East Swindon Link July 2018

No 10 July 2018

GPS delivered door to door to 50,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

Swindon Lives - Aidworker Rosa Matheson in Nepal p23

East Edition

A celebration of heroes at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School p4

Page 3 From strawberries to Parish council trampolines - organise campaigns for Centenary your holidays with The Park in Stratton Link Summer Guide

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Stratton Festival celebrates the community in style

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Praise for the emergency services

Plans are in the pipeline for Stratton St Margaret Parish Council to commemorate the end of WWI

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

11 November 2018 will mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. To commerorate the date Stratton St Margaret Parish Council are devising options for ways in which

By Group Editor Jamie Hill to celebrate and acknowledge the jamie@swindonlink.com servicemen from the Parish who fought and lost their lives in the June was a bit weird for me war. mainly because I was attacked The idea at the forefront for the in a violent mugging by a celebrations is the proposal of gang of youths brandishing an planting a Centenary Wood to apparent snooker ball in a sock mark the occasion. The idea has whilst I was on a night out. been positively backed by Roger Smith - Borough Councillor for St I have actually written a Margaret and South Marston, and first person piece about my Parish Councillor on Stratton St experience on page 10.

Margaret Parish Council.

I'm fine now but being hit He said: "The sacrifice of those in the face several times and who served in the First World War ending up knocked unconscious must never be forgotten and such in a random attack has made a proposal would help provide a me realise how lucky I was as permanent memorial to those who it could have been so much fought and died."

Many residents of Stratton worse.

The emergency services were St Margaret served in the First fantastic and I can't praise the World War including Gunner Harry Varney who is buried in the doctors and nurses at Great churchyard at St Margaret’s Church Western Hospital enough. We in Lower Stratton. His grave is are very lucky to have such marked by a Commonwealth War a world class facility on our Graves Commission gravestone. doorstep.

Gunner Varney died on Friday The police also need to 22nd November 1918, some 11 days after the end of the war. He be praised as they reacted was 27 and had served with the brilliantly and professionally Royal Field Artillery. He is said to in trying to catch the gang who were also responsible for had lived with his wife May at 42 Hyde Road at Kingsdown. several other attacks.

The Centenary Wood is looking It's easy to forget what a to be planted on the open green tough job all of our emergency space between Dorcan Way and services do. It's only at times Swindon Rugby Club, with around like these that you realise how 600 trees to be planted which will include an avenue of larger trees. great they are.

Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Claire Dukes Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart, Rosy Presley Digital and Marketing: Nataley Fryer Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

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Youngsters showcase their talent at disability employment event

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White was one of the guests of honour at a disability employment event hosted by Horizons College.

The event, at the Marriott Hotel was a chance to showcase the wealth of talent available to local employers.

Horizons College is a part of the Uplands Educational Trust, a specialist facility for young adults aged 16-25 who have severe or profound multiple learning difficulties.

The college teaches students to use local services and to help make a contribution to the local community either through voluntary or paid work.

Above all else the College aims to increase opportunities for young adults to gain independence and have plenty of life choices.

The day, which was hosted

by North Swindon MP Justin

Youngsters from Horizons College demonstrate their skills under the watchful eye of Marco Pierre White serving samples to guests, who extremely rewarding and Tomlinson, featured a cooking sensible decision for any size demonstration by the renowned had the opportunity to taste some of the food. business.

‘Shaky Chef’ Fred Finch, who Representatives from the Recruiting employees with overcame his disability to college as well as employment a disability can attract become a well regarded chef. government funding and Students from the college took experts were on hand to help explain how hiring somebody support through various the opportunity to show off programmes. their food prep skills as well as with a disability can be an

Pupils stride out to boost funds for new school library Youngsters from Holy Cross primary school made great strides towards helping to fund a new library of books and resources when they took part in a sponsored walk.

The ‘Heroes and Villains’ themed event saw the children dress as doctors to soldiers and from superheroes to Harry Potter characters as they drew inspiration to take on the challenge. Accompanied by members of staff, some of the youngsters were able to complete an impressive 30 laps of the school site. The event was run by the school by the Parent and Friends Association.

School PA Karen Salter said: “As well as being a fundraising activity we also encourage the children to think about ways to make their lives more healthy through walking. It is a great school community event with younger and older children supporting each other as they try to walk for the whole day.”

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Residents point the finger at youths for vandalising community park

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Residents from Upper Stratton are calling on parents and local schools to take action against youths destroying their local park.

Merton Fields, known to locals as ‘the Millennium Park’, is claimed by Upper Stratton residents to be under threat by gangs of children and teenagers in the area who are tearing down trees and destroying the wildlife.

Dog walkers who frequently use the park have noticed the increasing damage which been inflicted on the area, and what is known to some as ‘Stratton’s hidden secret’ has over the years become a hot spot for vandalism. Residents have tried calling the police to address the problem but are yet to see any action being taken.

