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Farewell to a man of the people Rex Barnett, mayor of the town in 2010 and 2011 passed away on 11 June. Read the tributes to him on page 3 Rex, in typically ebullient pose, at the 2010 town centre Christmas lights switch on

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20/06/2013 15:35

Rex Barnett, man of the people, laid to rest Rex Barnett, the much loved Mayor of Swindon from Greenmeadow passed away on 11 June after a two year battle with lung cancer. A Swindon borough the mayoral year in Spring and parish councillor for 2011. Haydon Wick, Rex was Swindon council leader the last town mayor who and fellow Haydon Wick had worked in Swindon’s councillor David Renard railway works. said: “Rex had a super sense He was both a Wiltof humour and I will miss shire County and Swinhim greatly. He always used don councillor in the to call me ‘chief ’ and I am 1960s and early 1970s, sad that I will not hear him and returned to Swindon say this term of endearment Borough Council in the again.” 1990s. North Swindon MP He also served at difJustin Tomlinson said Rex’s ferent times on the govpassing was exceptionally erning body of Greensad news. “As mayor his meadow and Haydon A couple to be proud of. Rex and Sandra receiving the Mayor’s cheeky charm brought Pride of Swindon of Award from his successor Cllr Ray Ballman Wick primary schools. colour, fun and record in April 2012 During his mayoral money for charity.” year - May 2010 to May 2011 - Rex and £68,000 raised during the year. South Swindon MP Robert BuckSandra, said: “He absolutely loved land added: “I was very sad to hear his wife Sandra threw themselves into charity work, taking part in hundreds being mayor. I think he would have of the death of Rex. My thoughts are of functions and visiting groups with gone on being mayor for the rest of with his beloved wife Sandra and their his life if he could have. huge enthusiasm and humour. family. Swindon has lost a great man.” “He loved meeting people; we Their chosen charities – Prospect A celebration of Rex’s life was held Hospice, the Willows Counselling would often be the last to leave events. at St Mary’s Church, Rodbourne Service, the Children’s Cancer and He just put everything into it.” Cheney on 25 June. Rex was diagnosed with the as- Read tributes to Rex with pictures Leukaemia Movement (CALM), as well as 11 other good causes - bestos related lung cancer malignant taken by Swindon Link at www.xbit. benefited from the record breaking mesothelioma towards the end of ly/RBtributes

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North to West bus link to be broken Thamesdown Transport has announced that the 153 service between North Swindon and Windmill Hill Business Park, calling at Lydiard Park Academy, will end on Friday 26 July. Bus company managing director sustained on the route any longer. Paul Jenkins has written to North Justin commented: “It is a great Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson to say shame that, despite efforts to promote that the number of regular users has this service to employees at Windmill not grown sufficiently since the ser- Hill Business Park, Thamesdown vice was launched in September 2012. Transport have not secured enough Mr Jenkins said he had hoped to passengers to make the route finankeep the service going until Lydiard cially viable. I hope they will be able Park Academy started to draw more to look at alternative options in the pupils from North Swindon in future, perhaps with the businesses September, but the losses cannot be taking a lead on securing the service.”

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MS Therapy Centre 30th year party The Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis celebrates 30 years of supporting people with MS at an invitation only party on 6 July. Clients, their families and carers, volunteers, fundraisers and people from partner organisations will enjoy a pig roast, and new supporters are welcome to register for an invitation. Starting as a small diet and exercise group for people with MS, the charity now has 300 members, MS therapy centre members Chris Wilson, Leo sixty regular volunteers and Colucci, Nicola Heape and Audrey Baines attended its own premises in West a Buckingham Palace garden party on 6 June to Swindon, providing 6,000 mark the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. therapy sessions each year. Read about the trip at www.bit/ly/msbuckhouse The charity is remarkable because it last Autumn, the MBE for volunteer has become so well established and groups. active without any NHS funding. If you would like to support the The year is also special because MS centre by attending the thirtieth the therapy centre was awarded the birthday party at Bradbury House, Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Westmead Drive call 01793 481700.

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Take a Google tour of The Link office @ www.bit.ly/Linkofficetour “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978. It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.” The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority. Swindon Publications Ltd. cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks. Printed by pcp, Telford

swindonlink.com • July 2013

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20/06/2013 15:24

One of the last Desert Rats tells his story Dennis Churchill, 93, has recounted his time in the Royal Engineers during World War II, clearing mines and rebuilding roads during the battles to regain control of North Africa and Italy. Juliet Platt met him at Angel Care Home in Haydon End. Originally from Dorchester, and had to spend time in A particular memory ing on the railway. He married teacher having attended a military school in hospital in Alexandria. for Dennis was when Winifred Critchley and worked at Dover, Dennis was working as a hotel As quick as ever with a a German soldier sur- Plessey as a machine operator before porter when war broke out. He joined quip, he joked: “I never rendered to him while spending 30 years in the Post Office up at the age of 19 and was assigned recovered from it.” he was working on a until he retired in 1985. to the Royal Engineers. As Dennis As the famous battle bridge. Remembering Dennis still speaks Italian to this had some military experience he was of El Alamein got unthe incident he said: day and can sometimes be persuaded quickly promoted and eventually derway, Dennis and “He was a big fella; to give a rendition of ‘O Solo Mio’ became a sergeant leading a squad his troop were sent he just put his hands to keep everyone entertained at the of engineers into no-man’s land up and wanted to give Angel Care Home. He was posted to North Africa whilst the huge artillery himself up.” See Dennis’ pictures from Egypt at where the British 8th Army was being bombardment went on Whilst stationed at www.bit.ly/dennisdesertrat forced back into Egypt by the German overhead to clear routes Arezzo near Florence Afrika Corps under General Rommel. through minefields so that tanks and Dennis met his bride to be. Taking up Recalling his time in the desert he the infantry could make the assault the story his step-son Mike Critchley, said: “We had to dig down into the which led to eventual victory. from Woodhall Park, said: “A young sand to make ourselves a bed and kick Looking back Dennis commented: man came in with an injured foot the scorpions out of the way. General “There was no messing with that Ger- after a vehicle had run over it. He was Montgomery was our leader and we man army. It was very pleasant to see accompanied by his sister, Juliana. CANDICE - Navy, had a lot of respect for him; he used them off.” Something clicked between them.” beige or silver to sleep in a caravan near the troops.” In the next phase of the war in 1943 After his return to England towards leather £55 Mine clearance required soldiers Dennis was part of the Allied invasion the end of the war, Dennis went back to use a metal detector to locate them of Sicily and went ashore under fire to the hotel trade in Bournemouth EASY - Navy, black or before gently probing in the sand with at Salerno and later took part in the where Juliana joined him. She also beige leather; blue or pink Nubuck £55 a bayonet to gently dig them out to horrific battle for Monte Cassino. worked in the hotel and sometimes be disarmed. A number of Dennis’s His squad was involved in rebuilding entertained guests with her singing. colleagues were killed or maimed bridges and roads so that supplies She sadly died in 1955 and Dennis Bath Road Corner, Old Town on operations. He himself suffered could reach the front line as the moved to Swindon soon afterwards Tel: 534271 shrapnel wounds to his head, and troops fought their way through Italy. where his younger brother was work-

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21/06/2013 09:39

Sainsbury’s in the West links up with Samaritans

Staff and customers at Sainsbury’s Bridgemead have agreed that Swindon Samaritans will benefit from a year of fundraising until June 2014. Community projects coordinator Simon Belcher said customers were asked to vote by post or online for a long list of suggested causes and Samaritans, SN Needy Dogs and the MS Therapy Centre were asked to make submissions to a staff committee. “They were all good causes but The Samaritans presentation was exceptional and we’re very pleased to be working together.” Linda Morgan, director of Swindon & District Samaritans, expressed her delight that the West Swindon store is backing the charity. She said: “We’re all tremendously excited about the opportunity to raise much needed funds but also to raise awareness of the vital support we give to people who are desperate to talk to somebody.” Linda Morgan with Simon Belcher in the telephone, with Ranvil Cardozo, John Pike and Peter Cork

Thames Water cause a stink in Taw Hill

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Taw Hill residents are expressing their objections to proposals drawn up by Thames Water to install two huge underground sewage overflow tanks close to housing at the northern and southern ends of Queen Elizabeth Drive.

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Protesting to protect community green space in Taw Hill, from left, David Parkinson, Andy Hargreaves, Brian McLean, John Bellamy, Nick Gratton, Linda Hayes

Thames Water say they need extra storage capacity to cope with 1 in 30 year rainfall to prevent the Taw Hill pumping station being overwhelmed and sewage backing up into homes. The tanks will be the size of 10 double decker busses but only a hatch, control box, lighting tower and vent pipe will be visible. The southern storage tank is proposed for the green area close to the pumping station, a few yards from the Tawny Owl pub. It would mean major construction just yards from homes and the destruction of mature trees. The northern site lies on open space to the west of Greenwood Grove Explaining his objections resident David Parkinson said: “The problem is not provision of extra sewage capacity but where they’re proposing to locate it. The south site is a mature green area with tall flowering trees within a housing area. Thames Water are proposing to rip these up and install the tank, control boxes, four metre high lighting rigs and six metre high vent pipes. “The southern site is crossed by several well used footpaths and is adjacent to the main road access into Taw Hill. Thames Water want to use a road already deemed unsuitable for HGVs and introduce a large lay-by next to the tank for occasional use.

“If this goes ahead there will be major environmental damage and disruption during construction.” Although planning permission is not required for underground tanks, nor a temporary builders compound, Swindon Council planning committee will have to consider the above ground equipment. David believes Thames Water can avoid confrontation with residents. “We’re baffled as to why Thames Water are proposing the south site,” he said. “We argue the tank can be built on the west side of Thamesdown Drive on a small part of the open space at Mouldon Hill park, away from housing. “The only excuse given is that construction equipment cannot get under the entrance barrier, which can be opened, or under power cables across part of the park. This is nonsense and more to do with keeping costs down. “Surely if there’s a possibility that something can be built discreetly, without compromising the quality of life for existing residents, or the saleability and value of our homes, it ought to be fully explored.” North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said that all possibilities should be considered. “I share residents’ concerns. The ideas they’re putting forward need to be fully investigated.”

swindonlink.com • July 2013

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21/06/2013 09:47

Residents suggest West centre for skate park project

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Over 50 people in Middleleaze and The Prinnels have now lodged objections to the proposed skate board park • Is your home in need of a serious spring clean? at Salt Way Fields in Middleleaze and say a more central location would be suitable for it. • Do you find house- The residents are concerned with have been necessary retrospectively for the last two years for the skate park keeping an overwhelming chore and site security, disturbance and noise at other skate parks. could be let down. “It is difficult to avoid it at all costs? arising from an open-all-hours facility, “It’s regrettable that we had to comprehend the problem when all Perhaps your living room is bursting with the potential for vandalism, the lack of resort to a Freedom of Information you can hear on the Salt Way site is the junk and clutter you can’t face to part with. first aid facilities and difficult access request to discover that there has been drone of traffic on Tewkesbury Way. • Do you need help in getting your for emergency vehicles. no formal consideration given to the “Councillors in Shaw are proud home back in order? Linford Madley, of The Prinnels, best site to locate a skate park in West that Salt Way school field was saved • OR are you a cleaner? said residents are not against the idea Swindon. It is surprising that an im- as open space for all kinds of users; we betty is making a second series of of a skate board park but want it to portant decision to spend £60,000 at represent all the residents of the ward. the hit show Obsessive Compulsive see it built in the right place. “We’re Salt Way Fields did not involve a more The multi-use games area built there Cleaners. To find out more, mail: keen that £60,000 of our money formal consultation process and was two years ago has not been a problem.” clean@betty.co.uk isn’t wasted by the council building a based purely on informal discussions The project is likely to be debated OR call 0207 9070892 facility that is in the wrong location. between a councillor and officers.” by the planning committee in August. Once built it cannot be moved and However skateboard park sponsor there are unlikely to be funds avail- Cllr Nick Martin said he is disap“I’m in PAIN” able to upgrade security or improve pointed that young people in the ward Can Chiropractic Help ME? emergency vehicle access, which who had lobbied and worked on plans YOUR INITIAL VISIT WILL INCLUDE:

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swindonlink.com • July 2013

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20/06/2013 15:33

Jelly gets down to business at Basepoint The first Jelly co-working day on 6 June at Basepoint in West Swindon attracted ten home workers, freelancers and small business entrepreneurs. There is room for more at the next event. Coordinator Paul Harding said Health psychologist Jade Hancock alongside others, bringing people together to col- from Lyneham said she had decided to having worked laborate and exchange ideas had have a change of scene. “It’s useful to on my own for the been a positive experience for all get away from home and talk to others last 7 years. There who attended. “We all brought our in a working setting. You discover new was an interestown work but there was a lot of ideas things related to what you do and can ing diversity of being exchanged, suggestions and contribute ideas.” people who took practical tips. Often people who work Suzanne Daykin from The Prinnels part in the first on their own for most of the time get is already involved in Jelly activity meeting dealing First into the Jelly mix, front from left, Jess Robinson, Paul stuck with something or just want to as an online marketer for ihubbub. with quite simi- Harding, Andy Brackenbury. Back, Kieron Skillet, Suzanne bounce an idea off somebody else. Jelly com, the virtual support site for lar interests and Daykin, Jade Hancock, Peter Noone Swindon Jelly will take place at is great for breaking out and seeing home workers. “I was intrigued to problems, such as IT issues.” things differently.” know what it would be like to work Youth apprentice organiser Andy Basepoint on Rivermead Drive, 9am Brackenbury came away with a to 5pm on the first Thursday of the account and ten followers. month. Free apprenticeship careers fair on 9 July Twitter There are 20 hot desks available “Everybody talks about Twitter so it A group of local organisations, in conjunction with the National Apprenwas really great to talk to people about for 4 July. Book a place via www. ticeship Service and the charity Education and Employers Taskforce, are swindonjelly.eventbrite.co.uk what you can do with it.” organising a free event to help young people aged 16 to 18 with finding Contact Paul Harding via TwitMarketing consultant Peter Noone an apprenticeship. agreed that he had also become more ter @swindonjelly or mail: paulh@ Taking place at The Platform in Faringdon Road on Tuesday 9 July, there managedfollowup.co.uk aware of the power of Twitter. will be the chance to have one to one sessions with HR professionals and employers, as well as employability workshops on how to prepare a CV. A number of recruitment representatives will be talking to young people throughout the day about what they expect from job applicants, how to present themselves and what kind of questions to expect at an interview. Follow GWP on Twitter @GWPartnership for up to date information on which employers will be attending and how to register for the sessions. To book individual appointments with the HR professionals, contact Taufique or Amy on 01793 770482 or mail: info@greenlabyrinth.co.uk

