December 2016 North West Edition Swindon Link

No 415 December 2016

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Est. overall readership across Swindon: 100,000

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North and West Swindon Edition

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Community News

Call for donations for Christmas Care

Proud partner of

Director: James Phipps Executive Chairman: Julian Barlow Group Editor: Jamie Hill Chief Reporter: Ben Fitzgerald Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Mike Barham Sales: Dave Stewart & Rosy Presley Photography: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

Swindon Christmas Care will again provide temporary shelter and meals for homeless and lonely people and those in need from Christmas Eve until 11am on Wednesday 28 December.

This year it will take place at a new venue, Buckhurst Park Community Centre, Burghley Close, Walcot, Swindon SN3 3BS. Run entirely by volunteers, tea, coffee and a friendly face will be available 24 hours a day.

Various venues in the town will be collection points for donations during December: l Swindon Rugby Club, Greenbridge Road, Saturday 10th, 10am to 2pm and Sunday 11th, 11am to 3pm: tinned food, packets of dried goods such as rice and pasta, tea, sugar, coffee and toiletries l Brunel Plaza, next to Sue Ryder shop, Saturdays 3rd, 10th

and 17th, 10am to 4pm: food as above and also warm clothing and footwear l Dome Community Centre, Walcot, Saturday 17th, 12noon to 3pm: food, toiletries, clothing. Due to limited space B&Q Distribution Centre is donating a sealed container at the Dome l Tesco, Ocotal Way, from Thursday 1st: food and toiletries No bedding is required this year as this is being sponsored by the Car Shop and the Rotary Club of Swindon. For more details about donations and volunteering see: www.christmascare.co.uk Staff from Excalibur Communications in Peatmoor will be taking part in a sponsored sleepout on 6 December in aid of Threshold and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

You can donate money at www.bit.ly/2f4hHxd

Abbey Stadium revamp gets underway

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for January adverts and editorial: 7 December January edition published: 28 December

Positive Media Group Limited, Unit 3, Arclite House, Century Road, Swindon SN5 5YN T: 01793 744677 E: publisher@swindonlink.com Our Statistics Est. Readership of 100,000 in print & c.15,000 monthly online visitors.

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Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Arclite House, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YN. Printed by pcp Telford

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From left: Tom Lloyd-Jones, Clarke Osborne, Justin Tomlinson and Cllr Toby Elliott at the Abbey Stadium site

After a decade of planning, work has officially begun on the building of a new greyhound and speedway stadium at Abbey Meads.

At a ground breaking ceremony, CEO of Gaming International Clarke Osborne was joined by Cllr Toby Elliott (Con, Priory Vale), Tom LloydJones of Lloyds Bank and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.

Justin said: “This development is significant for greyhound and speedway racing fans and secures a major new sporting and leisure facility for Swindon.

“We still have a way to go, but

we are on the final lap and I am looking forward to the finishing line.”

Mr Osborne explained that the existing facility will continue to function - hosting greyhound racing, speedway events and acting as a market venue - while building work is underway on the ambitious project.

The first phase of building is due to be finished in May 2017 and it is expected that both greyhound and speedway racing and the Blunsdon Market will transfer to the new building in June 2017.

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Community News

New parish boundaries agreed despite town-wide objections Plans to create new parish councils in Swindon have been given the goahead in the face of opposition.

Following a heated debate in a full Swindon Council meeting on 10 November - constantly interrupted by protests from the public gallery - councillors voted the proposal through, 29 for and 26 against (with one abstention).

Prior to the meeting protestors and opposition councillors chanted ‘no new parishes’ on the steps of the Civic Offices.

At the meeting Labour group leader Jim Grant said: “These proposals have no mandate. It will lead to a council tax increase by the back door. It’s a layer of bureaucracy that no one wants.

Without doubt it will hit the poorest the hardest. It will hit them in the pocket, where it hurts.”

He said that those living in the newly created parishes could see an 11 per cent rise in their council tax bills.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Stan Pajak (Eastcott, Lib Dem) said: “There is a lack of understanding about this. This move is not about community, it’s all about the need to raise money.”

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He said that the council was paying the price for previously keeping a lid on council tax rises and was now being forced to look at ways of meeting the increasing costs of adult social care.

Cllr Kevin Small (Mannington and Western, Lab) said: “This administration has been forced into this decision tonight because of the cuts forced on them by the Tory central government.”

Council leader Cllr David Renard (Con) said: “We 57 councillors have a legal responsibility to balance the books. The Labour group haven’t got any alternative answers. This is about protecting local services and this is the only way to achieve it.”

A total of three new parishes are planned for the town. These are West Swindon, Central North and Central South Swindon.

The Central South Swindon Parish covers six wards; Old Town, Central Eastcott, Park South, and joint wards of Walcot and Park North as well as Lawn and Badbury Park.

Shadow parishes come into being early next year with the councils actively taking on services from 1 April 2017 and elections to be held for parish councillors in May.

The new parish boundaries

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Community News

The Spirit of Swindon and rising to one of the biggest challenges facing the UK

By Tom Wilkes of Spirit of Swindon First the bad news: the gap between the richest and the poorest in a country damages everyone.

It is not just those at the bottom, the gap damages those at the top, too. People living in countries which are less equal in economic terms do worse across a range of social and health-related issues than countries which are similar but more equal. Rates of divorce, mental illness, alcohol and drug addiction, life expectancy and crime are all increased. The poorest may suffer the most but economic inequality also afflicts the affluent.

Everybody is affected either directly or indirectly.

So what about the UK? In a world ranking of developed nations where do we stand in terms of the gap between the richest and the poorest in society? Uncomfortably for us it turns out that the UK is among the most unequal developed countries. When the gap between the 20 per cent poorest and 20 per cent most wealthy were compared in 2011 we were the third worst; only Portugal and the USA ranked

higher. It has narrowed a little since then but the more affluent have, on average, seven times that of the less wealthy. In Japan and the Scandinavian countries it is around four times. In the UK we have now levels of inequality of wealth not experienced for 100 years and the gap has particularly widened over the last four decades.

Income and economic inequality is present in every town and impacts every single person.

The good news for us in Swindon is that we look better placed than most to do something about it.

One reason for this is our strong economic base. We have relatively high levels of employment and a broad range of businesses, including major companies and organisations.

The second reason is the strength of our community networks and the spirit it embodies. Across Swindon there is a multitude of groups supporting and serving their local communities; there is a long tradition of looking out for one another and those who are facing difficulties. It is the spirit of being good neighbours – including people we have never met.

Swindon’s M4 junctions receive makeover

There is no quick fix to address economic inequality and dealing with its impact. Its causes and solutions are complex and debated.

Yet that does not mean there is nothing we can do. Over the coming months Spirit of Swindon will look at some of the issues, sharing stories, and giving every Link reader an opportunity to become involved in being part of a change most of us want to see.

This will start from having confidence as people who live in Swindon that we can bring about change – not by complaining and blaming, but recognising everyone has a part to play. Is that true of you? Our individual part may be relatively small but together the impact could be significant. This is not about party politics or grand strategy – it is about seeing what emerges when we each realise that changing the future starts small and starts with me.

Each month there will be one thing you could do to make a difference with some possibilities.

We start here with the ‘one thing’ of finding out more about the impact of inequality. A book called The Spirit Level by Richard

Wilkinson & Kate Pickett is very significant. Go to www.bit. ly/2fFp9jo or www.bit.ly/1EOmngh for info.

There are people in Swindon who are choosing between eating a meal and having the central heating on – fuel or food. Buying something to contribute to the collection for a foodbank at your local supermarket might be that ‘one thing’ which helps them.

You may well have better ideas.

Please email them to publisher@ swindonlink.com with ‘Spirit of Swindon’ as the subject.

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

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Clearance work continued along Hay Lane during November

Works to construct the entrances for the site compound and clear the treeline close to Junction 16 have been ongoing on the B4005 Hay Lane during November, ahead of major works taking place in the coming months.

The motorway junction redesign is a requirement of the outline planning permission for the major housing development at nearby Wichelstowe and needs to be complete before the 1,100th property on the site is occupied.

The work is being funded by a central goverment grant, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Wichelstowe Joint Venture, and is being delivered by Swindon Borough

Council in partnership with Highways England and Wiltshire Council.

The plans see the introduction of a dedicated right turn from Swindon Road to Hay Lane.

Upgrades to Junction 15 will begin upon completion of the J16 works, as part of Swindon Borough Council’s drive to improve key highway interchanges ahead of the Wichelstowe and Eastern Villages expansions.

All slip roads leading from the M4 to the Junction 15 roundabout will be widened as will the A346 approach to the junction from Marlborough.

For updates visit: www.swindon.gov.uk/junction16

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17/11/2016 17:56

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16/11/2016 16:11

Community News

Freedom Kit Bags give Nepalese women a better life in troubled times Menstruation is something still not openly talked about, even in enlightened western society, but having access to sanitary wear is something women in the west take for granted.

Recently a female activist ran a marathon during her menstrual period without any sanitary protection, in order to highlight the plight of women around the world who still have to live like this, that is with no way to deal with the blood running down their legs, either because of custom and/ or because they are economically disadvantaged and do not have access to such products.

Explaining the problem, Dr Rosa Matheson from Highworth, founder of the Book Project which aims to empower women in Nepal, said: “When Nepalese women have their period, they are called ‘chhaupadi’, which translates to ‘untouchable being.’ Custom means they’re required to hide away because they’re considered unclean and are unable to work, prepare food or attend school.

“There are many problems that come from being without proper sanitary protection. Not only are females really vulnerable to vaginal

infections that “The factory can lead to pelvic also operates as a inflammation women’s centre, and infertility, where women which is a can learn about growing problem their health, and, in the country, importantly, be women and girls educated about also suffer from how menstruation mental health is natural and problems such as normal. low self-image “Beni had begun and depression. making reusable And it starts early sanitary pads and as girls tend to we helped her start menstruation develop this idea earlier than they into a complete Rosa with a Freedom Kit Bag do in Britain.” kit - the Freedom Rosa and her husband, former Kit Bags. They include washable West Swindon GP Ian Matheson, pads for daily and night-time use, have been the driving force behind pad-holders, pants, a waterproof bag support for Angel’s Orphanage in for soiled pads, soap, a washing line Kathmandu. Over several years and a colourful bag to keep it all in. they’ve become more aware of Everything is deliberately attractive the health needs in Nepal and the to help empower the women.”

Freedom Kit Bag project has been If you’re searching for a valuable developed with Nepalese activist Christmas present, donating Beni Rani Ghale. Rosa said: “She’s £25 to fund a Freedom Kit Bag, an amazing woman and campaigns which includes two years sanitary tirelessly to help and empower protection, is a perfect gift. women. She runs a small factory Swindon businessman James and shop which before the 2015 Phipps has led the way with his earthquake was making and selling support, saying: “With two young items from recycled materials. daughters who will never experience

the challenges girls in Nepal face, I believe it is my moral responsibility as a father to give them the support they need.”

Highworth Lions have also made a generous donation to the project.

Reflecting on the difference that having proper sanitary wear makes to women’s lives Rosa said: “During our visit last year to Kodari, a village where 151 out of 152 houses were destroyed in the earthquake, I described the Freedom Kit Bags to the wife of the headteacher at the school. She gave me such a hug, then we got a big round of applause from a large group of other women after she explained. This shows how transformational the kits will be.”

Rosa returned to Kodari in November and, with the help of a Nepalese female friend, they distributed 150 kits. “It was as if they had won the lottery,” she commented. “It was one of the best days of my life seeing their happiness. Their smiles and ‘dhanyababds’ (thank you) said it all. It was a real life-changer.”

Sponsor a Freedom Kit Bag at www.the100womenbookproject.com Or contact Rosa on 01793 764979 or: the100womenbookproject@ hotmail.co.uk

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Community News Former council leader says Lower Shaw Farm is important to the town’s cultural landscape The November Link looked back to 2006 when Swindon Council came up with the idea to reclaim and repurpose Lower Shaw Farm on Old Shaw Lane for executive housing, after 30 years as a community and cultural hub in the town.

A campaign stood up to the council and after five years of slow negotiations a 25 year lease was agreed with farm tenants Matt Holland and Andrea Hirsch so that they could continue its work.

