December 2016 South East edition Swindon Link

No 4 December 2016

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Est. overall readership across Swindon: 100,000

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Giving Swindon a cultural makeover

New arts project revitalises old Palladium cinema p7

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South and East Swindon Edition

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Community: P3-16

Swindon Wide: P17-25

Sport & Leisure: P26-27

Services: P28-29

Plus

The Link guide to Christmas p18

Puzzle: P30

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

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Community News The Locarno at centre of regeneration

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’s iconic Locarno ballroom

Swindon’s iconic Locarno is set to be given a new lease of life, after contracts were signed on a £35m regeneration project.

The Grade II Listed building, which will become known as The Exchange, will be transformed into apartments, restaurants, shops and bars. A hotel could also be included in the plans, which will be showcased at a public exhibition in Spring 2017.

Swindon Corn Exchange Ltd, the company set up to lead the regeneration, has taken ownership of the buildings and entered a partnership agreement with Forward Swindon. The threeyear project will incorporate wider regeneration of the area

Proud partner of

surrounding the listed buildings.

Project director Steve Rosier, said: “Our vision is to restore the Corn Exchange as the heartbeat of Old Town – a place for people to live and work, relax and enjoy and a place to appreciate and inspire a more vibrant and sustainable Old Town.

“The plans will reinstate the Market Square as public space with a new piazza replacing the existing car park. The covered hall and new piazza will provide outdoor and undercover dining areas, It is hoped planning consent will be granted during the summer. This would enable work to start before the end of 2017 and The Exchange would open its doors in early 2020.”

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.

Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £57.

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

Positive Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers.

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

Call for donations for Christmas Care

MEADOWPARK School and Nursery

Visitors warmly welcomed

Nursery 0 - 4 years

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

Inspirational Education Childcare with Love for Boys and Girls 0 - 11 years

School 4 - 11 years

“Pupils make outstanding progress ... owing to outstanding teaching.”

Outstanding in EVERY category!

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Established 1848 15 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AN E-mail: giftshop@deacons-jewellers.com www.deacons-jewellers.com Tel: 01793 522072/527530

Items featured subject to stock availability

Extra Sunday Opening Times:

11th & 18th December, 10.30am - 4.30pm

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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.

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.

Council consults on bus corridors for Wichelstowe Following the initial round of consultation held in late September and early October, Swindon Borough Council’s Transport Planning team will be holding its next phase of public consultation in early December to support the delivery of a bus corridor between Wichelstowe and the town centre.

Proposals have been developed based on the comments from the first round of consultation. There are three preliminary options for Old Town and two for Mannington roundabout/Wootton Bassett Road.

There will be a series of informal drop-in consultation events to discuss the proposals at the following times and venues: • 3pm – 7pm on Thursday 1

December at the StoweAway Community Centre, Staldon Road, East Wichel, SN1 7AG • 3pm – 6pm on Friday 2 December in the Coffee Shop of the Co-op, High Street/ Newport Street, Old Town, SN1 3EG • 11am - 1.30pm and 3pm – 7pm on Monday 5 December in the café-bar of Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, SN1 4BJ • 3pm - 7pm on Tuesday 6 December in the bar of Delta Tennis Centre, Welton Road, Westlea, SN5 7XF The plans will also be able to be viewed online at: www.swindontravelchoices.co.uk

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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 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 there and then. I think as a community we can do that.”

During early November, the team at Bohemian Balcony 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, no grants or special treatment. 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

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

Swindon’s Palladium Cinema, opened in 1928, has also been used as a bingo club and printing house

they do down there. This isn’t about us setting up a space to compete with projects like that at all, but 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

Artistic Director Dan Rivers amidst the ongoing work at Bohemian Balcony

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 Bohemian Balcony buzzing, or have some ideas on how to grow the arts community and want to get in touch, go to their Facebook page: facebook/bohemianbalcony

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Town Office 1 Groundwell Road, Swindon SN1 2LT Tel: 01793 422422 Chapel of Rest 92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret SN3 4NN Tel: 01793 832072

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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

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

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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.

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Christmas Menu

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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

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Community News UTC’s ‘Younique’ Kenyan adventure

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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.

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.

