July 2015 Swindon Link

No 398 July 2015

Swindon’s largest free news publication. Est. 1978

In print, online & mobile Est. readership: 70,000 Advertising starts from just £57 Contact us: T: 01793 602540 E: advertising@swindonlink.com

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Marking 400 years of history in Lydiard Park Community news: P2 - 20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 28

Link leisure: P29 - 37

Paul Gardner with the Palmer Hamilton banner in front of the St John family tree which was unveiled in 1615 in the magnificence of St Mary’s Church. Read how they’re connected, plus the celebration dates on page 23

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Selfless youngster asks for diabetes donations instead of birthday gifts Phoebe Maddison from North Swindon decided that receiving gifts for her eleventh birthday in May was so last year and asked her friends invited to her birthday disco if they would make a donation to diabetes charities JDRF and Diabetes UK. Phoebe has had juvenile Type 1 diabetes from an early age, and has been raising money for the charities for the last five years. Her total is £2,500 from singing at concerts and taking part in community events.

She is now also a regular performer at Pop 4 Diabetes which takes place

English champion at 7

annually in Bournemouth and raises £10,000.

The eleven year old, from Groundwell West, leaves St Catherine’s Primary School in July and starts at Isambard in September.

Phoebe’s birthday party disco with friends at St Catherine’s and fellow students at Stagecoach theatre school raised £310.

Her dad Antony said: “It was such a kind act and Phoebe was so pleased that her friends helped raise such a great total for JDRF and Diabetes UK.” Last October she recorded a song entitled My Life which has raised several hundred pounds so far. The CD is still for sale with all proceeds going to charity.

Like: Phoebe Maddison on Facebook to purchase it and follow her activities in the run-up to World Diabetes Day in November.

Watch her performing My Life in a YouTube video that portrays the life of somebody with diabetes at: www.bit.ly/Phoebe-YouTube www.diabetes.org.uk www.jdrf.org.uk

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Zoha, centre, with Brook Field Chess Club members, former members and coaches Keith and Fran Williams A young chessplayer from Brook Field Primary School in Shaw has been announced by the English Chess Federation as the highest ranked player in her age group, for which she was awarded £100.

Zoha Ashraf from Peatmoor only started playing the game at the Friday after school club a year ago and has taken the age category by storm.

Children play matches at tournaments around the country which is used by the Federation to rank players.

Mum Duri said: “Zoha started playing chess a year ago with her father and her older brother who goes to the Brook Field club. She won her first match and has really taken to the game.

“We were really surprised and really pleased when a email from the chess association arrived.

Zoha said: “My dad teaches me at home. Sometimes I find games quite easy and some are harder. I don’t win all the games, but I really like playing chess.”

The Brook Field Chess Club was started 7 years ago by parents Keith and Fran Williams. Keith said: “I

played chess at school and thought it important to provide a more cerebral alternative to sport.

“We’ve had a number of successes.

My son Isaac was selected for the England Under 11s three years ago and a former member Aliriza Gorguu returned to Turkey with his family and now plays for the national team.”

He added the club has won the Swindon & Wiltshire primary school championship several times and players have gone on to play for regional teams.

Anyone for a game

A new free weekly community chess club meets at West Swindon Library in the Link Centre on Tuesdays, 4pm to 6pm.

This club is aimed at all ages and abilities. Help and encouragement is provided for novices from more experienced players.

Players with chess sets are asked to bring theirs along. Refreshments provided.

For details contact Gail Light on 01793 466223 or email: rmanik. mehta@btinternet.com

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Celebrating 50 years of community harmony

Salas Khan welcomes the Mayor of Swindon and members of the town’s Pakistani community for the 50 years anniversary Members of Swindon’s Pakistani community were joined by civic leaders to mark half a century since the formation of the Swindon Pakistan Welfare Association.

Formed in 1965 when there were six families of Pakistani heritage in the town, the charity has developed into an important welfare and cultural support organisation which promotes racial harmony.

It has a particular focus on children and youth activities with a programme of after-school and weekend religious and Urdu language classes.

Long serving secretary Salas Khan received Prime Minister Tony Blair’s

certificate for community relations work in the South West and was awarded the MBE in 2003 for his work championing equal opportunities for ethnic minorities as well as the integration of different races in British society.

At the 50 year celebration at Freshbrook Community Centre on 7 June, Mr Khan, 75, who lives in Shaw, said: “We have worked hard to promote peace and racial harmony in our town. But our efforts are limited; we urgently need a social and cultural centre for Muslims in the Swindon area where we can support our senior citizens and educate young people.”

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The roar of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be heard over Swindon on Tuesday 15 September to commemorate the seventy-fifth year when the RAF fought back Nazi aerial bombardment.

Swindon Heritage is coordinating a week of events to mark the anniversary, with particular attention to Swindon pilot Squadron Leader Harold Starr who was killed in his parachute on 31 August 1940.

The August Link magazine will carry a four page feature prepared by Swindon Heritage telling Harold Starr’s story and the wider role of the town in the Battle of Britain, including details of events in September.

Soldier receives due recognition 95 years after his death At a moving ceremony on 14 June, an official Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone was unveiled at the last resting place of World War I soldier Herbert Marfleet at Radnor Street cemetery .

There are over 100 graves of military personnel from two world wars located there.

The headstone was placed by the commission after several years research by Swindon historian Mark Sutton which showed Marfleet died in 1919 from injuries in conflict.

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98 year old god daughter Joyce Murgatroyd, who is pictured with Mark Sutton, Andy Binks and retired RAF sergeant Bob Lloyd.

Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Associate: Roger Ogle Sales: Anita Jaynes & Dave Stewart Photography: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

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Head says 11 year old was a lovely boy Daniel Climance, 11, who was killed in a tragic road accident cycling through Purton on 10 June has been described by Jo Garton, headteacher at Bridlewood Primary School, as ‘the loveliest lad you could ever meet.’

She expressed the deep sorrow of everybody connected with the school following his death, adding: “Daniel had been part of our school at Bridlewood since he was four years old.

“He was a popular, sporty, bright boy in Year 6, whose height and deep voice gave the impression that he was older than his years.

“It was such a happy time for our Year 6 children. SATs were out of the way and they were rehearsing for the big end of year production and generally enjoying the last few

school is pulling together and we called in additional support to help all those in our school community who feel the shock of Daniel’s loss.

“Our hearts are with Daniel’s parents at this devastating time.”

In a statement released by Wiltshire Police, Daniel’s parents described him as ‘a beautiful, loving child, with a fantastic sense of humour, caring and loving with a wide circle of friends.’

‘He will be sadly missed by his brothers Robbie, George and Noah, and all of the extended family.’

Daniel Climance Daniel, who was due to start at weeks at primary school before they Bradon Forest School in September, was cycling down the hill in Purton, move to ‘big school.’ accompanied by his father and older “We’ve known Daniel’s family brother, when he collided with a for many years because his older brother attended Bridlewood before road sweeper which was travelling he started with us. Everybody in the in the direction of Hook.

MS Centre manager Jackie Wray retires Jackie Wray departed the MS Centre on 17 June after eleven years as manager, although she and husband

Dave have been volunteers for 22.

“It’s been an amazing experience to be part of the positive spirit amongst the members and volunteers and to see the centre’s services grow to help our 500 members” said Jackie.

“The people of Swindon have been fantastic in their support because the therapy centre has never looked to the NHS for grant funding.

The highpoint of my career

was moving in 2010 to Bradbury House at Westmead, topped by the Queens’ Award for Voluntary Service in 2012 to recognise everybody involved with the therapy centre.

“The charity has a new challenge to raise the money to buy the whole building. After a holiday I’ll be pleased to come back as a volunteer, if they’re happy to have me.”

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Dressability on the move to the West

Dressability volunteers John Spencer, Rose Bond, Helen Sleiman Dressability, the charity that adapts clothing for older people and people with disabilities, is moving to take up office space on the upper floor of the MS Therapy Centre in Westlea.

Currently based in Dorcan, the trustees made the decision not to renew the lease and make the move to larger premises. The charity has grown in the last few years with social media helping to boost its client base. The new location in West Swindon will provide the dressmakers and tailors with more elbow room to work whilst providing a separate office for administration.

Dressability manager Sharon Tombs added: “This is a fantastic

move for our charity as we have an excellent relationship with the MS Therapy Centre. We have adapted several of their adult oxygen hoods so that children are able to use them, making them much more comfortable to wear.”

The move on Saturday 25 July will take place with Swindon based business Easymove providing their services free of charge. Sharon said: “We can’t thank Easymove and their staff enough for their valuable support. It means we can quikcly get back to business as usual on the Monday.”

Facebook: DressabilityUK www.dressability.org.uk swindonlink.com n July 2015

5

Curry for Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Housing next to Lydiard Park not clear cut

Charity evening at The Maharajah, High Street, Purton SN5 4AA. Two sittings on Tuesday 7 July at 6.30pm or 8pm To book tickets at £15 each, contact Eunice Salmon on 07947 068 159 07947 068 159 or email: eunice. salmon@btinternet.com

Ladies dance festival Sunday 12 July, 4.30pm to 9.30pm Punjabi Community Centre, SN2 8AZ. Teeyan (Teej) is the women’s dance festival of the Punjab region when young girls and women celebrate happiness and the prosperity of Arthur Johns of architecture practice ALP discussing the development with Steve and Jackie Brown and married life.

Yvonne Nicholls, centre Entertainment, traditional Teej food ship of 89 per cent of the land The Friends of Lydiard Park, and music. For tickets mail: punjab- Housing developer Taylor Wimpey has promised to give the fields to which the company has owned for which has protected the interests ieventclubswindon@hotmail.co.uk of Lydiard House and the park or call Mina Bhogal: 07773 267123. the north of Lydiard Park to Lydiard about 30 years.

Tregoze Parish Council and say this He said: “We recognise the first and assisted with raising funds will be legally written into a planpresentation in November left the for restoration for over 60 years, Barn dance in aid of ning agreement, should it be given key issue of what will happen to the have stated implacable opposition Prospect Hospice

by Wiltshire Council. land unclear. We’ve had a number to any housing close to the park. with Cowshed Ceilidgh Collective At a second public consultation of meetings with Lydiard Tregoze Mike Bowden, the chairman, said: Saturday 18 July, 7pm to 10.30pm held on 3 June, planning consultant Parish Council who will take “Lydiard Park is a unique local asset Marlborough Football Club, MarlPeter Lawson said the number of stewardship of the rest of Taylor and has a very special place in the borough SN8 2BG. houses had been reduced from 50 Wimpey’s land holding between the hearts of local people, supported by park and the existing West Swindon their councillors and Members of Tickets £9 each from Hilary Fleming to 48. He added the parish council housing.

Parliament.”