Reflecting on his role, former council lead Rod Bluh said: “It all kicked off when a group of people in the council believed the farm was being subsidised and receiving preferential treatment. To a degree I saw their point but didn’t want to see Lower Shaw Farm closed because it is part of a much bigger picture in the town. ”I also thought it was not politically clever to create a fight about a facility that was so obviously well supported by the community - in Swindon, all over the country and abroad, from the range of emails I received. ”I’m really pleased by the way things turned out, even though it took a long time to work through

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From the January 2007 Link, Becky Doyley at Lower Shaw

all the decision making of agreeing a lease. My firmly held view was that Lower Shaw Farm is not about the money; it represents a value to our town which has to be quantified in different ways. ”I accept Lower Shaw Farm is not for everybody but we all need different things in life; I’m glad I’ve been part of keeping alive something which is unique to Swindon.”

Discover more at: www.lowershawfarm.co.uk

swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Community News

Can you support families in need?

When parents learn that their child has a life threatening illness, the basics of running a home can fall by the wayside as they rally around their loved one.

The Rainbow Trust Children’s charity can help to pick up the pieces – and is on the lookout for volunteers with the skills and time to support their work as part of a pilot scheme.

Family Support Volunteer Project manager Rachel Stewart explained: “We are a charity that provides vital help to families in crisis. We are now actively looking for volunteers to help us in this work.

“Many families find it really hard to juggle the demands of parenting with attending lengthy hospital appointments.

“We would like to hear from people who are willing to offer practical help to families in their time of need.

“It can be anything from doing house work to shopping, or those who can offer specialist skills in gardening or DIY. These are the sort of things that people can struggle with when they are in this situation.

If our volunteers help out with the practical side of things, we can go a long way towards helping parents

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Community News

Traders distressed after tented market demolition is given go-ahead Small business owners are in shock after a plan to demolish the town centre tented market was given the go-ahead.

The Planning Inspectorate have given the green light to applicant CIP (Leonard Street) Limited to replace the 22-year-old market with a modern two-storey structure housing four restaurants and outdoor seating.

Sam Bobs, who works as a chef at Eggelicious, said: “We have not been told anything officially, we have had to find out from other sources. This is a family run business and you would think that small enterprises like this should be encouraged. I have no idea what the future holds.”

His thoughts were echoed by Ian Leighton who runs IDL Records: “I’m not so worried for myself, it’s the other businesses I feel sorry for. We want a market to remain in the town centre. I’m not against the building being knocked down, but there needs to be somewhere for businesses like mine to go afterwards.”

Isabel Simoes, who has run the Tastes of Portugal store for just 11 months, said that she was stunned

by the news: “This is the thing that we have been expecting, it is a shock. No one has been around to tell us. We don’t really know what to do now, this is an important shop in the town. The Portuguese community is huge in Swindon, we should have shops like ours to bring people into the town centre, it makes no sense.”

The latest move by the Planning Inspectorate overturns the council’s rejection of the scheme in June after stall holders and local groups voiced concerns over the lack of alternative sites for the current traders and the loss of more small business space in the town centre.

Isabel Simoes from the Tastes of Portugal store and, pictured left, Sam Bobs of Eggelicious

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04/11/2016 16/11/2016 15:43 16:41

Community News

People power forces developer to withdraw 48-home application Opponents of a 48-home development in the vale below St Mary’s Church in Lydiard Park are delighted that Taylor Wimpey (Oxfordshire) has withdrawn its planning application – for the time being.

Wiltshire Council planners were expected to make a decision on whether to accept or reject the application by the end of November.

The company has owned the site between the park and Tewkesbury Way for about 30 years and has made several attempts to gain permission to build on it, all of which have been rejected.

On this occasion since 2014 Taylor Wimpey invested a huge amount of time and effort building a convincing case, backed up with two phases of consultation and considerable social media activity.

However, they did not reckon on a massive effort from the community to create a case to protect one of Swindon’s favourite places.

Members of Lydiard Heritage Action Group, set up in June 2016, distributed 10,000 leaflets across West Swindon, to the village of Lydiard Millicent and the hamlet of Hook, explaining why residents

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Lydiard House and St Mary’s Church with a computer impression of the proposed Taylor Wimpey estate one field from Lydiard Park.

Lydiard Millicent village can be seen on the left.

should sign a petition against the development and asking them to write letters of objection to Wiltshire Council.

Before the planning application was withdrawn on 15 November, there were two supporters of the development and more than 600 objections from Swindon and Wiltshire residents, including Robert Buckland MP and James Gray MP. Many organisations also weighedin against the proposal, from the small such as Shaw Residents’ Association, Lydiard Millicent Parish

Council and Friends of Lydiard Park, to the large and influential such as Swindon Borough Council, Historic England, Campaign for Rural England, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, The Georgian Group and The Gardens Trust.

Wiltshire Council’s Conservation Officer, Drainage Officer and Highways Engineer also registered objections.

The only body to indicate support was Lydiard Tregoz Parish Council which represents about 500 residents around Hook. It had been

offered a gift of land by Taylor Wimpey.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: ‘We have decided to withdraw our planning application at Lydiard Tregoze in order to undertake further work on our proposals in response to local comments received.

‘We will ensure that the local community is kept informed about our future plans via the project website.”

Lydiard Heritage Action Group feared the small scale development close to the park outside Swindon’s urban envelope, would set a precedent for further planning applications on green fields westwards, between Swindon and Purton.

Group chair Kevin Fisher said: “I don’t believe for a moment that Taylor Wimpey are going away. They will return with another application at some point in the future.

However, we would like to thank all the people from both Swindon and Wiltshire, and all the organisations, who took time to write to Wiltshire planners to demonstrate that such a precious heritage asset is well loved and must be protected at all costs.”

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Education News Emmanuel Church to fundraise for replacement heating system Emmanuel United Reformed Church may well be tucked away off the High Street in Haydon Wick, but it continues to be a significant community hub.

The popular church plays host to various youth organisations, U3A, craft and toddlers groups, as well as a Lunch Club for 30 or so elderly folk in the community, which is held every Thursday.

Over the past few years, the church has managed to raise

funding to build a new kitchen, as well as to re-surface the church car park.

The next project is the renewal of an aging heating system, as well as a complete refurbishment of the toilets. Church members have been hard at work trying to raise funds for this, and are just short of their £30,000 target.

There is a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 3 December from 10.30am to raise further funds.

UTC’s ‘Younique’ Kenyan adventure Past and present UTC Swindon students and staff recently returned from a 10 day trip to Kenya with Swindon based organisation Younique Travel Adventures.

During their stay the group taught several lessons, donated clothes and resources as well as providing a temporary water system for Silver Bells, one of Younique’s supported orphanages in the area, whilst they wait for their new water tank to be installed.

The students also helped prepare land for a new school to provide a safe and educational environment for 500 destitute children.

The students also visited Lake Nakuru National Park and Thompson Falls. Ben Rickards (pictured), a UTC student, said: “Visiting Kenya with YTA was one of the most valuable and rewarding

experiences of my life. Not only did I gain a lot for myself, but it is clear to see the difference YTA are making to the lives of the children at both Melon Mission and Silver Bells. Getting to interact with and teach the children gave me the most rewarding feeling which will stay with me forever.”

To follow in the footsteps of the UTC group visit www.ytauk.com.

Celebrating Swindon’s community groups

From left: Tony Martin of Zurich, Pam Webb, head of Zurich Community Trust, Swindon 105.5’s Shirley Ludford, Hannah Parry of VAS and Lord Joel Joffe

patrons, joined us for a final hour discussion.

“Can we make this an annual We have a diverse range event?” was asked several times. of community groups and The answer is: Yes. organisations providing essential Continuing our community services in Swindon. So we decided enagagement, check out new that a day of celebration through programmes for Tuesdays profiling the voluntary sector mornings at 10am. These include would be a good idea calling it SWADS a charity supporting ‘Community In Action L!VE’; twelve people recovering from a range hours of broadcasting and each of addictions and mental health hour on a specific theme. issues producing their own monthly We worked closely with Zurich one-hour show, alternating with a Community Trust – which made the new equalities programme profiling station a grant of £5,000 as well ethnic groups through Voluntary as some of their staff arranging Action Swindon and ‘On The Road’ interviews, recording features and which focuses on a wide range of conducting live interviews alongside subjects related to using our roads our station presenters. with different guests.

Volunteers live video-streamed the To get involved call me on 01793 day and Lord Joel Joffe, one of our 611555.

The Swindon 105.5 column by Shirley Ludford

Swindon Soup celebrates first year Applications are still open for community groups, individuals, charities and projects to apply to pitch at the next Swindon Soup event on Thursday 26 January.

The deadline is 21 December and those who have been successful will be contacted by 1 January.

Find out more at www. swindonsoup.com or email

swindonsoup@ex-c.co.uk To come along and support those pitching and enjoy some soup, confirm attendance via the website.

Swindon Soup will mark a year of the community project which so far has given a platform to 13 local entrepreneurs, community groups and charities raising over £1500 through crowd funding.

Christmas comes early to the Dolls Workshop at Studley Grange The team in the Craft Village at Studley Grange has been busy gearing up for Christmas.

A delivery of beautiful dolls houses has recently been taken at Dolls Workshop. The special delivery also contained a treasure trove of essential accessories perfect for furnishing the miniature homes.

This year features a musical theme with the opportunity to add instruments to a dolls house collection ranging from grand pianos to trumpets.

Jackie Hunt, manager at Studley

Grange said: “It’s like Christmas has arrived early at Dolls House Workshop. It’s always exciting when new stock arrives, but this time of year it’s extra special as the Christmas collections arrive. This year’s collection is really beautiful and there is something for every dolls house enthusiast”.

Studley Grange is located just off Junction 16 of the M4, (postcode SN4 9QT) and is open daily including weekends and holidays.

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Education News

Swindon’s education at centre of storm following Ofsted criticism Education provision in Swindon has been brought into sharp focus following a highly critical assessment by South West Ofsted director Bradley Simmons.

But his criticisms have been met with a robust defence from Swindon Borough Council and teachers in the town.

In an open letter Mr Simmons claims that children in the town are being failed at every key stage.

He also accuses the council of being ‘defensive’ in their response to concerns over education raised with them on ‘at least three different occasions’.

Turning to primary schools, he singles out 2016 phonics outcomes as being some of the poorest in the country, with only 76 per cent of six-year-olds meeting the expected standard – placing Swindon in the bottom of 10 local authorities nationally.

He states that at Key Stage 1, the town’s seven-year-olds are the joint lowest performers in reading in the South West and at Key Stage 2, Swindon’s outcomes are amongst the lowest in the country, with

only 44 per cent of 11-year-olds reaching the new expected standard in reading, writing and maths. Only 2 per cent of pupils received a higher standard compared with 5 per cent nationally.

Children in Swindon’s secondary schools raise similar concerns with their results being below the national expectation.

Mr Simmons points out that recent inspections of five secondary schools in the town indicate ‘a trend of decline’.

‘While The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College maintained its good rating, Kingsdown School failed to improve from ‘requires improvement’, The Dorcan Academy and Isambard Community School declined from requires improvement to inadequate.’

The proportion of pupils attending a ‘good’ secondary school in Swindon has now reduced from the previous 52 per cent in August 2015 to just 47 per cent in September 2016.

The proportion of pupils receiving a fixed term exclusion is ‘alarmingly high’ in both secondary and special

schools he said – about 10 per cent compared with a national average of 7.5 per cent and 68 per cent in special schools compared to a national figure of 13.5 per cent.

Mr Simmons concludes his letter by urging all involved in leading and supporting these schools to take ‘immediate action’ to bring about rapid and sustained improvements across the authority.

He adds that all those involved must ‘act swiftly and in unison’ to ensure that pupils in Swindon have better outcomes and the skills and qualifications to improve their life chances and employment prospects.

Reacting to the criticisms, Swindon Borough Council said the the judgement was ‘unfair’ and based on ‘selective’ data.

Addressing Mr Simmons’ claims, the council points out that according to Ofsted’s own assessment, 98 per cent of early years settings in the town and 92 per cent of primary schools have been rated good or outstanding – this being above national average.

Defending primary education, the local authority says that pupils met

the national average for reading, mathematics and grammar – including punctuation and spelling.

It adds that lower writing results reflected the introduction of a new writing assessment with Swindon schools interpreting marking guidance very strictly whereas other local authorities ‘appear to have been much more generous in their judgements.’

Regarding secondary education, the council statement reads: ‘We share concerns about secondary education although we have some very good schools in the town such as Ridgeway, Lydiard Park, Warneford, Commonweal and St Joseph’s.’

It concludes: ‘On a daily basis we see the good work that is going on in Swindon’s schools. By making his views so public in this way, Mr Simmons must have recognised the demotivating impact they would have on teachers. In fact it has really angered many headteachers of good and outstanding schools who are doing an excellent job providing high class education for children and young people.’

