LINK No 6 March 2018
Swindon
Delivered door to door to 50,000 households across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000
Your Community Magazine
The Service Sector p28
East Edition
Swindon Life p19
www.swindonlink.com
Swindon Lives: Jago gets on his bike for cystic fibrosis p23
The Puzzle Page p31
James and Daniel are doing it for their grandads p3 Community: P2-20
Swindon Wide: P21 - 29
Leisure: P30-39
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An exciting year ahead
Brothers lace up running shoes in memory of their grandads By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com
By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
2017 was an exciting year for Swindon Link but now 2018 has come along, flounced into the room and dramatically announced 'You ain't seen nothing yet!' Last year we expanded our operations with the launch of the East edition - taking the amount of homes we deliver to in Swindon to 50,000. That's over half the homes in Swindon and cements our place as the print media organisation with the biggest reach in the town. And this year is going to be even bigger. We're in the process of investing in our websites to make sure we give you, the readers, the best possible all round experience. Already you might have seen some changes with the stealth launch of our new logo last month which has been received very well. We are also looking at employing more staff to bolster our sales team in the next few months so watch this space if you fancy working for Positive Media Group. At the heart of everything we do is positive community news and, as always, please get in contact if you have a good news story for us. 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 & Nataley Fryer Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com
Proving that heroes come in all shapes and sizes James, 10, and Daniel, 9, from Stratton have been running 10k a week to raise funds for two charities in memory of their grandads. James and Daniel have lost three grandparents – two to heart disease (Grandad O’Rourke and Grandad Steve), and another (Grampy Keith) to prostate cancer. Since 17 October last year James and Daniel have been braving the winter weather twice a week on 5k runs to complete their aim to reach 10k a week over the course of a year. All the money raised will be distributed between British Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK. The inspiration for the charity run stemmed from James and Daniel wanting to raise awareness of prostate cancer and heart disease, as their grandads were not aware of the signs. According to the family the losses were not foreseen and very sudden. James said: “We don’t want anybody to feel like we did.” During this time the boys have so far hosted a Christmas raffle, fancy dress group runs, and are in the process of organising a Zumba night this month to widen their reach to raise as much money before October this year. In January local company
Tanya, Daniel, James and Kelly
Freedog, an urban activities centre, allowed the boys to hold their first Zumba event in one of their halls for free. Instead of charging guests for entry, or amenities, Freedog donated the money towards the boys’ cause. Freedog’s General Manager, Tom Clipsham, said: “The night itself was a roaring success with approximately 35 people attending, raising over £170." “We are going to try and run an event every month to help the boys on their way to raising money. We are trying to involve local companies and get the community to join in” explained James and Daniel’s mum, Kelly Kingsbeer. To date, James and Daniel have run over 204 miles and raised just over £1,500 via their Just Giving page which has already exceeded their
original target. Kelly said: “We’re learning as we go, because we’ve never organised an event or fundraised on this scale before.” The boy's dad, Martin Kingsbeer added: “They’re really something – they just get on with it despite how cold it’s been. What they do and how they’ve carried on, I just can’t put it into words.” The Kingsbeers are inviting the local community to get involved with their upcoming fundraisers.
Upcoming funraising events: March 23: Zumba night at Freedog July 7: Summer Charity Bash with DJ and live music at the Polish Community Centre. For further information email klkingsbeer@gmail.com
ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for April adverts and editorial: 9 March April edition published: 23 March Our Statistics Est. Readership of 125,000 in print & c.25,000 monthly online visitors. Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £51.
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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 744677 swindonlink.com n March 2018
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Stratton Councillor to champion crowdfunding for local historic chapel A Stratton St Margaret Parish Councillor is inviting local residents, charities, groups and businesses to help to raise £2,000 and restore the former Green Road Chapel in Stratton St Margaret, and turn it into a community asset. The chapel is in the heart of the historic centre of Stratton St Margaret; it was built in 1869 by non-conformists and is now under the care of Stratton Saint Margaret Parish Council. This charming example of gothic revival is in need of restoration and a new purpose, and the Parish Council want to ensure it can become an asset for the community. Work has already started with the removal of all the weeds and overgrowth and the roof is now secure and watertight. The next aim is to restore the floor and do what is necessary to the brickwork. Councillor Matthew Davis who is leading the restoration
project said: “We’d love to give the chapel a new lease of life, maybe as a space to get married, to use as a place of remembrance for those coming to the cemetery to pay their respects to loved ones, or as an exhibition space for our thriving local arts group (the list goes on)”. To find out more about the project follow the Friends of Green Road Chapel on Facebook.
Stratton St Margaret parish council increases its share of council tax by 13% Stratton St Margaret Parish Council has set its precept at £1,330,062 based on the tax base of 7,001.8 Band D households. The charge of £189.96 per annum represents an increase of 13% which is an additional £21.85 per annum or £1.82 per month – £0.06 daily increase per household. The increase is necessary as the Parish Council will receive less government funding and it has taken on services from Swindon Borough Council which include the day-to-day running of Beechcroft Library and Streetsmart services such as litter picking, grass cutting, flower beds and hedge maintenance. Chairman of the parish council Joe Tray said: “The Parish Council is working hard to reduce its costs and has made a commitment to significantly save over £100,000 to keep the precept as low as it possibly can. Residents should 4
not see a difference in our levels of service as we have just streamlined everything a little bit and some of the plans and non-essential maintenance work have been put on the backburner for now.” The Parish Council continues to serve the community through high levels of maintenance on all of the parks and open spaces in the Parish of Stratton St Margaret including its 11 Play Parks, two allotment sites, sports pitches and burial grounds. It also organises the hugely popular annual Stratton Festival and Stratton Stroll, Christmas Extravaganza and Community Carol Service – making a commitment to find grants and other funding sources to help pay towards the running of these events. The Parish Council also owns and manages Grange Leisure, a thriving community leisure centre in Stratton St Margaret.
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Pool talk date set The Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool will be the subject of a talk at the next meeting of the Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group. Pool manager, Neil Montgomery will be the speaker. The meeting will take place at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 3QA on Friday, 9 March at 1.30pm. There is an entrance charge of £2.50 which includes refreshments. For further information, contact Ali on 01793 63442 or swindonosteoporosis@ googlemail.com
Backing dog charity
Hilary Coate's Wagging Tails home dog boarding have become a corporate sponsor for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - having 'adopted a puppy' which they can follow through its training. Keep updated with the progress of Neve by heading to the Wagging Tails facebook group. www.facebook.com/ WaggingTailsSN
New chief constable
Previous assistant Chief Constable Kier Pritchard will take on the role of Chief Constable following previous incumbent Mike Veale’s decision to move to Cleveland Police. Kier Pritchard, who has served as a police officer in Wiltshire since 1993 and as ACC since 2014, will take on the new post on 5 March. The experienced officer also graduated from the Strategic Command Course in 2016.