01793 813069 or email: hilaryflem- would support the Taylor Wimpey plan whilst agreeing to take owner“They recognise there is a balance South Swindon MP Robert ing@live.com to be struck between a small hous- Buckland expressed his ‘regret that ing development and protection the developer continues to pursue of a much larger area of land. Our their proposal.’ agreement will be written into the “It really is deeply disappointing draft parish neighbourhood plan.” that they are intent on ignoring the But Lydiard Tregoze Parish Council views of residents and the Friends clerk Avril Roe indicated that Taylor of Lydiard Park,” he said. “The house Wimpey has jumped the gun. “The and park are a jewel in Swindon’s THE PREMIER SERVICE parish council has not yet issued heritage, and any planning decision GUARANTEED TO SAVE any statement about this,” she said. must recognise its rural setting.

YOU MONEY “We are still in discussion with “The creation of Local Plans was Taylor Wimpey and nothing has a key policy of the last governbeen decided.” ment. Wiltshire Council has agreed FREE uplifting and disposal of your existing flooring Rob Hammond from Winchcombe their plan and I will object to any Close in The Prinnels supports the application that runs contrary to a FREE moving of furniture plan commenting: “I think it’s a sound local plan.”

NO Hidden extras or delivery good development as long as the North Wilts MP James Gray has charges land transfer covenant is secure and written to Taylor Wimpey’s chief the flooding of Hay Lane is dealt executive Peter Redfern to express All products and installation with.

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

No more chicanery in Haydon Wick

Councillors Oliver Donachie and David Renard at the chicane next to Morrisons The frustrations of drivers passing through Haydon Wick should be eased after the summer when the chicane between Morrison’s supermarket and the Haydon Centre is removed to ease congestion.

The road was originally built as a bus only route but this was never implemented. The current increased volume of vehicles travelling between Thames Avenue and Westfield Way through the chicane has turned the present single lane arrangement into a major bottleneck.

Swindon Council ward councillors David Renard and Oliver Donachie have unveiled a traffic management design whereby vehicles will be able to travel in both directions at the same time, whilst still being slowed by a speed table to ensure safety for

pedestrians.

Commenting on the new system Cllr Renard said: “Haydon Wick Ward councillors have been working hard for three years to agree a scheme and secure the necessary resources to achieve a more efficient use of the road space whilst maintaining safety for pedestrians.

We are delighted to be delivering yet another project wanted by local residents.” Cllr Donachie added: “This scheme has been a top priority for many of the residents of the ward. For me the most rewarding projects are those that bring a benefit to as many people as possible and I am convinced this will have a positive impact on many of the road users.”

Work should start on changing the road layout later in June.

Employment charity desperate for space The members and staff of Swindon based social enterprise charity Phoenix have been told they have until the end of July to leave their current premises at Westmead industrial estate in West Swindon.

For 14 years Phoenix Enterprises has successfully helped a range of people recovering from mental health issues, learning and physical disabilities back into mainstream employment - but now face the prospect of closing down if they are unable to find another workshop space.

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strong business case for this vital infrastructure and arguing that this should be considered an ‘interim western bypass.’

This will require substantial works to improve traffic flow on Great Western Way so that traffic queues are not just moved from one part of Swindon to another.

The regeneration of Cheney Manor Industrial Estate with road access to this bypass is an integral part of the proposition.

Our joint objectives are to balance aesthetic, functional, and technical considerations which ensure good cycles routes alongside Thamesdown Drive as well as making a reality the much talked about ‘rapid transit link’ from Tadpole Garden Village to the town centre.

The good news is that there is a consensus among MPs, councillors and residents’ groups of the importance of this project, as conceived 20 years ago, as well as further improvements to Great Western Way. Find out more on Facebook: TDEX

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Shared vision for ’Interim Western Bypass’ TDeX member John Stooke, chair of Haydon Wick Parish Council, writes: Just before Christmas the Government announced the biggest upgrade to roads in a generation, with a £15 billion plan to triple investment by the end of the decade.

To obtain a share of this money to fund the construction of the link road from Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way, Swindon Council must present a compelling business case.

TDeX is a consortium of eight residents’ groups in North and West Swindon, who have come together with the borough council and the Local Enterprise Partnership to make the case for investment on the west side of the town.

This includes extending Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way to relieve the congestion on Mead Way through West Swindon and the communities in north central areas.

Together with Swindon Borough Council we are developing a

Phoenix needs around 1,000 square feet to carry out small assembly work and mail sorting, work that is often too time consuming for a normal business.

Charity chairperson Emma Rees said: “There are many empty business units around the town. If they housed Phoenix the property would be exempt from rates as well as earning a rent.”

If you can help Phoenix find new accommodation, contact Tracy on 01793 719103 or email: tracy@ phoenixenterprises.co.uk

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Old instruments wanted in South America Renowned classical music composer and conductor Luis Szaran from Paraguay made another brief visit to Swindon in May to update friends on his Sound of the Earth project in his homeland.

In between touring the world to conduct top orchestras, Luis runs Sonidos de la Tierra which provides musical education to disadvantaged children and young people.

The project relies on donations of instruments. In many households across Swindon there is probably a musical instrument stored in a cupboard or the loft, full of memories of learning to play at school, or perhaps a former hobby.

Speaking through an interpreter he said: “Sonidos de la Tierra is also about community life; we help young people gain a skill and build confidence through playing an instrument. Music is in our soul and we use it to bring people together.”

He added there is less need for stringed instruments because there are local workshops to make them.

But, brass and wind instruments are wanted. Whatever condition they are in they can be repaired before being sent to places where orchestras are being formed.

Luis said: “You would be amazed

8

swindonlink.com n July 2015

Schools share love of sport

Luis Szaran receiving a bugle from Amy Fidgett from Coleview in May what people living in the poorest situations, in slums or on dumps, can achieve, making and playing instruments made from recovered pipes and bottle tops.”

Commenting on his visit to Swindon, Luis said: “There are good and bad people in all parts of the world.

Here I have only found wonderful people who understand what we are trying to achieve. We have been building a cultural bridge between Swindon and my country.”

John Holland collects the instruments to send to Paraguay. He said: “It’s amazing what Sonidos de la Tierra are doing to build communities.”

Contact John Holland on 07771 615663 to discuss donating instruments.

Molifa Daffeh with Peatmoor pupils ready to launch sports week Peatmoor Primary School welcomed back Molifa Daffeh, headteacher of Pirang School in the Gambia, in June, following an exchange trip in April by Peatmoor deputy head Sarah Adams and colleagues.

The Connecting Classrooms project funded by the British Council has been going for three years. Previous themes focussed on exchanging information and schoolwork on how children get to school, planting gardens in schools and growing food.

In April the Peatmoor staff took sports equipment to Pirang and demonstrated how to play rugby and games with a parachute.

Molifa explained that PE lessons

are often done in the classroom for lack of resources. “Everybody in Gambia loves football, but our pupils now spend more time in the playground learning rugby skills and the parachute is very good to include girls and boys of all ages.”

Sarah said: “We organised Peatmoor’s annual sports week around Molifa’s visit in early June so that he could see how we use physical activity in the curriculum to keep fit and also to learn about food and its effect on our bodies.”

She hopes the school’s link will be able to continue after an assessment report and a further grant application to the British Council.

Swindon aid workers plea for Nepal earthquake relief For two Swindon charity workers the scenes in the aftermath of the Nepali earthquake are heartbreaking.

Rosa and Ian Matheson from Highworth have raised funds for the past five years for the Angel Orphanage in Nepal and are now calling for people to keep up the donations as they can get the aid to where it really matters.

As the world’s media moves on whole communities only miles from the capital Kathmandu with no buildings left standing have still not received any aid and the monsoon season is now upon them.

The next few months will be one big battle for their lives as families try to survive with no real shelter or running water, whilst fighting the risks of disease and fear of landslides caused by the earthquake’s structural damage.

Ian, who has only just returned from Nepal, said: “We visited several villages trying to get them some aid. A lot of the places we’ve visited haven’t seen any aid at all.

We’ve been trying to give them as much help as possible with money raised especially using corrugated iron so that they can put together some sort of temporary shelter to get them through the monsoon months which last from now until September.

“It is devastating to see. We’ve got to know these communities very

well and although they are very resilient they have some very tough months ahead. We’re able to get the aid directly where it is needed using our local contacts. We can provide very real help for them. At the moment the Nepali Government has not lifted the 40 per cent import tax so a lot of the aid from the bigger organisations is still at the airport not being used.”

The couple are planning a trip in late September after the monsoons to help with reconstruction of homes using earthquake resistent earth-bag building techniques. They also want volunteers to join them, if they can pay their own way.

Rosa said: “There is so much that people need. Any little help will really make a difference to a lot of people’s lives.”

In the meantime the Mathesons are not slowing down their fundraising events. Join them on: • Saturday 4 July, 2.30pm, Brandy Bush, Brookfield, Highworth for cream tea in the garden, • Sunday 12 July, Longcot Village Fair, • Sunday 26 July, 12.30pm, Southerndown, Shrivenham. Jazz on the Lawn with The All Stars Jazz Band.

Nepalese villagers stand outside the ruins of their homes that have been reduced to rubble

A temporary shelter erected at a village just outside of Kathmandu in the aftermath of the recent earthquakes

Donate online at: www.bit.ly/angelsbiggibe or support the orphanage at www.angelsorphanage.com For more information about the events call 01793 764979.

Treasurer needed Swindon Ocotal Link (SOL) is a small friendly well-established charity celebrating the civic, cultural and personal links between Swindon and one of its twin towns, Ocotal in Nicaragua.

SOL has been running for 25 years and has provided ongoing financial support for education, social and cultural programmes in Ocotal as well as sponsoring visits to Swindon for civic and cultural exchange.

It is supported in Ocotal by its sister organisation Fundacion SOL. Key tasks include: • Preparing annual accounts, arranging for independent examination and presenting them at the AGM • Maintaining robust records of all financial transactions • Responsibility for all credits and debits to accounts • Budget planning for coming financial year • Ensuring gift aid entitlements are maximised and SOL is compliant with charity commission and HMRC regulations The approximate time commitment is two hours a month. Knowledge of MS Excel would be an advantage.

SOL meets every two months on the first Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon (followed by an optional trip to the pub).

Please note there is no requirement to be involved in fundraising.

If you are interested please email SOL chairman Steve Rhodes: steve.rhodes@doctors.org.uk

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Home to bring state-of-the-art dementia care to North Swindon Work on Abbey House, an £8 million care home off Saltzgitter Drive at St Andrew’s Ridge, was started in midJune by the Mayor of Swindon.

To be opened in mid-2016, the 73 bed home will be run by Milestones Trust which has been supporting people with dementia, mental health needs and learning disabilities mainly around Bristol since 1986.

But Swindon’s growing and ageing population means an increased need for the care infrastructure.

Trust CEO John Hoskinson said: “With almost 30 years of expertise behind us, we have built a reputa-

tion on providing the best possible care and support services to people with dementia. We are delighted to be bringing this to Swindon.”

In addition to providing the highest standard of dementia care, Abbey House will bring over 100 new jobs to the area, for which a recruitment drive will start later this year.