Local resident Mary Hodson said: “The police don’t want

Parish Council worker Lee Plank, Mary Hodson, Chris Valters, Chris Knichols, Rosemary Buckland, Sue Saunders, and Anne Wang

to know. At least four to seven trees within five days have been hacked down – you can see the axe marks. Yes we’re angry, but we’re also very sad.

“People who walk on their own are wary of saying anything to them, especially at night. Pensioners are trapped inside and lonely, and this place is an outlet – this used to be a place of calm.

“It’s been going on for years – this is the final straw.”

The residents suspect that the

youths responsible attend the surrounding schools, but as the children change out of their school uniforms they have been unable to identify any of them.

The community are now calling on schools and parents to help address this growing gang culture that targets Merton Fields and vandalises it.

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council have made numerous efforts to maintain the upkeep of Merton Fields, but as the damage tends to occur

overnight they are left to deal with the aftermath in the morning.

Parish Council worker David Goodall said: “I’m angry because it’s me who’s got to pick up the pieces. I take pride in this parish, and what I do, and I just get kicked in the teeth.

“It’s the glass as well – we can’t come here every day to clear it up. These yobs are costing the council thousands – they break into the bins, set fire to them, and smash them.

There’s a reason a play set hasn’t been put here.”

Residents claim to have picked up a total of 41 dirty needles just in one morning as well as condoms, used sanitary products, and empty alcohol bottles. They are hoping to raise awareness of this vandalism with hopes to make parents and the schools proactive in trying to resolve the issue.

Award-winning pet store Agency to recruit 50 more celebrates 15 years of pet care community support staff

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Local pet specialists PetShed celebrated their 15th birthday last month with generous discounts for customers.

Since opening its doors in 2003 the family-run business has gone on to win multiple awards including Best Independent Pet Retailer in the UK, and Best Pet Shop in Swindon.

PetShed manager Sarah Wells said: "Biggest doesn't always mean best - in this industry you have to have a passion for animals, and we all do. It's

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down to training and our knowledge."

Over 15 years Petshed has grown from two employees to its current 12. For their birthday celebrations the team offered special prices on their products, as well as tickets to visit Studley Grange. Due to the works on Junction 16, PetShed made the active decision not to hold a huge birthday bash as the road works have caused major delays to customers' journeys.

Sarah said: "We're still the cheapest investor around. The birthday was all about telling people we're still here - there's nothing better than knowing you've helped somebody. We pride ourselves on doing our best."

15 years down the line and still growing, the pet store recently launched their own pet food brand Borders. www.petshedonline.co.uk

First City Nursing - a leading provider of healthcare and social care services in Swindon is looking to recruit 50 new staff.

Since arriving in Swindon in April 2000, First City has taken on a large team of nurses and carers working in a variety of healthcare settings.

And due to increased demand for their services, the agency is looking to recruit 50 community outcome support workers who are caring, reliable, compassionate and honest.

First City Nursing has become a centre of excellence for fulfilling jobs in the care industry, delivering both nursing and home care to hospitals,

care homes and extra care schemes.

Nurses and care agency staff are all given comprehensive in-house training from First City Training - an award winning centre for training Care Agency employees. All staff receive the necessary mandatory training as well as having full access to additional optional courses to develop their home care skills.

The First City training centre – based in Swindon, Wiltshire - provides NVQ training at NVQ 2, 3 and 4 in home care and care management as well as childcare.

For information call First City Nursing on 01793 434 222.

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Volunteers Collectorsneeded show

Eastcott Community Organisation, the group of volunteers managing Savernake Street Social Hall, is looking for people to join their volunteer management committee.

Those interested need to express interest with names being put forward for election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 30 July.

For further information please contact eastcottcommunity@yahoo. co.uk

Preparing for the worst: Emergency crews put their skills to the test in simulated road pile up

Old Adver HQ set to become office block Plans to renovate the former home of the Swindon Advertiser have been given the green light. Developers Blewbury Court have been given permission to transform the grade II listed building into modern offices.

A separate application has seen the the approval of the rear part of the building into 31 flats.

Murder case reviewed The murder of Swindon resident Linda Razzell 16 years ago featured in a documenary screened on BBC 2. Mrs Razzell disappeared on her way to work at Swindon College on the morning of March 2002.

The following year her husband Glyn was convicted of murdering her - he has always maintained his innocence.

In recent months the case has been submitted to the Criminal Case Review Commission and is currently under consideration.

Two years ago former detective Steve Fulcher voiced suspicion that Christopher Halliwell, the taxi driver who murdered Becky Godden and Sian O’Callaghan, could be behind Linda’s disappearance and that of others.

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Teamwork: Crews from Swindon, Stratton, Westlea, Trowbridge and Royal Wootton Bassett work alongside the South Western Ambulance Service to hone their life-saving skills Emergency crews from the Swindon area put their skills to the test in an exercise based around a simulated multiple car pile up.

Crews from Swindon, Stratton, Westlea and Royal Wootton Bassett were joined by the heavy rescue unit based at Trowbridge fire station and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) from South Western Ambulance Service for the training event hosted

by Honda UK’s Swindon headquarters.

