East Swindon Link May 2018

LINK No 8 May 2018

Delivered door to door to 50,000 households across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000

Swindon Your Community Magazine

The Service Sector p28

East Edition

Swindon Life p19

www.swindonlink.com

Swindon Lives: The inspirational story of Sarah Forbes p23

The Puzzle Page p31

New College pupil makes a splash with photography show p3

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Getting literary in May

The gloves are off for local boxer and New College Sports Manager for photography project

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

Swindon is getting a bit bookish this month with the Swindon Festival of Literature.

This year is its 25th anniversary and to celebrate it's managed to pull in some very big names from runner Jo Pavey, AC Grayling, Michael Rosen, Will Self, Harriet Harman, Judy Murray and Camila Batmanghelidjh.

It takes place from Monday 7 May to Saturday 19 May and includes everything from its opening dawn chorus to performance poets.

The Litfest is one of the key events in Swindon's cultural calendar and it showcases that the town has a lot more going for it when it comes to the arts than you get at first glance.

Just a small scratch beneath the surface reveals that the town has a whole cocktail of theatre, music and arts. Having been the editor of cultural magazine The Ocelot for the past 12 years I am definitely in a unique position to attest to the wealth of culture available within the Swindon borough.

Turn to page 30 for the entire festival programme and get to as many of the events as you can.

You will literally love it.

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

A Sports Manager and a Swindon-based boxer have joined forces to create a Muhammad Ali inspired photography project.

Dan Thorley, New College's Sports Centre Manager who is also a student, and Luke Watkins, previously a pupil of Dan's who has turned boxer, have entered new depths to pay homage to the notorious sportsman - Muhammad Ali. Enrolling on New College's part-time Discover your Digital SLR Camera course, Dan said: “My main interest is surf photography, for example, capturing pictures of massive waves at point break. When the end-of-course project was announced I was desperate to incorporate underwater images. I also have a keen interest in boxing and the idea of photographing a boxer underwater then came to mind.

Straight away I thought of Luke.”

Speaking of the collaboration with his former tutor, Luke said: “It’s been really enjoyable working with Dan and great to collaborate with him on this project, it’s so interesting and different to anything I’ve done before. I’ve seen very few photographers attempt shots like this, with a handful of elite athletes, one of those being Ali.” For New College courses visit www.newcollege.ac.uk

Luke Watkins photographed by Dan Thorley

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It's all change for quirky iconic Swindon building It’s the end of an era at the Swindon Business Centre at Alexander House as workmen moved in to remove the quirky BMW Minis from the side of the building.

The landmark building, near Fleming Way, run by Lenta Business Centres has been sold to another buyer.

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Rise to the challenge Swindon Mindful Employer Network is holding a special resilience workshop entitled Rising to the Challenge on Tuesday 22 May for representatives of local employers. The event is being hosted at WRc at Blagrove in Swindon which is a supporter of the network.

Adrian Embling of Mindset Wessex will lead the presentation team and will be joined by special guests Squadron Leader Penny Granycome and Commander Karl Santrian of the Intrinsic Leadership and Behaviours Team, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom based in Shrivenham.

Places for this event are available for representatives of employers in the Swindon and surrounding area only.

For more information about this event contact: smen@ swindonmind.org

Police welcome funds

Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner Angus Macpherson has welcomed £1.6m extra funding from the government in the wake of the recent nerve agent attack in Salisbury.

He said: “This has been an unprecedented incident for our Force which has meant that significant costs have been incurred because of the scale of the investigation.

“It was important that these additional costs were not of detriment to the residents of Wiltshire."

Improve your balance

Revamp of Victorian building almost complete The renovation of 1 and 3 Faringdon Road is reaching its conclusion and will provide eight apartments and two separate commercial units of 1000sqft and 1400sqft.

The buildings were originally built in the 1890s by businessman Alderman W.G. Little to house a haberdashery and millinery business until his death in 1927.

Their renovation is part of the council’s wider ambitions to improve the link between the railway heritage quarter and the town centre.

The premises have been empty for several years and the transformation will provide well designed, spacious urban living in one of Swindon’s most beloved heritage buildings and is the beginning of regeneration in the area.

The close proximity to the town centre and railway heritage quarter aims to transport residents into the Swindon’s past while maintaining a modern tone.

The council investment forms part of other ongoing works in the area including improvements to Wellington St due to start soon and the RICS nominated unit 3 & 5 project at the Carriage Works which continues to progress at pace with tenants due to move in soon.

Cllr Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The regeneration of Faringdon Road is an exciting and positive step towards the restoration of Swindon’s town centre.

"Not only will this project

create a charming place for people to live but will help bring life and energy back into the surrounding area. We are making some really good progress with Forward Swindon on regeneration in this area of the town centre and at this site it was really important we took the time to renovate these buildings carefully to keep the heritage, whilst at the same time improving them for modern day use.”

Excalibur saddle up for charity ride around the world

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Staff at Excalibur have hopped in their bikes to cycle around the world in 80 days for charity.

In a bid to pledge £1 per mile, and inspired by the around the world in 80 days journey, the Excalibur team have been virtually cycling various routes across the UK including Portsmouth to Swindon

and the same route cycled by Mark Beaumont in 2017.

Setting off 23 March, cycling on the road and in the Excalibur office, the company are set to cycle 18,000 miles and have so far completed over 4,000 miles.

The money raised will be distributed amongst various charities, which will be named at a later date.

For further information visit www.excaliburcomms.co.uk

Exercises to improve balance and prevent falls will feature in the next meeting of the Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group on Friday 11 May at 1.30pm. The meeting will be held in the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon SN1 3QA. Entrance costs £2.50. Contact Ali e-mail swindonosteoporosis@ googlemail.com.

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They're off the rail

s!

Skaters, BMX and scooters flock to 4th annual Urban Rider Games Skaters, BMX and scooter riders gathered in Swindon for the 4th annual Urban Rider Games 2018.

Taking place at Swindon's only indoor skate park - ATBSHOP Skate Warehouse, the not for profit event was designed to showcase the talent of followers of the sport.