Abbey House has been designed to meet Stirling Gold Dementia Care standards, a framework that ensures the needs of those living in the home with dementia are met. This determines that beds will

be positioned so residents can see bathrooms, wardrobes will have transparent panels and enhanced, mood-appropriate lighting will be widely used.

Each floor is composed of small modular units of 6 or 7 en-suite bedrooms, each with their own open plan living and dining rooms and seating areas, to create a homely feel.

Landscaped gardens will provide residents with a safe and familiar environment which includes a dementia sensory garden.

Residents on the upper floors will have an indoor garden complete with astro-turf amongst real plants.

Keep up to date with the development and recruitment opportunities at: www.milestonestrust.org.uk/ abbeymeads

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The Mayor of Swindon Andrew Bennett, breaking the ground at St Andrew’s Ridge with Milestone Trust CEO John Hoskinson

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

Link Centre trampoline park on schedule despite objections Plans to change the Link Centre sports hall into a trampoline park are still going ahead despite objections and calls on Swindon Council to stop the proposal.

GLL which took over management of Swindon Council leisure facilities are to open a 1,200 square metre trampoline park. It means closure of the region’s largest climbing wall and relocation of community recreation groups and activities by the end of June.

Sports hall users and climbers started petitions and residents pressed Swindon councillors at the West Swindon Forum on 8 June to explain their position on the closure.

At the forum Shaw councillor Mary Martin said the borough council in 2013/2014 had to reduce the cost of running and subsidising leisure facilities. “We were faced with closing leisure centres or finding a way of keeping them open because they are essential to communities across the town.”

“We negotiated a 25 year lease with GLL which included a 10 year keep open agreement whereby GLL took over the £1.5million annual subsidy for running leisure services.

“The are no specific clauses to keep particular parts of a leisure centre open and as GLL are

“Closing the sports hall will not encourage the community to participate and be involved in improving their health and fitness.

Link Centre does an enormous amount to bring together men, women and children of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.”

GLL were unavailable for comment.

Members of Swindon Badminton Club, unhappy at losing Link Centre continuing with leisure related activities, planning is not required.

As an independent charitable trust it’s up to them to find ways to increase the income to meet the subsidy and to reinvest in the facilities.

“As a long term user of Link Centre sports facilities I was also disappointed with the speed of the change. I have a lot of sympathy with the loss of the climbing wall and the sports hall, but there is a less formal climbing centre opening in the town and GLL is finding other locations for clubs and classes.

“GLL are working to their business plan to make the overall package of leisure centres across the borough

Link library 30th birthday party: 27 June

viable. We have to be realistic; if they had not taken on the lease the borough would now be looking at which centres would have to close.”

Suresh Bangalore who started the ‘Stop Closure of sports hall at Link Centre, Swindon’ petition said: “Our group has been playing badminton at Link Centre for the last 10 years, every weekend, during the week and Bank Holidays.

“Apart from our group, there are activities for children, indoor football, roller skating, lots of families bring their kids for basketball, badminton and table tennis.

Other communities use the hall for cultural events and meetings.

• A 3,200 square metre trampoline park at Kembrey Park employment area is to open in July - subject to final approval. See details on page 31 about this project and the Rockstar bouldering and climbing centre that is due to open in the Autumn.

Cliffhangers junior climbers raised over £160 for the Nepal Earthquake appeal by scaling Link Centre’s climbing wall 150 times in early June. Members will attend a goodbye to the wall climbing party on Saturday 28 June.

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West Swindon librarian Linda Black receiving copies of Link magazine from 1979 to 1985 into the library collection soon after it opened Link Centre has been celebrating thirty years since the iconic building opened in phases in 1985 and on Saturday 27 June, it’s the turn of West Swindon Library.

There will be activities from 9.30am to 4pm, including:

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• card making workshop for adults • information stalls by representatives from various library groups;

• a special storytime and dressingup competition for under 5s at 11am • tea/coffee available from midday; followed by craft activity; • cake cutting at 2.30pm; • an exhibition of photographs dur- • information display about eBooks, ing the construction of Link Centre eMagazines and the 24 hour library.

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REPLACEMENT DOORS KITCHENS BATHROOMS BEDROOMS swindonlink.com n July 2015

11

Isambard’s finances improve

Safe Hay Lane crossing to come

New headteacher Sue Banks is improving Isambard’s finances Isambard Community School has made significant improvements to its financial management according to a Swindon Council audit report.

Last year the school was criticised for not having control of its finances and was deemed at significant risk.

Since then, new headteacher Sue Banks has taken steps to remedy the major issues and the risk has been downgraded to ‘of concern’.

The initial report was commissioned by the council’s audit committee and highlighted a lack of proper diligence which resulted in inaccurate budgeting.

The follow-up report said: ‘The school has made significant improvements since the previous audit. Of 12 priority recommendations made in the previous report, six have been implemented and six are in progress.’

The report highlights many improvements, including a full staffing review and the creation of a School Development Plan. Three governors have also been appointed who have greater understanding of financial affairs and there is now closer monitoring of cash flow.

Some key improvements still need to be made as some budgets had been changed without full approval from the governors, and problems with purchasing still exist.

Sue Banks said considerable progress is being made. “I am extremely pleased that the audit commission recognised and congratulated the school for the significant number of improvements made in the last six months.

“We have introduced tighter financial systems and controls and look forward to welcoming the auditors back in 12 months time for a further review.”

Robert Buckland MP receives the crossing petition from Grange Park residents at a pre-school protest on Hay Lane in April Parents at Tregoze Primary School have welcomed the news that a new crossing for children will be built across Hay Lane over the summer.

This follows a decade long campaign calling on the council to do something about a heavily used but unmarked and poorly signposted pedestrian crossing on Hay Lane, between Grange Park Way and the entrance to Lydiard Park.

Councillor Tim Swinyard said: “I’m hoping the crossing will be put in place in the summer holidays. This is thanks to a lot of parents including Tracey Boxall working really hard to get this done. This is something that will benefit children and keep them

safe for many years to come.”

Tracey Boxall said she wanted to thank the valuable contribution of the school travel ambassadors who helped with collect names on the petition. “The lack of a clearly marked crossing has been a problem for years and years. This will make a huge difference to the children currently at the school and all future pupils.”

Headteacher ​Helen Tudor, said: “I am delighted that we will finally be getting a crossing on Hay Lane - the children’s safety is paramount and our parents, especially Mrs Boxall, and I have worked so hard in helping to achieve this - thanks to everyone for all the support.”

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Some years ago, there was a court case (Arctic Systems), in which HMRC wanted a wife’s dividends to be taxed on her husband because he, effectively, earned the money and then gifted it to her. HMRC lost the case but it led to draft legislation to stop so-called ‘income shifting’. This was subsequently cancelled when the financial crash occurred.

If it is resurrected, these ‘alphabet share’ classes could again be in the firing line.

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy “A global School in a local Community”

We are delighted to invite parents considering Royal Wootton Bassett Academy to visit during our Open Evening or Parent Tours You and your child will have the opportunity to look around our outstanding facilities and talk with the staff, students and the headteacher

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Wednesday 16th September 2015 6pm to 8.30pm

Wednesday 14th October 2015 6pm to 8.30pm

An exceptional opportunity to join an “Outstanding” School

Ofsted Nov 2013 Awarded ‘Outstanding’ in every Category

“Standards of teaching are outstanding in all years” “Correctly described as a ‘global school in a local community’, the school has extensive links across the world and promotes tolerance, and a focus on enhancing the lives of others”

For further information on Years 7 to 11, please contact: Karen Hunt or Michele Pocock on 01793 841948 / 841954 Or email: Khunt@rwba.org.uk or Mpocock@rwba.org.uk

SIXTH FORM Opportunities for September 2016 available Access a variety of qualifications and benefit from outstanding teaching and learning during your time with us.

For details please contact Hilary Stubbs by email at Hstubbs@rwba.org.uk

Our Ofsted grading has extended our teaching school status and the Academy has been awarded School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) provider status. This enables us to recruit and train our own trainee teachers from the Autumn Term.

SCITT trainee teacher places available in both primary and secondary subjects for September 2016.

For details contact Kate Hopkins by email at Khopkins@rwba.org.uk

Pioneer Swindon school leader awarded OBE

HIGHWORTH WARNEFORD SCHOOL Shrivenham Road, Highworth, SN6 7BZ 9 9 £An7 Academy Putting Excellence First

OPEN MORNINGS Monday 21 September to Friday 9 October Highworth Warneford is an outstanding secondary school providing an excellent learning environment which allows pupils to thrive and develop their academic, personal and social skills.

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. Each visit lasts for up to 1½ hours and will give you the opportunity to see lessons and meet pupils and staff.

To book your visit please contact Mrs Lewis, Admissions Officer, on (01793) 767083 or email: llewis@warneford.swindon.sch.uk

14

swindonlink.com n July 2015

Lauren Costello, managing director and co-founder of the Swindon based White Horse Federation of primary schools, was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to education in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, announced on 13 June.

As Lauren Connor she was headteacher of Moredon Primary School for 5 years and was Swindon's first National Leader of Education, and the first executive headteacher of two schools. Mrs Costello is currently the vice- chair of the Department of Education's Primary Headteacher Reference Group.

She has overseen the improvement journey of many Swindon schools, often taking them from an Ofsted grading of inadequate or special measures, to good and more often outstanding.

But Lauren is keen to acknowledge all the people who have worked with her saying that in education OBE is often thought of being for ‘Other Beggers Efforts.’

She said: “The award is for the work of lots of people over the last 16 years who have contributed to improving standards at Nylands, Rodbourne and Moredon schools; it just happened that my name was on the door at the time.

OBE awarded to Lauren Costello “Everyone has been incredibly supportive and they’ve said they are very proud, which I am so grateful for.

She added that she had to read the letter asking her to accept the honour several times. “It was a huge surprise and once the shock had passed I realised somebody had put in a lot of effort to research my past as worthy of an award.

“It’s incredibly humbling.”

Dr Nicholas Capstick, White Horse Federation chief executive said: "This award could not be more deserving. Lauren is a great school leader, clear educational thinker and a compassionate and caring colleague and headteacher."

swindonlink.com n July 2015

15

Taw Hill school wins Lions award Youngsters at St Francis Church of England School in Taw Hill have been awarded the Swindon Lions Club Community Service Award for their long term sponsorship of disadvantaged children in the Phillipines.

The school sponsors Caron Mae, 15, and college student Runito, 17. Each year pupils in Year 6 are given the task of raising money to help them. In April they organised a sponsored litter pick which saw 12 bags filled and £480 raised.

School builder nominated for award

Rhiana said: “We received a donation from Justin Tomlinson MP which was nice.”

But Zara added: “We were shocked by the amount of litter we had to pick up.”

Swindon Lions has been recognising the community effort of young people from schools and youth organisations since 2007, presenting a plaque and a reward of £100 Paul Morris showing children Redhouse Community Centre in July to further their work.

