July 2014 Swindon Link

Pre-order the new Swindon Town FC home shirt by 11 July and be entered into a draw with a huge prize.

See details on page 28

SWINDON

Win tickets to Much Ado About Nothing and Alice Through The Looking Glass in Lydiard Park on page 23

No. 386 July 2014 • Circulation 27,000

Children’s Fete GWR Park Faringdon Road Saturday 19 July 12noon to 6pm Fairground rides, local bands, dance, music, sport, crafts and, carrying on a tradition from the first children’s fete in 1855, free cake for all

the positive newsforce • swindonlink.com Couple plan 30 counties road trip

Scouts get busy in community week

Amanda and Barry Butler from Peatmoor will be driving 800 miles in 30 hours on 28 July to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

Find out how to contribute to their effort to save wildlife on page 38

See page 36

MEADOWPARK SCHOOL Ofsted OUTSTANDING! in every category!

“Pupils make outstanding progress ... owing to outstanding teaching.”

Join a team of 600 to break a world record In October an attempt on the record for the number of people in a Swiss Ball exercise class in one place will take place.

Help claim the record for Swindon and raise a lot of money for the new teenage cancer ward at RUH Bath.

See details on page 29 Left, launching the Record Breaking Balls challenge, from left, Adrian Wheeler, James Phipps, Liz Ledger, Emma Phipps, Kiz Davis. Photo: Richard Wintle of Calyx

Visit us and register your child now for September 2014

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Years of Great Oriental Cuisine

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Tanks for continued support Basepoint Business Centre in Westlea has continued its sponsorship of Swindon MS Therapy Centre into a sixth year, having donated £47,000 since 2008.

In recognition of the ongoing support the well used social area at the therapy centre is named after Basepoint.

Presenting the latest cheque inside the centre oxygen therapy tank, Basepoint manager Lyn Chapman, centre, with fundraiser Laura Wilson, and therapy centre members, from left, Richard Fuller, Viv O’Connell, Rose Hale

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Samaritans achieve best ever total at Sainsbury’s Customers and staff at Sainsbury’s Bridgemead helped raise £8,298 for Swindon & District Samaritans from a variety of events, including a fashion show and mince pie-eating contest, as well as a Valentine’s flower wrapping service which raised £1,000 over two days.

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Ann Ferguson of Samaritans with Sainsbury’s staff. Picture: Richard Wintle of calypix.com

Sainsbury’s PR ambassador Simon Belcher said: “Last year’s presentation to the staff council by Samaritans was amazing. They explained the need for support that they give to people who are desperate to talk to somebody; what they said touched all of us.”

Samaritans director Linda Morgan said the year had been a great experience. “Our partnership with Sainsbury’s has been more than just raising money. It costs £1,200 a week to run the branch so the total for the year is a wonderful outcome and we’d like to thank Sainsbury’s staff and customers.”

Samaritans volunteer Anne Ferguson who liaised with Sainsbury’s said: “Staff member Sue Sainsbury was very supportive and really brought our teams together. Attracting more volunteers has been so important. We have roles for people who listen on the telephone, charity shop helpers, and supporters who assist with administration and in trustee positions.

“It was humbling talking to members of the public who showed how much Samaritans means to them.”

An announcement of the charity to be supported in 2014/15 is due at the end of June.

swindonlink.com • July 2014

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19/06/2014 15:01

Queen's Award for town’s community radio station

Swindon 105.5 community radio has been receiving great exposure over the last few months, but station manager Shirley Ludford says, whilst the recognition helps, the hard work is in the fundraising effort needed to train the volunteers to keep the station on air 24/7.

The latest accolade “When the national ancame in early May when them struck up at 6pm it Shirley told Swindon was time to leave, escorted Link that the station was

by Beefeaters who guided to receive the Queen's us back into the real world.”

Award for Voluntary SerLicensed by OFCOM, the vice - the MBE for organinon-commercial, not-forsations - in recognition of profit broadcasting service is the work of the station in funded by grants, donations, the community and the corporate support, fundimpact it has made to raising events and support people's lives. in-kind. Launched in 2008, The nomination was it is operated by about 120 made by the outgoing volunteers aged 9 to 73 years.

High Sheriff of WiltThe only paid staff are Shirley shire William Wyldboreand a weekend manager who Smith shortly after sta- Shirley with Swindon 105.5 chairman Nick Stevenson at the are funded for just 30 hours tion manager Shirley gates of Buckingham Palace when they attended a royal a week. garden party for representatives of voluntary organisations received his individual Shirley added: “It’s wonaward for her work bringing people geous and the mini deserts and iced derful that 105.5 is receiving recogtogether in the town. nition and raised awareness of what coffee on a hot day were delicious.

On 9 June Shirley was invited to “Walking round the lake and gar- we do. But this can only happen if a royal garden party at Buckingham dens, which are left quite natural, was our fundraising effort continues to Palace. She said: “There were about a lovely experience, and I bumped into be successful.”

7,000 people there so it was a case of two people from Swindon and Royal To organise a fundraising event craning your neck around the sea of Wootton Bassett who I’d worked or provide corporate sponsorship, ladies’ hats to catch a glimpse of the with. We all agreed it was a lovely, contact Shirley via swindon1055.com dignitaries. The sandwiches were gor- yet surreal, day. or call her on 07951 366289.

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Westlea Residents’ Association to meet again in July After a gap of 25 years, Westlea Residents’ Association has been re-formed to give local people the opportunity to voice their views and concerns about the area. The next meeting takes place on Monday 7 July, 6pm, in Delta Tennis Centre.

The first meeting took place in May the lines of those of Shaw and Toothill. and that there is competition for where concerns were raised about “As council taxpayers we want to funds, but if we can get everybody to road damage, poor TV reception, make sure that we know where the list their concerns we can then present tree maintenance, litter and hazard- council is spending our money, and a considered view to the ward councilous parking. whether it is being spent wisely. lors. We want to be constructive and Commenting on the association’s “We see our role as trying to not to whinge.” objectives, chairman Derek Lowson prioritise things. We recognise that For details and to join the discussaid: “There are numerous residents everyone will have their own issues, sions call Derek on 01793 872998. attending the West Swindon forum as Westlea residents’founder members, rear, from left Keith Phillips, Sheila Mitchell, individuals; the idea is for the associa- Derek Lawson, James Mitchell, Fraser McCormik, Joan Flack. Front, Nick Jansen, tion to present a unified voice along Trisha Phillips, Tony Kendall

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West locality meeting in July The next West Swindon Forum takes place on Monday 14 July, 7.30 pm in the library at Link Centre to discuss community issues with councillors representing the area and to hear reports from the police. Tea and coffee from 7pm.

Organisers of the North Swindon Fun Day on Saturday 6 September, 12noon to 3.30pm at Brook Park, Redhouse are calling on residents to add to the event.

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Swindon Publications Ltd. Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon SN5 7EX Tel: (01793) 608840 e: publisher@swindonlink.com

‘Like’ Swindon Link

swindonlink

Swindon Link magazine

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 2014

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D-Day anniversary brings memories back Toothill marked the anniversary of D-Day with an afternoon of music and dance, helped by the Swindon University of the Third Age (U3A) band who gave the event at the community centre a Glenn Miller flavour.

Amongst the 65 people who atMobile Hair & Beauty tended was Toothill’s oldest resident Jean Carey, 98, who was aged 28 in June 1944.

Jean said: “I lived in Dulwich, Fully insured mobile hairdresser south London and worked in the covering all aspects of hairdressing at AFFORDABLE prices! local Co-op store. My husband was Now also offering waxing treatments abroad somewhere so he wasn’t in JULY OFFER the D-Day invasion. I remember all 10% off for new customers the people out on the streets talking Call for an appointment about what was going on, and what 07584 628 123 they had heard on the radio.” kellysmobilehairandbeauty Betty Rawling, 84, was a teenager living in Salisbury at the time. “The Betty Rawling, Freddy White, Tricia town was full of soldiers from all over Phillips and Jean Carey talking about the world. On 5 June you heard all the good old days the planes going over; it seemed to because of the shortage of stockings, women would use gravy to colour go on for hours.”

Tricia Phillips, was one of twins their legs and paint a line to represent “Enjoy one of our sunday services born in 1944. “Obviously I can’t re- the stitching on their nylons. you will find them relaxing, Organiser Gail Light said: “The member that time but I’ve learnt a lot about the war and have all my uncle U3A Band created a really good atmorefreshing, and fun” Ed Bolt’s papers. He died on HMS sphere and people enjoyed singing the Now meets at Cambletown when she was blown favourites from the 1940s and earlier, Liden Primary School up at St Nazaire in 1942 to prevent and a few got into the spirit of the day Liden Drive, SN3 6EX and were up and dancing. the dock being used.”

10.30am Sundays “The band will be coming again in Several residents dressed up in period costume including Lindsay Craig September or October.”

01793 862224 See more pictures at: bit.ly/ who even painted a line up her tights www.vinechurch.co.uk using a felt tip pen. During the war, ToothillDDay

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Ridgeway Farm discovery reveals evidence of Iron Age residents

Artifacts of a small settlement from over 2,000 years ago on the Ridgeway Farm site were displayed to the public at an open day arranged by Taylor Wimpey on 21 June.

In advance of a detailed planning ing with the archaeological remains application for the west side of the was ‘Preservation by Record’ (full development, Wessex Archaeology excavation) and the nature of the were commissioned to carry out close detailed investigation work means examination of an area first identified that all features of interest have been in 2011 as a location of interest. removed from the ground.

Taylor Wimpey received planning “Therefore, any building on the permission on appeal to build 700 areas where items of archaeologihomes in 2012. A number of residents cal interest were found will not be have expressed hope that the site could damaging or any important features be redesigned and not built upon. destroyed.”

The archaeologists uncovered Amanda and Clive Heard and their evidence of several Iron Age round daughters, who live opposite the exhouses, pottery for storing food, cavation, saw the work start and used weights for weaving looms and quern their Ladybird history of early British stones for grinding corn. The small peoples to learn how Iron Age people settlement may have been occupied lived between 600BC and 48AD. into the Roman period around 43AD. Amanda said: “I think it’s a shame

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However the site is not regarded as of sufficient interest to preserve it for future inspection, nor to prevent building upon it.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: “As part of the archaeological investigation work at Ridgeway Farm, any finds of archaeological value have been removed and retained for further analysis, and will be put on display in a local museum when that analysis is complete.

“Following on from the original consultation with the Wiltshire county archaeologist, who advises the Local Planning Authority, the appropriate and agreed way of deal-

that the find isn’t significant enough to mean that the developer is prevented from building on it. It could be kept as an open play area for example.

“But it is interesting to know some more about how the land was used way before Ridgeway Farm and houses in modern West Swindon were built.”

Purton based environmentalist Dr Richard Pagett said: “It is disappointing that although several features of archaeological interest have been found, it is taken for granted that the development will proceed. Just digging them up and cataloguing them and then building over the site stops the story from being fully known.”

swindonlink.com • July 2014

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19/06/2014 09:31

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1-18 July 14.indd 7

18/06/2014 14:25

Big turn out to relaunch Freshbrook village centre in West Swindon The project to revamp Freshbrook village centre - the first since it was built in the early 1980s - was celebrated on 27 May with over 100 people turning up during the morning to take part in the ribbon cutting, play on a bouncy castle, take part in a power hoop demonstration and enjoy free food.

Raised planting beds have been removed to open up the area in front of the community centre, whilst a pedestrian walkway across the car park makes it easier to get from the shops to Millbrook Primary School. New lighting has been installed and there is now parking for disabled drivers.

“It’s been £90,000 well spent,” said Freshbrook councillor Mick Bray.

“The whole centre was rundown and removing the planters has created a more open and friendly place.

“Freshbrook village centre can now be said to be the western gateway to Coun Mick Bray cuts the ribbon to officially unveil the centre with residents Swindon. People can drive off the a function in the community centre. residents of all ages must look after looking nice for all users.” motorway for a meal, do their shopSee the full story and more pictures “I thank the traders who keep the their community and not drop litping, have their hair done, or attend area tidy by clearing up rubbish, but ter. That way we can keep the centre at: bit.ly/fknewvc

Residents needed at community centre annual meeting

Link Blunsdon HP July AW.qxp_Layout 1 08/06/2014

The AGM of Freshbrook Community Centre management committee takes place on Wednesday 16 July, 6.30pm, and is open to people living in Freshbrook, Peatmoor and surrounding areas.