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Outset has support solutions for business start-up ideas

Outset, the award-winning business initiative programme, launched on 14 June when the first eight participants received certificates from Swindon’s MPs Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson. The totally free service funded jointly by Swindon Council and the European Regional Development Fund aims to help create new businesses and new jobs in the town over the next two years. The first clients took part in eight three hour sessions to unravel crucial aspects of developing a business idea, starting to trade, marketing and Mayor of Swindon Nick Martin launching Outset. Photo: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com managing growth, and how to make a business investment- addition to the town’s economy. ready, to secure finance for further “Swindon has the fastest growth rate product and business development. of start-ups in the South West. “I talk to many young people Projects include a parent support service, marketing hand made crafts, who want to be entrepreneurs but writing for business, plumbers and need help to move their aspirations setting up a bike hire service. Susan forward. As a former small business Bruce has launched Big Tots Play person, I know how hard it can be Space which is advertised on page 15. to establish yourself. Being able to South Swindon MP Robert Buck- discuss ideas in a structured way, find land said he is confident successful ways forward, and receive ongoing new businesses will emerge from the mentoring, will be invaluable.” Outset will be introducing business initiative. “People have great ideas and enthusiasm and Outset helps them finance advice workshops, regular focus on what is required to take the networking meetings and an online next steps to turn those ideas into community for clients. To discuss joining a course, call reality. It brings together solutions Freephone 0800 080 3024 or mail: in one place.” Justin Tomlinson, MP for North info@outsetswindon.co.uk www.outsetswindon.co.uk Swindon, said Outset was a valuable

swindonlink.com • July 2013

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21/06/2013 09:49

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20/06/2013 15:35

Freshbrook freshen up Sixteen children from Millbrook Primary School and 12 from Lydiard Park Academy took part in a mass clean up of Freshbrook Village Centre at the end of May. The were assisted by dentist Brendon Ball, local PCSOs, Swindon Council Neighbourhood Wardens, the manager of Tesco Nathan Neate, church youth worker Dave Davidson, community facilitator Gail Light and Hairworks glam gardeners: Laura Fertnig and Tracy Knight. Millbrook Year 6 pupil Daniel Young said: “It’s great to make such a difference to our area; I hope people will have noticed what we’ve done.” Tesco manager Nathan Neate said he had only arrived in early May. “I’ve been with the company 26 years and I’ve never seen a community mobilised like this. It shows people are proud of their area.” Brendon Ball, who does a litter sweep every morning outside his surgery said: “It was a fantastic effort; I hope others will realise the difference and make an effort not to drop litter around the village centre. In 2012 Swindon Council allocated £120,000 to refurbish a number of local centres. This has now been cut to £100,000. Plans for Freshbrook include removing planters to create more parking spaces and to designate spaces for people with disabilities. A new entrance sign is also being considered.

Age UK offers phone friendship service to older folk Older people in Swindon wanting a friendly chat are being urged to get in contact with Age UK as the charity has set up a new Call in Time service in the area offering a weekly phone call from friendly local volunteers. Age UK’s free Call in Time service offers phone calls from trained volunteers lasting around half an hour to provide a reliable friendly voice and a safe and comfortable environment for older people to chat about anything from grandchildren and hobbies to day-to-day life. The Call in Time service in Swindon is run in partnership with Age UK Wiltshire, Swindon Council and Zurich Community Trust and aims to reduce loneliness and isolation amongst older people in the community. Age UK has volunteers ready and waiting to take calls. To find out more, or if someone you know could benefit, contact Call in Time on: 0844 225 0320 or mail: callintime@ageuk.org.uk

swindonlink.com • July 2013

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20/06/2013 15:34

Millbrook grounds to bloom after Inner Flame effort

D & L Blinds

A group of young people from Swindon based charity Inner Flame completed a 12 week gardening project at Rollers•Verticals•Venetians Millbrook Primary School in Freshbrook which will see part of the grounds grow and blossom over coming years. Pleated Blinds•VELUX® Conservatory Blinds The twenty participants were takMade-to-Measure Curtains ing part in the Prince’s Trust Team Programme which is open to anyone QUALITY BLINDS AT aged 16 to 25 who is unemployed. AFFORDABLE PRICES Apart from the practical work, the Fast and reliable service project is designed to build confiAll blinds fitted free dence and motivation, and develop Choose from a wide range personal skills. The twelve weeks also of fabrics from the comfort included a residential trip, job huntof your own home ing workshops and a work experience 01793 619428 / 07974 380865 placement. www.dandlblinds.co.uk At Millbrook the team cleared and The Inner Flame team at an end of project presentation at Lydiard House with FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION Inner Flame coordinator David Wreathall, left, and Maurice Watson, right painted raised flower beds, laid a new path and constructed a compost area, grateful for the work undertaken. then built two willow structures, one "Inner Flame have made a huge differFor care that’s around a quiet area and another to ence to our long term plan to develop wrappped around you enclose a wooden commemorative the site. Their efforts will be seen by reading chair dedicated to Year 5 pupil children for years to come." Everyone has differing care needs – you can have as little or The next team programme starts as much as you want – our homecare is tailored around your Cian-Lee Tregivgo who died in 2012. They finished the project by planting in mid-September. To find out more needs. You may just want: mail: team@innerflame.org.uk or • A hand with cleaning, ironing and preparing meals 20 saplings. • Long term, short term or emergency care Millbrook Primary site manager call 01793 862555 for an informal • A little help and company whilst recovering from illness Maurice Watson said the school was meeting.

Audley Care.

Freshbrook Community Centre Annual General Meeting Wednesday 24 July, 6.30pm. Freshbrook Village Centre The AGM is open to all residents of Freshbrook and Grange Park and members of the 20 groups using the centre. New management committee members are needed, including a treasurer. For more information, contact centre manager Emma Tanner in the centre or call 01793 870526.

• Assistance with getting up and going to bed, whatever the time • Someone to go shopping with you or for you, or collect prescriptions • A little companionship or someone to accompany you to appointments Remember you don’t have to change your routine just to make things easier for us. It’s the other way around. For confidential and completely free advice call Audley Care White Horse Branch Manager Joanna Lander on: www.audleycare.co.uk

01672 870747

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93% of the time, Age UK Home Insurance (contents only) is cheaper than the average (median) competing quotes obtained from leading home insurers and brokers for contents cover up to £60,000. Source: Independent research conducted by Premium Research –February 2013. Full details are available online at www.ageuk.org.uk/insuranceterms *If you call the 0800 number and your local office is not available, your call will be answered by Age UK Enterprises or Ageas. Age UK Enterprises Limited is a commercial services arm of Age UK (registered charity number 1128267) and donates its net profits to Age UK. Age UK is a registered trademark. The use of the name and logo ‘Age UK’ is done so under licence agreement between Age UK and Age UK Enterprises Limited. Promoter: Age UK Enterprises Limited. Tavis House, 1–6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. H3816V1MAR13 KE053297_13

At home

Rise and recline furniture Adjustable Beds

Footcare

Cosyfeet shoes and slippers Footcare appointments

Free hearing health check

Ellendune Shopping Centre, WROUGHTON, SN4 9LN

01793 815083

Next to Tesco – Free level parking www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk swindonlink.com • July 2013

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Children call for road safety with Go-20 banners Around 100 children walked from North Swindon Centre to Haydonleigh Primary School on 13 June, with staff and parent helpers holding banners calling for safer roads as part of Giant Walking Bus that involved schools across Britain promoted by the charity Brake. Brake and Churchill’s Giant Walking Bus is an annual event in primary schools across Britain where children learn about safety around traffic, pollution and transport choices. Children held up banners for the benefit of drivers proclaiming ‘Go-20.’ Organiser Debbie Yockney said: “We were celebrating the benefits of walking and were also calling on drivers to slow down to 20mph Haydonleigh youngsters promoting the Go-20 or below when passing message. Photo: RichardWintle www.calyxpix.com homes, schools and shops – to protect kids on foot and enable by making roads safer for children more to walk. and people of all ages. By doing this “The campaign also calls for more we can help kids to be healthier and pedestrian and cycle safety measures have the fun, active childhood they such as widespread 20 limits and safe deserve. We’re appealing to drivers pavements, paths and crossings.” to listen to the thousands of kids who Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief marched, and take the simple step executive, said: “Many parents are in of slowing down to 20 mph or less a difficult situation when it comes to around homes, schools and shops.” letting their children walk or cycle. • Parking protocols in Priory Vale. Link Blunsdon HPitJuly13 4 : 06:PM Page 1 We need to make easier Ad_Layout for them 1See13/06/2013 page 39

North police safety advice surgeries In response to an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles being reported in North Swindon, the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will be meeting residents and offering safety advice on Wednesday 3 July: 11.30am to 1pm: Asda Wal-Mart, North Swindon District Centre; 2.30pm to 4pm: Morrisons, Thames Avenue; 2.30pm to 4pm: Abbey Meads Centre. People can also speak to the officers about any other concerns they may have.

Toothill Big Local holds summer community pop up barbecues The committee getting ready to disburse the National Lottery £1 million allocated to Toothill under the Big Local programme is holding open air ‘pop up’ events for children and parents/carers. Rather than organise a big summer Tuesday 13 August, 2pm to 4pm, festival, the six events in open spaces Toothill Farm; around Toothill will give people the Wednesday 21 August, 11am to 1pm, chance to learn the latest about Big Belver Park, Beaumaris Road. Local - which was announced almost The pop ups are aimed at Toothill three years ago - and discuss the kind children, but younger children need of projects that could be funded by the to be accompanied by parents. lottery money targeted at Toothill. Apart from the barbecues, there The free barbecues will take place will be a variety of activities organised for each venue, though a litter pick (weather permitting)on: Thursday 25 July, 3pm to 5pm, outside will take place at all of them. Toothill Community Centre; • The Toothill Big Local management Friday 2 August, 1pm to 3pm, Westlea group hopes to start taking project Park; requests in September. Group chairMonday 5 August, 11am to 1pm, person Kareen Boyd explains more on page 45. Markenfield Park;

Quality park home life for the over 50s Our next Blunsdon Abbey Open Days

A brand new phase of 3 modern homes within the grounds of Blunsdon Abbey

Please join us to celebrate 50 years of park home life

Each of these homes include:

Saturday 29th June and Saturday 13th July Come along and view our brand new stock homes, talk with our team and see for yourself what benefits park home life can offer.

4 Two double bedrooms 4 Modern luxury kitchen with integrated appliances 4 An easy to maintain turfed and hedged garden 4 Convenient single-story living 4 Adjacent garage or storeroom 4 Downsize and release equity whilst maintaining a great standard of living!

Blunsdon Abbey Park call 01793 722100

Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon SN25 2DU 12

www.pineview.co.uk

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1/4 page link mag advert July 2013_Layout 1 6/17/13 10:24 PM Page 1

Hazelwood Academy relaunches primary education in Toothill The rain stopped and the sun emerged briefly on Friday 1 June for children at the new Hazelwood Academy to release balloons carrying labels describing their hopes for their new school into the sky above West Swindon. The school is the first in the town the end of a week of events to mark to move away from local authority academy conversion including the responsibility to became a sponsored raising of a school flag whilst children academy, under the auspices of the sang the newly composed Hazelwood Academies Enterprise Trust (AET). song and a sports day. The name Hazelwood was chosen Mrs Lloyd added: “Whilst we’ve by children in recognition of the hun- relaunched with a new identity dreds of trees planted in the grounds. and different management arrangeHeadteacher Suzanne ments, Hazelwood reLloyd, who took up the mains closely linked with role in April, right, was the West Swindon cluster headteacher of Sutton of schools, working for Benger Primary School in the best of the whole rural Wiltshire, after leadarea. We’re also looking ing a primary in Chippenforward to being fully enham to become an Ofsted gaged with the Toothill rated outstanding school. locality and contributing She said: “All the staff are totally com- to the Big Local programme.” mitted to the challenge in the AET Extra resources have allowed the strapline ‘Make your best better.’ The creation of a bigger library and during parents are very positive about the the holidays volunteers from Zurich school and their community. will be helping to refurbish an inter“I’m still getting used to the fan- nal courtyard which will be covered tastic resources at Hazelwood, it’s a by a canopy and a climbing wall will tremendous community asset which be created. we are going to build upon.” • Story and balloon launch pictures The balloon launch took place at at www.bit.ly/hazelwoodtoothill

New showroom for A family business run by David, Wendy and Oliver Dukes offering 30 years experience in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Our bathroom range is extensive, from cloakrooms to walk in showers and wet rooms. Bedrooms from Daval & Bella, with a range of sliders. We provide a fully project managed installation service to take all the hassle away.

Come and visit us at Manor Furniture, 109 Cheney Manor Ind Est, Swindon SN2 2QE (Showroom fully completed at the end of June)

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You can sing, dance, act and so much more at our fun Summer Fun Project - 12th to16th August Oakhurst Community Primary School, Pioneer Drive, Swindon SN25 2HY

Completely child-centred activities - once your place is secured you will be sent a form asking you what you like to have fun doing in our week of Summer Fun! Reception to Year 2 (as at September 2013) 9.30am - 12.30pm (Monday to Thursday) 9.30am - 4.30pm (Friday) £55 per child

Year 3 to Year 6 (as at September 2013) Year 7’s and above (as at September 2013) 9.30am - 3.30pm (Monday to Thursday) 9.30am - 4.30pm (Friday) £100 per child

10% sibling discount offered. Discount will be applied to the youngest child/ren. Sharing peformance for family & friends at the end of the week on the Friday from 2.30 - 4.30pm. Open to all regardless of whether or not your child currently attends Revolution Performing Arts classes at your school.

To sign up please email Fi at fionarevolution@gmail.com

Tel: 07799 691328 www.revolutionpa.co.uk

Ask Peter B Advice for small businesses from Peter Bromiley ACA Technical Director AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon.

We specialise in standard and made to measure kitchens, together with the largest range of made to measure replacement cabinet doors in Wiltshire.