Westlea retains good Ofsted rating Isambard School is set to bounce back

Rose Carberry with school council members celebrating their good school

A visit by Ofsted inspectors on 19 October - the first in five years found that Westlea Primary School is good, despite being judged against much harder criteria.

In a letter to headteacher Rose Carberry from lead inspector Jen Southall, she says the leadership team has maintained the good quality of education. The school has continued to develop and thrive because of a tight focus on meeting the needs of children, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and the disadvantaged.

There is high expectation of what pupils can achieve, both academically and socially, given the additional challenges many pupils experience.

She says the quality of care, guidance and support provided to pupils is a significant strength, whilst parents are overwhelmingly positive about the ‘all-round’ education their children receive,

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with the vast majority saying they would recommend the school.

Parents of pupils with special educational needs and/ or disabilities particularly acknowledge the high level of guidance and support the school provides which enables their children to make strong progress with their learning and social skills.

Mrs Carberry said everyone is delighted with the inspector’s judgement. “Members of the school council were brilliant, writing independently to the inspector and offering her refreshments when they met.”

Year 6 pupil Abel said: “I think our letter had an effect. We told the inspector about our friendship bench to make sure everybody has somebody to play with in the playground and we also said how much we enjoy coming to school.

A longer version of this story can be found at www.bit.ly/westlea-ofsted-2016

From left, Gary Pearson, Clive Zimmerman and Jon Young

Isambard Community School has huge potential and will bounce back from its highly critical Ofsted report, according to new management.

The quality of teaching at the school, as well as failings in leadership and management, were highlighted in an inspection earlier this year.

But a change of leadership - the result of a partnership with Lydiard Park Academy - could turn around the troubled school’s fortunes.

Leadership responsibility has now been taken on by the senior management at Lydiard Park Academy led by Clive Zimmerman, Executive Head of both Isambard Community School and Lydiard Park Academy – with both schools being run as a multi-academy trust.

Joining Mr Zimmerman is Jon Young as operational head teacher

of Isambard and Gary Pearson who becomes the head teacher of Lydiard Park Academy.

Mr Zimmerman explained: “This will allow us to share best practice between both schools.”

Inspectors found that teaching was inconsistant at Isambard.

“Individual teachers were tending to do their own thing rather than working to a common framework,” explained Mr Zimmerman adding that teaching, planning and assessment would benefit from a more structured approach.

He added that Isambard has huge potential: “The reality is that 58 per cent of pupils at Isambard gained A*-C grades in both English and Mathematics this summer, which is exactly the same as the national average and higher than four other Swindon secondary schools.”

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Education News

Bradon Forest welcomes India students on return visit

Fifteen students from the Salwan group of schools in Delhi spent a day at Bradon Forest School in mid-October, making a reciprocal visit after 25 students from the Purton secondary school visited India at the end of April.

Following a tour of the school, in an assembly, students from both schools made presentations about life, culture and religion in each country.

Bradon teacher Deborah Cousins said: “It was fabulous that the students could meet each other in India and in England. We learnt so much when we went to their fascinating country.”

PTA helps to green light school library

Pallavi Rawat from Delhi said students at Salwan School attend either morning or afternoon sessions. “We’re all very excited to visit Bradon Forest. The students have been photographing everything and texting family and friends at home.

“Like here, we are a multi-cultural society. The more interesting aspect I’ve observed is the different method to keep discipline that schools here use.”

Salwan student Ranu Sigar commented: “We’ve been into London and visited other schools on our visit. I love the history and the architecture in England. Bradon Forest is so open and quiet and is in such lovely green countryside.

“It’s nice to meet the Bradon students again and continue talking about our different experiences of life and education.

Invitation to Tender for the provision of catering services

Where God’s gift begin their journey, to gain, attain and grow...

St. Francis CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School, with approximately 460 pupils and 45 staff, is looking to secure a contract for the Provision of Catering Services from 1st September 2017 for three years with an option to extend for a further two.

Frances Billenge, centre, receiving the Haydonleigh PTA donation

Haydonleigh Primary School Parent Teacher Association organised a Fun Friday afternoon on 30 September which raised £574.73 for MacMillan Cancer Support.

The event was also an opportunity for the PTA team to present the school with a big cheque for £15,000 to go towards a new library.

To preserve valuable space within the building, the school is hoping

to buy and convert a bus to park on site as a static library.

Headteacher Frances Billinge said: “Having such a successful PTA allows the school budget to be used for other necessary projects, and buy equipment as the need arises in our growing school.”

The PTA welcomes parents interested in helping to organising events. Find out more at : www.haydonleighschool.co.uk

Breakfast to bring entrepreneurs together Small Business Saturday networking breakfast at Steam Museum: Saturday 3 December, 8am to 9.30am.

The event, attended by South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, takes place on the first day of the Christmas Market at the museum and is open to stall holders, FSB members and any other local businesses.

Entry is just £3 and includes tea, coffee, pastries and cakes and entry to the market.

For catering, register book a place at: hello@virtuosoassistant.co.uk

The school is seeking a company that can deliver a variety of fresh, nutritious and appetising food within exciting and continually evolving menus; the requirement is for an attractive selection of dishes, dictated by personal taste as well as by dietary requirements and inspired by seasonal and topical events.

Equally, the school is seeking contractor awareness and experience of using different types of food in a Primary School setting, how raw products are sourced and an overall approach to sustainability.

Meals must be prepared and cooked in the school’s on site facility.

The school is seeking an organisation with personnel who will naturally want to become part of the whole school environment (not merely a third party provider), people who will readily engage with the staff, the policies, the character and ethos of the school.

Tenderers should elaborate on their plans for regular inclusion of appropriate themes and events, as well as how they will try to increase the take-up of meals and the extension of catering services within the school setting.

The school readily acknowledges that whilst we are experts in primary education, we are not experts in the Provision of Catering Services - that’s where you come in...

For a full Invitation to Tender document, please email: admin@stfrancis.swindon.sch.uk Deadline for Tender Responses 17 February 2017 St Francis CofE VA Primary School, Aiken Road, Taw Hill, Swindon SN25 1UH Tel: 01793 727 624 • Email: admin@ stfrancis.swindon.sch.uk www.stfrancis.swindon.sch.uk Headteacher: Mrs J Farrell • An ‘Outstanding’ school (OfSTED, 2012) swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Community News

Poppydown quilters have been busy supporting hospital and heritage The busy sewing bees of Poppydown Quilters have applied their skills to helping women recovering from breast surgery and mastectomies.

Their quilted colourful cushions presented to Great Western Hospital relieve the pressure on sore areas when sitting, in bed or wearing a seat belt.

Group member Sheila Panther said: “I came across the cushions over a year ago and the GWH Breast Cancer Unit welcomed the idea.

Group members were keen to be involved in the good cause as they all knew somebody who had had a procedure; they designed and made some brilliant cushions.”

Chloe Thomas, community and events fundraiser at GWH Brighter

Futures, visited the group in early November to collect 22 cushions.

She said: “I didn’t really know what to expect, but they’re really stunning.”

Members of the group also helped mark the 175th anniversary of the founding of modern Swindon by creating a unique piece of work which took about five weeks to complete.

It was presented to Swindon 175 project manager Caroline Black and Ian Surtees of Steam Museum.

Group treasurer Irene McGough said: “We wanted the quilt to reflect the colours of GWR and we ended up sourcing the fabrics we needed from a wide variety of places. It was quite a challenge.”

The quiltmakers with Swindon175’s Caroline Black and Steam’s Ian Surtees

Fundraisers step in to help fill the coffers of Brighter Futures Campaign Fundraisers have been putting their best foot forward and raising the rafters to boost the coffers of the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal by more than £3,000.

Members of Swindon U3A’s line dancing group raised £2,000 by staging a series of events over the year.

A further £1,050 was raised by the U3A Choir and the Swindon Polish

Choir which attracted a 180-strong crowd to their performance at Bath Road Methodist Church at the end of September.

The Brighter Futures appeal aims to raise £2.9million to set up a Radiotherapy Centre at Great Western Hospital so that those requiring specialist treatment do not have to travel to Oxford each time.

The Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal has also been boosted by a £50,000 donation – with half coming from demolition specialist Lawson Group and half from the National Federation of Demolition Contractors.

The cash from the Lawson Group represents £1,000 for each of the 25 years that the firm has been operating and the money from the

NFDC was raised through a charity raffle and member donations.

Lawson Group has a 25-year history in Swindon since the company was first formed in 1991

by Martin Wilson and his wife.

On hand to receive the donation, on behalf of the Brighter Futures appeal, were Swindon’s two MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland.

Building Confidence Realising Potential

“Aspire helped me much more than just getting an A in my GCSE Maths, they helped me get where I am today.”

Joshua Snowdon, Law Student at the University of Essex

• English, Maths and Science • Fully Qualified Teachers • Ofsted registered

• 11+ training and preparation • Free assessment and first lesson • Boost your child’s confidence

Tel: 07925 193321 | www.aspireeducationcentres.co.uk

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Community News

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

Making a difference Independent charity Victim Support offers free, confidential help to people affected by crime and traumatic incidents by: • offering personal and emotional support; • involving other specialist help; • advising and supporting victims in applying for compensation or financial assistance; • offering practical information and help to make victims feel safer and be safer; • providing information about reporting to the police, the criminal justice system and court procedures; • accompanying and supporting you if you choose to report a crime; • offering support to everyone coping with the impact of crime.

To get in touch, mail: wiltshire@ victimsupport.org.uk or call 01380 738878 www.victimsupport.org.uk

daily classes for the under 5’s

01793 822262

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

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Volunteers provide vital support to organisations in Swindon and the people they are working with. Could you free up some time to help?

Make a difference to local charities and groups. Many local organisations, including Volunteer Centre Swindon, are looking for people with skills and experience to act as trustees who are responsible for the management and oversite of charities.

Gain retail experience and make new friends. The Sue Ryder shop in the Brunel Centre is looking for people to help with a range of roles such as preparing and displaying stock and serving customers. They ask for a minimum of a four hour shift.

Want to help people with mental health issues? Phoenix Enterprises needs people to buddy their clients to get the most out of their time

volunteering or to help them learn basic IT skills.

Be a meeter and greeter. Swindon & Wiltshire Alcohol & Drug Service (SWADS) is looking for help in their reception for people using their therapeutic services.

Help in a court environment.

Citizens Advice is seeking people to support witnesses, and their friends and families, through the experience of attending court and giving evidence. Volunteers need to be caring, friendly and approachable and offer a minimum of three days a month.

To find out more about these and other opportunities, contact Volunteer Centre Swindon, 1 John Street, on 01793 420557 or mail: info@ swindonvolunteers.org.uk Visitors can drop-in Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm.

See more at www.do-it.org

Volunteer Swindon needs you

Swindon Borough Council involves volunteers in a wide range of activites, from visiting older residents on a one-to-one basis to organising neighbourhood clean and green tidy-up events.

If you are interested in your area and can give some time to your community, mail: volunteer@swindon. gov.uk See more on Facebook: VolunteerSwindon or Twitter: @volswindon

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Family News Brownies celebrate 10 years in North Swindon

Are you at work all day?

Going away? Or just too busy?

The National Pet Care Company Dog holidays with host families, Cat Care, Pet Feeding

The Complete Pet Service Girls attending 1st Taw Hill Brownies marked the groups tenth anniversary with a party for a good cause at the end of October.

As part of the Brownie ethos of thinking of others, the girls and leaders chose to support the Great Western Hospital Brighter Futures Space for Play appeal.

At Redhouse Community Centre, the youngsters organised stalls like a chocolate tombola, face painting, bric-a-brac and refreshments, raising £200 for the appeal.

Since September 2006 more than 100 girls have passed through the ranks of 1st Taw Hill Brownie Pack, enjoying a wide variety of activities, including visits to the local vets, fire station and the church. They go on walks and litter picks around the streets of Taw Hill, hold sleep- overs

and have enjoyed weekends away camping.

And of course there has always been the incentive of working towards badges.

Brownie and Guide packs throughout Swindon are always on the lookout for leaders and volunteers to assist. Sarah Soady, founder of Taw Hill Brownie pack, said: “It’s such a rewarding experience to help young people discover the world in a friendly, structured environment. And sharing the workload with other volunteers means we can fit it into our lifestyles.”

For information about volunteering with a local Rainbow, Brownie or Guide unit, contact: north-swindongirlguiding@hotmail.com

Your Family Matters: Routines Information and advice for parents from ePIP Some people seem to crave routine while others like to be more spontaneous, but have you stopped to think why routine is important?, asks ePiP coach Tamsin.

