Swindon Link East edition

No 18 March 2019

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

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

SBC answers pressing questions about town centre p4

East Edition

Swindon Fringe Festival promises the best event ever for 2019 Pages 24

Can you help find Lady a good home?

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Page 10 New classic electric Mini to be built in Swindon

Page 17

INTERVIEW: Francis Rossi from Status Quo

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Giving Swindon its heart

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

Another month and another mailbag full with people responding positively to our The Heart of Swindon campaign.

We've really touched a nerve with people from all walks of life giving us their two cents' worth. The opinion piece putting forward the notion of trams to solve part of the problem definitely went down well and has got people talking.

And this month Dale Heenan, Swindon's Cabinet member for the town centre, has given us an in-depth insight into what the borough council are doing to put the heart back into our town centre.

We also spoke to Darren Simmons who is bringing some top tier acts to Swindon centre at his venue Level 3.

These acts include names such as Reef and Electric Six. This is a venue that is definitely making the town centre rock again.

Our campaign will continue all year so please keep sending us your thoughts.

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

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

Should Swindon declare a climate change emergency?

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

The Green Party are urging Swindon Borough Council to take more action on climate change, warning that the town needs to do more in order to prevent a global "climate catastrophe".

In his letter to the council, Andy Bentley, the Green Party's parliamentary candidate for North Swindon, wrote: “This is not a partypolitical issue; climate change will affect us all. In Bristol earlier this month, councillors from across the political spectrum joined together to unanimously support a similar motion. Will you help Swindon to do the same?”

Last month Swindon Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat colleagues answered the call to put forward a joint motion, - built on the original - to amend the town's current detailed action plan to reduce carbon emissions.

Conservative Party members agreed that both individuals

and the government needed to do more but are said to have ultimately ruled that no further action was necessary the council.

In response to the Conservative's motion, Bentley described it as “toothless” and “worse than useless”. He said: “Our main objective here is to get the council to recognise that this is an emergency, and to start to take action accordingly. We’ve waited too long already, we can’t afford to wait any longer. Swindon needs to put itself on course to become carbon neutral by 2030.

“If the council continues to fail to recognise the scale of the impending disaster and act quickly it will be a betrayal of everyone living in Swindon today, and for generations to come.”

Climate change has increasingly become a hot topic across the globe, and environmental activists, Extinction Rebellion, are urging their local councils to take action.

Extinction Rebellion is a nationwide organisation which has seen residents from Swindon join the cause. The group partakes in non-violent protests to raise awareness of global warming. Extinction Rebellion Swindon rallied in support of the Green Party in an effort to encourage Swindon Borough Council to pass the climate change motion.

Speaking about the outcome of the council's meeting a founding member of Extinction Rebellion Swindon, John Ranford, said: "The council's refusal to treat climate breakdown as an emergency shows how little regard they have for the future of the people of Swindon. Already 5.8% of deaths in Swindon are related to air quality – equating to 973 life-years lost, each year.

"We at Extinction Rebellion Swindon will be back, next time calling for zero carbon emissions by 2025 - because that's the only way to stop uncontrollable climate chaos."

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Question time: Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for the Town Centre What are the major challenges facing the town centre?

Swindon Town Centre is facing many of the same problems as the rest of the UK, with a huge shift towards online shopping, and a move to spend more money on experiences as well as growth in, and competition from, out of centre shopping locations. Every independent report shows Swindon holding up well compared to other towns and cities.

There is a lot of good work happening, and the council must improve how it gets its message across to residents and business. It is easy to knock our town centre but there are no easy answers. We must recognise that if the town centre was the Designer Outlet Centre, people would be raving about it. The Designer Outlet, the town centre and Old Town are complementary.

They offer very different things to different people, and it is essential we focus on improving the connections between them to allow people to move more freely. They are very different destinations, for retail and leisure and all within 15 minutes’ walk of each other. Few towns have such an

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As part of Swindon Link's The Heart of Swindon campaign - which focuses on the challenges faced by our town centre - Swindon Borough Council's Dale Heenan addresses some key questions in the first of two reports. opportunity. The town centre must evolve to tempt people back which is why projects like the indoor ski slope at North Star are so important. We need to manage the transition of the town centre from its current retail focus to being an attractive leisure and cultural location. There must be more homes in the town centre.

Politics can also get in the way.

We have seen calls from some councillors for a Swindon Congestion Charge but this is something I do not support and is a distraction from dealing with what really matters.

Progress doesn’t happen overnight. I wish I could snap my fingers but it doesn’t happen that way.

,

Keeping focus is essential.

Swindon doesn’t have a strong commercial office market when held up against its neighbours. Rents are lower than Bristol or Reading, so it is challenging for developers to build and make a return on their investment. We need these values to increase and I believe being 50 minutes to London by train, thanks to the recent electrification of the Great Western Mainline, and just over an hour to the city with Crossrail will start to make a difference.

I am very pleased that I can say that Swindon is close to seeing the start of the first phase of the £100m North Star indoor ski slope construction, and work on the new £40m Zurich headquarters is scheduled to start this summer. Noone would have believed you if you had said that 12 months ago.

I am also determined to find solutions to a problem that has been a stumbling block for Swindon for the past three decades. The Mechanics Institute. This will be a top priority for me during 2019 and I believe I know how we can

move forward.

Can you highlight some of the positive work the council has achieved in the town centre?

Over the last 10 years the council has invested heavily in Swindon Town Centre, delivering dramatic improvements to the main shopping streets such as Canal Walk, Regent Street and Havelock Square.

It is easy to forget but Wharf Green has been transformed over the years to provide a welcoming public open space, which is now home to many of our popular Town Centre events. Work started just a few weeks ago on improving the road and footpath linking the railway station to the town centre so it’s more attractive for both residents and visitors to Swindon.

A lot of effort has occurred in the background that you won’t know about. For example, proactive work with landowners to support improvements like The Crossing at The Brunel. This has introduced a new food and beverage court to town which is doing well and providing more choice for Swindon shoppers.

We continue to invest in keeping the Town Centre clean and tidy as well as comprehensive improvements to our CCTV system which, together with inSwindon’s street wardens, goes a long way to making the town centre feel safe for those who visit.

The council does act quickly to help find solutions to homelessness and anti-social behaviour and we are paying close attention to our car parks and other key gateways which often form a lasting first impression of the town. Our town centre team is a joint

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effort with partners working together and has made the town much more responsive to these issues.

In recent months we have been successful in securing a Heritage Action Zone designation for the Railway Works area. This will mean more than £1m in funding for the local area and support from Historic England to deliver improvements to the Railway Works area. By utilising Swindon’s historic assets we will be helping to create an attractive and distinctive town centre that will be the destination of choice for businesses, residents and visitors.

We are delivering on our regeneration ambitions. Last year, the council brought the Carriage Works on London Road back into use. At the heart of Brunel’s Great Western Works, it is a collection of Grade II listed buildings, and provides high quality office space for co-working as well as a digitech incubator which opened last July (Workshed).

We have just announced the next phase of this important project, which will see the Royal Agricultural University provide a Cultural Heritage Institute, delivering courses based on heritage, conservation and culture from this September.

properties along Bridge Street, but could the council support improvements by encouraging a move from low value retail to much-needed homes?

Could the council, by sticking to a long-term plan, be proactive in its use of compulsory purchasing order powers, and create an environment where people want to invest?

I think that is where the council has a role. The success of the town centre will ultimately come down to the collective response of many different landowners and people.

Partnership is key. We need our landowners to believe in the town and know that if they invest they will see a return. We must be relentlessly positive about Swindon. Our external image is critical to promoting Swindon as a place to live, work and invest.

What is the council’s role in supporting the town centre?

The high street is undergoing big changes and we recognise the council can’t solve everything alone.

It does have a crucial civic leadership role to play and being a supportive partner to businesses and investors is vital in order to support the town centre.

Successful councils think about the bigger picture. A strategic view of a number changes is required. It requires big thinking. For example, the council doesn’t own the

What is the long-term vision for the town centre - what is the time scale and what would success look like?

Swindon Town Centre must be ‘a destination for socialising, culture, health and wellbeing, creativity and learning. A place to set up home and business, where people stay longer, spend more and keep coming back’.

The council set out its long term vision for the Town Centre in the Town Centre Masterplan 2013. This was a comprehensive framework for change in our centre over the

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next 10 years.

We are halfway through that plan, and 2019 is the year that local residents will finally see construction start on many of the key projects. Regeneration schemes cost tens of millions of pounds, and no matter what anyone says, progress doesn’t happen overnight. I wish I could snap my fingers but it doesn’t happen that way.

We must recognise that town centres cannot be all about retail in the future. The town centre must be easy to get to and move around, one that is safe, clean and green and somewhere where people can work and play.

It’s important to learn from our mistakes - on reflection, what could have been done better?

I believe the council has for too long tried to undertake too many things at the same time spreading our resources too thinly. Since I took over as Cabinet Member for the Town Centre last year, I’ve specifically asked everyone to concentrate on just a couple of projects, deliver them well then move to the next ones so we can generate a positive momentum which makes the market and investors pay attention. We are already seeing the benefits of this.

The big challenge for Swindon Town Centre is how you ruthlessly prioritise and stick to your long-term plan.

There is always more to do, calls for action on different

issues and never enough time, staff or money.

We also need to continue to build and strengthen our partnerships with the public, private and community sectors.

The council cannot deliver everything that Swindon needs alone, especially in light of the financial challenges facing local authorities.

In five years Swindon has seen a £30 million increase in spending on social care and looking after our most vulnerable.

There is no extra money available, and these decisions mean it impacts on other services including regeneration.

This is the real issue politicians avoid and some prefer to talk about austerity. We must do better in getting across the positive things which are happening and that the plan is starting to make a difference.