More than 500 people packed out the venue to watch participants take part in a raft of competitions.

Champion mountainboarder Matt Brind, from action sports entertainment group Nitro Circus, was one of the judges along with pro rider Ben Wilkins.

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Battery scheme

Swindon is set to be home to one of the UK’s largest battery-based electricity storage facilities after Public Power Solutions (PPS), the wholly-owned company of Swindon Borough Council, received planning consent for the project.

The battery storage scheme, at the former Mannington Depot owned by the Council, has a permitted capacity of up to 50 MW making it one of the largest standalone batteries to be developed so far in the UK. Connecting large batteries to the National Grid helps to smooth out the peaks and troughs which occur in power demand, and match them better with variable supply.

The batteries can be used to store energy when it is abundant, and therefore cheaper, and discharge it when demand is greater and the cost is higher.

Capital applications

The Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership is launching the next round of the Growing Places Infrastructure Fund (GPIF) Loan Programme.

SWLEP are inviting applications to the fund to support capital investment by local businesses. Businesses can make applications from £750,000 up to around £2m in support of capital projects.

Loan payments will be made in line with the development plan for the investment. For details email Phil Clement, Head of Investment & Export Phil.Clement@swlep.co.uk.

Council's top earners

Seven Swindon Borough Council executives earned more than £100,000 in the 2016/17 tax year according to a town council rich list.

Chief Executive John Gilbert was the biggest earner at Swindon Borough Council having received salary and pension contributions to the value of £192,904.

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Swindon set for £30m waste burning power plant An innovative power station, which burns gas from refuse and food waste, is set to go on line this summer.

The £30 million facility, based at Swindon’s South Marston business park, is being developed by engineering firm, adi Projects.

When up and running, it will process 10,000 tonnes of refuse and waste wood every year to produce 22GWh of grid quality gas – enough to heat 1,500 homes.

The plant is the first facility to produce a low carbon biosubstitute natural gas, from household waste. The latest scheme follows the construction of a £5 million pilot plant in 2016 and 2017.

James Sopwith, Managing Director of adi Projects, said, “It is a privilege to be involved so closely in turning such a promising concept into a commercial reality.

"This has the potential to be a real game-changer.”

Don't forget to take ID with you on May 3

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Swindon residents are being reminded that they will need their poll card to vote at the elections on 3 May as Swindon is taking part in the Government’s Voter ID pilot scheme.

The scheme aims to reduce fraud by asking voters to present a form of identification before voting.

Swindon is one of five local authorities piloting the scheme.

If the scheme is successful, it may be rolled out nationally.

Swindon residents who are voting at a polling station will receive their poll card handdelivered by 26 April.

The poll card is the quickest and most convenient method of voting.

This is because the poll card contains a barcode which is unique to the individual.

At the polling station, a voter will hand over their poll card

to the clerk. The clerk will then scan the poll card and ask the voter to confirm their name and address.

The voter will then be issued a ballot paper and be instructed to place their vote for one candidate only.

Electoral Services Manager, Sally Sprason, said: “The barcode on the new poll card makes voting more secure

and the process much more efficient.

"The council has already sent out letters to every household in Swindon where residents are registered to vote, alerting them of the need to have their poll cards ready for 3 May.” For more information about the pilot and the identification required, visit: www.swindon/ gov.uk/VoterID

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Shining star Maisie honoured by Swindon Borough Council

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Swindon’s six-year-old superstar Maisie Sly was honoured by Swindon Borough Council for her role in highlighting disability and as a role model to youngsters from the town.

Mayor Maureen Penny met with Maisie, her brother Jack, sister Chloe and parents Elizabeth and Gilson - all of

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whom have hearing difficulties and communicate using British Sign Language.

After the reception in the mayor’s parlour, Maisie was presented with an engraved trophy to the cheers of councillors and officers in the council chamber.

Engraved on the trophy are the words: On behalf of Swindon Borough Council.

In recognition of your work highlighting the silent disability of deafness, raising the awareness of British Sign Language in the film ‘The Silent Child’ and for being a role model to all the borough’s children.

Maisie played the lead role of Libby in Oscar winning film The Silent Child. The 20-minute short tells the story of a profoundly deaf girl born to hearing parents - who lives in silence until a support worker (played by former Hollyoaks actress Rachel Shenton)

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Residents given access to Eastern Villages transport plans

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Last month transport plans for New Eastern Villages (NEV) were unveiled to residents at Covingham Library and Grange Leisure Centre.

The new development is set to have plans for over 7,000 new homes in the east of Swindon.

Residents were given the opportunity to view the Council's proposals to combat

additional traffic around White Heart Junction, as well as A420 Gablecross Junction.

Further schemes are currently in discussion regarding the Great Stall Bridge and Southern Connector Road.

Plans on each of the schemes are available to view at: www.swindon.gov.uk/NEV For further details please contact the Swindon NEV team by email at: nev@swindon.gov.uk

Hero Simon calls on Swindon residents to nominate their Brave Britons Falklands war veteran Simon Weston is calling on the people of Swindon to help find the unsung heroes who represent ‘The Best Of British’.

Simon, who was named the Nation’s Favourite Hero in 2014, has joined forces with global hearing specialist Amplifon for The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons, which will celebrate truly remarkable people who are an example to the nation.

Set up in honour of Amplifon’s founder, Second World War hero Major Charles Holland, the awards will recognise the courage and achievement of people from all walks of life in the following categories: Service to their Country. This award will recognise current or former members of the armed forces and emergency services who’ve shown outstanding bravery serving the UK. Against all Odds - this award will go to a person who has overcome adversity to take on

an exceptional challenge or achieve outstanding success.

Hero Pet - this award will honour a hearing dog or other animal who has transformed the life of their owner.

Young Hero - this award will be given to a young person under 18 who has shown outstanding courage or taken on an exceptional challenge.

Charity Champion sponsored by hearing loss charity Action on Hearing Loss,

this award will recognise a volunteer, charity worker or fundraiser who has made a real difference to a cause they care about.