Imagine how you might feel if you had no idea what to expect in your day?

You don’t know when or why you were leaving the house, where someone was driving you and what you were expected to do when you got there. You have no idea who you might meet up with and when you might get back home again.

Stressful hey?

Children don’t have the privilege of arranging their days the way adults do and need some help making sense of their day and knowing what to expect. A child without a sense of routine will try to find ways of controlling their surroundings, often leading to bad behaviour. Routines reduce anxiety and allow kids to enjoy and learn from their surroundings instead of stressing out about them.

If children know what to expect at particular times of the day,

or in particular situations, then they won’t feel like they are being constantly nagged. The parent stops being seen as the bad guy and conflict is greatly reduced.

Routines eliminate a power struggle and help children to cooperate. We all know what comes next, we get fair warning for transitions and no one feels pushed around. Over time, children learn to brush their teeth, dress themselves, pack their backpacks and such, and this leads to increased feelings of mastery and competence. They love being in charge of themselves and having more independence and responsibility.

Children who feel independent and in charge of themselves have less need to rebel and be oppositional, so it could serve you well in the future.

Contact us on 01793 328102 to talk through any problems you’re having setting routines and we would love to listen and help.

Or visit our website and complete an enquiry form and we’ll call you back: www.epipdirect.com

Pet Taxi/Ambulance Tel: 07496 855694

info@swindondistrict.animalsathome.co.uk www.animalsathome.co.uk/swindon-district

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

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

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

Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment.

Tumble Tots now in your area!

For information about local centres call

Liz Davies on 0844 800 0219 www.tumbletots.com/swindon

LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare & eduCation

FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356

Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

l

l l l l

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

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Community News

At Church this Christmas All Saints Lydiard Millicent Sunday 4th 3pm Sunday 18th 6pm Christmas Eve 5pm Christmas Eve 11.30pm Christmas Day 8am Christmas Day 10.30am

Puppet Christmas Special Carols by Candlelight Crib Service with Christingle Midnight Communion Christmas Communion Christmas Family Service

St. Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze (The Church in the Park) Sunday 11th 10am Christingle Friday 16th 7pm Carols in Hook Village Hall Sunday 18th 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Wednesday 21st 6.30pm Carols in Lydiard Park in front of the House Christmas Eve 4pm Family Crib Service Christmas Eve 11pm First Communion of Christmas Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Family Service/Communion Sunday 1st Jan 10am Joint service at St Mary’s Toothill Church, Toothill Village Centre Sunday 11th 4pm Carols Wednesday 14th 11.30am Midweek Worship Sunday 18th 10.30am Holy Communion Wednesday 21st 11.30am Midweek Worship Christmas Eve 11.30pm First Communion of Christmas Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day All Age Service.

Sunday 1st Jan 10am Joint service at St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze Westlea Church (meeting in Westlea School) Sunday 11th 10am Family Service Sunday 18th 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Family Service Sunday 1st Jan 10am Joint Service at St Mary’s, , Lydiard Tregoze

Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre Sunday 11th 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 11th 4pm Messy Church Sunday 11th 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Sunday 18th 9.45am Partnership Joint Nativity Workshop Sunday 18th 4pm Partnership Nativity Service Christmas Eve 3pm Crib Service Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day All Age Service Sunday 1st Jan 10am Joint service at St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze Freshbrook Church, Worsley Road Sunday 18th 10am All Age Carol Service Wednesday 21st 7pm – 8pm Carols at Windmill Pub, Freshbrook Christmas Eve 6pm Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day All Age Service Sunday 1st Jan 10am New Year’s Day All Age Service St Peter’s Church, Carronbridge Road, Eastleaze Christmas Eve 5.30pm Christmas Mass for the Children Christmas Eve 9pm Sung Mass Christmas Day 10am Mass with Carols Gateway Church, The Trinity Centre, Stonehill Green, Westlea SN5 7AR Monday 19th 6pm Carol Service Christmas Day 10.30 am Christmas Day Service St Andrew, North Swindon St Andrew’s Church: Tadpole Lane (between Lyall Close & Abbey Park) SN25 2DW; St Francis’ School, Aiken Road, Taw Hill SN25 1UH Wednesday 21st 7.30pm Carol Service at St Andrew’s Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle Service at St Francis’ School Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion at St Andrew’s Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Communion at St Andrew’s Church of Christ the Servant, Abbey Meads Sunday 11th 4pm Christingle Service, bring an orange.

Sunday 18th 10.30am Sunday School Service Christmas Eve 1pm - 4.30pm Prayer Labyrinth Christmas Eve 4.30pm Carols and Mince Pies Christmas Day 10.45am Christmas Morning Service Emmanuel URC, High Street, Haydon Wick Sunday 18th 10am All Age Christmas Service Sunday 18th 6pm Candlelit Carol Service Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10am Christmas Celebration

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

Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

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St John’s Church, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick Sunday 11th 4.30pm Christingle Service Sunday 18th 6.30pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Service North Swindon Baptist Church (meeting at Abbey Meads Community School) Saturday 17th 1pm - 4pm Nativity Scene and Carol Singing at the Orbital Centre Sunday 18th 4pm Carol Service Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Service Cornerstone Church, (meeting at Uplands School, SN25 2NB) Sunday 18th 10am Family Service Friday 23rd 6pm Traditional Carol Service followed by refreshments St Mark’s Church, Church Place Monday 19th 7.30pm Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 4pm Children’s Crib Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH with in association

association with Feel theinforce at Commonweal School with Star Wars documentary screening in association with

in associationDecember, with 7pm and media and film

A new documentary about the making of Star Wars will be hosted at Commonweal School in Old Town in December.

And two of the original Stormtrooper actors will be on hand to answer questions from the audience.

Some of the scenes for the feature-length film, Elstree 1976, were shot on the roof and in the basement of the Wyvern Theatre.

The original costumes were provided by Luke Kaye of Luke Skywalker fancy dress company, who is also an executive producer on the film.

Commonweal School host the South West screening in their purpose built C6 auditorium on 8

students from the sixth form will lead a question and answer session following the screening.

Film Studies teacher Cherise Osolin said: “The students are really excited. It is really important to the learning experience to have hands on work with people from the industry.”

The independent cinema tour, in support of the UK release, started on 6 November at the legendary Prince Charles Cinema in London with showings across the country, culminating with the showing in Swindon.

All dates include a post-screening director and cast Q&A including Laurie Goode (the Stormtrooper who banged his head) and Anthony Forrest (these aren’t the droids we’re looking for Stormtrooper).

The film explores how over the summer of 1976, a vast army of American and British actors and extras donned crazy costumes to populate George Lucas’s universe.

Few of them understood what the film was, let alone the impact it would go on to have.

Filmmaker Jon Spira has tracked down some of those who were there, to find out what it means to exist in the shadow of such a phenomenon.

Elstree 1976 is a Canal Cat Films

Actor Paul Blake - the man behind Greedo’s mask back on the 1976 set

Production, made in association with The Works, Verax Films and British Film Company. The film was made between 2012 and 2015. PostProduction was funded by a highly successful Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign.

The film originally premiered at London Film Festival 2015 It was released in the UK on Itunes and special edition DVD in November.

The running time is 97 Minutes, BBFC Certificate 12, and tickets are available from facebook/elstree1976

e r RY AS ers ssiv mbe R a e M ME IST read ur m Dec k o ut R n CH ll Li view gho a u e to n pr thro a e u c al Yo ary S nu Ja

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Swindon Wide DANCE

WHAT’S ON SWINDON CHILDREN & FAMILY

Friday 2nd, 7:30pm Chinese State Circus. The internationally acclaimed Chinese State Circus returns in an innovatively spectacular new Thursday 15th December, 6pm, production – Dynasty £27.50 adult, doors open 5.30pm £12.50 child. Wyvern A Dance for All Seasons. The Friday 9th, 7:30pm Swindon Ice Figure Club takes you through the four seasons with their Jack and the Beanstalk. Join Rising Aspirations students in an spectacular dances on ice (this is enchanted land for an amazing an amateur production). £2.50, for comedy adventure. £7. Arts Centre tickets go to sifc.co.uk. Link Centre Saturday 10th to Sunday 8th January 2017, 1pm & 5pm & 7pm Wednesday 14th, 2pm Christmas Tea Dance. Wyvern hosts their first Tea Dance in the spirit of Christmas. £15. Wyvern

The Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel Our popular party nights contain all the ingredients for a memorable Christmas celebration The Brasserie Joiner Party Night Price: £28pp, accommodation £42.50pp

Mallard Joiner Party Night Price: From £32.50pp, accommodation £42.50pp All on selected dates throughout December, accommodation based on two people sharing one standard room

MUSIC

Saturday 3rd, 7.30pm Bowie Experience. The world’s favourite and most authentic tribute to the thin white duke, continuing to amaze audiences with an astounding attention to detail. £27. Wyvern

To make a booking or to find out more

call 01285 864333

PILLARS H OT E L S OXFORD SPIRES

Wednesday 14th, 7.30pm New College Christmas Celebration. The Music Department at New College presents its annual Christmas concert of festive music, from traditional carols to favourite hits. £3.50. Christ Church Saturday 17th, 8pm 12 Bands of Christmas. Annual celebration full of local musicians.

Free. The Victoria

Arkell’s Christmas Market Saturday 10th, 10am to 3pm Last year more than 2,000 people flocked to the brewery in Kingsdown to visit Father Christmas and his reindeer, browse a wide range of crafts stall, and enjoy festive music.

This year there will be more stalls, including a much larger food offer from local sausage makers and artisan bakers alongside producers of cheese, fudge and patisseries.

Arkell’s, Kingsdown SN2 7RU

Wanborough Farmers’ Market Saturday 17th, 9am Meat, vegetables, cakes and pies, honey, rapeseed oil, plants, milk and fairly traded goods. For more information call Sue or David Birley on 01793 790438 or email sbirley@gn.apc.org

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Cinderella. The Wyvern Theatre’s 2016/2017 panto will be the fairest in all of Swindon, when the enchanting tale of Cinderella takes to the stage, starring Ryan Thomas, £19 - £31.50; concessions £2 off.

Wyvern Thursday 15th to Friday 16th, 7.30pm Aladdin. New College welcomes you to their annual fun filled traditional pantomime. £5.70. Phoenix Theatre Wednesday 14th to Saturday 24th Santa Claus And The Night Before Christmas. An interactive show with stories and songs. £14 - £17; family tickets available. Arts Centre Saturday 17th to Friday 23rd Christmas at Roves Farm. Santa’s Grotto, nativity plays, donkeys in stables and more. For more information visit: www.rovesfarm.co.uk Thursday 22nd, 11am & 2pm The Great Jaydini’s Christmas Show. comedy and magic for ages 4+. £15 per child. Wyvern in The Place

FILM Wednesday 7th, 7.45pm Babette’s Feast (U) Swindon Film Society. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join at any film screening.

VARIETY Sunday 4th, 4pm Hot Steppers’ Christmas Show. A high energy performance including dance, drama and singing performed by 3 to 18 year olds. £15; concessions £11.50. Arts Centre

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SWINDON DRAMA Tuesday 6th, 7.30pm A Christmas Carol. A traditional, seasonal performance in the spirit of Christmas past, present and future. £17. Arts Centre

FUNDRAISING

Stowe Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd, 10am - 12pm Toys, cakes, crafts, gifts and Father Christmas.

The StoweAway Community Centre, East Wichel Christmas Fair Sunday 11th, 10.30am - 12.30pm Variety of stalls including handmade tree decorations, cushions, purses, bags, jewellery, journals, Usborne books, Avon, Partylite, a gondola & refreshments.

Hook Village Hall Friends Of Brook Field School Christmas Fayre Friday 9th, 5.30pm to 8pm Come and meet Father Christmas, food, mulled wine, raffle, games and Hiss and Tell reptiles and lots of other stalls.

Brook Field School, Cartwright Drive, Shaw Christmas Fayre Saturday 10th, 11am - 4pm Arts, crafts and handmade goods.

Stalls £5 each. Have you picture taken with Elsa from Frozen.

Email info@toothillbiglocal.co.uk Toothill Farm Community Centre, Bodiam Drive, Toothill

COMEDY Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd, 7.30pm Monty Python’s Spamalot presented by Chocolate Theatre, lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. £16. Arts Centre Thursday 1st, 8pm Marcus Brigstocke brings award winning satirical material to town. £19.50. Wyvern Theatre Thursday 8th, 7.30pm Rory Bremner returns with a work in progress show including new impressions. £14.50. Arts Centre Saturday 10th, 8pm Stephen K Amos in a brand new show following a world tour. £18.50. Arts Centre Thursday 15th, 8pm Jongleurs: Comedy On The Road.