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Q. I’m a sole-trader and have a VAT registered printing business, selling to trade. I’m also setting up in video production for the public (retail), can I do this without charging VAT? As a sole-trader, ‘you’ are VAT registered, so HMRC would penalise you for underpaying VAT if you don’t charge VAT on the items where it should be applied. Ideally, you should split the two types of business into two separate legal entities. I suggest you consider incorporating your printing business into a Limited Company. This will create a separate legal entity which could also benefit you in a number of ways, not least saving on National Insurance. You could then set up the video business as a Sole Trader and, as you wish, not charge VAT to your retail customers. 01793-818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk

REPLACEMENT DOORS KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS swindonlink.com • July 2013

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Young readers look for their X Factor book

Year 8 students from three Swindon secondary schools will discover more about five books over the summer before returning in September to debate, discuss and present their views before voting for their best read.

Some of the GR8 participants from The Ridgeway, Isambard and Nova Hreod

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to build your child’s confidence and inspire a passion for learning. Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment. Swindon West Study Centre Mayumi Lewis 0800 854 714 Classes held at Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8LY

New centre now open kumon.co.uk

The five books selected are Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner, Wonder by RJ Palacio, Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher, Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman and Oranges in No Man’s Land by Elizabeth Laird. The winning book will be decided by secret ballot and students will have the chance of talking to the winning author over Skype. The project is organised by learning resources managers at The Ridgeway School, Isambard School and Nova Hreod. Sarah Day from The Ridgeway said: “The students will be able to cascade their views and experiences within their schools ensuring that the

reading for pleasure ethos is further developed. “There was a sense of anticipation at the end of the launch of the project, the students couldn’t wait to get stuck into the books.” Ridgeway student Sam Lewis said: “I’m excited to read books I wouldn’t normally read – and that’s not a bad thing.” Fellow student Eleanor Gascoigne added: “I’m looking forward to reading the books. They are not ones that I would normally choose based on their cover, so I’m ready to be impressed.” See more comments and images at: www.bit.ly/gr8debate013

Swindon College

Apply noW to secure yoUR place at Swindon College for September ‘13!

Highworth Warneford School An Academy Putting Excellence First

OPEN MORNINGS Monday 23rd September to Friday 11th October Highworth Warneford is an outstanding secondary school providing an excellent learning environment which allows pupils to thrive and develop their academic, personal and social skills.

We offer a wide selection of full time courses, Apprenticeships and university-level study

So that you can see for yourself the quality of our provision, we would like to invite you to visit the school on a normal working day. Each visit lasts for about 1½ hours and will give you the opportunity to see lessons and meet pupils and staff. To book your visit, please contact Mrs Lewis, the Admissions Officer, on:

(01793) 762426 or email: llewis@warneford.swindon.sch.uk

For more information about courses at Swindon College Visit our website www.swindon-college.ac.uk or call Freephone 0800 731 2250 or email studentservices@swindon-college.ac.uk Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1DY

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New Bradon head gets ready to take over

Big Tots Play Place

for young children Bradon Forest School is looking forward to the arrival of new headteacher and their carers Dr Andrew Morrison in September. Currently deputy head at King sual stimulus. He said: “Past teaching Opening 26th June All Saints Church Hall Alfred’s Academy in Wantage where methods revolved around chalk and Ferndale, Swindon he is responsible for curriculum and talk; now teaching requires a high staffing, Dr Morrison, below, is part level of student engagement where Only £3.50 which includes a of a team that took the school to they take control of their own learnsmall snack, fresh fruit, outstanding status in 2011. ing. The teacher’s role is to ensure stutea, coffee and squash His said his first impression of dents are restless and inquisitive, and Quality indoor and garden Bradon Forest convinced him that can use a wide variety of methods to play with toys, books, becoming headteacher would be the gain knowledge and understanding. arts & crafts, sand and water, right move. “It was evident that there “This is in keeping with Ofsted’s jigsaw puzzles is an excellent relationship between objective that young people should Find us on Facebook: staff and students. There is an absolute become strong independent learners. ‘Big Tots Swindon’ commitment to creating rounded Bradon Forest has a good track record individuals. of achieving this, one we can build on from the day students arrive from primary school. “Bradon has always had a strong foundation based on the core subjects of English, maths and science as well as modern “Students interviewed candidates foreign languages, so it is already well and it was clear that they’re excited prepared for the recently announced about learning and wanted to ensure major changes in curriculum leading their headteacher would deliver.” to more rigorous GCSEs. Dr Morrison started out as an art “At the same time our strong sports C N teacher after studying for a masters teams, the thriving theatre, relationvo hild E W a in the History of Art and went on to ships with primary schools and links cceuch care pt ers gain a PhD in eduction, researching to schools in other countries, give ed the way young people learn using vi- Bradon a broad appeal.”

Classes held at:

Esprit Centre, Headlands Grove, Swindon Contact us now: 07980 918192 enquiries@tkfda.co.uk www.tkfda.co.uk *Subject to terms and conditions available on request

English, Mathematics and Science Fully qualified teachers Accelerated GCSE programme 11+ training and preparation Free assessment and first lesson Boost your child’s confidence

“Lovely atmosphere and great place to learn, I couldn’t have gone to a better school.” Year 7 student

Year 5 Open Mornings 9th July and 10th July Tours start at 9.10 Please call the school office 01285 712302 or e-mail admin@farmors.gloucs.sch.uk to book. The Park, Leafield Road, Fairford, GL7 4JQ www.farmors.gloucs.sch.uk

Prior Park

Serve Learn Shine VISIT TO SEE WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL Call to arrange a visit on 01793 750 275.

“ The caring, friendly and dedicated staff create a community in which pupils flourish and grow up to be confident and responsible young people.”

Bus routes via Swindon, Cricklade, and Cirencester Visits at other times always welcome please call the office.

Farmor’s School, an 11-18 school

‘Outstanding’ ISI Inspection Report 2011

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES ARE AVAILABLE. T: 01793 750 275 E: prepregistrar@priorpark.co.uk www.thepriorfoundation.com

“Outstanding” Ofsted

3-13 IAPS Boarding & Day Established Co-educational Catholic Preparatory School

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Campaign to give GWH a cold cot

preschool gymnastics

After the tragic still-birth of her first grandchild in October 2012, Sue Pullen and her daughter Vicky embarked in May on a campaign to purchase a refrigerated cold cot for the maternity unit at GWH. This will delay the physical deterioration of still-born babies so that grieving parents have longer to say goodbye. Describing the horror of her the ward were wonderful and really daughter’s experience Sue said: “Un- looked after Vicky. It was just very fortunately Vicky’s ante-natal care was sad that when other members of the very disrupted and she didn’t have a family wanted to come and see Honey permanent mid-wife until her 25th Rose the day after she was born she week of pregnancy. At that point the had already started to deteriorate.” baby was identified as being tiny for its Vicky’s sister Rachel came up with term and although a growth scan was the idea of a cold cot having read promised it never happened. about them in a national newspaper. “Then at 31 weeks Vicky was told Commenting on Vicky’s new-found that her baby had died. Princess focus to lead the campaign for GWH, Margaret Hospital made provision Sue said: “Vicky doesn’t want to dwell for mums in Vicky’s situation with a on losing Honey Rose. She wants to separate entrance and section for still- do something positive and she never births, but GWH doesn’t have this. ceases to amaze me after what she’s “There was a lot of confusion when been through. She’s not going to stop Vicky turned up to deliver her baby at GWH, she wants to make sure that at the allotted time. She was treated every maternity unit in the country like a normal mum and told to stop has a cold cot.” crying because she would soon have The Honey Rose Cold Cot page a lovely baby. on Facebook gives the latest news “Vicky had to go through a very on the campaign, including how to difficult labour alongside women buy Vicky’s hand-made angel feather who were delivering healthy babies. charms and appeals for items to sell Ultimately Honey Rose was delivered at car-boot sales. in theatre under general anaesthetic. Help sponsor a Cold Cot at: just“In the end the mid-wife team on giving.com/honeyrose2012

where an early start makes a world of difference!

daily classes for the under 5’s

01793 822262

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

AQUABABIES

BABY & TODDLER SWIMMING We’re the original baby swimming teachers. Teaching for over 20 years

PARENT & BABY AQUA FIT

30 minute exercise program for parents and babies to to enjoy together

01249 661561 www.aquababieswest.co.uk With pools all over Wiltshire and the West there’s bound to be a course near you

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

l An

independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

Make a move this summer

Sarah Gaustad of DancePlus is running Mini Movers pre-school classes at Link Centre and other venues throughout July and August. The 30 minute sessions on Thursday mornings include Dancing Dynamos, Technical Tots and Fun with Fairytales. All are designed to stimulate creativity and imagination, gain co-ordination and use energy. See the Dance Plus advert right or www.danceplus.uk.com Sarah and young performer Charlie Bratley

Salt Way Children’s Centre Pearl Road, Middleleaze Swindon SN5 5TD Tel: 01793 465364

Holiday Activities Variety of family activities on offer in the centre and in the community during the summer Please call the centre or see www.childrenssociety.org.uk/saltwaycc for details Call Salt Way CC to become a member and receive up to date information.

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Farewell party planned at Oliver Tomkins

Oliver Tomkins Primary School is holding a gathering of former pupils to say goodbye to long serving teacher Janet French on Tuesday 23 July. She is retiring after 37 years in teaching, 32 years at Oliver Tomkins. She plans to spend more time looking after her father and helping at Christ Church in Old Town. The party takes place at the school from 2.30pm. To help with catering, call the school on 01793 870471 if you plan to attend.

Garden improvements at Koalas Men’s Shed, the support and social group for men who have suffered strokes which meets at SEQOL Enterprise Works, have installed two garden planters and an archway for Koalas playgroup at the Saltway Centre. The materials for the planters and archway were provided by Enterprise Works, and the compost and flowering plants were donated by Swindon garden specialists Toomers.

10% Off when you pay in full for a term m Baby Sensory classes from birth to 13 months m Toddler Sense classes from 1 to 3 years

For details contact Alison: 07543 547667 www.babysensory.com

Installing the pergola, Koalas manager Stephanie Hathaway and back from left, Nigel Davies of Toomers, Melvin Emms, Mick Condon, Alan Porton. Front, Eddy Hrynyszyn, Duncan Thompson, Ian Hogg

Summer Holiday Dance Workshop for 7 to 11s with

13th, 14th, 15th August 10am – 3pm

at Peatmoor Community Facilities

Peatmoor Community Primary School Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5DP

Cost £45 for 3 day workshop • Siblings £35 Please provide your child with a packed lunch & drinks For information and to book a place please contact Sarah Gaustad on 07984035985 or email: sarah@danceplus.uk.com

www.danceplus.uk.com Supported by Peatmoor Community Facilities

www.peatmoor.org.uk

“Delivering high quality care to your child ” Open 52 weeks a year Ages 6 weeks to 5 years Child led activities Stimulating environments Close to J16 of M4

Open Days

Monday 15th July: 9.30am - 4pm Wednesday 21st August: 9.30am - 4pm

Come and see us today! Windmill Hill Day Nursery Windmill Hill Business Park Whitehill Way Swindon SN5 6NX

01793 877646

www.childbasepartnership.com

Free Registration Quote WMH13

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Dare to enter The Creepy House this summer?

Dancers do well All four students at Freshbrook’s Griffin School of Irish Dance returned from the Celtic Association of Irish Dance British Open Championships on 25 May with trophies.

Youngsters at Tregoze Primary School in Grange Park dressed up as kings and queens on the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II coronation on Tuesday 4 June. See more pictures at www.bit.ly/

Six year old Ellie-Mae Cahalin came fifth in only her second competition. Jamie Bray, 11, came first in the under 11 boys and younger sister Niamh, 8, was top from 25 dancers in the Sweetland Championships. Sophie Embling, came third in the 17 and under open grade heavy reel category and fourth in the 17 and under Celtic Cup. The youngsters are coached by James Syrad who travels from London every Sunday. Anyone interested in joining should contact Sandra Embling : sandra.embling@yahoo.com

Staff from Sainsbury’s in the town centre joined members from Swindon Children Without A Diagnosis or with rare disorders - SCWAD - for a charity curry night at the Bombay Lounge and to present a cheque for £1,609 raised from a Christmas craft stall, an Easter raffle, Mothers Day flower wrapping, a quiz night and bag packs. Sainsbury’s at the Brunel Centre is supporting the Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis in Westlea until mid-2014.

The clean you expect The service you deserve

Are you brave enough to explore The Awful Upstairs, The Gruesome Ground Floor and The Spinetingling Cellar? Discover the secrets of Creepy House and meet some of the hairraising residents through Swindon Libraries Summer Reading Challenge. Registration starts on 13 July with a ‘Thriller’ dance extravaganza launch from 10.30am at Central Library on Saturday 20 July. It’s free to join and simple to do: just read six books during the summer through your local library. Children receive a foldout poster, and a certificate and medal for those who successfully complete the challenge. There’s a children’s DVD voucher for those who read three books. This year, the library is challenging children across the town to read 13,000 books by 7 September. During July and August fines will be waived on overdue children’s books. Call into a Swindon Library to find out about making summer really creepy or see www.creepy-house. org.uk

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Mobile Hair & Beauty

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Win tickets to open air shows at Lydiard Park Live open air entertainment comes to Lydiard Park in July and August – and you could win family tickets to one of two great productions. The park hosts Shakespeare’s muchloved masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet, on Friday 5 July. The acclaimed national touring company Heartbreak Productions gives this classic tale a modern twist using masks, dance, blades, potions and poetry. On 26 July Beatrix Potter’s Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny will be brought to life by Quantum

Theatre in a charming show about a naughty little bunny who gets into all sorts of scrapes. Family theatre continues on Friday 16 August, when Illyria present their adaptation of Dick King-Smith’s wonderful story of friendship, courage and determination: Babe the Sheep Pig. See sheep herded using politeness in front of Lydiard House as Babe tries to save his bacon by being good enough to win the county trials with help from Fly the sheepdog. Tickets for each of these shows are

Computer museum celebrates 10 years in July Swindon Museum of Computing in Theatre Square is celebrating its tenth anniversary in July with a brand new exhibition dedicated to the history of robotics. Founder Jeremy Holt said: “We computing enthusiasts who attend think of the computing museum as our weekly Hackspace club meetings. being a true one, being both public- Members have started to build some facing and playing an important role cool robotics, so we thought it would in preserving and properly storing be interesting to explore how far the computing artefacts.” technology has come.” The inspiration for the Robotics Visitors to the exhibition will be able Revealed exhibition was the 1980s to see robotics in action from some of educational robot HERO 1, which the big names in manufacturing, inis the oldest robot in the museum’s cluding FUNAC, who supply robotics collection. to Honda, and a robot vacuum cleaner Museum curator Simon Webb, and lawn mower from Karcher. pictured below, said: “Robots are a Robotics Revealed will run for six personal interest of mine, as well as the months from 12 July during museum opening hours: Fridays, 10am to 4pm and Saturdays, 9.30am to 5pm. • Hackspace meets each Wednesday from 6.30pm to 10pm to work out solutions to computer problems. Their latest triumph has been to make a 1950s teletype machine respond to tweets. Find out more by contacting Simon Webb via www.museum-of-computing.org.uk

£14 for adults, £9 children or £40 for a family (two adults and two children). Purchase at Swindon Arts Centre, Old Town, call 01793 614837 or online: www.wegottickets.com/swindon artscentre To win a family ticket (for four people) for either Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny or Babe the Sheep Pig send your answer to one of these questions to the Swindon Link address on page 4.