Thameswood Veterinary Clinics

“Making Life Better”

Wishing all our clients and their pets

A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

62-64 Purton Road, Swindon SN2 2LZ. Tel: 01793 526780 1A Oppenheimer, Greenbridge Road SN3 3LH. Tel: 01793 511267 39B Station Road, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7ED. Tel: 01793 230266

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

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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.

Building Confidence Realising Potential

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.

“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

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)

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• 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

18/11/2016 09:13

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.’

Croft Primary School remembers the fallen Royal Wootton Bassett Academy to link with Churchfields

Mayor of Swindon Cllr Eric Shaw speaking to pupils at Croft Primary School

Honoured guests including the Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Eric Shaw and representatives from the Royal British Legion attended the Remembrance service at Croft Primary School on 9 November.

The school chose to hold their service ahead of the main Armistice Day commemorations to ensure their students could hear from the Mayor and Legion members before the weekend engagements took hold.

Speaking to students from years two, three and four, Cllr Shaw recounted his memories of his parents, who lived through the First World War, and reinforced the school’s key values of respect and tolerance in an emotive speech.

Croft Primary principal Candida Hutchinson said: “We are honoured that the Mayor and members of the Royal British Legion have been able to take time out of what must be their busiest week to come and visit our school.

“We are also honoured to have Jason Wrobel, who served for 24 years as an army musician, play the last post for us to signify the start of our two minutes silence.”

The ceremony took place in an indoor Remembrance garden which had been created especially for the service by the pupils, with the school receiving its own cenotaph created by Dean Scanlon, which was flanked by Royal British Legion standard-bearers.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy (RWBA) has announced it has been granted permission to set up a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), formalising the existing relationship between RWBA and Churchfields Academy in Swindon.

Having had two ‘Outstanding in every category’ Ofsteds in November 2010 and November 2013, RWBA is a designated Teaching School and leads the North Wiltshire Teaching Alliance of 25 schools. It is also a National Support School and is led by National Leader in Education, Mr George Croxford.

As a National Support School it has supported several schools to improve; notably three out of Special Measures to a Good Ofsted rating within 18 months.

George Croxford said “Our vision will be to inspire future generations of learners and it is hoped that together the schools will strengthen each other, sharing good practice and building capacity for all those within the MAT. RWBA strives to maximise the potential of each person in its community and to be able to spread this throughout the MAT will mean that each school will

become the best of the best. We are committed to continuous improvement and look forward to working with more schools within the MAT.” Sandra Muir, headteacher of Churchfields Academy since January 2016, said “Churchfields looks forward to cementing the relationship it has built up with Royal Wootton Bassett Academy and is excited by the prospect of joining the new Multi Academy Trust.

“Becoming part of a MAT will ensure the improvements already started, as recognised by Ofsted, will continue to support the academy on its path to outstanding. I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with parents and our local primaries to inspire and create futures for our community. It is important that pupils and staff have high aspirations; by working together we share best practice and improve outcomes for pupils.”

“Churchfields has been providing a quality education in Swindon since 1964. We take pride in inspiring and creating futures for all”. www.education.gov.uk/academies swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Community News 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.

For more information www.studleygrange.co.uk

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

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.

At Church this Christmas The Stowe meeting at The StoweAway Community Centre, Staldon Road, East Wichel SN1 7AG 2.10pm-3pm Community Nativity on the new Friday 16th patio by the school and shops Sunday 18th 6pm -7pm Carol Service, traditional but family friendly service in The StoweAway Wednesday 21st 7pm-8pm Carols at The Bayberry pub Christmas Eve 4.30pm Carols by Candlelight At The StoweAway, followed by refreshments.

Swindon New Town Parish: St Mark’s Church, Church Place, St Luke’s Church, Broad Street and St Saviour’s Church, Ashford Road Sunday 18th 6pm Nine Lessons and Carols at St Luke’s Monday 19th 7.30pm Nine Lessons and Carols at St Mark’s Christmas Eve 4pm Children’s Crib Service at St Mark’s Children’s Crib Service at St Luke’s Christmas Eve 4pm Christmas Eve 9pm Mass of the Nativity at St Luke’s Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass at St Mark’s Christmas Day 10am Family Mass of Christmas Day at St Saviour’s Lawn Community Church, Lawn Community Centre Wednesday 7th 7pm Community Christmas Celebration at Lawn Primary School Sunday 18th 10.30am Christmas Celebration Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Service Christmas Day 1pm Christmas dinner for £10 To book a place call 01793 346179 Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Old Town SN1 3HB Sunday 4th 10am Toy service with Commonweal School Band and Choir Sunday 11th 10am Nativity play performed by the children of King William Street School.