New officers and committee members Hall, Swinley Drive, Peatmoor. are needed to manage and successfully For details of the AGM or to book the farun the organisation which employs four cilities, call Emma Tanner on 01793 870526 part time staff and is responsible for the (weekday 9am to midday) or mail: freshcentre and Roughmoor Social brookcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk 1 : 54:pm community Page 1 Left, 2010, members of the management committee who relaunched the community centre after it closed down for a year after the previous management group failed

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swindonlink.com • July 2014

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18/06/2014 14:26

Swindon leisure assets to be protected when hived off from the council Link Centre library could be relocated to make way for giant gym

Swindon Council revealed its proposal for the town’s leisure centre and golf courses in mid-June, a year after the council cabinet agreed to go to the market to find operators to take over the facilities on leases of up to 99 years.

A report to go before full council in before suggesting tion in golf course with solutions that honour Swindon’s July proposes that: new uses for a site. management and long tradition of providing high qual• the council enters a 25 year lease with Coun Keith Wilimpressed us with ity leisure opportunities, yet removing Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) liams, cabinet memtheir commitment the subsidy.” for Croft, Delta Tennis, Dorcan, Hay- ber for leisure and to public facilities.

He added that GLL proposes to don, Health Hydro and Link, with 5 libraries, said the “The cabinet is relocate the Link Centre library to to 10 year keep-open clauses before council had needed comfortable with the mall next to the cafe and inside any discussion of change of use, with broad options when the proposals. I the gym. The current library would be the possibility of adding Highworth; entering discussions think they will sat- converted into a large fitness centre to • Golf courses be leased to Twigmar- with potential opisfy the majority of boost income for the leisure portfolio. ket: Broome Manor on a 75 year lease erators. “The invespeople in the town • Read the full story at: bit.ly/SBCleiwith a 25 year keep-open clause and tigation by officers Keith Williams, in the right lane that we’ve come up surechoice Highworth on 25 year lease with 15 has been deep and wide ranging; the year keep-open; idea of 99 year leases was always an • Moredon pitch and putt course outside option. will no longer be a golf facility but “The main conclusion is the recommaintained as a public space where mendation to partner with GLL who users bring their own clubs. run the day to day leisure operation • From concept to completion As a result £1.4 million subsidy of at the Oasis. It is a not-for-profit • Quality loft conversions

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at a reasonable cost zero, contributing to the £48 million across Britain, including the former the council has to save over three years. Olympic aquatic centre in London.

• Dormer or Velux In November Swindon Link drew “GLL provided a very detailed • Free site surveys attention to worries that the council breakdown of their proposal which • Free fixed cost quotations was advertising the leisure and golf includes continuing a residents’ with no hidden extras portfolio on very long leases with a discount card which we hope could clause which required operators to include the Oasis.

Call 01793 635000 keep facilities open for only 3 years “Twigmarket have a good reputa-

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If you buy or obtain items to sell on and do this regularly and if you make a profit on goods you have bought/made/ grown, then you are trading. In this case you should register as self-employed with HMRC. You may also have to prepare accounts and submit them to HMRC, and pay tax on the profits. If you are on Benefits, you should notify the Benefits Office of your extra income – which could affect benefit claims/tax credits.

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ncil heir will the

Richard Hailstone, chair of Haydon Wick Parish Council, steps down after 27 years It’s certainly nice to write about a councillor who is still very much alive and kicking, writes John Stooke, the new chair of the parish council Richard has given 35 What of the future? Well, in adard was instrumental • He led the argument for the multiyears of solid, unwaverin quietly facilitating use games area next to Haydonleigh dition to continuing to play a very ing service to making the land swaps and School. It earned him threatening important role on the parish counour community a betbackground nego- letters at the time, but in retrospect cil, Richard has five grandchildren, ter place. and his musical talents extend from tiations which eventu- it has been an unqualified success.

When he joined the I could go on…. Haydonleigh church organist to playing keyboard ally got the Haydon parish council in 1979, School governor for 10 years, Swin- in the U3A folk group.

Centre built; the parish was pretty I have no hope of matching Rich• he spearheaded don area committee member, but much Greenmeadow the idea of a bowling more than anything, a great and ard’s longevity but if I am able to do and the old village, and green on land adjacent consistent ambassador for the par- a quarter of the job he has done, then several farms. CouncilI shall be very proud indeed. to our leisure gardens; ish council. lors met in the school • he led the multiand later the green agency team which Isambard head leaves after 8 years at the helm community hut whilst administra- eventually got King George V play Rachael Mattey, headteacher of Isambard Community School will retire tion was carried out in the clerk’s park built – rated overwhelmingly at the end of the summer term, after steering the school through the first front room. the best in Swindon in the 1990s; Fast forward to 2014: 8,300 rising • he made sure parish views were eight years of its life.

Commenting on to 10,000 homes with up to 30,000 heard with regard to the northern electors, our own offices, many com- expansion. In meeting after meeting her decision Ramittees and working groups, and a he ensured the provision of open chael said: “I started bus service for the elderly. space and infrastructure in the master thinking about what I am delighted he has chosen to plan, and he has been a tireless cam- might be next for me stay on the council as I know I will paigner in support of the yet to be a little while ago, find both his experience and vast and built Thamesdown Drive extension because I think it is time for Isambard detailed knowledge a huge benefit. to Great Western Way; There are too many highlights in • Richard exposed the scandal of 106 to have a new pair such a long career to list here, but monies provided for North Swindon of eyes.

“But given the here are some: by developers being syphoned off to direction that edu• as a member of the community as- fund projects in south Swindon and cation is going, and Rachael Mattey in October 2006 viewing progress on the sociation and the parish council Rich- elsewhere; with all the changes school which would open the following year that are coming in to the curriculum, in 2008. Commenting on the results qualifications and funding I con- Rachael said: “We had a very good cluded that it was better to retire than first set but were a bit disappointed continue teaching.” last year. The trajectory’s in the right Explaining her main criticisms direction though and the results of the changes she said: “There was should go up this year and next.”

Life is not easy! a lack of real engagement with the In a letter to parents Isambard chair But every individual deserves to live profession. Removing the element of of governors Kevin Gray said: “ There the life they were made for and enjoy it!! coursework and putting all the onus is no doubt that Mrs Mattey will leave on exams is a very retrograde step behind a significant legacy and a Whatever you’re currently struggling with , I strongly believe there’s a way forward! and not radical enough for today’s highly qualified and competent team.”

And together we can find that way! employers. It’s very much like going Rachael is looking forward to sitback to the 1970s; why would we do ting in her garden and being able to Heart to Heart Counselling that in the 21st Century?” take holidays in term time. She said: Please get in touch : 07901768239 Isambard has so far put through two “I shall miss the children. But not the No fee for initial appointment Dani Ohiaeriaku Therapeutic Counsellor MBACP sets of GCSE cohorts since it opened changes, nor Ofsted.” www.hearttoheartcounselling.co.uk

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18/06/2014 14:34

Halifax groundforce team gives memorial garden a makeover

Halfords help to keep children at Millbrook healthy

Staff from the mortgage advisory teams at Halifax branches across Wilt- Millbrook Primary School in Freshbrook was given 18 bikes by parents shire came together for a day’s hard graft in two gardens at Uplands Special and staff after an appeal to help more youngsters learn how to ride a bike School on 14 May. and take cycling proficiency tests.

But to get the bikes in good running order mechanics from Halfords in Swindon provided parts and serviced them.

They also spent time with children passing on maintenance tips so that they can keep their own bikes in good condition.

The cycles are used at Friday afternoon training The Halifax team and Uplands staff taking a break in the sunshine sessions run by Jools PCSO Phil Butwell getting mobile with Millbrook pupils.

They pulled up a mountain of The Halifax staff raised funds for Burrows. The bikes Photo: Jools Burrows weeds in the memorial garden de- the project which was matched by are also used for the school’s health an expedition to Lydiard Park along signed by Link advertiser Jill Black- the bank. The volunteers cleared an and fitness programme to involve recognised cycle routes.

Headteacher Karen Pyman said: wood. Opened in 2010 the garden is a area so that a living willow sculpture children in different, fun exercise.

PCSOs from the West Swindon “Halfords have given us immense place of reflection for all members of can be created, and planted flowers the Uplands community to remember and shrubs using compost donated Neigbourhood Police Team visited help to allow more children access to the school to security stamp the bikes. cycling and we’d also like to thank the five students who sadly passed away by Wyevale Garden Centre. in the previous two years.

They also dug over a separate kitch- They are organising helmets for the police team for their help and Ms BurIt’s also regularly used as an outdoor en garden which has been planted to children and padlocks for the bikes rows for her hard work co-ordinating classroom. grow crops for the community cafe. so that children can join them on this project.”

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT, HIGH STANDARDS

Year 6 Open Evening for students and parents Thursday 25 September 2014 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm www.novahreodacademy.org.uk 01793 528800 Akers Way, Swindon, SN2 2NQ 12

swindonlink.com • July 2014

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18/06/2014 14:37

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New school starts

Student behaviour good at Bradon; improvements being made in other areas Ofsted inspectors who visited Bradon Forest School at the beginning of May have made favourable comments on the improvements that have occurred since headteacher Andrew Morrison arrived last September.

The report says stuBut given the school’s ance and confidence to Bradon Forest dents are polite, wellachievement in previ- parents and students that the school mannered and are keen ous years, the inspectors is on an upward trajectory. to learn, whilst the judged the Quality of “Governors, staff, parents and stuschool provides a safe Teaching to be a 3 which dents will continue to work together and secure environment determined that the to ensure the recent improvements in which they can thrive. overall outcome could made at Bradon Forest result in our It is similarly upbeat only be a 3: requires students achieving even higher.” about the way Bradon improvement.

Ofsted will return within two years Forest has improved The school continues and the school aims to demonstrate substantially this year with the same grade as with actual GCSE results how far it under new management. As a result the previous two inspections. How- has travelled. the school received a good judgement ever, the inspectors indicated Bradon for leadership and management as Forest is rapidly improving and is on well as behaviour and safety of pupils. a journey to quickly become good However, Ofsted base their ap- or better. The key targets revolve praisal of students’ achievements on around raising the quality of teaching actual exam results. The inspectors to achieve these higher examination acknowledged that ‘teaching is now grades. improving strongly’ and graded the Andrew Morrison, pictured, said: vast majority of lessons seen as ‘good.’ “The Ofsted report provides reassur-

Staff reunion to mark 50 years

Construction of Tadpole Village primary school is due to start on 7 July, but in the meantime, building of Redhouse Community Centre is on schedule so that the school can open there temporarily in September.

Headteacher Jane Leo said she could have filled recently advertised admin and classroom assistant roles many times over.“I’m really sorry we’re not able to take on more of the superb applicants.”

To register for places at the school and the nursery contact Mrs Leo on 07733 264202 or jane.leo@tadpoleacademy.co.uk

English, Mathematics and Science Fully qualified teachers Accelerated GCSE programme 11+ training and preparation Free assessment and first lesson

There is an opportunity for staff who have worked at Bradon Forest over the last 50 years to meet up with former colleagues and reminisce about ‘the good old days’ on Saturday 19 July, 11am to 3pm.

Tours of the school will take place and a light lunch will be served.

Sue Davies is making an appeal for old photos or news’ clippings. To book a place contact her: daviess@bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk by 7 July.

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In our most recent Ofsted report (May 2013) pupils’ behaviour was described as “outstanding both in lessons and around the school” and such behaviour makes a “strong contribution to their learning.”

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.

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To book your visit, please contact Mrs Lewis, Admissions Officer, on (01793) 762426 llewis@warneford.swindon.sch.uk swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Circus success spreads happiness at Westlea

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preschool gymnastics where an early start makes a world of difference!

The circus has been the central theme for the term at Westlea Primary School and it was made all the more real on 2 June when a big top was put up on the school field.

It was filled with pupils and parents who screamed at the clowning around of the Randelles between the acts and watched the antics of acrobats, aerialists, sword balancing and a pole performer from Ecuador with open mouths.

The event was organised by outgoing school fundraising coordinator Penny Atherton.

During the last 9 years the fundraising committee has raised between £10,000 and £15,000 annually and she decided to go out with a bang.

Penny said: “We’d already planned a circus theme for the summer fair on 21 June, then I thought it would be nice to have a real circus at the school.

“It was quite a risky commitment as we didn’t know if we Stephanie Randelle of Happy’s Circus with young funsters at Westlea would sell enough tickets to cover ing the shrieks of happiness coming events that will be remembered for a costs, but we did. With the stalls from the tent whilst the show was on long time.”

The circus theme at Westlea conlike face painting, refreshments and and the smiles as the crowd emerged.”

Headteacher Rose Carberr y tinues until mid-July when Shooting programme sales we were able to raise thanked Penny for all her hard work Stars circus educators visit. over £600 for the school.

Every class will have the oppor“But the real satisfaction was hear- coordinating the circus visit. “It was such a lovely community event which tunity to try juggling, using diablos and balancing on mini-cycles, whilst brought families together.