Jongleurs presents four of the brightest and funniest acts on the current UK comedy circuit: £13.50.

Arts Centre VENUES Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 Link Centre, Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DL. Tel: 01793 877323 Phoenix Theatre, New College Queen Drive SN3 1AH. (Advance tickets from Wyvern box office) Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 Toothill Farm Community Centre, Bodiam Drive SN5 8BE. Tel: 01793 532941 The Victoria, Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

Quality shoes with quality service from Swindon’s family shoe shop

Handbags and Accessories Shoes and seasonal footwear for adults and children Shoe Repair Service

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1 & 3 Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AS Tel: 01793 534271 swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Christmas shopping in Swindon Swindon is a haven for Christmas shopping, with anything and everything you need right on your doorstep. You just have to know where to look, so we’ve done some of the looking for you: Even with modern gadgets and games to look forward to, we can guarantee that receiving a bicycle on Christmas Day is still going to light up any child’s face.

And maybe even the big kids too.

Hargroves Cycles on Penzance Drive, with their large stock of bikes from beginners through to specialist machinery, offer the best pedal powered transport in Swindon.

They always say a pet isn’t just for Christmas, so why not visit Aqualush on Cheney Manor Road to see their collection of tropical fish, plants and a wide range of aquatic products, and maybe get a voucher for the fish lover in your family.

Swindon town centre will be buzzing throughout the festive period. Every weekend during December, Swindon’s Enchanted Christmas will see plenty of free events going on to get everyone in the festive mood.

And the Orbital Shopping Centre brings a new augmented reality game ‘Freezy’s Christmas Adventure’ to the town for the first time, giving added incentive to roam the festive stores.

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Festive activities for the whole family The Christmas holidays are always a time to look forward to, but also a chance to experience all the sights and activities that Swindon and Wiltshire can offer. Many of our local attractions will be ramping up their festive offerings, so here are just a few ideas to get the family in the seasonal spirit.

Jetting off to Lapland would be a joy, but if you’re not able to head north why not head over to the Festival of Light at Longleat near Warminster. This year, Europe’s largest Chinese Lantern Festival will be a celebration of all creatures great and small, with Beatrix Potter stars lighting up the park. For more information, visit: longleat.co.uk Another treat is Westonbirt Arboretum, which amazes visitors every year with its Enchanted

Christmas event from 25 November. The centre’s collection of horticultural delights become a stunning light show for the whole family. Find out more via: forestry. gov.uk/westonbirt Steam museum will be hosting their seasonal celebration on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December from 10am, with festive music, a luxury Christmas market, Santa’s storytime and all the attractions that have made Steam so popular. steam-museum.org.uk Christmas is a time to get creative as well, and Highworth Warneford School will be hosting a Christmas Craft Fair on Friday 2 December with over 30 stalls to get your ideas from. Crafting fans can also help raise funds for Swindon Therapy Centre for MS by visiting their third

annual Craft Fair on 26 November at Bradbury House, Westmead Drive. Or visit Toothill Farmhouse for a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 10 December, the same day as the second Arkell’s Christmas Market.

Last year more than 2000 people flocked to the Kingsdown brewery, and this year promises to be even bigger.

If that isn’t enough Roves Farm will be hosting their traditional festive celebration with donkeys in the stables, nativity plays and a visit from Santa, daily from 17 December.

Stowe Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 3 December, 10am to 12 noon, at The StoweAway Community Centre in East Wichel with toys, cakes, crafts, gifts and Father Christmas.

Longleat near Westbury offers an annual Festival of Light and this year sees the return of The Santa Express - www.longleat.co.uk

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Swindon enters pantomime season

Ryan Thomas as Prince Charming and Victoria Farley as Cinderella at the Wyvern Theatre’s Panto launch at Cricklade House in September

Panto season is riding over the horizon on its white stallion, with Swindon maintaining its reputation as one of the best pantomime towns in the UK. This year, the Wyvern Theatre looks to build on their successful run of pantomime offerings with Cinderella, featuring ex-Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas. Staged by the producers of the Wyvern’s hugely successful productions of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk and Aladdin, you are guaranteed lots of laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular sets and costumes, dazzling song and dance routines and fun for all the family.

Plus, as audiences have come to expect from Wyvern pantomime, there will be an abundance of audience participation. Cinderella marks Ryan’s pantomime debut where he will star as Prince Charming, alongside Swindon favourite David Ashley, who this year plays one of the Ugly Sisters, Louie Westwood who takes the role of the other Ugly Sister, and Victoria Farley who plays Cinderella.

Cinderella starts at the Wyvern Theatre from Saturday 10 December and runs until Sunday 8 January.

If you would prefer a more traditional offering, Swindon Arts Centre will be hosting a magical performance of A Christmas Carol on Tuesday 6 December. The now famous work was the first public performance of a Charles Dickens story, and it was also his last.

New College students will be performing Aladdin at the Phoenix Theatre on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 December - www.swindontheatres.co.uk

The European Arts Company is faithfully recreating Dickens’s famous performance of his bestloved and most heart-warming story. He performed it over 150 times and the effect on the public was phenomenal.

The Arts Centre will also be playing host to Rising Aspirations students, as they dive into an enchanted land for an amazing comedy adventure - Jack and the Beanstalk. The pantomime is once again full of fun and frolics. With high-energy routines and toetapping songs, you’re sure to be singing and dancing in your seat on Friday 9 December.

New College is getting into the festive spirit with their own panto at the Phoenix Theatre. Students will be performing their annual fun filled and traditional pantomime of Aladdin on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 December. Set in China’s old Peking, the story is centred around

the poor Widow Twankey, her son Aladdin and their adventures together. With plenty of laughter and sing-a-long songs, you are sure to be entertained this Christmas.

The licensed bar will be open for this show.

Not content with two festive shows in December, Swindon Arts Centre will also host their own family friendly panto Santa Claus and the Night Before Christmas from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 24 December.

A truly unforgettable experience which includes bubbles and the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience, this interactive show is a must-see over the festive season.

For more information on these shows and more, as well as ticket enquiries and pricing, visit: www.swindontheatres.co.uk Or call the ticket office on 01793 524481

Scouts’ Christmas Post

Scouts across Swindon will once again be taking part in the annual Scout Christmas Post this year.

The 7th Swindon (Abbey Meads) Scout Group, which covers North Swindon, will be selling stamps at Asda Walmart, Orbital Retail Park in North Swindon.

The self-adhesive stamps cost 30p each and will be on sale at the following times: l Friday 25 November, 7pm to 8pm l Saturday 26 November, 10am to 4pm l Sunday 27 November, 10am to 4pm l Friday 2 December, 7pm to 8pm l Saturday 3 December, 10am to 4pm l Sunday 4 December, 10am to 4pm l Friday 9 December, 7pm to 8pm l Saturday 10 December, 10am to 4pm l Sunday 11 December, 10am to 4pm A special green collection box will be located in Asda. Last collection from the post box will be 4pm on Tuesday 15 December. Cards will be delivered over the weekend of 19th and 20 December.

Current Royal Mail 1st class post is 64p and 2nd class post 55p.

Stamps will also be available from Uplands School Charity Shop in Redhouse, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, and Saturday, 10am to 4pm.

The post service covers all areas of Swindon including 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.

Deliveries are also made to Wootton Bassett, Purton, Lydiard Millicent, Bushton, Clyffe Pypard, Tockenham, Broad Town, Cricklade, Latton, Ashton Keynes, Shrivenham, Watchfield, Bourton, Idstone, Ashbury & Kingston Winslow.

For more information visit Asda or Uplands or call email 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. swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Christmas Indulgent Tiffin In the fourth of a series of recipes designed to be easy to cook but tasty and convenient the Link Magazine’s new cookery consultant Angela Barlow shows how to make a delicious dish for this time of year.

This is one of my favourite periods of the year when it’s time to forget the diets and concentrate on festive fun, frivolity and fantastic comfort food.

So this month’s recipe is straight out of the indulgence catalogue and for anyone with a sweet tooth it will be like meeting Santa, winning the lottery and luxuriating in a warm bath all at the same time. The taste is that good.

It can accompany afternoon tea or be packed into lunchboxes or offered as part of a Christmas party menu.

It is also good to have with coffee to help alleviate the stress of the Christmas preparations.

It is a nice recipe to make with the kids as the Tiffin are easy to

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produce and can even be good presents if wrapped in cellophane.

The only problem being that they are so addictive and ‘moreish’ you will need to hide a plate away for yourself to partake after the kids have left and you are alone.

Method

l Line a 20cm square or small tray bake tin (approximately 27cm x 19cm) with baking parchment. l Place the chocolate, butter and golden syrup into a bowl suitable for the microwave and heat until chocolate has melted. l Remove from microwave, stir to mix ingredients and allow to cool for a couple of minutes. l Place the digestives and 50g of the Maltesers into a sealable plastic food bag and crush with a rolling pin until you have crumbs with a few larger pieces.

Ingredients 200g Lindt milk chocolate - 100g unsalted butter - 2 tbsp golden syrup 100g digestive biscuits - 100g Maltesers - 50g chopped brazil nuts - 50g sultanas - 50g glace cherries For the topping - 100g Lindt milk chocolate - 100g Lindt plain chocolate 25g unsalted butter - 1 tsp golden syrup

l Chop the brazil nuts into small chunks and the glace cherries into quarters. l Add the biscuit and Malteser mixture to the chocolate along with the nuts, cherries, sultanas and remaining whole Maltesers.

Stir so that everything is mixed together and coated in chocolate. l Empty the mixture into the

prepared tin and press down so that the surface is level. l Make the topping by melting the chocolate, butter and syrup in the microwave as before and spread over the biscuit base. l Cover the tin with foil and refrigerate for a couple of hours.

Remove from the refrigerator and cut into small squares. Enjoy.

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guide to live music in Swindon for December Swindon’s live music scene is as diverse and widespread as any in the country. Whether you like chilled out acoustic music, blues, folk, pop, dance, electronica, rock or any other genre you can think of, the scope for musical entertainment is endless.

To steal a phrase from a popular TV series; “Christmas is coming...” and Swindon yet again has a superb musical offering to tide you through these winter months.

Always a highlight of the Christmas shows at The Victoria in Swindon is the 12 Bands of Christmas gig on 17 December Now in its 11th year, this show has become somewhat of an institution in the town, and all the previous shows have completely sold out, which tells us either people have way too much money to spend over Christmas or we all love singing along to Slade covers.

This year will be no exception so make sure you don’t leave it till the last minute to purchase your ticket because once they’re gone, there will be no more.

Rules are simple, 12 local bands play two cover songs each, both out of their respective genre comfort

01793 887799 01793 882233

The lovably crazy Diagonal People will be performing festive tunes out of everyone’s comfort zone at The Vic’s 12 Bands of Christmas on 17 December

zone. This year’s acts include - Polar Front, Zoe Mead, Raze Rebuild, The Harlers, Martyrials, YVES, Plummie Racket & the Dicemen, SN Dubstation, The Nomarks, A Way With Words and Diagonal People. (We know that’s 11 but at the time we printed the magazine, band number 12 had not confirmed.)

Riffs Bar in Hook will be offering the alternative to all the festive cheer by supporting an equally worthy cause; Ultimate Tuition

info@bengalsquare.co.uk www.bengalsquare.co.uk

will be holding their annual Student Performance on Sunday 4 December from 11am. Over 80 students will be performing throughout the day, as well as a selection of students performing as a group of 25 playing Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters. All proceeds will be going to the Make A Wish Foundation and Blue Ross Charity, so do something different this Christmas and support the area’s up and coming musicians.

Level 3 on Commercial Road will

be hosting their own Christmas Party on 27 December featuring The Bright Eyes. Status Promotions are heading this one, and with their great reputation for putting on brilliant party and covers bands, we know this is going to be the best place to party away those Christmas calories.

Once you’ve had your fill of the festive cheer, New Year’s Eve rides over the horizon, and back at The Vic there is a rocking party to be had. Denim and leather are the order of the evening, as local covers group Shepherds Pie take over the Old Town venue and celebrate the end of this weird year we call 2016 with rock classics and a very classic vibe. Expect the usual flamboyant approach to music from one of Swindon’s most experienced groups.

If you need reminding of the date (as we often do) it’s 31 December.

Our Ocelot team will now be heading out into the wilderness to fill up on fruit cake and mince pies.