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Swindon Dragon Boat Festival returns By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com
On Sunday 24 June the sixth Swindon Dragon Boat Festival will take place at the Coate Water Country Park. The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, will see teams of 12 to 17 paddling Dragon Boats across the Water Park in a battle to become the 2018 Champions. Racing will start at 10am. Expecting to be bigger than last year, the event will reach out to families and spectators as well as budding rowers. Around 14 teams have entered the racing already with more teams are welcome. The event gives teams a great chance to have a fun day out and in doing so they can raise money for a charity of their choice. There will be a fancy dress competition for the best dressed team and lots of
medals and trophies to be won. Each team can be made up of between 12 to 20 people, from work colleagues, pub members, club members or charity workers. The entry fee is £500 with an initial deposit of £150. Once a team is registered then the Rotary Club will set up a ‘Just Giving’ page for the team members to raise money for their chosen charity. All the funds raised via Just Giving will go direct to the chosen charity. As well as teams battling it out on the Water Park there will be stalls, musical entertainment, barbecues, a beer tent and lots more for all the family and participants to enjoy on the day. Entry and further information on the event can be found through the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix Dragon Boat website www.swindondragonboat.org. uk.
The Rotary Club of Swindon North recieves a wave of entries for Swimathon, April 2018 The Swimathon and its associated Grand Draw are being held in aid of the Wiltshire-based charity Inner Flame but swimmers can also raise funds for any charity of their choice. Entries are invited from teams of 4 to 8 people, who are prepared to swim in relay for an hour, and happy to collect at least £25 sponsorship each. The money will go on a 50/50 basis to Inner Flame and to the team’s selected charity. It’s a fun event with the overall aim of raising lots of cash for charity. Inner Flame offers training and mentoring to disadvantaged 16 to 25 year olds. Its programmes help them progress their lives and move towards employment. In partnership with Swindon College it has been running the Prince’s Trust Team Programme
Last year's Swimathon
since 2012. Last year it formed a partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon Sport and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to deliver Get on Track, a year-long training and mentoring programme. David Wreathall, founder and trustee of Inner Flame, said: “I’m delighted the Rotary Club of Swindon North has chosen Inner Flame as the main
beneficiary of their Swimathon. Many local businesses support us and amongst them is the Swindon Link Magazine which happens to be one of the Swimathon’s sponsors. Another is Better (The Link Centre).” For information visit the Rotary Club of Swindon North website - www.rotary-ribi.org or speak to Ken Winslow on 07710 228697.
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Four hundred residents view plans for New Eastern Villages infrastructure Hundreds of people flocked to Coleview Community Centre to see proposals for major new junctions in the east of Swindon. The drop-in event was organised by Swindon Borough Council to present options for improving transport infrastructure as part of the New Eastern Villages development, which will see about 8,000 homes, schools and new businesses built on land east of the A419 over the coming years. More than 400 people attended the event and council officers were available to talk through the plans and to listen to residents’ views. Ninety feedback forms were received from the drop-in and these will be used by the New Eastern Villages project team to help inform the proposals as they are developed. Four major transport schemes were on display focusing on improvements to the White Hart
Junction, a scheme to improve the A420 Gablecross Junction and plans for the Great Stall Bridge and Southern Connector Road. Cllr Toby Elliott, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, said: “I would like to thank the hundreds of people who took the time to visit the drop-in event. I would like to assure them that their views are important to us and all the feedback we received will be fed back into our project team. “The New Eastern Villages is the largest greenfield urban extension in the UK and will bring much-needed housing, jobs and schools so it is vital we have the necessary infrastructure to support the development." For further details please contact the Swindon NEV team by email at: nev@swindon.gov. uk
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Swindon 105.5 celebrates decade of broadcasting Swindon 105.5 is celebrating a decade on the airwaves. The station, based at the Liden Centre is a non-commercial radio service which nurtures strong links with the community. As station manager Shirley Ludford puts it: "it's run by Swindon for Swindon," with about 120 local people involved in running the station. Funding for the station is provided by grants, donations, corporate support, fundraising events and support in-kind. Swindon 105.5 is the only locallybased station that's broadcasting 24 hours a day. Following a 4-week trial in 2006, the station applied for a licence in 2007 and launched ten years ago - in March 2008. This year the station is planning ten events to celebrate ten years including a party on Saturday 24 March at Swindon Town Football Club's Legends Lounge from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 available from the station and it includes a buffet, entertainment, disco and raffle. Station manager Shirley Ludford celebrates with some of the members of the Swindon 105.5 team
By station manager Shirley Ludford The town crier cried, the mayor led the countdown and dozens of people cheered as Swindon 105.5 was declared live and broadcasting as the town's community radio station. Presenters Shirley Ludford and Peter Heaton-Jones announced the first track of music and people danced to Dancing In The Street! The launch took place on 15 March 2008 at Swindon Town Football Club, where the station had studios for the first two years of its life, following a successful four-week trial two years earlier at the Bull Dog Pub with co-founder Ian Rowe. Shirley took on the role of station manager and set up studios and trained volunteer presenters. She said: “I describe the studios as an inverted Tardis! Loads of reach out into the community from tiny facilities.” Demand for training and 8
volunteering continually grew and in 2010 the station moved to the Bentley Centre, Stratton Road developing three studios and a production suite. The number of volunteers and training programmes continued to rocket. Like most community stations, Swindon 105.5 was totally reliant on grants, donations and fundraising. 2013 saw a visit by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey, supported by MP Robert Buckland and Shirley was subsequently invited to the House of Commons to help put the case for some on-air sponsorship
and advertising to help support stations across the country. The bid proved successful, though the station still also relies on creative initiatives and grants to support its locally unique service. In 2014 the station received a Queens Award (MBE) delivered by HRH The Duke of Kent. Add in portable outside broadcast equipment from a Police & Crime Commissioner grant, a mobile staging unit to support local events from Smiths News, a lottery grant digital desk for one studio and a huge amount of good will, corporate support and volunteer engagement and the station enjoys the greatest mix of community reach and involvement in the Borough. 2018 The “Service to the Community Award” was received from the South West Business & Community Awards. Thousands of people of all ages and abilities have
developed skills including social, communication and digital, some becoming volunteers, some going on to further education or employment. Drove school children were the youngest in the UK to gain an NCFE certificate after completing a Station accredited course. Demand for support for people with autism has grown rapidly and there are many inspiring stories of individual achievements. On air, the Station broadcasts 24-hour a day broadcast with a wide range of programmes. Off air it is a unique training and volunteering service. All with the aim of working with, by and for Swindon, from a firm studio base since January 2016 at The Liden Centre, off Liden Drive. To get involved, find out about advertising your business or more, call Swindon 611555. Check out www.swindon1055.com
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Avon and Wiltshire Mental health Partnership open new Adult Resource Centre
In a collaborative new venture, Swindon’s CIT (Complex Intervention and Treatment) team and Swindon Borough Council have opened the Swindon ARC (Adult Resource Centre) on Whitbourne Avenue Swindon. Whitbourne House, a residential care home in Park South, opened its doors yesterday to Swindon’s CIT team offering support for social and care workers, and adults living with mental issues including dementia and Alzheimer’s. CIT Team Manager and
former nurse, Sara Ross, said: “We’ll be running a range of services including a Carer’s Cafe which opens next week, community groups for people with mental ilnesses, hosting a weekly dementia day, running ‘Think Again’ sessions which supports people with dementia as well as their families, and a training scheme which is designed to assist and train local care workers to identify symptoms of early onset dementia. "It’s about getting everyone in the same room and supporting each other."