“Everybody really enjoyed them- learning the science behind these selves; it became more and more skills, building confidence and getting exciting and noisy throughout the fit. The week ends with a big show for second half as the show built to a parents when the school hall is turned finale which included a lot of water into a tent.

• Artisan Tool Hire sponsored an iPad being thrown about.

“There were so many positive com- Mini on 2 June. The winner of the lucky ments the next day; it’s one of those programme was Tamara Lewis.

Classes held at:

daily classes for the under 5’s

01793 822262

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

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

At Lydiard Millicent Pre-school we specialise in providing care and education for 2 ½ to 5 year olds in a secure and stimulating environment.

We currently have some places available for an immediate start and are taking registrations for September 2014.

Please contact us on 01793 772 981 to discuss your requirements or to arrange a visit. www.lydiardmillicentpreschool.org Ofsted Registration: 199450 16

Cancer sufferer to be honoured by dancers

‘To Live Is To Dance’ at the Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday 9 July, 7pm, will support AnnMarie Burgess and her family as they endure her terminal cancer.

Earlier in the year former professional dancer Anne-Marie and her husband Gary set up Dragonflies in North Swindon, a support group to help young families who are affected by cancer.

The gala evening features the town’s top dancers performing all styles.

Tickets for £12 (conc. £9) can be booked via swindontheatres.

Anne-Marie and Gary with Elliot & Fynley co.uk or call 01793 524481.

Family connections from a century ago

On Saturday 5 July, from 12.30pm, Richard Broadhead from Wiltshire Soldiers is offering 10 minute consultations at the Wyvern Theatre, to discuss what they know of family members and the Great War. To book a timed appointment call the Wyvern on 01793 524481.

swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Outdoor learning an important part of play An exciting and unique climbing frame has been unveiled for pre-school children at Jellytots Playgroup which meets in its own building at Brook Field Primary School in Shaw.

The timber construction was de- to have so much outdoor space which and it’s amazing where their imaginasigned by playgroup manager Janice children can explore next to the school tions take them.”

John and her husband Cliff who took field, and do this within a secure To register a child for a place at Jellytime off from running his company environment. Wellington boots and tots playgroup mail: jellytots_rolls@ CJ Builders to construct it. coats are very much part of the kit at hotmail.co.uk The structure enhances the large Jellytots because we try to go out as Jellytots summer fun day open space available to the playgroup much as we can.

Saturday 12 July, 12 noon to 3pm in the school grounds, where children “We use our open space to follow Face painting, jewellery stall, bouncy can play under a large awning and the prescribed early learning path- castle, cake stall, tombola, lucky dip, have adventure games in the adjacent ways and give lots of opportunity to hook a duck, treasure hunt, refreshwoodland walk. children to learn through open ended ments. Family ticket: £2 in advance; Janice said: “We really are blessed play. We make the resources available £2.50 on the day

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

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Monday 21st July 10am to 2pm

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  swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Hop Skip & Jump 3rd birthday fun day 12 July, 10am to 4pm Upper Shaw Centre Ridge Green, West Swindon Free fun, lots of attractions Birthday party with live music, 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickets £3 from: 01793 977175 Hop Skip & Jump provides immediate and flexible, day and evening respite care, 7 days a week, to children and adults with life limiting illness, disabilities and special needs, no matter how complex. hopskipandjump.org.uk/hop-skipjump-swindon

iPads help with education of deaf children The new committee of Swindon & North Wiltshire Deaf Children’s Society have made their first donation after raising over £1,100 to buy iPads for specialist support teachers.

Society chairwoman Liz Roche ance for homework with their chil- software. For older children we can said the committee wanted to make dren which was a turn off. Using the use them to teach signing and using an impact on children with additional iPad really engages their attention.” social media apps they can exchange needs. “The devices are being used in a Senior advisory teacher Roger signing messages with other children; variety of ways by teachers of the deaf Thurlbeck said: “The iPads are making the iPads really open up horizons.” in schools and on home visits. They a tremendous difference to children’s Parents of deaf children can find can be used for assessments and shar- progress. Touching the screen is so out about the society by calling 07425 ing moments with parents via emailed intuitive and the wide range of apps 604021 or via swindonandnorthpictures and information. The camera is much cheaper than traditional wiltsdcs.org and audio capability means progress Specialist teachers Roger Thurlbeck and Ian Sharp with Deaf Children’s Society can be recorded and shared with the members at the Vibrations group which meets at Salt Way Centre.

Photo: Richard Wintle of calypix.com children.

“Parents used to have written guid-

Family centre is calling on parents to make contact A recent Ofsted inspection of the West Swindon Family Centre found staff are well qualified, experienced, enthusiastic and well trained, and that families appreciate how friendly and approachable they are.

The report notes families ‘benefit from positive relationships and support in times of need.’ Good care and advice is given in a supportive environment that encourages the confidence of both children and their parents and improves the quality of their lives.

However Ofsted says the centre has to reach out to more families in Toothill, Fresbrook and Westlea areas south of Whitehill Way, where need some help to access one of the there are 684 families with 879 under groups or training sessions.

“It might be that parent needs a 5s who could use the centre.

At present only 34 per cent are in little help to bring their child along.

“We’re also planning to start groups contact; Ofsted expects contact with 65 per cent to achieve a good rating. in other buildings so that people don’t As a result the centre was judged have to make their way to the centre inadequate. But, if the centre was al- in Gainsborough Way in Freshbrook.”

Parents who want to know more lowed to include children who live in closeby Grange Park, family contact can call 01793 871303 or see: westswindonfamilycentre.com would be over 63 per cent.

Recently appointed manager Mike Smith, above, said the report lists a Find a children’s centre range of successes such as the stay & Swindon Council is urging families play sessions, breast feeding support, to become members of one of the the welfare benefits and housing ad- 12 children’s centres in the town, to vice service and support to volunteers. make sure they know about all the “In response to the report we are help and advice that is available to increasing our team of parent helpers give their child the best start in life.

Locate them via: swindon.gov.uk/ who can pass on information to those childrenscentres who don’t know about the centre, or 18

swindonlink.com • July 2014

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19/06/2014 15:13

Summer Big

Band Night at Blunsdon House Hotel

Friday 25th July

Swindon Mela cancelled for 2014

with Nathan Jones & his 20 piece Big Band

Swindon’s very popular celebration of south Asian culture, held annually since 2002, has been cancelled for this year because cash reserves held by the organising committee are too low to take the risk of staging the free to attend, yet increasingly costly, event in Town Gardens, Old Town.

Last year’s Mela was cancelled for a short time after Swindon Council wanted it moved to a larger venue to accommodate the large crowds.

After negotiations and the intervention of council leader David Renard, the Mela was able to take place, but in early September.

The poor weather on the day meant fewer visitors and a drop in income by donations.

Swindon Mela directors and Stage action at the 2013 Swindon Mela by Richard Wintle of calypix.com project coordinators hope to hold New developments will be posted a summer evening in Town Gardens mini-Melas to keep awareness alive at swindonmela.com Bowl in early August and a series of whilst seeking new funding.

Book a place on the GWR Factory Trail; discover the history of a shopping centre Rodbourne Community History Group is running a series of tours around Churchward to look at the site where Swindon’s heritage and economic success was built by thousands of people working in the famed GWR railway works.

Rodbournites with personal memories of working ‘inside’ will talk about everyday life building and maintaining locomotives and rolling stock, and all the dozens of trades associated with keeping the railway going in the past. Ron Johnson, 79, is one of the tour guides and is pictured as a

15 year old apprentice in the A Shop.

Tour dates are 23 August, 13, 14 and 25 September, 6 and 7 December.

Spaces are limited so book a place early by contacting the group secretary: 01793 616558 or mail: secretary@ rodbournehistory.org

£25,00 per person

To include a 3 course dinner, Big band & disco until 1am

Call 01793 721701 to book BEST WESTERN PLUS

Blunsdon, Swindon, Wiltshire SN26 7AS. www.blunsdonhouse.co.uk

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13/05/2014 13:29

Summer Spa Day only £109 Spa 6, The perfect place to focus on relaxation and well-being.

Festival weekend at Purton House Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July

Come on down to the farm just a couple of miles west of Swindon and enjoy live music from 14 bands, camping, yummy organic food and a licenced bar.

Held in conjunction with Riffs Bar, live music starts on Friday 25 July, 7pm to 11pm and continues over the weekend.

Under 12s are free and there’s a free day pass on Sunday.

See the advert on page 18 or book tickets at £10 at festivalonthefarm.co.uk

Your day will include: • Use of the facilities from 9.30am-5.30pm to include the hydrotherapy pool, Sauna, steam room, experience showers, heated pool side loungers and ice fountain • Complimentary refreshments through your day in our spa lounge • Spa day lunch • Towels, fluffy robe & slippers through your day The following treatments to get you ready for the Summer: • Aroma time precious facial • Geleration Gel nails overlay manicure or pedicure • Skin Bliss body exfoliations

To book call 01285 864071 www.spa6.co.uk • waterpark.leisure@four-pilars.co.uk Spa 6 • Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel • Lake 6, Spine Road East, South Cerney, Gloucestershire, GL7 5FP Available Sunday –Friday from 1st July – 31st September 2014 Terms and conditions apply.

swindonlink.com • July 2014

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‘Gig To Remember’ for Alzheimer’s research

Swindon Gospel Choir releases first CD

Forgetting conversations and making strange sandwiches were the first signs which told Amanda Franks something wasn’t quite right with her mum Cathy Davidson.

Cathy was aged just 58 when she to get proper help that the situation was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In gradually improved. Although things January, aged 63, she moved to Orchid will never be the same again, you learn Care Home at Haydon End. to adapt and accept it.”

Now Amanda, from Oakhurst, is It is estimated there are more than organising The Gig To Remember star- 2,000 people in Swindon living with ring the Bootleg Beatles at the Oasis dementia, a disease of the brain that on 14 November with all proceeds go- affects the way people think, speak ing towards Alzheimer’s Research UK. and do things.

Amanda, said: “This disease turned It also affects people’s moods and our whole world upside down; at first motivations, particularly if the disease we didn’t really know anything about is in the part of the brain that controls it. We were a bit in denial and tried emotions. Everyone’s experience of to laugh it off, as it seemed the only the disease is different. Find out more way to cope. at: dementiafriends.org.uk.

“It was only when we took mum’s For details and tickets: thegigtorecondition seriously and we started member.com

It’s been three years in the making, but now You Are The Same, the first CD by the Swindon Gospel Choir, has been released.

Pastor Steve Mpofu, of Christendom Pentecostal Church, formed the choir in 2010, with the aim of bringing communities together and promoting Brothers’ idea for dementia dress down day cohesion.

It has succeeded as members Cathy Davidson’s grandsons Aaron who are aged 16 to 52 come from and Jack Bradshaw, pictured, want different churches in the town, and schools in Swindon to help Alzeimer’s have roots in countries across Africa: Research with a non-uniform day on Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland the last day of term in July in return and Nigeria. for a donation of £1 per pupil.

The CD features three tracks: I’m Amanda Franks said: “It’s time to Going to March, You Are The Same, bring dementia out of the shadows and get our children involved in the have a question and answer session. and one in Zulu, Sesilindele Thina.

“Just contact me on 07595 003369 It costs £7 from Rainbow Bookshop fight for a cure. I would be happy to attend any school, do short talks or or amanda@thegigtoremember.com” or That’s Entertainment in the town

centre, or it can be downloaded: bit.ly/SGC-DC Steve said the choir were delighted to appear on stage at the Wyvern Theatre last December, alongside the Kentwood Choir, led by Sheila Harrod.

He said:“Sheila came in and helped us a lot. We are so grateful to her for all her support and her experience.”

The choir is a sponsor of the Swindon Foodbank and hopes to contribute a percentage of the proceeds from the CD to the charity.

For details call 07449 930386. Follow them on Facebook: Swindon Gospel Choir and Twitter: @SwindonChoir

Roves Farm A great day out, come rain or shine

NEW

Pets Corner Barn &

Indoor Adventure Play

OPEN DAILY 10am - 5pm Bear Hunt

19th - 29th July

Superhero School

30th Jul - 8th Aug

Sevenhampton, SN6 7QG

01793 763939

www.rovesfarm.co.uk

20 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Clubs 19/06/2014 will be at15:16 Wharf Gre

Music marathon supports two charities

A long list of local bands have been lined up to play in the Legend’s Lounge at the County Ground on Saturday 12 July, from 11am to midnight, in aid of Ruby’s Fat Cow Fund and Prospect Hospice.

The running order Rocketbox, Moonincludes Swindon rakers, A Way With Young Musicians, Words, Joe Young BigSingThing, Sweet and Bands & BurNightingale, Rocklesque. ers Reunited, SongThere will be a birds, Brian Keen, licenced bar and Homer, Generation Gap, Laylow Band, refreshments, a raffle and a charity Ukey D’Ukes, Music4TheMoment, 8 auction.