Are there any other important things that you feel you would like to add that we haven’t touched upon?

I would urge everyone who lives in Swindon to support the town centre by visiting it.

There is as much responsibility for those of us who live here to visit, spend time and money to ensure the shops and restaurants can continue to be there for the long term.

Swindon is economically very healthy. Employment is high, businesses perform well here, homes are affordable compared to neighbouring towns and cities and we are blessed with country parks, green spaces and much to see and participate in across the town. If you look at a place as the sum of its parts Swindon is a great place to live. The Town Centre is one very big and very important part of that whole. Bearing this in mind we need to be ambassadors and advocates for our town and speak positively about it.

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Is Swindon seeing a musical renaissance?

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

After a few years floundering in the musical doldrums, wellknown bands and the hard working people who book them in are once again casting their eyes in the direction of Swindon.

As a town, we’ve always embraced live music and there’s a healthy appetite for local output - but convincing tour buses to turn off at junction 15 or 16 has always been a bit of an uphill struggle. But there is a distinct whiff of change in the air.

One of the key players driving this resurgence of musical interest is Darren Simons who has recently taken over the running of Level 3 and the Rolleston on Commercial Road - a stone's throw from the

town centre.

It’s a punchy venue with a gleam of ambition in its eyes.

Notable bookings include Pete Doherty, Electric Six and Reef.

Darren explained: "In Swindon you have pockets of fans who keep the whole thing going. This is something that we are keen to build on.

"Music is so diverse so you have to cater for different groups of fans. That's what we are trying to do at Level 3.

"The local music scene has been struggling a bit because there seem to be fewer younger people getting involved in playing live music - but perhaps we are going to see that turn around now?

"Since taking over Level 3 we are feeling quite optimistic about the future of live music in Swindon. We have had some

great nights here and it's great to see people from Swindon and further afield turning out to support us."

Darren explained that there was a strong following for tribute acts as well as acts playing their own original music.

"We are building a strong relationship with the management of some of the larger acts. When they see that some of their smaller acts have done well here, they begin to consider us for some of their more established artists.

"Hopefully it will begin to generate a buzz about the place and get people talking.

"We are in talks about bringing more big names to Swindon which we hope to announce soon."

For further information see www.level3swindon.com

Man with a plan: Darren Simons

Your voices... Quest for business rates hits the traditional traders Swindon Link's post bag is overflowing, with readers keen to share their views about the town centre. We will endeavour to publish further correspondence in future editions.

Tram - a 'no-brainer'

I just wanted to lend my support for your idea of a tram system to link up areas in Swindon. A reliable, circular service that takes in Swindon station and links outlying areas would be a good solution in my view and reduce pollution at the same time; a no brainer !

Always enjoy reading Swindon Link, keep up the good work !

Best wishes, Lesley Basu

Benefits to the public Your ‘quite ambitious ‘ suggestion for a tram system is spot on. Money should be raised to run the tram along Commercial Road and up Victoria hill. It shouldn’t be too difficult to still run car traffic in the former and redirect traffic up to Old Town. Benefits commercially and to the public.

Kind regards, Good Luck! Liz 6

Sir, I do not live in Swindon but in South Oxfordshire, on a direct bus route into the town. Now as intimated by one of your readers it is not an attractive place to shop. The derelict shops are caused by local authorities being greedy in the quest for business rates.

A developer comes along and builds a new shopping centre, out of town, with parking which is attracting shoppers to use their cars. The contractor then gets the rent and the local authority the business rates so they both win as does the public, for a

while anyhow, until the existing traders go out of business and hence leave empty shops.

The losers are the existing traders, who either have to move into expensive new rented units and shop fit them out and pay higher business rates, and eventually the public by losing the traditional traders. This can also be seen in Oxford with the new Westgate Centre, which has decimated the old covered market and left many shop doorways in the old high street to the ‘rough sleepers’, or charity shops. I have never

seen a town centre of such a prestigious place as Oxford decline so quickly, and Swindon has gone the same way. The local authorities should be reducing the business rates in areas of deprivation, including town centres, to encourage trade for all, the small as well as the large stores. This would, perhaps, increase local authority revenue and enable them to help the ‘rough sleepers’ and smarten up our town centres for the benefit of the electorate as a whole.

Les Walker

Transport solutions need to be considered One answer to the problems at the Outlet Village could be to allow vehicles access off Rodbourne Road where it is buses only; this would allow people a much easier route than going all around the roundabout.

An alternative to trams which would be a massive and expensive undertaking would be to run light railcars, and a new station on the east

side of Royal Wooton Bassett and another station on the west side of Shrivenham into Swindon station.

Another idea I had was to do as USA does and allow vehicles to turn left with caution on red traffic lights.

I put this to our MP but nothing has happened. And there are several junctions in Swindon that are within a quarter of a mile from a

roundabout so there could be left turn only and no right turn.

Also it is most annoying that when I aproach some of the smaller traffic light junctions, the lights have gone to red when there is no other vehicles on the other road. I really believe there are ways these ideas could help as moving vehicles give out a lot less exhaust than when stationary.

Rod Clifton

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Businesses are backing the homeless but new survey shows where gaps in the system leave vulnerable fending for themselves

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Primary Homes & Lettings have answered the call to prevent homelessness in Swindon by donating £3,500 to Threshold Housing Link.

Primary Homes & Lettings has been working alongside the charity as part of a 'Business Against Homelessness' initiative.

Last year the letting agency pledged to donate 10% of its house sales commission to Threshold Housing Link in a bid to support the charity's outreach programme. Thanks to Primary Homes & Lettings’ recent donation, the charity has received a financial boost of £3,500.

Despite Threshold's financial gain, results from Swindon’s most extensive homeless survey have revealed some of the dire realities faced by the town's rough sleepers.

The charity met with their partners last month to discuss the hard facts revealed by the survey - which was taken by 85 rough sleepers living in Swindon.

The survey results revealed that nearly half of the cohorts who were admitted to hospital were discharged back to the streets, self-harm abuse and suicide attempts were at a high rate, and two thirds said they had a long-standing illness.

Threshold now want to use the survey results to take appropriate action in

providing further support for Swindon's homeless population - this will include a continual collaboration with staff and volunteers from Swindon Homeless Helping Hands, Salvation Army’s Booth House, Big Breakfast, The Nightshelter and Healthwatch.

Michael Keenan, Threshold's Business Development Manager said: "It was an extremely important undertaking, made possible through collaboration with our partner organisations working in the homeless sector in Swindon.

We consulted directly with our town’s homeless population, seeking to ascertain a clear picture of their individual circumstances, and particularly their respective health needs.

Our motivation in doing so was to empirically reflect, in comprehensive detail, the reality of existence for homeless individuals in our town.

"By publishing this report we hope that partners within health, housing, and in the voluntary sector will be able to plan their services more effectively."

Gill May, Director of Nursing and Transformation, Swindon CCG, added: “Our goal as a CCG is to ensure that all people have access to healthcare at the point of need. It is so important that Swindon’s homeless community is not excluded from this."

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Young children extend hand of welcome to refugees South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has thrown his weight behind a national recruitment campaign to address the 110,000 vacancies in adult social care across England.

In Swindon there are currently 4,400 vacancies available in adult social care, meaning there is an immediate need for a campaign to reach and inspire people to consider a career in adult social care.

Robert said: “I have met some of the care workers involved in this campaign, and heard first-hand what a rewarding, varied and worthwhile career adult social care can be.

“I fully support this campaign and am looking forward to seeing its impact on the number of vacancies in Swindon” If you think a career in adult social care could be for you, or someone you know, visit the campaign website www. everydayisdifferent.com

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Swindon school pupils have pledged to make their town a place of welcome for refugees and asylum seekers through a collaborative poetry project.

Thanks to funding from South Swindon Parish Council, Swindon City of Sanctuary were able to commission a poetry project involving 20 students from five local schools.

The project, 'Twenty Welcomes', sees 20 students across East Wichel Primary School, Drove Primary School, Lydiard Park Academy, The Commonweal School, and Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, explore the message of welcome ahead of the twentieth anniversary of Refugee Week.

Students worked over three days alongside the charity and local poet, Hilda Sheehan, to create a poem. As part of the project the process was

filmed and made into a short documentary, ending with the children performing the poem.

Swindon City of Sanctuary Trustee, Cristina Bennett, said: "We are an incredibly diverse community here in Swindon.

We wanted to encourage young people from different language backgrounds to come together and work together because that’s shaping their future."

Four pupils - Joey Pugh, Catelyn Sinclair, Jumaima Abdul and Betty PeuvrelScannel - from the project attended the event alongside the Mayor of Swindon, Junab

Ali, who supports local charity The Harbour Project which assists refugees and asylum seekers moving into Swindon.

He said: "I’m so proud to call myself a Swindonian. Swindon is hugely diverse – just look at me. I’m the son of an immigrant and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be Mayor of Swindon. But here I am, and that’s a testament to the people of this town. I think the best way of fostering change, and the perspective of the way people look at refugees and immigrants, is the kids – they are the future." www.swindon. cityofsanctuary.org

Centre, Sunday 14 April, participants can enter in teams of up to eight people for the sponsored swim.

An organiser of the event said: "The Swimathon is not a race or a marathon – team members will swim in relays for 55 minutes and every individual will receive a medal and a certificate to verify how many lengths they have completed.

"All people need do is organise themselves in a team of four to eight persons all

with a shared aim and willing to collect some sponsorship on themselves. The swimmers will be responsible for collecting their sponsorship money and paying it to the Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club will then distribute it on a 50/50 basis to the team’s chosen charity and the Youth Adventure Trust."