Call for an appointment 07584 628 123

kellysmobilehairandbeauty

• Whose wrote the Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny? • Who coached Babe the Sheep Pig? The closing date is Monday 15 July. To find out more about the shows see www.lydiardpark.org.uk.

Roves Farm A great day out, come rain or shine

Sevenhampton, Nr. Highworth, Swindon, Wilts. SN6 7QG 01793 763939

OPEN DAILY, 10:00am - 5:00pm Full programme of events throughout the day: * Meet & Feed the Animals- three times a day ! * FREE Tractor & Trailer Rides around the farm * Children’s Themed Making & Sticking * Indoor Toddlers Soft Play & Sandpit * Activity Barn with Pedal Tractors, Giant Slide & Ball Pond * Big Straw Bale Climb, Bouncy Castle & Outdoor Play Area * Tearoom - delicious homemade cakes & light lunches !

Toddler activities every weekday during term time Special themed events throughout the school holidays

www.rovesfarm.co.uk

swindonlink.com • July 2013

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CABAdvert_SL.pdf

12/06/2013

12:20

Festival of Literature was the best ever Matt Holland, the director of the Swindon Festival of Literature says this year’s event in May was the biggest, best and most rewarding in its 20-year history. “We had more people, more sell-out events and greater audience and author satisfaction than ever before,” said Matt. “From the moment the first slither of the sun came up over Park South at dawn on the first day, to the last Matt with Kate Humble. Image: Richard lonesome wail of the watering Wintle www.calyxpix.com can to signal the end at the Town Hall, everything was almost perfect. people attended a lunchtime event “The authors were even better than to hear an Oxford professor talk about they were supposed to be, and the spelling.” daily difficulties one can expect from Despite welcoming visitors from organising more than 60 events over as far away as the USA and Ireland two weeks turned into daily rewards.” and with thousands of loyal local Although reluctant to pick favour- supporters, Matt is not keen for the ites, Matt mentioned one or two festival to get much bigger. He said: highlights. He said:“I was gobsmacked “My belief in an optimum size has by Stella Rimington, even though I’m been reinforced, and I think we may not into espionage. The humility and now have reached it.” respect shown by Agnes Agboton Summing up, he said:“For two weeks, at the International Poetry Evening men and women in Swindon talked, entranced me, and PD James was so listened and explored ideas together. delighted to be in Swindon she not They created a communion of words. only gave a great talk, but also bought So many new thoughts were aired in a Zimmer frame at the shop across the such an entertaining and informative road from the Arts Centre. way that it was the best example we’ve “And I was amazed that over 70 had of life-long learning.”

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Swindon’s heritage will be both seen and heard

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Milton Road Baths in the early 20th Century, the subject of a programme being made by Swindon Heritage for community radio station Swindon 105.5

Swindon Heritage magazine – now on its Summer 2013 edition – is selling well, and the publishers are also busy promoting local history in other media. As part of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to Swindon 105.5, the Swindon Heritage team are researching the history of the swimming baths in Milton Road for one of 20 programmes about local landmarks to be aired later in the year. Editor Graham Carter said: “Although we have no previous experience of making programmes ourselves, when station manager Shirley Ludford asked us if we wanted to have a go, we jumped at the chance.

“There’s much more to the baths than meets the eye, so we are looking forward to telling its story with the station’s expert help.” Swindon Heritage is relaunching its website and work has already begun on the autumn edition, due in print in August. Graham added: “We have some cracking stories lined up. People are still asking us if we have enough material. Our main problem is to actually fit everything into 84 pages each quarter.” The magazine costs £4.99 and is available from a number of local outlets or online. Buy or subscribe via: www.swindonheritage.com.

is looking for two part-time Play Support Workers (term time only)

You will have a minimum NVQ Level 3 or equivalent child care qualification, be enthusiastic and self-motivated Closing date: 8 July 2013 (Interviews planned for week of 15 July)

Please apply to: The Administrator West Swindon Family Centre 15 Gainsborough Way Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8PD Tel: 01793 871303 E: advice@westswindoncc.org West Swindon Family Centre is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children An equal opportunities employer

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Swindon Bowl Concerts Town Gardens, Quarry Road, Swindon SN1 4EN

Saturday 13 July, 7.30pm

UB40 Plus Support

Ali Campbell has one of the UKâ€™s most distinctive and recognisable voices. As lead singer with the world-renowned group UB40, he has sold over 60 million records worldwide, notched up four number No.1s and had 40 Top 40 UK hits.

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Best known for his vocals on classics such as â€˜Red Red Wineâ€™, â€˜Donâ€™t Break My Heartâ€™ and â€˜Canâ€™t Help Falling In Loveâ€™, whether part of UB40 in the past, or today in his solo career, Ali has always stayed true to his love of reggae and its on-going capacity for innovation, the music that first inspired him and continues to do so, to this day.

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Tickets: Advance Price ÂŁ20 Adult, ÂŁ5 Children. On the gate ÂŁ25 Adults, ÂŁ5 Children

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Open air theatre at Lydiard Park

ROMEO & JULIET by William Shakespeare

Friday 5 July, 7.30pm

Friday 26 July, 6.30pm Friday 16 August, 6.30pm ABERGAVENNY CASTLE Box Office: 01793 614837 Web: www.wegottickets.com/swindonartscentre 5EE ÂŁ40 Tickets: Adult ÂŁ14, Child ÂŁ9,NP7 Family Thursday 8 August 2013 at 7.00pm Please bring picnics, rugs or low-back chairs Tickets: 01873 850805

www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk

22 swindonlink.com â€˘ July 2013

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boxoffice@boroughtheatre.co.uk

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Full ÂŁ12.00 Concession ÂŁ10.00 Family ÂŁ40.00

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Gates open 6.00pm. Performance approx 2hrs 15mins (inc 20min interval). Please bring your own seating/rug, warm clothes and picnic. Hot drinks and bar available. Book both performances get the second ticket half price!

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Swindon Town Centre July 2013

www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

For Business For Shopping For Leisure

New BID Manager in post.

Inside

inSwindon BID Company are pleased to announce that Rebecca Rowland has been appointed by the board of directors as the new BID Manager.

this edition...

In her role Rebecca will help to build Swindon’s economic prosperity for the future by creating the right environment for all Swindon town centre’s businesses to perform better. Paul Booth, Chairman of inSwindon BID said, “The Board are delighted to have recruited someone as experienced as Rebecca. Her track record in helping to run a very successful BID in Swindon and her understanding of the challenges facing the town centre within the current economy was recognised as a clear advantage during the interview process”. The board are looking forward to working with Rebecca to further extend and develop the inSwindon BID Company.” Rebecca said “I’m excited about this role and I am looking forward to helping Swindon realise its full potential as a town.” Rebecca has extensive knowledge of BID companies and was part of the team who successfully led the renewal of the ballot in 2012. The company will continue to deliver its five-year programme to support and increase visitors, footfall and spending.

p2 Summer Events

p3 Find us on Town centre Facebook: entertainment inSwindon BID

Company Ltd

Q&A with Rebecca Rowland Describe yourself in 3 words? Passionate, ambitious, motivated. What do you like most about Swindon? The vast potential it has to offer for new and existing businesses. friends, holidays, wine-tasting and arts and crafts. What would you change about Swindon if you could? Your phone book must be full of business People’s perception of Swindon; I would contacts, but who is the most famous encourage organisations to work together person in there? to create a positive united message. Nicole Scherzinger and Jahmene Douglas as a result of the 2012 Christmas Light What do you think attracts business Switch-on. people to Swindon? The confirmed investment opportunities: Describe Swindon in three words... Regent Circus development, Oasis Unappreciated, unrecognised, misunderstood. development and the Swindon Master plan. What has been your biggest achievement How do you like to spend your time off? to date? Relaxing, spending time with family and Professionally: being part of the inSwindon

p4 Summer Giveaway BID team that were successful at re-ballot 2012, giving the BID company a further 5 years to make a difference to the Town Centre. Personally completing a tandem sky dive for Prospect Hospice charity, which is a charity close to my heart What do you hope to achieve whilst in post as BID Manager? Changing the perception of Swindon; encouraging shoppers and visitors into the town centre to experience the vast independent and national retailer shopping environment, the culture and to enjoy a safe, clean and friendly experience.

For all the latest news and events visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk 1 19 - 48 July 13.indd 23

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Summer Events!

Summer in

Swindon Town Centre

town centre

Royal Opera House screening of Tosca

Join inSwindon BID Company at Wharf Green on Thursday 18th July for Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca. Screening live from the Royal Opera House in London right on to the big screen in Swindon town centre. Plus, we have organised pre-show entertainment so you get a full nights entertainment. Pre-show entertainment from Vic Clements and a number of guests will take place from 6.30pm on Thursday 18 July, followed by the screening of the opera at 7.30pm.

inSwindon welcome all to join them at Wharf Green, with a bottle of wine or two, to watch in awe the striking choreography, stunning dresses and tremendous scores this summer. Tickets are completely free, register by emailing events@inswindon.com stating how many seats you’d like to reserve. Passion, intrigue, revenge, a beautiful diva and fabulous music – Tosca is one of the great opera experiences. This story is a thrilling and heartwrenching tale of passionate love, jealousy, murder and suicide featuring Martina Serafin as the tragic Tosca and Aleksandrs Antonenko as her lover Cavaradossi, with Scott Hendricks as the evil Baron Scarpia who plots their destruction.

Find us on Facebook:

inSwindon BID Company Ltd

Wimbledon showcase

Thursday 4th July & the weekend of the 6th and 7th July Does your son or daughter see themselves as the next McEnroe of Moredon, Federer of Ferndale of or even Walcot’s answer to Serena Williams? Well get down to Wharf Green on Thursday 4th July or the weekend of the 6th and 7th July as it’s Wimbledon time again! A mini tennis zone complete with a full-size court with umpire’s chair, artificial grass and a picnic area under the Big Screen is being set up. Delta Tennis Centre coaches will also be on hand to provide free tennis coaching, games and competitions. Plus, strawberries and cream and a glass of our favourite summer drink will be available to purchase for those wanting to sit back and enjoy the on screen action.

Find us on Facebook:

inSwindon BID Company Ltd

www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

2 For all the latest news and events visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk 19 - 48 July 13.indd 24

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Summer Events!

Swindon Town Centre

Milkshake!

At the Wyvern Theare on Sun 28 July at 1.00pm and 3.30pm Channel 5 and Premier Stage Productions’ all-singing, all-dancing live stage show will be visiting the Wyvern Theatre starring Milkshake! favourites Little Princess and Scruff, Noddy and Tessie Bear,Roary and Big Chris, Fifi and Bumble and B1 & B2 (the Bananas in Pyjamas). This musical spectacular is sure to have children tapping their toes, clapping their hands and singing at the top of their voices. Joining this fantastic line up will be two Milkshake! presenters, who will take us on a magical Milkshake! adventure which is bound to dazzle and delight. In the Milkshake! live show your favourite Milkshake! friends come out to play - but when the time comes to go home they find themselves stuck outside the TV! Come and join them and then make sure they get back to Milkshake! in time for the morning show! The show features new songs, classic favourites and funky dance moves, plus plenty of laughter, bags of audience interaction and bucket loads of fun for all the family.

@inSwindon

Tickets: £13.00 Children: £11.00 Family (2 adults 2 children): £44.00

About us - What is inSwindon BID? inSwindon BID is a Business Improvement District, set up in 2007, which promotes, manages and co-ordinates operations and events in the town centre. It is mainly funded by the retailers and other businesses within the town centre area. In February 2012 the Company was successful in a renewal to secure the future of the company for a further five-years at a vote taken by the Business Improvement District investors. The Company manages the Street Team Ambassadors, the Security Radio Network, major events and campaigns such as the Christmas Lights Switch On and Armed Forces Day, as well as providing business support and training to investors. For more details on inSwindon BID: see www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

Find us on Facebook:

inSwindon BID Company Ltd

Music showcase in Swindon town centre

For more information: Media queries should be directed to Kirsty-Heber Smith on 01793 485523 or events@inswindon.com

New to 2013, inSwindon BID Company Swindon this is the perfect opportunity have joined forces with Holmes Music to for musicians to show off their flair to offer the opportunity to local bands and shoppers and passers by. musicians to showcase themselves. And to top off the showcase, all talent Throughout every Saturday in July and will be coming together on Saturday 31st August a different local band or musician August for a music showcase throughout will play their music by the water fountain the day 11am-3pm. on Canal Walk. For more information visit With so much untapped talent within ww.swindontowncentre.co.uk

For all the latest news and events visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk 3

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Get involved...

Swindon Town Centre

Armed Forces Day. Saturday 29th June 10am - 3pm

The fifth annual Armed Forces Showcase will take place at Wharf Green and throughout Swindon town centre to celebrate the men and women of the forces on Saturday 29th June 2013. inSwindon BID will be showing their support by flying the Armed Forces Flag at 10am followed by a town centre full of fun from 11am. There will be an activity zone with jousting, bungee runs, sumo suits and a climbing wall – all for the family to enjoy for FREE. Plus, tennis lessons from Delta Tennis coaches will be available for FREE in Wharf Green under the big screen to celebrate Wimbledon.