Minutes Later, Illustrations, Joshua Tickets are £5 on the door. See Heather, Charlie-Anne Bradfield, more: musicmarathon.co.uk

Craft courses scheduled at Studley Grange Visitors can get crafty this summer at Studley Grange Craft Village, just off junction 16 of the M4, where a number of new units have opened and a series of classes and workshops are planned.

Lisa’s Pretty Things, Renaissance Blinds, Kelly’s Antiques and Collectables, and a Lego exhibition at Bricks ‘n’ Pieces are all now open for business.

Meanwhile, Sparkle Dreams have a new range of beautiful personalised ribbons and practical name labels on sale. They come in a myriad of colours and various widths. They can carry any message you want and are the perfect finishing touch for gifts, wedding paraphernalia, bouquets,

sashes and more.

There are also iron-on name labels which are usually ready in 24 hours.

See the advert below for the range of scrapbooking and paper crafting classes taking place at Sparkle Dreams during July.

They also have all the supplies you need to continue crafting activities at home.

Bring a friend and your class will be half price.

Rocking the stones for Prospect

Get into the spirit of Glasgow by discovering a sport in Swindon

Swindon Sports Forum is running showcase events for sports clubs at Wharf Green during the games, providing an ideal opportunity to try a new sport and find out more about different clubs in the town, Wednesday 23 July Games opening ceremony on

the Big Screen Clubs will be present at Wharf Green from 11am to 3pm on: Thursday 24 July Fencing (Swindon Fencing Club) Friday 25 July Roller derby (Swindon roller Derby) Saturday 26 July Basketball & wheelchair basketball (Swindon ShockTeams) Sunday 27 July Rugby (RFU) & hockey (North Wilts & Swindon HC) Monday 28 July American football (Swindon Storm) Tuesday 29 July FA football skills team Wednesday 30 July Netball (Pinehurst NC) Thursday 31 July Golf (Lee Hayward – Broome GC) Friday 1 August Boxing (Paul Rogers – Scrapstore) Saturday 2 August Swimming (Swindon Dolphins) Sunday 3 August Closing ceremony on the Big Screen

Kids for a Quid at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway

J2411

This voucher entitles children aged 3-16 years to visit STEAM any day of the week between 19 July and 31 August for just £1when accompanied by a full-paying adult.

Under 3s go free!

Sparkle Dreams is a dedicated craft shop based at Studley Grange Craft Village, in Swindon We run weekly classes in card making, scrapbooking and mixed media and stock a wide range of craft supplies from stamps,patterned papers, inks and embellishments.

BOOK NOW FOR JULY Wednesday 2nd July Thursday 10th July Wednesday 16th July Saturday 26th July Wednesday 30th July

Card in a Box £10 Wedding Scrapbook Class £12 Pop-Up Slider Card £10 Wedding Day Scrapbook Class £12 Double Tri-Fold Cascade Card £10

CLASS PROMOTION: Introduce a friend to one of our classes in July and you will get yours for HALF PRICE! RIBBON PRINTING Beautiful ribbon personalised just for you, in a myriad of colours with any wording Hen Party Sashes £4 each Kids Sashes £3.25 each SPARKLE DREAMS 7 - 9 Studley Grange Craft Village Hay Lane, Wroughton SN4 9QT 01793 979101 www.studleygrange.co.uk

STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway

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



Local rocker Nick Harper is gearing up for a charity acoustic rock concert on Sunday 13 July in the shadow of the stones.

Nick, along with guests, will provide the finale to a day of fundraising for Prospect Hospice that includes a sponsored 15km walk.

The annual walk, now in its third year, is for all ages and starts inside the stone circle at 9.30am. At 1pm, there will be a lamb roast and barbecue, including vegetarian food, tea and beer, followed by the concert at 2pm.

See more: aveburyrocks.org or prospecthospice.net

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 19 July and 31 August 2014.

Up to 4 children visit for £1 when accompanied by an adult.

19 - 48 July 14.indd t Wharf Green 11am to 21

swindonlink.com • July 2014 21

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Look out your antiques, curios and collectables for free valuation days

Learn how to create your own unique footwear According to top designer Karl Largerfield, ‘for women the most important accessories are still shoes and handbags.’

And Swindon shoe designer Kaylie Hill is offering you the chance to make statements with a pair you’ve recreated.

After working for global brand Adidas in Germany in 2012, former Greendown School student Kaylie has been steadily building her own brand ‘Kaylie Simmone’ based around Kaylie, with some of her designs. Below, shoe style, an her own unique high example of what you can recreate quality handcrafted shoes. to take home with them.

She has now expanded her busiKaylie hosts workshops at her stuness to offer creative classes in design- dio in East London and in Swindon. ing and transforming shoes where she She said: “It’s a great experience for teaches people how to professionally hen parties, birthdays, or just a fun, customise and redeunusual activity suitsign their own shoes. able for all ages.”

Provided with a Find out more wide variety of maabout a workshop terials and the right by contacting: kayequipment, as well lie@kayliesimmone. as advice from Kaylie, co.uk or call 07725 in a few hours cus081814 . tomers can create a See her work at: kayunique pair of shoes liesimmone.co.uk

British homes are a treasure trove – and now local people have the chance to find out what their antiques and collectables are worth, thanks to a series of Antiques Roadshow-style valuation days in Swindon organised by TV antiques expert Thomas Plant, right.

International auction house Bonhams estimates there is £50 million worth of unwanted jewellery alone in British homes.

Thomas, of Special Auction Services, who is familiar to viewers of Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, has experience of uncovering a wealth of valuable items.

In the last year these have included an impressive French Art Nouveau bronze that was given to the vendor’s mother by a bohemian artist after an acrimonious divorce.

It was left in a garden for 20 years, but eventually sold for £2,000.

A valuation day also brought to light a kitten puppet which starred in a 1950s children’s television series.

Prudence Kitten was created for the BBC by Annette Mills, who was best

known for her partnership with Muffin the Mule. The puppet sold for £2,124 at auction.

Meanwhile, the market for Chinese artefacts continues to be strong, with Special Auction Services selling a pair of porcelain vases for £1,700, despite one of them having damage.

But sometimes valuations can be child’s play and toys in good condition can realise high prices.

The pristine Dink y toy van, pictured proved popular, selling for £2,600 – more than some actual vehicles on the road.

If you have valuables that could be turned into cash, book an appointment with one of Thomas’ colleagues from Special Auction Services. See the advert on page 24 for dates.

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19 - 48 July 14.indd 22

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Win tickets to two shows in the park Open air theatre returns to Lydiard Park this summer – and readers have the chance to win tickets to two of the performances.

The Tempest: Quantum Theatre will Tickets are £14 for adults, £10 for turn the lawn in front of Lydiard House children or £42 for the family (2+2), into a remote island on Friday 4 July, via: swindontheatres.co.uk or call 7.30pm, to present Shakespeare’s 01793 524481. magical and romantic tale of love Tickets on offer and sorcery.

Thanks to Lydiard House and Park, Much Ado About Nothing: Shakewe have two adult tickets for Much speare is back on Friday 25 July, Ado About Nothing and two family 7.30pm, when Chapterhouse Theatre tickets (2 adults + 2 children) for Alice present the Bard’s comedy.

Through The Looking Glass to win in Alice Through The Looking Glass: our free competition.

Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic for To enter, answer the question below the whole family rounds off the and send your entry to the postal season as Alice meets Tweedledum address on page 4 by 16 July, or mail: and Tweedledee, the Walrus and the competitions@swindonlink.com Carpenter, The Lion and the Unicorn, and the Jabberwock on Friday 15 Much Ado About Nothing: Is this play ultimately about love, hate or August, 6.30pm. confusion?

For all plays, doors open an hour before the performance begins. Bring Alice Through The Looking Glass: Tell picnics and rugs or low-back chairs. us the names of two unusual characters that Alice encounters.

Refreshments will be available.

The Tempest: Quantum Theatre presents Shakespeare’s magical and romantic tale of love and sorcery, airy spirits and dark forces.

Much Ado About Nothing: Chapterhouse Theatre Company bring you an evening of merriment as incomparable Beatrice and her begrudging match Benedict are tricked into confessing their love.

Alice through the Looking Glass: Quantum Theatre return with their brand of comedy, music and magic in Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic.

Tickets: Adult £14, Child £10, Family (2 & 2) £42.

Booking fee of 50p applies to all transactions.

Discover Lydiard Park online The Friends of Lydiard Park launched their new website in late May to spread the word about Swindon’s fascinating treasure trove of heritage.

To book, call the box office: 01793 524481 or online: www.swindontheatres.co.uk Please bring picnics, rugs or low-back chairs.

Refreshments are available.

Lydiard Park, Swindon SN5 3PA

Where families get fit and healthy for free!

Former Lydiard House curator Sophie Cummings holding a watercolour by George Campbell Tinning. Photo: Richard Wintle calyxpix.com

For fans of the house, park and St Mary’s Church it makes for fascinating reading.

The Friends of Lydiard Park, an independent charity managed by a board of trustees, was founded in 2005, successor to the Friends of Lydiard Tregoz established in the 1960s.

Both organisations have worked to raise funds and promote and support work related to the house and park.

Recent projects include the framing of two watercolours painted by Canadian war artist George Campbell Tinning in the 1950s depicting the house empty and dilapidated.

Last year the Friends paid for conservation work on two 17th Century

St John family portraits, including one of Barbara St John, grandmother of Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland the notorious mistress of Charles II. The site is full of information about the house and the St John family who owned it for 500 years.

Join the Friends and you will receive access to an extensive online archive, research reports since 1968 and the definitive guide to the unique St John polyptych in St Mary’s, written by a former vicar of the church Rev Canon Brian Carne.

Annual membership costs £10 for individuals and £18 for joint/family membership.

Alive ‘n’ Kicking is a fun, free 10-week programme for children and young people aged 5-16 years.

If you think your child is above a healthy weight and you would like further information about Alive ‘n’ Kicking .

Call Emma Sperring on:

01793 465412 or email

ESperring@swindon.gov.uk Alive ‘N’ Kicking

@ANK_HQ

lydiardparkfriends.org.uk swindonlink.com • July 2014 23

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Swindon Wide What’s On

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Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322 HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

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D&L Blinds Quality made to measure Blinds & Curtains All types of blinds, supplied and fitted by a family run business Choose from a wide range of fabrics in the comfort of your own home 01793 619428 / 07974 380865 email: dandlblinds@hotmail.com www.dandlblinds.co.uk

Thomas, OR members of his team at Special Auction Services, will value portable items between 10am and 3.30pm on: Monday 7th July Valuations are by appointment only.

Please call 01635 580595 Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, or visit www.

Swindon SN1 2NG specialauctionservices.com to arrange an appointment

Music

Children & Family

Wednesday 2nd, Friday 4th, Saturday 5th, 7.30pm & Sat 5th, 2.30pm A Handful of Songs. Ray Dance and Judith Sharp accompanied by talented friends and family as well as pupils from Gemma Short School of Dance and Theatre Arts, in aid of Goldenhar Family Support Group. £10. Wyvern Saturday 5th, 7.30pm Wessex Male Choir Summer Concert.

The choir will be joined by guests from MJ-UK Music and Arts. £12, children under 16 free, but must have a ticket.

Tickets from Swindon Information Centre or tickets@wessexmalechoir. co.uk. Steam Museum Saturday 5th, 7.30pm Royal Wootton Bassett Orchestra marks the centenary of the First World War. £7.50; under 16s £2.50, tickets from Brian Taylor Music or on the door. Royal Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall Sunday 6th, 3pm Swindon Concert Band. Free. Town Gardens Bandstand Sunday 6th, 7.30pm The Janice Thompson Performance Trust Gala Concert by singers of all ages. £12. Wyvern Thursday 10th, 7.30pm Gimme Gimme Gimme Night Fever.

The best of Abba and the Bee Gees combined into one evening’s entertainment. £17. Wyvern Friday 11th, 7.30pm The Drifters. One of the biggestselling groups of all time returns to Swindon. £25. Wyvern Sunday 13th, 3pm Highworth Silver Band. Free. Town Gardens Bandstand Tuesday 15th, 8pm Patrick Street. Kevin Burke, Andy Irvine, Arty McGlynn and John Carty with their brilliant traditional Irish music repertoire. £16. Arts Centre Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th, 7.30pm Isambard School Musical Production. A show full of song and dance. £7.50, child £5. Wyvern Friday 18th, 7.30pm Thoroughly Modern Musicals. An introduction to the the musicals of the 21st Century. £15; family £45. Wyvern Sunday 20th, 3pm Mid-West Big Band. Free. Town Gardens Bowl Sunday 27th, 3pm Ukebox Jury. Free. Town Gardens Bandstand

Friday 4th, 6pm - 9pm Family Roller Disco. £5 (+BF); skates & safety equipment hire £2. MECA Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th Bug Hunting Weekends. Worms, woodlice, spiders and all things creepy can be found in the bugtastic habitats.

