East Swindon Link August 2019

No 23 August 2019

GPS delivered door to door to 55,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 137,500

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

Reaching for the skies in Swindon town centre p4

East Edition

Pupils get hands at with staff at Great Western Hospital Page 16 Swindon takes growth Page 13 The life and times of an Arkell's drayman pills with massive expansion plans

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Page 28

Page 6 A day out at the beach? Look no further than Swindon town centre

19/07/2019 13:47

HIGHWORTH WARNEFORD SCHOOL

Shrivenham Road, Highworth, SN6 7BZ (01793) 762426

An Academy Putting Excellence First

MJA Roofing Ltd is a fast, friendly and reliable roofing company based in Purton, Swindon, Wiltshire.

Highworth Warneford is an excellent secondary school providing an outstanding learning environment which allows pupils to thrive and develop their academic, personal and social skills.

We have over 30 years of experience, with all aspects of roof tiling, slating and lead work undertaken.

This is a chance to view the school’s facilities and listen to a presentation by our Headteacher. There will also be plenty of opportunities to talk to staff, students and governors. Visitors can expect to see sample lessons, exhibitions, activities and performances.

Programme: 5.30pm - Start of Tours 5.40pm and repeated at 7pm - Presentation by Mr Steele in the Main Hall 7.30pm Finish

We provide a pragmatic, reliable & high quality service and would welcome the opportunity to quote for your requirements.

Tel: 01793 272142 or 07941 664026

Email: enquiry@mja-roofing.co.uk Website: www.mja-roofing.co.uk

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OPEN EVENING

Thursday 3rd October 2019

OPEN MORNINGS

Monday 7th October to Wednesday 9th October 2019 Prospective students and their parents are also warmly invited to attend our popular Open Mornings so that you can see for yourself the high quality of provision and outstanding behaviour during a normal school day. Student guides will be on hand to show you around the school and will be happy to answer any questions.

Daytime tours start at 9.10am and 10.10am and last around 1 hour.

Senior staff will also be available.

To book your visit please contact our Data Manager, Mrs Lewis, on (01793) 767083 or email: datateam@warnefordschool.org www.warnefordschool.org admin@warnefordschool.org

19/07/2019 13:47

Let's all do our bit

By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk

It's a scary world out there at the moment. Doom and gloom seems to be reigning supreme with everybody arguing about politics and keeping half an eye on the economy.

And whilst we're all getting caught up in these squabbles a lot of us seem to have forgotten the very real issue of climate change that is intensely worrying.

But there is one section of society who hasn't forgotten and they are the people of Extinction Rebellion, as well as other organisations, who have been doing all they can to put the environment centre stage.

As a publication ourselves we try and be green as much as we can be. The paper you're reading at the moment comes from sustainable forests in Norway with two trees planted for every tree cut down.

It does fill us with hope that there are people out there taking this seriously but we all need to do our bit to make sure that we can live in a world that our children can enjoy.

Recycling is now the norm but we need to think about how each of us affects the environment individually from car journeys to packaging.

You can read about Extinction Rebellion on page 15.

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Reporter: Claire Dukes

Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart, Rosy Presley, Kay Wainwright Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

Celebrating cultural diversity with a day of fun

Pupils from Lawn Manor enjoyed a special visit from local community leaders as part of a day of activities to celebrate cultural diversity.

Lawn Manor is a mixed secondary school at the heart of Swindon which has pupils from more than 33 nationalities.

Mr Das, who organised the day, said: "Cultural diversity is important in schools as it allows us to have a better understanding of each other’s cultures and ideas and we can learn from one another."

Mr Das added that Lawn Manor Academy is at the heart of its community, and plays a key role in building a fair, integrated and tolerant society. By giving our pupils the skills, knowledge and opportunities to learn with, from and about those from different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds we can develop shared values.

The event, held on 15thJuly, created opportunities for Lawn Manor pupils to learn about the values of other religions, listen to music from different cultures and learn about different languages. Pupils spent the day getting involved in various activities such as learning how to drape Sarees, Polish baking, Indian cuisine and fruit carving.

Local community leaders were invited to the event and Canon John Cunningham from Holy Rood Church, Dr Sheikh Rafi Ahmed, the Muslim

community leader and scientist, Ram Thiagarajah the school coordinator of the Swindon Hindu Temple Trust and Arindom Roy Choudhury from SHAROD attended and gave talks to the students about faith, beliefs and religions.

Sandra Muir, Headteacher said: "It has been a really fantastic day to celebrate our community. It is important to learn from different cultures

and we are proud of our pupil diversity at Lawn Manor."

Mr Das added: "I am delighted with how the day has gone, I would like to thank everyone involved, I would not have been able to run an event without my colleagues and visitors who came to talk to the pupils. I hope the pupils enjoyed their day and we look forward to running the event again next year."

ADVERTISING Call 01793 320043 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for September adverts and editorial: 9 August September edition published: 23 August Our Statistics Est. Readership of 137,500 in print & c.50,000 monthly online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication.

Advertising starts from just £51.

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.

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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 320043 swindonlink.com n August 2019

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19/07/2019 13:47

Swindon Link's focus on overcoming challenges faced by the town centre

Your views sought on plans to revamp transport network Members of the public will be asked for their views about proposals to shake up transport links into the town centre shaping the development of Swindon for years to come.

Feedback will be sought on the council’s proposed Town Centre Movement Strategy as part of an eight-week consultation exercise.

The Movement and Transport strategy forms a key part of the broader Swindon Central Area Action Plan - which in turn falls under the umbrella of the Local Development Plan for Swindon Borough.

Although the Central Area Action Plan was adopted in 2009, and is used as a key reference document for town centre planning applications, the plan is being brought up to date - with the aim of creating an evidence-based strategy for movement that will support

planning and funding decisions. network, which extend beyond A comprehensive traffic model the town centre of the town centre is currently Of these, priority has been being developed in parallel given to the management of with the Town Centre Movement 'unnecessary' traffic in the Strategy which can then be central area by ‘strengthening used to model the impact of the role of the Great Western various road improvements.

Way corridor as a town The movement centre bypass’ strategy including Swindon Borough contains six improvements Council has identified ‘priority to key junctions themes’: along the a clear framework of To simplify corridor and regeneration priorities in movement the traffic the town centre. by car into management and within system to the town centre maximise the capacity of the Improve the integration of route. buses into the town centre In setting out regeneration Better connected cycle priorities, the draft report networks and walkable streets states: ““There is a particular Accommodate and manage focus on Swindon Town Centre key vehicle movements to which is widely recognised to protect the central area be under performing and in Maximise the car parking need of economic regeneration. offer "To address this, Swindon To adopt complementary Borough Council has identified measures such as Park and a clear framework of Ride, and the strategic cycle regeneration priorities in the

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By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

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town centre.

“Increasingly, leisure opportunities and town centre living are becoming important aspects of a thriving town centre, as retail habits are changing.

This trend is reflected in the emerging updates to the Swindon Local Plan which places a greater emphasis on these aspects.

Key considerations to fulfil these aspirations are the ease and convenience of access to the town centre and providing high-quality people-focused public spaces and streets.

“The Town Centre Movement Strategy sets out a framework to improve access and movement within Swindon Town Centre. (The aim is) to support and boost regeneration of the town centre by creating safe, convenient, user-friendly and attractive routes into, out of, within and through central Swindon and by enhancing the quality of town centre streets.”

Bus interchange scheme through to next round Plans to revitalise Fleming Way by creating a new bus interchange have received a significant boost from the Government.

Swindon Borough Council’s application for £25m in funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund was among the bids to make it through to the next assessment phase.

More than 300 bids from across the country were submitted for a slice of the £675m funding available.

The Government spent several months going through the many funding applications and Swindon’s proposal to transform Fleming Way and the bus station was chosen 4

as one of those which best demonstrates how to tackle the challenge of the changing High Street.

The council will now receive a grant of up to £150,000 to complete the business case and details to make the bid ‘shovel ready’ so work can start in 2020.

The proposed improvements include a green spine, new public space and dramatically improved pedestrian and cycle routes being created in the town centre with the current underpass at Fleming Way being removed.

The scheme would build on the recent improvements at nearby Wellington Street by creating an attractive route

from the train station into the town centre, encouraging further investment in the area.

All national and local bus services would be incorporated along Fleming Way, improving the experience of bus users and pedestrians, while the new road layout would complete the link between the Eastern and Western Flyer cycle routes.

The new bus facility, which is an integral part of the mixed use Kimmerfields regeneration site, will free up the area which houses the current bus station, increasing the size of the site by 20 per cent and increasing the value of the development.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town

Centre, said: “This is a big achievement, but it is important to manage expectations because there is still work to do before Swindon receives a government cheque for £25m and we can finally transform Fleming Way and our aging 1960s bus station.

“We are working hard to create an environment where business, and the Government, invest in Swindon.

"Our town centre is a large complex jigsaw where, piece by piece, project by project, we are slowly making progress.

The new bus facility will take three years to complete with buses using a temporary facility next to the Wyvern Theatre during construction.

swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Sky's the limit! Bold new building vision unveiled Ambitious new plans to regenerate the town centre have been unveiled.

Developer and facilities manager of The Brunel, FI Real Estate Management, plans to build two high-rise buildings at Wharf Green.

The proposed redevelopment at Canal Walk will consist of two residential towers, and multi-use leisure space on the ground floor accommodating restaurants, cafes and other commercial leisure uses. A ‘pocket park’ will also be created off Farnsby Street.

The high-rise towers being proposed are currently up to 20 and 24 storeys in height and totalling up to approximately 280 one and two bedroom apartments.

