi, Icecream ...

Reservation:

www.thebanquet-restaurant.co.uk 01793 420059 Near Swindon Central Library

Bring the Great Experience to Internet & Your Home:

n Fuwsiook

Fantastic Offers are Available in Our Own Website:

www.fusion-wok.co.uk Tel: 01793 875 000 01793 877888

£6

* Voucher For Cash Payment Only

For A Telephone Order Over £25 Please Inform Us Using the Voucher When You Place the Order *T&Cs Apply, No Cash Alternative, Can’t be Used with Any Other Offers

FREE Delivery (Min Order Applies, T&Cs Apply) Pick up from Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor swindonlink.com n December 2015

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