For entry forms, sponsorship forms and further details visit the Charity Swimathon 2019 page on the Rotary Club’s website www. rotaryswindonnorth.org.uk

Get on the starting blocks for Swimathon 2019

Revamp plans for junction 15 of M4 Highways England have revealed that the muchmooted revamp to M4 Junction 15 is due to start this September.

The improvements will see the reconfigurement of lanes, a dedicated lane from Commonhead roundabout, a pedestrian crossing, resurfacing and drainage.

They are looking to award the contract in June this year with the works starting in September.

The works are planned to be completed in late December 2020 with the scheme handover in late January 2021.

Over the next few months the agency will be releasing the detailed plans for the work and it is not known yet what traffic disruption this will cause.

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A Swindon Rotary club is hoping to get people diving into their pockets as they get set for their annual charity 'Swimathon'.

Swindon North Rotary Club is urging people to get involved in their annual 'Swimathon' in aid of charity.

This year the rotary club will distribute all the money raised between a charity of each swimming team's choice and the Swindon-based Youth Adventure Trust.

Taking place at Better Link

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Locarno developers given deadline to submit plans following concerns over deterioration of site

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Developers of the derelict Locarno building have been given a legal deadline to submit planning applications in the wake of concerns over the deterioration of the site which they took over in 2016.

Last month Swindon Borough Council, developers, - Swindon Corn Exchange Ltd - and the Locarno's current owner - Gael Mackenzie - signed a Deed of Variation which states that a planning application for the Locarno must be submitted in September 2019.

The Locarno was expected to open its doors in 2020 as ‘The Exchange', but now following concerns raised by the council, and public, the developers have been brought to the table with Swindon Borough Council and Gael Mackenzie to drive

the project forward.

The Grade II Listed building in Old Town has been derelict for more than 30 years, and initial contracts for the regeneration project were signed in 2016 with visions of transforming the iconic ballroom into a £35m complex consisting of apartments, restaurants, shops and bars. Since the contracts were signed two years ago no plans have yet to come to

fruition.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, said: “The deterioration of the Locarno has been a concern for residents and the Council for a long time. I am keen to see action, so I am pleased that Mr Rosier and the building’s owner, Mr McKenzie, have agreed to submit a planning application by the

end of September 2019.

“The Council is committed to the historic Locarno, and this legal agreement means the developer can finally bring the necessary regeneration forward. I look forward to seeing the plans for the site at the public consultation events in the coming months.”

Steve Rosier, of Swindon Corn Exchange Ltd, added: “I am delighted we have been able to agree a way to deliver what will be a flagship scheme for Old Town.

“SCL have been working behind the scenes for a long time to get this important project off the ground.

Historic sites are never easy to redevelop sensitively, and it is great news for us and Old Town that we have the extra time we need to submit a planning application that the whole town can be proud of.”

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Abandoned dog brought back from the brink by animal haven

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

When she was found tied to a gate on Wroughton Road, three days before Christmas - 'Lady', a Saluki dog was literally skin and bones. The malnourished dog struggled to stand and was so thin that her spine was clearly visible and her coat had started to fall out in patches.

John Warwick, who runs Swindon District Animal Haven, was called by a member of the public who had previously unsuccessfully tried to contact the RSPCA. "We never turn animals away - and when I saw it, I could not believe what a state it was in. I've been running the Swindon Animal Haven for 23 years now and this is honestly one of the worst cases of neglect I have ever seen."

Following vet's advice, John committed himself to feeding Lady (named by his wife) on a strict 2-hourly routine - with no idea if she would survive her earlier ordeal.

Curry fundraiser Swindon Mayor Junab Ali was among the guests at the Lalbagh Indian restaurant to enjoy a meal and raise funds to support the annual Mad March Hare event.

The event in aid of Breast Cancer NOW is in its 12th year.

More than 60 guests attended the evening on 4 February and along with a raffle and other events raised over £630 which will go towards running the event.

Team member Denise Glover said: "Raising money at events like this means we are able to ensure 100% of the entry fees go to the Breast Cancer Now charity."

The Mad March Hare will take place on Sunday 24th March 2019, starting and finishing at Lydiard Park Academy. To take part or volunteer at the event please log on to www. madmarchhare.org.uk

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"I cannot understand how anyone could allow their animal to suffer like this. She's such an adorable dog and just so loving. Amazingly, considering everything that she has been through, she seems to love being around humans."

With his family visiting other relatives over Christmas, John knew that his priority was to continue to care for the seriously ill animal.

"I spent Christmas Day curled up with this dog, making sure that she was regularly fed. Maybe it's a funny thing to say but this was one of the best Christmas Days I've ever had."

John's dedication paid off, and Lady responded well to the treatment he provided and is now back to an ideal weight.

And now John is inviting potential owners to come forward.

"We would love to see Lady go to a loving home - she is just beautiful and has a really lovely temperament."

Swindon District Animal Shelter, based at Warwick Farm, can be contacted on 07990 868887.

Heartbreaking: John Warwick nursed Lady back to health over Christmas

Netballer joins England team for World Cup in South Africa

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

20-year-old Abby Miles has been selected for England's U21 squad in the World Indoor Netball Championships.

Abby Miles will be joining the England Netball Nets U21 team this August as they play for the Indoor Netball World Cup in South Africa.

The official team for the England Netball Nets was announced last month. The 20-year-old, from West Swindon, was selected for the squad after a series of open events where more than 200 players trialled out for the team.

She will be one of 23 players flying to South Africa later this year.

Abby is gunning for gold this August following on from the team's last two World Championship

wins. She said: "It’s an honour to be selected to represent my country as my chosen sport.

"NETS is an exciting version of netball because it’s fast pace and the ball never goes out of play. The girls I train with are all talented and a great group to try and achieve gold at the Indoor Netball World Cup. "I’d love to also be given the opportunity to lead the U21 as a captain or vice too."

In order to join her team in South Africa, Abby will need to cover the cost of her flights and accommodation. To try and make her dream a reality she is looking for sponsorship for the World Champions.

For further information about how to sponsor Abby visit www. gofundme.com

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Plans unveiled for primary school in Badbury Park

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Developments for a new primary school near Coate Water are pushing forward following the release of the site's proposed plans.

A new school is set to open this year in South Swindon following the release of development plans for Badbury Park Primary School.

After The Blue Kite Trust received government funding, the free primary school was due to open last September

but was unable to secure the relevant planning permission.

The school is now set to welcome its first 60 Reception pupils in September 2019 who are expected to benefit from a purpose-built early years facility, a specialised art facility and state of the art play equipment. The school is expected to reach its full complement of students by 2024, and open a nursery in 2020.

For further information visit www.bluekitetrust.org.uk/ badbury-park/

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Plans submited for 159 homes on site next to A419

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

A development of 159 new homes could be built on the north Swindon site of the former Abbey Greyhound Stadium car park.

The 6.6 hectare area of land between the Abbey Greyhound Stadium and the David Lloyd Leisure Centre - is next to the A419. The proposed area currently includes an area of former car parking, a flat area of concrete hard standing and a grass area.

Developer, Homes England, have submitted a proposal to build 159 ‘new market and affordable’ homes along with structured public open spaces including play areas, planting

to help reduce noise from the A419/B4534 and transport infrastructre.

The public are invited to view the plans and make comments at www.swindon.gov.uk using application number (S/OUT/19/0056)

Grant award to support internet awareness course for teens A Swindon charity is stepping up its work to educate teenage girls about the dangers of online grooming.

Swindon Ten to Eighteen Project (STEP) has been awarded £8,100 from the government’s Tampon Tax grants to fund a campaign to show teens how to stay safe online.

STEP is an intervention and mentoring service, based at Nythe Community Centre, that uses group therapy to tackle emotional problems among young people aged ten to 18.

Its regular sessions help youngsters to develop confidence and wellbeing. They are referred by schools, health professionals and families themselves.

Project director Johanna Bryant said the new programme is in response to the growing number of young girls she feels are at risk. “We wanted to enhance the service for young women because we feel there is a real need.”

She said gaming forums, WhatsApp, Facebook and other media are prime 12

locations for predators.

STEP plans to use group sessions and a series of open days to use exercises, case studies and YouTube videos to help an all-female team of staff, volunteers and peer mentors to get the message across. The charity holds group sessions five nights a week and one on Saturdays and has more than 80 volunteers. The groups use a range of activities including art, drama, sports, games and cooking to entertain and engage the youngsters it works with.

Wiltshire Community Foundation chief executive Rosemary Macdonald said: “We are delighted to have been able to support a number of small charities and community groups in Wiltshire as part of the Tampon Tax Community Fund. They are all providing crucial local services for girls and women who are facing issues of homelessness, mental health and hardship.

Find out more about STEP at Swindon.step.org.uk. Or for Wiltshire Community Foundation wiltshirecf.org.uk.

Pride of Swindon judges put the case for 2019 nominations

Representatives from local businesses, media organisations and charities put their heads together at Swindon Borough Council's civic offices for the official judging of nominations for the 2019 Pride of Swindon Awards.

The difficult task involved sorting through dozens of nominations both in the individual category and for the team category. Behind closed doors, judges were asked to list their top 12 individual nominations and top six team nominations - and a tally created from the combined totals.

There was a wide spread

of nominations including dedicated charity workers, young carers, healthcare professionals and those who have gone above and beyond to serve the communities where they live.

And in the team categories, nominations ranged from volunteer organisations, charitable fundraising groups and educational organisations to social support groups.

The winners of the 2019 Pride of Swindon Award and those nominations deserving a special mention will be unveiled at a ceremony on March 21st at Steam - the museum of the Great Western Railway.

swindonlink.com n March 2019

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Swindon & Wiltshire Pride bags grant from Tesco’s community scheme

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Every little helps! Support from the Swindon community has bagged Swindon & Wiltshire Pride second place in Tesco’s Bags of Help community grant scheme.