There are also plans for a number of residents, including a rooftop garden above the first floor leisure space, lounge area, private dining, meeting rooms and co-working spaces.

It is envisaged that up to approximately 30,000 sq.ft of leisure space will breathe new life into the town centre’s evening economy and act as an anchor for the southern end of the centre, making it more accessible and appealing for residents to use particularly around Wharf Green. The

redevelopment will also provide the opportunity to enhance the current shopping arcade.

In addition, a public greenspace will be created in place of the concrete access ramp that currently serves the units, shoppers, residents and workers.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town

Centre, has welcomed this 'needed change' for the town centre.

“Barely a month goes by without a major retailer or restaurant chain announcing they have run into difficulties caused by the increase in online shopping and the change in people’s buying habits.

“Local residents know change is needed in our town centre,

and the owners of the Brunel Centre are trying to make that happen. This is our town’s one opportunity to get it right or face the status quo for another 20 years.

“This development will bring investment worth tens of millions of pounds, but it is the park, rooftop gardens, and the equivalent of 15 tennis courts of leisure uses which are important because they will fundamentally change the area around Wharf Green, and replace House of Fraser.”

A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management added: “We are hugely excited about our plans to regenerate this prominent site by working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, our tenants, businesses and the local community. The retail landscape of town centres is rapidly changing and it is crucial that we adopt an innovative approach to meet the demands of people in Swindon. This emerging scheme will be subject to further discussion with the local planning authority following the consultation feedback and prior to submission of an outline planning application.

For further information visit www.fi-bruneldevelopment.com

Independent shops give town centre a unique draw As the nation’s shopping habits and tastes change, our town centres are rapidly changing too. Familiar brand names are contracting or disappearing altogether. But numerous independent retailers are taking advantage of the opportunities that are being created.

For many years Swindon’s Brunel Centre has welcomed, encouraged small businesses - with around 30% of the centre’s tenants now independent. Here’s a

spotlight on just three at The Brunel.

Something Different Gift Shop: The energy and enthusiasm that father and sons team Ian, Ross and Lee Mulholland bring to their gift shop is infectious.

Something Different started out in 2015 in the tented market and progressed to a unit at The Brunel.

Ross believes that retailers need to develop a wide range of skills to be successful. “You have so much to learn when you run a business and have

to get involved in everything.

Having three of us helps though, we are all very different so can play to our individual strengths.”

Delikatesy Smaczek: For six years Delikatesy Smaczk have been providing tastes of home for Swindon’s large Polish community.

The small and extremely well-stocked shop sells fresh meats, cheeses, dairy products and cakes – all brought in from Poland several times a week.

From September Delikatesy

Smaczek will be at the bottom of The Crossing’s escalator, opposite Lush. Business owner Tadesz Buzala said: “Yes, things like Brexit, exchange rates and Honda’s situation inevitably make it harder for us. But with businesses there are always challenges.

Print & Frame: Print & Frame is run by Chris Barrett-Smith and wife Nichola.

They print your photos onto almost anything. From large wall canvass to cushions, mugs and jigsaws the list goes on. swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Brunel to host free gaming get-together Gamers of all ages are being encouraged to join the biggest free event in Swindon.

Brunel Knights takes place in The Crossing, Swindon Town Centre on the first Wednesday of the month, from 6pm onwards.

The team behind the initiative are Brunel-based retailers Troy Loveday and Jonathan Wayne-Brown from The Incredible Comic Shop, Matt Scarrott from Warhammer plus Lewis Fagence from The Brunel Centre.

They decided to set up Brunel Knights to make use of space and convenient food in The Crossing. With 100+ games available people are being encouraged to come along and join in.

Matt Scarrott from Warhammer said: “It’s a chance for established hobbyists to interact alongside people just starting out.

"Everyone is welcome; we have a huge space to accommodate large games like Warhammer 40k and have cosy booths for smaller games like Kill Team.”

Lewis Fagence is the Occupier Relationship Manager at The Brunel and is delighted to see Brunel Knights going from

strength to strength.

Jonathan Wayne-Brown from Incredible Comic Shop said: “It’s great to be working alongside Warhammer.

Retailers need to work together – this is a wonderful example of businesses helping each other to create a sense of community and fun.”

Brunel Knights takes place in the food hub at The Crossing.

People arrive from 4pm onwards, and carry on until around 11pm. There are over 100 board games to try including (but not limited to) Pokémon League/Friendlies, Yu-gi-oh, Warhammer: Age Of

Sigmar, Warhammer 40k, Lord of The Rings, Keyforge, Dragonball Z. There are bookable Dungeons & Dragons sessions and room for people to run their own games.

For more information contact Warhammer or Incredible Comic Shop, both are on the first floor of Brunel Plaza, opposite Waterstones.

Or join the “Brunel Knights” group on Facebook via The Brunel’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ TheBrunelSwindon/ or telephone The Brunel: 01793 525857.

Beach party is coming to town

Swindon town centre is getting ready to host a beach party.

August will see the return of the popular Urban Beach included amongst a variety of activities for the Swindon Town Centre Summer Festival, between 1 and 31 August.

Organised by inSwindon BID Company, the new Town Centre Summer Festival will bring a taste of the seaside to Wharf Green once more with the Urban Beach Experience from 1 to 8 August, complete with deckchairs, buckets and spades, children’s rides, seaside music, food, beach Olympics, workshops, stalls and a giant deck chair.

The free event takes place from 10 to 5pm every day.

The Summer Festival will also include activities taking place across the town including The Brunel Shopping Centre, The Parade and Regent Circus as well as town centre venues MECA, The Wyvern, Shoebox Theatre, Swindon Dance, Central Library, Pubs and more - celebrating everything on offer throughout the Summer holidays.

For further information please visit www. swindontowncentre.co.uk

Police reach out to the community at the Brunel Centre The Community Policing Shop is making a return to Swindon town centre this summer.

Swindon Community Policing Team South will be setting up in an unoccupied retail space in the The Brunel shopping centre.

The initiative is being supported by The Brunel shopping centre, inSwindon BID and the Bobby Van. PC Paul Bezzant, of the Swindon South Community Policing Team, said: “The Community Policing Shop was a really big success and we are pleased that we have been 6

donated this space over the summer so we can continue to engage with members.

“Quite often we find that people prefer the face-to-face contact to raise any concerns or ask for any advice, so we would encourage people to pay us a visit in our new premises.”

Visitors are invited to engage with local Community Policing Team officers, who will be sharing crime prevention advice and giving a better understanding of the policing work in their communities.

Di Powell, inSwindon BID CEO, said: “This project was awarded the ‘Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public’ at the Wiltshire Police Awards Ceremony last month. The award recognises the importance of providing opportunities for members of the public to meet with their community police force."

Rob Faulkner, site facilities manager, said: “We are excited to be able to help Wiltshire Police with their second Community Policing Shop, by providing them with

a unit to use for the duration.

Last year saw lots of visitors popping in and talking with police officers and members of other agencies like the Bobby Van and South Western Ambulance Service Trust and was well received by everyone who visited.

“We are very proud to support this initiative and hope that this summer’s shop sees more visitors taking advantage of the shop in the centre whilst allowing Wiltshire Police to engage with the people of Swindon.”

swindonlink.com n August 2019

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19/07/2019 13:47

Celebrating 50 Years of Fantastic Food!

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swindonlink.com n August 2019

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19/07/2019 13:47

2020 Marathon axed The organisers of the Swindon Half Marathon have announced that the event will not be continuing after this September's event.

A joint statement has been released on social media by organisers Graeme Hardie and Leigh Bint.

"Unfortunately, despite giving it our best efforts, we’ve simply not been able to make it work financially with the numbers of runners that have attended, and the amount of work associated with organising the race has taken over our lives more than we could have ever imagined or expected.

"We’re extremely grateful of Nationwide Building society and all the other companies that have been behind the new Swindon half in terms of sponsorship and support over our three years. "

Forces friendly

Wiltshire Police is strengthening its links with the military to help veterans and their families find employment after they leave the Forces.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and Colonel Andrew Dawes, Commander HQ, South West Region, British Army jointly signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a ceremony at Wiltshire Police headquarters in Devizes.

The Covenant is a formal document, recognising the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to policing.

Volunteers needed The Swindon branch of Citizens Advice are looking for more volunteers to support them in their valuable work. Anyone keen to become a volunteer advisers or receptionist can contact Lucy on 01793 402106 or email trainer2@ swindoncabinet.org.uk

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New mural reflects positive side of Swindon

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

After months of discussions, hard labour, and a few set backs, Swindon has a brandnew mural.

The mural, 'My Town, Our World', is on public diplay at the back of the Wyvern, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Artsite, inSwindon BID and SCAN (Swindon Climate Action Network).

Painted by Swindon-born artists Martin Travers and Peter Cowdy, the mural hopes to shine a more positive light on the town. Martin Travers

said: "It was an honour for me to come back to Swindon and leave a piece of my art for the people.

"Mural painting for me is a great way to connect with the general public and this project was an opportunity to reconnect with the town of my birth. I hope people enjoy viewing it as much as I enjoyed the process of creating it."

Sally Taylor, the brainchild of the mural project, hopes that this is one of many community art projects to help regenerate the town centre. She said: "It's all about presenting positive

things about Swindon - our town.

"It's also about opening up what happens here in the arts, to stop being so inward looking and at the same time show that what happens in other towns and cities goes on here."

Di Powell, inSwindon BID CEO, added: "The collaboration between all parties involved goes to show the strength we have as a community to ensure projects happen.

"I believe the artists have done a fantastic job and I hope this instigates similar initiatives across the Borough."