Find out more about the awards at 2014, before Tadpole Farm Academy opened in September last year www.swindonlions.org A site manager responsible for deDue to the quality of his work Paul livering two school building projects has been nominated by Swindon in North Swindon is up for an award Council building control department in July. to receive the site supervisor of the Paul Morris of Wilmot Dixon was year award at the West of England set to start the permanent Tadpole Regional LABC (Local Authority Farm Church of England Academy Building Control) Building Excelin 2014 until problems with access lence Awards. to the Tadpole Garden Village site The awards event takes place at forced the Bristol diocesan educathe Bristol Marriott Hotel on 10 tion board and Swindon Council to July. look for a temporary solution. The Since last August Paul has been slow progress to build Redhouse supervising the construction of the Community Centre suddenly became permanent academy at Tadpole a fast track project with Wilmot Garden Village. Take a visual tour at: Dixon commissioned to construct it.

www. bit.ly/TFAvisits With Paul at the helm, the project, • The £10 million conversion of which normally would have taken UTC Swindon in the former railway 26 weeks, was delivered in just 19 works in the town centre has been Year 6 pupils holding the Lions award with teachers Alana Morris and so that the school could be set up in nominated to receive three awards.

Nicki Sellars time to open in September 2014.

See details: www.bit.ly/utc-awards

16

swindonlink.com n July 2015

Values at the centre of school life boosts learning

Haydon Wick school council with, rear from left, former headteacher Simon Cowley, present head Aine Gale, Neil and Jane Hawkes Children at Haydon Wick Primary School met expert educationalist Dr Neil Hawkes who developed the concept of values based education which is central to their school.

Neil travels the world promoting VbE to schools and governments asking the question, how can patience, respect, fairness, tolerance, respect, compassion and collaboration be incorporated in a positive, practical way in schools?

Neil said: “There is a lot of talk about values in education but their application is not always fully understood. VbE is a teaching framework within a strong learning environment that enhances academic attainment, and develops students’ social and relationship

skills that last throughout their lives.

“It quickly liberates teachers and students from the stress of confrontational relationships, this frees up substantial teaching and learning time.”

Simon Cowley, who brought Neil to Haydon Wick six years ago, said: “Values based education is extremely beneficial to our children; we’re aiming to create a better Swindon.”

Now based in Rutland, Neil grew up in the town and attended Lethbridge Primary School and spent a number of years at The Ridgeway School.

Find out more at: www.valuesbasededucation.com

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

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Uplands School wins Alternative Provision School of the Year, despite fierce competition

Celebrating the TES nomination, Uplands pupils, staff and headteacher Deirdre Fitzpatrick and executive headteacher Jackie Smith The accolade comes from the highly respected TES Schools Awards which were presented on 19 June.

The award recognises outstanding contributions made by education teams and individuals to help students around the country to succeed.

Uplands has a 19 to 25 learning centre, designed to enable young people to continue their education after leaving school and also has a pupil-run shop at Redhouse Village Centre, which introduces students to the world of work and makes them visible in the community.

Academically 77 per cent of

students make outstanding upperquartile progress across key stages 3-5 in literacy, and 74 per cent in numeracy.

The judging panel were also impressed by Upland’s leading CPD (continuing personal development) programme, which is now widely used across the country.

Nominees attended a black-tie event in London, hosted by BAFTAnominated writer and comedian Greg Davies.

Over 1,000 attendees celebrated outstanding contributions to education in 17 categories, across all school sectors. swindonlink.com n July 2015

17

LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare & eduCation

Butterflies Family Centre in North Swindon is blooming

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

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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 Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

With all the changes in the funding of children’s centres by Swindon Borough Council in the last 12 to 18 months, some people think the Butterflies Centre in North Swindon has closed. Not so, says manager Tanya Parkinson. Butterflies is very much open for business, although there are amendments to the way it operates.

IMAGINATION CHILDCARE is a new private day nursery launching in September 2015 providing high quality inclusive childcare for children aged 2 to 5 years Open 8am to 6pm, 51 weeks of the year, situated in Moredon Children’s Centre Open Day For details and to enquire about a place, Saturday 11 July contact Becky Shore on 0750 1919057 11am to 3pm or email: becky@imagination-childcare.co.uk

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Call 07825 441 311 prices per swimmer payment due with booking

Check our web site for dates

swindonlink.com n July 2015

BOOK

NOW

To avoid disappointment

Butterflies staff, back left to right: Nicola Walton, Kate Berryman, Cate Sargent, Beth Lewis, Julia Osmond, Catherine Talmage, Cath Ferguson, Amanda Wray. Front, Sarah Stratton, Tanya Parkinson, Tracy Badger Tanya writes: We have had a busy couple of months at Butterflies.

Our Spring Fair, which we held to mark the change from a Children’s to a Family Centre and raise some much needed funds, was a great success.

Thanks to the generosity of our families and hard work of our Butterflies friends and staff we raised over £1,000 including generous donations from Crest Homes and Vodafone.

Some of this money has been used to replace a few of our tired toys and we have bought toys specifically for our Honey Bees Portage groups, which support children on the autistic spectrum, or with additional physical or medical needs.

Some parents haven’t been aware that we have been able to continue our Stay and Play groups since the funding change, but we are now running eight great groups across North Swindon during term time for the under 5s, two of which focus on singing and dancing.

These are drop-in groups which means there is no need to book a place, just pay on the day.

Our Swindon Town Football Club led Soccer Tots courses and baby massage courses are proving very popular so places do need to be booked in advance.

There is lots of fundraising taking place at the moment. We are currently working with Friends of Abbey Meads School, who support our fundraising activities. We will

be meeting about three times a year and would welcome any parent able to give up a couple of hours to help support Butterflies with fundraising ideas and activities.

Butterflies is a collection centre for Swindon Foodbank and we welcome tins of food, sugar, toiletries and other long life items to help this worthy cause. We also issue Foodbank vouchers to families in crisis, so please come in and ask to speak to a member of staff, in confidence, if you are in need of help.

Butterflies staff are proud to take part in this year’s Starlight Walk in aid of Prospect Hospice on Saturday 27 June.

Our team works with families whose lives have been touched by cancer and in many cases have support from Prospect.

There is still an opportunity to sponsor the staff team online at: www.justgiving.com/Butterfliesfamilycentre For details about Butterflies with timetable of the current activity programme, see www.abbeymeads.swindon.sch. uk/butterflies Butterflies is based in its own rooms at Abbey Meads Primary School and runs groups across North Swindon at Oakhurst, Catherine Wayte, Orchid Vale and St Francis primary schools.

Parenting specialist to launch new book at West family centre Sponsors sought to give copies to parents who need support Leading trauma parenting specialist Jane Evans launches her second book which helps young children talk about ‘big feelings’ at West Swindon Family Centre on Monday 6 July.

Jane, who featured in Channel 5’s series My Violent Child earlier this year, is appealing to businesses in Swindon to sponsor copies of the book so that they can be given free to parents with whom the Family Centre work, and to other child support organisations. She said: “My latest book is designed to help parents, carers and professionals support children who have not had their emotional needs met for a range of reasons.

“I would love to give free copies at the event to those working with families who have faced difficulties such as domestic violence, mental illness and substance dependency so the children can begin to find names for their feelings.”

Jane, who has agreed to be the family centre’s patron, has already published How Are You Feeling Today Baby Bear? which is now used by professionals, parents and carers around the world.

It tells the story of Baby Bear who lives in a home where the Big Bears

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

Jane Evans and Family Centre manager Mike Smith with from left, Ghossiya Hameed, Lorraine Fleming, Marie Rodden, Yvette Sutton, Amy Bedford, Priya Saxena fight and argue at night. It allows adults to talk to young children, aged two to six, about feelings around violence in the home.

On 6 July she launches Kit Kitten and the Topsy-Turvy Feelings which helps adults explore mixed up emotions with young children.

Kit is a kitten whose parent is not always able to care either physically or emotionally. This causes a range of feelings in Kit’s everyday life.

One day Kindly Cat comes to Kit’s home to help everyone to begin to talk about them.

Explaining the ideas behind her latest book, Jane said: “It’s intended

to offer a simple tool that parents, carers and professionals can use to gently start to help our youngest children find ways to say how they feel. This is an essential foundation for good mental health and learning.”

The launch at West Swindon Family Centre, Gainsborough Way, Swindon is by invitation. To enquire about attending or offer sponsorship, email: Fiona@fionascott.co.uk See details of Jane’s books at: www.jkp.com www.westswindonfamilycentre.com

daily classes for the under 5’s

01793 822262

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

More members needed by Bluebelles majorettes

Please call us at Windmill Hill to arrange a nursery tour just for you and we will look forward to welcoming you to our Outstanding Nursery The team of twenty five girls based in West Swindon were part of the big parade at the Old Town Festival in early June, one of several carnivals of fun in the South West they will travel to during the summer.

Bluebelles, which is in its fifteenth year, is keen to attract six to 17 year olds to the squad. No musical skills or knowledge is required. With experienced trainers the members are encouraged to work as a team Bluebelles’ coordinator Christine Doyle said: “We encourage members

to work together across age groups to practice and improve their skills.

Over many years we’ve found this helps to increase social, educational, physical and emotional development.

“Being a majorette builds and develops confidence as well as improving self discipline, fitness and well-being. Lifelong friendships are created.”

To find out more about joining contact Christine Doyle on 07979 276 795. swindonlink.com n July 2015

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New Life Church - Swindon Committed to the mission of loving people and changing lives for the best in CHRIST Join us each Sunday morning for an awesome time of worship and the Word.

10am to 12 noon at Roughmoor Community Hall Swinley Drive, Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5AP For more information, visit: www.new-life-church.co.uk Contact: Pastor Matthew Hamza on 0789 1001572

PTSD conference at Lydiard Park in July The Swindon Trauma Group (STG) is holding a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder workshop at Lydiard Park Conference Centre on Friday 24 July.

This follows the success of the group’s June workshop on Gulf War Syndrome held at the same venue.

The group raises awareness of the symptoms of post trauma stress which can develop when a person is subjected to an event considered outside the realms of human

experience.

If the symptoms persist for longer than a month the person could develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The July workshop will be looking at what treatment and support is available for the invisible injuries of PTS/PTSD. For information and register to take part on 24 July via: www.swindontraumagroup.org.uk

Haydon cafe celebrates 5th year

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

St. John’s Haydon Wick On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Sunday 9am Services 11am

Traditional communion service 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

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

Anna Richardson, left, with from left, Canon Raymond Adams, Ann Park, John Howard, Mary Southgate. Front, Lyn Hammond, Sue Branch, Dee Howard, Mick Noble. Below, Anna launching The Rock with the first volunteers in 2010 The Rock Café at St Johns Church in Haydon Wick celebrated its fifth anniversary on 22 and 23 May with cake, coffee and balloons for customers.