Tickets available for Swindon Charity Ball The annual Swindon Charity Ball will have a Bollywood theme this year. The event, on Saturday 12 May 2018, will be held at the Swindon Marriott Hotel and will raise money for the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal. Proceeds will support a project to build a new radiotherapy centre at Swindon's Great Western Hospital. Presently approximately 700 patients a year have to make the 70 mile round-trip journey to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford for radiotherapy. Brighter Futures aims to raise £2.9 million to contribute towards the purchase of important clinical equipment within the building. At the end of December, due to the efforts of the local community and support of corporate partners, organisers
have raised more than £2 million. A further £900,000 is needed to meet the fundraising target. Live music will be provided by '24/7' after the meal. Tickets cost £80 per person or £800 for table of 10. On the night there will be the opportunity to raise more money by purchasing raffle tickets, entering the silent auction and the main auction. Contact Sue Harding, Charity Ball secretary, susanjharding@ btinternet.com or phone 01793 813147. In addition to the ball, there is a Charity Golf Day on Friday 9 March 2018 at Broome Manor Golf Club: The cost per team of four is £280. Contact Tim Hanley tim@ lakeedge.co.uk for an application form.
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Bereavement help
Bereaved parents are being offered support at a special support day running on June 9 in Highworth Community Centre. The Support Day offers understanding, encouragement and support to any parent who has suffered the death of a son or daughter in any circumstance and at any age. The event offers the chance to meet and share with other parents who have suffered the death of a child. The day will be led by Bereaved Parent Support Co-ordinators Kath and Mike Coulson and their team. They lost their eldest son Philip, then aged seven, in 1994. Tickets cost £22 per person. For information call 029 2081 0800.
Cancer care group
People affected by cancer can now come together as part of a new group and have their collective voices listened to by experts from the Great Western Hospital. The Swindon Cancer Partnership Group, which will meet four times a year, gives cancer patients a platform to share their thoughts and give them direct access to specialist medical staff. For more information, contact the GWH Cancer Team on 01793 646152 or at gwh. gwhcancerpartnership@nhs. net.
£11.5m infrastructure scheme welcomed by MP Justin Tomlinson MP has welcomed the announcement of £11.5 million in infrastructure for two separate schemes in Swindon; the Kingsdown Bridge and the Rowborough Eastern Access for the Eastern Development Area. The government has announced £866 million investment in local housing projects to ensure that infrastructure is in place before major housing developments come through, making sure that the impact of new homes, which are much needed for the next generation, is lessened for local residents. This funding will support local work that will make housing developments viable and get much-needed homes built more quickly. Without this financial support these projects would struggle to go ahead or take years for work to begin. The government is committed to building 300,000 homes
a year by the mid-2020s so more people are able buy a home of their own. The funding is the first wave of funding from the £5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund which is part of a comprehensive programme to fix the broken housing market that has left too many struggling to afford a place of their own. This latest investment will fund key local infrastructure projects including new roads, cycle
paths, flood defences and land remediation work, all essential ahead of building the homes. Justin said: “As a local resident, I have tirelessly campaigned for this funding as I know how important it is for residents to get the infrastructure in place. “It’s great news that we have been allocated £11.5 million in funding to support projects which will help ensure we build the homes people need more quickly.”
Stratton driving to become more dementia friendly
Charity quiz night
Swindon Therapy Centre, a charity which supports those with MS and other neurological conditions, is holding a fundraising quiz night on March 16. The event, which starts at 7pm, will be held at Swindon Supermarine Community Room in South Marston. Tickets cost £10 and can be bought from Swindon Therapy Centre or by contacting 01793 481700. Entry includes food and a bar is available to purchase drinks. 10
Councillors at Stratton St Margaret Parish Council made a commitment to drive an initiative to make Stratton dementia friendly. This will start with councillors and staff from the Parish Council attending Dementia Friends Information Sessions which started from Thursday 1 February. These sessions will give all who attend a good understanding of what dementia is and learn more about how it can affect
someone. The Parish Council is looking to engage with the local community working with our partners including local health professionals and care providers. There are also plans to engage with local businesses to raise awareness and offer support. It is also hoped that Stratton will become a part of the Safe Places Scheme which helps vulnerable people if they feel scared or at risk while they are
out and about in the community get the support they need right away. Several councillors volunteered to form a steering group to progress dementia awareness in Stratton and looking ahead the Parish Council is hoping to host the Alzheimer’s Society roadshow bus at their Stratton Festival summer festival taking place on 7 July 2018. For further information visit www.strattonstmargaret.gov.uk
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International Women's Day - Empowering women with Freedom Kit Bags
As International Women's Day takes place this month Claire Dukes looks at the great work of Swindon campaigner Rosa Matheson whose pioneering Freedom Kit Bags have just been chosen as Reshma Field's style company Ishbel's Wardrobe's charity of the year. Reshma Field: "Why have I chosen Freedom Kit Bags to be my charity of the year? "Well, in the first instance I like to support local causes. So, while the people it helps are in Nepal, this charity is run by a local lady, Rosa Matheson, and her husband. "Freedom Kit Bags sets out to empower Nepalese women and girls at the most basic level: menstruation protection. Can you imagine what it must be like not to have that? These women can’t go to school or work or go anywhere at all when they have their periods. "With Ishbel’s Wardrobe I help women to feel empowered by giving them the knowledge and tools to be confident in themselves. I do this by establishing the colours that suit them by which I mean the tones and shades that really flatter their own skin tone. I then establish their “clothing personality” where I look at their body shape as well as their character, dreams and aspirations, in the most fundamental way you can imagine. "Freedom Kit Bags empowers women to feel confident, gain an education and be treated with dignity and respect. Empowerment in this context means enabling these women to take control of their lives and access education and other basic rights - rights that my daughters and I take for granted."
Rosa Matheson: "A few years back I, along with some female friends, resurrected International Women’s Day in Swindon. People, especially men, often ask 'why a day just for women?' It may, in a more educated, sophisticated ‘West’ seem illogical, until you begin to bore down and find what lurks underneath. The current pay scandal at the BBC and the 'Me Too' campaign highlights this. So we need just ‘one day a year’ to highlight women's issues but also we need a day for women to come together for solidarity, for celebration, for empowerment, speaking, singing and dancing in many languages, but speaking with one voice to help each other. Freedom Kit Bags is one way women can help other women. These three local business women
are playing an important role for Freedom Kit Bags by helping less fortunate women, whilst empowering themselves through their own talents and business."
Thursday 8 March: International Women's Day Tuesday 6 February marked 100 years since women won the right to vote, and this month will see women, and men, across the globe celebrating International Women's Day. The theme this year is #PressforProgress to continue to activively support gender parity within global communities and the work place.