Parkinsons branch granted prestigious Queen’s Award The Swindon & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK has been presented with the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups, and is equivalent to the MBE. The citation stated: "The work your group does for the community was very much admired by the Independent Assessment Committee, chaired

by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, and I am delighted to inform you that your group has been selected as a recipient for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) 2019. This represents a tremendous achievement for your organisation and we hope that everyone involved, and particularly your volunteers, will feel immensely proud of it."

As an award winner, the Swindon Branch will receive: Publication of the group's details in a special edition of The London Gazette,.

Branch chair Dave Logan A signed certificate from Her Majesty the Queen presented locally by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire. And A crystal award with the logo insignia, presented with the certificate.

Representatives of the Swindon & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK will receive the award from Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire on 17 July 2019.

Permission to use the official Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services Logo.

Dave Logan the Branch Chair and Daphne Logan attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 29 May as representatives of the Swindon Branch.

Mr Logan said: "We are sorry for keeping our Branch members and others in the dark for the past few weeks about this great honour. We were however, advised that the notification had been sent in confidence and it was vital not to reveal the branch was a recipient of the award before the official announcement on 2 June from Buckingham Palace. Also that any breach of confidence could result in the withdrawal of the award.

"On behalf of the branch, I would like to thank the Independent Assessment Committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE and also past and present branch committee members for their commitment which helped our branch being recognised and being awarded this great honour."

swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Work begins to turn Carriage Works into Cultural Heritage Institute Work has started to create Swindon’s new Cultural Heritage Institute at the former Great Western Railway Carriage Works.

The new centre is part of the Royal Agricultural University.

When it opens in 2020 it will offer a variety of heritage and archaelogy courses.

The conversion of the Swindon Borough Council-owned Carriage Works, which is being carried out by local contractor Beard, has been designed by Metropolitan Workshop and will see a standalone structure inserted into Unit 11 of the West Shed, creating seminar rooms, a library, offices and lecture space over two floors.

The council completed a first phase of redevelopment last year to provide new flexible office space for small businesses – a facility now known as WorkShed.

The works planned for the Cultural Heritage Institute form part of a second phase of redevelopment that will also create additional office space

and ancillary uses.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, said: “This Grade II listed building was once a thriving part of the town’s railway works and a sign of Victorian innovation, but it closed more than 30 years ago. The ground breaking for Unit 11 marks the second

phase of regeneration. A space of 19,000 square feet that will become home to a new Cultural Heritage Institute, and demonstrates the council’s commitment to increasing our town's higher education provision."

Director of the Cultural Heritage Institute, Dr Geraint Coles, said: “The Cultural Heritage Institute will be an

exciting place to learn and grow.

We teach from experience and work closely with practitioners to offer courses which meet industry needs. It is appropriate and fitting that we will be working in a heritage building and contributing to the revitalisation of the unique historic environment of the Railway Village."

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been at the forefront of agricultural education and a key contributor to the landbased sector for more than 170 years. The University, which is based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, prides itself on its links with industry and all courses are designed to meet the demands of the employment market for landbased expertise, both in the UK and worldwide. The RAU offers scholarships, awards and bursaries to enable students to achieve their full potential.

Visit www.rau.ac.uk to find out more.

Boost your confidence - here's everything you need to know about Varicose Veins

"They are usually blue or purple in colour"

With the summer here, varicose veins are on the minds of many looking to enjoy the longer and warmer days without the worry of associated pain and wanting to look their best.

We speak to Mr Richard Wilson, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital: So what exactly are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are raised veins on the leg. They are usually blue or purple in colour and may be lumpy or twisted in appearance. Veins depend on a series of one-way valves

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to direct blood flow back to the heart. If the one-way valves function poorly and can’t close properly, blood leaks back through the veins, resulting in swollen or varicose veins. This can cause aching, burning sensation and swelling.

How are they treated?

The guidelines for treating varicose veins within the NHS are very strict. Usually support stockings are suggested, which do not treat the underlying problem. Varicose veins can only be treated by removing or closing them.

Minimally invasive “pin-hole”

approaches are used such as radiofrequency, laser and foam sclerotherapy.

What will the procedure involve?

Radiofrequency vein closure is performed under local anaesthetic and takes an hour per leg. Using ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency tube is inserted into the leg vein at knee level. It provides heat energy to the vein wall, causing it to close. Varicose veins below the knee can be removed through tiny skin incisions or foam injections. The patient is allowed home after

two hours, often returning to work in just a few days.

What are the benefits of private treatment?

With private treatment, you can be seen rapidly and with the experienced consultant of your choice. While the NHS is good for major circulatory problems, most modern techniques for varicose veins treatment are not available.

To book an appointment with the Varicose Vein Treatment Unit at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital, call 0800 051 2300 or visit www.bmihealthcare. co.uk/ridgeway swindonlink.com n August 2019 9 19/07/2019 13:47

Foster carers call

Swindon Borough Council has launched a new drive to encourage potential foster carers to come forward.

There are several different types of fostering, including long-term placements, emergency placements or regular respite breaks.

The council is looking for foster families for a range of children, from babies to teenagers, who need support and guidance to help them to develop.

Councillor Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Whether you’ve only just started considering fostering, or have been thinking about it for a long time, please get in touch with our fostering team who can provide lots of information about what to expect, what we’ll give you in return, and the steps involved in the application process.”

Further information about becoming a foster carer can be found at www.swindon. gov.uk/fostering or by calling the team on 07917 503447.

Water decent team!

Staff from Thames Water’s Swindon office have donated almost seven pints of blood which will be used to save the lives of hospital patients across the country.

The metering team from Walnut Court spent an afternoon at Pinetrees Community Centre in the town, where NHS Blood and Transplant were running a donation session.

The donors included Theresa Healy, who recently retired after working for Thames Water for more than 20 years.

NHS Blood and Transplant has 23 permanent donor centres across the country.

To register as a blood donor and book an appointment call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk 10

GWH gets funding for long-awaited radiotherapy unit

Swindon's Great Western Hospital will be getting a much-needed radiotherapy unit, thanks to a financial boost from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that they will be offering a loan to Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) to allow the Satellite Radiotherapy Unit in Swindon to go ahead.

OUH will build and run the service as an extension to the world-class cancer service that it currently runs at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. The service will be based at Great Western Hospital in Swindon, allowing patients who need the specialist care to be able to access it without having to travel so far.

Jason Dorsett, Chief Finance Officer at Oxford University Hospitals said: “I am so pleased that at last we have been able to sort out the

finances to make this muchwanted project a reality. I am very grateful to the people of Swindon and beyond for their patience and their generosity.

Their contributions via the Better Futures Charity have been so important, not just in terms of the finances but also in showing the widespread support for this project.

“We are all very excited at the prospect of making the dream of a Satellite Radiotherapy Unit in Swindon a reality and are now focused on getting everything in place to start work on site, which we hope to be able to do by spring next year.”

Dr Claire Hobbs, Head of Radiotherapy at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust added: “We are very grateful to the Department of Health and Social Care for agreeing the funding model that will allow us to go ahead with our dream of bringing radiotherapy services closer to people’s homes.”

Work to build the radiotherapy unit is expected to start next Spring, with £2.9 million raised via the Brighter Futures' campaign for equipment.

For further information about the radiothereapy appeal visit www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk

Swindon author celebrates town in 50 buildings

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

From the author of Secret Swindon comes a second instalment of delving into the town's gems, but this time focusing on its buildings.

The Born Again Swindonian blogger has been an advocate for her adopted town since moving from a Derbyshire mining village to Grange Park, West Swindon, 26 years ago. Speaking to Angela about Swindon she says, “The town has a fascinating, many layered, multifaceted history. It also has work, facilities, green spaces aplenty and great transport connections – and, above all, wonderful people.”

Following on from Secret Swindon, Miss Atkinson, 62, was approached again

by Gloucestershire-based Amberley Publishing – as part of its ‘50 Buildings’ series - to pen Swindon in 50 Buildings.

“What I’ve taken from it is

to try and tell – not the whole of Swindon’s story, that would be impossible – aspects of Swindon’s story in a selection of its buildings," she says. "I want to offer a sideways view of the building, even if it’s not pretty but it’s got a story to tell.”

Many people, like Angela, champion Swindon’s heritage as a railway town but she also wants to highlight how the town has expanded over the years where many lesser known buildings are tucked away so has thrown in some ‘curve balls’. She adds, “I expect it to be contentious.

You can expect some obvious suspects but hopefully some surprises. I’ve tried to represent as many areas of Swindon as I reasonably can.”

Miss Atkinson hopes that the book will enable Swindonians alike to celebrate the town’s heritage, as well as offer up insights for those who don't think of the town as a place of creativity and culture.

Asking what her favourite

Book launch: Where: The Baker's Cafe When: Saturday 3 August, 12pm building in Swindon is Angela says, “If you ignore what the ‘givens’ are my then favourite one would have to be The Crumpled Horn at Eldene. It’s just so out there and quirky. It’s a shame it’s closed, because you really need to go inside it.”

Within the book readers can expect illustrative maps of Swindon, images of buildings accompanied by Angela’s short biographies and hopefully provide an opportunity to rebuild disconnects between the town’s communities as, “we are all Swindon” she says.

swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Air ambulance needs your support!

During National Air Ambulance Week (9-15 September) Wiltshire Air Ambulance is asking people to do something fun by incorporating the colours yellow and green.

The colours have been chosen because they match the colours of the Wiltshire Ambulance’s Bell 429 helicopter and Rapid Response Vehicle.

Perhaps your business or school could hold a dress down day at work? Alternatively your team could hold a yellow and green cake sale, organise a yellow and green quiz or even ask your workplace or school to change their logo colours to yellow and green for the day!