Help us celebrate! Take advantage of the ONE DAY exclusive special offers around Swindon town centre. Here is a list of participating businesses: McDonalds Aqua G Salon tReds Warehouse The Sir Daniel Arms The Savoy The Groves JJ’s Hair Group Fillerz Bridal Boutique Cafe Licious Fancy Pants Don Rogers Sports Holmes Music Holiday Inn Express Giggles Strozzi Cafe Thorntons Plaza Pets Supercuts The Fragrance Shop

The Gun Centre Sue Ryder SNES Roosters Piri Piri Spot On Models Bonmarche DC Computers Distinkt Tattoos Lifestyle Portraits Lazy Frog Kateson’s Body Care Megan Nails Mrs G. D. Monk Octagon Mike McGuire Butchers Luke Skywalkers Cobbler’s Shop Phone Exchange Reynold’s Blinds Vince Ayres Repairs U Piri Piri Cobblers’ Corner

For more information please visit:

www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

The Big Summer Giveaway We understand how difficult and expensive it can be to keep the family entertained over the summer holidays, so this is why we have put together the Big Summer Give Away. Be in with a chance of winning STFC tickets, Theatre Tickets, Festival tickets and much more - for all the family to enjoy. All you have to do is fill out the simple form below and send it back to inSwindon BID at this address: inSwindon BID Company, Level 4, The Brunel Tower, Swindon, SN1 1LH Alternatively, you can enter online at www.swindontowncentre.co.uk Name:........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Address:...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number:................................................................................................................................................................................................... Email Address:.............................................................................................................................................................................................................

For all the latest news and events visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk 4

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Free writing guide offered for early bookers to writing workshops Link writer and author of The Journal Writer’s Handbook, Juliet Platt, is following up her successful Spring journal writing workshops at Lower Shaw Farm with more of the same in September. The eight week course beginning on Monday 2 September, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, costs £80 per person, which is payable on booking. Juliet said: “Journal writing is a great way of motivating ourselves to finally get on with the projects we’ve been putting off.” “Participants in the last course said

how much it inspired them, and how it helped them write more deeply about everything in their life. “Research shows that expressive writing can help our physical wellbeing as well as our mental health, so this could be the perfect tonic to ease you into autumn.” Those reserving a place before 31 July will receive a free signed copy of Juliet’s book The Journal Writer’s Handbook. To reserve a place on the workshop, phone 01793 727994. www.journalwritershandbook.co.uk

Foster for Swindon e - Providing a Hom People Like You Make a big difference to children and young people in Swindon. Foster. 01793 465700 familyplacement@swindon.gov.uk fosteringswindon.org.uk

UTC recruitment starts at July open evening The new University Technical College for the town - UTC Swindon - holds an enrolment evening for the first students to start in September 2014 on Thursday 11 July, 6.30pm, at STEAM Museum. UTC Swindon is an exciting new concept in education where 14 to 19 year old students will study engineering alongside a core academic curriculum within a modern industrial workplace. With hands-on experience and employer engagement from the start, the aim is to produce the highly qualified engineers of the future. Conversion work on the Mill site near the railway village, where the 19th Century Great Western Railway works school was located, has commenced and Angela Barker-Dench has been appointed principal. She will be managing the opening of the college and one of her key tasks will be to support students through their applications. See the admission criteria at: www.utcswindon.co.uk

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Nails

Purton Farm Shop & Organic Veg Box Scheme Free delivery Veg, fruit, eggs, meat Butter, milk & more Shop open Tuesday-Sunday Church End, Purton Swindon SN5 4EB Tel: 01793 772287

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Midnight Cowboys Even Swindon Community Centre, Jennings Street

Tuesdays, 7.30pm - 10pm Also: Highworth Community Centre Tuesdays, 9.15am - 10.45am Coleview Community Centre Thursdays, 7pm - 10pm

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Swindon’s Packaging & Stationery Sellers

SEE OUR PRODUCTS @ WWW.ZIGNIG.CO.UK Discounts & free delivery to Swindon customers Input code ‘SWINDON LOCAL’ when ordering Support local business, reduce your carbon footprint

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Kids for a Quid

An Evening With Johnny Herbert presented by Car Racing Legends. Sky Tv’s Grand Prix presenter and former British Grand Prix winner discusses all things motor racing. £22.50. Wyvern

Drama Friday 5th & Saturday 6th, 7.30pm; Saturday 6th, 2.30pm The Talented Mr Ripley presented by TS Theatre Productions. A psychological thriller containing adult material. £10. Arts Centre

Musical Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th, 7.30pm Little Shop of Horrors presented by Isambard School. A soulful and satirical musical based on the 1980s hit film. £7.50; concs £5. Wyvern

Fundraising Brook Field School Summer Fayre Friday 5 July, 5.30pm to 8pm Games, activities and a variety of exciting stalls, BBQ, cake stall ice-creams and other refreshments Brook Field School, Cartwright Drive Wild West Summer Fete Friday 12 July, 6pm to 8pm Games and stalls, bouncy castle, coconut shy, a hog roast and more! Entry 50p per adult, children free Catherine Wayte Primary School Elstree Way, Abbey Meads In aid of PTA Health Beauty and Wellbeing Day Saturday 13 July, 12noon to 5pm A wide range of therapists and beauty experts offering taster treatments and reduced prices Jewellery, organic skincare and crystals for sale, also gift vouchers Raffle and refreshments Entrance £2. All proceeds to NSPCC Drove Peoples Campus, Southampton St, SN1 3AH

STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway

at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway

D16300

This voucher entitles children aged 3-16 years to visit STEAM any day of the week between 20 July and 1 September for just £1when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Under 3s go free!

From Saturday 20th 160 Camp: The Lydiard Park Prisoner of War Camp. New display about the PoW hospital camp at Lydiard park, featuring photos, maps and stories about the inmates, doctors and guards. Normal admission charges. Lydiard House

Comedy Saturday 13th, 8pm Edinburgh Preview Double Bill. Two rising stars of the UK comedy scene Rhys Mathewson and David Morgan. £10. Arts Centre Tuesday 30th, 7pm, doors close 8pm Chuckles Comedy Club. £8; show & dinner £12 plus booking fee (adv only). MECA

Kids for a quid at Steam To make holiday cash go further, 3 to 16 year olds can visit Swindon’s Steam Museum for just £1 each when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Up to four children can visit for this special price and under 3s go free from 20 July to 1 September. Cut out the Kids for a Quid voucher below or download it from www. steam-museum.org.uk

Venues Arts Centre Devizes Road. Tel: 614837 Lydiard House Lydiard Park. Tel: 770401 MECA Regent Circus SN1 1PR. Tel: 251111 Roves Farm Sevenhampton Nr Highworth. Tel: 763939 STEAM Kemble Drive. Tel: 466637 Swindon Dance Town Hall Studios, Regent Circus. Tel: 601700 Swindon Information Centre Central Library. Tel: 530328 Wyvern Theatre Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

Please complete the following information before you use your voucher. We will not pass your details on to any other party.



Swindon Wide What’s On

Exhibition

Totally Divine Talk Wednesday 10th, 7.30pm

I am interested in receiving details of future leisure and culture events and offers from Swindon Borough Council.

[ ] (please tick box)

Name: Email: Postcode:

Terms and conditions:Valid between 20 July and 1 September 2013. Please note that SwindonCards cannot be used in conjunction with the £1 offer . Up to 4 children visit for £1 when accompanied by an adult.

28 D16300_STEAM swindonlink.com • July 2013 Link_voucher.indd 1

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Thursday 4th, 7.30pm Roy Orbison and Friends. Barry Steele presents his spectacular multimedia tribute to the Big O featuring classic hits from the 60s through to the late 80s. £19.50. Wyvern Friday 5th, 7.30pm A Night of Dirty Dancing. All the hits of the favourite dance movie Dirty Dancing performed by all-star cast of West End performers. £18. Wyvern Saturday 6th, 7:30pm International Choral Concert by Wessex Male Choir. 12th annual concert with guests The Pontarddulais Male Choir from Wales, and The Colla Voce Youth Choir from South Africa. £12; under 16 £6. STEAM Friday 12th, 7.30pm Flash - Live in Concert. Led by Scott Maley, recreating the Queen live experience using accurate costumes and the same instruments. £19. Wyvern Friday 12th, 8pm Peter Howarth Unplugged with a choice selection of classic hits by Cliff Richard, The Hollies and Roy Orbison. Peter will be joined by special guest singer/songwriter Michael Armstrong £15. Arts Centre Saturday 13th, gates 6.30pm, concert 7.30pm Ali Campbell’s UB40. Swindon Bowl Concert, see the advert on page 22 Friday 19th, 7.30pm 80s Mania. 25 chart-topping pop icons authentically recreated with a live band and awesome dancers. £20. Wyvern Saturday 20th, 7.30pm Purple Zeppelin pay tribute to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, taking you back to the magic and excitement of those incredible bands. £19.50. Wyvern Saturday 27th, 8pm Nathan Jones All Star Jazz Band. Swindon’s most dynamic 20 piece big band play the classics of Glenn Miller, Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, Etta James and many more. £10. Arts Centre

Dance Saturday 13th, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Bobbi’s School of Dance. The academy showcases their talents in ballet, tap, jazz, street, hip hop and freestyle disco. £12. Wyvern Thursday 18th & Friday 19th, 8pm Strictly Swindon presented by Swindon Dance featuring performances from the adult community dance programme including jazz and tap groups, Salto! and Charleston. £8/£6. Town Hall Studios

Counselling

Children & Family Tuesday 2nd, 4pm & Wednesday 3rd, 10am, 1pm & 4pm Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys. Help Dora find her teddy bear in this two act song and dance spectacular. £19; child £17; family £69/£59. Wyvern Friday 5th, 6pm to 9pm Roller Disco. £7; skates & safety equipment hire £2. MECA Friday 5th, 7.30pm Romeo & Juliet, theatre in the park. Heartbreak Production’s unique storytelling style combines thrills, masks, dance, blades, potions and poetry. £14; child £9; family £40. See pages 19 and 22 for details. Lydiard Park. Saturdays and Sundays, 6th & 7th, 13th &14th Bug Hunting Weekends. Worms, wood lice, spiders and all things creepy crawly can be found in ‘bugtastic’ habitats. Jump aboard a free tractor trailer ride and see what you can discover. Take part in a craft session to make your own bug to take home. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 19 Saturdays 13th & 27th, 10am to 4pm Meet the Railway Workers. Former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers bring the days of steam to life. Normal admission charges. STEAM Saturday 20th to Tuesday 30th The Bear Hunt. Join Roves Farm’s very own explorer on a tractor ride. Remember you can’t go over it, you can’t go under it, you’ll have to go through it.... Roves Farm. See the advert on page 19 Friday 26th, 6.30pm The Tales of Peter R abbit & Benjamin Bunny; theatre in the park. £14; child £9; family £40. See pages 19 & 22 for details and competition. Lydiard Park Sunday 28th, 1pm & 3.30pm Milkshake! Live on Stage. The all-singing and ©Frederick Warne & Co Ltd all-dancing show with all the favourite characters, features new songs and lots of audience participation. £13; child £11; family £44 Wed 31 July to Sat 10 August The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Take a tractor ride to follow the story of the Very Hungry Caterpillar and learn about the life-cycle of a butterfly. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 19 Wednesday 31st, 11am to 12noon Family Walk celebrating Love Parks Week. Free but booking required, call 770401. Lydiard Park

Take time for yourself to talk safely and confidentially about any issue.

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Swindon Wide What’s On

Music

Rendezvous Special For Two 1/4 Aromatic Crispy Duck OR Barbecue Ribs, Crispy Seaweed & Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls Choose 3 Dishes of your choice from our selection: Sweet & Sour Chicken (HK Style) Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce Prawns with Ginger & Spring Onions Spicy Salt & Garlic Chicken Lemon Chicken Chicken Curry Chicken Chow Mein Satay Roast Pork HHH Egg Fried Rice, Prawn Crackers & Fortune Cookies

£19.99 (Menu price £27.10) Special meal cannot be changed • Available until 24th November 2013

Tel: 01793 703388

Unit 2 Elstree Way, Abbey Meads SN25 4YX DELIVERY OR TAKE AWAY OPEN: Sun - Thur 4.45pm - 11.15pm; Fri & Sat 4.45pm - 11.45pm Last orders for delivery 15 minutes before closing time. Open every Bank Holiday Licenced to sell and deliver wine and beer

See our full menu at: www.rendezvous.uk.net swindonlink.com • July 2013 29

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Salon & Training Academy

85 Victoria Rd, Swindon SN1 3BB

01793 531546

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Rent a chair from £24 per day Free blow dry with every cut with this advert (valid to 31/7/13) Creative cutting course: 4th August, £110 Now enroling for NVQ L2 & L3 Hairdressing

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Isambard’s hat-trick of Wiltshire schools’ trophies Isambard Community School showed their dominance in schools’ football in May with victory in the under-11, under-14 and under-16 sections of the Wiltshire Schools’ Cup at Stanley Park, Chippenham. There were convincing wins for the under-11s and under-16s – over Lavington and Ridgeway respectively – but the under-14s had to wait until the final minute of extra-time to complete a nail-biting 3-2 win over Isambard’s under-11 cup winners. See pictures of the winning teams at www. Ridgeway. bit.ly/Isambard3cups

Get afloat this summer with Swimsafe

Would you like to ... • tone up? • lose weight? • get some nutrition advice? • enjoy a healthier lifestyle? • improve your overall fitness? Contact me for more information about 1-1 training sessions, small group sessions with friends or bigger group classes: kettle bells, circuits, pilates.

Off-peak discounts available Tel: 07828 714018

www.swindonhealingrooms.co.uk 07503 633242

SwimsafeUK are recruiting for their fun intensive ASA registered courses that children love at the DeVere Village Hotel on Shaw Ridge Leisure Park during July and August. Their courses take place for 30 minutes a day for a week to start children swimming, or to boost progress for those who have already started to learn. SwimsafeUK director Jo Harris said: “The well structured, friendly lessons really help children progress.” SwimsafeUK offer 1-2-1 lessons for adults wishing to learn, or to regain confidence after a few years out of the water. They also deliver life saving courses for swimmers who can cover 25 metres. To find out more call 07825 441311or via www.swimsafeuk.co.uk, Facebook or Twitter. See the advert on page 17. Special swimming course price for readers. Mention Swindon Link magazine when you book a summer intensive course and only pay £25 per swimmer. GI

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When you are in need of some serious pampering and a little bit of 'me' time, let us work our magic and leave you looking and feeling like a million dollars. Come and visit us in our fabulous new salon in Abbey Meads Village Centre and see our beautiful treatment rooms and tanning booth. From colourful manicures and pedicures, to blissful massages and golden spray tans, our fully trained staff will make your treatment a truly enjoyable experience. Complimentary refreshments are always on offer. Or for the ultimate in relaxation, why not treat yourself or a loved one to a Your Inspired Beauty Pamper Package?