Normal admission prices. Roves Farm.

See the advert on page 20 Saturdays 12th and 26th, 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 Sunday 13th, 1.30pm & 3.30pm

Swindon’s first Gay Wedding Fayre

Sunday 6 July, 11am - 3pm Mercure Hotel, Old Vicarage Lane South Marston SN3 4SH Exhibitors, competitions & goodies Info: enquiries@manorwell.co.uk

Aliens Love Underpants. This hilarious tale is brought to life with stunning effects, madcap action and original music. £13.50. Wyvern Saturday 19th to Tuesday 29th The Bear Hunt. Take a free tractor ride and hunt for bears. Normal admission prices. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 20 Saturday 26th, 2.30pm Old Macdonald Had A Farm. But the animals have gone missing. Help the friendly scientist and his amazing time machine find them. £10.50; family £38. Wyvern Sunday 27th, 1pm & 4pm Treasure Island. A magical trip into a world of pirates and princesses in a show packed with action, pyrotechnics, puppets, cannonballs and singing. £13; family £44. Wyvern

Venues

Arts Centre Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 524481 Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG. Tel: 463782 Lydiard House Lydiard Park SN5 3PA. Tel: 466664 MECA Regent Circus SN1 1PR. Tel: 251111 Roves Farm Sevenhampton Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 763939 STEAM Kemble Drive SN2 2EY. Tel: 466637 Swindon Information Centre Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 530328 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Bath Road, SN1 4BA. Tel: 466556 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square, SN1 1QN. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

24 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Drama

Until Saturday 27 September, Wed to Sat, 11am to 3pm and from 10am during school holidays

Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th, 7.30pm; Thurs 3rd & Sat 5th, 2pm Birdsong. Marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, Birdsong is a critically acclaimed production based on the novel by Sebastian Faulkes. £12.50 - £21. Wyvern Friday 4th & Friday 25th, 7.30pm Shakespeare in the Park. See the advert on page 23

Are you looking for an

Eye Test at Home?

Do you have difficulties getting to your local optician? Then why not let us visit you at home for your eye test? * • Free NHS test • NHS vouchers accepted • Flexible appointments

Dance

Friday 25th, 7.30pm Those Were The Days My Friend.

Life in Wiltshire and Swindon, from 1909 to 1970s. Cine films accompanied by traditional music and songs of the time. £11. Wyvern Outdoor Cinema Thurs 17th, 7.30pm, film: 9.15pm Grease Friday 18th, 7.30pm, film: 9.15pm Leon Saturday 19th,: 7.30pm, film: 9.15pm The Lost Boys Cult Screens films are projected on a giant outdoor screen in full cinema quality HD. Old Town Gardens. £12.50 standard seating; £14.50 deckchairs, + booking fee. More information and tickets: cultscreens.co.uk

Talk Monday 7th, 7.30pm

*Call us or visit website for further details

Tuesday 8th, 7pm Wilkes Academy. An evening inspired by the greatest shows of the West End and Broadway by performers from the academy. £15, £10. Wyvern Saturday 19th, 1pm & 6.30pm Fitzgraham Academy of Dance take you on a magical journey through the sometimes ’Grimm’world of fairy tales. £12.50; child £9. Wyvern

Comedy Thursday 24th, 7pm Chuckles Comedy Club. £8; show & dinner £12 plus booking fee (adv only). MECA

www.visionvisit.co.uk

01793 232 588

Fundraising American themed Summer Fayre Friday 4 July 5.30pm to 8pm Brook Field Primary School, Cartwright Drive, Shaw Exciting displays & stalls including zorbing, cheerleading & pony rides Also fancy dress parade and Wild West treasure hunt Proceeds to Friends of Brook Field School St Andrews Ridge Fun Day Saturday 5 July from 10am Barbecue, bouncy castle, music, games, promotions from local traders including free hair cuts for under 5s and face painting in Friends salon The Jovial Monk car park Andrews Ridge Village Centre Jellytots Playgroup Fun Day Saturday 12 July, 12noon to 3pm Many stalls, face painting, jewellery, bouncy castle, lucky dip, treasure hunt, cakes, lucky programme raffle £2 family ticket in advance; £2.50 family ticket on the day Brook Field School playing fields,Cartwright Drive, Shaw Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool Swimathon and Table Top sale Saturday 19 July, 9am to 1pm See page 31

Chris Packham goes wild with an entertaining and informative look at some of nature’s most popular and interesting species, from leopards to barn owls. £17. Wyvern

E

BIG Swindon Event Saturday 26 July in aid of Swindon SMASH and Cancer Research UK. 12noon: Charity football matches 3pm to 6pm: Free family fun day 6pm to midnight: Ticketed event - Entertainment, food and charity auction. £15 or four for £30.

Lydiard Park Conference Centre Facebook: Big Swindon Event

Penrhos layout – Picture courtesy of Hornby Magazine

Film

FRyeETeEst

THE BIG GWR EVENT OF THE YEAR

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2014 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Celebrate the UK’s best model railways at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway Join Pete Waterman and Hornby Magazine for the ultimate display of model railway layouts, traders, steam vehicles and hands-on modelling demonstrations Admission: Adults £10.00; Children £7.50 and Seniors £8.50; Family tickets £25.00 (two adults, one child) and £30.00 (two adults, two children).

Under threes go free

A Railway at War - A major new exhibition examining the role of the GWR and its employees during WW1

367/14

About Face. Portraits & figure studies from the Swindon collection of modern art works by twentieth century and contemporary British artists. Free.

Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th Why We Went To War. See Great War propaganda posters and pictures before every performance of Birdsong, see Drama, right. Wyvern

Swindon Wide What’s On

Exhibition

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway | Fire Fly Avenue | Swindon | SN2 2EY Tel: (01793) 466637 | www.steam-museum.org.uk www.facebook.com/steammuseum @steam_museum

Key supporter:

swindonlink.com • July 2014 25

19 - 48 July 14.indd 25

367 Swindon ad QP.indd 1

09/05/2014 10:35 19/06/2014 15:25

Volunteering adventures on offer in the park Woodland management, guided walks, event support, administration and gardening are just some of the tasks people can get involved with at Lydiard House and Park.

With a busy programme of summer and autumn events planned, the admin said: “We’re really keen to hear from anyone aged 18 or over who would like team at Lydiard is keen to attract new people to the dedicated and friendly to be part of our wonderful volunteering team at Lydiard House and Park. network of volunteers already involved.

Roles cover a wide range of skills, from gardening and grounds maintenance Caroline Palmer, innovation and improvement manager for Lydiard House to administration, publicity and visitor services work.

“Those interested can choose to do something they love and develop their talents ‚ or try something completely new. Whether you have just a few hours a week to spare, or perhaps a whole day, Lydiard can offer so much in return.”

There are also opportunities for volunteers specifically interested in helping out with special activities and events.

The house and park provide a supportive training environment and, due to the huge variety of opportunities available, volunteers can gain new skills that can lead the way to future employment in a variety of sectors.

To apply for a volunteer position mail a letter and CV to: cpalmer2@swindon.gov.uk or write to Caroline Palmer, Lydiard House, Swindon SN5 3PA. lydiardpark.org.uk

July 2004: Victory at the Civic Offices

Caroline Palmer, innovation and improvement manager for Lydiard House Nicky Heath, Lydiard’s new volunteer co-ordinator, with long serving volunteer Jane Lane, front, and Lydiard Park grounds staff Andy Dyer and Ben Williams

Ten years ago on 22 July a full meeting of Swindon Council unanimously voted to continue development of Shaw Forest Country Park as part of the Great Western Forest - reaffirming a 1994 decision - and protecting the former land fill site from threatened development as a football stadium.

See the swindonlink report at: bit.ly/ShawForestvictory

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Off full priced products for Swindon loyalty card holders.

Move your business to Basepoint Swindon and we guarantee to beat your current telecoms bill. PLus, get our standard internet package included in your rent Contact the team at Basepoint Swindon, Rivermead Drive, SN5 7EX Tel: 01793 608800 Basepoint_Swnd

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26 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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18/06/2014 15:53

A century ago the GWR hooter blasted 10 times in Swindon, as the lamps went out across Europe As the Swindon in the Great War project gears up for this year’s much anticipated centenary, the focus will be as much on the conflict’s effect at home as the role of our heroes on the battlefield, writes Frances Bevan.

The collective memory is that the summer of 1914 was idyllic, in stark contrast to the horrors of the trench warfare that followed.

In fact, here in the west of England the early months of the summer were characterised by changeable weather conditions, high temperatures, storms and heavy rainfall.

Ironically, it was as Britain mobilised her troops that the weather set fair.

August 1914 proved to be a warm, dry and sunny month, with temperatures higher than normal.

The seeds of war were sown on 28 June when the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated during a visit to Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian terrorist group called the Black Hand.

But it was not this single event alone that was the cause of what became known as the Great War. Did the average person on the streets of Swindon fully understand the complicated international events that led to the outbreak of war in 1914?

Probably not.

It is only with the benefit of hindsight that historians have been able to piece together the personal and political causes of war.

At 7.40pm on Tuesday 4 August the GWR Works hooter sounded ten long blasts, a call to arms for local men in the army reserves and territorial unit.

For the people of Swindon whose lives were governed by the hooter, this was the official announcement that Britain was at war.

By 6.30am the following day the military was on the move. Huge crowds gathered to watch members of the The Swindon Company of the Wilts (Fortress) Royal Engineers and men from the Wilts Battery and Ammunition Column of the 3rd Wessex Brigade Field Artillery depart from the town’s two railway stations.

Soon Swindon was teeming with military personnel on route to France and Flanders in what was, at first, a carnival atmosphere. It was only when the first casualty lists were published that reality set in.

Exhibitions

Home

There’s no place like it Being able to live at home can be one of the most important comforts in an older person’s life, and because family and friends can’t always be there, Home Instead Senior Care are here to help.

From just an hour a day, to full time care, our service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide: n n n

n n n n n

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Companionship services Light housekeeping Local transportation and errands Meal preparation Personal care Respite support Convalescence support Specialist dementia and Alzheimer’s care Shopping

Call for more information

01793 232585 or 01367 887696

This summer the outbreak of hostilities will be marked at various locations around the town.

Home Instead Senior Care Swindon & Vale of White Horse On 4 August an exhibition called Unit 30A, Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, Majors Road, Swindon in the Great War, looking at Watchfield, Swindon SN6 8TZ the impact on the people of Swindon, opens at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

And at Radnor Street Cemetery on Home Instead Whats On ad.indd 1 30/10/2012 Sunday 17 August local history groups will be exhibiting Great War displays in the cemetery chapel, while guided cemetery walks will take place at 11am and 2pm.

Join your local hospice lottery To book a place, call Mark Sutton on 07870 701049 or Frances Bevan on £1 01793 875416. p

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Swindon’s story in print Local historian Mike Pringle’s book: Swindon – Remembering 1914-1918, will be published by The History Press in August.

Order a copy at: bit. ly/pringlepreorder

£1,000 www.prospect-hospice.net/lottery

or call 01793 816190 to join

Take the plunge for Prospect Hospice’s Big Swim Prospect Hospice is looking for swimmers to sign up for its Big Swim on Saturday 12 July at Bowmoor Sailing Club in Lechlade.

The event, in its second year, invites participants to take to the water for a 500m, 1.2km, 2.6km or 3.8km dip to raise funds for the Wroughton-based charity. Visit prospect-hospice.net/bigswim for further details and to register.

The following day, people who love live music and the great outdoors can support the hospice through its Avebury Rocks event. See page 21 for more details.

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swindonlink.com • July 2014 27 Link Magazine Ad.indd 1 19 - 48 July 14.indd 27

01/03/2013 11:18:06 19/06/2014 15:30

Join the world’s biggest triathlon

New sponsor gives town a holiday feel

Imagine a chilly wet winter Saturday at the County Ground in January and the prospect of a luxury cruise in warmer climates will be a very attractive idea, which no doubt is one of the reasons West Swindon based business Imagine Cruising have become the principal sponsors of Swindon Town Meningitis Now is desperate for FC for two years. people of all ages and abilities to join their team at the London Triathlon on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August.

You can either split the swimming, cycling and running challenge with two or three friends, or, do it solo.