The company often donates pre-production models to the Fire and Rescue Service, as new materials and design features can impact on how firefighters go about cutting into vehicles to rescue those inside.

Crew Manager Mike Wainwright was one of the exercise organisers.

He said: “A road traffic collision involving several vehicles takes up a lot of space, and we need even more room for all the attending emergency services, so it can be very difficult to run training that realistically replicates what we could face.

We are hugely grateful to Honda, as their support is allowing us to set up a scenario that is lifelike and, therefore, really challenging to those taking part.”

He added: “Every road traffic collision is different, and we are constantly testing our skills. New vehicle technology can present a challenge, whether it’s additional airbags

or boron steel construction, which is difficult to cut through, so training like this is invaluable to both us and our emergency services partners.”

As well as those taking part in the exercise, there will be a number of observers on site to take notes and ensure that all necessary learning is drawn from the event.

Jason Smith, Director of Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd, said: “Honda is pleased to assist the emergency services with this activity.

"Our working partnership with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service enables them to practice their skills on the latest vehicles, ensuring they are in the best position to support our community.”

Places now available for university nursing courses in Swindon There is still time to enrol for nursing university courses.

Oxford Brookes in Swindon has a number of places available in Clearing for its two courses - BSc Operating Department Practice and BSc Adult Nursing.

The Clearing Hotline will be available from 16

August. Details of the number will be available on the website www.brookes. ac.uk If you’re considering applying for September 2019 entry, the next Open Days are 13 October and 10 November.

Booking is open now at www.brookes.ac.uk/ opendays

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"A brutal attack that left me broken emotionally and physically" Swindon Link editor Jamie Hill has recovered after being targeted in a violent street robbery in the early hours of a Sunday morning.

According to police, he was one of four victims targeted by a gang of youths wielding a snooker ball in a sock. In his own words he describes what happened.

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hey say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but lying on a hospital bed with a mashed up face only hours after being pummelled unconscious by an assailant wielding what I thought was a snooker ball in a sock, I felt weaker than I’ve ever felt.

The next 48 hours were punctuated by an irrational need to just burst into tears.

I felt broken physically and emotionally.

It had started out as a normal Saturday night with friends in Old Town.

I must admit I was drunk. Not too drunk but tipsy. I left my friends at around 2.15am on Sunday morning. Then, in my infinite wisdom, I decided to go to Suju nightclub. According to my bank I paid for my entry for the club at 2.28am. I only stayed 20 minutes having realised that as an overweight 43 year old man I stood out like a sore thumb as I was 20 years older than anyone else.

Outside there were a few taxis but having spied a kebab house opposite I decided I would get a bite to eat before making my way home.

And this is where I was stupid.

I used to be a smoker but now I vape so I decided to clear my head and have a vape before getting food.

I walked across the road 10

and went down the path on Charlotte Mews that leads to the Lawns park area.

I just wanted to be away from the crowds to have a think. I do that a lot.

At the end of the path as you enter the park suddenly there’s no street lighting.

As I entered and walked a few feet into the park I saw what looked like a couple canoodling lying down by a tree stump.

In my peripheral vision, as I walked past, I saw them both, two boys, silently stand up and start walking towards me.

As I turned around I was struck by something very hard in the face. It hit me in the eye area, leaving me stunned.

The boy, and he was a boy not much older than my teenage son, was swinging something around his head like a medieval mace. It was a sock and it had something hard and round inside it which I thought was a snooker ball.

I was hit four times in total by this weapon and it was not until the second hit that I was asked for my wallet.

Just before the fourth hit which knocked me out I was threatened with a knife whilst my way was blocked by the second assailant as I tried to

back away.

I came to lying on the pavement. There was no-one around me. I had no idea how long I had been lying there.

I gingerly got up. None of it seemed real. I walked towards the high street. I wasn’t walking straight. My wallet was gone.

I found a police car in the high street. I felt stupid when I told them I was attacked by what I thought was a snooker ball in a sock.

The next few hours were a daze. All I can say is that all the police officers, the paramedics and the hospital nurses were fantastic.

You can trace the four strikes from the cosh on my face. My eye was the worst. But there was also a massive cut on my forehead (which I think might have been the final blow that knocked me out but I can’t be sure) and a huge swelling on my jaw and my cheekbone.

Very luckily after being checked out and X-rayed and poked and prodded it showed that there had been no permanent damage.

All I wanted in the aftermath was to see my family. To hug my kids. I think I realised how lucky I had been and how much worse the injuries could

have been. It could have easily have resulted in me losing my eyesight or even my life.

When I talk to people about the attack they are rightly angry with the attackers.

Calling them feral animals and much worse. I know they need to be caught. They can’t continue to do this as someone is more than likely to get a lot more seriously hurt or even killed.

But… I’m not angry with them. I simply want to understand what led them to do this. They didn’t end up getting anything of value from me as my cards were instantly cancelled so they pummelled a man unconscious for nothing.

I want to know how they are able to dehumanise their victims to such an extent that they would do this to someone and not feel guilt for the potential consequences to another human being.