After applying for Tesco’s Bags of Help community grant scheme last year, Swindon & Wiltshire Pride have been awarded funding after winning second place.

The Bags of Help scheme runs in partnership with Groundwork who look to support local charities and community projects by offering them grants of up to £4,000.

Last year Tesco shoppers had the opportunity to vote from November to December 2019 with allocated tokens provided at the checkouts. Since launching in 2015, the scheme has provided more than £67 million to over 21,000 local community projects.

John Edwards Grant Manager

said: “We would like to thank everyone who voted for us. The community were fully behind us, even sending photos of themselves voting for us.

"Swindon & Wiltshire Pride is a much-loved local event, promoting equality and diversity. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Alec Brown, Tesco’s Head of Community, added: “Bags of Help contributes funds to community projects up and down the country and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from customers voting in their local stores. We’re looking forward to seeing more projects brought to life.”

The money received from the grant is set to go towards the running of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride. The organisation was unable to host the event last year due to a lack of volunteers. This year the group have confirmed that Pride will take place 10 August.

Groundwork’s National Chief

Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “Bags of Help continues to enable local communities up and down Britain to improve the local spaces and places that matter to them. The diversity of projects that are being funded shows that local communities have a passion to create something great in their area."

Greenbridge Roundabout shines in support of Pride Last month saw Greenbridge roundabout illuminated with rainbow colours to coincide with the start of LGBT History Month.

Affleck Electrical agreed to waive the cost of programming the lights. Dan Grubb, Electrical Contracts Manager, said: “We thought it would be great to offer our services and help organisations use the roundabout to promote their cause. It’s a brilliant way to do it, and we’re happy to help out.”

Phoenix Stewart, from the Swindon and Wiltshire Pride Committee, said: "We wanted something visual to mark the start of LGBT history month and this seemed like a fantastic way to raise awareness of this important month."

Oftsed report says The Dorcan Academy has "improved significantly" The Dorcan Academy is celebrating after a recent Ofsted inspection has taken away their ‘Inadequate’ label and recognised that the school, under the leadership of Head Teacher Sherryl Bareham, has “improved significantly since the last inspection”.

Inspectors said that ‘behaviour and attendance have improved markedly’ and ‘pupils are making good progress in a number of subjects’. The leadership and management team, and the governors were all praised for ‘successfully leading improvements’.

Head Teacher Sherryl Bareham said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the significant improvements we have made since the last inspection despite facing huge challenges. Leadership and management is now judged as ‘Good’, as is Personal development, behaviour and

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welfare.

"In terms of Outcomes, Ofsted are required to compare our results against all schools nationally, rather than with similar schools in similar contexts, and although requiring further improvement, they noted that our results are improving year on year and were fully confident in our leadership team to continue this trajectory. We had already been working on the improvements we need to make so we are very pleased that their judgements matched our own.

"Our staff and governors are extremely dedicated and totally committed to our vision of becoming an outstanding school of first choice at the heart of our local community.

"This inspection is an endorsement of all our hard work and has spurred us on to achieve that vision." www.dorcan.co.uk

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Bayberry seek talent for family fun day

Put a spring in your step for Prospect Hospice's charity run

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Prospect Hospice have announced a brand-new route for its Spring Run. Taking place Stanton Country Park, Sunday 17 March, there has been a new route introduced for both the 5k and 10k course.

A spokesperson for the event said: "This challenging multi-terrain run will give you something to get stuck into early in the running season.

"Our brand new 10km and 5km routes will cover woodland, farmland and rough track, a great event for regular runners, those looking to up their distance or try off-road running."

The Spring Run will start at 10am. Registration for the run is £15, with a suggested sponsorship of £100.

For further information about the event, and volunteering, call 01793 816161 or email fundraisingandevents@ prospect-hospice.net.

As part of a recent takeover of Wichelstowe's Bayberry, the new pub owners are looking for local musicians and food vendors to take part in their Bank Holiday family fun day.

Since taking over The Bayberry in December, manager Dave Marston has been looking to transform the pub into a vibrant and welcoming meeting place.

In a bid to open the pub's doors to the wider Swindon community, The Bayberry will

be hosting a Family Fun Day over the May Bank Holiday, Sunday 26 May. A spokesperson for the pub, Tracey Holmes, said: "It is a real community family day and we would love it if local people and schools would get involved.

"In addition to this we are also hoping to have local craft and food providers to have a stall on the day."

Those interested in a pitch, or musicians looking to perform, should call 01793 688766.

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University ready to move into historic GWR Carriageworks Swindon's Carriageworks is set to become home to Royal Agricultural University's cultural heritage training hub.

The Cultural Heritage Institute will be based in a unit within the Swindon Borough Councilowned Great Western Railway (GWR) Carriage Works.

RAU and the council have completed a legally binding agreement for RAU to take out a 20-year lease within the Carriage Works following the completion of council-funded refurbishment works.

The conversion of the Carriage Works, designed by Metropolitan Workshop, will insert a standalone structure into Unit 11 of the West Shed – creating offices, seminar rooms, a library and lecture space over two floors.

The new academic offer will contribute to the council’s ambition to increase the supply of higher education options available to Swindon residents.

Although RAU’s initial offer will focus on a highly specialised range of courses, there is potential for the university’s presence to grow over time.

The Cultural Heritage Institute will start to deliver courses from September this year.

The Institute will provide students with a first-hand insight into the complexities of heritage-led regeneration.

The redevelopment of the Carriage Works builds on the council’s commitment to finding sustainable uses for its heritage

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

Councillor Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity, said: “The University provides a real opportunity to meet the needs of the cultural sector and supports our commitment to work with a number of stakeholders to increase our higher education

provision in Swindon.

“This has seen Oxford Brookes expand its presence in Swindon, a growth in Higher Education courses provided by both Swindon College and New College and our continued support of the Institute of Technology bid.”

Dr Lucy Meredith, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Royal Agricultural University, said: “We’re delighted to be working so closely with Swindon Borough Council.

The transformation of the Carriage Works to a higher education learning hub will provide much easier access to a range of specialist courses from the University, in important areas such as archaeology and heritage management – subjects that are vital to our understanding and management of the environment we live in.”

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

Home Secretary visits Swindon Home Secretary Sajid Javid visited Swindon’s Gablecross Police Station to meet key players in the fight against organised drug gangs operating across county lines.

During his visit, Mr Javid met Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson, Swindon’s two Conservative MPs Robert Buckland, and Justin Tomlinson as well as representatives from Swindon Borough Council including leader David Renard.

Mr Javid said: “I wanted to see what work was being done here in Swindon and I’m very impressed. I was keen to see how we can support our local forces and that's both from the law enforcement side - it’s always going to be incredibly important to make sure that those who are exploiting our young people are being captured and that justice is being done.

“But just as important for us is the early intervention. There are young people, children as

young as 10 or 12, who are being exploited by gangs. We need to make sure that we are working at a national or local level to ensure that this is being tackled.

“Swindon, in common with many other towns, is being targeted by big gangs and it is our priority - through the County Lines Coordination Centre and working with a range of agencies - to safeguard those vulnerable people who are exploited by these gangs looking for new markets for their drugs.”

He explained that an increase in the availability of Class A drugs had led to an overall reduction in the street price and pushed gangs to look for new markets and that communication, intelligence and cross-agency working was key to tackling this sophisticated emerging criminal trend.

Anyone with information about suspected drug dealing can contact the police anonymously on 0800555111.

Community Defibrillator installed at Jovial Monk after fundraising

Following six months of fund raising, the Ridge Coffee Club,which meets monthly at the Jovial Monk, Highdown Way, North Swindon have purchased a community defibrillator.

The defibrillator was installed on 5 February on the wall of the Jovial Monk.

Lyn Bayliss and Sue MacDonald, co founders of the club thanked the generous donations, hard work of club members and the support of Debbie, the pub landlady enabling the club to achieve its goal.

Justin Tomlinson will officially

unveil the defibrillator on 8 March at 11am.

The club have organised cake stalls, a Christmas Fayre and monthly quiz nights. All these events were held at the Jovial Monk.

The club will continue to raise funds for the maintenance of the defibrillator and their new charity, Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Some of the group recently visited the Air Ambulance headquarters at Semington where they learnt it costs approximately £2,500 per mission. swindonlink.com n March 2019

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Science Park developers hit back at 'fictional' claims by opposition campaign

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

The company behind plans for a controversial Science Park have hit back at claims made by a local opposition group which they believe to be misleading.

Plans for a Science Park in Swindon have sparked much debate since a planning application was submitted by pharmaceutical packing company, the Wasdell Group, in December 2018.

The proposals have been strongly opposed by the newly formed South Swindon Protection Group. On Saturday 28 January the group, and locals from the Wanborough area, formed a human chain on the Inlands Farm site in protest of the development.

The Wasdell Group are now challenging the veracity of claims and publicity material created by a group.

A spokesperson for Wasdell Properties, which has submitted

a planning application for a Science Park at Inlands Farm, Wanborough, said: “Unfortunately, some of the material the South Swindon Protection Group has produced for residents is fictional and inaccurate.

It bears no resemblance to the documents submitted with our planning application for the Science Park. This flow of misinformation means residents’ ability to reach an informed decision on the Science Park proposal is being compromised.

This isn’t fair to residents and also compromises our own ability to properly assess and potentially address genuine concerns raised based on the real facts.