Voter ID pilot to take place at local elections
New volunteering service launches in Swindon
Swindon will take part in a national Voter ID pilot at this May’s local elections. The pilot will require residents to bring their poll cards with them to enable them to place their vote in the local elections on 3 May 2018. The purpose of the pilots is to reduce electoral fraud and they are being run in four other local authorities (Watford, Bromley, Gosport and Woking). Although Swindon does not have an issue with electoral fraud, national figures from the Electoral Commission indicate alleged electoral fraud through voter impersonation more than doubled between 2014 and 2016. Councillors agreed to take part in the pilot, following the Council meeting last November. The pilots are being overseen and funded by the Government and are the first in a series to allow the Electoral Commission and Cabinet Office to evaluate
Swindon is the third town in the county to benefit from the launch of an exciting new service. Care Home Volunteers was set up in 2013, as an independent charity, to recruit, train and support volunteers who then spend quality time with older and individual residents in care homes – and now this innovative service is coming to Swindon. Care Home Volunteers is now looking for caring, friendly and compassionate volunteers to support individual residents by providing social contact and friendship. They would love to hear from people who are interested in a new and fulfilling volunteering opportunity that enhances the well-being, health and enjoyment of life, for older people in care homes. No previous experience is required, and full bespoke training and ongoing volunteer
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the impact of asking for ID before a decision is taken on whether or not to roll it out nationally. Registered voters who wish to vote at a polling station will receive a poll card by the end of April. If on the day, voters lose or forget their poll card they can still vote if they bring any one of the other forms of ID listed below: - Passport (UK, EU, Commonwealth) - Photocard driving licence including a provisional licence (UK, Crown Dependency or EU) - Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card - Biometric Immigration Document - EEA Identity Card Cllr David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I think it is only right the Government looks to update the way we vote." www.swindon.gov.uk/VoterID
support is provided as an integral part of the service. The service has a great deal of local support including local care homes, health and social care, the voluntary sector and local MPs. Jeni Burchell Swindon Volunteer Coordinator, said: “This is such an innovative and important service, that works closely with local care homes to enhance the care." www.carehomevolunteers.org. uk/inf or call Jeni on 07922 507848.
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Judges decide who should be honored for 2018 award By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com
A judging panel drawn from the voluntary and business community of Swindon met to decide on who should be judged winners of this year’s Pride of Swindon awards. An impressive shortlist of 33 worthy nominated individuals and 16 teams was whittled down to a field of eight winning individuals and five winning teams after an agonising process of discussion and debate. Names of the winners are being kept close to the organisers’ chests ahead of the awards ceremony at the Steam Museum on March 22. Individuals and teams who have been selected as a certificate winner and those who have been earmarked for a Pride of Swindon Award will be invited to attend the
Last year's winners and members of the judging panel gather on the steps of Borough Council Offices at the launch of the 2018 Pride of Swindon Awards
ceremony at which the winners will be announced. On the judging panel overseen by head of the Zurich Community Trust Pam Webb were representatives from Swindon Link, Swindon 105.5,
Swindon Advertiser, Voluntary Action Swindon, the Volunteer Centre Swindon, Nationwide, Zurich, McDonald’s, and the Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson . This year is Pam Webb’s
first in the chairman’s role - a post previously filled by the late Tony Martin who died in September at the age of 61. His contribution will be honoured at the ceremony later this month.
Sixty seconds that give premature babies the best start Keeping premature babies attached to their mother for just one extra minute during delivery can dramatically improve the little one’s chances of survival. Ninety per cent of all premature arrivals at the Great Western Hospital now benefit from the simple yet significant procedure. This leading performance in delayed cord clamping makes the Swindon hospital one of the best in the world for offering the treatment. By not cutting the umbilical cord until at least 60 seconds after birth, a baby’s risk of developing serious brain bleeds and gut complications is significantly lowered. It’s just one of a number of positive headlines to have materialised from GWH's Special Care Baby Unit following an ambitious yearlong quality improvement drive. The project saw the team focus on ten simple actions,
which have been found to have the most positive impact on the health of preterm babies, and apply as many of the interventions as possible to every birth at the hospital. Dr Sarah Bates, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, said: “Having a premature baby is one of the most testing experiences a parent can go through, but families coming here should feel reassured by the work that’s happened over the last 12 months. “Not only have we increased
delayed cord clamping from 15 per cent of births to 88 per cent, we’ve seen really encouraging results in other important areas, such as newborn nutrition. “It’s a clear indication that our teams are doing everything they can to ensure all babies receive the best possible start to life.” Data from the project revealed the time taken for babies to receive their mother’s milk has improved, from more than a day this time last year to just a few hours
after birth at the beginning of 2018. It means that mums can give their little one the essential nutrients they need much quicker than before. A state-of-the-art breast pump, which was donated to SCBU by neonatal charity New Life, has played a massive part in helping the team reduce these crucial waiting times. While the full extent of the project’s success remains to be seen, early indications suggest the combined improvements have led to an overall reduction in the number of babies suffering serious brain injury, which paves the way for an improved quality of life. Dr Bates said: “I am so proud of the entire team of midwives, doctors, nurses and pharmacists, who all volunteered for this project because of their incredible passion for supporting premature babies at the time when they need it most." swindonlink.com n March 2018
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Plans in the pipeline to secure future of Health Hydro Plans to secure the future of Swindon’s Health Hydro as a sustainable leisure facility that retains its key heritage aspects is at the centre of an options appraisal that will be carried out over the next few months. Swindon Borough Council, which owns the Milton Road leisure facility, and its operator, charitable social enterprise GLL, will commission the study following the completion of a conservation plan and condition survey. A council-funded conservation plan has highlighted the many important heritage features of the building and included a detailed measured survey. GLL paid for the condition survey, which concluded that although the building is structurally sound, the nature of it means there are always maintenance, renewal and repair activities required. According to the survey, £1.7 million needs to be spent on maintaining the Victorian
building over the next 10 years. The council and GLL are working with a steering group that includes representatives of heritage groups and the swimming clubs as key stakeholders. The group has been closely involved in commissioning the work to date and will continue to do so in the future. The options work will use the conservation plan and condition survey to identify viable options for the whole
building, recognising its current main leisure uses in the shape of the main pool, Turkish baths and gym, while conserving and enhancing the heritage aspects of this important building. Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Place, said: “The Council and GLL recognise the importance of the Health Hydro as a heritage asset and that there are challenges around the running costs, the backlog maintenance and the small
pool. We are working closely with the Health Hydro steering group to come up with a sustainable solution for one of the town’s most important buildings.” Daniel Rose, Director of the Trust said ‘We have been pleased to work as part of the Hydro steering group which was formed following deep concerns regarding the future of the building 12 months ago. The Trust has been pleased with the work carried out by specialist consultants to create the conservation plan which reaffirms how significant the Health Hydro is not just in Swindon but nationally and internationally. We now look forward to working with stakeholders in the creation of an Options Appraisal which we hope provides a clear route to ensuring the building is protected into the future and continues to be an accessible and well loved local building.”