There is a world of music to discover in Swindon besides just our picks here, so for more information on events in the town and beyond, visit: www.theocelot.co.uk

2 Roughmoor Village Centre, Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5DJ swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Swindon Wide as part of a package of leisure centre leases.

The building has turned out to be a problem for GLL, who only now seem to be addressing the particular challenges associated with maintaining and running an important historical site.

Bizarrely, while one would normally expect a feasibility study to be carried out before a significant project, GLL have announced they are just about to Protesters outside Swindon Council’s Civic Offices in November begin one at the Health Hydro.

This move has received only a is at the other end of the scale cautious welcome from local history History column by Graham Carter when it comes to swimming groups, because GLL’s promise to of Swindon Heritage magazine facilities, seriously lagging behind engage over the building’s future If you were to draw up a list of the Government targets. No wonder the is another process one might have most important historical buildings town’s swimmers are up in arms. expected before they accepted the in Swindon, then it wouldn’t be But those who care about the lease. long before you would be writing town’s heritage should also be We have no option but to give down ‘Health Hydro’. concerned about the current GLL and the council the benefit of With the exception of the neglect of the Health Hydro and the the doubt for now, even though Mechanics’ Institute, it is difficult suitability of any changes that may their track records are not good. to think of any single structure be proposed for the building.

GLL have failed to turn up to that says as much about Swindon’s Partially protected by its Grade meetings to answer concerns heritage.

II Listing, which some say actually about the Health Hydro, while Opened in 1892, the Milton Road undervalues its unique role in the council’s failure to engage Baths, as older Swindon people still telling the story of New Swindon, properly on other heritage matters, call it, provided the best health the Health Hydro nevertheless especially the future of the and wellbeing facilities available faces an uncertain future under the Mechanics’ Institute, doesn’t bode to ordinary working people in the management of Greenwich Leisure well, either. whole of Britain.

Ltd (GLL), now about half-way Perhaps everyone should follow Now, with the building’s key through a five-year lease awarded the lead shown by Swindon Corn training pool closed, Swindon to it by Swindon Borough Council Exchange Ltd, which has signed a

What now for the Health Hydro?

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deal that will secure the future of The Locarno in Market Square, Old Town.

The £35million regeneration of the area will see the building reborn in three years as The Exchange.

The approach to the Corn Exchange has been refreshing, with developer Steve Rosier involving lots of community groups and making himself approachable and open to input from all sides.

In our meetings with him we have also been impressed with his grasp of local history and the Corn Exchange’s part in it, so his statement after signing the deal rang true.

“People in Swindon are so incredibly passionate about protecting these historic buildings,” he said. “We are looking to harness this passion, taking inspiration from the past to reawaken one of Swindon’s lost treasures.”

It’s unclear what role, if any, GLL and the council see for the people of Swindon in the case of our other treasured buildings, which is why the time has arrived for those who care about our built heritage to voice their concerns over its short and long-term future.

Subscribe or buy individual copies of Swindon Heritage magazine at www.swindonheritage.com

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Swindon Wide Swindon shines at successful poetry festival

available from 22nd November 2016 to 2nd January 2017

It would have been day when I morphed atheist, for Gods whisper at night,

If you have a poem, come along and read at Open Mic in the Beehive pub on the second Tuesday - 13 December at 7:30pm. www.poetryswindon.org

on Tuesday evenings at Westlea School. Contact Jane on 01793 617176 or Rob on 01793 822811.

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and then my grandson’s seizure eclipsed the sun and I begged of angels.

Help needed at 1st Westlea Scout Group Westlea Scouts are looking to recruit leaders (18 years +) to run the Scout Troop. They meet

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I am often asked where a poem comes from. My answer: just look around you and do a lot of listening.

Everyone has a story and open questions reveal a lot. I carry a pen and paper and am not shy about making notes when I hear a good anecdote.

The hard work is turning those notes into a poem. If you are a beginner, start with three-line haikus. Compressing an observation into a line with five syllables, then seven syllables and ending with five syllables is a good discipline.

So, here’s a story that led to a poem. I went to a funeral in March when a close friend died. She had a great belief in angels. She had an angel box and posted little notes that she wrote when she heard someone was having a bad time. To be honest, we gave her a lot of stick about it and she took it well.

On the drive home I phoned my daughter who had had a son, Luke, three weeks earlier and I recounted the day and we agreed that we were lucky as a family. Three hours later I got a phone call to say: “Come to the hospital. Luke has had a brain seizure.” Our safe world took a blow.

We prayed, even to angels. Over the months since then he continues to recover.

These two haikus came from that event: Haikus in an Open Field

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Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane

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CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES

Xmas Eve: 4.30pm - 11.15pm. Xmas Day & Boxing Day CLOSED. New Years Eve: 4.30pm - 11.15pm. New Years Day: 4.30pm - 10.30pm 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

NEW OPENING TIMES Sunday to Thursday: 4.45pm - 10.30pm Friday & Saturday: 4.45pm - 11.15pm

Tel: 01793 703388 Unit 2 Elstree Way, Abbey Meads SN25 4YX

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Discover park home life at Blunsdon Abbey Park

Bungalow homes for the over 50s

l

01793 722100

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www.parkhomelife.com

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

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Swindon Wide Bohemian Balcony starts to take shape The arts community have rallied round a brand new arts space known as the Bohemian Balcony, which is tranforming the old Palladium Cinema in Rodbourne.

Described by artistic director Dan Rivers as a ‘community interest project’, the new arts space stands just a stone’s throw from the Outlet Village, and has been created as a forward thinking creative hub to unite writers, film-makers, theatre groups, musicians, artists, photographers and all art forms under one collaborative roof.

The Palladium opened in 1928 as a cinema and has more recently served as a bingo club and later a printing centre.

Dan, who has worked in education for over 11 years, said: “I’m just always so happy to be in this space and take in all its quirks.

The whole building is structurally sound, but we are working closely with the owner to make this a historically respectful yet artistically interchangable space.

“I come from a theatre background, and I’ve always wanted somewhere that could be used by creative writers, photographers, artists, musicians, cinematographers, film people, just

to share ideas and come together.

“The Bohemian Balcony is principally a space for all to use. I want it to be, without sounding like a broken record, a creative hub. But to be a hub it needs to constantly be buzzing, with people creating different things and sharing them with each other. I think as a community we can do that.”

During November, the team hosted an open brainstorming session for people to come and view the space, hear from Dan and his team, and leave their ideas and suggestions to further the cause.

Many pledged their time to help with the ongoing renovations and configuration of the Balcony and some exciting plans were discussed.

Dan said: “This is completely in the hands of the people. We aren’t supported by arts funding. We want to show what we can do on our own two feet before we sign up to any kind of funding. This is by the community, for the community in the simplest and most honest of ways.”

“I’ve worked really closely with the Shoebox team, and I love what they do down there. This isn’t about us setting up a space to compete with projects like that at all, but

The community response for the Bohemian Balcony so far has been substantial

rather providing another place in the chain. You could have an idea down at Shoebox, develop it in the Balcony and go on to host it somewhere else or back at one of the two.

“One night we could be

hosting a gig, the next a theatre performance, then a writing and arts gallery, the possibilities are truly endless.”

If you think you can help get the Balcony buzzing visit: facebook/bohemianbalcony

VACANCY Handyperson Required Part time 8.30 - 14.00 Monday to Friday West Swindon For more details call 01793 608800 or email swindon@basepoint.co.uk

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NW December 2016 Master Pages.indd 31

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17/11/2016 15:38

Sport and Leisure

Cycling through the winter

Nell urges cats not to waste great start

On Two Wheels by Rob Derry of Swindon Bicycle Users Group (BUG)

During winter quite a few people put their bikes away for the season.

There are also some who put their best bikes away and get their winter steed out of the garage, often to the disbelief of their partner that they have a winter bike and a summer bike. If you’re thinking about carrying on cycling through the winter and haven’t done so before, here are a few tips that I hope you find helpful.

Clean and service your bike; it’s not as bad as it sounds; just make sure the brake blocks are in good condition, the gears and chain work smoothly, the tyres are sound and that everything is lubricated. If you’re not comfortable doing that yourself there are plenty of bike shops and even mobile mechanics who will do this for you, often for less than the cost of a single car tyre.

It is well worth getting some mudguards for the winter. They keep a lot of the surface mud, grit and water off you. It probably goes without saying to wear some warm and waterproof clothes.

However, if you’re riding to work

and can change when you get there, waterproof is not essential.

What I would recommend is a good pair of gloves and some thick socks as your hands and feet feel the cold more than any other part of your body.

But once you get going, you’ll soon warm up.

If it’s icy, it is very often safer on the road rather than a cycle path as the roads are gritted where the paths are not.

Above all, make sure your lights are working and that you carry spare batteries.

It is even worth investing in a small pair of spare LED lights for around a fiver.

You don’t want to be half way home in the dark and a light gives up or breaks. www.swindonbug.co.uk

CLARE DUNCAN-HAWES

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be.

“We always look to try and play the strongest team available. That will be our approach and we’ve brought in Matt Selby and Ryan Aldridge to help bring back some competitive bite to the side.

“We’re respectful of that and we need to make sure we reach our levels because we owe it to ourselves and the supporters to compete.” www.swindonwildcats.com

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IF YOU SUFFER FROM: • Backache & Leg Pain • Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain • Head Pain • Numbness • Arthritic Pain • Sports Injury • Injury after Accident

Aaron Nell has told his Swindon Wildcats side to be aware of complacency ahead of the run up to the Christmas break.

Having gone quietly about their business since the start of the season, a dip in form towards the end of October which coincided with injuries to Nell and D-man Callum Buglass threatened to derail the fantastic start made earlier.

“Historically we haven’t usually managed to find any consistency until after Christmas but we had been hovering around the top of the standings up until the tail end of October,” Nell told The Link.

“It’s disappointing because having kept most of our roster together from last season, things were going well and we seem to have let things slip.

“Sometimes, when a team is having a difficult spell it’s hard to get any freedom on the ice, but the coming weeks are all about everyone pulling together and if we do that, we’ll create our own heroes and moments out on the pad and we’ll get back to where we should

FITNESS CENTRE www.lspersonaltraining.com

THE CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTRE • NECK PAIN • BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • SPORTS INJURY • CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

The Wildcats ice hockey column with Mike Wray

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

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

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18/11/2016 08:43

Sport and Leisure

Fans celebrate the great red hope - Tim Sherwood Trust STFC column with chairman Steve Mytton

I think most would agree that bringing in Tim Sherwood on a formal basis is a good move by owner Lee Power. He’s a motivator, has a wealth of contacts and can attract some quality players. Let’s hope it’s the start of a new positive era, Good Luck Tim. The much talked about ‘media ban’ has also seemingly been lifted, which is very welcome news, and hopefully signals a new era of fan engagement, something we desperately need. When the dust has settled we will be asking for a meeting with Tim, alongside Swindon Town Supporters Club, and Great Western Reds, to see how we can work together and improve the atmosphere and general feel around the club.

Whilst it’s clear he’s effectively the manager, we must refer to him as the ‘Director of Football’. Of course that doesn’t really matter – as long as things improve on the pitch. It’s going to be a tough 10 games until January when Sherwood will be able to bring in the experienced heads that he knows this team needs.

We shall see what happens – hopefully the results, atmosphere and fan engagement will start to restore the faith for some of the people who have drifted from the club in recent times.

On to Trust matters… working with the Trust brings many challenges and requires a lot of voluntary commitment, but we have a good group of people now and we’re improving all the time.

We have recruited two new people to the Trust, to practice the new skills of the team.

If you think you can bring skills or energy to the Trust, please get in touch via email: info@ truststfc.com. We have lots of people involved on an ad-hoc basis, perhaps you can add to that mix.

Finally - thank you to each and every one of you who continue to support us financially with monthly contributions. We haven’t dipped into the fund too much as yet, but it’s building up nicely and every penny of it will be needed for our key objectives, which you will hear more about in 2017.

Former Tottenham manager and Blackburn Rovers captain Tim Sherwood

We still need more people to support us, please give it some thought and if you can spare a pound or more each month, then sign up today via www.redarmyfund.co.uk Your Club, Your Trust www.truststfc.com

Garden Doctors give sponsorship boost to Greenmeadow United youth teams The young football players at Greenmeadow United under 9’s received a pleasant surprise in September when Link advertiser Garden Doctors decided to sponsor their team.

James Cherry agreed the sponsorship after a family friend mentioned a common link with the club.

James’ wife Jennifer said: “James grew up

in Greenmeadow, and one of our friends has a son who plays for the under 9’s. She asked if we would be interested in sponsoring them.