Sunday 18th 10am Christingle Celebration Christmas Eve 4pm Traditional Crib Service

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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

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

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

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Feel the force at Commonweal School with Star Wars documentary screening in association with 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

December, 7pm and media and film 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

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Swindon Wide

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 Wide

Swindon enters pantomime season

Christmas dinners around the world...

Japan Though Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, it has become a celebration of all things western. A successful advertising campaign in the 1970s made eating at KFC around Christmas a national custom. The chicken meals are so popular during the season that stores take reservations months in advance.

Netherlands One typical Dutch tradition is ‘gourmet,’ an evening long event where small groups of people sit together around a gourmet-set and use their own little frying pan to cook and season their food in very small portions. The Dutch also enjoy more traditional Christmas meals that include meats and game like roast beef, duck, rabbit, and pheasant.

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

Sweden The Swedish Christmas meal, Julbord, consists of three courses.

The first is a variety of fish, usually different types of pickled herring and salmon, eaten with boiled potatoes or crisp bread.

The second is cold cuts of meat, with the Christmas ham being the most important. Sausages, cheese and leverpastej are also common, eaten with boiled potatoes or on crisp bread. The third course consists of warm dishes such as meatballs, small fried sausages and Janssons frestelse.

Australia As we all know, the Australians have their Christmas in the summer sunshine but their Christmas dinner is still based on British customs, with a down-under style spin. Meats are sometimes served cold with cranberry sauce, accompanied by side salads or roast vegetables.

Barbecues are the most popular way of preparing an Aussie Christmas meal.

Mexico In Mexico, the traditional Christmas dinner is a shared event which is celebrated on Christmas Eve, or Noche Buena.

Traditional foods can include tamales, atole, pozole, birria and menudo. Dishes that are solely for Christmas include bacalao, and stuffed turkey. Families wait until midnight to raise a toast to the family and give each other hugs. swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Swindon Wide

Scouts’ Christmas Post

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.

Any of these can be gift-wrapped.

PET FOOD OFFERS

HUGE RANGE OF PLANTS

15kg Adult Dog Food ONLY £45.99

We have an extensive range of plants for winter planting, including roses, conifers, shrubs and fruit trees. Also decorative pots planted for seasonal interest.

Pedigree Complete 15kg Adult £18.75 Saving £10 per bag

Helpful staff are available to advise on planting through the winter months or to assist with Christmas present requests.

Range of Coal, Logs, Kindling and Gas

NICKY’S PANTRY Breakfasts, Morning Coffee, Lunches, Afternoon Tea We look forward to seeing you!

NEW ON SITE

SWINDON LANDSCAPE CENTRE Paving, Walling, Aggregates

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Open Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm Most major cards accepted

HUGE RANGE OF HORSE & ANIMAL FEEDS Smallholder Range of Feeds including Poultry, Pig, Goat & Sheep

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.

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Swindon Wide

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

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

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

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

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. swindonlink.com n December 2016

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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

MUSIC

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

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

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

OXFORD SPIRES

Saturday 17th, 8pm 12 Bands of Christmas. Annual celebration full of local musicians.

Free. The Victoria

Join your local hospice Lottery

Every week someone wins £1,000

Arkell’s Christmas Market

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to p£1 lay 4

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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

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

swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Swindon Wide

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

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

with

Thomas Plant TV expert on Flog It! The Antiques Road Trip & Bargain Hunt

Confirm date, time & price with venue

VACANCY Handyperson Required

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Prevent ageing, clear acne troubles, or brighten and rehydrate your skin.

Call: 01793 272034 www.skin-therapies.co.uk skin-therapies@outlook.com

with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services

Monday 12th December 10am to 3.30pm

Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG

Valuations are by appointment only.

To arrange a time, please call 01635 580595 or contact us via

www.specialauctionservices.com

Special Auction Services swindonlink.com n December 2016

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18/11/2016 09:27

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?

24

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

swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Swindon Wide 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

01793 323954

info@mantraswindon.co.uk www.mantraswindon.co.uk

52 Devizes Road, Swindon SN1 4BG swindonlink.com n December 2016

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Sport and Leisure

Cycling through the winter 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

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 26

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Sport and Leisure

Fans celebrate the great red hope Tim Sherwood Sherwood will be able to bring in the experienced heads that he knows this team needs.