It has become so successful, having expanded to a second day within a few months of opening in 2010, that a paid administrator is being appointed to assist with the increased workload of keeping the cafe open.

Anna Richardson, who first proposed the idea of The Rock, said: “We wanted to make our church more accessible to all members in the community, whether they attend or not.

“The Rock provides a friendly place where people can get out of the house and drop in, chat and make friends. It’s a way of showing God’s love is non-threatening, helped by coffee and cake.”

St John’s minister Canon Raymond Adams said: “The cafe has made the church relevant to people of Haydon Wick, particularly to all the new people who have arrived in the area over the last five years.

“Lots of people comment about the quality of the food prepared and served by the volunteers who run The Rock and the warmth of the atmosphere.

Pat Williams from Shrivenham makes a weekly trip with her husband Alan when they visit the Orbital shopping park. “We’ve been coming for three years and sometimes meeting with our daughter and our grandchildren,” she said.

“The food is well prepared and well priced, and the volunteers are very welcoming. We’d recommend everybody to come along.”

See the opening times in the advert on the left.

21

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Lydiard Craft Fair takes visitors back in time The first ever Love Lydiard Craft Fair inside Lydiard’s Georgian walled garden takes place on 4 and 5 July when volunteers dressed in period costume will re-enact stories from the park’s rich history and encourage visitors to try Georgian games, such as pall-mall (or croquet as we know it today).

Over 20 professional craft people will be selling a range of products from wooden board games, stained glass and hand-made jewellery, to clothes, fine art, ceramics and even bespoke wooden rocking horses.

The North Wiltshire Woodturning Association will also be featured alongside the traders showcasing their crafts.

Caroline Palmer, leadership manager at Lydiard House and Park said: “We have over 30 volunteers involved in the craft fair - including professional actors and hair and make-up artists. If you followed Poldark you may recognise reenactment scenes from those times.

“This is the first time we’ve endeavoured to bring Lydiard’s history alive in this way and we hope the two days will encourage more people to come and explore all that Lydiard has to offer.

“It’s also a wonderful opportunity

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for everyone to enjoy the striking summer flower displays in the walled garden.”

Refreshments will be available with a selection of hot and cold drinks, cream teas, light lunches and home-made cakes on sale, as well as a barbecue in the Rickyard, next to the restored stable buildings.

The craft fair is open from 10am to 4pm on both days. Entry is 50p per person and there is free parking.

See more details at www.lydiardpark.org.uk or call 01793 466664.

Win tickets to open air theatre in the park Thanks to Lydiard House and Park we have tickets to give away for three productions in July and August.

All you have to do to enter is tell us who wrote the books of the plays being performed: Friday 10 July Pride and Prejudice (2 adult tickets) Friday 31 July The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes (2 adult tickets) Friday 21 August The Secret Garden. Win a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) Send your entries by 6 July to: Alice Armstrong: aarmstrong@swindon.gov.uk or post them to Lydiard Park, SN5 6BT swindonlink.com n July 2015

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ECOTEMP ENVIRONMENTAL LTD Heating & Air Conditioning Systems Air conditioning heat pumps are a low cost and environmentally friendly solution to heating or cooling rooms in your home, shop or workplace, providing year round comfort.

They are especially good to make conservatories usable in the height of summer or the depths of winter.

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See the Designer Outlet through this young man’s eyes Before the Designer Outlet became a regional shopping attraction, the buildings hummed to the noise of heavy industry as thousands of railway workers created Swindon’s future economic success.

But what was it like to work there? Members of Rodbourne History Society offer conducted tours of the buildings pointing out significant features which have been preserved and giving their personal insight of what it was like to be ‘inside.’

Visits take place on 11 July, 22 August, 12 and 13 September, 5 and 6 December. Places are limited and should be booked in advance by contacting the secretary on 01794 616558 or email: secretaryrodbournehistory.org The society organises a programme of talks given by historians and individuals with personal experience to share.

Over the last few months there have been talks on National Service, Canals in Wiltshire and how the British led coalition destroyed Napoleon’s ambitions at the Battle of Waterloo 200 years ago.

Coming up are talks on England’s wealth in the Middle Ages as a result of the wool trade on 29 July,

Your tour guide, Rodbourne resident Ron Johnson, 89, below, and as an A Shop apprentice aged 15 and the history of the changes and owners of properties in and around the Market Square, Old Town on 26 August.

On 30 September, an earlier violent dispute with our French neighbours will be the subject of discussion when Martin Collisson talks about the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt.

The history society meets at Even Swindon Community Centre, Jennings Street, SN2 2BG. All are invited to take part in the discussions.

See the website for details: www.rodbournehistory.org

LETTINGS AND MANAGEMENT

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

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Celebrating the 400th anniversary of the St John polyptych in St Mary’s Church, Lydiard Park Rendezvous Special For Two

The unique multi-panel illustration of the St John family tree. The hidden parts will be on show and explained on 24, 25 & 26 July As St Mary’s Church in Lydiard Park prepares to celebrate a significant anniversary in July, a message from the USA reveals a 400 year connection, writes Frances Bevan.

In June 2014, Palmer Hamilton, a lawyer from Mobile, Alabama was created a Knight of the Order of St John by the Queen and when it came to creating a coat of arms the new Prior of the USA Order looked to his Wiltshire family history for inspiration.

Palmer can trace his ancestry back through the Tucker family, who founded Bermuda, to Sir Richard St George who compiled the St John genealogy on the polyptych in St Mary’s Church.

Sir Richard St George of Hatley Saint George, Cambridgeshire was knighted in 1616 and served as Norroy King of Arms before being appointed Clarenceux King of Arms in 1623, the second highest heraldic appointment in England.

Sir Richard married Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of Nicholas St John and his wife Elizabeth.

So when Sir John St John commissioned the tribute to his illustrious ancestors, installed in St Mary’s in 1615, who better to ask to compile

the genealogical information than his Uncle Richard?

Palmer Hamilton had a similar task in 2014. The new Prior was required to have a banner bearing his coat of arms to be carried in investiture processions and he turned to Thomas Woodcock, Garter Principal King of Arms. The coat of arms designed includes the golden falcon, the St John family emblem that will be familiar to visitors to St Mary’s Church.

The three falcons each hold a palmer’s or pilgrim’s staff, a reference to Hamilton’s christian name. The motto Firmitas in Coelo – Stability in Heaven – reflects Hamilton’s work with the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops’ Task Force to address current issues facing that Church.

Meanwhile the St Mary’s Church Building & Conservation Appeal committee will shortly submit a refined bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, having now independently raised and secured funds approaching £175,000.

Urgent conservation work on the 18th Century Reredos (behind the altar and the east Chancel wall is due to begin soon.

1615 to 2015. A weekend to celebrate

The banner will be on display with the magnificent 17th Century St John Polyptych on the 400th anniversary weekend: 24, 25, 26 July.

Members of St Mary’s congregation will be serving strawberry cream teas from the stable room next to the church.

• The rich medieval interior and a chance to learn about the fascinating Tudor connection can be viewed during the Lydiard Park Craft Fair in the Walled Garden on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July. See page 21.

• On Saturday 4 July, 7pm, there will be an evening of music and poetry through time, featuring Strictly Recorders and the Wentworth Singers.

Tickets are £5 on the door at St Mary’s Church.

•The church is also open on Fridays, 11am to 4.30pm, with volunteers from the local branch National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies conducting guided tours.

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

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Everybody’s shuffling in our town!

Exhibition looks back at local performing arts from 1955 to 1985

All Ears Avow who will be appearing at this year’s Swindon Shuffle from 14 July to 19 July at venues across the town For anyone who appreciates new and original local music, the Swindon Shuffle is the must-see event of the year.

It takes place from Tuesday 14 July to Sunday 19 July.

The venues will be stalwarts of the original music scene, The Victoria and The Beehive as well as The Castle, Baila Coffee & Vinyl, The Roaring Donkey and The Central Library.

Not all the line-up has been confirmed yet but you will be able to catch the high octane Foo’sesque rock of A Way With Words on the Thursday night at The Vic as well as 2 Sick Monkeys, All Ears Avow and The Harlers.

Friday at The Vic will see Colour The Atlas, Theo Altieri, Super

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

Squarecloud, Sahara Heights and Cursor Major.

The Castle line-up is headed by The Hamsters from Hell, as well as Coasters, SN Dubstation, Yves and Plummie Racket.

The Beehive line-up has been fairly under wraps so far but there will be The Shudders and Mr Love and Justice amongst others.

All the venues will be free entry with donations given to Goldenhar family support, The Shuffle’s chosen charity.

This year’s event is run in partnership with the Academy of Music and Sound which will see young musicians and technicians taking part.

To keep up to date with the lineup visit swindonshuffle.org.uk

Tanwood Knaves in 1968, in one of Miss Molly’s famous shows A fascinating trip into living memory is launched on 15 July at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road when an exhibition called Entertaining Swindon focuses on performance arts in the town from 1955 to 1985.

It celebrates thirty years of people involved in shows, starting from the closure of the now demolished Empire Theatre in 1955 to the opening of the arts suite at Link Centre - exactly thirty years ago.

Curator Kate Parsons said: “Life in Swindon (and Britain) was very different in 1955. Few homes had a TV and many more people made their own entertainment.

“There were lots of performing arts groups based around the workplace,

church or political groups, many of which continue to this day.

“There was strong community spirit, civic pride and a focus on betterment where amateurs and professionals mucked in together.

“By the 70s, people were happy to be entertained by TV, but arts in the town flourished aided by a healthy budget and visionary leaders.

“We’ve excluded much fêted famous exports like Diana Dors and XTC in favour of showcasing ordinary Swindonians performing for Swindonians.”

Entertaining Swindon will certainly draw in people across the generations. It will be open from Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm

Take a selfie with an eye on time; support Brighter Futures’ Radiotherapy Appeal Great Western Hospital are seeking selfie-takers with an eye for time to support a £2.9 million fundraising appeal to bring radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients to Swindon.

Take a self-portrait with either a clock or watch and post it on Facebook or Twitter with #TheTimeIsNow. The hash-tag has been chosen as Great Western Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust believes it’s time to Dawn Harper of TV’s Embarrassing bring radiotherapy to Swindon Bodies says #thetimeisnow and provide cancer treatment closer to home for the 340,000 While the expansion of the Oxford people living in the Swindon and University Hospitals Trust service to Wiltshire area.

Swindon is subject to final approval, Annually around 3,000 people the planning is well advanced. It is are diagnosed with some form of envisaged that treatment could be cancer at GWH and in 2013/14 available locally by the end of 2017. seven hundred patients made the Jen Green of Brighter Futures said: 70 mile round-trip to Oxford for “We want everyone to get involved radiotherapy. Treatment usually in #TheTimeIsNow - the more quirky lasts for four to seven weeks. This the selfie the better.” journey has to be made every day.