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‘Snowasis’: detailed plans submitted by developer SevenCapital has submitted a detailed planning application for the North Star site in Swindon. This comes just over two months after the developer’s outline planning for the £270 million scheme was approved. Plans for North Star Village, SevenCapital’s proposed name, include: two indoor ski slopes and a family snow play area all with real snow, a 12-screen cinema including the UK’s largest IMAX screen, 19 lane bowling alley, 27,000 sq ft indoor trampolining centre, food and beverage units sized between 900 – 6,200 sq ft and up to 46,000 sq ft of complementary retail units. The plans also include a 130 bed hotel, up to 16,000 sq ft of space allocated for a new fitness gym and a 900-space car park. The existing Oasis Leisure Centre, on which SevenCapital
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recently carried out remedial works and which already attracts about 615,000 visitors per year, is also encompassed within the proposal and will be set to benefit from a 3.3 million average footfall that CBRE has forecast the North Star Village will attract. John Watkins, Director at SevenCapital said: “Since we took on the project in July we have worked to ensure that
we deliver a comprehensive scheme that will be of significant benefit to Swindon and put the town on the map. “We understand the importance this development holds within the community and as we originally promised, have submitted our full proposal well within the nine months we anticipated. “The plans we have proposed are designed to transform the
North Star site into a world class leisure destination and we are confident that the scheme will be well received by Swindon Borough Council.” Pending full planning approval, SevenCapital plans to be onsite to begin works before the end of the year. For more information about SevenCapital - the developer behind the scheme - visit www. sevencapital.com.
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It’s a lighting Revolution at Greenbridge roundabout
A major Swindon gateway will turn red to create a poppy effect to coincide with this year’s Remembrance commemorations. But the change will occur thanks to a pre-loaded memory card rather than as a result of Mother Nature. The colourful display will be projected using new lighting that has been installed at Greenbridge roundabout to put the finishing touches to the
£5.3m junction improvement scheme. The unique RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White) LED lighting system produces a wide range of colours and was chosen to highlight the trees and to make an impressive visual display of the roundabout. In November, the lighting system will be coloured red with random lights fading to green and back to red to
create the impression of a field of poppies moving in the wind. Currently the lights are set so they create both a sunset and dawn effect, while after dusk the lights are set to produce a number of pre-programmed colour changing sequences including a representation of the spokes of a giant steam engine wheel rotating, alternating stripes of colour, and a colour ‘spiral’. The improvements to the
roundabout junction were part of a programme to improve major routes into the town to keep pace with future development. The junction will improve road links towards the east of Swindon, where 8,000 new homes, a district centre, new schools and employment for up to 4,000 people will be created over the next 15 years as part of the New Eastern Villages (NEV) expansion.
Bid submitted to run County Ground Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust is bidding to buy and run the County Ground – the home of the football club. If successful, it’s believed it will be the first such Trust in the UK to achieve such a thing and secure such an asset for the good of their own team and for the wider community. Steve Mytton, chair of the Trust, said: “We are immensely proud of our bid and humbled by the support we have received to date from supporters, residents, local businesses and organisations who have already taken the time to back us. "We’ve spent the past months working on our offer and plans but rest assured the passion and commitment is greater than ever.” In August 2017, the Trust submitted a detailed proposal to Swindon Council – after years of discussions – which summarised a financial offer and underlined how a 18
community bid would bring additional benefits to Swindon. This included a major third party fully funded stadium development which could begin almost immediately, once planning permission has been granted. The Council then undertook an up-to-date valuation of the County Ground and this led to the Trust submitting a revised proposal increasing their financial offer. Several positive meetings with councillors have followed. At that time, there were no other bids on the table. The Trust have already secured substantial financial backing for their bid and are confident of completing the transaction if chosen as the successful bidder. The supporters trust will be holding its annual general meeting in March this year when town fans will be brought up to date with recent developments.
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Swindon Life Celebrating town living
Swindon super star, Maisie Sly, debuts in Oscar nominated film Rachel Shenton’s heartfelt tale of a deaf child who is struggling to communicate was brought to life by Director Chris Overton. Writer and Actress Shenton (Switched at Birth) stars in the film, alongside newcomer Maisie Sly and Rachel Fielding (Secret Diary of a Call Girl), The Silent Child has won over twenty awards since its world premiere at Rhode Island International Film Festival and has now been nominated for a 2018 Academy Award. The Silent Child centres around a profoundly deaf four year old
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girl named Libby who is born into a middle class family and lives in a world of silence until a caring social worker teaches her the gift of communication. Director Chris Overton began his career as an actor and worked with industry greats such as Joel Schumacher and the Oscar winning director Roman Polanski. The Silent Child is Chris’s first short film and what would arguably be one of his most challenging, with the lead actress being a profoundly deaf five year old girl who communicates only in British sign language. The Oscars are to be held on Sunday 4 March.
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Spaces available on a two week adventure to Vietnam in September By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com
Vietnam is rife with picturesque views and Asian culture, but it also beholds a complex and poignant history. The country itself, just off the South China Sea, continues to be a popular travel destination for both backpackers and those wanting a luxurious getaway. Some of Vietnam's cultural and jaw-dropping hotspots include Halong Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and its capital Hanoi. Swindon based Travel Company Younique Travel Adventures (YTA) have launched trips to Vietnam for 2018, bringing a new dynamic to the destinations they offer. YTA will be running trips to Vietnam for groups, individuals, and families throughout the year. They currently have a pre-arranged trip running in
Claire Dukes and comedian Phill Jupitus talk QI and his latest show Juplicity
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Vietnam fact file Its cultural history combines a range of influences from French colonialism, Japenese art, and American trades. If you're looking for love, Sapa, up in northern Vietnam, hosts a Love Market every Saturday. If you're into exploring, you can go underground and venture through tunnels hidden in caves near Saigon. If you visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, you'll also be able to witness the largest cave in the world. September and this is available for anyone over the age of 18 to join. Spaces are limited. To find out more you can call 01793 317937, email info@yoproject. co.uk or go to www.ytauk.co.uk I only found out three days prior to the interview that I would be having a chat with Phill Jupitus. It was deadline week and needless to say I was a little unprepared. But I had written down the bread and butter of questions and convinced myself, whilst agressively brushing my teeth, that everything would go swimmingly. And it did. As I was brushing up on ‘research’ the phone rang at exactly 9.15am – right on time. I answered and had to admit to Phill that I had somewhat ended up down a QI rabbit hole on YouTube. Lucikly he laughed, and we dove straight in. Phill’s been on QI for over 10 years and has become, as he put it, “part of the furniture” so the nerves of being on programme have disappeared. I said it’s quite nice when new panel guests admit they’re intimidated to be on the show, (I’d be bricking it) and as it turns out new guests are often purposely sat next to him for that exact reason. As fun fact, which he learnt on QI, Phill asked me “Do
you know that they put goats in with racehorses? It’s because goats have a calming effect on the horses, so they put them in there before the races”. This obviously led me to ask, “are you the goat on the QI panel?” “Yes, apparently I have a calming effect of the new visitors” he remarked. This now makes a lot of sense. A few minutes in and I’m chatting away as if I’d met the guy before, and with that my own nerves galloped away. Phill’s own show, Juplicity, seems to be the next logical topic. When asking what it’s all about, he explained: “People often ask me what I do, and I’m not really sure what I do – genuinely don’t know. I mean I’m a presenter, a stand-up comedian, a poet, and I sew, so the show contains elements of all the things I do. There’ll be music because I