James jumped at the chance as this is our local team and also represents James’ links to the area he grew up in. It’s a pleasure to see these young players representing Greenmeadow and enjoying football at a young age.”

Garden Doctors’ James Cherry with Greenmeadow United players

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FRIDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ. Consultant: Heather 07816 860840 FRIDAYS 9.30am Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill, Off Bath Road SN1 3LS. Consultant: Lisa 07411 430216

SATURDAYS 8am, 10am & 12pm Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road SN5 8LY. Consultant: Lou 07784 098022 SATURDAYS 9.30am Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ. Consultant: Jac B 07469 245888

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slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

swindonlink.com n December 2016

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18/11/2016 08:46

Sport and Leisure

Better gym almost ready at Link Centre Take advantage of an early resolution deal

A computer generated impression of the new gym

Now’s the time to give yourself an early Christmas present as well as making a new year’s resolution in advance of the reopening of the gym at Link Centre.

The £1 million refurbishment will triple the size of the old facility. To celebrate, Better, which manages the centre, is offering a relaunch membership deal.

Join now and beat the January rush and benefit from no joining fee plus a £5 discount on the monthly cost of membership.

Link Centre sales manager Rich Franklin said: ”We’re very excited to introduce our brand new functional training area, cardio theatre and free weight section.

“The functional training area will include astro-flooring and a multipurpose rig with all the modern training equipment for your fitness needs.

“And from January we’re introducing a wider range of classes with our in-house fitness instructors.”

“Changing facilities have also been given a significant makeover.

“There will be free taster session for both members and nonmembers after the new gym opens.

To receive a personal invitation to try out the new facilities, mail: robert.affleck@gll.org See details about joining the gym at: www.better.org.uk/memberships

Investment in tennis centre sees surge in use TO RENT annexed to a successful Chiropractic clinic with dedicated rehab gym.

Either as a full suite of rooms with facilities, or separate rooms with shared facilities, from £500/month.

Ideal for massage therapist, chiropodist or similar.

For more details: mark@health-track.co.uk 07764 220528

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Regular players at Delta, from left: Andy Langley, Julian White, Yumi Kume, Amanda Jones, James Andreotti, Monica Lopez, Paul Eastham and Mark Beverly

www.swindonhealingrooms.co.uk 07503 633242

Swindon could be serving up the next Andy Murray or Johanna Konta after Better spent £140,000 on improvements at Delta Centre in Westlea.

There are four indoor and three outdoor floodlit courts offering all year round tennis. Staff believe the resurfacing of the outdoor courts and fitting of new indoor lighting, coinciding with Andy and Johanna’s performances on the world stage, as well as Britain’s Olympic success, has led to increased interest in the sport.

Numbers taking part in the popular weekly tennis programme have increased by 240 per cent over the past 18 months and now stand at 400, with the centre hosting more than 50,000 annual visits to its courts.

The programme of tennis activities has also expanded to include

everything from basic court hire, to individual coaching, competitions, tennis leagues and a ‘Tennis for Kids’ initiative.

Delta is piloting a national first - a Tennis Apprenticeship Scheme where participants earn the national living wage, learn more about the sport and its delivery, whilst acquiring key business skills to prepare them for a long-term career within tennis.

Andrew Sutherland, Delta Centre manager said: “Tennis is a fantastic, year-round sport that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age or fitness level. It’s also really social and a great way to meet and keep up with friends while keeping fit and active.”

Find out more at: www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/ swindon

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18/11/2016 08:48

Sport and Leisure Fighting fit gym celebrates five years of working at centre of the community

From left coach Steve Cooney, Scrapstore manager Olivia McCann, patron Ricky Porter and coach Paul Rogers.

A fighting fit community gym in West Swindon has celebrated its fifth birthday in November.

Scrappers Boxing Gym and Community Fitness Centre was launched with a £9,609 grant from the Big Lottery ‘Awards for All’ programme in 2011.

Veteran Swindon boxing legend and patron of the scheme, Ricky Porter, was on hand to throw his weight behind the anniversary event.

Based at the rear of the 24 Hour Gym in Hillmead, West Swindon, the gym was initially run by Swindon’s first ABA champion Paul

Rogers and two-times British kick boxing champion, Andy Brown, who volunteer their time to motivate and inspire young people. The team was further boosted when boxing trainer Steve Cooney, a former amateur with 15 years’ experience joined.

Scrapstore manager Olivia McCann said: “We provide an affordable, safe, supportive and welcoming environment at Scrappers Gym reducing isolation and increasing participation.

“This is a fantastic project and provides opportunities for local people who cannot afford to go to

Mikey Harfield, 5, shows the heavy bag who’s boss

commercial gyms, to get fit and learn from professional qualified and experienced trainers.”

Scrappers Gym has improved access to sport for young people and built stronger communities by developing links with Lydiard Park Academy, Swindon Academy and Nova Hreod School by providing non-contact boxing skills classes during P.E. lessons and also afterschool boxing clubs to engage more young people in the sport.

Paul Rogers said: “The reason I got involved in coaching boxing initially was to put something back into a sport that changed many

aspects of my life for the better.

People often use the word respect and for me boxing taught me to respect how my actions impacted on others.”

From 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016, Scrappers worked directly with 1,930 children and young people aged 5 to 19 years of age and 1,495 aged 20 and above, helping them to increase their fitness, confidence and self-esteem.

For details contact Olivia McCann on 01793 513982 or 07739023290 or olivia@scrapstore.co.uk, or Paul Rogers, Tel: 07505 370383, paulrogersboxing@gmail.com

Lucky Shane wins gym membership for life Ever dreamed of owning a dolls house and producing a unique world inside it? We can help you fashion a wonderful house that will bring joy for years to come. Our houses come in easy to build kit form which you can assemble into a beautiful house or shop.

The Dolls House Workshop currently stock products from the following suppliers: • Streets Ahead Houses and Furniture • Reutter Porcelain • Dolls House Workshop Houses • Wonham Collection • Little Trimmings Haberdashery • Dateman Books One of the biggest selections in the South West

Tel: 01793 854606

Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park, Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9QT Junction 16 (1/2 mile towards Wroughton) • www.studleygrange.co.uk

Shane Ball (left) with David Lloyd general manager Jordan McGarvie

Construction manager Shane Ball could be forgiven for looking a little stunned after being told he had won lifetime membership of David Lloyd Club – worth roughly £1,000 a year.

The father of five, who won the club’s lucky locker competition, said: “I’ve never won anything in my life. I’ve been a member of the gym since it opened. Keeping fit is really important to me. I played a lot of sport when I was younger and I like to keep in shape.”

Shane, 47, is a keen tri-athlete and a member of the gym’s triathlon club as well as making

use of the gym’s other extensive facilities.

David Lloyd Club boasts a hightech gym, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools, spa facilities and a cafe.

General manager Jordan McGarvie said: “We’re delighted to reward the loyalty of our valued customers with our Lucky Locker competition.

“Our focus is on really looking after the customers that we have rather than looking for new business.

“It’s fantastic that we can show our appreciation in this way.”

INSPIRE, CREATE SPARKLE & DREAM Welcome to Sparkle Dreams Swindon’s premier paper crafting specialists.

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.

Top name brands include: • Woodware • Creative Expressions • Sizzix • Stampendous • Spellbinders • Docraft

We are the only local suppliers of Copic pens & Sam Poole Designs plus many other specialist products.

Tel: 01793 979101 Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park, Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9QT Junction 16 (1/2 mile towards Wroughton) • www.sparkledreams.co.uk

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18/11/2016 10:32

Sport and Leisure Mad March Hares jump for joy at launch of tenth event

Team Runvember on their Swimming Costume Sunday on 13 November Mad March Hare chair Margaret Nicolson presenting the 2016 proceeds to Paul Palfrey of Breast Cancer Now, Swindon & North Wiltshire at the 2017 launch event in November

The volunteers who organise Mad March Hare are leaping with happiness as entries for the tenth anniversary event start to come in.

They hope that MMH on Sunday 26 March will take their fundraising to over £100,000 in aid of Breast Cancer Now, Swindon & North Wiltshire Group.

MMH 10 will be a big celebration of what Swindon people can do together and everyone is invited to take part or support in fancy dress.

As always, the 5km or 10km routes will start and finish at Lydiard Park Academy in Grange Park, taking walkers, joggers and runners on a

36

circular route of West Swindon and through Lydiard Park.

“Help us make this special year a resounding success and come along with your friends and families and dogs too,” said MMH team member Kathy Doyle. “The Mad March Hare is a fully inclusive event that welcomes everyone to join in.

“As well as fundraising, the aim is to encourage people of all ages to get out and get active in a fun environment.

Register to take part in the anniversary run via the group’s website: www.madmarchhare.org.uk

Runvember successfully gets Swindon sprinting 2016’s Runvember events, which has had local people covering over 330 miles, has been branded a huge success, with 294 people contributing boxes of much needed items, including tinned food, hygiene products and more to Threshold Housing Link for their work with Swindon’s homeless.

Festive runners bring cheer to Lydiard Park This year’s Santa Run takes place at Lydiard Park on Sunday 4 December, with free parking available for runners and spectators within the park itself.

The annual seasonal sprint, organised by Swindon Phoenix Rotary Club, will be raising money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Swindon Carers Centre.

There is a £5 entrance fee which includes a free Santa costume. www.swindonsanta.org.uk

swindonlink.com n December 2016

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18/11/2016 08:51

Motoring

Ford take us to the Edge

Geoff Maxted of Drivewrite.co.uk takes The Ford Edge for a drive

The Ford Edge, tested in full sport trim, leaps fully formed into the burgeoning SUV market with some style. With its crisp outline embellished by a big rear spoiler and a wide-mouthed grille it is perhaps the most American looking of the big beasts of the road and is set to take on the prestige German brands at their own game.

The vehicle in the image comes fully loaded with all manner of safety and infotainment features, along with the striking ‘Electric Spice’ paint. Although not a

dedicated off-roader the Ford intelligent all-wheel drive can be relied upon to put the grip where you need it in bad driving conditions. Just let it get on with the job.

At a wallet-clenching £38,595 for the fully-featured Sport model this version of the Edge moves close to the price territory of models like the Mercedes GLC and the BMW X3, so it needs to deliver on quality and refinement. Aside from a couple of minor niggles it is fair to say that Ford have cracked it.

In The Cabin The Ford Edge scores big on legroom and headroom. Although a five-seater (there’s no seven seat option) the lucky five can sit comfortably with plenty of surrounding storage for discarded toys and general family detritus.

With three levels of trim available – Zetec, Titanium and Sport – there’s a model to suit all budgets.

The Sport came with some really attractive 20” gunmetal alloys that really looked the business. Some say that big wheels compromise comfort and ride quality, although on test it wasn’t found to be a big issue.

The seats are very comfortable and the driving position relaxed.

The dashboard is well laid out and refreshingly low on the button count with most controls accessed through the big, clear touchscreen.

As usual Bluetooth, climate control, active noise control (well worth having) and the like all make an appearance and there’s a special word for the Sony sound system.

If you’re a fan of hip-hop, you can hear it across the supermarket car park. Apparently.

It’s just a shame that the screen surround and the dash-top storage box are rather low rent plastic.

Sturdy enough for sure, but it lets down the soft-touch materials elsewhere. Around the back there’s a powered hatch with the option of opening by way of a waggling foot.

A bit pointless but kids like it.

On The Road There’s only one engine available, a 2.0L four-cylinder diesel with 178bhp and 400Nm of torque. With a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds the Edge is not quick but is full of purpose so most users will be satisfied, especially when they see 40mpg plus on the dashboard readout, the economy aided by a stop/start function.

In corners, the Ford Edge Sport isn’t as composed as you might expect given the ‘sporty’ ride quality.

There’s some body roll and you can occasionally feel the car’s weighty bulk.

The steering is quick and varies with speed but there’s not much feedback, a complaint that can be levelled at a lot of cars these days.

The Ford Edge has a lot of appeal and is one of my favourite SUV’s.

There’s loads of space inside. Also, it looks more distinctive and feels more relaxed and less suited and booted than its German rivals.

Recommended.

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8.30 - 17.00 Fri: 8.30 - 14.00. Please check the website for holiday periods

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17/11/2016 16:49

David Hawkins

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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 orchids.

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NW December 2016 Master Pages.indd 38

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18/11/2016 10:05

Gardening

Resident recreates famous London sites in Grange Park back garden display Many of us strive for the garden of our dreams, but West Swindon resident John Willmott has gone one step further than just an impressive water feature as his garden has become a scaled down version of his native London.