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30 swindonlink.com • July 2013

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PAINFUL FEET?

DO YOUR FEET NEED CARE AND ATTENTION? ROBERT S TAYLOR MCFHP MAFHP

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For all your foot care needs: Pedicure, corns, calluses verrucas, thickened nails Nail infections Foot health checks and foot massage

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DEBBIE MITCHELL Monday, 7.45pm - 8.45pm Tuesday, 8pm - 9pm at Peatmoor Community Primary School Thursday, 7pm - 8pm at Isambard Community School £30 for 6 week course, booked and paid in advance Contact Debbie Mitchell on 01793 722152 or 07745 422365

Are You In Pain? We Can Offer Effective, Affordable Treatment Get to the root of your problem:

Tel: (01793) 887801 www.shawchiropracticclinic.co.uk

IF YOU SUFFER FROM: • Backache & Leg Pain • Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain • Head Pain • Numbness • Arthritic Pain • Sports Injury • Injury after Accident

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THEN YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR

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Dietbusters Join our 12 week weight management programme to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle through sensible eating habits and increased exercise. Each session has 45 minutes of education followed by 45 minutes of exercise tailored to your specific needs. We help you understand food labels, the importance of exercise, portion sizes and self-esteem.

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doctor’s surgery participating in the scheme and you meeting the referral criteria).

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www.swindonlaserclinic.co.uk swindonlink.com • July 2013 31

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McTimoney Chiropractor

• Clinics in West Swindon including the Link Centre • Ample free parking at Link Centre. On major bus routes • Gentle and affordable professional chiropractic care

Phil Yalden

BSc (Hons) LCC MMCA Registered with General Chiropractic Council Member of McTimoney Chiropractic Association

Link rink closed until 19 August

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McTimoney Chiropractic is a gentle and effective approach for treating: • Backache and back pain • Neck and shoulder pain • Joint pain, discomfort & stiffness • Some headaches • Muscular aches

The next stage of the comprehensive refurbishment of Link Centre got underway in early June with a £768,000 project to paint the internal structure and install up-to-date ice plant machinery. Work is now underway to lay about 9 miles of pipework to extract heat from the concrete and sand base to maintain the ice temperature at -11°c. In late July water will be slowly frozen to an optimum thickness of 40mm, with ice hockey lines and various logos embedded in the layers of ice. The rink closed with a foam party on Sunday 2 June. Photo: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

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Head Rush 73 Basepoint, Rivermead Westlea, West Swindon

Tour de Swindon celebrates centenary of French counterpart

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Behind Spectrum ‘Renault’ building

Free parking • Cash/cheques only Open Tuesday to Saturday Late night Wed & Thurs

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MONDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Avenue Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1QQ. Consultant: Sharon 07841 119082 TUESDAYS 6.30pm Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive Abbey Meads, Swindon, SN25 4GY. Consultant: Paula 07733 082579 TUESDAYS 7.30PM Tregoze Primary School, Sleaford Close Swindon SN5 6JU. Consultant: Corinna 07938 617048 WEDNESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Francis School, Taw Hill Swindon SN25 1UH. Consultant: Heather 07816 860840 THURSDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Freshbrook Community Centre Worsley Rd, Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8LY. Consultant: Jenny 07939 410805 THURSDAYS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church Thames Ave., Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1QQ. Cons: Sharon 07841 119082 FRIDAYS 9.30am Community Room, St Francis School, Taw Hill Swindon SN25 1UH. Consultant: Heather 07816860840 SATURDAYS 9.30am Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road Freshbrook, Swindon SN5 8LY. Consultant: Lou 07784 098022

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With the one hundredth Tour de France taking place this summer, it’s a perfect opportunity to take inspiration and get active and fit in Swindon - particularly if Mark Cavendish storms home in the last sprint down the Champs de L’Elysee on 21 July. There’s a promise of a free breakfast ing them to count their steps and how if you cycle to work. From 7am every many calories they burn. Tuesday and Thursday between 2 July There are two nature trails for cyclists and 18 July, there is a free croissant and on Monday 8 July and Thursday 11 a hot drink waiting July. With the help for anybody cycling of a spotter sheet go to or from Swindon for a bike ride to look railway station – while for mini beasts, birds, stocks last. butterflies and beetles. It’s just one of severFor details of locaal Swindon Council/ tions and times conSustrans initiatives tact sharon.brenttaking place to get nall@sustrans.org.uk the whole family out in the fresh air Ditch the stabilisers on Tuesday 9 including: and Friday 12 July. Give your child Family orienteering days every Sat- a head start with our free balance urday and Sunday between 29 June bikes taster sessions, one for ages 2.5 and 21 July, 10am to 4pm. to 4 years and the other for 4 to 6 Collect a free orienteering pack years. Each session develops the skills from the Link Centre, Haydon Cen- needed to be able to ride a pedal bike tre, Croft Sports Centre or the Dorcan without stabilisers. Recreation Complex, and find your Free longer courses will be available way, on foot or bike, around the for children who make progress. For seven-mile off-road rounds of West details of locations and times contact Swindon, Haydon Wick and Dorcan. sharon.brentnall@sustrans.org.uk Lunchtime leisure walk from the Tour de Swindon family fun day Oasis Leisure Centre at noon on finale at Coate Water Park, Sunday Wednesday 3 July. This 50-minute 21 July, 10am to 3pm. circular guided walk will take in one Join in with family cycle orienteerof the town’s hidden green spaces ing, cycle the smoothie-maker to and everyone is welcome to join in. pedal your way to 5-a-day and more. No booking required; just turn up Take part in a travel survey to be at 12pm at the Oasis. Free pedometers in with a chance of winning £100. will be given to all participants, allow- Facebook: Sustrans Swindon

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Father and daughter team up for sizzling cycle event Road cyclists are being urged to sign up for the Savernake Sizzler on Sunday 21 July – the day when the centenary Tour de France makes a spectacular night time entry into Paris. But you don’t have to be a Chris Froome to take part in the Marlborough event,which is being organised by father and daughter Paul Greenman and Penny Pauw, because it is designed for cyclists of all abilities. When Freshbrook carpenter/joiner Paul, 50, embarked on a fitness regime, two years ago, the whole family were drawn in. Marketing consultant Penny, 27, decided to help out by setting up GiveItSome to raise money for different charities. She said: “I was at home with the children and wanted to keep myself busy and use my organising skills. Dad comes up with the ideas and I deal with the details,” The first Savernake Sizzler Sportive in July will be in aid of Rainbow Trust children’s charity, and competitors can choose to ride 90, 65 or 35 miles through some of Wiltshire’s most stunning landscapes, passing quaint

practical support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. The charity relies on fundraising for 95 per cent of its income, so events like the Sizzler are essential for providing vital support to families when they need it most. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for local companies who would like to get involved, and businesses can set up relevant promotional stalls offering free samples or services on

PAY AS YOU GO ZUMBA Eastrop Infant School, Highworth Monday 18.30 - 19.30 Commonweal School Tuesday 18.30 - 19.30 Thursday 18.30 -19.30 Town Gardens, Old Town Sunday 10.00 - 11.00 PAY AS YOU GO Exclusively for kids (4 - 12 years) Rockin’, high-energy fitness-parties packed with special routines to music Red Oaks Primary School (term time) Saturday 09.30- 10.15 4 to 7 years Saturday 10.15 -11.00 8 to 12 years PILATES Commonweal School Tuesday 19.30 - 20.30 (Pay as you go)

villages, as well as the Kennet and the day. Booking required for all classes. Workshops, hen nights and more For details contact Penny or Paul: Avon canal. available. For details call Claudia: A fantastic mix of challenging hilly, penny@giveitsome.me or paul@ 07933 793851 or email: winding lanes and straight, fast sec- giveitsome.me latin5.claudia@hotmail.co.uk www.giveitsome.me tions are promised. ZUMBA WITH CLAUDIA Paul said: “It’s a great opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause, but it’s also brilliant motivation for everybody to get out in the fresh air and enjoy our beautiful countryside.” GiveItSome are deliberately keepCLARE DUNCAN-HAWES ing entry fees low to encourage participation. The cost is £8 and a free FREE SPINAL HEALTH CHECK T-shirt is on offer for all those raising Free 20 minute consultation • NECK PAIN money specifically for the Rainbow to assess if Chiropractic • BACK PAIN will benefit you. Trust, which provides emotional and • HEADACHES

THE CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTRE

It’s orienteering – but not as we know it First Swindon urban orienteering takes place on 13 July from Link Centre

The sport usually involves runners using their map reading skills to navigate their way between a set of control points marked on a map – often in forested areas. However, in recent years there has been a growing interest in urban races, and on Saturday 13 July runners will meet at the Link Centre to compete in the inaugural Swindon urban orienteering race. Organised by the North Wiltshire Orienteers, the event will provide run-

GET FIT WITH CLAUDIA

ners with a challenging and exciting race across West Swindon. There will be a number of different courses, including one for adults new to the sport, children and families. The participation fee is low and entry is available on the day. You can choose a distance of either 1.5km or 2.5km and can complete the course as an individual or a family, run, walk or even push a buggy. See more information at www. northwilts.org.uk

• SPORTS INJURY • CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Please call

01793 602454

Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike.

54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk

Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC Member of the British Chiropractic Association & College of Chiropractors. Registered with GCC

Join in with No Strings Badminton

Badminton fans looking for opponents or the chance to socialise with other players can now join in at Link Centre. No Strings Badminton is for players over 14 years and of any ability and takes place from 6pm to 8pm on Fridays and Sundays. There are no membership fees or contracts to commit to and no need to book in advance. Everybody who comes along will get to play. Players are matched up with suitable opponents in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Organiser Gerard Mootoo explained games are social or competitive and coaching can be provided. The cost of playing is just £4.20 with a Swindon Leisure Card – less than half the price of booking a court for exclusive use. Join at the Link Centre reception or see www.nostringsbadminton.co.uk for more information. swindonlink.com • July 2013 33

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Shaw FC has player needs Shaw football club is looking for players to join its under-8 and under-9 teams. They train on Mondays, 6pm. The under-11 team, which trains on Fridays, is moving from 7v7 to 9v9 games and needs to boost squad numbers. The under-13s team, which trains on Wednesdays, is looking for a goalkeeper. All training sessions take place at Lydiard Park Academy. For details contact Gerald Kent on 07533 679298 or mail: gerald.kent@ tesco.net

Dealing with stress

Cashback curry nights bring people together

Swindon Trauma Group is holding a four day course from Tuesday 9 July to Friday 12 July, 10.30am to 4pm. Called Facing Ones Fears, this will be a closed group for up to 8 people looking at coping with post trauma stress through cognitive behaviour therapy and stress management. The course takes place at Lydiard Park Conference Centre. With a grant from Swindon Council the cost is just £10 and includes a self help book, lunch and refreshments. For details mail Richard Hilling: info@swindontraumagroup.org.uk

The charity evenings at the Bombay Lounge restaurant in Peatmoor, now in their fifth year, have gained an excellent reputation for giving members and supporters of community groups the chance to raise money. Now proprietor Hanif Robani is doing the same at his new Bombay Lounge in Old Town, a lavishly refurbished restaurant in Devizes Road with what lots of people have called a ‘wow’ factor. The West Swindon charity nights take place on Monday and Tuesday evenings. In the first six months of the year over £5,000 has been raised for causes as diverse as pre-schools, guide dogs, sports clubs and youngsters from Bradon Forest planning a trip to India in 2014. In Old Town, charity nights on Hanif with Hannah Archer who flies to California on 9 July as vice-captain of Tuesdays are starting to take off. the British women’s inline skater squad They appeal to event organisers who competing in the world championare based in the centre and east of ships. She raised £350 at a charity curry night towards the £3,500 cost of the trip Swindon. Check out charity night availability different to the cuisine.” Of course you don’t have to be at www.swindonlink.com Hanif said: “We’ve made really fundraising for charity to visit either good friends with charity supporters restaurant. See the advert below to at Peatmoor and are raising interest book a night out. in the charity nights in Old Town. Smartphone offer: There we recently appointed a top Download the Linkz App for chef who has worked in some of the iPhone or Android, scan the big hotels in Dubai; customers have advert below and qualify for commented that he brings something a special deal on your next booking.

www.swindontraumagroup.org.uk

Family sports day Looking for a new sport to try in Swindon? Or want to attract more members to your sports club? On 29 June, 12noon to 4pm, Friends of Esprit Gym are hosting a Sports Forum where sports clubs from around the town will be promoting what they offer to potential members. The Friends of Esprit will be providing a barbecue, cream teas and family attractions throughout the day, as well as gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, dancing and football displays. The event takes place at Esprit, Headlands Grove, Swindon SN2 7HS.

Rugby family festival Swindon Rugby Club has teamed up with Stratton Parish Council to put on a Sevens Festival and Fun Day at their Greenbridge Road ground on Saturday 27 July, from 10am. There will be a fun fair, pony and tractor rides, reptile show, barbecue and hog roast. The fun continues into the evening with a beer and cider festival, plus live music. The rugby tournament, which is for adults, will see teams from as far away as Loughborough competing with players from the Swindon area.