Active Agers - this award will recognise an individual aged 60 or over whose attitude and approach to ageing is an inspiration to us all. They could be someone who has achieved significant success in the fields of sport, the arts, business, education or science and

technology, or anyone who has accomplished a remarkable feat later in life.

Simon, who will head up the judging panel for the awards said: “The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will shine a light on a very British breed of hero: those who, like Major Charles Holland, through incredible acts of courage, bravery and incredible selflessness, are an inspiration to others.

“We all know someone who deserves recognition for their service to others, their country or community and we’re calling on the people of Swindon to nominate these amazing individuals.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Army and Navy Club in London Tuesday 16 October.

The closing date for entries is Friday 3 August, and nominations can be made via the Amplifon website www.amplifon.com/web/uk/ awards. swindonlink.com n May 2018

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The National Self Build & Renovation show is back Celebrating DIY craft, the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) will be hosting a free show for budding designers and self-builders.

Taking place Friday 11 May to Sunday 13 May the show will include free seminars, over 200 exhibits, live demonstrations, and a

host of experts and self builders in attendance.

A previous visitor said: "An event not to be missed by anyone serious about building their own home or planning to undertake major renovations."

For further information, and to register for a free ticket, visit www.nsbrc.co.uk.

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School's out for Sports relief Local puppy training school let the dogs out to raise some cash for Sports Relief.

Janet’s Puppy Skool ventured on a mile walk last month with a hoard of canine companions to raise money for Sports Relief.

So far the Puppy Skool, and its furry friends, have raised £160 for the charity. Speaking before the event Janet Garrett said: “We have a wonderful group of people who come to Janet’s Puppy Skool. They are always willing to help me raise money for good causes – this weekend is no exception when we are raising funds for Sports Relief."

Swindon headteachers and staff took on the running challenge for Sports Relief.

A cluster of lycra clad teachers, headteachers and support staff threw themselves into a run for Sports Relief at Westlea

Primary School last month.

The challenge, organised

by Westlea Head Teacher Rose Carberry – to complete a 5k or 10k route around the school grounds – had originally been scheduled for the week before but a flurry

of snow meant that the event had to be put on ice.

However, although somewhat chilly, there were no available weather-based excuses this time to prevent the enthusiastic runners from taking on the challenge.

They were waved off by pupils at the school and were also supported by Radio 1’s Greg James and Professor Greg White who sent a voice message to congratulate the Swindon schools for taking part on such a wide scale.

And they're off: The Mad March Hare, Swindon 2018

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Last month hundreds of runners took off from Lydiard Park Academy, racing to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. Swindon’s Mayor, Cllr Maureen Penny, launched the race with many participants getting into the spirit by wearing fancy dress.

Starting out in 2008, The Mad March Hare was inspired

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by Irene Hare – a founding member of local walking group Swindon Twin Peaks Power Walking Group. In 2006 Irene passed away from breast cancer.

This year runners, walkers, and canine companions, set out on their 10K and 5K routes circling back to Lydiard Park Academy for the finish line.

Last year alone the event raised over £100,000 for Breast Cancer Now.

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Hindu community celebrate Holi with a splash of colour

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Swindon’s Hindu community celebrated Holi with a blaze of colours.

The traditional festival of colours, which signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and the end of winter – was marked by participants covering each other in brightly coloured powder.

Community members were joined by invited guests, including Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macperson, at the Swindon Hindu Temple and Cultural Festival in Cheney Manor.

Chairman of the Swindon Hindu Temple Trust, Pradeep Bhardwaj, said: “This cheerful event is being organised to promote & foster equality and tolerance and to bring people & communities together.”

Those taking part were treated to a buffet of

wonderful food, a professional Bollywood DJ and Indian drums (Dhol).

This is the second year that Swindon has hosted Holi – which is now the biggest Holi event in the South West region.

Swindon's Nepalese community celebrate their new year

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Members of Swindon’s Nepalese community gathered to celebrate their new year in a colourful evening of dance, food and traditional dress.

The event, on Friday 13 April at the Punjabi Community Centre, marked the start of the year 2075 according to the Vikram Samvat solar calendar, which has been used officially in Nepal since 1958.

Among the invited guests were Swindon Mayor Maureen Penny. The event was organised by Wiltshire Nepalese association, which was formed in 2006 and provides a range of events and services for its members who are mainly ex-Gurkhas. swindonlink.com n May 2018

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Local Tae Kwon Do group host action-packed fundraiser

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Martial arts experts were put through their paces to raise cash for a specialist school in Swindon.

North Wilts Tae Kwon Do club members took 100 rounds of sparring for Uplands School.

The Swindon-based school is a specialist institute which provides education for children, aged 11 to 19, with learning difficulties including Down

Syndrome, and children on the Autistic Spectrum.

Run by recently married husband and wife, Paul and Leanne Lolley, North Wilts Tae Kwon Do have been actively teaching and developing martial arts practices for over 15 years.

Leanne, who joined North Wilts TKD back in 2003, said: “Paul’s son, Zac, is a student at Uplands School and we wanted to raise some funds for the

amazing work they do.

“We also wanted our students at North Wilts Tae Kwon Do to experience sparring with people from other clubs as it helps with their development and confidence, so we decided to combine the two.

“Paul and I both strive to make training fun and enjoyable with upbeat fast moving sessions while still sticking to some of the important traditions of ITF

Zac and Paul Lolley

(International Taekwon-Do Federation) style Tae Kwon Do.” Sparring is a semi-contact competitive style of fighting, which is designed to minimise damage to an opponent. The sparring sessions are split into quarters, continuously sparring for one minute and then rotating around the group.

In total the group sparred for 100 rounds and raised £1902.40 for Uplands School.

Paul and Leanne Lolley

Prospect Hospice becomes latest Switch On to Swindon Campaign ambassador Leading local charity Prospect Hospice has become the latest organisation to add its voice to the Switch On to Swindon campaign, which aims to highlight the town’s strengths as a place to work, live, visit and invest.