was in a band, I will also be bringing back Porky the Poet with new material, and you know a bit of performance art as well. “The fourth wall! Ah yes I am definitely mucking about with that. So for example at the interval I will just say ‘interval’, I don’t go anywhere. I won’t be performing the whole time but I won’t leave the stage during the show” he explained. “I find it weird [the process of going to a show] cause you go to the bar, get a drink, wait, and then the performer comes on, does their bit and then leaves. What I want to do is deformalize the moment where we start, so when people arrive I will already be on stage listening to records.” Tickets are still availale for Juplicity at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre, March 11. wwwswindontheatres.co.uk
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Swindon Spotlight
YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD In the community l Founder of Wiltshire-based Sweet Cumin, Bini Ludlow, has been announced as the second keynote speaker for this year’s Women in Business Conference, to be held on Thursday 8 March. Tickets cost £37 Further details and ticket reservation online at www. theenterprisenetwork.co.uk
Book now... SWINDON FRINGE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN APRIL
From 4 April to 15 April, there’s something for all ages to enjoy, including fabulous comedians, fun family shows, exciting workshops, and live music. Never has it been a more exciting time to for you to witness artists testing their new material and getting your feedback on their performances. Unlike some of the bigger events across the UK, the Swindon Fringe, or “the Swinge” as it is affectionately known, does not charge those who take part. The Swinge welcomes both local and international acts that are both daring and thought-provoking. This is an opportunity to watch acts perfect their material prior to the Brighton Fringe in May and the Edinburgh Fringe in August. For more information, simply go to the official website: www.swindonfringefestival.com
JUPLICITY
QI favourite and much-loved comedian Phill Jupitus will be taking his latest show, Juplicity, to Swindon Arts Centre March 11. Our reporter had a chat with Phill and this show promises to challenge convention, as well as opportunity to badge swap with the man himself. Tickets at £17.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk
BIRDSONG
Marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, Birdsong is the hit, critically acclaimed stage show based on the world famous novel by Sebastian Faulks which will be taking to the stage at Wyvern Theatre March 20 to March 24. Tickets at £16 to £25 www.swindontheatres.co.uk
BLACK SHEEP APPRENTICE
Swindon rock band Black Sheep Apprentice celebrate the launch of their new album, Born To Walk Alone. Inspired by the likes of Johnny Cash, and Nick Cave, the band present their own unique genre of country music at Wyvern Theatre March 29. Tickets from £11 to £13.50 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
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 The next Wanborough Farmers' Market is on Saturday 17 March, from 9am to midday in Wanborough Village Hall. The usual stalls will be joined by the Wanborough Community Cafe which raises money for a local charity. l On Sunday 25 March local Tae Kwon Do group, North Wilts TKD, will be holding an open charity event to raise funds for Uplands School from 11.30am. For further information contact northwiltstkd@gmail.com l Shaw Singers is looking for new members. The group meets on Tuesdays and is a drop-in singing session at Lower Shaw Farm from 3pm to 4.30pm. Songs are taught by ear and word sheets are provided. £5 including tea and cake. l Bowie Experience is a breathtaking concert celebrating the music of the world's greatest pop icon, David Bowie, at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre March 10. Bowie Experience continues to amaze audiences with an astounding attention to detail, bringing the golden years of David Bowie to theatres across the globe. So, put on your red shoes and Let's Dance! swindonlink.com n March 2018
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01793 832072 www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk info@pearcefuneralservices.co.uk * for the option of burial a contribution of £1250 will be made towards third party costs. Valid until 31st March 2018
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Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Jago Hartman By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com Jago Hartland is planning to cycle from Bristol to Paris - and what makes this feat of endurance more impressive is that the 20-year-old is redefining what can be achieved by someone with cystic fibrosis. He will join 70 other people taking part in the challenge for the charity Above and Beyond to raise money for hospitals in Bristol where he has been treated. But unlike his fellow cyclists, Jago is the only one with CF. The hereditary condition, which affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine, affects breathing and leaves those with the condition having to endure frequent lung infections. But Jago, who was diagnosed with CF at the age of 13, is refusing to let it hold him back. “I like to keep myself fit, and that is also important for me as people with CF have to really take care of themselves. A lot of people take their health for granted but those with CF don’t have that luxury.” To keep himself in shape, Jago exercises for at least a couple of hours each day, explaining that if he didn’t, his fitness levels would deteriorate faster than those without the condition. He also uses a nebuliser to breathe in enzymes to help break down the mucus that accumulates in his lungs. “It’s a constant battle. I used to also suffer from stomach problems but I’ve
recently started eating a vegan diet and since then I’ve not had any problems.” He explained that at school he had always struggled with his health, and was frequently off school as a result of his undiagnosed illness. His sister Millie also had CF and died at the age of eight before he was born. And two of his four other siblings also have CF. Jago’s mother Serena Stevens set up Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre in her memory. “When I got my diagnosis it all began to make sense - the school was really understanding and helped me through this.” After leaving school Jago, who lives at the 10-acre Elemental sculpture park in Somerford Keynes founded by his dad,
David Hartland, has found that he is best suited to working outdoors and has worked as a gardener, dog walker and house sitter. His love of the outdoors has led him on a number of travel experiences in Nepal where he plans to return in June, helping to market tours for an independent travel company. In addition, Jago does a lot of work helping to raise awareness of his condition and to help support others with CF that they don’t need to be defined by their illness. “One of my favourite CF sayings is ‘a life unlimited’ and that’s something that I try to live by. When I was 16, I decided to set myself a challenge of raising £1000 a year for different charities.” His fundraising exploits have led him to run the Great South Run for the Starlight Foundation and to fund an orphanage by taking part in the World Challenge Expedition in Cambodia and Vietnam. He has also taken part in the three peaks challenge to raise funds for the Cystic Foundation Trust. He admitted that his plans to be the first person with CF to conquer Mount Everest were scuppered last year when someone else with the condition achieved this first but now has his sights set on becoming the first person with CF to trek to the North Pole. To sponsor Jago visit his webpage at https://b2p2018.everydayhero.com/uk/ jago swindonlink.com n March 2018
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Advertising Feature
Have a cracking time at the Brunel over the Easter break Entertain the children at the Brunel Shopping Centre over the Easter Holidays. The children may be excited at the prospect of the holidays but for parents and carers, two whole weeks can feel like a long time. The team at the Brunel Shopping Centre know only too well what a challenge it can be to entertain the youngsters so they have put together a free programme of activities and entertainment. On Friday 30 March and Saturday 31 March, the Easter Bunny will be hopping into the
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shopping centre to meet the children and to give out free chocolate eggs. You can catch up with him between 11am and 3pm on the upper level of The Brunel Plaza, between Marks & Spencer and Boots. Sunday 8 April sees the start of the week-long Swindon Fringe Festival at the centre. There will be music and theatre performances, workshops for children to learn magic, juggling, music and drama plus arts and craft activities, musical performances and storytelling. And to stop the tummies
rumbling, the centre’s new food hub, The Crossing, is now open and serving a range of meals and snacks to cater for all tastes. A visit to the wonderful new Desserts and More parlour is a great treat for all the family, and is already making headlines with their ice cream kebab! And to finally wear them down, you can pay a visit to Kiddin' Around, the great new indoor soft play centre (charges apply). It’s open between 9.30am and 6pm Monday – Saturday and
10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays. To find out more about facilities and prices for soft play see: facebook.com/ kiddinaroundswindon Remember it is still only £2 to park for four hours in most car parks in Swindon Town Centre, and the Brunel North and West multi-storey car parks have direct access to the Brunel Shopping Centre. To find out more about Easter activities, plus opening times of shops and The Crossing see www.thebrunel. co.uk and facebook.com/ TheBrunelSwindon
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Citroen C3 Aircross: C'est incroyable!