“For example, the group has created a mocked-up image with imaginary large buildings laid over a photograph of the current site, which bears no resemblance to our planning application, for use on its publicity material. The group’s mocked-up layout of the park

Cycling News: by Rob Derry Swindon Cycle Campaign had an open meeting on 28 January. What has become clear through this event is the enormous amount of progress made by the Swindon Cycle Campaign over the last few years. There is progress on the Sports Hub in Moredon, for example. The planning permissions have been granted and there is a team undertaking environmental impacts and detailed plans to fill out the proposals. There are also conversations with various organisations and national bodies around the funding and ongoing running of this facility, which will be a fantastic outdoor recreation area.

On infrastructure, members of SCC have been working with the Borough Council on many schemes including the completion of the “Flyer” network, the Wellington Street improvements and now we’re looking into the future. There 16

is a lot of work being done behind the scenes to ensure that cycling provision stays top and centre when new developments are built.

SCC members are also working on an analysis of where people live, work and travel to/from within the Borough. This is to identify areas that may be better served with cycle provision to enable people who want to cycle to do so in an environment they feel safe in.

Bikeability is back on in Swindon and there are opportunities to train to be a course leader.

There are also free courses available to be a “Ride Leader” for the HSBC rides.

Swindon Cycle Campaign is also looking at ways that a cycle hire or borrow-a-bike scheme can be put in place to give people from all walks of life the opportunity to give cycling a try.

gives the impression that most of the land will be populated by high buildings, when in fact only 14 per cent of the site will be built area. The rest will be given over to a green sustainable landscaping strategy with water features.

“We would encourage all Swindon Residents to look at the planning application on Swindon Borough Council’s website and see for themselves how this Science Park is to be developed.”

The Wasdell Group submitted the planning application back in December, promising that the site will create up to 600 jobs for Swindon. The opposition group has strongly opposed the development and do not believe the Wasdell

Group have provided enough information to back their plans.

On the South Swindon Protection Group's website, the group states: "This development would be a 24-hour operation with associated light, air and noise pollution.

"The site floods – as local knowledge proves.

"The proposal refers to ‘much needed facilities’. It does not say by whom and for whose benefit.

"This site would cover a vast area of farmland. This site bridges the gap between Swindon and the Ridgeway villages and if not stopped will bring about the complete urbanisation of South Swindon."

Wildcats turn things around!

As the Christmas blues slowly left the Better Link Centre, the turn of the year also proved to be an upturn in the Wildcats league form with Aaron Nell’s men winning every competitive fixture throughout the first month of 2019.

The standout fixture of the month was the 4-1 win against the Peterborough Phantoms, thanks to goals from Aaron Nell, Max Birbraer, Jonas Höög and Edgars Bebris.

With the Wildcats upturn in fortunes in their league run, they also saw themselves climb back to the top spot of the NIHL S1 League table putting themselves in a great position with only 10 games remaining in the league campaign.

Wildcats player of the month, Floyd Taylor, also contributed a hat trick against Streatham on his way to five goals in the month of January. The business end of the season is always the most exciting and whilst we are in the middle of a title chase, it

is even more exciting.

The Wildcats are looking forward to some of the most intense games of hockey the Better Link Centre has seen, with home games against Bracknell, Basingstoke and London all before the end of season playoffs begin to arrive towards the end of March.

There are not many games left now so if you are thinking about grabbing tickets to a game do it sooner rather than later otherwise the season will be over! Visit www. swindonwildcats.com or phone 01793 886857 for tickets!

swindonlink.com n March 2019

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The Business Brief

New classic electric Mini to be built in Swindon

Swind announces limited production run of electric classic Mini at Swindon Powertrain's factory in Crampton Road.

Sixty years after the iconic Mini first hit the streets, a Swindon technology company has unveiled the first production electric classic Mini at the London Classic Car Show. The Swind E Classic Mini combines a fully-restored body and bespoke powertrain developed in-house by industry leaders Swindon Powertrain, specialists that have been providing engineering expertise to automotive and motorsports industries for over 40 years.

Produced in Wiltshire at the firm’s recently-upgraded facility, the Swind E Classic Mini instils all the affection of the original with state-of-the-art EV technology to create an individual, nippy, zeroemissions city car with character.

While retaining the same look, proportions and spirit of the original Mini, the bespoke 80kw motor and single transmission ensures responsive and smooth power that can be used without

incurring congestion charge fees.

Available to order immediately in either left- or right-hand-drive, the limited production run of 100 cars starts at £79,000 and comes with an unlimited mileage one-year warranty and MOT. Standard features include USB charging ports, underfloor heating, heated leather seats and front and rear windscreen To ensure the E Classic Mini can stand up to the rigours of today’s driving, the prototype has completed over 10,000 real world miles alongside thousands of hours of virtual simulations of the bespoke

powertrain. Contemporary corrosion protection together with completely new brake and suspension parts ensure Swind’s E Classic Mini is substantially easier to live with than other classics.

This highly-advanced Swind E Classic Mini is the brainchild of Swindon Powertrain’s managing director Raphael Caillé, who saw an opportunity to produce an electric car with a soul that people from all walks of life would instantly fall in love with. “This is the first time an electrified classic Mini has entered production,” confirms Caillé. “There have been

one-offs and prototypes before, but Swind is the first company to launch such a car to the public.

The classic Mini has such a special place in people’s hearts, not only in the UK but around the world. The packaging of Sir Alec Issigonis’ 1959 design was truly ground-breaking and now we are making it relevant again. Its compact size and good visibility, together with contemporary performance and handling, makes it a car you’ll want to drive in the city and put a smile on your face.”

For more information visit www.swind.life

Swindon design agency keeps children safe online with colourful characters Digital storybooks with colourful characters created

by Swindon design agency Jazzbones have been published to help keep children safe online.

The digital books – which can be downloaded for free – were produced by Parent Zone, which provides information and support to parents, children and schools.

Parent Zone is backed by The Vodafone Foundation, which is focused on delivering public benefit through the use of mobile technology. The books, which star Tommy the Tablet and Sally the Smartphone, were launched across Europe on Safer Internet Day – 5 February.

Jazzbones’ in-house CGI illustrators created more than 30 eye-catching illustrations in a kaleidoscope of colours to accompany the tech characters

as they navigate their way through the challenges and adventures of smartphone technology.

The resources are aimed at helping primary school children to become digitally resilient to negative influences like cyberbullying and online grooming while helping them to flourish online.

The stories focus on twins Angus and Annie, and how they interact with and treat their devices. When they don’t treat them well — like creating a weak password or charging them under their pillows at night — the devices start feeling poorly and the children need to find ways to make them well again.

The stories – which are available in eight different languages – are designed so that children will understand the consequences of being

reckless with tech and learn how they can improve their habits.

Parent Zone says children reading the stories might have found themselves in similar situations in the past and can learn how to best handle those situations in the future.

Jazzbones’ founder and creative director Nathan Sandhu said: "This has been a fantastic project to be involved with on so many levels.

"Firstly we were appointed to the project after pitching against London-based agencies

and illustrators and our 3D work stood out to win us the pitch.

"Secondly we really love working with charities to bring about change for good. If these books can help young children with internet safety then that is just brilliant. We were really excited to see the books launched across Europe." www.parentzone.org.uk swindonlink.com n March 2019

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Pets and nature

Eurasian Eagle Owl finds new home at Studley Grange The staff at Studley Grange Butterfly World, Farm Park & Craft Village are delighted to welcome a new addition to their zoo area.

This new addition is a Eurasian Eagle-Owl, named BoBo, who had previously spent 9 years living at the Hope Nature Centre. Due to increased costs of care and licensing the Hope Nature Centre was no longer able to provide a home for BoBo. E-mails asking for help with rehoming BoBo were sent out to various animal establishments, and this is when the staff at Studley Grange Butterfly World, Farm Park & Craft Village stepped in to help, with

the offer of a permanent home for BoBo. Eurasian Eagle Owls are native throughout Europe and Asia, their favoured habitats are forests, grasslands and deserts. They can live up to 20 years in the wild, but often live much longer in captivity.

The can grow up to 2.5 feet in body with up to a 6.5 foot wing span; they feed off small mammals, other birds and on occasions even adult foxes and young deer.

This magnificent looking bird is settling in well and later in the year visitors will be able to see him take part in flying demonstrations.

Jackie Guscott the general

manager said: “We were very happy to step in and offer BoBo a permanent home, he is a great addition to our zoo collection.

"Not only will visitors be able to see him, he also provides us with an opportunity to

teach our visitors, especially our young school visitors, about conservation and the importance of habitat management in securing a positive future for all wildlife including Owls." www.studleygrange.co.uk

Drove Vets share the signs of parasites on your pets

By Drove Vets publisher@swindonlink.com

As winter draws to an end and the weather slowly starts to get warmer, parasites become more active and eager to begin bothering our pets!

So, we feel it is the perfect time to remind all pet owners to make sure their pets are protected against these unwelcome guests.

There are two major groups of parasites that can affect our pets: ectoparasites, which are external parasites, and endoparasites or internal parasites (most of them are worms!). The first like to settle in our pets’ skin and hair and the latter like to make themselves comfortable inside our pets’ bodies, settling in different places according to their type.

Most worms live in the intestines, positioning themselves in the perfect spot to steal our pets’ nutrients, causing gastrointestinal upset, and, in most severe

cases, anaemia and bowel obstructions. However, others are bolder in their invasive ways and establish themselves in the heart (heartworm) or lungs (lungworm) causing bigger and potentially lifethreatening problems.

As for ectoparasites, these are the ones that you’ll be able to notice more quickly as they keep themselves busy on the outside! We’re talking about fleas, ticks, mites, but also flies and mosquitoes. These can cause allergies and skin conditions, either by irritation or because our pets scratch themselves so much, and can be the carriers of worms and other dangerous infectious agents.