There are four ability levels: • Super Sprint – 400m swim, 10km cycle, 2.5km run • Sprint – 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run • Olympic – 1,500m swim, 40km cycle, 10km run • Olympic Plus – 1,500m swim, 80km cycle, 10km run Meningitis Now is offering a 50 per Robin Deller, managing director of Imagine Cruising, left, with town manager cent discount on registration: £25 per Mark Cooper guaranteed place, instead of £50. It The club’s general manager, Steve and hopefully beyond.” asks for £400 minimum sponsorship Anderson, commented: “Swindon And readers have the opportunity per place. Duos and trios can split the Town are always keen to establish and to play a part in pre-season preparacourse and can also divide the fee and build relationships with local busi- tions by pre-ordering the new Imagine fundraising target. nesses and Imagine Cruising fit that Cruising brand STFC shirt by 11 July.

In return, the charity provides full bill perfectly. As a growing business, Fans who do will be entered into a support and a running/cycling top. their ambition and drive for success competition to win a huge package, To take part call Becky on 01453 mirrors that of the club and we very including a season ticket, an away shirt 769023 or mail: BeckyJ@meningi- much look forward to our partnership and £350 worth of Adidas products. tisnow.org blossoming over the next two years See the advert below for details.

Day time pay as you go Pilates classes

Julie Morse and Kiz Davis run term time classes at Esprit Gymnastics, Headlands Grove, SN2 7HS on Tuesdays 12.30pm to 1.15pm.

All levels are welcome and the cost is £5 for the 45 minute session.

Lunchtime classes for individuals and small groups are available on Mondays and Thursdays. Call 07859 068160 to arrange sessions.

Julie and Kiz also run pay as you go classes on: Mondays, 7.15pm to 8.15pm at Moredon Primary School, Akers Way, SN2 2NQ and Thursdays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Uplands School, Tadpole Lane, SN25 2ND. swindonpilates.com

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the 2014/15 adidas home shirt will be on general sale instore and online from friday 11th july 2014.

The lucky winner will be selected at random and will celebrate by scoring with this STFC prize haul...

• 2014/15 STFC season ticket • 2014/15 STFC away shirt • 2014/15 STFC trainingwear package including: stadium jacket, presentation tracksuit, polo shirt, training jersey, padded vest and sweat top • 2014/15 STFC home programme subscription • adidas football boots (to value of £150 RRP) • adidas trainers (to value of £100 RRP) • £100 adidas voucher to be used on www.adidas.co.uk

*Pies not included!

#justaddpies

28 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Help claim a world record for Swindon in October Be one of (at least) 600 to smash the Swiss Ball exercise class world record on Saturday 11 October Excalibur Communications & IT for Business are organising an attempt to set a world record as part of their huge fundraising challenge to raise £50,000 for a new teenage cancer ward at the RUH (Royal United Hospital ) in Bath, which also serves Swindon.

The David Lloyd Gym in North Swindon will host the Excalibur challenge for the largest Swiss Ball exercise class in one place.

Anyone 14 years upwards can join in the fun in a low-impact 40 minute class. Registration to take part costs £25, but you get to keep your recordbreaking ball afterwards.

Fitness instructor Kiz Davis who will be leading the event said: “The current record stands at 348, and we are aiming to set the new record at 600 people.

“If all participants try to raise additional sponsorship, there’s no reason why we can’t raise over £15,000 from the event.”

Each year, RUH Bath treats over 2,000 new cancer cases. The new centre will cover Bath, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bristol and surrounding

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Shape up with help from a hoop When Veronika Gurecka was made redundant whilst pregnant with her second daughter she was left wondering what to do next.

Passionate about music, dancing and fitness, she wasn’t inspired by any of the classes she attended until she discovered Powerhoop.

Now a qualified Powerhoop instructor, she runs classes at Freshbrook Community Centre on Mondays, 7pm to 7.50pm.

It is a fun exercise class using a weighted padded hoop that strength-

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ens the core and slims your waist.

Veronika said: “The large diameter of the hoop makes it easy to use, even for beginners and for all ages.

Whether you want to lose inches, build strength, tone up or simply have fun, Powerhoop classes are for you.”

The cost is £5 per class, payable monthly in advance and the first class for Link readers is just £2.50.

See details at: veronikasfitness. co.uk

Shooting for juniors The newest junior sports club in Swindon is now accepting members.

Wroughton Junior Rifle Club provides a safe environment for young people aged 10 to 17 to learn the Olympic sport of air rifle shooting, and other target shooting disciplines.

The first 6 week introductory course, concentrating on shooting safety and discipline, starts on Friday 4 July. The cost is £20, including all equipment.

See details and register for a place on the first course at wjrc.org.uk

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30 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Heading for Paris in aid of diabetes research A group of friends from Swindon will be cycling from London to Paris to raise money for JDRF, the world’s largest charity committed to finding a cure fortype 1 diabetes.

Twelve riders will set off on the four day expedition on 11 September and are looking for individual sponsors and help from businesses who Some of the riders making the trip to Paris, from left, Jason Smith, Richard Leonard, Katie can support them with Went, Natasha Watkins, David Stimson, Mark Jenkins, Craig Gavin, organiser Sarah Stimson first aid kits, bike repair supplies and 1 and we want to make an impact by energy drinks so that all money raised supporting JDRF. Affordable Personal Businesses who can help can concan go towards the charity.

Care for Your Feet “We’re all novices at long distance tact Natasha: natashawat@aol.com Treatments: Support the cyclists with sponcycle rides,” said Natasha Watkins from North Swindon. “A number of sorship online at: justgiving.com/ Nail cutting (feet & hands) Nail deformities & the group have been affected by type londonparis14 ingrowing toenails

Swimathon and sale for hydrotherapy pool Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool’s annual swimathon and table top sale takes place on Saturday 19 July, 9am to 1pm.

The swimathon involves 20 minute slots and you can swim, walk in the water or just bob around; it’s up to the individual as long as you are in the water for 20 minutes. Fancy dress swimmers are welcome too.

To register to swim, or to book a table, call 01793 496002 or mail: info@ thamesdownhydrotherapypool.com Mail for a sponsor form or pick one up from Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, Jefferies Ave, Swindon SN2 7HJ.

Kathryn Gater MCFHP MAFHP Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

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The road to forever weight loss A new Slimming World group will be launched in North Swindon on 7 July by Lisa Legg who is inviting others who want to face up to weight issues to join her.

The mum of three lost 21lbs with Slimming World whilst suffering with an underactive thyroid. Feeling unhappy, anxious, bloated and unfit Lisa took the brave decision of joining Slimming World on New Year’s day.

She said: “I walked into a group in January and received a very warm welcome from consultant Heather Zych and discovered I could continue eating burgers and chips and still lose weight.

“As you’d expect some weeks are not easy but you’re still made to feel amazing and supported by both the consultant and other members.

“I feel so much better, my chubbiness has gone and my children say that mum no The before and after Lisa longer has a ‘big bum,’ it’s all thanks to Slimming World.”

Lisa didn’t think her New Year’s resolution would go further but on Monday 7 July, 7.30pm, at Bridlewood Primary School, Chartwell Road, SN25 2EX, she welcomes people to her new Slimming World group.

Turn up or contact her on 07414 540866 or mail: lisalegg28@gmail.com

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Sign up for a sizzling bike ride

July meeting to discuss health and social care

The next Healthwatch Swindon Health & Social Care forum meeting Cyclists are being invited to sign up for a ‘fun but tough’ cycling event on takes place on Tuesday 1 July, 11am to 1pm, at the Platform, Faringdon 27 July called the Savernake Sizzler in support of Sparks.

Road SN1 5BJ. Speakers from Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group/SEQOL will be describing and hearing views about the new SUCCESS centres. There will be a talk about new documentation in preparation at Great Western Hospital to ensure appropriate care for people at or towards the end of their life, replacing, for example, the use of the Liverpool Care Pathway.

For details contact Jo Osorio at Healthwatch Swindon or call 01793 497777. healthwatchswindon.org.uk

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It is organised by GiveItSome, run by father and daughter team Paul Greenman from Freshbrook and Penny Pauw, 28, of Gorse Hill, above.

All abilities are welcomed to ride either 32, 56 or 93 miles, with routes promising a mix of challenging hilly, winding lanes and straight, fast sections.

Entry costs as little as £10, with all the facilities you would expect from a larger cycling sportive, combined with the friendly atmosphere of a smaller local event.

GiveItSome are encouraging

Swindon Mobility Fayre 2014

Saturday 5th July 2014, 10.00am to 3.00pm The Legends Lounge, The County Ground, County Road, Swindon, SN1 2ED Show includes: • Demonstrations • Local and Specialist Dealers • Health, eyesight and hearing checks • ‘Safer Swindon’ Community Safety Team • Refreshments • Shop Mobility • Exhibitions • Local groups and forums • And much much more...

cyclists to raise money for their sponsored charity Sparks, which funds medical research projects to help babies, children and pregnant women.

Paul said: “Savernake Sizzler is a great opportunity to fundraise for a worthy cause as well as brilliant motivation for cyclists to get out in the fresh air and enjoy our beautiful countryside.”

There are still sponsorship opportunities for local companies who would like to get involved.

Details and registration: giveitsome.me

Promoting independence and accessibility

Where there’s a wheel there’s a way

For people of all ages and abilities

32 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Under 5s and former members prepare to party West Swindon Nutkinz parent and toddler group is organising a pirates and princesses party on Saturday 2 August, and they want to hear from young people and parents who have attended the group over the years.

Nutkinz currently has 80 members Group secretary Zoe John said: on its books and has always provided a “Hundreds of families have been to place for parents and childminders to Nutkinz over the years and we’d like to get together. It meets on Wednesdays meet as many as possible at our party.” and Fridays, 9.30am to 11.30am, and Find out more and register for the extends for those who want to stay for party at westswindonshawtoddler. lunch together. co.uk From the Swindon Link archives: Nutkinz line-up from the summer of 1999

Where there’s a wheel there’s a way

A Mobility Fayre on 5 July organised by Swindon Council in partnership with Swindon Equality and Action Group will promote independence and accessibility.

Taking place at the Legends Lounge, County Ground, the day is designed to raise awareness of the resources, training, leisure activities and information available for people of all ages and abilities.

See the advert opposite for details.

Fun on the ridge in North Swindon: Saturday 5 July Businesses at St Andrews Ridge village centre off Salzgitter Drive are organising a fun day in the car park in front of the Jovial Monk pub.

From 10am to 3pm, there will be a barbecue, bouncy castle, face painting, music, games, and a range of promotions from traders including free hair cuts for under 5 in Friends salon. See the Friends advert on page 30.

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

Guide dog appeal smashes its target An appeal set up in memory of a guide dog has raised a remarkable £30,000 in just over a year – enough to train six puppies.

Swindon Guide Dogs chairman “I want to say a big thank you to Alan Fletcher, 66, launched 4Joy everyone who has donated towards after his eight year old black labrador the appeal.”

Joy, died a year ago, following a short Joy regularly appeared at fundraisillness. ing events for Swindon Guide Dogs Alan, from Stratton, aimed to raise during the seven years she was with £20,000 for the charity, and although Alan and was well-known across the he has far exceeded his original target, town after visiting many schools and fundraising goes on. community groups.

Training of the puppies has begun, Alan, who was awarded a Pride of one of whom has been named Joy Swindon award in March to recogafter Alan’s much-loved former guide. nise his voluntary work, continues He said: “We originally thought to fundraise for Joy the puppy, and reaching the £20,000 mark might be wants to raise the £5,000 needed a struggle, but I’ve been completely to complete the second year of her overwhelmed by the response, and it training. shows how much Joy touched people’s Donate to Alan’s appeal: 4joy.co.uk hearts as well as helping me. guidedogs.org.uk/swindon

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

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Cricklade Rd, Cirencester GL7 5QB Tel: 01285 860200 info@fossedogotelandcattery.co.uk www.fossedogotelandcattery.co.uk

North Swindon MP backs dog chip checks

Over 8,000 dogs are euthanised each year because their owner cannot be found - but they could be saved if dog owners ‘chip it, check it’ say Justin Tomlinson MP, the Kennel Club and Lord de Mauley, Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The Kennel Club says that by microchipping dogs and keeping personal details up to date, thousands of otherwise doomed dogs could be identified and reunited with their owners instead of facing possible destruction in the pound.

The club’s ‘chip it, check it’ education campaign has been launched in advance of the change in the law from April 2016 where dog owners will be required to have their dogs microchipped and registered on one of the databases available. Owners will also be expected to be responsible for ensuring the information is kept up to date.

Find out more: thekennelclub.org.uk/petlog swindonlink.com • July 2014 33

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Extreme new look for violin teacher in aid of Cancer Research Students who visit Helen Goode for violin lessons could have been shocked by her appearance after a radical hair cut at the end of May. With Lisa Dowdell at The Cutting Bar in West Swindon Centre doing the deed, Helen went for the full monty rather than a neatly shortened bob.