W
ith its bold, chunky styling and blunt face the Citroen C3 Aircross is the replacement for the previously popular C3 Picasso. It’s bigger and it’s better. Citroen have always made an effort to be a little different and the style of their vehicles is uniquely their own. The Aircross is no different. There are no less than 85 funky paint variations available. On The Inside There’s method in the design. It is clearly the intention of the company to focus first and foremost on comfort. This is a very roomy car. Even with a tall driver, rear seat adult passengers have plenty of legroom whilst still managing to accommodate over 500L of luggage in the generous boot. The 2/3 person rear seat is a flat-folding, split-folding,
sliding bench to accommodate more in various configurations. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for long loads, making the car very versatile. With the range-topping ‘flair’ variant, the car comes loaded with kit as standard, but the lesser levels of trim are still well specified. For example, the pictured model is in mid-range ‘Feel’ trim and costs around £16,000. The test car though also had many options, like special paint and panoramic sunroof, bumping the price up to a healthy £19,120. All the vital safety
equipment is on-board and there are a host of technology choices to make the C3 Aircross bang up to date on connectivity. The interior is very attractive with a 7” touchscreen and some nice, colourful touches. Built for comfort not speed, the well cushioned ride is pleasing around the town and on the open highway. No complaints there. On The Road The car comes with five or six speed manual gearboxes or an auto and these are dependent upon specification.
The tested car had a five speed manual with a lever throw that’s too long for sporting driving, although ratios are selected easily enough. There’s no 4x4 option but buyers can specify ‘Grip Control’ sufficient to handle a snowy car park, for example. Under the bonnet was a terrific,1.2L, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with 110hp. Fast it is not with 62mph coming up in 11.3s from rest but on the go this diminutive engine is lively and responsive. I really enjoyed driving it and still achieved over 40 miles to the gallon. Competitively priced in this packed sector, the Citroen C3 Aircross makes for an enjoyable and different choice. Geoff Maxted DriveWrite.co.uk
Get your skates on for the Urban Rider Games Talented skaters, BMX and scooter riders are set to descend on Swindon to take part in the 4th annual Urban Rider Games. The not-for-profit event will be taking place on 30 March, in the ATBShop Skate Warehouse in Hawksworth Industrial Estate. Last year's event attracted about 500 spectators and riders. More than 120 competitors took part. The aim of the event is to raise awareness for better free facilities for young riders. The Oasis Skatepark is now in a dilapidated state and it’s the same story with many across the UK. Organisers want councils to take the riders seriously and provide them with new parks or renovate the old ones. The Urban Rider Games started four years ago, as a way to showcase the street sports talent in Swindon and prove the need for better free facilities in Swindon. To find out more contact Diana Kirk on 01793 523244 Email: diana@atbshop.co.uk www.atbshop.co.uk/urbanridergames
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Butternut, red onion & pumpkin seed salad
[serves 4 as a side] Pair the sweetness of butternut and roasted red onions for a fantastic winter side salad. To turn it into a full meal, add cooked Puy or dark green lentils, goat’s cheese or feta and perhaps some strips of roasted red peppers.
1 tbsp red or white wine vinegar (or use more balsamic) 1 tsp Dijon mustard, or to taste ¼ tsp crushed garlic, 1 bag of mixed salad leaves (100–150g) salt & black pepper
3 red onions, sliced into 1cm-thick discs 6–7 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 medium butternut squash, peeled & cut into chunks a few thyme sprigs (optional) 30g pumpkin seeds pinch of hot smoked paprika
Heat the oven to 190°C/ Gas 5. Keeping the onion discs whole, place them in a roasting tin and drizzle with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, the balsamic vinegar and a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the tin with foil and
roast for 30–40 minutes on a low shelf in the oven, until the onions are soft and sweet. Place the squash chunks in another roasting tin, toss with a further tablespoon or so of oil to coat and a good sprinkling of salt and roast for around 30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelised, throwing in the sprigs of thyme halfway through the cooking time (if using). While the vegetables are roasting, put the pumpkin seeds in a small pan with a teaspoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt and a pinch of paprika. Toast over
a medium heat, stirring or tossing frequently, until lightly browned, then transfer to a plate to stop them toasting further. Make a simple vinaigrette: whisk together the vinegar, around 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the mustard and garlic to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Put the salad leaves in a large salad bowl, pour over the dressing and toss to combine. Scatter over the butternut, onions and seeds. For more amazing RIverford recipes go to www.riverford. co.uk/recipes
between nations but between people. It does feel uncomfortable these days with so much shield banging going on around the world. I reflected on that recently when I read this poem by Yehudi Amichai called “The Amen Stone”. Here’s an extract: On my desk there is a stone with the word “Amen” on it, a triangular fragment of stone from a Jewish graveyard destroyed many generations ago. But now the fragments are
gathered up in loving kindness by a sad good man. He cleanses them of every blemish, photographs them one by one, arranges them on the floor in the great hall, makes each gravestone whole again, one again: fragment to fragment, like the resurrection of the dead, a mosaic, a jigsaw puzzle. Child’s play.