Post your images to The appeal by Brighter Futures, Facebook: Brighter Futures or TwitGreat Western Hospitals NHS ter: @BF_NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, will fund Read more about the appeal at: two linear accelerators in a new www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk radiotherapy centre at GWH.

Aviation art helps lift spirits at GWH

Twenty-two artworks by acclaimed artist David Bent, above, are on display until 2 October at Great Western Hospital.

His work has been exhibited in St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Tent Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and at the RAF Museum in London.

David, from Old Town, has collaborated with RAF Red Arrows since 2007 and has spent time observing them at work during the display season in the UK and rehearsing during winter in Cyprus.

David was a patient at GWH in 2014, when both he and his wife, Carole, were reminded of the power of art in hospitals as a way of lifting people’s spirits.

The trustees of the hospital have believed in the value of exhibitions since it opened in 2002. Trust chaplain and arts committee member Steve Henderson said: “We were keen to display David’s work because of its innovative and inspiring approach to viewing machines of the air in surprising ways. ”This is a unique opportunity for the people of Swindon to view a collection of works by one of its most reputable artists.

David’s exhibition can be seen in the gallery area of the ground floor street area of the hospital, off the main entrance.

David can be found online at: www.bentartgallery.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON CHILDREN & FAMILY Monday 20th to Friday 24th Hungry Caterpillar. Feed the hungry caterpillar to help him grow into a big beautiful butterfly. Also craft activities and free tractor rides.

Normal admission prices. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 23 Saturday 25th, 7.30pm The Michael Otton Show. Comedy, magic and illusion for all the family Suit age 7 years and over. £16; concs £9.50; family of 4 £45. Wyvern Saturday 25 July to Monday 3 August Jurassic Farm. Join the ranger on a free tractor ride to detect and even discover a new species of dinosaur.

Normal admission prices. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 23

DANCE Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th Move, Dance, Be Born presented

by Judith Hockaday School of Dance. An extravaganza of song and dance. £13.50. Wyvern Saturday 11th, 2pm & 7pm The Adventure of Alice in Wonderland presented by Classical Ballet Centre. £12; child £6. Wyvern Sunday 19th, 6pm Tanwood School of Performing Arts Showcase 2015. Performances across all genres including dancing, singing and drama. £12; concessions £10. Wyvern

COMEDY

Saturday 11th, 7.30pm Keep Calm and Carry On. Enjoy a three course meal while being MUSICAL entertained with a parody tribute Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th, to classic comedies of the 50s, 60s and 70s. £35, incl meal. Wyvern 2pm & 7pm restaurant Wilkes Academy present an evening of musical theatre. £15; conces- Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th. sions £10. Wyvern Tues to Thurs 7.30pm; Fri 5pm & Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th, 8.30pm; Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm Avenue Q. The award winning com7.30pm edy musical features the naughtiest Ghost - The Musical. A timeless puppets in town. For age 14 years fantasy about the power of love. and over. £18 - £30.50. Wyvern £13. Arts Centre

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ

Free scatter cushions with every suite

New range now on display Special introductory prices

Free local delivery • Open 7 days a week

Tel: 01793 526691 www.conservatorycentres.co.uk 26

swindonlink.com n July 2015

SWINDON DRAMA Friday 10th, 7pm Pride and Prejudice. Take a picnic and enjoy live theatre in the park. £14; students & children £10; family (2 adults, 2 children) £42, for tickets call 01793 524481. Lydiard Park. See the competition on page 21 Tuesday 14th, 7.30pm Swindon Youth Theatre Summer Showcase. A celebration of a year of workshops. £5. Arts Centre Friday 17th & Sunday 19th, 7.30pm

FILM Friday 31st, 11am & 3pm Sing-a-long-a Frozen. Age recommendation 5 years plus. £15.50; child £10.50, family and group tickets available. Wyvern

Wednesday 1st, 7.30pm The Billy Fury Years. Michael King and his fantastic collection of musicians with a show of Fury’s greatest hits. £19.50. Wyvern

Sunday 5th, 7.30pm Abba Reunion. The most authentic and requested Abba tribute show. £20. Wyvern

Summer Fundraising Brook Field Primary School Summer Fayre Saturday 4 July, 12noon to 4pm Barbecue, cream teas, displays and stalls, bouncy castle and pony rides Cartwright Drive, Shaw

Friday 10th, 7.30pm Magic of Motown. All the dazzling dance moves, glittering costume changes and musical brilliance of the original artistes. £25. Wyvern Sunday 12th, 6.30pm Traditional Choral Evensong sung by the choir at Christ Church, Old Town Sunday 12th, 7.30pm Kast off Kinks. Former members of The Kinks get back together to relive the good times. £19. Wyvern Saturday 18th, 7.30pm Wyvern Jazz Dinner, an evening with Alice Sparey. Enjoy a three course meal with live music. £30 incl meal. Wyvern Friday 24th, 7.30pm T*Rextasy. The world’s official tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan and T.Rex. £20. Wyvern

Jellytots Playgroup Fun Day Saturday 11 July, 12noon to 3pm Many stalls incl face painting, cakes, tombola, hook a duck, treasure hunt Refreshments, pulled pork, hotdogs Brook Field School, Cartwright Drive

Saturday 25th, 7.30pm Wessex Male Choir Summer Concert, accompanied by accomplished young singers, MJ-UK Music & Arts and jazz trio Breeze. £12, tickets from tickets@wessexmalechoir. co.uk. Steam Museum

1st Toothill Summer Fete Saturday 18 July, 2pm to 5pm Traditional summer games & craft Scout Hut, Toothill

Friday 31st, 8pm West Point Country Music Club: Tom Noone. £6; under 18 years, £3; under 10s free. Ferndale Club

SMASH Fun Day. Saturday 18 July, 11am to 4.30pm Many stalls incl bouncy castle, bike maintenance from Dr. Bike, Make a Memory Maker box, fire engine.

Swindon Rugby Football Club Greenbridge Road Kentwood Show Choir Concert In aid of Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool Saturday 18 July, 7.30pm £5 tickets from 01793 496002 Bath Road Methodist Church

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MUSIC

Saturday 4th, 8pm Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders. £20. Arts Centre

Family Play. Is there such thing as a ‘normal’ family? A worldly-wise 8 year old reveals the comedy and tragedy associated with all human relationships, turning the idea of a structured family on its head. £5.50, tickets from 01793 466454. Artsite Friday 31st, 7pm The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes Holmes has a new case to investigate. Tickets and venue as for Pride & Prejudice, above.

FOR ALL YOUR PRINT & DIGITAL REQUIREMENTS IN WEST SWINDON

VENUES Arts Centre Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 Roves Farm Sevenhampton Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 West Point Country Music Club at Ferndale Club, 131 Ferndale Road SN2 1BX Tel 07910 111825 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

Mobile Hairdresser

Unit 101 Basepoint Centre Rivermead Swindon Wilts SN5 7EX Telephone: 01793 490490

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01793 232 588 Valuation Day opportunity with

Thomas Plant TV expert on Flog It! The Antiques Road Trip & Bargain Hunt

Bring along your portable items for a FREE valuation with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services

Monday 13th July, 10am to 3.30pm

Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG Valuations are by appointment only.

To arrange a time, please call 01635 580595 or contact us via

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27

2015 Summer Reading Challenge. Help Swindon Libraries set a Guinness World Record

Stag and Hen Do T-shirts Lads and Lasses on Tour Club Weekends Away

Whatever the occasion we can supply the T-shirt Add your design and names Fast and efficient service with a competitive pricing structure Don’t delay - call today.

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The simple and fun Record Breakers reading campaign is aimed at four to eleven year olds and their families. Children can sign up at their local library, then read six books, collecting stickers, all for free.

Go along to the launch day and help set a Guinness World Record for Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign on Saturday 11 July, between 10am and 1pm, at Central Library.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson will act as the lead witness on the day and organisers want to beat last year’s total of Swindon children reading a record 13,684 books throughout the summer holidays.

This year, the library service has set a target of challenging children to break the Swindon record and read 14,000 books.

After reading their first book children can enter a competition to win prizes ranging from books, to vouchers donated by local businesses.

When they have read four books they receive a voucher for a free DVD from Swindon Libraries.

After the sixth book children will receive a free entry voucher for Beale Park (subject to availability).

and there will be a random draw from all completers with the lucky winners invited to a party at The Platform.

On days that you can’t get to the library, the Record Breakers website at www.recordbreakers.org.uk provides lots of information, videos of authors talking about their books, a place for children to record what they’ve read and Book Sorter, where youngsters can recommend books to others.

The challenge runs from Saturday 18 July until Sunday 6 September.

Record Breakers is produced by The Reading Agency, in association with Guinness World Records™, supported by Arts Council, England, and delivered by libraries.

Visit a Swindon Library for information and to register to take part, or mail queries to: librariesoutreach@swindon.gov.uk Find out more at the libraries blog page: swindonlibraries.wordpress. com Left, not only can you break a record by signing up for the reading challenge, it’s a chance to find out some amazing facts in the Guinness Book of Records

Toothill tunes bring community together for Nepal Teenagers tend not to dance to classic songs such as the Lambeth Walk and the Hokey Cokey, but that’s exactly what greeted attend-

ees at Toothill Community Centre for a tea dance on Thursday 28 May. An afternoon of music was enjoyed by residents of Toothill, with

Having a good time at Toothill Community Centre

everything from bingo, raffles and music from yesteryear entertaining all ages.

Organised and run by a group from The Prince’s Trust Inner Flame project, the tea dance managed to raise £56.82 for the Nepal earthquake, with raffle prizes on offer from onesies to slippers.

Gail Light, West Swindon Localities facilitator, said: “Afternoons like these not only help reduce isolation but the exercise improves general well-being and increases energy levels.”

The oldest tea dance reveller was 99-year-old Jean Carey who danced the afternoon away.

Following the success of this event a regular music afternoon now takes place on the last Thursday of each month with a £2 entry cost and small charge for the raffle and bingo.

Volunteers can contact Gail Light on 01793 466223.

Saturday 11 July Highworth Town Football Club in aid of Prospect Hospice and Highworth Junior FC

Dr and The Medics to headline; lots of local bands Tickets: £12 adults; £10 16-18s; £8 11-15s; Family (2 adults, 2 children) £36.

Under 11s free Sponsored by Excalibur Communications www.wrdeup.org.uk

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Wildlife campaigner keen to talk about foundation’s work

Right, Amanda gave a talk about the wildlife foundation at Brook Field Primary School, Shaw where she received a £100 donation

Say hi to guide dogs Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind will be holding stalls on: Saturday 4 July, 12noon to 6pm: Stratton Festival at Grange Leisure Centre.

West Swindon based ambassador for the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) Amanda Butler is spreading knowledge about the work of the foundation set up by the world famous artist.

She welcomes invitations to visit schools, community organisations and businesses to raise awareness and gain financial support for wildlife conservation.

Amanda will be promoting the work of the charity in the Brunel Centre on Saturday 18 July.