The place marketing campaigns director Gavin Calthrop recently visited the hospice in Wroughton, where he met with staff at the charity to finalise Prospect Hospice’s addition to the list of organisations encouraging others to actively support the town. The team explained the range of free-of-charge services that it provides for people with life-limiting illnesses and those important to them. The charity also gained the campaign’s backing in highlighting the benefits to employers of Swindon’s Dying Well Community Charter, through which local businesses are given free support for 18

people affected by the issues of death and dying via a variety of resources including giving them their own Prospect Hospice representative.

Gavin Calthrop said: “This has been a great visit. I have been particularly struck by the full range of services that Prospect Hospice now offers for people locally. In Swindon, Prospect Hospice is a well-recognised and muchrespected brand and I think by us working together we can help to highlight all that Prospect Hospice does and has available for people.”

“The Dying Well Community Charter is something the campaign’s ambassadors will find very easy to support.

It enables employers to demonstrate their commitment to staff at the toughest of times, and that will leave staff and their loved ones feeling supported and loyal. That has to be in everyone’s interests.”

Prospect Hospice’s Head of Community Engagement, Warren Finney, added: “It was great to welcome Gavin here today to show him all that we do to support people with end-of-life care needs and to gain his support for the Dying Well Community

Charter. As a prominent charity in this community, we are really pleased to join forces with Switch On to Swindon and look forward to supporting each other’s aims in future.”

To find out more visit www. prospect-hospice.net/discussingdying

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Swindon Life Celebrating town living

Swindon Link joins film podcast Admit One Movies at The Beehive When our reporter was invited to join in a podcast recording about film at The Beehive one evening, she wasn’t really sure what to expect.

Turns out, it’s a pretty much a ‘does what it says on the tin’ kinda job – two guys, in a pub, talking about films over a pint, or two, or three…

Credit where it’s due this set up that Simon Oxlade and Matt Purvis have created is actually quite impressive. Two years later, after bonding at a rugby match, these two guys in the pub have got quite a good following, and

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that’s probably because their podcast is both entertaining and interesting.

When asked why they record at The Beehive in Swindon Simon explained: “It’s a really nice artsy pub where one night they’ll have poetry, the next a band, sometimes poker, and now every other week two guys recording a podcast. It’s also because the staff here are incredibly welcoming and friendly.“ If you want an honest approach towards films, and a recommendation, these are your guys.

To check out their podcast Admit One Movies, head to www.admitonemovies.com

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Wake up and smell the flowers – new business caters for the finer things in life

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Green-fingered caffeine fiends welcome Coffee and Flowers pop-up to Faringdon Road’s Darkroom Espresso.

Since opening in 2015 Darkroom has opened its doors to The Harbour Project, On The Wall, – monthly art exhibitions – free music gigs, Darkroom Espresso Cycling Club, and now Coffee and Flowers.

Adding to Swindon’s growing population of pop-up businesses, Coffee and Flowers will be setting up shop weekly, from Friday to Sunday, at Darkroom Espresso.

Coffee and Flowers started as a delivery service where customers could buy online and have coffee and flowers delivered to their door. Starting on Valentine’s Day this year Coffee and Flowers CoFounder, Sherylee Houssein, said the positive response encouraged the idea to

develop into a pop-up store.

She said: “I really like flowers and where my day job is so admin-based I felt that I wasn’t doing anything creative.

I became really interested in learning about the different types and since have been putting on flower arranging classes in Darkroom.

“They’re not as cheap as you can get in supermarkets but they last longer, and I think they’re more interesting and uniquely organised – no two are the same – and we think they appeal to a younger demographic."

Speaking of the collaboration, Co-Founder and Darkroom Espresso owner Will Davies said: ““It’s something I thought I could help with as I’ve done start-up businesses before, so I think I have a good mind-set for knowing how these things go wrong and fail."

For further information visit Facebook @coffeeandflowersswindon.

Will Davies and Sherylee Houssein

Brunel’s drawing instruments join Steam collection A set of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s technical drawing instruments has recently been acquired at auction by Steam – Museum of the Great Western Railway.

The set is contained in an oak case inlaid with a brass plate inscribed “I K BRUNEL”.

The inside is lined with purple velvet and has individual compartments for each instrument.

Steam’s curator, Frances Yeo, said: “We are very excited to have purchased this set of drawing instruments at auction.

This has been made possible by a generous contribution from the Friends of Swindon Railway Museum together with visitor donations to Steam’s Acquisition Fund.

“Owned by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the size of the set suggests these may have been instruments he took with him when he travelled across 20

the GWR railway network.

“These instruments have an excellent provenance, having been given to the seller’s grandfather by Brunel’s son Henry Marc Brunel in 1902.

“As possibly the greatest engineer of all time, these drawing instruments were the tools of Brunel’s trade. He was instrumental in the development of the GWR and the building of ‘New Swindon’. We have a number of signed Brunel engineering drawings within the Steam collections, which may have been drawn using these very same instruments.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Friends of Swindon Railway Museum and to the visitors who kindly made donations. This is an especially important acquisition for Steam.”

The Brunel instruments are now on display in the museum's exhibition area.

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD In the community l MFor Festival has announced Atomic Kitten as one of its headlining acts at Lydiard Park, 28 July .

Other acts include Pixie Lott, Peter Andre, Aston Merrygold and 5ive. www.mforfestival.co.uk

Book now...

SWINDON FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE

Philosopher A.C.Grayling, former Kids Company boss Camilla Batmanghelidjh, Andy’s mum Judy Murray, poet Matt Harvey, former punk musician and now writer Viv Albertine folk and singersongwriter Peggy Seeger, are among the early confirmations for this year’s Swindon Festival of Literature. The event is due to take place on 7 to 9 May. Also on the line-up is the award-winning author Elizabeth St. John. By Love Divided is Elizabeth’s second novel in her ongoing series The Lydiard Chronicles which follows her debut novel The Lady of the Tower, both of which are based on Lydiard Park and its family ties which she tracked all the way to the Tower of London. Elizabeth will be speaking at Lydiard House Thursday 17 May at 7pm.