Going green for Paddy's Day
fun. Though, there was one exception. A few years ago on the last Where will you be on St. day, Ireland played France Patrick’s Day? I’ll be in green and had Ireland lost, England amongst English friends would’ve won the Six Nation on watching Ireland play England points. in the last match of the Six Ireland easily won and Nations. allegiances slowly changed as I’ll happily cheer for England the game wore on, which was in any other game, and why hilarious. wouldn’t I? I’ve lived and How wonderful a world we worked here for 25 years, my would have if international wife is English and a local lad rivalry could be conducted I know well, Jonny May, plays with the same intensity and for England. Equally, my English friendliness as rugby. friends support Ireland against It could be the panacea other teams and it’s all great for all engagement, not just Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane
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• Open Mic – Monday 12 March, 7pm at Richard Jefferies Museum. It’s great fun! • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 13 March, from 7pm www.poetryswindon.org
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Call Dan: 07791 791513 Email: dan@boylectrical.co.uk Visit: www.boylectrical.co.uk
or email: info@benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk
01793 781502
Certified Electrician
Chrome sockets and switches
Fault finding/repairs
Call
N
Phone: 07502 442726 or 01793 734379
• Re-Wires, Alterations & Additions • Inspections, Testing & Certificates • Consumer Units Replaced • LED Lighting Installations • Emergency Lighting • Fix Wire Testing
Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD
Tel 01793 940096 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk
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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
for more information
Painter, Decorator and General Handyman
Home Improvements & Building Services • • • • • • • •
advertising@ swindonlink.com
01793 877677 office@enlan.co.uk www.enlan.co.uk
ACP
Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs •
to discuss our combined advertising packages or email
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
Fully insured and CRB checked
Call Steve on: 01793 618569 07824 484094 Retired Police Officer
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SERVICE SECTOR
PLUMBING & GAS SERVICES, SAND & GRAVEL, TILING, WASTE REMOVAL
All types of domestic plumbing work undertaken. Small jobs welcome. Fully insured.
07470 094941
harbourplumbingservices @gmail.com
Semi-retired Plumber SURESTOP SWITCH
Boiler and Central Heating Installation and Repairs
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
A friendly, local service for the people of Swindon 579697 Call Sam on 07505 768617 or email: stjplumbingandheating @yahoo.com
Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772
BMH Tiling
Floor and wall tiling specialist
Contact:
07557 223999
waynecoulson79@googlemail.com
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Talking politics South Swindon MP Robert Buckland (Con) One of my main priorities as your local MP and a local parent is to ensure that all children and young people in Swindon receive a highquality education. I am passionate about making sure that young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential regardless of background, so I welcomed the recent figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency which show the proportion of 18-year olds from disadvantaged areas applying for University has risen to record levels. Nine in 10 young entrants to full-time first degrees in 2016/17 went to state school, the highest level recorded. Many universities are making a
big effort to make higher education more accessible, but there is still more work to be done, which is why the government has introduced major reforms through the Higher Education and Research Act to create more competition and choice that will promote social mobility. I am pleased that housebuilding in Swindon has received a recent welcome boost after it was announced that the Government has awarded our town £11.5m from the Housing Infrastructure fund to speed up building in two major development areas. The New Eastern Villages (NEW)
Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard (Con) You may have heard by now that Swindon is taking part in the Government voter identification pilot at this year’s local elections. This year, residents will be required to show their poll card or another form of ID to be able to vote. This pilot is an important step in making sure that our democracy is protected and brought in line with the standard ID requirements of the 21st century. The requirement to show ID is there to protect you, make sure you get what you asked for and prevent fraud. Voting is no different, and in many ways is far more important. Voting influences the lives of you and your family on a daily basis, and as we saw in the EU referendum, can be decided by small margins. It only makes sense that we provide ID at the polling station in order to make sure everyone’s vote is accurate. This pilot will also have the added benefit that your voting experience will be much faster if you use your poll card as ID. Each poll card will contain a unique barcode that will take a matter of moments to scan compared to a poll clerk having to look up your name in a long list. If you have elderly relatives who vote please help them remember their poll card and let your friends know if you think they may not have seen the messages, especially if you know anyone voting for the first time. You will be getting a letter this month asking you to register to vote and decide your voting method. This letter will let everyone know about the pilot. Poll cards will then be sent to all registered voters in April so make sure you keep them safe for 3 May. For more information you can visit www. swindon.gov.uk/VoterID
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will receive £5m, which will be used to build a new link under the Great Western Railway line, providing a direct route into the proposed Rowborough development from the A420. The link will provide essential access to Rowborough, which is part of the New Eastern Villages. Around 2,380 new homes will be built on a site to the north of the A420. An additional £6.5m has been awarded to the Kingsdown Bridge project, which will allow a further 1,650 homes to be built. I am extremely supportive of more housebuilding in Swindon
North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson (Con) Three years ago the Government introduced a new special educational needs and disability (SEND) system in England in order to do more to meet the needs of autistic children and young people. Since then we have delivered new stand-alone and mainstream education places for children with Autism, ASCs and SEND, and importantly, we have increased high-needs funding for local authorities. Last year there was an additional £92.5m worth of funding and this year we are providing an additional £130m. As somebody who has campaigned for increased funding, and as the former Minister for Disabled People, I am really pleased to see more support going to those on the autistic spectrum. To further ensure this issue remains a priority, I have lent my support to the National Autistic Society and Ambitious About Autism campaign to introduce a national autism and educational strategy. Elsewhere, one of the big issues that I have campaigned relentlessly on since I became the North Swindon MP in 2010, is to ban the third party sale of puppies and end puppy smuggling. A ban would mean anyone looking to buy or adopt a dog will either deal directly with the breeder or with one of the nation’s many animal rehousing centres. This will stop unscrupulous traders from selling puppies to make as much profit as possible with no regard for the health and welfare of the animal. With all this in mind, I was delighted when the Government set out measures last week to clamp down on unscrupulous puppy breeders and ensure the welfare of animals. These include banning the sale of puppies under 8 weeks old and stopping the breeding of dogs with serious genetic disorder; as well as a requirement for sales to be completed in the presence of the owner and the introduction of compulsory licencing for breeders.
in accordance with our Local Plan and I am pleased that the government has awarded £11.5m directly to Swindon from the Housing Infrastructure Fund. I am delighted that The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have announced that they will open a hub in the redeveloped Carriage Works. The UWTSD hub will be a focal point for post-graduate and professional development courses in cultural heritage and architecture. I strongly supported this initiative and met University of Wales senior representatives in order to help get it over the line. The UWTSD hub will also offer a further way to help regenerate our heritage buildings both now and in the future.
Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Labour Group Leader In the 3 May Local Elections, Swindon will be taking part in a national Voter ID pilot. The pilot will require residents to bring their poll cards or another form of valid Photo ID with them to enable them to place their vote. The decision to take part in this pilot is a completely political decision. It was an idea created by the Conservative Government and has been gleefully championed by the Conservative Party in Swindon and four other areas in the country that are Conservative controlled. Swindon has no record of Voter Fraud, so there is no reason why this trial should be happening here. Also the cost of this voter trial will be in tens of thousands that will have to be met by the taxpayer, a huge waste given the current cuts taking place to local services. However Tory Councillors have forced this trial to happen and I want everyone to do all we can to make sure people aren’t disenfranchised as a result of these new voting requirements. The fact is, unlike before, if people lose or do not bring their poll card or a form of valid Photo ID they will not be able to vote. Forms of Photo ID that will be accepted by the council to allow you to vote on the day include: Passport (UK, EU, Commonwealth), Photocard driving licence, Biometric Immigration Document or EEA Identity Card Having said that if the voter turnout does reduce and we find people being turned away from the polling station as a result of the Tories’ political decision, I think the Leader of the Council would need to consider his position.
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