Fre Align Here e h del om ive e ry

N D OL URA W NE ESTAPEN R O N W W NO TO

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Michael Jackson’s bodyguard keeps his feet on the ground Outdoor Zumbathon Swindon-born millionaire entrepreneur, close friend of Michael Jackson and former pupil at Greendown School, Matt Fiddes has returned to the town to launch a new dance academy franchise to add to his global brand of martial arts schools. Describing the new venture Matt Describing his relationship with the said: “Our headquarters will be at late megastar Matt said: “I was a close Cheney Manor and we will be buildfriend of Mike, who used to come and ing on the same themes of respect, stay at the De Vere in Swindon quite a self-reliance and discipline as with lot, disguised in a burkha. He loved it the martial arts. here away from the London crowds. “We’re already interviewing dance He was really into martial arts and I instructors so this is a great opportuhelped him train up to second degree nity to bring more jobs to Swindon.” black belt. I never took any money Since 1997 Matt has grown his from him and was just his friend. By business from a small martial arts the end of his life when he had no ready school in North Devon to now havcash I was picking up his hotel bills. ing over 600 nationwide franchises, “Mike was a lovely guy who wanted including 12 in Swindon, along with his life to be the greatest show on schools in Australia, Germany, Hol- Matt and Moniqe Fiddes, now living in earth yet remain a complete mystery land and South Africa. Swindon. Image: Richard Wintle www. to people. This made him make some Before leaving Greendown at the calyxpix.com strange decisions that obviously age of 16 Matt’s careers’ advisor told never looked back. In the end I failed caused him problems. But underneath him there was no money in teaching every exam I took as I was only really it all he was an ordinary person.” martial arts. Two years later he pulled interested in physical sport.” Despite its glamorous appearance Over the years Matt has attracted Matt is under no illusion that his life up in his brand new Ferrari, having registered 700 members to his fitness much national media attention be- isn’t hard work. He and his wife Motraining franchises in Barnstaple, ris- cause of his connection with celebri- niqe, a best-selling singer from South ing to 2,000 members one year later. ties such as Michael Jackson and Uri Africa, are now in Swindon to expand Commenting on his education Gueller. Recently there have been his business empire, launch her UK Matt said: “I was bullied a lot as a questions over his possible paternity music career and welcome their first kid so moved between schools a bit. of Jackson’s youngest son, Blanket, baby in November. A friend of mine got me into martial which Matt said he has no intention Find out more about the new dance arts as a way of defending myself and I of pursuing. academy at www.mattfiddes.com

in aid of Prospect

The Bowl, Old Town Gardens, Swindon on Sunday 14 July, 10am to 12.30pm, led by Claudia Albornez. Get your gym gear on and join the fun to raise money for Prospect Hospice. Entry is £10 per adult, £1 per child For details, contact Helen Forster on 01793 529098 or mail: helen.forster@ virginmoney.com Helen, who works in the Virgin Money store, is raising money for Prospect Hospice via www. uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SwindonVMStore

Janet’s Puppy Skool Have fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes

3 Playskool class for puppies 3 Adult beginners/improvers 3 Senior Skool/advanced classes 3 One to one advice & training 3 Fun agility workshops

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk APDT Member (01066)

Janet Garrett DipCAPBT Dip.dog.psy

Tel: 01793 727158

janet@janetspuppyskool.co.uk

Thameswood Vets Making Life Better

Free Health Checks In The Park On Saturday 27th July our team of qualified nurses will be at Lydiard Park providing FREE health checks for all dogs as part of National Veterinary Nurse Month. Our team will be on hand to discuss all aspects of your pet’s health care between 10am and 2pm (opposite the cafe). So why not come along and meet us. We look forward to seeing you there. 62-64 Purton Road Swindon SN2 2LZ (end of Akers Way) Tel: 01793 526780

Open: Monday to Friday 9am - 6.30pm Saturday 9am - 12noon

Find us on Facebook

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk swindonlink.com • July 2013 35

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Grow great flowers and vegetables in planters made to fit your garden Pet & poultry housing as well Handmade and built to last with pressure-treated timber Competitively priced Free local delivery

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Open gardens for National Gardens Scheme

Swindon’s parks need you

Without the hard work and dedication of volunteers, Swindon’s parks and TWIGS Community Garden, Manor open spaces wouldn’t be the havens for people and wildlife that they are Garden Centre, Cheney Manor today – and new volunteers are always welcome. Sunday 21 July, 1pm to 5pm Swindon’s Volunteer Rangers carry lives of others. For many people the Admission £3; children free out vital work such as orchard prun- appeal is to spend a few hours doing Wildflower nursery, bee keepers, plants, crafts for sale, refreshments ing, gardening, surveying wildlife, something completely different. general maintenance, sharing local “Our volunteers are a friendly Lydiard Park Walled Garden knowledge and experience, or simply bunch and are always happy to see Sunday 18 July, 11am to 5pm making people feel safe and welcome new faces and support each other. Admission £2.50; senior £2; children £1 Volunteer rangers will receive trainOrnamental C18th walled garden, in the parks. Michael Lilley, volunteer coordina- ing, expand their knowledge and shrubs, annuals, sweet peas and tor for Swindon Commercial Services, enhance their CV. Best of all, it can wall-trained fruit trees All proceeds from both events will be said: “Not only is volunteering a great be great fun and keep you fit at the way to help others, but it can be incred- same time.” donated to NGS charities ibly rewarding too. For details contact the SCS Engage“It’s great for people who want to ment Team on 01793 490150; mail: spend quality time away from work or parksandwaste@swindoncommera busy lifestyle and at the same time cialservices.co.uk or visit www.swinhelp the environment and improve the don.gov.uk and search for ‘volunteer’.

Couple complain about dangerous corner Colin and Jean Goddard from Nine Elms awoke on 30 May to discover some of their preparations for the West Swindon Open Gardens weekend in mid-June destroyed after a car drove over their front garden.

Colin and Jean surveying the damage as traffic speeds by

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The couple’s bungalow faces the right angle bend at The Elms and they’re now used to vehicles being driven too quickly and often hitting their front wall. But they’re frustrated that both Swindon and Wiltshire councils have been reluctant to do anything about it. On this occasion the car driver misjudged his speed in the early hours, drove over the foundations of the wall which was awaiting repair after being demolished several weeks previously, before skidding across the front lawn. The driver then backed into a flower bed and bumped over the wall to escape. Luckily he didn’t hit the car parked in the driveway, but a rose pergola was knocked over. “Our bedroom is at the front of the bungalow facing the road and we heard something outside,” said Colin. “By the time I got up I saw lights of a car leaving and only saw the damage in the morning. It’s disheartening;we’ve got used to the near misses and people hitting the wall.” The Goddard’s home is in Swin-

don, but the road running past it is the border with Wiltshire which has highway safety and maintenance responsibility. The back road from Common Platt to Tewkesbury Way has become a rat run to avoid driving through West Swindon. “We built this bungalow 45 years ago when Nine Elms was just a hamlet between Swindon and Purton; now we’re right on the edge of the town and we experience a huge amount of traffic, most of which is driving too quickly. “In the past I’ve been in touch with Swindon Council and they pass me onto Wiltshire, but they don’t contact me about anything. I really want to know what will happen when another 700 houses are built at Ridgeway Farm. Maybe the traffic through Washpool will be so heavy it won’t be able to speed like it does now.” Cllr Nick Martin visited the Goddards in June to be followed by a Swindon Council road engineer who is contacting highway officials at Wiltshire Council.

36 swindonlink.com • July 2013

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Blackwood JillGarden Magic

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FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD Est. 1990 35 Spencer Close, West Swindon Lawn & Hedge Cutting Maintenance General Garden Tidy Patios • Turfing Give your garden a makeover Call John Dowell on 07892 436198 or 01793 951076 j.dowell@live.co.uk

❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance

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swindonlink.com • July 2013 37

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Scrapstore free family fun day 20 July Swindon Scrapstore, the low cost community resource centre and environmental charity, has settled into its new base at 2, Bramble Close, Elgin Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN2 8DW and is inviting supporters to an eco-family event on Saturday 20 July, 10am to 2pm. There will be arts and crafts activities, facepainting, seed planting, tombola, and refreshments. It’s a chance to see how Scrapstore recycles office and industrial waste for community groups, parents, childminders, play leaders and teachers. For details call 01793 513982. www.scrapstore.co.uk

Help your sport make its mark Swindon Sports Forum has launched its drive to recruit sport-specific volunteers to act as lead coordinators to help drive the Swindon Sports Strategy forward. Sixteen priority sports are identified in the strategy: Gold sports are football, swimming, athletics/running, cycling, ice sports. Silver sports: basketball, tennis, badminton, skate park sports, netball, cricket, bowls, golf, rugby union, boxing, table tennis.

If you think you have the organisational and inter-personal skills to coordinate meetings between local clubs and regional/national organisations to push for Are you feeling lonely? Would you like to learn some basic cooking skills in improvements, find out more and apply at www.do-it.org or call Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557. a small friendly social group?

Cooking for over 55s in Freshbrook

Places are available on the next four week Let’s Get Cooking course in July at Freshbrook Community Centre. For details call Emma Tanner on 01793 870526 (daytime).

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO ✶ All cars welcome ✶ cam belt replacement ✶ engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds ✶ electrical fault code reading ✶ MOT repairs ✶ vehicle sales ✶ servicing to light commercials

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Prospect Hospice sets two summer challenges Prospect Hospice, the Wroughton-based charity that last year supported nearly 2,000 people with its end-of-life care services, is seeking people to raise funds for its work in a series of activities and events. Take a leap for Prospect at the participation open air swimming annual abseil down 133 feet from fundraiser. the top of the Jury’s Inn Hotel on Things settle down on 7 September Sunday 21 July. when Prospect welcomes the comIf taking a dip is more appealing, munity to its ever-popular garden fete the hospice is holding its first big at the hospice in Wroughton from 12 swimming event at Bowmoor Sailing noon to 4pm. Lake on Saturday 10 August. There Register for one of the fundraisers are three distances - 500m, 1.3km via www.prospect-hospice.net or call and 3.8km - in the region’s only mass- 01793 816161 for further details.

Find out how writing a book can change your life at Lydiard House in July Alison Thompson from Faringdon has developed a short course for people who have an idea for a non-fiction book, but need guidance on how to develop a structure and the content for publication. In March she pubto other aspiring authors lished The Boy From and help them make their Hell: Life with a Child dream become a reality.” with ADHD, a revealAlison’s workshop ing account of her life. called ‘Take your nonWhile not yet a bestfiction book from posseller, Alison has been sibility to plan’ takes overwhelmed by the place at Lydiard House response from other on Thursday 25 July and families going through Saturday 7 September. similar experiences. Register for a place at www.possibiliAs a result she has discovered two tytoplan.eventbrite.co.uk new passions – to raise awareness • The Boy From Hell: Life with a Child of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity with ADHD is available from Amazon. Disorder and help families affected Details: www.theboyfromhell.co.uk by it and she is now in demand as a Blogging positive public speaker; the second is to help other people become experts in their about the town own field by writing their own books. Angela Atkinson from Grange Park Alison said: “Becoming a pub- has started to write a blog highlightlished author has opened many doors ing the good things about Swindon to me and I’ve found the whole pro- to put right the unfair criticism the cess exciting and rewarding. I want town receives in the local and national everyone to experience this - which is media. Read what she thinks at www. why I want to pass on my knowledge swindonian.wordpress.com

Salsa night with Sharron on 12 July, 7.30pm Cuban/Salsa evening at Revolution Vodka Bar raising money for Action for Charity Cycle Cuba in aid of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer in October. Tickets £10 includes entry and Salsa lesson on the door or from sharronlong369@btinternet.com 38 swindonlink.com • July 2013

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Priory Vale residents urged to park safely

Miller Interiors

A new initiative of issuing police notices to encourage more considerate parking in Priory Vale has been agreed between Oakhurst ward councillor and resident Emma Faramazi and the North Swindon Policing Team.

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Oakhurst councillors Emma Faramazi and Toby Elliott concerned about parking in Priory Vale

Explaining the background to the plan Emma said: “When I put myself up for election I was bombarded with comments from residents about the parking situation in the area. “A policy of the last government dictated that new houses should have on average 1.4 parking spaces each. This was applied to the new developments in North Swindon resulting in traffic chaos. Even five-bedroom houses have only the 1.4 allocation, usually in garages that are so small you can get your car in, but you are not able to get out. “Most households these days have at least two vehicles, but instead of using the allocated parking some people choose to park as close as they can to their front door, on the street, on the verges or even on the pavements, which is obviously dangerous and can impede access for emergency vehicles.” Until recently the police did not

have enforcement powers in roads not yet adopted by the local authority. But 10 years after building started in Priory Vale this situation has changed. Only the police can issue the agreed parking notice which will inform owners that their vehicle is parked dangerously and that they need to move it to another place. Commenting on how they hope to make this a community-driven effort Emma said: “We really want to re-educate adults through children. The police team have already visited local primary schools to talk about the issue of dangerous parking. “We’re going to be running a competition in every school for the children to produce hard-hitting images that illustrate the problem. “The winning entries will be reproduced on the back of the parking notices and we hope that this way people will think twice about where they park.”

KITCHEN MAKEOVER Are your kitchen cabinets OK but the door and drawer fronts are looking a little tired? Why not consider replacing them? With a new worktop to match, you could achieve the look of a new stylish kitchen, saving you time, money and a lot of upheaval. • Complete made to measure kitchens and bedrooms also available. • Many superb styles and finishes to choose from.

North company Vygon opens gatehouse to drummers Vygon (UK) Ltd, based on St Andrew’s Ridge, are letting members of the Swindon Parkinson’s Group use the security gatehouse at the entrance to their site on Salzgitter Drive to learn and practice African drumming. The national Parkinson’s magazine is very important to us, it’s an integral recently ran an article about the posi- part of our business responsibility tive benefits of drumming. It raises strategy. We are extremely happy to be heart rate, increases blood flow, re- able to help the Parkinson’s Group and duces stress and improves self esteem. to learn about the difference it makes.” Members have all found the drumming lessons have been therapeutic to their health. Alla Cimotisa, business responsibility co-ordinator at Vygon said:“Helping our local community

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MILESTONE Building Services

Complete Property Renovations & Alterations Kitchens / Bathroom Tiling / Flooring Brickwork / Blockwork Paving / Patios Fencing / Decking & Ground Works Carpentry / Plumbing All Building Works Undertaken No job too small • Free estimates Contact: Dean Scanlon Telephone: 01793 422032 Mobile: 077 8968 1536

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The Plumber you’ll Recommend!

Northway Heating & Plumbing

RepaiRs, installation, Maintenance FRee Quotes! excellent seRvice! Call Justin:

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BATHROOMS

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19 - 48 July 13.indd 42

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BATHROOMS

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Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

the place for quality and value Brighten up your home for Summer with a rainbow of colours!