It is very easy for our pets to get parasites as these tiny creatures are everywhere, and

can effortlessly make their way through our homes uninvited, especially fleas. Being carried by our pets, fleas will march through our doors and before we know it, they'll start laying their eggs all around their environment. This is why it’s so important to cover all angles when treating for fleas, treating the affected pets, other household pets (including indoor pets), and the home environment.

The good news is you can keep your pets protected from these little creatures at all times. There are a number of products available on the market to protect your pets, but different products have different effects on the parasites depending on their composition. Some

have a repellent effect that keeps external parasites at bay, others only kill adult parasites, and others won’t kill the parasites but will keep them from growing into their adult forms, preventing their reproduction.

Some products have longterm effects, but others don’t.

There are also some products available for dogs that are not safe to use in cats (and other pets) and can even be fatal if inadvertently applied to our friendly felines.

For these reasons, you should always seek veterinary advice to keep your pets protected. Your vet will be able to recommend the best product (or combination of products) to protect your pets and formulate a prevention plan specifically tailored to their needs that takes into consideration their routines, their environment and their interaction with other pets.

Remember: prevention is the best medicine! swindonlink.com n March 2019

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The Politics Page

Councils face the challenge of balancing the books

Lib Dem councillor Stan Pajak Councils across the country are in poor financial shape.

They have a funding gap of a staggering £3 billion which will rise to £8 billion by 2024/25.

The key challenges are adult social care – usually 80% of their budget, children’s services including special educational needs and disabilities, homelessness and housing and the sustainability of wider council services.

Swindon’s budget is perhaps the most challenging yet, with cuts to services and staff but a rise in council tax

of 3.99% - the maximum increase allowable without a referendum.

A councillor’s life is a continual call for more resources with issues ranging from improving our town centre to the more local ones such as fly tipping and car parking. In every case the lack of council

money will affect what can be done but rest assured we will continue to battle for the resources our area deserves.

In my role as a parish councillor I have volunteered to look after the notice boards in Town Gardens and Great Western park (Faringdon Road entrance) while continuing with the one I’ve always done at Queen’s Park. I had to give the one at Great Western park a lick of paint and a clean but I believe notice boards are a useful way to let people know what’s going on and add a little bit extra to our parks. If you would like to put something

local up on them just contact me. My email is stanpajak@ ymail.com or telephone 07711039789 The Radnor Street Cemetery is a wonderful part of the history and heritage of our town and there are around 33,000 people buried there.

It was sad to hear from a resident how they could not get to a family grave because of the brambles. There is no longer a budget to undertake maintenance at the cemetery.

Radnor Street Cemetery deserves better and I for one would be glad to be part of regular community tidy ups.

how we take forward the Kimmerfields site opposite Debenhams.

The transformation of the Town Centre will also include a brand new bus facility and significant improvements to the public spaces in and around Fleming Way. Work is already well underway to improve the gateway from the railway station into the Town Centre at Wellington Street, while we recently announced how the Royal Agricultural University

would be leading on a new Cultural Heritage Institute within Brunel’s former Carriage Works.

Announcements are also on the horizon for the former Aspen House site behind Granville Street car park and, of course, we await with some relish the indoor ski slope development at North Star.

We are moving in the right direction to improve our Town Centre for the better and I look forward to sharing the positive benefits they will bring with the Link as they start to come to fruition.

We are working hard to improve Swindon town centre

Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard (Con) I was pleased to see the Link launch its Heart of Swindon campaign at the beginning of the year. The council normally has a part to play in solving some of these issues, either on its own or by leveraging support from partners.

I am delighted that this month my cabinet colleague, Cllr Dale Heenan, has been given the opportunity to talk about what we are doing to tackle some of the issues facing retailers and our 20 swindonlink.com n March 2019 E March Master pages.indd 20

significant plans to rejuvenate the centre of our town.

Cllr Heenan has been working extremely hard with his officer team to make significant progress on a number of important regeneration schemes that will significantly improve the Town Centre. This month promises to be a big one in terms of outlining our vision for the Town Centre, including

15/02/2019 14:35

Swindon Life

Celebrating town living

New festival takes creative approach to support mental health in Swindon A group of artists and local organisations have came together to launch Swindon's first Wellbeing and Arts Festival last month.

As part of a new initiative to raise awareness of mental health, and break down stigmas, collectives across Swindon wanted to demonstrate how engaging with artistic practices can have a positive impact on wellbeing through what organisers hope becomes an annual festival.

An organiser of the event, James Osborn, said: "One of our aims is to showcase what

different types of creative outlets and support are available to people. A lot of people are trying to deal with mental health and wellbeing problems on their own, so a major part of what we want to say is that there is a whole community of people who want to help."

Local organisations who hosted and supported the festival included Darkroom Espresso, Artsite, Wyvern Theatre, The Olive Tree CafĂŠ, Richard Jefferies Museum, Baristocats, Create Studios, Gateway Furniture and John Lewis.

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTHS AHEAD In the community l Cat Show Championship returns to Cricklade Saturday 20 April. The Black and White Cat Club will be hosting its twentieth show at Cricklade Town Hall, showcasing the cat's whiskers of pedigree and nonpedigree felines. Deadline for entries is Wednesday 3 April. www.theblackandwhitecatclub. org

Book now...

FROM SAATCHI TO SWINDON - "ARTIST ON THE RISE" AT OINK

Gin, jazz and “unquestionably an artist on the rise” kick started Oink Gallery’s first exhibition of 2019.

Marcelina Amelia’s solo exhibition is displaying an array of her work from mixed media formats, vibrant print work, paint, ceramics and illustrations. Originating from Poland, the now UK-based artist has made a prominent mark in the art world – last year she was dubbed as “unquestionably an artist on the rise” by Saatchi curator Monty Preston.

In 2018 Marcelina also met Oink Gallery owner, Mark Pepperall, at The Affordable Art Fair in Bristol. Her solo exhibition is now being displayed in the Swindon-based gallery until midMarch www.oinkgallery.co.uk

RED ARROWS TATTOO FAREWELL

The RAF Red Arrows will perform their last public displays in the UK from 19 to 21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, before they fly to North America for the Western Hawk 19 Tour. The event promotes trade in support of the UK’s prosperity agenda.

Tickets from £47 www.airtattoo.com

REEF AT SWINDON'S LEVEL III

Following the release of their latest album ' Revelation', nineties British rock sensations, Reef, are bringing their exclusive tour to Level III Friday 8 March. Hits include 'Place Your Hands', 'Come Back Brighter', 'Naked' and 'My Sweet Love'.

Tickets £28 www.level3swindon.com

LET'S SWIM, GET SWIMMING

Swindon-based band, Let's Swim, Get Swimming, will be hosting their album launch 'Nothing Nautical' at Darkroom Espresso Friday 1 March.

Support for the math rock trio comes from the nightmare pop, Swindon five-piece, Flour Babies.

Tickets £3 www.lsgs.bandcamp.com

Venues

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

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

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

l Cricklade's Red Lion brings back their annual Winter Beer Festival, Friday 1 March. www.theredlioncricklade.co.uk l Celebrated artist and muralist Ken White embarks on a whistle stop tour of his life through some amazing photographs aided by Andy Binks of the Swindon Society, Thursday 28 March at SMAG. Tickets from £6.50. www.friendsofsmag.org l One of the most celebrated microbreweries, Tiny Rebel, will be taking over the taps of The Tuppenny, Thursday 21 March, with seven beers to celebrate seven years! Entry is free. l Swindon-based tape label Liquid Library presents Angry Exotica, EP/64 and Bellies at Artsite, Saturday 30 March.

Tickets £4. l Freedom Kit Bags will be celebrating its tenth anniversary in May. To continue the fight against period poverty in Nepal, and support communities effected by natural disasters through Angel’s Orphanage, the charity will be hosting a Family Fun Day at Root & Branch, Westmill Farm, Sunday 19 May. Email fo-ao@hotmail.com

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15/02/2019 14:36

The Quo must go on!

Ben Fitzgerald gets deeper on down with rock legend Francis Rossi on life after Rick, the joys of touring and his latest projects...

F

rancis Rossi is showing no signs of slowing down.

He's a fast as a whip and his words tumble over themselves trying to keep up with his thoughts.

When I give him a call he picks up after the second ring, singing the Judy Garland classic from Singin' in the Rain: 'Good Morning, Good Morning, We danced the whole night through!'

What would you be doing if you weren’t busy being 'thatFrancis-Rossi-from-Status-Quo?' I’m still mouthing ‘Quo’... when he comes back with his reply.

“Retail..”

And it takes a while for his answer to sink in… did the double-denim boogie rock legend just say he’s a frustrated shopkeeper?

He’s deadly serious.

“It’s in the blood. When I was growing up in Forest Hill my parents ran an ice cream parlour. And in a way, being in show business is not really that different.

"You are selling a product people get a bit funny when I talk about what we do in that way, but I think being aware of what you are selling, and who you are selling it to is why we have been so successful.

“I’m always aware that I’m supporting a whole bunch of other people, not just my family, but also all the people who are behind the project. The thing is, people don’t want to peer behind the curtain… but that’s show business!

“When I was growing up people thought I was from the posh end of town. Imagine that! It’s all relative I suppose, but it’s because my parents had a shop. They assumed that I would be helping myself to free ice cream all the time - and obviously you can’t do that, it’s your stock. But I did find myself adopting a bit of a different persona, you know, just to fit in.”

So do you have a different stage identity from the other Francis Rossi - you know, the one who puts out the bins… and does other normal things?

“Well yes, of course. And I suppose I have been doing this thing for so long now that it has become second nature for me. I had someone backstage saying to me ‘how do you do that?’ because right up to the moment that I am due to go on, I’m just me, just standing around chatting and having a cup of tea. But then I can go out and perform in front of a large crowd of people and I’m that performer that everyone knows

Earthworm Recording Studio's Jon Buckett - photograph by Jennifer Berry

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me for. It is strange I guess.”