By taking part in Air Ambulance Week, the funds raised will help to keep the Air Ambulance helicopter and crew flying and saving lives.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a charity and relies on donations to continue saving lives.

They are not funded directly

by the Government and receive no National Lottery grants.

The lifesaving service has been operating since 1990 and the specialist skills of their aircrew and the speed the helicopter can make the difference between life and death.

In 2018 the demand for the skills of our critical care team resulted in an increase in missions of 26% with the largest number of call outs – 182 – in the Swindon area, equivalent to a call out, on average, every two days.

It costs £3.75 million a year to keep the service operating, that’s just over £10,000 a day.

If you would like to get involved in Air Ambulance Week and help turn the county yellow and green, please call our fundraising team on 01225 300536, email kenresa@ wiltshireairambulance. co.uk or visit www. wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/ aaweek2019.

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£72m road scheme ahead of 8,000 home expansion

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

A comprehensive £72.5m programme of highway improvements will begin in October, ahead of plans to create the 8,000 home New Eastern Villages expansion in Swindon.

The multiple projects will be taking place over the next few years to create infrastructure to support the proposed new communities east of the A419.

The New Eastern Villages project is one of the largest greenfield developments in the country. It will consist of around 8,000 homes, new schools, employment spaces and community facilities. It will span 724 hectares with its eastern boundary reaching the point at which the River Cole meets the A420.

For the development to go ahead, the council has prioritised the need for roads and junctions around the A419 to cope with the anticipated

12

increase in traffic that the NEV will bring.

Under the package of improvements being rolled out, the first will be work to improve the White Hart junction in October, which will see the construction of a new northbound on-slip road from the roundabout onto the A419, replacing the existing slip road.

The southbound slip road from the A419 onto the roundabout

will also be widened, signals will be put into place at the roundabout, the existing entry onto Ermin Street will be closed and replaced by a new priority junction on Oxford Road and the number of lanes circling the roundabout will be increased.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning said: “The New Eastern Villages is a huge development and these highways schemes are the largest that we have ever undertaken.

“It’s important that we deliver these road improvements before work starts on building the houses as it will ensure that vital infrastructure is in place first.

“Delivering the NEV is one of the council’s key pledges and I am pleased to say that work is progressing well and that we are giving priority to these vital infrastructure improvements which will benefit everybody in Swindon.”

Residents to have say over 1,000 home plan Swindon residents will be consulted on plans to build an extra 1,000 homes in the borough by 2036.

The consultation will steer Swindon's Local Plan, identifying housing needs over 20 years.

Revised forecasts have resulted in a lower housing target for the Borough with a total of 19,500 additional homes required by 2036.

Option 1 includes continuing the expansion of Swindon to the north with some additional land for housing in Highworth or Wroughton.

Option 2 is a more dispersed approach with some development at Highworth, Wroughton and other villages, while Options 3 and 4 focus development at Blunsdon and Wroughton, respectively.

swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Help your child have the very best first day at school

School profile: Cricklade Manor Prep and Nursery Get to know the schools in your area.

"Welcome to our happy and friendly nursery and prep school, where children are challenged and motivated to achieve amazing things.

With outstanding facilities, from our fully equipped science laboratories, to the swimming pool and sports hall, and a brilliant team of staff, Cricklade Manor Prep offers both broad opportunities and individualised learning schemes, helping every child identify the thing that inspires them the most.

The past two years have seen an enormous amount of investment and development in the school. The resulting outcomes for our leavers, a raft of grammar school successes and senior school scholarships, speak for themselves.

I warmly invite you to visit us and discover a lively and engaging school in which your son or daughter will enjoy their childhood and develop a love of learning."

Guy Barrett, Head Teacher 14

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This issue: Cricklade Manor Prep and Nursery Address: Calcutt Street, Cricklade, SN6 6BB Open Day: Sat 19 October from 10am to noon Contact Penny Kelly: 01793 750275 or office@cricklademanor.com Website: www.cricklademanor.com

Cricklade Manor Prep, previously Prior Park Prep, is a co-educational nursery and day school for children aged 2 to 11.

We create an environment that supports and nurtures our pupils while providing them with an education that opens their minds. We support their development into well-rounded, curious young people, prepared for the next stage of their education.

We pride ourselves on our outstanding pastoral system that supports the educational development of our children and builds skills

for life. We centre our values on helpfulness and working together, being kind and caring for one another. We also encourage our children to be independent learners, great communicators, risktakers, collaborators and leaders.

Our curriculum is focused on core academic subjects but also our individualised learning and adventure programmes. Our teachers are highly experienced and committed professionals and our class sizes are small, ensuring each child recieves the time and attention they need.

Starting school is a big step, for children and parents, and there may well be nerves on both sides. There are ways you can help your child make a relaxed and confident start: 1. Avoid making starting school too significant. It is tempting for a parent to really celebrate this milestone, but too much focus can make the prospect daunting rather than exciting for your child. Talk about starting school as something more day-to-day and familiar.

2. Don’t ignore any concerns that your child does express; dismissing worries will not reassure them. Keep focused on the positives; friends to play with, fun things to do etc.

3. Surround preparation for school with positivity. Make trips to buy uniform, pencil cases and any other requirements happy occasions, and encourage your child to have fun wearing his or her uniform around the house before the big day. Ask what they are looking forward to most and tell them what you liked best about school.

4. Try to catch up with other children in the class over the summer, such as organising a trip to the park.

Walking into a new environment can feel intimidating at any age, and spotting a familiar face can make all the difference.

5. Help your child be as independent as possible. Being able to take themselves to the toilet, wash their hands, and get dressed with minimal aid will help with confidence.

Encourage them to speak up for themselves outside the immediate family. The more comfortable they are making their needs and feelings known, the easier they will find it.

6. On the first day, don’t hang around too long, and if you are feeling teary, don’t let them see. The quicker you are gone, the quicker they will settle in, and your tears will confuse and worry them. A favourite toy or teddy for reassurance will often help.

7. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get a blow-by-blow account of their day when they get home.

Generations of parents have been disappointed by children who become monosyllabic when asked how their school day went. They will tell you in their own time. Give them a hug and a little treat to reassure them on a job well done.

19/07/2019 13:47

Who are Extinction Rebellion Swindon?

Extinction Rebellion, also referred to as 'XR', is a global oragnisation which first assembled in 2018 - there are now groups across the globe.

The group's intentions are simple: to form a rebellion against the Government to push those elected to do more about climate change through peaceful demonstrations. Many

residents in Swindon quickly answered the call to create a local rebellion - XR Swindon.

XR Swindon have so far hosted many gatherings including a peaceful parade through Old Town, demonstrated outside the Civic Offices to highlight the council's inaction on climate matters, and have seen children strike out of

school - the younger generation are named as Extinction Rebellion Youth. Most recently XR Swindon joined their rebels in Bristol, blocking Bristol Bridge with a pink boat for five days. Despite practicing nonviolent tactics it is reported that 40 people were arrested, with 16 taken to police custody and charged.

What do they want?

XR values

g Calling on Swindon Borough Council to declare a climate emergency. g For the Government to act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025. g For the Government to create a Citizens’ Assembly which will ultimately decide on the outcome of green matters. g Want the Government to "do their job" and to put policies in place which best protect the people they serve.

g Peaceful, non-violent direct action is the most effective way to create change. g "Tell the truth" - believe the Government have a moral duty to communicate the reality of the climate crisis. g Create friendly dialogues to help spread the message about the climate crisis. g Support fellow rebels throughout the cause Follow XR Swindon Facebook: @ExtinctionRebellionSwindon

What the members say about climate change: "I actually want to see them [council] act than just talk about it – I don’t want anyone to lie to us anymore.

I want them to actually do something."

Chloe, 17 "It’s affecting our future and people aren’t understanding that."

Louise, 17 "It’s getting to the point where it’s not fair to have children, because they will just suffer – we have to take some responsibility for."

Kieran, 18 "Climate change is happening because all sorts of actions are happening around the world, or lack of action. The council's refusal to treat climate breakdown as an emergency shows how little regard they have for the future of the people of Swindon."

John “Ultimately, we do this for the love – for the love of people, humanity and society."

Peter “We’ve got this crazy idea of telling the truth in Extinction Rebellion, and that is the first part of moving towards a solution. The council will not declare a climate emergency, and on a local level this is a huge issue."

Tristan, 36 swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Youngsters given first-hand insight into front-line medicine

the students followed the patient’s journey from the Emergency Department, to the operating theatre and then to multidisciplinary team care on the ward. A number of areas of healthcare were covered during the day, including medicine, midwifery, operating department practice, nursing, paramedic science and physiotherapy.

Students also got the opportunity to learn basic clinical skills, including CPR and how to take observations.

Dr Andrea Pereira, Clinical

Teaching Fellow from Great Western Hospital, said: “This was a really exciting and engaging event for local school children to witness the teamwork and dedication from those who work in the NHS. “We wanted to highlight the importance of the service, and show the students that from the paramedics through to theatre staff, nurses and everyone else involved in patient care, the NHS is a truly joined-up organisation that is always on hand to provide help to those who need it.

“This was also a good opportunity for any of the students who are considering a career in the NHS to find out more, and to ask any questions about the way that the service runs, or about how staff provide treatment to the sickest of patients.”

Chloe Rich, a lecturer from Oxford Brookes University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, commented: “We are delighted to be joining Great Western Hospital and Bristol Medical School again with this community simulation event.

It is great to provide such a realistic and inspirational experience for school children on Oxford Brookes’ Swindon Campus.

“Oxford Brookes’ staff and students play a key role in this important community engagement activity which provides a truly unique insight into the amazing work taking place in the NHS every single day.”

Kumon for six months.