For further information, and tickets, visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk.

JEREMY HARDY

Following a sell-out tour last year, Jeremy Hardy hits the road in 2018 with his new show, which sees him at his politically astute best but paying more attention to the human condition.

Jeremy will be bringing his latest show to Swindon Arts centre, 2 May. Tickets at £16.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

The Music of Kate Bush will be gracing the stage of Swindon's Wyvern Theatre 30 May. Fully equipped with a live band Rachel Sinetta will be paying homage to the icon by reenvisioning some of the artist's most famous songs.

Tickets at £28.50 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 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

THE LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE

Paying tribute to one of The X-Factor's most successful bands, The Little Mix Experience comes to the Wyvern Theatre 29 May for an all-singing, all-dancing, family-friendly evening of entertainment. Songs include Wings, and Black Magic.

Tickets from £28.50 to £38 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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 local election will be taking place Thursday 3 May. For those voting at poll stations, Swindon Borough Council is urging residents to bring their poll cards with them.

Swindon Borough Council’s Electoral Services Manager, Sally Sprason, said: "The poll cards contain a barcode that is unique to the individual, which will be scanned before they place their vote on polling day." l Old Town's Beer Festival returns Friday 11 May and Saturday 12 May for its sixth run.

Sponsored by The Hop Inn and Los Gatos, the festival boasts over 45 beers and over 30 ciders for ticket holders to enjoy.

For further information viit www.theoldtownbeerfestival. com l The Swindon Society will be hosting a fundrasier for The Friends of Christ Church, Friday 8 June at 7.30pm. The group aims to promote and share Swindon's cultural and historic heritage primarily through photography.

Swindon Society Chair, Andy Binks, will putting on an evening of entertainment with Swindon artist and muralist Ken White.

For further information visit www.theswindonsociety.co.uk swindonlink.com n May 2018

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Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Sarah Forbes

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com Sarah Forbes is a Covingham-based mum of three, but by all means not your average one, with the ability to change nappies with her feet.

As of a few months ago Sarah became a casualty simulation actress. This involves staging simulated crash scenes for practicing and “high end” paramedics to practice on amputees. But more recently she also started a modelling career.

Born in 1980 and currently Wiltshirebased, when Sarah was 22 months old she lost one of her arms in a lift accident in Spain. She explained: “It was one of those old lifts that you open and close the cage before you get in the lift, except there was no cage door – it was like a big dumbwaiter. I put my hands out and both of my arms went down into the lift shaft.”

Sarah’s right arm had to be amputated at the shoulder, and her left at the elbow.

Unfortunately, after the operation her left arm was infected by gangrene which resulted in a further amputation above the dead tissue before being reattached.

According to Sarah, this has in no way held her back – it has in fact “catapulted” her forward.

She said: “I am one of the lucky ones, because where I was so young I don’t remember anything – I haven’t been damaged by childhood memories or trauma, this is what I’ve always known. My Dad was an RAF man and never allowed me to say ‘I can’t’ – it was either I will, or I won’t.

“When I was younger, and I went for my first swimming lesson, my dad grabbed me and said ‘hold the air in your lungs and you will float’ and then he chucked me in the water. Now I am such a water baby, I love the water!

“What was difficult for me was when I went to get my first job at 16. I had gone to a convent school and wasn’t treated any differently – no special treatment.

So when I went to get a job they said I couldn’t because I wasn’t registered as disabled, but my parents didn’t raise me

as disabled and I’m not disabled – I am an amputee and there is such a huge difference. I wasn’t able to get a job because I wouldn’t categorise myself as disabled – I felt discouraged by society" - this again has only pushed Sarah forward to challenge society’s perception of amputees.

When Sarah went on maternity leave with her daughter, now three and half, the company she worked for moved to Bournemouth. She said: “I took this as fate and, scary as it was, decided to go for a career change.”

Always looking for the next challenge, Sarah wants to encourage and inspire people to be body confident – particularly as an amputee. She said: “Kelly Knox is someone that I have a lot of admiration for. She’s all very ‘hey I’ve got one arm but don’t I look good though’ – she’s got edge.

I know it’s a lot later than you would expect someone to start modelling but I’ve had a really good response and I’m really doing it to say ‘things are changing’ – it’s 2018!”

You could argue that because of Sarah’s childhood experience that this is why she’s lived more than most people.

But again, this is quite irrelevant in the grand scheme of things – she has a lot of energy and a fiery personality. Two anecdotes in particular establish her as very down to earth. She explained: When my daughter was born I used to change her nappy with my feet, and day-to-day things like peeling potatoes, – I peel them by holding them with my feet - sometimes it can take 40 minutes, and opening doors when I'm holding coffee. I just get on with it.

"I do not consider myself disabled. In the English dictionary ‘disabled’ is defined as broken or disadvantaged – and that is not the case. Broken sounds like something you throw away, but I, and every other amputee, are just human.

We have bad days, sure, which involve pain killers, and physiotherapy, but that doesn’t stop us. I want people to see my good days. I think in this day and age the word 'disabled' should not be used, because these people who have been categorized by this are not broken - paralympians for example, they are not disabled, they are incredible! The view on the word needs to change.”

Spending her working days "covered in blood" during simulations, Sarah wants to send a different message within the modelling world by explaining "I'm 37 I'm not expecting to look like an eighteen year-old Size 0 as things have moved a little south (laughs), but I don't want to change who I am and I can't understand why people aren't happy with what they've got - there are people who are unable to feed themselves or even go to the toilet by themselves."

Sarah finalises that "sorrow and and sympathy is something that won't help someone, but support and ecouragement is - I am happy the way I am, and I'm always looking for the next challenge." swindonlink.com n May 2018

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Mitsubishi ASX: beat the Beast from the East

W

hen it snows, we still have to go about our lives. Strictly speaking of course, we shouldn’t. We should batten down the hatches (and hatchbacks) and wait it out. If only life was that simple. So when the Beast from the East roared in and I had to do the school run only to find that the school decided to shut for the day I had a moment of slip sliding away.