Originally from Maida Vale, John has spent considerable time recreating famous sites from around the capital, including models, memorabilia and figures from London’s long and illustrious history.

From Selfridge’s bikes to famous road signage and even period street furniture, John has taken considerable care, time and effort to make sure his garden stands out and amazes people who see it.

John said: “I’ve had so many people tell me how amazing the whole garden is, and I thought I should start letting people know about it.

“Having it all lit up in the evenings is a special sight and I really like seeing people’s reactions.

“There are so many of the good things I remember about London in there now. Hopefully people will enjoy it as much as I do.”

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

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

01793 790210 07971 566880

Email: treeman@iwalding.freeserve.co.uk

swindonlink.com n December 2016

NW December 2016 Master Pages.indd 39

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17/11/2016 16:58

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upvc-swindon@hotmail.co.uk

Providing plumbing services to clients throughout Swindon 30 years experience Friendly, reliable service OAP discount on request

or email: hainesplastering@gmail.com

Tel: 01793 271185 Mobile: 07813 950899

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

NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

SURESTOP SWITCH

installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

• 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

J&R Plumbing

Call Luke on

07853 966003

Do better business!

● 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

Semi-retired Plumber

ACP

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

• 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

D E Carpentry For all your carpentry needs k Door hanging k Kitchen fitting k Real wood and laminate flooring k Fitted wardrobes k 15 years experience

Call 01793 514069 or 07885 972172 e: ellisj10@sky.com www.delliscarpentry.co.uk

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered

• Extra Sockets/lights • Fuse Board Upgrade

Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping

Complete Rewires • • Complete Rewires

Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions

Extra Sockets/lights • • Fuse Board Upgrade

• • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and 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

Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597

Chrome sockets and switches Home extensions/rewires Replacement fuse boards Kitchen & bathroom electrics Data cabling/office conversions Garage/garden power Decorative lights Fault finding/repairs Free help and advice

Fully insured to £2m

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

www.haynesconstruction.org.uk

40

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REPAIR & IMPROVE

41

YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

GASTECH THE INDEPENDENT GAS SPECIALISTS

• 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

www.gastechwilts.co.uk

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

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

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

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

07845 90 80 60 or 01793 700 820

24 The Elms, Nine Elms Swindon SN5 5XA

www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

• • • • • • • • • •

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

Owen Cleaves

No job too small!

LEAKS TAP REPLACEMENT PUMP REPLACEMENT BURST PIPES BATHROOM INSTALLATION GUTTERING REPAIRS

Tel: 07562 664646 01793 932239

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

email: myplumberswindon@gmail.com

SWINDON GAS SERVICES

WARMSHIELD SERVICES LTD

www.swindongasservices.co.uk

derek.richardson5@virginmedia.com

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

Earthmoving Services

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

• 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

Tool Hire & Sales DIY & Trade

01793 640200 Cheney Manor, Swindon

www.gaplant.co.uk

188262

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REPAIR & IMPROVE YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

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

GBD Services 01793 979282 or 07453 966627

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

H

01793 321981 07775 840236

INTERIOR H EXTERIOR H WALLPAPERING

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

Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051 42 swindonlink.com n December 2016

NW December 2016 Master Pages.indd 42

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen & bathroom refits • Internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

Services

FREE ESTIMATES

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

or

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

(Household Maintenance)

rat

Quality painting and decorating at an affordable price

DECORATING & CARPENTRY

eco

DECORATOR

Call Bob on 07778 324228

&D

darrenbakerstewart@ rocketmail.com

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

ter

01793 320773 07779 006360

ain

Fully insured CRB Police checked

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.

EP

5 year guarantee on all workmanship.

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

ID

Approved installer for BATHSTORE and WREN.

PLANS DRAWN

PR

STYLISH BATHROOMS

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

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

DECORATOR

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

TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673

• Specialise in wet rooms • Supply and fix service • Complete bathroom service • Underfloor heating • Wall & floor tiling • Plastering • Free estimates

Call 01793 721455 or 07976 885203

Email: leon.jack@hotmail.co.uk

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories

Contact Mat: 07738 298803 mat@middlesextilingltd.co.uk www.middlesextilingltd.co.uk

Doctor Glass

BSJ PLASTERING & DECORATING SERVICES

GILES BROS

www.trevorwyse.com

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

All areas of Plastering, Decorating and Refurbishment undertaken • Ceilings and Walls Plastered • Coving • Rendering • Painting & Decorating - Internal & External • Complete Home Improvements undertaken • Free quotations

Please contact Brian Jones

Mobile: 07976 572905 Home: 01793 725834 Professional, reliable and friendly service

www.swindonplasterer.com

FLOOR & WALL TILING SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526 Find us on Facebook

18/11/2016 10:08

REPAIR & IMPROVE

43

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

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

JS l l l l l l

Property Services

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

Free estimates Call Jamie on 01793 704 309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers

• Competitive rates • All work guaranteed

Accredited Installer

• No job too small

Approved Plumber

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

mjplumbing64@gmail.com

CARPENTRY

7 YEAR GUARANTEE

• Bathrooms & showers

203455

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

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

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

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

email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

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

TEL: 01793 536784 SANSUM SAND & GRAVEL SUPPLY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TRADE CUSTOMERS BRICKS, CONCRETE BLOCKS, CELCON BLOCKS, BLOCK PAVING, PATIO SLABS, SAND, GRAVEL, TOP SOIL, BARK, CANTABURY SPAR, LANDSCAPE FABRIC, DRAINAGE CHANNELS, BUILDING CHEMICALS, ROCK SALT AND CEMENT

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SERVICE SECTOR YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES

Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE House cleans from £16 per house.

Around £26 for a 4 bed.

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

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly cleans.

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

www.abacuscleaningservices.co.uk

Call 01793 875665 07780625244

CLEANING

OVEN CLEANING

01793 421802

WINDOW CLEANING

Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine

OVEN CLEAN OVEN CLEANING

Plus hobs and extractors

Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget

Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £45 - Range £75

Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

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

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

BOOK-KEEPING 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.

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

www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

01793 781502 44

Call Martin on T: 01793 611036 M: 07771 821757 W: nicengleamovenclean.co.uk E: info@nicengleamovenclean.co.uk

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

CJD

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

Call Sue Roberts to discuss our combined advertising packages

office@enlan.co.uk

Domestic & commercial Fully insured Professional service Prices from Ovens £35.00 Carpets £30.00 Free no obligation quote

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

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

Promote what you do on paper and online @ swindonlink.com

01793 877677 or email:

ACCOUNTANCY

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

Do better business!

Nice ‘n’ Gleam

Gogglebox

Shaun Guard

TV AERIAL SERVICES

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

Call Darryl Pace on 01793 812738

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

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

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SERVICE SECTOR

45

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Computer problems?

Let us help We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including:

Est 2002

Working in and around the Swindon area

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

• NEW BUILDS & EXTENSIONS • PLUMBING • JOINERY • FASCIAS & SOFFITS • GARDENING & MAINTENANCE • PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

• • • • • • • •

For a dedicated local service with a Microsoft Certified Professional, with over 25 years experience, call 01793 320 439 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com

Call 07970 061123 Email errol@jpsm.co.uk

www.compucareuk.com

Tel: 01793 325685

www.jpsm.co.uk

FURNITURE WANTED

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

WHITE VAN MAN SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35

A charity providing furniture, white goods and household items to local people in need Call the collections line on 01793 683146 HELP US TO HELP OTHERS

• 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

M & J Upholsterers RE-UPHOLSTERY & ALL SUITE REPAIRS We bring the showroom to you!

Carpet, Vinyl, Wood & Laminate

01793 200071 www.jcarpets.co.uk Great personal service with great prices!

SWINDON ROOFING COMPANY

34 Queens Road Royal Wootton Bassett Swindon SN4 8AW

01793 239 559

info@swindonroofingcompany.co.uk www.swindonroofingcompany.co.uk

OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Re-upholstery of 3 piece suites, dining & fireside chairs etc.

ALL WORK COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF GUARANTEE

Also new seat interiors Seams - Zips - Springs

FREE SCAFFOLDING NO EXTRA COST THE COMPANY YOU CAN RELY ON!

LEATHER CLEANING Repairs carried out in situ Established 1972

GUTTERS CLEANED FROM £20

Call 07709 453949 emanjayupholstery@gmail.com

Before

After

HALE SKILLS • Washing Machines • Cookers • Dishwashers • Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 year’s experience

Call 07963 131429 or 01793 490668

e.mail: haleskills@gmail.com

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

Installation & Repairs New Doors • Automation No Obligation Quotes Est. 1981 Showroom: Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796 swindondoorservices@btinternet.com

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Puzzle

10

12

13

16 19

14 20

14

12

17

18

21

26

23

27

28

30

31

33

34

31

DOWN

1.

5.

9.

10.

11.

12.

15.

17.

19.

22.

24.

26.

27.

30.

1.

2.

3.

4.

6.

7.

8.

13.

14.

16.

Robe (8) Freshwater fish (4) Spiced Spanish wine (7) African country (5) Drowned valley (3) Savage (6) Midday meal (5) Cattle shelter (4) Yellow-flowered herb (6) German composer (6) Trust (4) Temperate, moderate (5) Most ancient (6) Curve forming part of circumference (3) Deal out (5) Small falcon (7) British nobleman (4) Lawyer (8)

18.

20.

21.

23.

25.

28.

29.

31.

I

H M S S

E A

There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, you should not have to guess.

35

ACROSS

Q U

SUDOKU

29 24

32

32.

33.

34.

35.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

25 22

23

15

22

24

14 Good; 17 Very Good; 20 Excellent.

10

Huge (4) Spanish man’s title (5) Deserve (5) Almost (6) Evened up (7) Slit (4-4) Deciduous shrub (6) Vase (3) Talented (4) Not visible to audience (3-5) Welsh resort (4) Cloudy (7) Mistakes in print (6) Born as (3) Ornamental case (6) Dancing party (5) Temptress (5) Sticky earth (4)

6 9 1

4

7 2 1 4 2 9 7 3 1 8 3 5 9 1 8 2 2 7 5 4 9 7 4 8 8 5 6 7 6 3

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which, when placed correctly in the grid, will form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

SOLUTIONS

Nebular; 21 Errata; 23 Née; 25 Locket; 28 Disco; 29 Siren; 31 Clay.

NONAGRAM ahem; amiss; amuse; assume; haem; hassium; maquis; mash; mashie; masque; mass; massé; mesa; mesh; mess; messiah; miss; misuse; muse; mush; same; seam; semi; sham; shame; shim; smash; SQUEAMISH. MAGIC SQUARE gram; rice; acne; meet.

10 11

CREATE GERMAN MICE

QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 1 Vestment; 5 Carp; 9 Sangria; 10 Zaire; 11 Ria; 12 Brutal; 15 Lunch; 17 Byre; 19 Fennel; 22 Handel; 24 Rely; 26 Sober; 27 Oldest; 30 Arc; 32 Allot; 33 Kestrel; 34 Earl; 35 Attorney.

Down – 1 Vast; 2 Señor; 3 Merit; 4 Nearly; 6 Aligned; 7 Peep-hole; 8 Azalea; 13 Urn; 14 Able; 16 Off-stage; 18 Rhyl; 20

9

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Target scores:

8 7 5 2 4 3 1 9 6

7

3 1 4 8 6 9 5 7 2

6

9 6 2 1 5 7 3 4 8

5

8

4 5 3 9 1 2 8 6 7

5

6 9 7 5 3 8 4 2 1

4

1 2 8 6 7 4 9 5 3

3

2 3 9 4 8 6 7 1 5

2

MAGIC SQUARE

7 4 1 3 2 5 6 8 9

1

NONAGRAM

5 8 6 7 9 1 2 3 4

QUICK CROSSWORD

Treated Landscape Sleepers (Pine for longevity) 2.4 metres long by 200 x 100mm • • • • • • •

Gates Fencing Decking Trellis Panels Wood Preservatives Garden Tools Raised Garden Beds

T: 01793 783879

E: jez1@webbswood.co.uk

W: www.webbswood.co.uk

Find us on facebook.com/webbswood Proud sponsors of Swindon Supermarine FC

Southdown Farm, Faringdon Road, (A420) Longcot, Oxon SN7 7UA 46

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Merry Christmas Customer Helpline 428 428 Web thamesdownbus.com Twitter @thamesdown

NW December 2016 Master Pages.indd 47

Festive wishes for a very happy New Year from everyone at

17/11/2016 16:59

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17/11/2016 17:31