I know I’ll never get those answers. Maybe they feel disenfranchised. Maybe they’re from broken homes.

Maybe they have serious drug problems. Maybe it’s a gang thing where guilt is diluted by a group action. Whatever it is I would like to know but I know I never will.

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Stratton's favourite festival returns this month

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Save the date: Stratton Festival returns this year, Saturday 7 July.

Taking place at Grange Leisure, Stratton, the familyfriendly event brings the local community together for a day of entertainment, live music, booze and food.

Back in its sixth year the festival also includes a beer

and cider festival, fun fair, dog show, children's entertainment, and an RAF flypast display.

Supporting the festival is local brewery Arkells. Alex Arkell, Head Brewer, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to sponsor the Stratton Festival again, especially as it’s our 175th anniversary – so how better to celebrate than with our neighbours and friends.” www.strattonstmargaret.gov.uk

Jackie Chappell and (inset) James Sinclair

Talking business at the South West Expo Swindon Villiers Park celebrates its Swindon Scholars

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

This month business owners and companies will be able to expand their knowledge within their fields at the South West Expo Swindon.

The event will be taking place in Steam's Great Western Hall Thursday July 5.

The free event has been designed to act as a networking hub as well as provide an opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to attend workshops and seminars which focus on areas such as social media and LinkedIn. Currently one of the largest

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business shows in the South West the event will also be attended by company CEOs, private and public firms, and key note speakers who have experience in developing and changing their business models and corporate strategies.

Keynote speakers include Jackie Chappel, - the CEO of National Rail and Ambassador for Women in Business and National Charity Sue Ryder and James Sinclair - known as “The Millionaire Clown" since starting up his first business when he was 15.

For further information and to book tickets visit www.greatbritishexpos.co.uk

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

A scholar's programme in Swindon celebrated the achievements of graduating students last month.

Villiers Park’s Swindon Scholars is a programme designed to support children from less privileged backgrounds which can often affect their educational growth and potential.

Set up in 2010 the national charity works alongside young people, from year 10 to year 13, to improve their academic skills and help prepare them for higher education and life

after.

Clare Edwards, Communications Manager at Villiers Park Educational Trust, said: “Our programme tackles inequality across the UK – education should be based on ability more than background.

We equip young people with skills on a more equal playing field to their peers.

“Our end goal is to give them the skills they need to go onto higher education.

“The event, which happens at the end of each academic year, is a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the last year." www.villierspark.org.uk swindonlink.com n July 2018 13 09/10/2018 12:01

Almost half a million pounds to be spent on major Upham Road reconstruction

A crumbling road base will undergo major reconstruction work this summer as part of Swindon Borough Council’s highway improvement programme.

Built around 60 years ago, Upham Road is coming to the end of its life with the road surface continually having to be repaired by the Council.

But contractors moved onto the site from Monday 18 June to begin 12 weeks of work that will transform the road surface.

The project will involve digging up the old concrete base

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and repairing it or replacing it where necessary before relaying the Tarmac surface.

The Council has organised a replacement service which will pick up residents of Upham Road and the adjoining streets from the existing bus stop on Drove Road, close to the entrance of Queen’s Park.

The minibus service, which will be provided by Akcess, will run to Swindon town centre and back and will operate four times a day (9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30am) six days a week (Monday to Saturday).

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Mysterious decorated treasures crop up all over town

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

A host of mysterious decorated rocks have been cropping up all over Swindon, from the Town Gardens in Old Town to the hedgerows of Peatmoor.

And the new craze even has its own proliferation of Facebook groups where treasure hunters can post pictures of the rocks they find and have re-hidden.

It seems that the idea may have been inspired by similar initiatives in America and has rapidly gained traction here in Swindon.

Anyone spotting a rock is asked to take a photograph of it and post it to one of the many sites, letting the community know where it was found.

Finders get to keep the rocks or leave it elsewhere for someone else to discover.

To take part, follow the links to these Facebook groups

Rodbourne Rocks, Lawns Rocks Swindon, Liden Rocks and Rocks of Swindon.

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It's music to our ears! - legendary music venue to rise again One of Swindon’s landmark venues is set for a new lease of life - in a move that will be music to the ears of Swindon’s gig scene.

The Rolleston Arms pub and associated basement bar Level 3 closed its doors on 20 January this year with singer Frank Turner playing to a sell-out crowd. But now the landlords of Swindon’s Victoria Pub, Darren Simons and Violet McLaren, have stepped up to the plate to run the venue which is set to open at the end of the month.

Darren explained: “I’m really excited. The whole venue is being renovated by the brewery and we are all ready for the re-opening.

“This will be a great opportunity for us, where we can use the expertise we have built up from running the Vic for five years and apply that here. We will be continuing to promote great local bands

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On a roll: Darren Simons outside the Rolleston Arms pub and support Swindon’s thriving music scene.”

We’ve got some ambitious plans which we will be

announcing in the near future.”