We shall see what happens – I think most would agree that hopefully the results, atmosphere bringing in Tim Sherwood on a and fan engagement will start to formal basis is a good move by restore the faith for some of the owner Lee Power. He’s a motivator, people who have drifted from the has a wealth of contacts and can club in recent times. attract some quality players. Let’s On to Trust matters… working hope it’s the start of a new positive with the Trust brings many era, Good Luck Tim. challenges and requires a lot of The much talked about ‘media voluntary commitment, but we ban’ has also seemingly been lifted, have a good group of people now which is very welcome news, and and we’re improving all the time. hopefully signals a new era of We have recruited two new fan engagement, something we people to the Trust, to practice the desperately need. When the dust new skills of the team. If you think has settled we will be asking for you can bring skills or energy to the a meeting with Tim, alongside Trust, please get in touch via email: Swindon Town Supporters Club, and info@truststfc.com. We have lots of Great Western Reds, to see how we people involved on an ad-hoc basis, can work together and improve the perhaps you can add to that mix. atmosphere and general feel around Finally - thank you to each and the club. every one of you who continue to Whilst it’s clear he’s effectively support us financially with monthly the manager, we must refer to him contributions. We haven’t dipped as the ‘Director of Football’. Of into the fund too much as yet, but course that doesn’t really matter it’s building up nicely and every – as long as things improve on penny of it will be needed for our the pitch. It’s going to be a tough key objectives, which you will hear 10 games until January when more about in 2017.

Trust STFC column with chairman Steve Mytton

Nell urges cats not to waste great start

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

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The Wildcats ice hockey column with Mike Wray

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

Former Tottenham manager and Blackburn Rovers captain Tim Sherwood

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

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Simon Vizard Counsellor 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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Retirement challenges?

Counselling may be for you...

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18/11/2016 08:46

SERVICE SECTOR

Service Sector - Your guide to local services YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES

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.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

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

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

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

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

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

Call Bob on 07778 324228

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

M & J Upholsterers

FURNITURE WANTED

Abacus Cleaning Services

Also new seat interiors Seams - Zips - Springs

Established 1972

Call 07709 453949 emanjayupholstery@gmail.com

NEW: Licensed to remove fridges

Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal

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

Repairs carried out in situ

• Full house removal • House clearance • Disposal of unwanted items • Any distance long/short • Fully insured

Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

RE-UPHOLSTERY & ALL SUITE REPAIRS

LEATHER CLEANING

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

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

Fully Insured, NCCA member

Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

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

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

• • No job too small!

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

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

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

28

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SERVICE SECTOR

Service Sector - Your guide to local services 41

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES

STYLISH BATHROOMS Approved installer for BATHSTORE and WREN. 5 year guarantee on all workmanship.

Fully insured CRB Police checked

01793 320773 07779 006360

darrenbakerstewart@ rocketmail.com

Working in and around the Swindon area • NEW BUILDS & EXTENSIONS • PLUMBING • JOINERY • FASCIAS & SOFFITS • GARDENING & MAINTENANCE • PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Call 07970 061123 Email errol@jpsm.co.uk www.jpsm.co.uk

SWINDON GAS SERVICES

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

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

Semi-retired Plumber

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

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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

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

Call 01793 721455 or 07976 885203

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

www.trevorwyse.com

David Hawkins

Tree Surgeon ALL TREE WORK COMPLETED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD

Hedge cutting • Stump removal Fruit tree pruning • Tree planting Fully insured Free estimates Over 20 years experience

North Wiltshire

Tree Stump Removal Specialists www.Stumpbusters.co.uk Competitive rate Fully insured • Free quote NPTC qualified

01793 976084 07967 594707

david.hawkins100@hotmail.co.uk

SWINDON ROOFING COMPANY

34 Queens Road Royal Wootton Bassett Swindon SN4 8AW

Office: 01793 772600 Mob: 07799 693139

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,

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18/11/2016 10:20

Puzzle

10

12

13

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14 20

14

12

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18

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27

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19.

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3.

4.

6.

7.

8.

13.

14.

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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.

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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

30

31

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Q U

SUDOKU

29 24

32

32.

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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

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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

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