She’s also inviting wildlife supporters to a Really Wild Garden Party at her home in Peatmoor on Sunday 12 July where there will be tea and cakes and an outdoor showing of The Lion King. For a ticket mail Amanda: ambassador4DSWF@yahoo.co.uk For details of her activities see Facebook: DSWF supporters

01285 860200

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

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

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Tel: 01793 727158

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Saturday 4 July, from 10am: Swindon Fire Station Open Day at Drove Road, Swindon.

Sunday 5 July, 10am to 4pm: Lydiard Bark Dog Show, Lydiard Park, run by Eastcott Vets in aid of Swindon Guide Dogs

Best paws forward

A sponsored dog walk in aid of Cancer Research UK takes place on Sunday 12 July, 11am, at Coate Water Country Park.

There will be a choice of routes to suit all abilities and each dog will receive a commemorative bandana, bag of doggy treats and a certificate to mark their achievement.

Owners will be given a free entry into a prize draw to win a pet portrait.

Entry is £10 per dog. Register in advance at: www.bit.ly/LPbestpawsor or register on the day from 10.15am.

For details contact Sarah Blackmore-Heal on 07973 391894.

Pet Boarding, Dog Day Care and shop supplying Quality Food, Toys and Equipment

We at Barkimber have a strong passion for the welfare and happiness of all our guests and we believe that their holiday should be at least as much fun as yours!

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

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Mark Altree Hypnotherapy

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Outline plans have been submitted to Swindon Council for the North Star leisure park including a ski centre, a 5,000 capacity arena, skate park, a cinema and a bowling alley.

Moirai Capital Investments are seeking approval for their 31 acre (12.5ha) leisure development which will be built adjacent to and around the newly refurbished Oasis Leisure Centre at North Star.

But although the outline plans mention a skate park - at the moment it is not clear whether it will be a free to use outdoor one to replace the current facility on the site or an indoor paid-for one.

A campaign to save the free outdoor facility has been launched

by Diana Kirk of ATBSkate Warehouse at Hawksworth but she believes that their pleas are being ignored as it appears on the plans that it will be an indoor site. You can sign the petition, which so far has 700 signatures, at: www.bit.ly/ oasis-skate She said: “We’re going to keep on fighting to make sure that there are the free facilities in place for the huge number of young people who use the outdoor skate park. A lot of the users are from deprived backgrounds and would not be able to afford a paid for indoor park.

“I’m disappointed that there’s nothing in the plans to suggest that the existing free outdoor facility will be safeguarded; we will keep making a loud noise until they are.”

The plans, which come after a public consultation, include: • Up to 50,000 square metres of mixed leisure including a cinema, 5,000 seat entertainment arena, ski centre and other leisure uses which could include a crazy golf centre, comedy club, laser tag and skate park; • Up to 12,000sqm of restaurants and cafes • Up to 12,000sqm retail space, with a minimum of 9,000sqm of

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

sports retailing; • Up to 9,000sqm for a hotel; The vast £120 million leisure scheme will be one of the largest projects of its type in the UK. Moirai chairman Martin Barber said: “This is a crucial step in the process of delivering this major development. Getting to this point has been complex, with consideration given to the best possible layout for the project, but also to address issues such as traffic management and the potential environmental impact of the development.”

Coun Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Skills said: “The application represents another step in this exciting project. I am satisfied that now Moirai have put together a proposal that matches the council’s ambitions; I look forward to hearing more as they get closer to turning these plans into a reality .

“These are only the outline plans and until we see the detailed ones it is difficult to say what form the skate park will take, but at least it is part of the plans at the moment.”

It is believed that many visitors to the facility will arrive by train, as Swindon’s station is only a short distance away. Forward Swindon has completed a feasibility study for a new pedestrian crossing over the mainline, adjacent to the station, connecting the north and south parts of the town centre. Seeking funding for the crossing is the next stage.

Chris Hitchings, director of development at Forward Swindon, said: “Swindon is well connected to a huge, affluent catchment. The arena and ski centre, for example, will provide Swindon with high profile destinations to compete with the likes of Cardiff, Bristol and Milton Keynes.”

• Resilience is the watch word for North Star. Read Richard Pagett’s Viewpoint on page 46.

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“It will be bigger better than Cl orough Be eand T Cl R i p pl C d ve s e d rle rs ick R the Swindon y Rockstar in Hobley Drive, Stratton anything planned for Dr t s n i iv W n e l a lt o s e Harle wick is a 7,700 square foot bouldering area, quality A d w Chigh lo n C built to a very ch Close ld Aln gto ie Cl Els ttin l o l i h k C with equipment supplied area (low-level climbing performed

by ContiFreshbrook Kend al Edge roo Windmill Ct Village Centre Millb ool ro w without the use of ropes over thickSch snental Sports which is the leading sto l ey bo C 02 Ro n Toothill e a i UK a G 31 os safety matting) plus roped routes manufacturer of equipment d l R C Park m s i A d w n e ll oo in etw lph up to 10 metres in height.

There Pend e nfor hall, PE and Tattershall do Fle o u r t gymnastics, sports d Go C h Cl a l e D rive urc l ert d h k b a will also be a slacklining space trampolining.”

Worsley Ro Lam roo l C for hb ca es ngeli am C l a De s b o balancing and walking atFrlow-level Apart from free bounce sessions, Ev GREAT W on dynamic webbing fixed between there will be parkour, freestyle E S T E R N WAY 2 A 310 two points. gymnastics and free-running opportunities, trampolining fitness Hagbourne Additionally there will be a dediCopse climbing area where families F r a E u r ocated n k l a n d sessions for different ages and Way Road with children as young as four can school bounce exercise sessions. spend time having fun together.

There will also be lunchtime busiRead the full story at: ness breakout bounce sessions and www.bit.ly/rockstarswin dodge ball leagues are planned.

FreeDog is a giant indoor FreeDog has teamed up with trampoline park which should open Swindon groups and special schools at Kembrey Park during the summer to provide Rebound Therapy to offer holidays. At 3,200 square metres therapeutic exercise and recreait will be Europe’s largest indoor tion for people with physical and trampoline centre, the first of a learning disabilities, including those chain across Britain. with dual sensory impairment and Bath based entrepreneur Alex autistic spectrum.

Withey said: “We will have a huge Read the full story at: open court comprised of 90 two www.bit.ly/freedogswin on nt

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The long awaited skate and scooter park will open in mid to late July and it’s essential that users learn Shaw Forest Country Park – Phase 3 the safe routes to get there.

Opening date to be decided The site off Rivermead Drive is far away from housing and on the east side of Mead Way. Thames Water Nature Reserve managed by This means skate boarders, scooter Wiltshire Wildlife Trust No general access riders and BMX bikes could be tempted to walk alongside and cross major roads to get there.

Mead Way and Whitehill Way are particularly heavily used and present a major danger to pedestrians who don’t pay attention.

Parents should consider taking d ld Roa arnfie youngerB children to Rivermead Drive Flood by car, or ensure that they know the Storage Area safe access routes.

Ri ve on the left shows where The map r Ra y the skate park is being built and v e the pedestrian/cycle ways to use i r D d ea to avoid going close to the vehicle m B4 53 Br routes. idg 4 Fire em Station ea Full size copies of this map proMorse dC Gdns los ME duced

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31

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

■ Treat your feet at the Foot Health Clinic ■ Corns, callous, cracked heels, nail infections, verrucae, nail care and foot massage.

■ Professional care in a relaxed and friendly setting.

■ Gift vouchers available

Call Kathryn: 07789 542282 Basepoint Centre, West Swindon SN5 7EX

PAINFUL FEET? Mrs Lesley Taylor MCFHP, MAFHP, MIIR, MAR

Corns, Calluses, Verrucas, Thick Nail or Ingrowing Toenails Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 or 01793 849914 Clinic at: 113 High Street Royal Wootton Bassett

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Volunteers Week at the beginning of June was an annual celebration of the fantastic unpaid contribution of millions of people across the UK to make their communities better places.

Volunteers are needed all year round to keep hundreds of organisations going, often providing essential local services at a neighbourhood level.

Volunteer Centre Swindon

provides a hub of information where you can find out how to get involved in volunteering opportunities in the town.

For details call 01793 420557 or email: info@swindonvolunteers. org.uk The staff are available to callers at 1 John Street, Swindon between 11am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.

All the volunteer placements are available to view at www.do-it.org

Swindon CAB is looking for volunteers to fill a range roles. People who can spare 10 hours a week and want to give something back to their community are welcomed.

In return CAB offers full, ongoing

training and support.

For details and to arrange an informal chat, call 01793 402106, mail: trainer2@swindon.cabnet. org.uk or call into Sanford House, College Street, Swindon SN1 1QH

The Ashington Way Surgery Patients Participation Group has purchased an examination couch, as well as a pulsemeter that can be used on house calls and a narrow wheelchair to help patients access rooms in the former showhome where the surgery in Westlea is located.

The money was raised largely from book sales in the waiting room.

Contact Joan Schofield MCFHP MAFHP 07763 908167 Hours to suit your busy lives

www.healthy-happy-feet.co.uk

Healthcare assistant Alison Kembrey with Mary Morgan and Brian Tallboy with, front, group chair Tony Kirby trying out the wheelchair

Could you be a Swindon Foodbank centurion?

Swindon Foodbank is looking for 100 people willing to donate just £10 per month via standing order as a much needed financial contribution to help keep their wheels on the road.

The charity also has to maintain storage space, an office and distribution centres through which food donations reach clients.

A hundred people committing £120 a year means over £14,000 for the charity. The hard fact is money in the bank is just as important as food donations when it comes to ensuring that Swindon Foodbank can continue to meet the needs of those in food crisis.

If you are a UK taxpayer con-

32

swindonlink.com n July 2015

sider gift aiding your donation as Swindon Foodbank will be able to claim back the tax you have paid. This represents another £2,800 if 100 people become contributors.

In fact you can give any amount that you feel able. Find the standing order and gift aid forms at: www. swindonfoodbank.co.uk/donate Alternatively set up your own standing order online via your bank, but send the gift aid form to Foodbank.

For help contact Norma Bates on 01793 978045 or email: norma. bates@swindonfoodbank.co.uk Find our more at: www.swindonfoodbank.co.uk

Badminton club has places to play Can you go the distance for CALM? Badminton Club, which meets at Haydon Centre in North Raise £100 and enter cycle sportive free Greenmeadow Swindon on Tuesdays, 8pm to 10pm and Fridays 7pm to 10pm, are looking The Savernake Sizzler Cycling Challenge is back on 26 July, supporting, on its third outing, Swindon based charity, CALM (Children’s Cancer And Leukaemia Movement).

Organised by GiveItSome, run by father and daughter team, Paul Greenman from Freshbrook and Penny Pauw of Gorse Hill, there are distances to suit all abilities, from 32 miles up to 110 miles, passing through some of Wiltshire’s most stunning landscapes.