He explained: “I was doing a lot of travelling in my previous job and I was looking around for something different where I could still use many of the skills that I had built up over the years. I signed up with Kumon and it has been brilliant.

I’m delighted to receive this recognition - I put in a lot of

hard work but there is also a lot of job satisfaction from seeing the students progress.

“We focus on Maths and English, without calculators or computers, to support them in their school work.

The skills they learn here will of course support them in progressing in other subject areas as well because

Maths and English are the cornerstones of the other subjects.”

The Kumon Institute of Education was founded in 1958 in Japan, by maths teacher Toru Kumon.

For more information visit www.kumon.co.uk/swindonwest/ or call Stephen on 07857 447982

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

School pupils from Swindon's Lydiard Park Academy were given a close up view of how NHS staff work at the cutting edge of medical care.

The year 10 youngsters, who were joined by pupils from St John's Academy in Marlborough, took part in a simulated emergency.

The event was organised by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Oxford Brookes University Bristol Medical School, and took place at the University’s Swindon campus.

Students were given an insight into how medical staff work closely to treat a patient for a trauma at the scene of an accident, before transferring them to the care of hospital staff.

Oxford Brookes’ clinical skills suites provided the hospital setting, where

Kumon teacher 'outstanding' Teacher Stephen Chamberlain, who runs a Kumon study franchise at the Freshbrook Community Centre, has been awarded an ‘outstanding instructor award’.

Mr Chamberlain, 54, who previously had a successful career in retail management and is a qualified maths teacher, has been working with

Cycle paths: isn't this the route we should take?

I generally love my commute to work on my bike, it’s the perfect way for a gym-aphobe like me to get some exercise, avoid traffic and enjoy some (mostly) fresh air.

I’m lucky that my route is predominately on quiet roads and shared paths, but there are some sections of busier roads which I just can’t avoid.

Despite having cycled all my life, trained as a ‘cycle instructor’, I never feel 100% comfortable on busy roads. I’m 16

not alone. Fear of traffic is the primary reason more women like me don’t feel safe to cycle on UK roads. However, there so many benefits to cycling. By riding my bike to work I’m not contributing to road congestion or air pollution and I’m getting a regular bit of exercise with no expensive gym membership.

My commute is about four miles, it generally takes me around 20-25 minutes and I can cycle in my work clothes since I don’t work up a sweat.

According to National Travel Survey data approximately ¾ of our day-to-day trips between 1 and 5 miles are made by car. Whilst some of these trips are being made by those with mobility impairments or carrying bulky items, there is the potential for a big shift in the proportion of journeys by bike. But we need to create safe and attractive environments for this, because whilst we have some ‘shared paths’ they are far from ideal.

By Becky Cox: Swindon Cycle Campaign We can look to our neighbours in Holland and Denmark to see what a combination of safe cycle lanes and cycle-friendly policies can do to encourage cycling. Whilst Swindon is luckier than many other UK towns, wouldn’t it be nice for all school children to be able to cycle on safe routes to schools, and for all adults to see cycling as a convenient and practical way to get to work? After all, aren’t all us adults just big children anyway?

swindonlink.com n August 2019

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The Business Brief Cakeoholix: It's an amazing independent business on the rise

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

From Game of Thrones to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, talented Tracey Mosley is able to create incredible cakes based on almost any theme.

Tracey, started her Gorse Hill business, Cakeoholix, on 21st July last year. And since then, she has steadily been attracting a loyal following through word of mouth.

She explained: “I suppose I’m a bit of a perfectionist.

"I simply don’t let anything out of the door unless I’m happy with it. I just can’t do it. If it’s not right, then I have been known to throw it away and start again. It all comes down to reputation.

“On the other hand, it’s lovely to see people’s reactions when they open up the box and look at what I have created for the first time - quite often they burst into tears - in a good way, I should add!”

Tracey, who runs the business with the help of her partner Andy, must have baking in her blood - her grandfather David Moorman, from Swindon, was a master baker.

Mother of three Tracey explained that prior to setting up Cakeoholix she was working in a preschool and also as a childminder - but at the same time always held a passion for baking and cake decoration.

NSBRC staff celebrate Employee Ownership Day

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

Last month marked Employee Ownership Day which saw staff at Swindon's NSBRC (National Self Build Renovation Centre) celebrate their fifth year of being independent business owners.

Employee Ownership Day, sponsored by Gripple, highlights the impact of employee-owned businesses on the individual and the community which has enabled staff at the NSBRC to have their say on their company. The centre's managing director, Harvey Fremlin, said he believes employee-owned

businesses are a viable option and has seen a positive impact on employee morale.

He said: "The big difference that it makes is that everyone arrives at work believing that they genuinely have a stake in the business and that they’re an owner of the business. It’s a way of really looking after your team for not just the short run but for the long term as well."

On 1 September the NSBRC will be taking another step forward with the launch of a brand-new commercial - on Catch Up on Channel 4 - to offer insight into the lifestyle that the Swindon-based centre can provide. www.nsbrc.co.uk

She explained: “I’m mainly self taught, and would make cakes for friends and family.

But I also took some cake decoration courses at Swindon College which I really enjoyed.

“I decided that I should take the plunge and set up Cakeoholix and I haven’t looked back! It’s hard work and long hours but it’s something I’m really passionate about so that makes it all

worthwhile!”

Some of the more unusual creations that Tracey has been asked to make include a black hole, a windmill, an entire extended family made from fondant icing and a llama.

“That’s what makes this job so much fun. If you’ve got an idea - no matter how outlandish, I’m always up for a challenge!”

As well as creating incredible bespoke cakes, Cakeoholix also stocks a range of sugarcraft equipment and cake toppings to allow people to have a go themselves, with the benefit of expert advice from Tracey.

And the business is also branching out to service the retail sector - fulfilling orders from a growing portfolio of corporate clients.

Anyone interested in finding out more should log on to www.cakeoholix.co.uk drop in to their shop at 20 Cricklade Road Gorse Hill SN28AA or call the business on 614333.

Youngsters prove they're the best in business Local employers and their apprentices were joined by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson for the Annual Apprenticeship Awards at Swindon College.

Local employers including the Research Councils, the NHS, local schools, Swindon Borough Council, engineering companies, accountants and construction companies gathered to honour the apprentices who had been selected to receive a special recognition award for their hard work and effort.

Since 2010, there have been 4.1 million new apprenticeships created across the country with 12,600 apprenticeships created in Swindon. The number of people starting on

the new employer-designed standards in the first half of 2018-19 has increased by 79%, which is an indication of the quality. Furthermore, small and medium-sized enterprises, and smaller businesses now get 95% of their training costs paid, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to provide the opportunity of an apprenticeship.

Justin Tomlinson said: “It is fantastic to hear how the opportunity has transformed their life. It is absolutely crucial we keep providing these opportunities and I will continue to support local providers including Swindon College to ensure this.” www.newcollege.ac.uk swindonlink.com n August 2019

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5 join together for just £5 MONDAYS 5.15pm Liden Community Centre, Barrington Close SN3 6HF - Lisa C 07840 105363 MONDAYS 7.30pm Blunsdon Village Hall SN26 7AR - Kim 07568 089226 TUESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meadowcroft Community Centre, Addison Crescent SN2 7JX - Rebecca 07816 281940 TUESDAYS 7.30pm Swindon Rugby Club, Greenbridge Road SN3 3LA - Lisa W 07897 340665 WEDNESDAYS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill SN1 3LS - Vicky 07917 653700 WEDNESDAYS 7.30pm Coleview Community Centre, Towcester Road SN3 4AS - Lisa C 07840 105363 THURSDAYS 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Paul’s Church Centre, St Paul’s Drive SN3 5BY - Kate 07795 024352 THURSDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Polish Community Centre, Walton Close SN3 2JU - Gill 07707 031305 FRIDAYS 9.30am Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill SN1 3LS - Kim 07568 089226 FRIDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am Swindon Rugby Club, Greenbridge Road SN3 3LA - Lisa W 07897 340665 SATURDAYS 9.00am & 11.00am Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill SN13LS - Kim 07568 089226

Our family service caring for you

•

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John Pearce (left), Belinda, Tracy and David.

Here for you when needed most

Recommended in The Good Funeral Guide Professionally qualified • Home visits available

Guaranteed 100% of our costs and third party costs of burial * or cremation at today’s prices.

Fully Guaranteed Prepaid Plans from £3,495 (monthly instalments available) To receive a £75 discount on these fees, please contact us quoting reference ‘Link1’

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www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk info@pearcefuneralservices.co.uk * for the option of burial the guarantee excludes purchase of plots. Valid until 31st July 2019

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swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Pearce Funeral Services - John Pearce speaks of his commitment to service

J

who help on the day of the funeral itself.

Everyone at Pearce's adapts the service for when families want something a little more unusual, such as different types of hearses, motorcycles hearses, tractors, alternative coffins, eco funerals and any other types of request, "We have received some very unique requests over the years and we have always been able to accommodate a family's

,

ohn has been within the world of Funeral Directing for nearly 30 years, joining the profession, in Swindon, in 1990.

The son of a vicar, he has always appreciated what it means to commit to serving the needs of a community. "I learnt as a young man of the commitment and sympathy required when dealing with the needs of people, leading me to begin my career at the age of 18. Over the years I have gained extensive knowledge and experience, becoming a fully qualified member of The British Institute Of Embalmers in 1997 and gaining my Diploma of Funeral Directing in 1998."

John's years of experience has helped him to come alongside families in their time of need with courtesy and compassion, whilst ensuring that the service provided is unique to every life of a loved one.