The Rolleston Arms will open its doors on June 29 with a big launch earmarked for June 30

featuring a host of local bands including Rotten Aces, Two Sick Monkeys, Street Outlaws, Ian Dozer and Falls on Deaf Ears.

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Needles at the ready: Stitch and Bitch take on The Longest Knit for charity

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Swindon’s local knitting group Stitch and Bitch went to Avebury last month to get knitting for charity.

To coincide with the summer solstice the local knitting group took advantage of the daylight in a bid to create the longest knit for Dressability.

The group travelled to Avebury on the bus from Swindon Bus Station, knitted on

board and at Avebury under the wishing tree knitting and crocheting hanging spirals. The ladies gifted their spirals to visitors in return for donations.

Dressability provides a low-cost clothing alteration and dressmaking service for people with disabilities, and Swindon Stitch and Bitch will be collecting donations from their longest knit to give to the charity.

Swindon Stitch and Bitch are working closely with

Dressability making woollen garments for Swindon’s elderly who find themselves choosing between heating and eating during the winter months. Yarn had also been dontated by John Lewis.

Tracey Major of Swindon Stitch and Bitch said: “We were so honoured that Dressability had asked us to work with them and we were thrilled with the amazing yarn from John Lewis, lots of the yarns are our favourite brands and will make

gorgeous and in some case luxurious garments to wrap the elderly up in this winter; they really will be keeping warm in style.

“It was such a shame that the group couldn’t get together on 9 June when it was World Knit in Public day, so we have decided to celebrate the summer solstice instead.

“We thought we’d make twirls because they are easy to make and look amazing and can be hung from anything.”

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Visitors flock to Queen's Park to celebrate Polish Day Visitors flocked to Swindon’s Queen’s Park to help celebrate the third annual Polish Day. The event - which also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Polish independence - celebrates Swindon’s sizeable Polish community which is thought to number 10,000 people.

Those attending were able to enjoy a range of traditional cuisine, music, dance, crafts and games.

Invited guests included Swindon Mayor Junab Ali and Wiltshire Police and Crime commissioner Angus Macpherson.

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Swindon Life Celebrating town living

Flying into action: this summer's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford One of the most spectacular air shows returns this month to RAF Fairford.

From 13 July to 15 July spectators can join the RAF in commemorating the achievements of the RAF which includes more than five hours of flying displays.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is one of the world’s largest military air shows and will be staging a special international celebration of the Royal Air Force’s centenary with a range of exciting

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flypasts and aerial formations featuring current and historic RAF aircraft. More than 30 air arms from around the globe will be taking part from as far afield as Canada, Australia, Oman, Pakistan and Ukraine.

Highlights include displays by the MiG-21, F-35A, Typhoon, CV-22B Osprey, AMD Mirage 2000D, Rafale and Chinook and, of course, the Red Arrows.

Plenty of family entertainment on the ground too including the critically-acclaimed Techno Zone and Vintage Village.

For details, visit www.airtattoo.com

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This year’s Shuffle has its best line-up yet

@swindonshuffle

Swindon Shuffle 2018 Words by Claire Dukes

Swindon Shuffle returns this month for another four-day takeover of local talent.

From Thursday July 11 to Sunday July 15 bands and solo artists will be taking over Swindon’s music venues and watering holes. As per usual the line-up is a glorious combination of familiar faces and up and coming artists and it’s completely free to attend. This year Swindon Shuffle will be supporting

Swindon Mind - a local mental health charity who do incredible work to support people battling mental health issues. This chosen charity in particular also looks to raise awareness of mental health issues within the music industry - donation buckets will be available at every venue.

Each year Swindon Shuffle has been growing in size and bringing more and more variety to the stages across

town - over four days there will be over 40 artists playing across five venues.

I am incredibly excited for this year’s Shuffle because the line-up is looking like it’s best yet. Granted this will be my first time attending the Shuffle, but despite briefly migrating I’ve always kept my eye on it. This year I am delighted to see some acts on the list of which I’ve seen growing over the last

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year or two which I highly recommend - shout out to The Harlers, Flour Babies, Hip Route, Grasslands, EmilyJane Sheppard and SexJazz.

That being said I am more than curious to see some acts new on my radar including SN Dubstation, Tamsin Quin, Slagerji, True Strays, The Oxymora, and ‘special guests’.

For the full line-up visit www.swindonshuffle.co.uk

The venues: The Victoria, The Tuppenny, The Castle, The Beehive, and Baila 7

1 SN Dustation - July 13,

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The Castle Eight-piece ska and reggae band - these guys come highly rated. I’m thinking Hypnotic Brass Ensemble meets The Specials.

3 True Strays - July 15,

Follow Swindon Shuffle on Facebook and Twitter SexJazz - July 14, The Beehive An infectious fusion of psychedelia and punk music.

They're always high energy, and it's always a great show.

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Emily-Jane Sheppard July 15, The Tuppenny Her spunky and delightful personality merges perfectly with her gentle and compelling vocals. A lovely listen.

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2 Flour Babies - July 12,

The Castle Shoegazing synths with raw guitar riffs - Flour Babies are a post-punk sensation with dejecting lyrics.