Her hair has been sent to the Little Princess Trust, which makes free wigs for children who have lost their own hair.

Helen, from Grange Helen and Lisa above. Photo: William Blake: williamPark, who is known by blakefilmmaker.com Below, Helen with hair her students as Helen wanted to do something Godfrey, said: “The extra to help this year. shave has raised over Everyone else can enjoy £1,300 and I’d like to seeing me looking very thank everyone who strange without hair; so generously sponhopefully the money sored me, as well as my raised by so many people family and friends for will help beat cancer in being there to help me the future." through the process.

Helen took part in the "I've lost friends and Cancer Research Race family members over for Life at Lydiard Park the years to cancer, and the following day.

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

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Gypsy Fire to set fifth birthday party alight on 4th July The Friends of Angel’s Orphanage charity marked its fifth anniversary in May. On Friday 4 July, 7.30pm, jazz rock group Gypsy Fire will inject explosive energy into its celebrations.

Children at Angel’s Orphanage who have bright futures with support from people in Highworth and Swindon

The Friends was set up by Dr Rosa Matheson from Highworth and her husband, former West Swindon GP, Ian Matheson, and Brian Mildenhall, to provide long term sustainable support for an orphanage run by a Nepalese sherpa, Angel, in Kathmandu.

Rosa said: “It’s been a remarkable five years, a life-changing experience for us and for the children Angel and his wife care for. When we first met them, they were struggling to survive with the children in very poor conditions. Now we’re always amazed at how much the children have grown, not just in size but in confidence and self-belief each time we go.

Ian added: “We always tell them about the people who support them and knowing that so many people care about their well-being makes them feel special and loved.

“It has been amazing what we have achieved so far and we thank all our supporters for their help.

“We’re in this for the long-run and always need more people to join us as monthly supporters or fundraisers, or by just making donations.”

To celebrate its fifth year the charity is presenting five concerts this year.

Rosa said: “Gypsy Fire have had rave reviews and they turn in an electric performance whenever they appear.

See them on YouTube then buy a ticket. You won’t be disappointed.

TheperformancetakesplaceatStMichael’s Church, Highworth on 4 July.

Tickets at £12.50 are available from Swindon Central Library, the Lighthouse Bookshop, Highworth, or call 01793 764979. angelsorphanage.com gypsyfire.co.uk

Big Lunch brings people together

North Swindon residents came together on 28 May at St Francis Primary School to share a Big Lunch with members of Time Bank Taw Hill.

Time Bank provides a way for people to help each other by exchanging skills and getting to know others in their community. Find out more by calling Louise Hallett: 420557.

Facebook: Timebank Swindon Left, Justin Tomlinson MP joined the lunch party, with from left, Kirstie Reeve, Lou Hallett, Maureen Adsley, Jo Tomlinson, Mahuask Malik, Asami McNamara, as well as Andy and Mia McNamara, Laraib Ahmed, Teddy and Madeline Hallett

34 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Summer reading challenge aiming for new record

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An ambitious target of encouraging Swindon schoolchildren to read at least 14,000 books has been set for this year’s big dive into books at Swindon Libraries which gets underway on Saturday 19 July.

Because children’s reading habits There will be a etry competition can dip during the summer holidays, chance to meet the for over 8s. Pick the Reading Agency’s annual summer Charity Sci-fi Daleks, up entry forms at reading challenge helps get them into and Zoolab will also be your local library. libraries to maintain their skills and visiting with mythical Enrolment confidence. beasts and bugs and starts from SatMythical Maze, which runs until more. urday 12 July, and Sunday 7 September, includes a series Library staff and volyoung adventurers of events, with organisers hoping unteers will be on hand can start explorthat last year’s record of involving to help children win ing the Mythical 810,089 children nationwide will be medals for reading, and Maze from Saturbeaten again. there will be a colouring day 19 July.

There is an interactive website, competition for undermythical-maze. which will link children with top 8s as well as an art/poorg.uk authors and illustrators whilst giving them space to talk about their favouNew podcast for aspiring authors rite books and share reading ideas.

Youngsters can sign up at their local ‘Conversations with Authors’ is a brand new podcast series available online from Faringdon-based creativity library, then read six books of their coach Alison Thompson, featuring a wide range of fiction and non-fiction authors passing on their top tips choice, collecting stickers and other about writing and getting published. rewards along the way – all for free.

Describing her aim Alison said: after self-publishing his book, How an agent. Future podcasts feature conAfter reading the first book, “It’s now easier than ever for writers to Do Everything and Be Happy. Also versations with short story specialist children will be able to do a trail at to publish their work. However, included in the series are conversa- Della Galton, writer and trainer Lisa Swindon Museum and Art Gallery for there are many pitfalls to avoid, and tions with Stefan Thomas, who was Cherry, horse healer Charlie Holles the chance to get a special prize, and I realised that every published author invited to write Business Networking and comic book illustrator Darryl when they have read four books they has a wealth of knowledge they can for Dummies after a chance encounter Cunningham. will receive a voucher for a free DVD. share to help other writers.” at a business show; and Madalyn Download the Conversations Swindon Dance launch the chalThe first podcast is with Peter Morgan, author of a series of books with Authors podcast: theprooffairy. lenge at Central Library on Saturday Jones, who was offered a contract set in World War II, who turned to com/conversations or search iTunes: 19 July, 10.30am. with top publisher Harper Collins self-publishing after being let down by Conversations with Authors

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National Gardens Scheme open days in aid of charity TWIGS (Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon) Sunday 20 July, 1pm to 5pm Themed gardens, craft studio and wildlife haven Exhibition and sale of work by Every Cloud, a co-operative of local artists and crafts people Plants & refreshments for sale in aid of Friends of TWIGS Admission £3,OAPs/concs £1.50; children free Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor

Lydiard Park Walled Garden Sunday 27 July, 11am to 5pm Admission £2.50; children £1 Plants for sale. Stables cafe open

Become part of Edible Swindon Anna Komar and Amanda Adams have started a new group to become part of the Incredible Edible Network which is spreading across Britain.

They want to hear from others of where food comes from, encourinterested in re-imagining those aging self-sufficiency and healthier unloved green spaces in the town by lifestyles, whilst creating a better growing vegetables, fruit and herbs, environment. that are free and accessible for all.

Anyone who would like to find They want this form of urban gar- out more should get in touch: Edidening to be about bringing together bleSwindon@hotmail.com communities, providing knowledge incredibleediblenetwork.org.uk

Open gardens generate charity income West Swindon Open Gardens on 14 and 15 June attracted 322 visitors plus children, a 46 per cent increase on last year. The total raised was £2,213 which has been distributed to Smash youth mentoring and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.”

Organiser Kevin Fisher said: “It’s a brilliant total; thank you to all the gardeners for opening up and the visitors for enjoying their efforts.”

Scouts busy in their communities Scout Community Week is the biggest UK wide fundraising and awareness event of the year for the Scout Association and young people were about across the town in early June doing good things in their neighbourhoods.

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In West Swindon 1st Toothill Scouts, above, picked up 18 bags of rubbish over two evenings whilst the Beaver section helped plant flowers at Hazelwood Academy and tidied up a bed to the rear of Toothill village centre with help from B&Q, the sponsor of Scout Community Week. Asda West Swindon provided a free lunch to all who took part.

1sttoothillscouts.btck.co.uk In North Swindon the 7th Swindon Scout group, based in Priory Vale, helped at the Swindon & Cricklade heritage railway by tidying up the platforms and cleaning carriages at Blunsdon Station as well as carrying out some car park maintenance work.

As a reward for their efforts members of the group and their leaders were taken on a train ride to just outside Cricklade and south to Oakhurst.

Sprucing up the mini-loco at Blunsdon. Photo: Richard Wintle of calyxpix.com

36 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance

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Lawn & Hedge Cutting Maintenance General Garden Tidy Turfing Give your garden a makeover Call John Dowell on 07892 436198 or 01793 951076 j.dowell@live.co.uk swindonlink.com • July 2014 37

19 - 48 July 14.indd 37

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Swindon couple to visit 30 counties in 30 hours to celebrate wildlife charity Animal lovers Amanda and Barrie Butler are marking the 30th anniversary of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) with a 800 mile road trip starting on 28 July.

Their non-stop expedition starts “But we think 30 hours is a good from their home in Peatmoor and target to aim for, allowing for photos, ends on the afternoon of 29 July at comfort breaks or traffic hold-ups. the DSWF headquarters in Surrey.

“We have friends scouting out Barrie and Amanda, who admit to county signs so that we don’t have to being passionate about wild animals, be delayed searching for them, but have supported the foundation and it would be good if readers could let the 30th anniversary appeal has stirred us know locations so we can take the them into greater action. picture and move on as efficiently as Amanda said: “After much discus- possible.” sion, and watching Davina McCall Barrie hopes his employer Zurich doing her fundraising for Sport Relief will match the amount raised from on TV in February, we came up with the expedition. the idea of the 30 counties road trip.

Amanda wants to raise awareness of “The aim is to be photographed the David Shepherd Wildlife Founwith county border signs to prove they dation and get children involved by were visited. Pictures will be tweeted visiting schools. so that people can follow our progress. • See more pictures: bit.ly/ABroadtrip Barrie reckons the route they’ve • Sponsor Amanda and Barrie: worked out is achievable. He said: justgiving.com/30counties “With the help of Apple maps and a • Follow them on Twitter: paper map showing all the traditional @30counties4DSWF county boundaries, we can cover the • Invite Amanda into school or group.

Mail: amanda.butler9@icloud.com route in around 22 hours.

Call for North Swindon road safety

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO

Councillors and residents discussed the urgent need to make the town’s northern bypass safer at the North Swindon locality meeting on 18 June after a horrific and fatal crash at the entrance to the district centre at 6.30am on Sunday 25 May.

✶ 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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Two vehicles were involved in the collision, a blue Vauxhall Astra and a red Nissan. The passenger in the Nissan, David Winter, 33, was thrown from the vehicle and was attended by paramedics on a nearby verge, but was later declared dead at Great Western Hospital.

The driver was Mr Winter's 61 year old father.

Police have yet to reveal the circumstances of the tragedy, but it appears the red car was hit by the Astra as it was driven from the district centre. It is possible the Astra was travelling at high speed as the two vehicles ended up 100 metres apart.

Haydon Wick councillor Oliver Donachie, who chairs the North Swindon Locality, said: “This was a

terrible and tragic event. There has been a great deal of public concern which is why all the agencies involved in some way will come together on 25 June to present their views.

“The data of road usage and accidents say Thamesdown Drive is a safe road, but the reports about how drivers actually use the road suggest a different story. We need to examine all the issues and decide on points of action.”

Bus gate cameras go live Swindon Council will be begin enforcing restrictions prohibiting most drivers from using bus lanes on routes in the town, including Torun Way in Haydon End, from 30 June.

See the full story at: bit.ly/SBCbuscam

38 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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Hazelwood Academy celebrates first year with playground fun

WI forms in North Swindon

IS DAMP A PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME?

Children at Toothill’s primary school have been enjoying playtime even A new WI branch will be having its first meeting on Tuesday 8 July, more after a range of games were marked out in the playground.

7.30pm at Abbey Meads Primary School.

The WI is a place to have fun, make friends, and learn new skills. The group plans to organise regular events like sharing food, wine tasting, cocktail mixing, belly dancing and crafting.

On 8 July the WI will give a presentation and refreshments will be provided, but contributions of cakes will be welcome.

Let Jill Wilkins know if you plan to attend: jilldwilkins@me.com

Summer Fete Children on the school council chose piggy in the middle circles, tag bases, skipping bases, twister, hopscotch and what’s the time Mr Wolf to make playtime more interesting and educational. The markings complement a new fitness trail.

PE coordinator Liah Breeze said: “There’s always a lot of chase games going on and football, but we wanted to offer a range of traditional games, that adults will remember, to encourage and include more children in group and creative play activities. The markings have certainly brought in children who you sometimes see on the edge of the playground.”

Krishan is an enthusiastic user of the new settings. “The games give us challenges and you have to use your imagination.”

Julia added: “In the past if you wanted to play hopscotch you had to

mark it out with chalk. Now we can just play because the lines are there.”

Hazelwood headteacher Suzanne Lloyd said the year had flown by since the school relaunched as an academy.

“The playground initiative has been welcomed by the children and we’re looking forward to the introduction of our dynamic new curriculum, which will include French for pupils in Key Stage 2, drama, and a range of creative, fun, practical outdoor learning in our fantastic grounds within the school day.

“After valuable feedback from children and parents we plan to extend the range of clubs, providing coaching and mentoring for existing staff, improving resources for both indoor and outdoor sports provision and promoting the playing of competitive sports and healthy active lifestyles amongst our pupils.”