"As a family Funeral Directors we understand how every funeral is personal and every family we serve must be treated as individuals. At every stage we listen and can respectfully guide and advise families, we ensure every detail is correct and focus on creating a fitting and personal goodbye for those left behind."

John is also supported by a truly dedicated and experienced team who equally offer the same support to those in need. Dave and Belinda also arrange and conduct funerals for families. Caroline helps Dave with administering donations, whilst also assisting Neil, who looks after a lot of the practical elements behind the scenes, including lining of coffins and helping to prepare the funerals ready for each day. Tracy and Belinda looks after all the administration of funerals, including press notices in the newspapers, arranging flowers and printing of orders of service. To enable everyone to fulfil these tasks to the best of our ability we are all supported by a large and dedicated team of bearers

supporting a local man with his weekly training as a member of The England Wheelchair Rugby Team, supporting Circus Starr (a circus for children with additional needs) when they have visited Swindon, as well as different charities who raise funds for disadvantaged children in society.

"We have also helped with donations to keep Beechcroft Road Library open when they were faced with closure

We ensure every detail is correct and focus on creating a fitting and personal goodbye for those left behind

wish", even arranging and conducting services all over the country, as well as in Swindon.

"Whatever the family require we are here to serve. We are known and respected for our quality of service, which is reflected by our inclusion in The Good Funeral Guide since 2011 and also reflected in the feedback that we receive from the families we have come into contact with."

As a local man John also supports his local community through many different avenues and means. "For me supporting the community is much more than through supporting the bereaved." Over the years Pearce Funeral Services have looked to support the community in a variety of ways,

,

in 2017, as well as helping annually with support for fund raising through local events, recently being one of the local sponsors of Old Town Beer Festival that raised ÂŁ12,000 for Christ Church Roof and The Local Duck Race, a recent event in Covingham that raised ÂŁ2000 for the local library there and also for the local church in Dorcan to help them support the local community."

Pearce Funeral Services also support many other organisations, including local bowling clubs and more recently, sponsoring a 24hr Football Tournament being held to help support and benefit the local youth of Swindon. "With the trust that the people of Swindon place in us to support

them in their time of need, we also do all we can to support the community of today, to try and help people in their everyday lives too."

Our pride in offering a personal service whilst supporting the local community and those left behind extends to giving peace of mind for those who wish to have arrangements in place for when their time comes.

Arranging a prepaid funeral plan means that those left behind do not have any concerns regarding finances for the funeral, nor worry about what the wishes of the departed might be.

"We offer to anyone who wishes to arrange and pay for their funeral in advance a prepaid funeral plan through ourselves that gives a 100% guarantee of our funeral directors fees and all third party costs required for cremation. This compares to many others that only offer a contribution towards third party costs.

Our funeral plans give families complete peace of mind that everything is in place and allows the person who has arranged the plan to register their wishes for their funeral."

At Pearce Funeral Services great care is given to be able to meet you, either in your time of need or if you are planning ahead, to help you create your own unique goodbye. This can be done either at our Groundwell Road premises (The closest funeral director's premises to the Registrar's offices), our chapel of rest in Ermin Street or, if you prefer, we can meet with you in the comfort of your own home. Wherever we meet you can be confident and assured of our professional approach, our empathy, care and understanding that you will receive from all of us at Pearce Funeral Services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Whenever you need us we will always only ever be a phone call away. swindonlink.com n August 2019

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The Politics Page Wheels are in motion for positive changes in town Swindon Link has always been keen to champion the positive news within our town, so I am absolutely delighted to continue that theme by writing about some encouraging developments.

Last month, I presented my Annual Report to the council’s Scrutiny Committee, which is a great opportunity to outline the progress the council is making towards achieving the Vision and Pledges that we made to the people of Swindon.

A big part of that focus is on improving our town centre and we are seeing visible signs of progress, coupled with some

exciting announcements for future schemes.

We celebrated the reopening of Wellington Street which builds on the earlier work to improve the railway station forecourt to create a positive impression for everyone arriving in our town by rail.

Last month, we also discovered that our bid for £25m in funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund had made it through to the next round. If our bid is successful the money would be used to transform Fleming Way by removing the underpass and creating

a new bus interchange with new public space and major improvements to cycling and pedestrian routes.

Our Heritage Action Zone in the historic Railway Village has been launched and we also began work on Unit 11 of the Carriage Works nearby, which will be home to Swindon’s Cultural Heritage Institute and run by Royal Agricultural University. We are very close to concluding a deal to regenerate the vacant Aspen House site near the former Town Hall and First Investments also announced their very exciting plans to redevelop

part of the Brunel Centre.

It has taken many years to finally gain some momentum with our town centre projects, but the wheels are now most definitely in motion.

Swindon Labour Group Leader Cllr Jim Grant The decision to remove free TV Licences for over-75s is nothing short of shameful.

In 2001 the Labour Party introduced free TV Licences for all adults over 75. It was introduced as a way to ensure the elderly could keep up to speed with current affairs and to reduce loneliness and poverty (over 75s are 50% more likely to be in poverty than the 65-75 year old age group). It was a promise made and a promise delivered.

In the last Conservative Party

manifesto they committed to keeping free TV Licences for the over 75s. It was a promise made to our senior citizens and a promise sadly broken.

Up and down the country, experts and charities have warned that means testing License fees will be damaging to some of society’s most vulnerable elderly people.

Research by the Campaign to End Loneliness has found that 40% of older people say their television is a main source of company, giving them routine, structure, and an invaluable window to their world.

Combatting loneliness is an important goal for Swindon.

Just last month, Robert Buckland called the fight against loneliness one of his ‘top priorities’, but in providing the means for the removal of free Licenses for over-75s, this Conservative Government has been complicit in increasing such a damaging and widespread problem.

I believe that we need a government which will immediately reverse the decision to axe free TV Licenses for over-75s, to promote the best interests

of our most at-risk people and protect those who have contributed to society.

Free TV licences for over 75 year olds should be kept

Town centre stores are feeling economic pressures

Lib Dem councillor Stan Pajak Swindon Town Centre Gloom The perfect storm of the consequences of Britain leaving the EU, the growth of online sales and business worries are leaving the town centre reeling.

The latest being the closures of two canal walk stores and 20

the loss of five brands including Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Top Shop and Starbucks. Perhaps the worst of these for local residents being the closure of Argos which at one time was Swindon’s most exciting store with a completely novel way of buying products at discounted prices. While the latest proposal by F1 Real Estate management, the owners of the Brunel, to address the issues with the creation of more restaurants, cafes and bars has understandably gone down like a lead balloon with a call for more good shops by local shoppers – something I wholeheartedly agree with.

Town Gardens Celebrates 125 years At the recent meeting of the South Swindon Parish Council there was universal support to celebrate the creation of the Town Gardens in 1894 with the best possible birthday present – refurbished gates! These wonderful gates will be totally and expertly renewed to their original Victorian glory.

King William Street School Crossing Help Last year there was a campaign by parents of children at King William Street School to renew the provision of a school crossing patrol person on the busy Eastcott

Road. At the Swindon Council meeting we lost the vote but perhaps not a realization that help should be given.

This Summer sees that help take shape with the creation of a scheme to aid crossing the road by highlighting the crossing point to motorists using bollards, paving and signs.

Dragonfly Canal Trips are Back The Summer must be here as the wonderful Wilts and Berks Canal Trust weekend canal trips are back running from their landing stage at the bottom of Kingshill Road.

For more information ring 07401220076 or email boat. bookings@wbct.org.uk

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Swindon Life

Celebrating town living

Swindon Photographic exhibition to take place at the Brunel Centre A photography group is snapping up the best of Swindon's photographers and hosting an exhibition this month.

Swindon Photographic Society’s Annual Exhibition is being held this year from Sunday 11 to Sunday 18 August in the Brunel Centre (next to Buzz Gym).

The exhibition will feature some of the wonderful prints from the society's members and you will be able to vote for your favourite.

A spokesperson for the event said: "We are now in

our 121st year, and although we cannot say for sure we have been holding an annual exhibition for 121 years. There is a newspaper review of our annual exhibition of 1913 on our website. After all this time we must be doing something right!"

There will also be a wide range of digital photographs displayed on a large screen.

All of the entries to the society's 120th Birthday Competition held earlier this year and open to all, will be on show. www.swindonphotosoc.org.uk swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTHS AHEAD In the community l As part of the national Wild Night Out campaign to get more children out and about in the great outdoors, Richard Jefferies Museum will be hosting a camp out in and around the idyllic gardens of the museum Sat 17 August.

Costing £20 per pitch, email ann-marie@richardjefferies. org to book your place.

Book now...

N-TRANCE CONFIRMED TO PERFORM AT SWINDON & WILTSHIRE PRIDE

Months of hard work have paid off for the Swindon & Wiltshire Pride team as they return for the LGBTQ+ festival’s eleventh year this month! Kicking off at Town Gardens 10 August at 11am, the parade will then march through Old Town.

This year the organisation will be showcasing local talent on a newly introduced community stage, as well as host a family, craft and shopping zone. A Pride afterparty will also be taking place - with 90s dance sensations N-Trance confirmed to perform - at Level III from 10pm.

John Edwards, Pride's Grants Manager, said: "We are so proud to be part of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride and it could not happen without the huge levels of support from the community and the National Lottery. I cannot wait for the event this year." www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk

RUSSELL HOWARD WARM UP SHOW

Stand-up comedian, and host of Russell Howard's Good News is back to test out some brand-new material in intimate surroundings alongside some of his favourite comedians.

His warm up show takes place at the Wyvern Theatre Wednesday 28 August.