4WD On The Mitsubishi ASX Aft of the gear shift on the ASX is a rotary dial to select the four-wheel drive options.

2WD is the eco and default mode, prioritising fuelefficiency in normal driving conditions. 4WD distributes power to each wheel automatically to provide grip and improve handling in bad weather. This was the mode I used. Generally, the Mitsubishi ASX coped easily. It was

On Two Wheels

By Rod Derry of Swindon Cycle Campaign

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my cycle to work generally. But this last couple of months has been a struggle.

The weather hasn’t been great (there was some snow apparently) and after a period where I haven’t been cycling as much as I had before, it didn’t take much of an excuse for me to decide that I absolutely, definitely NEEDED to take the

very cold and on a sweeping, exposed corner I lost all traction and we went into an unexpected but exciting fourwheel slide. Thanks to this able car, this was quickly controlled.

This is why there’s another mode; 4WD Lock maximises grip in adverse weather like ice and snow. I subsequently selected this and all was well thereafter with grip aplenty.

The ASX was brilliant in the bad conditions.

About The Mitsubishi ASX The ASX rides high and gives the driver a lofty view of the

road. This high driving position lets you see further and clearer than lesser motors and in the battle with The Beast this was a good thing.

The model range starts at around £16,000 for the ASX2 spec and 2WD, rising up through the numbers adding trim and 4WD options with a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines. Our rangetopping version was the Mitsubishi ASX5 with a 1.6L diesel engine, a six-speed manual gearbox and the aforementioned 4WD and

car to work.

My commute is about 7 miles and takes me about half an hour (although that first one back after Christmas was a touch slower for some reason!)

We’re looking to move offices and one of the places that is looking favourite is only about 2 miles from home.

Now, most people would think “Oh great, it won’t take me as long to get to work in future, that’s fantastic!” but us cyclists aren’t normal are we?

I would probably miss my

commute and going from 7 miles to 2 miles changes the nature of that ride.

At the moment, I can don the lycra and make a bit of an event of it.

I can time myself on Strava and try to improve my fitness or get a quicker time up one of the small hills on my route.

For 2 miles it isn’t worth it and I will be able to jump on my bike in jeans and be in work a lot quicker than driving there.

One of my colleagues who is a much more active cyclist

than I ever have been – he does sportives and rides with Swindon Wheelers for example, had an even stranger reaction (well, it will seem strange to non-cyclists I imagine) in that he said he would have to put a loop around Cricklade or somewhere in order to make the ride worth bothering with!

Whilst the convenience will be fantastic, I’ll actually miss that longer route.

No wonder people think cyclists are not quite like the rest of us!

head, push the tap away from you slowly.

Ah, sweetness at the front, roastiness at the sides, bitterness at the back. This is the smooth, cascading loveliness of a great pint. Happy Days!

Flann O’Brien captures it in A Workman’s Friend: When things go wrong and will not come right, Though you do the best you can.

When life looks black as the hour of night - A pint of plain is your only man.

When money's tight and hard

to get And your horse has also ran.

When all you have is a heap of debt - A pint of plain is your only man.

When health is bad and your heart feels strange, And your face is pale and wan, When doctors say you need a change, A pint of plain is your only man.

• Swindon Poetry events – www.richardjefferies.org/ activities • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 8 May, 7pm www.bee-hive.co.uk

A pint of the black stuff is pure poetry... in my local, The Village Inn in Liddington. You now get one of the best pints of Guinness there, I’ve been on a mission for many handed over like a work of art a year, initiating bartenders in with a proud smile. how to pull a pint of Guinness The rules are simple: correctly. It makes such a • Hold the glass at 45˚ difference to the taste. When I • Let the stout bounce order, I watch the pull anxiously, off the Harp on the glass. Stop shouting “STOP” when it’s pulled when it reaches the top of the badly. I explain the rules, Harp. why it’s important to slow the • It takes 119.5 seconds process. I ask them to serve for the nitrogen bubbles to another customer as I don’t mind surge and settle. waiting for perfection.

• When there is a I’ve initiated the bartenders definite black line around the Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane

can be on the road for well under £30k which makes it good value. In the prevailing conditions I preferred the manual to the 2.2L automatic.

I find manual gives me more feel and control. It’s not a fast car clearly but the engine has gumption and a spread of torque and does the job well.

Our tested version came with an optional panoramic glass roof which makes the interior light and airy plus, as ever, all the now expected technology.

Would I Buy One? Yes, I think so. The ASX is maybe more for the urban crowd who like the idea of on-road SUV security. When The Beast From The East struck it proved to very capable in its own right and I rate it highly when you need a car that can handle a bit of adventure.

Geoff Maxted DriveWrite.co.uk

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Spanish-style Swiss chard with chickpeas

{Serves 4-6 as a mezze or light lunch} Swiss chard is a favourite in Spanish kitchens and in this recipe Riverford Cook Anna pairs it with classic Hispanic ingredients – smoked paprika, chickpeas and garlic. It’s lovely warm out of the pan, but even better if left to infuse for an hour and eaten at room temperature.

2 large heads or bunches of Swiss chard (500g–600g) 2–3 tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for garnishing

1 onion, thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 x 400g can chickpeas, drained 1½ tsp smoked paprika ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 2 tsp sherry vinegar, or to taste salt and black pepper Detach the chard leaves from the stems. Cut the stems into 2cm lengths and the leaves into 5cm-wide ribbons.

Blanch and squeeze the chard

stems and leaves.

Heat the olive oil in a wide frying pan and cook the onion with a pinch of salt on a medium heat for about 10 minutes, until soft.

Add the garlic and cook a further 2 minutes. Add the chickpeas, chard stems, paprika and cayenne and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.

Finally, stir in the chard leaves and cook for a further 3–4 minutes. To finish, season

with salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and a couple of splashes of sherry vinegar to brighten the flavour.

Variation Make a more substantial meal by adding thickly sliced Spanish cooking chorizo near the beginning, along with the onions, or tinned sardines near the end, along with the chard leaves.