Bombay Lounge charity nights continue at Peatmoor

The Old Town branch of the popular Bombay Lounge restaurant in Peatmoor closed down in mid-June so that staffing issues can be sorted out over the summer months.

East Wichel Community Primary School & Nursery, SN1 7AG Saturday 19th July, 1pm to 4pm Games and stalls, bouncy castle, face painting, balloon modelling, fancy dress and junk modelling, police car and fire engine.

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Proprietor Hanif Robani said: “Due to current staffing levels, NSP unforSWEX ADVERT 64X93.indd 1 19/05/2014 Steve George, local tradesman with 30 years experience, tunately we have temporarily closed able to supply and fit any kitchen or bathroom, Old Town. Finding good, reliable staff or can fit the customer’s own purchase in this industry is hard, and we want • Free design & survey • All types of worktops fitted including granite the service we provide to be at its best.

“I would ask all our customers to Delivering the come along to our well established complete fitting and popular restaurant at Peatmoor solution: wooden floors, village centre.” electrics, plumbing, Swindon Link, which administers plastering, tiling the twice weekly charity nights, Hanif pictured with Swindon 105.5 has written to organisers who have radio manager Shirley Ludford at the opening of the Old Town restaurant in booked charity events to arrange Tel: 01793 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364 alternative nights at Peatmoor. early 2013 by Calyxpix.com

10:06

swindonlink.com • July 2014 39

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42

19 - 48 July 14.indd 42

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BATHROOMS

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Please call Leon for a free quote

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

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

TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673

INTERIOR H EXTERIOR WALLPAPERING H COVING H

H

• 20 years experience • Competitive rates • No job too small • Reliable & friendly service • Free estimates

Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051

CARPENTRY

J S Property Services Home & Garden Improvements General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance

Free estimates Call Jamie on 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

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

New home for support organisations On 18 June Swindon Citizens’ Advice Bureau and several other support organisations in the town were brought under one roof at Sanford House, previously the education department HQ in the town centre.

Also relocated to the former school are Swindon Carers’ Centre, The Richmond Fellowship, MIND, Developing Health and Independence, Wiltshire Law Centre, to make it commercially viable so we Healthwatch, Swindon Advocacy will be offering room hire and extendMovement, the Harbour Project and ing the opening hours.

“Having everything in one easily Shopmobility.

Commenting on the move David accessible central point in the town Wray, chief executive officer at Volun- should make things easier for the pubtary Action Swindon, said: “Sanford lic as well as helping each organisation House is a big building with lots of achieve their objectives.”

Find out about the history of the opportunities to provide services.

"As leaseholders we have the remit building: bit.ly/sanfordstsch

Are you up for the challenge at the CAB? Use your skills, try something new, and be a part of an enthusiastic team at Swindon Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Now located in larger premises, CAB has launched a new project which aims to improve access to information and advice services. To achieve this the bureau is looking for volunteers able to offer up to ten hours a week.

You will be given full training as well as hands on experience.

For an application pack, more information and the commitment involved email: trainer2@swindon.cabnet.org.uk or visit the office at Sanford House, Sanford Street, Swindon.

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ACCOUNTANCY

CJD

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

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

www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

CARPET CLEANING

AERIAL SERVICES

AERIAL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

aerials & satellite systems

Aerial Solutions

HALE SKILLS

Chris Payne ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

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

• 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

Then contact your local VAT free aerial and satellite installers

01793 744957

50% off digital aerials

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

CARPET CLEANING Abacus Cleaning Services

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Does your picture freeze and break up?

• Would you like TV points in other rooms?

• Do you want Freesat or Sky installed?

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

COMPUTER SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT

CARPET CLEANING

Elite

Carpet Cleaning Services Fast, friendly service Average sized room £35 Stairs and landing £25 Sofas £25

Contact Matt on 07734 253189 or 01793 670330

FURNITURE WANTED

• Washing Machines • Cookers • Dishwashers • Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 year’s experience

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

CLEANING COSMOS-PRESTIGE

dedicated to TOP QUALITY CLEANING & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Call MAGGIE on 07516 579976 and see how easily you can afford a sparkling clean home while you relax Also ironing & office cleaning Written references • Insured

www.cosmos-prestige.com

GARAGE DOORS

Computer problems?

Let us help

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 • Web design With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

is a West Swindon based charity, providing furniture and white goods to people in need Call the collections line on 07714 091011

Tel: 01793 325685

LOCKSMITH

HELP US TO HELP OTHERS

OVEN CLEANING 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 now on 07734 253189 Registered Company CRB Checked/Fully Insured

KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING

REMOVALS

WHITE VAN MAN

KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING

Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £40 - Range £60 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

SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35

• Full house removal • House clearance • Disposal of unwanted items • Any distance long/short • Fully insured NEW: Licensed to remove fridges

Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 2, River Ray Ind. Est., Barnfield Road, Swindon SN2 2DT

Tel 01793 847545 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

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

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APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BOOK-KEEPING Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work?

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

Same day/next day service

Tel: 01793 469300

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

CLEANING

CLEANING THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE House cleans from £16 per house.

Around £26 for a 4 bed.

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly cleans.

One-off Spring cleans Ironing £16 per basket, collected and returned the next day

Call 01793 875665 07780625244

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

GARAGE DOORS

Showroom:

Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796

SOLAR PANEL CLEAN SOLAR-CLEANSE Pure Water Solar Panel Cleaning Service Dirty panels can lose up to 40% efficiency • Domestic and commercial cleaning • Pure water

10% off cleaning system 1st clean • Fully insured for new s • Call for a free quote customer

T: 07817 674810 E: info@solar-cleanse.co.uk www.solar-cleanse.co.uk

COMPUTER SUPPORT Est 2002 For all your computing needs

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

0800 6899988 or 01793 434600

• • • • •

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 320 439 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

www.absolute-rubbish.co.uk

Police to pilot instant crime messaging system

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

swindondoorservices@ btinternet.com

CLEARANCE

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

TV REPAIRS

Gogglebox New TV tuning & system set-up In house TV repairs In house estimates

Call Darryl Pace on 01793 812738

West Swindon is one of four areas in Wiltshire where a new police messaging service will be launched in July.

An intitiative by the Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson, Wiltshire and Swindon Community Messaging will allow the police to send out alerts directly to people’s computers and mobile devices - whether they are in recognised neighbourhood watch areas or not.

Apart from messages warning of illegal activity in a neighbourhood, or people to look out for, crime prevention advice can also be sent out.

“The whole thing will be co-ordinated from the neighbourhood alert website. Our crime issues go across boundaries so they can link into that.

At the West Swindon Forum on 9 June, Insp Martyn Sweet stressed the cost for the service is not being paid for by the front line of policing budget. He said: “This is being funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner budget; it is a small amount of money to get set up, with no additional costs incurred.”

See details at: neighbourhoodalert.co.uk

Is your Freeview signal breaking up?

Signal relay masts across Swindon are being upgraded to deliver 4G services to smartphones and some homes could experience disruption to their Freeview service at 800MHz where the picture breaks up badly. at800, the company responsible for dealing with the problems, have been distributing postcards to homes explaining how the problem can be dealt with. They say most people should not experience disruption but where it takes place they will supply a free easy to plug-in at800 branded filter which should return the Freeview service to normal.

If this does not work, other solutions will be proposed, including restoring normal service at the expense of at800 if the switch to 4G is shown to be the cause of the fault.

Find out more: at800/find-out-more/the-solution

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Cream Teas

in aid of Swindon Young Carers Sunday 6 July, 11am to 6pm Riddlers Cottage, Old Shaw Lane (west)

Mobile Hairdresser Mobile: 07970 079681 Home: 01793 323400

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

Organised by Ray & Lesley Dredge for The Open Works Foundation in partnership with Care4Kids

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

‘Reaching out to welcome all’ Services each Sunday at 8am & 10.30am Full provision for children and young people at every 10.30am service Parking opposite the Church at Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall.

For details call Revd Tudor Roberts on 01793 772417 www.allsaints-online.org.uk

Haydon Wick’s Rock Cafe gets the plaudits The word is spreading about the Rock Cafe at St John’s Church in Haydon Wick, with one visitor to the influential TripAdvisor website describing it as ‘a hidden gem in the heart of the community,’ writes Phillip Eagle.

It’s a four year venNor do they go away ture into catering with much poorer as the the aim of providprices reflect not only ing first class service, the voluntary labour high-quality food and force but the honest a warm welcome – all delivered at attempt to give good value for money. unbelievably low prices, inside the In a desire to keep up to date with church itself. modern ideas of fast food – though Rock sounds like a trendy reference not too fast – the latest cookery equipto modern pop, but the name actually ment has been introduced. derives from the initials of RefurbishThere are no short cuts to give ment of the Church Kitchen. value, and only the best ingredients Whatever its origins, it’s a success are brought to the kitchen. story which is amplified each week as Any profit made is either re-investcustomers come through the doors in ed in the cafe or given to a charity. increasing numbers.

The church does not keep any of it.

The volunteer staff are mostly “People often comment on the low members of the church, who give up prices here,” said Canon Raymond their Fridays and Saturdays to provide Adams, a firm supporter and an ocvalue to all who come. casional customer.

They arrive early on Friday morning “But they comment even more on to take down the needs of a church and the warm and welcoming atmosphere replace them with the tables, chairs, – and that is something money cantable-clothes and all the trappings of not buy.” a bright, clean and welcoming cafe.

You can check the cafe out yourself The menu is varied and the portions on TripAdvisor, or find out more at generous, so no-one goes hungry. stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

Free family all nations together fun day in North Swindon The sports field at Isambard School in Redhouse will host an All Nations Fun Day on Saturday 19 July, 1pm to 5pm, featuring sumo wrestling, sports competitions, food and a bouncy castle.

North Swindon Baptist Church, The all nations theme has been which holds weekly Sunday morn- chosen in celebration of the World ing services at Isambard and Abbey Cup and the Commonwealth Games, Meads Primary School, as well as as well as recognition by the church the popular Footprints parent and that North Swindon is home to many toddler group at Oakhurst Primary nationalities. The event also forms School on Thursday mornings, are part of the church’s expansion of comorganising this completely free event munity initiatives in the Oakhurst and for all the family.

Redhouse areas.

In case of poor weather, the event No tickets are needed; turn up and will take place in the school hall. take part. See the advert on page 18.

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Please join us in worship on Sunday mornings Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am 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: wspartnershipoffice@gmail.com Website: WSwinlyd.org.uk

Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church 46 swindonlink.com • July 2014

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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.

Round and Round?

Models wanted!

If you’re looking for ways to get out and about on foot or two wheels this summer, don’t forget the ‘Swindon Rounds’. These are 7 mile circular routes that were designed and signposted by volunteers from Swindon Bicycle User Group. There is a West Swindon Round, a Haydon Round and a Dorcan Round, as well as a 17 mile Urban Round, which circles the whole town.

Back in 2012 Swindon Travel Choices appealed for volunteers to come and model on some of the leaflets and publicity we were compiling. We wanted families, couples and people of all ages, sizes, shapes etc, and Swindon didn’t disappoint.

The maps can be downloaded from our website swindontravelchoices. org.uk and printed off at home. If you haven’t got access, then simply contact us (details below) and we’ll send you a copy.

Additionally through the school holidays, the maps will form part of free Orienteering Packs, courtesy of Sustrans. You can pick up a pack in your local library or leisure centre and get out and about finding those orienteering markers!

This summer we are hoping to update some of the publicity materials and are calling for people to come forward again so that we can update our image library and have fresh pictures of local people in local places.

If you’d like to volunteer, please email us at info@swindontravelchoices.org.uk

More bike maintenance dates added Following on from a series of successful free bike maintenance courses last year, new dates have been planned for 2014. The full day courses cover basic bike care and cleaning, mending punctures and adjusting gears and brakes.

Priority is given to residents of East Swindon but spare places can be allocated to those from other areas of Swindon.

Booking is essential!

The dates and locations can be found on our events listings at swindontravelchoices.org.uk

Grants available for local business Swindon Travel Choices is once again offering grants to businesses and organisations looking to help improve staff facilities at their place of work, and/or support individual employees who want to change the way they travel either to and from, or in connection with work.

We expect to be able to offer between £500 and £5,000 to each eligible business; money which could be very well spent on all manner of travel-related things! As your business is unique, we welcome your enquiries and are happy to discuss the possibilities with you.

In the past few years, we have provided grants for pool bikes, lockers, cycle parking, electric charging points, CCTV, and improved lighting. For further details, see our website http:// www.swindontravelchoices.co.uk/employer-grant-scheme.aspx but hurry as we only have funding for this year!

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

19 - 48 July 14.indd 47

Swindontravelchoices

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