Suppliers of all types of blinds, awnings and shutters Full fitting service or cash & carry Open: Mon to Thurs 9.30am - 5.30pm Fri 9.30am - 5pm; Sat 10am - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor, Swindon

Tel: 01793 434584

DECORATOR

TREVOR WYSE

Exterior Painting

Windows, doors, soffits, fascia and walls Quality workmanship All interior decoration too 30 yrs experience Friendly reliable service References available Full public liability insurance

For a free no obligation quote call Paul on 07775 840236 or 01793 321981

35 years experience

Professional Painter & Decorator Wallpaper Specialist Coving • Dado Rails • Tiling

Tel: 07976 885203 or 01793 723023

UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

DECORATOR Quality painting and decorating at an affordable price 40 years experience No VAT Free estimates For professional, reliable and friendly service call

GBD Services www.trevorwyse.com

HEATING & PLUMBING

01793 979282 or 07453 966627

HEATING & PLUMBING

RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates

7 YEAR GUARANTEE

on Worcester Bosch Cdi, Ri and Si boilers until 31 December 2013

• All work guaranteed Accredited Installer

• No job too small

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

203455

PLUMBING

ROOFING

For all your heating & bathroom needs

HOUSEMARTIN

• Full Central Heating & Upgrades • Boiler Replacements A Grade • Repairs & Servicing • All Plumbing Work Undertaken • Complete Bathrooms From Taps to Tiles • Landlord Safety Checks • Power Flushing • 24 Hour Call Out Service

Call Steve now on 07708 135420 or 01793 827372

522404

❇ ❇ ❇

Call Nick on 07973 872266

❍ Fitted bedrooms and kitchens ❍ Replacement doors & staircases ❍ Laminate floors ❍ Household repairs and general maintenance ❍ Decking - supplied and fitted

Free no obligation quotes

Kevin Cook Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Andy: 01793 729354

or 07900 835116

HOME MAINTENANCE (Household Maintenance) Handyman

All aspects of plumbing and heating work undertaken • Full central heating & servicing • Boiler and cylinder changes • Bathroom installations • Landlord safety certificates Owen: 07800 752880 Andy: 07827 909111 01793 325209 ecogenuk@sky.com 524938

TILING

• Plastering • Carpentry • Garden Maintenance, • Decorating, Coving • Groundwork • Tiling • Bathroom & Kitchen Installation • Fencing & Patios • Power Jetting • Building, installing partition walls, loft boarding & repairs Competitive Rates, Flexible Hours, Reliable, No job too small

For a free no obligation quote call Gary on

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

TILING

GILES BROS

The Roofing Specialist

● Felt roofing ● Asphalt roofing ● Sheet roofing ● Tiling ● Slating ● Single Ply ● Fascia ● Guttering

J&R Carpentry Services

Services

Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work • Central heating

CARPENTRY

TILING WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST Please call Leon for a free quote

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS

TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Email: leon.jack@hotmail.co.uk Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526 43

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ACCOUNTANCY

CJD

ACCOUNTANCY

Aerial Solutions

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

Craig Dell FCCA

Chartered Certified Accountant Over 20 year’s experience for all your accountancy & taxation needs including: • Self Assessments • Sole Traders • Partnerships • Limited Companies • Available evenings and weekends • Fixed fee quotes • No VAT • First consultation free

• Does your picture freeze and break up? • Would you like TV points in other rooms? • Do you want Freesat or Sky installed?

Then contact your local VAT free aerial and satellite installers

01793 744957

50% off digital aerials

Tel: 01793 343255 M: 07557 399987 Email: cjd.accountancy@virginmedia.com

www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

BOOK-KEEPING Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work? Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

CARPET CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING Abacus Cleaning Services

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable

You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

COMPUTER SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT Computer problems? Let us help

Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802

www.abacuscleaningswindon.co.uk

FURNITURE

AERIAL SERVICES

Chris Payne

aerials & satellite systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points NO VAT

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

CARPET CLEANING Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Swindon h Domestic and Commercial h End of Tenancy Cleaning h Stain Removal h Hard Floor Cleaning & Sealing h Quality Products Used h Quick Drying h Free Competitive Quote h Fully Insured

Mobile: 07506 740921 www.procleancleaningservices.co.uk

GARAGE DOORS

Gorse Hill Clearance Centre

We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • PC repairs and maintenance • System upgrades, networking • Custom built computers • Windows home server installs • Virus removal • Data recovery • Internet solutions With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

Quality used furniture and domestic appliances bought and sold Top prices paid for individual items or complete houses Light local removals, single item or small house, also house clearances

Tel: 01793 325685

ADVERTISING WITH IMPACT

AERIAL SERVICES

HOME AUTOMATION

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

Visit our large local showroom: 32 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill Swindon SN2 8AA

Unit 2, River Ray Ind. Est., Barnfield Road, Swindon SN2 2DT

01793 530899 or 07932 698274 E: gorsehillclearancecentre@hotmail.com

Tel 01793 878176 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

LOCKSMITH

OVEN CLEANING

KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING

Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves

BROKEN OR FAULTY LOCK? LOCKED OUT? Local Locksmith and Carpenter Not a call centre with huge charges! Genuine 24hr service

Call 01793 602540 for details

Call now on 07734 253189 Registered Company CRB Checked/Fully Insured

KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING

Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £35 - Range £55 No hidden extras, includes racks, doors, glass 20 years experience No toxic chemicals in your home Reliable & Friendly Free Quotation To book your oven clean call

01793 733822 or email:

oven@enlan.co.uk

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APPLIANCE REPAIRS

HALE SKILLS • Washing Machines

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances Same day/next day service

CLEANING

CLEANING Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

Call us now for free, no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 511885

Call 01793 875665 07780625244

GARAGE DOORS

• Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 year’s experience

Call 07963 131429 e.mail: haleskills@gmail.com

CLEARANCE

COMPUTER SUPPORT Est 2002 For all your computing needs

House cleans from £16 per house. Around £26 for a 4 bed.

Ironing £16 per basket, collected and returned the next day

• Dishwashers

Tel: 01793 469300

THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly cleans. One-off Spring cleans

• Cookers

Man & van service Can’t be beaten on price • House clearance • Rubbish removal • Sofas and furniture • Shed removal • Confidential waste

0800 6899988 or 01793 434600 email: enquiries@absolute-rubbish.co.uk

• • • • •

Hardware & Software Installs & Upgrades Repairs • Maintenance • PC Security Home or Business Networking Wireless Setup On Site Service, Home or Business

For a dedicated local service with a Microsoft Certified Professional, with over 21 years experience, call 01793 729 895 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

www.absolute-rubbish.co.uk

Toothill’s million. What’s new?

Kareen Boyd, chair of the Toothill Big Local Partnership Committee, provides an update.

Installation & Repairs New Doors • Automation No Obligation Quotes Est. 1981 Showroom:

Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796 swindondoorservices@ btinternet.com

SCRAP METAL

RODDERS SCRAP METAL All metals removed FREE of charge Washing machines, cookers, microwaves etc. Sorry no fridges or freezers Scrap cars collected FREE of charge

01793 613396 07899 018167 Registered waste carrier

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

What has been happening to the £1 million Toothill Big Local Lottery grant you might ask? Rest assured it’s still there and waiting to be used. But it needs to have the agreed processes in place to ‘open the box’ and much has been happening to make this a reality. Since the grant was awarded, the and working to establish these proToothill Steering Group, funded by cesses which includes signatory to a a small pot of lottery start-up money, Memorandum of Understanding for has worked hard on engagement and all committee members. activities across the community. Most Our target is to be open for bids in recently the 50 Shades social group for September when receipt, assessment, older people was started and a series decision and monitoring of funding of barbecue pop ups are planned - see bids (irrespective of amount) will be page 12. managed by the committee through The £1 million grant itself is held regular formal meetings. Guidance by the Lottery Big Local and can be will be available as to the information drawn down on a 6 monthly basis over potential bidders will be required to 10 years to fund bids which fulfil the provide. lottery criteria. As per lottery rules In the meantime, please bear the funds themselves will be held by with us as we establish the processes a local trusted financial organisation and procedures to bring the lottery rather than the Toothill group. The £1,000,000 to Toothill and ensure grant comes with a set of obligations to that a consistent and transparent ensure clear, consistent, accountable management process is in place for all. and auditable processes are in place Our web site is being refreshed and and compliant with the ethos of the we are establishing an office at Toothill Lottery Big Local. Community Centre. Since March a partnership comIf you’d like to hear more or get mittee, 9 of the 11 members being involved please email: Toothill. Toothill residents, has been in place bl2013@outlook.com 45

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Jake’s expedition builds link with Nicaraguan twin town Jake the Juggler, Swindon’s famed artiste of circus skills, returned in late May from three months running circus skills workshops in poor communities in Nicaragua with a team from Performers Without Borders. During the trip he was able to visit

Swindon’s twin town Ocotal where he and friend Jess Herman were welcomed with open arms by people who know the town well, including several who have made trips here with the

assistance of Swindon Ocotal Link (SOL) which has been providing support for over 25 years ago. Jake said: “The performers were not on tour as such. Some were profes-

performing tradition. Jake and Jess spent a long weekend in Ocotal. He said: “It was incredible to meet people who knew so much about Swindon and to hear

sionals, others had skills in musical theatre, youth work and youth circus. We spent a month in three different areas, working with organisations which clothe, feed and shelter street children and poor families. The daily circus sessions aimed to build relationships, have fun, teach skills and increase self confidence. It was a joy to work with the children after school and in the evenings.” The team departed leaving equipment in each community so that they could develop their own local circus

them talking so positively about the relationship they have with our town through SOL. “There had been some circus activities in Ocotal and we were able to put the locals in touch with the towns we had been working with. We were really pleased to have created a network of performers across Nicaragua.” Jake then spent a month in Utah, USA, highlining over canyons in the Moah valley. Read Jake’s blog at: www.bit.ly/ JakeinOcotal

Key found in Peatmoor Large brass door key stamped with ERA picked up on the footpath leading to Peatmoor lagoon. Contact 07721621314

Mobile Hairdresser Mobile: 07970 079681 Home: 01793 323400

TERRY WINTER

ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs We collect and deliver over a wide area

T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758 HQ Bath. Box 98. BA2 5PS

MONUMENTAL STONEMASON New memorials - Additional inscriptions Old memorials cleaned and renovated Free estimates • BRAMM accredited Over 25 years’ experience Tel: 01793 861035 or 07935 309644 email: terry.winter@hotmail.co.uk

Mothers’ Union open house in Lydiard Park Tregoze Mothers’ Unions is holding an awareness day on Saturday 6 July, 10am to 3pm in the Stable Room at Lydiard Park, giving women the chance to discover the interesting activities that MUs get up to. The Tregoze group enjoys presentations at monthly meetings, organises outings, gets together for meals and visit and share experiences with other branches. The ladies also supply the local Filling Station food bank with tins of food and homemade sandwiches, and supports Operation Christmas Child. Everyone is welcome to come along to the event, where there will be free refreshments.

West Swindon & The Lydiards Church Partnership Join us in worship on Sunday mornings Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10.00am St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze the church in the park: 10.00am All Saints’ Lydiard Millicent the church in the village: 10.30am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.30am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 01793 874221 Email: partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com Website: www.wswinlyd.org.uk

Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

St. John’s Haydon Wick

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons

Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Sunday 9am Traditional communion service Services 11am Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

Open to all, serving tea, coffee, cakes & light lunches Fridays and Saturdays: 10am - 2pm

46 swindonlink.com • July 2013

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Swindon Travel Choices Swindon Travel Choices aims to make it easier for those living or working in Swindon to get around without clogging up the road network. We believe that by giving people proper travel choices, many everyday journeys can be made by bus, bike and foot rather than by car.

Coming soon in West Swindon . . . The Swindon Travel Choices project has been running since 2011 and we have been providing regular updates in the Link Magazine on our activities in the area. This summer residents in West Swindon will be invited to take part in the Swindon Travel Choices ‘Personalised Travel Planning’ project. Locally recruited and specially trained Travel Advisers will be visiting householders to offer them information, free incentives and support to try out new travel options that might benefit them – such as saving time and money, getting a little more active or just enjoying less stressful ways of getting around Swindon. The Travel Advisers will follow up these engagements with information packs tailored to the individual’s needs – such as bus and cycle maps. Residents can also take part in a personal ‘challenge’ to try out a new form of sustainable transport. Local community groups are also invited to get involved. Watch out for the friendly project team who will be door-knocking in West Swindon between July and October. The team be wearing brightly coloured uniforms and carrying personal identification. Prior to the commencement of the engagements, the team will also leaflet households in the area with an introductory postcard explaining to residents what they can expect from the service. Personalised Travel Planning has been a great success in other areas across the country and Swindon Travel Choices is excited to be launching this latest initiative in the West Swindon area.

Car club plans expansion to West Swindon There are plans for the Co-wheels car club to expand into Westlea in the near future. In February, three Co-wheels cars were placed around Swindon town centre for members to hire by the hour. The scheme is proving to be successful with over 70 drivers now taking advantage of being able to use a car without the hassle and expense of owning one. The operator is currently looking for a place to locate the car; watch this space!

Tour de Swindon! Swindon Travel Choices and Sustrans Swindon are working together to promote cycling and walking this summer, to tie in with the Tour de France. Various activities, rides, and free breakfasts will mark our own ‘Tour de Swindon,’ culminating in a podium prize giving event at Coate Water, - even involving a yellow jersey! Read more on page 32. For more information, see the events section at www.swindontravelchoices.org.uk, and facebook.com/sustransswindon.

Bike loan scheme gets national recognition The scheme that allows Swindon workers to borrow a bike for free will be featured as a case study of best practice in a national magazine. The scheme was set up in 2012 in conjunction with social enterprise Recycles, and allows workers to try cycling to work on a borrowed bike for up to 8 weeks, before deciding whether they want to purchase a bike. The scheme will be featured in ‘Local Transport Today’, a national transport magazine, following the high numbers of people benefitting from the scheme. For more details about borrowing a bike, see www.recycles-swindon. co.uk/cycling-swindon

Online journey planer launched It’s now easier to plan a journey online and compare whether to get there by bus, car, bike or on foot. The Swindon Travel Choices interactive map brings together all these modes into one integrated journey planner. From the journey planner boxes on the home page of www.swindontravelchoices.org.uk, a journey can be planned using postcodes or street names and by choosing the preferred method(s) of travelling – by car, bike, bus or on foot. The journey planner will plot a route, give step by step instructions and also compare distance, time and calories burnt. You can zoom and pan the map, and even drop in pin points instead.

Keep in touch with the latest Swindon Travel Choices news, events and initiatives by subscribing to our e-mail newsletter via: www.swindontravelchoices.org.uk

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Swindontravelchoices

@Swindon_Travel

20/06/2013 15:55

Summer Sizzler Court Sale Get ½ price courts at off peak times

che Even a Le aper isur with eC

ard

22 June – 28 July

Why not try: • Badminton • Racketball • Short Tennis

• Squash • Table Tennis • Tennis

N.B. This offer excludes ‘No Strings Badminton’. For off peak times, visit our website. Bookable or just turn up.

leisureinswindon

@LeisureSwindon

www.leisureinswindon.co.uk Available at: Croft Sports Centre, Delta Tennis Centre, Dorcan Recreation Complex, Haydon Centre, Link Centre and Highworth Recreation Centre

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19/06/2013 14:28