Tickets £24.50 www.swindontheatres.com

KILLER SHOW HEADS TO ARTSITE

Playwright Matt Fox will be bringing his 'killer show' Fred Ted Jack & Harold - to Artsite & The Post Modern, 31 August. The show tells a twisted story of murderers Ted Bundy, Jack the Ripper, Harold Shipman, Myra Hindley and Fred West.

Tickets £11.50 www.swindontheatres.com

IMMERSIVE THEATRE AT LYDIARD PARK

Families can run off into the woods in Alice in Wonderland: Lydiard Open Air Theatre.

Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they set off on a colourful, topsy-turvy adventure like no other on 2 August. "A perfect day out for the entire family."

Tickets £11.50 to £48.00 www.swindontheatres.com

Venues

Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ

Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907

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Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Email: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 - www.swindontheatres.co.uk Confirm date, time & price with venue

l Darkroom Theatre Company brings its latest show 'Cock' to Artsite & The Post Modern, 2 to 3 August. Mike Bartlett’s punchy story takes a playful, candid look at one man’s sexuality and the difficulties that arise when you realise you have a choice.

Tickets: £8 and £10. www. citizenticket.co.uk/event/cockby-mike-bartlett/ l Swindon’s only small, funky, cool festival on an organic farm is back! From 2 to 4 August Festival on the Farm returns to Purton House Organics, bringing along West Country favourites the Wurzel’s and some of the UK's most renowned tribute acts! www.festivalonthefarm.co.uk l Swindon-based cassette label, Liquid Library, bring a wholesome and surreal arts and music festival - Blanketfest - to Artsite & The Post Modern Sat 17 August. The event will be held inside a giant blanketfort. l To celebrate Sainsbury's turning 15, local mental health charity and wellbeing centre IPSUM is launching an art exhibition on Thursday 1 August at Sainsburys, Paddington Drive for an evening of art and music.

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Pets and Nature

Toxoplasmosis in cats: shining a light on some myths We're hoping this article will help you better understand the relationship between toxoplasmosis and cats, and put an end to many myths associated with this disease.

Toxoplasmosis is usually a harmless infection caused by a parasite, Toxoplasma gondii.

However, it can be a cause of concern, especially in pregnant women, because of the effects it can have on the unborn baby.

This disease is largely associated with cats as they are the definitive host of the parasite, which means that for this parasite to become infective to humans (and other species), it will have to complete its reproduction on the cat.

However, the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis just before or during pregnancy is thought to be very low, and it is much easier for people to be infected from contaminated meat, vegetables or water than from their cats.

Here’s why!

When a cat is infected with T. gondii, the parasite has access

to the perfect environment to finish its life cycle and produce eggs which will later become infective. However, these eggs, which are called oocysts, are only shed during a limited period of time up to three weeks long.

After this period, there is no more shedding, and the cat is no longer a source of infection unless he or she is infected a second time, in which case reshedding may occur.

Furthermore, once excreted, the oocysts are not immediately harmful, as it takes between 1 to 5 days for oocysts to sporulate and become infective. This means that if you clean your cats' litterbox every day, it's nearly impossible for you to have contact with an infective oocyst.

For you to become

infected, you'd have to ingest the infective oocyst, which is also very unlikely to occur if you follow basic hygienic measures.

To be extra careful, if you're pregnant, it would be better to ask someone else to clean the cats' litter trays. If you have to do it yourself, do it as frequently as possible, at least once a day, wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

As we've mentioned before, cats will only be a source of infection while they are shedding. Since infection in otherwise healthy cats is usually

asymptomatic, you won't be able to tell just by looking at them if they are infected and shedding or not.

But this doesn't mean that you need to give up your cat! Just in case your cats are indeed infected and shedding, always wash your hands after handling or petting them and avoid kisses.

This, in addition to the precautions discussed above about cleaning the litter box, will make it virtually impossible for you to get toxoplasmosis from your cat!

As always if you have any concerns visit your local Vet for advice.

Orphaned wallaby is thriving thanks to a keeper's makeshift pouch The zoo keepers at Studley Grange Butterfly World, Farm Park & Craft village are hand rearing an orphan Joey (baby Wallaby), as the Joey’s mother has sadly passed away.

The male Joey, named Riley is approximately four months old and would have remained in his mother’s pouch until he was 6-9 months old. In order for him survive and to ensure he has the best quality of life, Riley is being carried around in an adapted rucksack by one of the zoo keepers.

The rucksack is acting as a surrogate pouch, and is worn by a keeper constantly throughout the day. At night Riley cannot be left to fend for himself, so he is taken home by the keeper, and hung on the end of the bed.

Riley is being reared on lactose free milk, rabbit

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pellets, fruit, vegetables and vegetation.

Wallaby’s are macropods and live in groups known as a mob; they originate from

Australia and New Zealand.

They are marsupials meaning they have a pouch where an embryo will be released 28 days after fertilisation;

this then crawls up into the pouch where it will develop.

The embryos can be kept static for up to a year in case something happens to the one in the pouch. An adult female Wallaby will have a Joey at foot, one in the pouch and one dormant at any one time.

Riley spends time with Studley Grange’s Wallaby mob daily, ready for when he will be fully re-integrated within.

Come along to Studley Grange Butterfly, Farm Park & Craft Village to see Riley, as well as all the other animals, reptiles and butterflies.

Visit our craft village, three new units have recently opened, adding to your shopping experience. Don’t forget to stop off in our Butterfly Café for delicious homemade meals, snacks and cakes. swindonlink.com n August 2019 23 19/07/2019 13:48

Are GETRZ the next big band to come out of Swindon?

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

Since their inception as a four-piece in 2017, indie-punk rock outfit GETRZ have quickly made a name for themselves in their home town and have gone on to play venues in Bristol, London and major festivals including Isle of Wright and Truck.

Despite being a young and unsigned band, GETRZ say they have matured quickly which, alongside their close friendship, has attributed to growing offers to play gigs. Declan Casey, singer and guitarist, said: "We weren’t taking it seriously at first – it was just something to do. When we started realising that we could actually make something of it, we started putting the effort in and have gone from there to where we are today. Nothing’s just going to drop in your lap it makes you work harder. We see it as a challenge more than

24

Left to right: Dan Geary, Declan Casey, Toby Pollitt and Joshua Heather

anything."

Toby Pollitt, bassist, added: "If you want it, you’ve got to put the work in - I don’t want to be stuck in a 9 to 5! But I feel like a lot of bands take their roles too seriously - at the end of the day we’re just four mates."

Fast forward to 2019, the band says they have now played more than 200 gigs and this month, 3 August, GETRZ will also be releasing their latest EP following the release of their single She Heard I'm a Dreamer.

Speaking of the latest track Declan said: "It’s about

struggling to achieve your dreams in modern society.

Music can be such a safe space, and high-quality outlet for people – almost like an escape. We’re big supporters of the youth culture, and I think it’s quite difficult for a lot of young people to get their voices out there.”

The band stress they are grateful for the support they’ve received from their home town, but for the time being they’re setting their sights further afield. Dan Geary, drummer, said: “We’ve had a great response from Swindon, and it’s

great to see that people are just as invested in it as we are.

It just makes sense to support the local music scene.

“We’re trying to space it out a little bit so we can go around some other places and get some new followers.”

In September the band are preparing to take their new EP out on tour with music promoter This Feeling, taking this as an opportunity - after they deleted their first self-titled EP - to firmly align their music and live performances with their own ethos. Dan said: "Everyone we’ve worked with tends to share the same mentality, and everyone from This Feeling sees music as a safe space for people to have fun."

Declan added: "We use our music as a ‘f**k you’ to people that are telling us what we should be doing. Just because it worked for them, doesn’t mean it’s going to work for us."

Follow @GETRZ for upcoming gigs and their latest music.

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Swindon Lives IN TALKS WITH: Arkell's drayman Jon Dance

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

Arkell’s drayman Jon Dance is celebrating 40 years of dedicated service to the family owned brewery.

When Jon Dance walked through the gates of Arkell’s Brewery on 18 June 1979, as a slightly nervous 17-year-old, Margaret Thatcher had been Prime Minister for just over a month and Ring My Bell by Anita Ward was number 1 in the charts.

Jon, from Haydon End, said: “They started me off in the brewhouse for 10 months which was hard work. But what I really wanted to do was to be out there driving. After that I became a driver’s mate going around delivering to all the pubs in the area - I think there were something like 68 at the time. And Arkells later paid for me to get my HGV licence when I was 21.

“The job has changed a lot since I started, mainly for the better I have to say. The lorries

that we drive are much more comfortable now and easier to drive. And there are a lot more pubs owned by Arkells now, something like 168. We have pubs that we deliver to as far as Ascott and Oxford.

“I love the job, it can be hard work but it’s also rewarding. It’s the social life that comes with it - everywhere you go people are happy to chat.”

Arkells marked Jon’s landmark with a cash bonus, a certificate of thanks and a bottle of wine. swindonlink.com n August 2019

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New art academy gives creative children chance to shine

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

Since its inception in April, a primary school practitioner in North Swindon says his new art academy has "hit the ground running" with students and parents alike – there’s even a waiting list.

Dean McGhee launched The Art Academy at Oakhurst Primary School earlier this year, - which currently has 24 children enrolled - and wants to offer creative students the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Mr McGhee says that in an educational system where children are pressured to perform in subjects such as Maths, English and Science that their creativity is being compromised.

He said: “I’ve just felt for a while that the arts are slowly being compromised because of the pressures to meet expectations in the core subjects – English, Maths and

Science. There’s a big group of children in the middle of all this that aren’t getting the opportunity to really shine.

The more academic children are getting their opportunities to shine, - such as 'Maths Star' of the week - and children who are also more physically gifted get the opportunity to represent the school.”