I suppose that most people know you from the classic Quo years - from the early 70s to the start of the 80s - when you became well known for your boogie rock classics. But I imagine that many are not aware that you went through an early psychedelic phase and that there are many more strings to your bow.

“Oh yes, that’s very true there is a pressure from the fans who want to pigeonhole you as a certain type of act.

But the older I get, the less I find that I worry about what other people think.

“My latest album is a collaboration with Hannah Rickard ‘We talk too much’ which is a country album.

"As a musician, it’s important to keep growing and pushing the boundaries.”

Why do you keep touring…?

“I love it. It’s because of the buzz - it’s like an addiction.

You are always looking for the next fix. I suppose it’s a form of showing off.

“People say that I wear them out - I’m always on the go and I’m obsessive about every little detail.

"Does that make me a monster? Maybe it does. But that is one of the reasons why I have been successful - it’s the

boring bits in the background that are important.”

We can’t talk about Status Quo and not mention your partner in crime Rick Parfitt…

“He was with me from the early days - I do have many fond memories of him. But at times he could also be a right pain.

But that’s going to happen if you work so closely with someone. It’s something I talk about in my show.”

Were there any moments when you wanted to call it a day for Status Quo? “Every day mate…!”

Francis Rossi and collaborator Mick Wall will be touring with his spoken word show ‘I Talk Too Much’ at 36 venues including Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre during which he lifts the lid on 50 years of life on the road. Expect laughter, revelations, tales involving some of the giants of music, exclusive video clips and classic tunes.

Francis Rossi’s show comes to the Wyvern Theatre on April 26. Tickets: £25 or £32.50 (for VIP seats) www.statusquo.co.uk Francis Rossi has also confirmed the release of a collaborative album We Talk Too Much with vocalist Hannah Rickard and a new autobiography written with Mick Wall. swindonlink.com n March 2019

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The line-up is out - Swindon Fringe returns this April The Swindon Fringe is back! “The Swinge”, as it is affectionately known, will play host to some fabulous comedians, fun family shows, exciting workshops, and live music.

From 5 April to 14 April Swindon’s festival of theatre, comedy and music will be returning to host an array of local and national acts.

The official launch of The Swinge will take place at The Crossing, Friday 5 April, incorporating a circus theme to kick start the theatrical festival.

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

The phrase "bigger and better" is one that is frequently over-used.

So it's a testament to the Swindon Fringe that this is the perfect way to describe it.

Taking place across pubs, cafes, gallery spaces and dance studios, the Swinge continues to play host to a selection of both national and international talent from award-winning comedians, to amatuer 24

dramatics.

Co-director of the Swinge, Matt Fox, said: "2019 marks the seventh year of the Swindon fringe, and it's bigger and better than ever. We're now a major player of the global fringe circuit, affiliated with the World Fringe and attract artists from all over the planet.

"From something which started as a long weekend, featuring shows mainly written by the fringe directors themselves, the festival is now one of

the top places to bring your show before it hits Edinburgh in the summer.

"With new venues coming on-board this year, including The Incredible Comic Book Store, and the newly revamped Artsite, we're predicting larger audiences than ever before, for what is now one of Swindon's primary arts events of the year.

"Get your tickets early before they all go!"

For tickets and the full line-up visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Highlights F The Groovy Pig Music Festival, 6 April - The Victoria: seven hours of eclectic, bombastic and uplifting music.

F Wolf Tamer, 9 April Olive Tree Cafe: explores how we deal with the pain of losing someone we love.

F Everything Wrong With You Is Beautiful, 14 April Swindon Dance: acclaimed family drama exploring Alzheimers.

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15/02/2019 14:36

Review: Royal Opera's La Traviata live cinema screening

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

You can divide people in all sorts of ways - one of these being ‘Opera People’ and ‘Non Opera People’.

I fall into the latter category… I'm more comfortable with prog rock.

But in the spirit of exploration I dipped my toe into these hitherto uncharted waters.

And where better to start than at Swindon’s Empire Cinema in Greenbridge - for a live screening of the Royal Opera’s performance of La Traviata? This was a double first for me, as it was also my first experience of ‘live cinema’ - in which performances are broadcast, as they happen, to hundreds cinemas dotted around the globe.

Verdi’s La Traviata is one of the clutch of operas that most people have heard of...

And the famous duet (Libiamo ne’lieti calici) that crops up in Act 1 is immediately familiar to most people - even those who assume that La Traviata must be some sort of Italian car or that pizza with an egg on it.

This gave me a way into the piece and allowed me to relax a bit.

Presenter Clemency Burton Hill filled the screen and welcomed us to Richard Eyre’s production - before taking the chance for a quick chat with veteran opera legend Placido Domingo who plays a supporting role in the performance.

And as the drama unfolded, I found myself being caught up and carried away by the tale - the medium of an operatic performance serving to drive the intoxicating emotional intensity rather than acting as a barrier to the story telling.

Jaw dropping performances

by Ermonela Jaho as the female lead Violetta and Charles Castronovo as her smitten suitor Alfredo meant

that I was emotionally invested in the fate of the two lovers and was borne along by the unfolding tragedy.

Verdi’s La Traviata tells the story of Alfredo Germont and the courtesan Violetta Valéry who fall in love at a party in Violetta's Paris salon.

Alfredo is determined to cure Violetta of her tuberculosis, and the couple leave Paris and begin a contented life in the country. But Violetta's happiness is destroyed when Alfredo's father Giorgio Germont pays her a visit.

Violetta’s scandalous relationship with Alfredo jeopardises Germont’s daughter’s engagement, and Germont persuades Violetta

to leave his son. Heartbroken, Violetta promises not to tell Alfredo why.

Alfredo is stunned when Violetta disappears, and decides she must have left him from self-interest. He confronts her at a Paris party and leaves her. Only when Violetta is dying does he learn the truth.

As the lights came up, I was left with the stillness of mind that comes from being put through the cathartic mangle.

I had to remind myself that I was sitting in the Empire Cinema Swindon rather than Covent Garden - no bad thing.

It's an uplifting feeling knowing that you don't have to spend 30 minutes staring at someone's armpit on the Northern Line, before sprinting for your train back to Swindon.

La Traviata was a performance that will stay with me - amazingly I don’t feel it was in any way diminished by the fact that it took place in a cinema.

I was genuinely transported - in the way that a flawless artistic performance can do.

Perhaps I’m one of those opera people after all…

See www.empirecinemas. co.uk or www.roh.org.uk for forthcoming live screenings.

A poetry column by Maurice Spillane: supporting Ovarian Cancer Month These past few years I’ve been at the launch of Ovarian Cancer Month, which is March.

It’s harrowing listening to women affected by the disease talk about their journey and the chances of survival.

Only 35% have a predicted survival rate as the disease is hard to detect early. Every year I listen to a guest speaker who would bring you to tears with her positivity in the face of low expectation, and the following year she’s dead.

Women are encouraged to “Make Time for Tea” during March to discuss symptoms and raise money for The Eve Appeal, one of only a

few charities that focus on gynaecological cancers. They need your support.

Of course men are involved.

There isn’t a formal “Make Time for a Pint” but there should be. Is there a place in this for poetry?

I wrote a poem for the charity a few years ago. That poem became the catalyst for a book and several events that raised funds. I based the poem on Eve taking a bite from the apple and turned it into a positive: As Eve found bitter in that fallen apple, maybe we will taste sweetness in the second bite.

At one reading, a man with

tears in his eyes gave the charity £200 for two signed copies of the poetry book with the poem in it. That was special for both of us. You can “Make Time for Tea” and raise funds for research.

Visit www.theeveappeal.com even if it’s only to understand the five gynaecological cancers.

Lots on in Swindon this month: • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 12 March, 7.30pm • Reading Group – Monday 18 March, 7.30pm Richard Jefferies Museum • Open Mic – Monday 25 March, 7.30pm Richard Jefferies Museum www.mauricespillane.com swindonlink.com n March 2019

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Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Jeff Finnie

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

When most people opt for a new fitness regime to improve their lifestyle, the last thing you think will happen is discovering an incurable life-long condition.

Unfortunately, this is the everyday reality for fitness fanatic Jeff Finnie, 52. The security guard, originally from Sheffield and now based in Swindon, was diagnosed with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) three years ago after going to the doctor with severe stomach cramps, extreme bloating and red-raw eczema.

It was one thing for Jeff to hit 14st and make some dietary changes, but another thing entirely to alter his whole lifestyle - playing a dangerous game of trial and error with his diet. Five years on, - despite suffering an excruciating IBS attack during the Swindon half marathon in 2016 - Jeff is undertaking 20 half marathons by 2020 to raise money for the UK's only IBS charity, the IBS Network based in Sheffield.

“It’s [IBS] overlooked," he says, "no one’s interested. I think a lot of people think that people with IBS just get cramps and diarrhoea, but it’s a lot more than that. We’re on a really strict diet because certain things trigger certain things off in your gut – it’s hard to explain."

Despite a new diet IBS continues to be an issue for Jeff - especially as there is no prescribed medication for the condition aside from pain relief supplements such as Buscopan. When he suffered an IBS attack during the Swindon half marathon he 26

said, "it’s like someone’s got a knife and they’re grinding it in your stomach.

"I consider myself really lucky – there are many people who have IBS a lot worse than me.

So, I am in a position where I can run to raise money for the charity because I can.”