4 The Oxymora - July

The Beehive One of Swindon's music mustsees - “...rapidly became one of my favourite bands to see live last year”.

13, The Victoria New music alert: this will be the band’s first live performance, bringing fresh music onto the grunge scene.

The Harlers - July 13, The Victoria They get more polished with every show - a band that’s very much on their way. You’d be a fool to miss a free set.

8 Tamsin Quin - July

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12, The Tuppenny Tamsin is the antidote to riotous sweaty bands - a sombre and intimate show of harmonious folk and blues.

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD In the community

Book now...

GRIFF RHYS JONES - WHERE WAS I?

Comedian, writer, TV presenter and actor Griff Rhys Jones will be performing at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre this month, Wednesday 11 July.

Join the star of Not the Nine o’Clock News, Smith & Jones and Three Men In a Boat for a hilarious evening of comedy - observations, anecdotes, reminiscences and outright lies – from forty years of travelling down rivers and up mountains, into Africa, out of India, and across the arid wastes of the BBC. Accompanied by slide shows Jones goes back into the wild exploring the ways in which years of travelling have changed his life.

Tickets at £15.00 - for further information visit www. swindontheatres.co.uk

FRED, TED, JACK AND HAROLD

Fred, Ted, Jack & Harold by internationally acclaimed playwright Matt Fox is the darkest of dark comedies, featuring a selection of infamous characters, in a familiar world turned on its head. Taking place at Swindon Arts Centre 6 to 7 July.

Tickets from £13 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

MARK STEEL EVERY LITTLE THING IS GONNA BE ALRIGHT

The Radio 4 presenter will be re-appearing this 26 July due to tickets selling out almost immediately when he toured to the Wyvern Theatre in March.

Prepare for Brexit talks, Trump and quick wit. Tickets at £25 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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

LYDIARD OPEN AIR THEATRE

Lydiard Park will be hosting its first open air theatre of the summer, opening with Oscar Wilde's classic The Importance of Being Earnest. Bring picnic baskets, rugs, and sandwiches for an evening of outdoor comedy Friday 20 July.

Parking charges apply.

Tickets at £15 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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 A charity producton of The Wizard of Oz will be taking place this summer in aid of TWIGS Community Gardens, put on by the Shaw-based group Emerge Youth Project.

Funded by local churches and organisations Emerge is a drama youth group for children with special needs.

The production takes place Saturday 7 July from 4pm to 5pm, and will be celebrating the project's 10th year. l Danny & The Champions of the World with support from Case Hardin + Black Sheep Apprentice will be coming to The Vic on Friday 6 July. Tickets are available from seetickets. com and are selling fast. l The Guild of Wiltshire Artists will be hosting their fine art summer exhibition, Saturday 14 July. The free event will be taking place at St. Peter's Church, Marlborough, from 10am to 4.30pm. For further information visit www.guildofwiltshireartists.com l Car boot and charity shop shoppers can peruse through Savernake Street Social Hall's pop up jumble sale Friday 22 July.

The sale is fundraising for Eastcott Community Organisation, the group of volunteers and registered charity that manage Savernake Street Social Hall. There will be clothes, bric-a-brac, toys and games, plus lots of craft items and fabric to buy.

For further information please contact eastcottcommunity@ yahoo.co.uk swindonlink.com n July 2018

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Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Rosa Matheson

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Thanks to the efforts of a Swindon-based charity, founded and run by Rosa Matheson, a rural village in Nepal has access to sanitary products and will soon provide a school with its first ever female-only bathrooms.

Access to sanitary products seems like a basic purchase in the western world, but in countries like Nepal it's a brand new luxury.

What started as trips out to Nepal with her husband Dr Ian Matheson to provide health care to Nepalese people, turned into a mission to better the lives and health care of Nepali women and girls.

For the last 10 years Rosa Matheson has been visiting a rural village in Nepal providing sanitary products to the women and young girls living there through the charity Freedom Kit Bags.

Up until Rosa's interaction with the women in the village periods were believed to be a curse - they would be put into goat houses, or made to live in special 'hides', during their time of the month. The women and young girls had no idea that this is something every woman across the world goes through.

One girl from the village was 15 when she got her first period. She was put outside, as a normal process, and fed only rice and salt. She was found unconscious after a few days because of the severe cold but also because she bled too much. At this point I wasn't sure who was tearing up more, myself or Rosa.

"They're told they're cursed," Rosa explained

"and dehumanised. When I tell them I bleed, and that women in England bleed, they're shocked. The women have found that the bags are working to have a positive effect."

Rosa has since been spending her time in Nepal to educate the men and women about menstruation - up until this point the women had no access to sanitary products, and didn't know what they were or used for. The bags contain panties pad holders, day pads, night pads, strings and pegs, a wet bag, and soap which are given to the women in a waterproof bag.

The bags cost ÂŁ25 and the products provide women with two years of protection.

Rosa said: "Everything is pretty and eco-friendly made in 100% cotton. I think this is now the sixth model we've made and I've worn every one of them to test them!"