For more delicious, healthy recipe ideas, log on to www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

Yak The Himalayan Kitchen - Review

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

I’ve lost count of the number of currys I’ve consumed over the past year - possibly enough to fill a standard sized bathtub.

Curry is my favourite thing but I’ve fallen into a bit of a routine with it.

Always a pint of Kingfisher, always two poppadoms, always chicken sag balti finishing with one of those thin mints, a red hot hand towel in a plastic tube and the bill.

Not so with Yak The Himalayan Kitchen on Devizes Road. This unassuming Old Town restaurant has been open for less than a year but has quickly garnered a reputation for excellent food and attentive service. It’s a curry 26 swindonlink.com n May 2018 E May Master pages.indd 26

restaurant far removed from your usual generic offering.

As the downstairs area was busy, we were shown to our seat, up a winding back staircase into a cosy tucked away section of the restaurant.

My dining companion and I were the only two people up there… but the place quickly filled - clearly we weren’t the only ones who had heard good things about this place.

Sure there’s beer - but this is Gurkha beer.

There are poppadoms but these are shaped like a small bowl and come with an unfamiliar dip. And then there’s the curry. I opted for the Everest Lamb (what a lamb is doing prancing around on the world’s highest mountain

is anyone’s guess) and black lentil dal. My friend ordered Himalayan Pork Belly. And our excellent waiter asked what level of heat we would like this is a first and this underlined that our bespoke dishes were being cooked to order.

It came beautifully served in

a decorated metal dish, the curry was delicately spiced and warming as well as being piping hot. And the dal was warming, comforting and filling, as it should be.

As for the Himalayan Pork, I was assured it was a ‘melt in the mouth thing of loveliness’ I tried a sample. It was.

Prices on the menu were the equivalent of a typical curry restaurant, with main dishes setting you back a shade under a tenner - but the quality of the food and service at this lovely family run restaurant is far higher than you might expect at any old curry place.

Call to book on 017935 22368. www.yakthehimalayankitchen. co.uk

09/10/2018 11:16

Can you kick it? Yes you can, at Swindon's only football golf course Swindon’s only 18-hole football golf course is opening to the public this month.

Football golf, a hybrid sport of golf and football, has taken the country by storm in recent years and continues to grow in popularity with adults and children alike.

Based just two minutes drive from J16 of the M4, Basset Down opened up a 6-hole football golf course back in 2015, and then expanded to 12-holes the following year.

Due to popular demand, the complex is opening a brand new, 18-hole course on Saturday 5 May. Providing a year-round leisure activity to the local area and further afield, the football golf course is great fun for groups of adults, families, team days out, stag and hen parties and alternative corporate days out. Similar to golf, the aim of the game is to kick a football (size 3-5s) from a tee into a

large hole on a green with the minimum amount of kicks possible. The person at the end of the round with the lowest score wins.

The course is set in 100 acres of beautiful scenery overlooking the backdrop of the North Chalk Downs, with the course spreading over 2,183 yards. To keep things fair, the course also features Academy Tees with shorter distances for younger children.

It also has many natural obstacles, including trees, water and bunkers to play around.

Owner of Basset Down Golf Complex, Juliette Nutland, said: “Football golf has proved to be a popular activity for groups of family and friends looking for something different to do in Swindon. It’s great fun for birthdays, special occasions, and also popular with local football teams for their end of season presentations.'

"We want to break down the boundaries and assumptions about golf courses. We’re an open and inclusive club.

Everyone is welcome in our clubhouse, whether you’re a golfer or not. Football golf

has helped us to introduce new people to Basset Down and even to the world of golf”.

Work is also underway at Basset Down on a separate 9-hole crazy footgolf course, which will be the first of its kind in Wiltshire.

The course will feature lots of obstacles using natural materials for visitors to kickthrough and around. Each hole will be themed and named after famous local landmarks, including Stonehenge and The Ridgeway.

The course is due to open on the Whitsun Bank Holiday in May. For more information on opening times and prices on both courses, visitors can call the clubhouse on 01793 812336 or visit their website www.swindonfamilygolf.com.

Prices start from £7 for children / £12 adults for 18 holes, family and group discounts are also available.

It's Lemur week at Cotswold Wildlife Park

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens will be celebrating Lemur week with an array of family-friendly activities.

During May half term Cotswold Wildlife Park will be holding its annual Lemur Week (Saturday 26 May to Sunday 3 June) in aid of raising as much funds as possible for their Madagascan conservation projects.

There are lots of fun activities planned such as competitions, board games, Lemur themed merchandise to purchase, and two Lemur talks held within the walkthrough each day Outside of the Madagascar exhibit, guests can talk to the Lemurs' Keepers, learn about their conservation work in Madagascar and find out how you can help to protect these charismatic primates.

For further information visit www.cotswoldwildlifepark. co.uk or telephone 01993 823006.

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SERVICE SECTOR

ACCOUNTANCY, AERIALS, CLEANING, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL, GARAGE DOORS, GARDEN BUILDINGS, HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Chris Payne

Abacus Cleaning Services

aerials & satellite systems

Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Certified Electrician

Replacement Fuse Boards

Reliable Local Company

Kitchen & Bathroom Electrics

NICEIC Domestic Installers (D606759)

• 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

O N

Phone: 07502 442726 or 01793 734379

VA T

✭ Freeview & Sky installations ✭ TV & radio aerials ✭ Home cinema ✭ Extra TV & telephone points

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

• Alterations/Renovations • New Builds and Barn Conversions Fully insured. 18 years experience Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on

0800 1357063 or 07967 155502 or email: info@benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs •

Home Networking Garage Power Installations Home Extensions Wired And more, please ask!

Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists

Fully insured to £2m

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

Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD

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

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon 01793 526691 Open 7 days a week

Quality TGB garden buildings for any situation Bespoke sizes available Base laying & installation available

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

28

PRICES HELD F

OR F MORE OUR WEEKS

Painter, Decorator and General Handyman Fully insured and CRB checked

Call Steve on: 01793 618569 07824 484094 Retired Police Officer

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 & GAS SERVICES, SAND & GRAVEL, TILING, 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

All types of domestic plumbing work undertaken.