Initially Jeff started looking into IBS five years ago when the symptoms really started to kick in, but as so little was, and still is, known about the condition doctors said he'd just have to 'get on with it'. After being told countless times there was nothing that could be done, Jeff started doing his own research to improve his lifestyle and help raise awareness of IBS. His original goal

was to run the Sydney full marathon for the IBS Network, but he decided he wanted to build himself up to make sure he could do it. "I want to know I can do that distance before I commit to it – there’s no point in going all the way to Sydney not knowing whether I can do it or not."

Ahead of IBS Awareness Month in April, Jeff kick started the first leg of his challenge with the Gloucester half marathon in January, which will be followed by races in Lisbon, Sheffield, Swindon, Portugal, Philadelphia, Valencia and eventually end in Sydney for the full marathon in 2020.

For someone who says they're not competitive, Jeff has certainly waged a war against people's disregard for IBS syndrome.

"Doctors aren’t interested," he says.

"They haven’t got the time.

And if they’re going to start

looking into it, then they’re going to have to do that for every single person, which is going to take up a lot of their time.

"Even dietician-wise IBS isn’t looked at – they have nothing to do with it. It’s very hard to find a nutritionist who deals with the IBS side of things because of all the restrictions.

"I found the FOBMAP Diet almost as soon as I got

"It's like someone's grinding a knife in your stomach" diagnosed. So, I went from being in constant pain and eating anything to following this new diet and it worked. But I’m going to have to live with this for the rest of my life."

Despite his condition, and a few minor injuries along the way, he says it's not all "doom and gloom". As a keen traveller and photographer this challenge will enable him to visit places, he couldn't justify the expenditure on before.

"My friends keep inviting me to come to Australia, and I thought ‘it’s a lot of money – I want a purpose to go there, so I’ll run the full marathon', which I’ve never done in my life. But I can arrange anything, and I’m not stopping running just because of an injury - unless I can’t walk completely.

“I just enjoy life - I’m never bored.”

TotalGiving page: www. totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/ ibs2020 Jeff's website: www.ibs.ibs2020.co.uk

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15/02/2019 14:36

Citroen Space Tourer: A big family favourite

Like herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the rolling hills of England, the now ubiquitous SUV has conquered all.

Estate cars have lost their low-level allure and the humble Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) is virtually ignored like an ugly duckling. This is neither fair nor right.

Why Choose An MPV? The USP of the MPV is versatility. These big, often seven-seat, motors are designed for spacious family travel. Presumably because of the success of the SUV, development of MPVs seems to have slowed down apart from perhaps the occasional refresh and the incremental addition of extra kit. Yet they have a lot to offer and are often keenly priced.

The Space Tourer The Citroen Grand C4 Space Tourer as pictured here

Nevertheless, it eats the miles and makes for a relaxed driving experience.

does not offer any off-road pretensions.

This is a car for shifting family and things over long distances on tarmac roads in ease and comfort.

Driving through a supersmooth EAT8 eight-speed torque converter gearbox (paddles are provided for manual shifts but add nothing), the space-saving drive selector is interestingly mounted on the steering column. The best way to drive this car is to sit back and enjoy the view.

There’s sufficient power from the recommended economical 2.0L four-cylinder stop/start

BlueHDi (other engines are available) for comfortable overtaking and motorway cruising. No problems there.

Multi-purpose vehicles are conventionally a big box and this one drives like it so don’t be expecting bold handling.

The Space Tourer has soft, supple suspension that smooths out the bumps but at the expense of a little body roll.

On twisting, turning roads ease off the throttle so as to not make passengers sea-sick.

In short, the ride was by and large as expected but it is not a concern because spirited motoring is not this car’s forte.

A Car For The Family The comfortable seats all fold independently which helps with long or awkward loads and the second row can be moved forward or back for extra passenger or boot space to suit.

The trim on this oddly named ‘FEEL’ trim level (so much nicer than ‘grope’ I find) was hard-wearing cloth and the split-level dashboard rather conventional, but it has all the usual features we have come to expect in our cars, like Bluetooth and climate control.

It’s just all very regular in the Space Tourer, leaving the trendy features to the SUV crowd. Overall, this writer liked this car very much. It does what it says it will do, looks smart and performs very well.

Geoff Maxted

REVIEW: The Tawny Owl

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Food, like music or shirts, should be loud and annoying for other people!

And when my Cajun chicken fajitas arrived at the table, they announced their arrival at peak volume, hissing like a brassed off cat on a hot tin roof - spitting fat in all directions. Everything was turning out splendidly.

Served on a cast iron skillet, the slices of chicken breast flavoured with punchy spices - were balanced on a bed of frazzled peppers and onions.

I was also supplied with three wraps and a trio of guacamole, sour cream and cheese. It was a bit of a DIY affair, and like all such projects filled me with a pang of regret.

I would have preferred not to have to construct the wraps myself - after all, who knows the optimum quantity

Lasagne: 'a decent mixture'

of guacamole to load into a floppy savoury pancake?

A Mexican chef, that's who... and not being either, I was understandably nervous.

In matters of food, politics and surgery we should rely on experts shouldn't we?

Wrapping a well-lubricated red hot sliver of chicken presented a real challenge.

And eating the unweildly creation required total focus like holding napalm in a flannel - but it was also entertaining and pretty tasty.

Link editor Jamie went for the cod goujons burger and chips

Fajita: 'sizzling hot'

- and could be accused of damning it with faint praise.

"I really loved the chips... the chips were great. I really like chips," he insisted.

And after some reflection, accused the cod of being mundane.

"It was just some cod really, but for that price (about £10) you expect better."

Reporter Claire took on the veg lasagne and she was certainly more upbeat about the whole experience.

"As far as pub lasagne goes I was pleasantly surprised, and I've eaten a lot of lasagnes

Cod goujons: 'mundane'

in my time. It was a decent mixture of peppers, courgettes, tomatoes, onions and whatnot.

"But the thing that filled my heart with gladness was the absence of any visible sign of mushrooms - I think it's wrong to assume that vegetarians like to eat vast amounts of the things.

So I was happy."

In summary - standard pub grub on the expensive side.

Good service and surroundings.

The Tawny Owl, an Arkell's pub, is based on Taw Hill in North Swindon.

For more information see: www.thetawnyowl.co.uk swindonlink.com n March 2019

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01793 877677 www.enlan.co.uk

Certified Electrician NICEIC Domestic Installers (D606759)

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

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

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

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

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

28

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15/02/2019 14:36

SERVICE SECTOR

CES

GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES, KITCHEN TRANSFORMATIONS, LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES, SKIP HIRE, WASTE REMOVAL

Semi-retired Plumber SURESTOP SWITCH installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

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15/02/2019 14:36

11

11 13

12

15

16

17

13

19 Good; 23 Very Good; 27 Excellent.

15

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).

18 22

19

20

25

21

24

29

25

28

26

27

28

29

3

31

ACROSS

DOWN

2.

7.

8.

9.

10.

12.

15.

17.

18.

19.

21.

22.

23.

26.

28.

29.

30.

31.

1. God of thunder (4) 2. Edge of the pavement (4) 3. Irritable (6) 4. Warmed (6) 5. Not any (4) 6. Girl (4) 10. Large ape (7) 11. Forgive (7) 13. Hermit (7) 14. Geometric line (7) 15. Snooze (5) 16. Satan (5) 20. Female chaperone (6) 21. Repudiate (6) 24. Recreational area (4) 25. Internal picture (1-3) 26. Small nail (4) 27. Melody (4)

Cookhouse (7) Item of footwear (4) Elliptical (4) Terrain (anag.) (7) Snatch (4) Formerly (4) Tiny scrap (5) Overhastily (6) Junior cleric (6) Soothed (6) Add water (6) Student (5) Peak (4) Finest (4) Malice (7) Operatic song (4) Female relative (4) Pined (7)

H

I

S

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.

30

31

P Y M

SUDOKU

22 23

T O N

4 1 9 5 8 7

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

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

Absolve; 13 Recluse; 14 Tangent; 15 Sleep; 16 Devil; 20 Duenna; 21 Disown; 24 Park; 25 X-ray; 26 Brad; 27 Song.

14

9

10

QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 2 Kitchen; 7 Shoe; 8 Oval; 9 Retrain; 10 Grab; 12 Erst; 15 Shred; 17 Rashly; 18 Deacon; 19 Lulled; 21 Dilute; 22 Pupil; 23 Apex; 26 Best; 28 Rancour; 29 Aria; 30 Aunt; 31 Yearned.

8

CAN’T ERECT BARRIER

Down – 1 Thor; 2 Kerb; 3 Tetchy; 4 Heated; 5 None; 6 Lass; 10 Gorilla; 11

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 hominy; homy; hymn; HYPNOTISM; hypo; minty; misty; monty; mopy; mothy; myosin; myth; mythos; noisy; nosy; nymph; nympho; phony; physio; piny; pithy; pity; pointy; pony; posy; python; shinty; shiny; simony; smithy; spiny; stony; syphon; tiny; tipsy; tony; typo; yomp.

7

MAGIC SQUARE brat; rice; acer; tern.

6

9 8 2 7 3 5 1 4 6

6

8

7 6 4 2 1 9 3 8 5

5

1 3 5 8 4 6 9 2 7

4

4 1 6 5 8 2 7 3 9

3

8 7 9 3 6 4 5 1 2

2

2 5 3 1 9 7 4 6 8

2

5 2 8 4 7 3 6 9 1

1

7

MAGIC SQUARE

3 9 7 6 2 1 8 5 4

1

NONAGRAM

6 4 1 9 5 8 2 7 3

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sat 2nd Mar 3pm v Chesham United Sat 16th Mar 3pm v Beaconsfield Town Sat 30th Mar 3pm v Walton Casuals Sat 13th April 3pm v Metropolitan Police Mon 22nd April 3pm v Hartley Wintney

30

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