As an artist himself Mr McGhee believes that creative people play a vital role in society, and that this value should be instilled within children from a young age to help build their confidence and self-esteem. He says, "In class the children wear aprons with the academy’s insignia so instantly they’ve got this sense of pride and belonging.

“If they don’t discover their place in primary school society, how will that then go on to impact them as they go through secondary school?

We encourage them to make mistakes, make corrections, and

then learn from those mistakes, and trial things because that’s all factors of positive growth mindset. The fact that we put the emphasis on the child is ultimately going to make them more independent. We want them to be more autonomous, which is not what they’re getting elsewhere."

The Art Academy wants to offer children the opportunity to get involved in everything from sculpture and painting, to pottery and street art and looking for professionals to get involved. So far local artists Rich Bindon, - a metal sculpture artist - and Sally

Smith – a pencil artist – have led the lessons to share their craft. Once Mr McGhee has completed his degree in Educational Practice he wants to roll out The Art Academy across Swindon, with two other local schools - Red Oaks Primary School and Faringdon Juniors - introducing the initiative this September.

On Tuesday 6 August The Art Academy will be hosting a day workshop at Redhouse Community Centre - all children from ages six to 11 are welcome to attend. www.facebook.com/ ArtAcademyUK/

"They can play and learn" - author offers new insights into helping children with handwriting

Local artist publishes first book to open people's minds about Bipolar disorder

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

For a lot of children handwriting can be a difficult task, but it can be a lot more of a struggle for children with conditions such as Dyslexia.

Maria Chivers, 63, is an author from Swindon and former manager at the Swindon Dyslexia Centre.

She hopes her new book Alli Can’t Write will offer children, parents and teachers a better understanding when it comes to learning how to handwrite – especially for children with conditions such as Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.

As a Dyslexic herself, Maria understands the difficulties children can face in the classroom by not being able to keep up with their peers. “My aim is to help to explain to children that they’re not stupid, that they can write the same as their friends, but they just need 26

"That’s exactly how I feel sometimes," is what some people say when they look at an artist's work which depicts Bipolar disorder.

As an artist living with Bipolar disorder, James Osborn, 29, some extra help," she says. hopes his new book will offer Although Maria acknowledges comfort to those also living the benefits of certain with the condition through the technologies to help assist unlikely character, Nanook children with their handwriting, the Bipolarbear.

He says, "It’s her research has shown that basically a book exploring the handwriting has direct links stresses and emotions involved with motor skills which are vital in having Bipolar disorder to develop in childhood. She adds, "If they don’t go through through the medium of a those development stages and Bipolar bear.

"Because of the massive lack practically handwrite, neurons of understanding I’m trying to in the brain are not being help people to see the turmoil developed. that people are actually going "Learning through play is the through, and that I’ve been best way anyone can learn. I through in the past. It’s a way want to help children know that of presenting it [Bipolar] so they don’t have to sit down for people can stomach it, because hours and hours every day quite often people can’t they can play and learn.”

stomach the harsh realities of something."

Mr Osborn is also a poet, who co-runs The Rusty Goat Poetry Corner. He believes that creative expression can often be more effective when dealing with mental wellbeing which is where Nanook comes in. He adds, “I think that’s how we change society at large; to have art, music, theatre, poetry, and any other creative pursuit make it okay for anyone to talk about their mental health.

"First and foremost, through the book I want to validate how people are feeling and that they’re not alone."

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Weighbridge Brewhouse launches new menu – but has it hit the mark?

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

For people, including myself, who have been born and raised in Swindon we all know that the Weighbridge Brewhouse is a household name for fine dining – whether you agree or not, it’s just what it’s always been known for. But changes in management, and new dishes on trial, have left people saying that it’s failing to “hit the mark”.

So, to try and recitfy this, ahead of its relaunch a selection of local businesses, loyal customers and press were invited for a complimentary dry run of the Weighbridge's new menus.

First off the introduction of the new cocktail bar has implemented a more bougy feel to the space – something, until recently, which had been really lacking in Swindon, so it was great to see this historic establishment add in some contemporary features.

Upon arrival you’re immediately hit by new design changes, with fabulous touches – from fake grass and cute flower pots outside, to colourful touches on the upholstering and illuminated maple trees on the inside. In this regard the Weighbridge is wonderfully enticing and not as stiff as it once looked.

As a party of four consisting of two meat eaters, a pescatarian and a vegan we were able to take on a variety of dishes on this slightly smaller, but still very vast, menu.

As a rule of thumb, I tend

to stay away from fish dishes unless it’s a relatively fresh catch, but when you’re offered a free meal it would be unconscionable not to go in for a whole lobster. Appearance wise I couldn’t fault it but taste wise it was okay. Just okay. In hindsight I should have opted for the Brixham plaice, or even the ale battered market fish, because unless you’re a speciality fish restaurant the lobster isn’t something just to have on the menu to make it feel fancy. I ate it, for sure, but wasn’t amazed nor outraged by the dish.

Meanwhile the overall rating of the steaks was that they were “enjoyable” but the chaps wouldn't have paid £35 for the meal. However, the Weighbridge have brought back the Dauphinoise potatoes which was a particular highlight as a side dish for both diners.

Unfortunately my vegan guest said the Superfood salad wasn’t “exactly mind-blowing” but a side order of sweet potato fries managed to ‘beef’ it up.

The main aspect that I took away from our dinner was that some faith has been restored in this restaurant. Having taken on comments from previous errors, it is apparent the team are actually really trying to bring this place back to its former glory - with some chic new touches. All in all the staff were a delight, and I genuinely hope the Weighbridge Brewhouse takes off under this new refurb because it has a lot of potential! www. weighbridgebrewhouse.co.uk

A poetry column by Maurice Spillane: the death of a lover This is an uplifting story a year on.

It’s about a Swindon man who, had he lived, would be 70. What set Dafydd Rouse apart was that he was gay and a poet, a dangerous combination during his lifetime. The end wasn’t great either. He was paralysed after a motorbike accident and died ten years later in a nursing home in Purton.

His sister, Margaret, tried to get his poems published posthumously but it’s hard enough getting poems published when a poet is alive with a lifetime of work ahead.

She persisted and persisted. To cut the story short I edited his work, we found a publisher and

the book was launched a year ago. Copies went to his friends and the wider community and the response was wonderful.

We had recognition for Dafydd and a very happy Margaret.

For me, the editing was intimate, digging deep beyond the words, getting to know the man.

The poems are about his lived experience with all the wonder that any lover would use, the ache, the agonising, the love, but in his case the death of lovers from AIDS through the eighties and nineties. It was heart breaking. He was a good poet and deserved recognition.

Here are a few lines from “The Power Beyond”

following the death of a lover: Like different birds who have flown the same air, the same sky same sea but different storms.

He will not return to me.

I listen for his echo on the wind.

And back to the present here in Swindon: • Reading Group – Monday 5 August, 7-9pm Richard Jefferies Museum • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 13 August, 7:30pm • Open Mic – Monday 26 August, 7:30pm Regent Hotel, Victoria Road www.mauricespillane.com swindonlink.com n August 2019

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swindonlink.com n August 2019

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19/07/2019 13:48

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SUDOKU 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.

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12.

14.

16.

17.

18.

20.

21.

23.

25.

27.

28.

Adjust again (5) Elf (5) Disperse (7) Scattered around (6) First Greek letter (5) Slavered (7) Another name for Sirius (7) Regret (3) Funeral fire (4) Obligation (4) Thin crisp cake (7) Cricketer (7) Ungainly (7) Scottish river (3) Greek island (6) Stagger (5) Savoury jelly (5) Interior (5)

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

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

SOLUTIONS

Drooled; 7 Dogstar; 12 Rue; 14 Pyre; 16 Debt; 17 Biscuit; 18 Fielder; 20 Awkward; 21 Esk; 23 Rhodes; 25 Lurch; 27 Aspic; 28 Inner.

12

QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 1 Reposed; 5 Aided; 8 Oil; 9 Sextant; 10 Prong; 11 Treat; 13 Epaulet; 15 Eddy; 17 Before; 19 Raider; 22 Brew; 24 Stealth; 26 Khaki; 29 Under; 30 Deadpan; 31 Cue; 32 Torch; 33 Sidecar.

11

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.

Down – 1 Reset; 2 Pixie; 3 Scatter; 4 Dotted; 5 Alpha; 6

20 Good; 24 Very Good; 28 Excellent.

NONAGRAM ablation; alba; albino; alto; anal; atilt; atonal; bail; balti; banal; BATTALION; bitonal; blain; blat; blatant; blin; bloat; blot; boil; bolt; lain; lanai; liana; lino; lint; lion; loan; loin; loti; nail; natal; noil; tabla; tail; tala; talon; tilt; toil; tonal; total.

10 10

I ERASE CELLAR ECHO

MAGIC SQUARE oral; rice; ache; lees.

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:

6 8 2 1 7 9 5 4 3

7

9 5 1 4 8 3 2 6 7

6

3 4 7 5 6 2 1 8 9

5

4 7 5 9 2 8 6 3 1

5

8

1 2 9 3 4 6 7 5 8

4

8 6 3 7 1 5 9 2 4

3

2 3 8 6 9 7 4 1 5

2

MAGIC SQUARE

7 1 6 8 5 4 3 9 2

1

NONAGRAM

5 9 4 2 3 1 8 7 6

QUICK CROSSWORD

swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Thameswood Veterinary Clinics

“Making Life Better”

Put the spring back in their step!

Early symptoms of arthritis include: • Weight gain • Pacing or difficulty in getting comfortable • Sleeping more than usual • Reluctance to go for walks • Unexplained changes in behaviour or temperament Arthritis affects us all, but our team of vets can do so much more for your pets!

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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

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

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