Small jobs welcome.

Fully insured.

07470 094941

harbourplumbingservices @gmail.com

BMH Tiling

Floor and wall tiling specialist

Contact:

07557 223999

waynecoulson79@googlemail.com

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Your guide to Swindon Festival of Literature 2018 Monday 7 May DAWN CHORUS 5.30am Lawn Woods, High Street, Old Town SN1 3EN 01793 771080 WILD ANIMALS 11am Richard Jefferies Museum, Marlborough Road, Coate Swindon SN3 6AA 01793 917466 CAT WEATHERILL & STORYWALK 2pm Lydiard House, Lydiard Park, West Swindon SN5 3PA 01793 771080 FREEDOM RUN 2pm Lydiard House, Lydiard Park, West Swindon SN5 3PA 01793 771080 JO PAVEY 3pm Lydiard House, Lydiard Park, West Swindon SN5 3PA 01793 524481 HUGH WARWICK 7pm Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon SN5 5PJ 01793 771080

Tuesday 8 May

DARREN HENLEY 7pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 BEN OKRI 8.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

TWO POETS & A BARGAIN WITH THE LIGHT 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

JOHN MAN 7pm Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG - 01793 466454

NO PETTICOATS HERE 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

Thursday 10 May

MIRANDA DOYLE 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

EDITH HALL 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

PAM AYRES 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

VIV ALBERTINE 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

FOUR QUARTETS 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

Friday 11 May CHRISTIE WATSON 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 RACHEL HEWITT 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 ALAN WINFIELD 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

A C GRAYLING 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

Saturday 12 May CAT WEATHERILL Storytelling Workshop 10am Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG 01793 466454

MARK FISHER 7pm Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG - 01793 466454

THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD 12noon Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

WONDERWORDS 7.30pm Central Community Centre SN1 5BP - 07960 322215

SWINDON SLAM! 7.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

Wednesday 9 May

Sunday 13 May

AFUA HIRSCH 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

CHILDREN & FAMILIES DAY 10am – 4pm Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon 01793 771080

MICHAEL ROSEN 5.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

OUR STORIES – performance!

7pm

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Monday 14 May

JOHN TUSA 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

TREVOR COX 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

GILL SIMS 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG 01793 466454

JUDY MURRAY 8pm Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN 01793 524481

Tuesday 15 May HARRIET HARMAN 12noon Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 KEVIN TOOLIS 1.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 CHARLES LANDRY 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 WILL SELF 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 GRAHAME LLOYD 7pm Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG - 01793 466454

Wednesday 16 May

ANNA MACHIN & REBECCA STOTT 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 WESTWORDS 6.30pm West Swindon Library, Link Centre SN5 7DL

Thursday 17 May LIBBY JACKSON 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 LIBBY PAGE 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 PEGGY SEEGER 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 ELIZABETH ST JOHN 7pm Lydiard House, Lydiard Park, West Swindon SN5 3PA 01793 524481

Friday 18 May MATT HOLLAND 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 KATE RAWORTH 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 THINK SLAM! 8pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

Tuesday 19 May WRITING WORKSHOP & WRITERS’ LUNCH 12.30pm Lower Shaw Farm, West Swindon SN5 5PJ 01793 771080 FESTIVAL FINALE: STORIES, POEMS, PERFORMANCE & MUSIC! 7.30pm Town Hall, Regents Circus SN11QG - 01793 601700

HELEN PANKHURST 12.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481 CAMILA BATMANGHELIDJH 6.30pm Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ - 01793 524481

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Bank account deficit (9) Epistle (6) Small stone particles (4) Expensive (4) Searched deeply (6) Warned (7) Rubber tube (4) Top of a building (4) Afflict (3) Female sheep (3) Unconscious state (4) Gone by (4) General pardon (7) Price list (6) Fine particles (4) Oil reservoir (4) Western French city (6) Numbing (9)

Y O B

E D Y

R E V

SUDOKU

25 26

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

DOWN 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

13.

14.

15.

18.

19.

22.

23.

24.

27.

28.

In truth (6) Go to bed (6) Steering device (6) Wing part (4) Frighten badly (7) Counterfoil (4) Willingness to believe (9) Affirming (9) Irish Gaelic (4) Tenet (5) Unfortunately (4) Jeered (7) Astounded (6) Stomach enzyme (6) Flower part (6) Skating floor (4) Melt (4)

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

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

2

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

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

SOLUTIONS

Stub; 8 Credulity; 13 Attesting; 14 Erse; 15 Dogma; 18 Alas; 19 Scoffed; 22 Amazed; 23 Pepsin; 24 Stamen; 27 Rink; 28 Fuse.

11

QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 1 Overdraft; 9 Letter; 10 Grit; 11 Dear; 12 Probed; 13 Alerted; 16 Tyre; 17 Roof; 18 Ail; 20 Ewe; 21 Coma; 23 Past; 25 Amnesty; 26 Tariff; 29 Fuzz; 30 Sump; 31 Nantes; 32 Deadening.

11

10

CHEAP ESTATE HOMES

Down – 2 Verily; 3 Retire; 4 Rudder; 5 Flap; 6 Terrify; 7

10

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

Target scores:

NONAGRAM bode; body; bored; bred; breed; debye; deer; derby; derv; doer; dory; dove; dree; drey; drove; dyer; erode; EVERYBODY; eyed; obeyed; overdye; rede; redo; reed; reedy; robed; rode; roved.

8

MAGIC SQUARE past; ache; shoe; teem.

7

3 1 7 9 5 8 6 2 4

7

5 9 4 2 3 6 1 8 7

6

6 2 8 1 4 7 3 5 9

6

9

8 4 1 7 9 3 2 6 5

5

2 7 5 8 6 1 9 4 3

4

9 6 3 5 2 4 8 7 1

3

1 5 9 4 8 2 7 3 6

2

7

MAGIC SQUARE

4 3 2 6 7 9 5 1 8

1

NONAGRAM

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