Rosa explained that during menstruation women and girls are not allowed to touch the men in the village, can't eat with other people, and girls can't attend school. One of the benefits behind these bags is that nobody knows they are on their period which stops them being shamed and gives them a sense of freedom.

"The girls and women are made to be ashamed and are ostracised over something they have no control over. When I speak to them now they've found there's such a difference in their lives - it's accepted now in the whole village."

Without access to the Freedom Kit Bags women become vulnerable to vaginal and bacterial infections, some which can lead to incredibly poor health which can

Rosa in Nepal distributing kig bags sometimes result in death.

Since it's introduction Rosa has become a soughtafter woman. On one of the last visits women from the surrounding villages of Chyamtang, and Chepuwa, Chhumsur, Ridek and Lingam came to meet her in the hopes of receiving their very own kit bag.

Marching forward menstruation is now talked about in schools with both boys and girls.

"With the boys we explain they get erections they can't control - when they have wet dreams do they get put outside of the house? No. They're learning that it's [menstruation] natural and not a bad thing."

Since the earthquake in 2015 the need for Freedom Kit Bags has become paramount. The money donated to Freedom Kit Bags goes towards providing a bag to every Nepali woman and girl, resources to support ambassadors who teach in schools, and travel to the villages - this can take up to five hours. The travel also

allows the group to take medical supplies to the surrounding villages which have been most affected by the aftermath from the earthquake.

Money has also been set aside which has enabled Rosa to start a revolutionary project in one school in Nepal.

For the first time ever the school will receive it's first female-only toilet block. Each of the three toilets has been specifically fitted with a lock - which girls can reach - and a shelf to place the kit bags on. Considering the school has 250 pupils, this may not seem progressive, but because of the efforts from Freedom Kit Bags, their partners and ambassadors, the people in Nepal are slowly being liberated.

Rosa added: "We couldn't do it without the people we work with in Nepal - so honest, caring and committed." swindonlink.com n July 2018

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Your guide to family fun this summer in Swindon Swindon has so many facilities and activities to offer families over the summer holidays - the perfect combination of family fun and healthy living

Swindon Link Centre

Better GLL has invested millions in Swindon's Link Centre - since 2014 the leisure centre boasts a fully kitted gymnasium, coffee corner, Extreme Trampoline Park, ice skating, and swimming facilities including Swindon's Oasis.

This summer the Link Centre is offering a variety of summer deals, competitions, and family vouchers on a range of activities via their social media which include a joint ticket for families, parent toddler sessions, and birthday packages for exclusve deals on all the activities.

The Link Centre is determined to provide a fun social day out for all the family to enjoy.

How to get your deals...

@linkcentreswindon

The Link Centre will be running exclusive deals throughout the whole of the summer holidays via their social media pages.

Offers include a free month of ice skating, summer happy hours at the Extreme Trampoline Park, and a whole day of swimming at the Oasis.

@Better_UK

Lotmead Farm

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens There is always something going on at Cotswold Wildlife Park.

Park tours, fresh air, and animal discoveries await families over the summer holidays.

Last month the park welcomed the arrival of three Wolverine triplets. After burrowing away the trio are now out and about to greet visitors.

Don't miss Rhino month at Cotswold from 1 August to 31 August

www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

www.lotmead.co.uk

Lotmead Farm is open again for the 2018 season. As well as their famous strawberries, this year Lotmead will be offering raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, sweetcorn, dwarf beans, French beans, runner beans, potatoes and more.

With a play area filled with fun slides, swings, a maze, zip wire and brand new wooden adventure frame, a day at Lotmead will keep everyone busy. There’s also a nature walk, dairy parlour and small animal enclosure. Animals

include baby pygmy goats who were born at Lotmead in June, new Kunekune piglets, as well as the familiar faces of Tango the Shetland pony, Denzil the donkey, and Nigel, Kevin and Bertie the alpacas.

The farm shop has a range of local produce, including local milk from Lotmead and cream from Berkeley Farm Dairy in Wroughton, Entry to the play area, small animals, nature walk and dairy parlour is just ÂŁ1.50 per person. Visit the website for further details and events. swindonlink.com n July 2018

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REVIEW: The Wild Duck

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

The Wild Duck Inn is tucked away in the leafy lanes of Ewen in the Cotswolds - all grey slates, slanted doorways and ancient oak beams.

Ducking our way into the dimly lit interior our party of three was shown to a table where we were offered water and bread without any sense that we were being a colossal inconvenience - this was an excellent sign.

The lunchtime menu seemed to focus on traditional British grub, but with a sideways slant - for example Duck Shepherd’s Pie. We ordered Scotch egg, sausage roll and croquettes for starters.

Now I appreciate a Scotch

egg as much as the next punter - but this thing had been reinvented from the ground up.

No orange breadcrumbs, grey ‘meat’ and rubbery egg here..

Making the first incision, runny yolk oozed out all over the place - I think I actually said ‘Wow!’ - I don't normally talk to my food, it just happened.

The sausage roll also stretched the definition of the genre - with a thin crust of pasty wrapped around an amazing looking sausage the girth of a bottle of wine; and as for the croquetes they were a gloopy intense experience of cheesy pleasure, and there is no finer form of pleasure than that. This was rapidly followed by the mains - I went

for Chalk Stream trout with fennel, Jersey Royals and salsa verde. The others went for Pan fried calves liver with mashed potato, streaky bacon, sage and onion; and duck shepherds pie with spring greens and root vegetables.

The trout was stunning, I don’t know if the fact that it had been hauled out of a chalk stream had any bearing on this or the fact that it had been expertly seared and boned so that the skin was crunchy and delicious.

The faintly aniseed of the fennel and Jersey Royals shook hands with the salsa verde and the whole lot got on like a house on fire.

As for the liver, my dining companion enthused: “Usually

you get liver chopped, but this was the whole thing, cooked to perfection. It was a ‘proper bit of meat’ really tender and full of flavour, it was just a good solid piece of meat which I loved.”

And as for the duck shepherd’s pie?: “It was lovely and rich. It sounded stranger than it was. But it was really nice. The duck was tender and I would have it again, very homely and comforting.

It was exactly what I would want on a menu in a British Pub. Completely filling and flavoursome.

Address: Drakes Island, Cirencester GL7 6BY Tel: 01285 770310 www.theluckyonion.com/ property/the-wild-duck-inn

The power of poetry to transform our experience of 'normal' life added nothing to explaining our angst. My granddaughter breezed through as if it was a My granddaughter flew from bus ride. It looks like she’ll be a Dublin to Bristol recently on her regular visitor on her own from own, unaccompanied, knowing now on. nobody on board.

I tell this story because that She’s twelve. It was a coming- one trip opened up a whole of-age challenge and it didn’t vista for me, uplifting the confound her in the slightest. normal in an exciting way.

I can’t say the same for the We went to Hay-on-Wye to rest of us. hear Chelsea Clinton speak My wife and I, and her about her new book. We parents, pretended we were listened to poetry. ready for this, that it was We went hunting in the something we would’ve done at second-hand bookshops and the same age given the chance, filled the car boot. We went and a lot of other blather that to Avebury on another day Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane

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and discussed history. We went shopping and brought back stories that strangers shared.

Somehow it felt special as if we were living, as the poet Brendan Kennelly wrote: We are living In ceiling, floor and windows, We are given to where we have been.

This white door will always open On what our hands have touched, Our eyes have seen.

I’ll harvest poems from my

notes of the few days. I look forward to reading them at The Castle pub on Monday 25 June.

That will be the start of a regular stint for Poetry Swindon in a new Open Mic format.

Please do come and join us.

• Open Mic – last Monday of the month 7:30 Castle Pub, Prospect Place, Old Town • Swindon Poetry events – www.richardjefferies.org/ activities • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 10 July, 7pm bee-hive.co.uk

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SERVICE SECTOR

CLEANING, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL, GARAGE DOORS, HOME IMPROVEMENTS, PLUMBING SERVICES

Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member

Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802 www.abacuscleaningservices.co.uk

Certified Electrician NICEIC Domestic Installers (D606759)

Reliable Local Company • Re-Wires, Alterations & Additions • Inspections, Testing & Certificates • Consumer Units Replaced • LED Lighting Installations • Emergency Lighting • Fix Wire Testing

01793 877677 office@enlan.co.uk www.enlan.co.uk

ACP

Home Improvements & Building Services • • • • • • • •

General building maintenance Garage conversions Bathrooms and Kitchens Carpentry • Wall & floor tiling Plastering/Plaster boarding/Coving UPVC doors, windows & repairs Fascias, soffits, guttering Patios and fencing Insurance work undertaken For a prompt professional service contact Andy: 07969 350160 / 01793 430109 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk

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Replacement Fuse Boards

Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists

Kitchen & Bathroom Electrics

• Alterations/Renovations • New Builds and Barn Conversions

Home Networking Garage Power Installations

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

Home Extensions Wired And more, please ask!

0800 1357063 or 07967 155502

Fully insured to £2m

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

or email: info@benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk

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

Tel 01793 940096 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

Painter, Decorator and General Handyman Fully insured and CRB checked

Call Steve on: 01793 618569 07824 484094 Retired Police Officer

A.S.K.

Painting & Decorating Interior & exterior painting and decorating.

20 years serving local people.

Call Andy on 07970 533569 between 8am and 5pm

D.P.S Carpentry

For carpentry work and general building, including fitting kitchens, extensions, garages and general home maintenance.

Call Dave on 07951 058279 between 8am and 5pm

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

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

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SERVICE SECTOR

PLUMBING SERVICES, PROPERTY SERVICES, SAND & GRAVEL, TILING, WARDROBES, WASTE REMOVAL

Semi-retired Plumber SURESTOP SWITCH

installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

• Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in • Radiators changed

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

BMH Tiling

Floor and wall tiling specialist

Contact:

07557 223999

waynecoulson79@googlemail.com

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