The routes promise a fantastic mix of challenging hills, winding lanes and straight, fast sections.

The cost of supporting CALM whilst enjoying fresh Wiltshire air and soaking up the scenery is just £10 each, with all the facilities you’d expect from a larger cycling sportive, combined with the friendly atmosphere of a smaller local event.

CALM is an entirely volunteer run local charity, which helps families of children receiving cancer and leukaemia treatment at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital. There’s free entry to any Sizzler rider who

for new members. Men and women are welcome to play both socially and to join men, ladies and mixed teams in the Swindon League.

For details contact Karen Young on 07780 994765.

Golfers wanted for charity day

Teams and individuals are invited to enter the Swindon Cares Golf Day at Ogbourne Downs Golf Club on 22 July, from 1pm, in aid of this year’s supported charities: DASH (Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness) and Hop Skip & Jump.

The day ends with a three course dinner and presentation. The cost of entry is £40 per tee.

See details of competitions at www.swindoncares.co.uk or email: peter.c.hayman@btinternet.com raises £100 or more for CALM, and there’s a prize draw for fundraisers too. Proceeds from the home-baked goodies stand and tea and coffee donations will be going to CALM providing a perfect end to a hard cycle.

Find out more at www.giveitsome. me To be a sizzler sponsor or display promotional material and offer free samples or services to riders, mail: penny@giveitsome.me, or paul@ giveitsome.me

70 year-old cycles to Barcelona for family support charity

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

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

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

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Professional Consultations, Non Surgical Treatments, Cosmeceutical Skin Care RGN, BSc Hons Independent Nurse Prescriber

01793 727352 07425 176084 www.dermafillersswindon.co.uk info@aegleradiancesplendorltd.co.uk Fit senior Mike Sheppard, set off on a 1,300 mile cycle trek from Swindon to Barcelona and back to his home in Masseube, France on 22 June in aid of the Rainbow Trust children’s charity.

Rainbow supports families caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness.

Retired civil servant Mike, who lived in Purton Stoke for 30 years, decided to mark his 70th birthday with a memorable challenge and was moved by a BBC TV Children in Need appeal for Rainbow. He said: “The appeal film about Rainbow really touched my heart. Seeing the difference the charity made to those families set my next challenge.”

Mike trained hard for the 9 day

trip to Barcelona in the mountains around his home in South West France.

Through the support of friends, family and his church communities in the UK and France, his aim is to raise over £1,000, the equivalent of 44 hours of care from a family support worker.

Rainbow Trust’s Swindon Care Team currently supports 125 families across the South West.

Each family has a dedicated support worker who is with them from diagnosis to cure or end-of-life care and bereavement, for as long as needed.

Help Mike via www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MikeSheppard1 www.rainbowtrust.org.uk

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33

Learning to shake pom poms with style

This Girl Can swim the Thames Abbey Meads mum Claire Bennett, has won a free place in The Henley Mile on 12 July, an open water swimming event to be held in a beautiful stretch of the River Thames near Henley-on-Thames.

The organisers wanted to encourage more women to get involved in outdoor swimming so ran a national competition for women to win places, in association with This Girl Can. Claire, 43, mum of four teenagers, and seven other women from across the Britain, have spent three months training and have been blogging about their experiences,

describing positive and negative aspects of this kind of swimming.

Claire said: “A few years ago I was given a copy of Wild Swim

by Kate Rew and was completely captivated by the idea of swimming in open water.

It really appealed to me but I lacked the confidence to give it a go.

“The team at Henley Swim and the This Girl Can initiative spurred me into action. I’m really looking forward to the swim.”

Follow the blogs by Claire and the other women at: www.thisgirlcanswim.com www.henleyswim.com

Youngsters at Bridlewood Primary School enjoyed a week of sport in June designed to give children the chance try out a range of activities.

Classes visited sports centres around the town, including Lydiard Park Academy where they had a go at trampolining. Year 2 children enjoyed a morning learning how to be cheerleaders with 6th formers and members of the LP Allstars Jazmin Fearib and Leah Scaife.

They learnt basic routines in small groups and put on mini-displays.

Bridlewood coodinator Jenny Hulse said: “The aim was to give children the chance to try out a variety of different sports like ice skating, abseiling, golf, martial arts, croquet and much more. They had great fun working on physical skills and also developing determination, perseverance and patience.

Many children discovered hidden talents which we hope will encourage them to maintain healthy and active lifestyles.

Hole lot of fun for the summer Basset Down Golf Club have come up with two innovative ways of playing golf.

Football golf is a six-hole football course, which combines the skills of football with the rules of golf, where players have to sink a standard football into enlarged holes, using just their feet.

Basset Down is the first club in the UK to offer a treasure island 9 hole ‘Instagolf’ course where

players navigate their way around obstacles and characters, complete with pirate sounds.

“We’re excited to be the test bed for this new way of enjoying golf,” said club director Juliette Nutland.

“It really brings a new dimension to the game to interest people of all ages.”

See details in the advert opposite and www.bassetdowngolfcourse. com or www.swindonfamilygolf.com

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• Fredericks Wiltshire lends money to businesses and start-ups that cannot get finance by any other means.

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Junior Club’s unique end of season evening

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The fastest growing sport in the UK is quick and easy to learn - it’s also great fun for all the family. You don’t need to be a great footballer or an expert golfer to enjoy a round of Football Golf! You just need to be ready to have some fun!

ADVENTURE GOLF! North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson joined Abbey Meads FC players and coaches to view the Barclays Premiership League Trophy Youngsters at FC Abbey Meads enjoyed an up and down end-ofseason as a result of goings on in the Barclays Premier League.

Club organisers entered Abbey Meads under 11s Rangers in a Barclays Spirit of the Game competition to play on a premier league pitch, which they won. Thirty children were set to travel to east London in June to play at West Ham’s Upton Park ground until the money-can’t-buy experience was cancelled. West Ham had qualified for the Europa league which meant getting their pitch into condition

by July.

Abbey Meads coach and development officer Clint Ricketts pleaded with Barclays Premier League officials that he had a large group of disappointed children on his hands and it was agreed the famous trophy would be brought to Swindon for the club’s annual presentation evening at MECA, complete with security guards.

“It was an amazing outcome for

our club and we’d like to thank the Barclays Premier League for making our end of year event something special,” said Clint. “To give the youngsters the chance to be so close to the trophy handled by the Chelsea players only a few weeks ago was wonderful.

“It was a great way to celebrate a really successful season. The under 11 Rangers were undefeated and won their league, the under 13s also won their league and the under 14 girls team won the treble (league and both cups), whilst the under 18s were runners up in their league.”

The club, formed in 2003, now caters for 150 boys and girls aged 8 to 21 The FA Charter Standard club is run by forty CRB/CRC checked volunteers, with coaches qualified or working towards FA coaching qualifications.

To join the club or become a volunteer, contact Clint: clintricketts@talktalk.net www.fcabbeymeads.co.uk

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Are you in pain? Do you feel isolated, lost, lonely and/or confused?

Don’t struggle alone, Foggys is looking out for you, writes group founder Deb Cooke.

We are dedicated to providing support, raising awareness and promoting positivity about ‘invisible conditions.’ These include arthritis and rheumatism, chronic fatigue syndrome and ME, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis, seasonal affective disorder and trigeminal neuralgia.

Meetings take place from 12noon to 2pm: • on the first Wednesday of the month at Liden Community Centre, Barrington Close, Liden, SN3 6HF

• and every third Monday of the month at the Boundary House, 1 The Street, Moredon, SN25 3ER. Due to a lottery Awards 4 All grant, we can now also offer free hydrotherapy and jacuzzi sessions every Monday at Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool.

The group provides advice, support and a shoulder to lean on, and a place where you can chat about anything, everything and nothing.

It’s an amazing relief to know that you’re not alone.

Find out more by calling 0844 887 2377 between 12noon and 4pm or email: information@ butyoudontlooksick.co.uk www.butyoudontlooksick.co.uk

• Free estimate at your home or work • We now complete all repairs in our workshop| • We will collect and return your car, free of charge, the same day swindonlink.com n July 2015

35

The High & Mighty Volkswagen Touareg

In his latest car review, GEOFF MAXTED of Drivewrite puts the Volkswagen Touareg through its paces The basic exterior shape of VW’s mighty Touareg hasn’t changed that much since its introduction way back in 2003 but it has been considerably refreshed over time.

It was face-lifted again in 2014 to resemble the overall look of the VW range. Impressive upon release, it is even better now.

While it retains all the virtues of space, comfort and refinement, as well as off-road and towing ability which have made the Touareg so popular, this latest refresh takes the model forward thanks to the use of lightweight construction techniques, more fuel-efficient engines and new technologies.

The front-end design of the

36

swindonlink.com n July 2015

Touareg features larger headlights (now bi-xenon as standard across the range), a deeper new radiator grille with four instead of two horizontal fins and a re-profiled bumper, all of which lend the big SUV a wider appearance.

At the rear as at the front, the redesigned bumper gives the Touareg a wider look than before, with a new rear diffuser between the twin tailpipes and LED rear fog lights integrated in the bumper. New door mirror caps, a range of new wheel designs and new paint colours complete the exterior makeover. Inside, the Touareg also gets the option of new colours for the standard leather upholstery, new design accents and

new lighting.

Power is derived from a new 3.0L V6 TDI. There are two versions; a 201bhp (332lb/ft) entry level and the engine tested here that delivers 258bhp with a huge whoosh of 428lb/ft of torque. This is the power plant you want on this SUV and it’s twinned to a new eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox which is more frugal and greener than ever before. With the 258bhp engine, the Touareg returns 42.8mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 174g/km of CO².

The interior is smart, in an almost austere business-like way, and very uncluttered with most functions organised via the big screen. The leather front seats come with lumbar support and there’s also two optional wood trims on offer although our car didn’t feature these. In any case I prefer the brushed aluminium look. Choose the R-Line model and Nappa leather

upholstery in two-tone grey and black is available as an option. All key information – including the rev-counter, speedometer, engine temperature, fuel gauge and computer display – is displayed within the driver’s visual field in the instrument cluster.

Out on the road it’s more refined than previously. Handling is much improved with better poise into corners. Long gone is the woolliness of the steering which is now precise and accurate making for an easy-going drive. The Touareg offers comfort and refinement yet it’s still a very good car to drive especially given the size of the thing.

Ride quality is brilliant and kicks sand in the face of our ruined highways. Overall, the Volkswagen Touareg is refined, quiet and the perfect vehicle for distance travel and most off-road encounters. It’s a bit pricey at £44k but you can feel the 4x4 heritage.

Pebley Beach named regional Garage of the Year, for second year in a row

Wiltshire Police put a Renegade to good use in the Swindon area

Swindon motor dealer Pebley Beach has been named regional Garage of the Year for the second year in a row, thanks to its customers.

The competition was run by national reviews website Motor Codes, which allows the public to rate their experience at any garage in the UK. Nationally, one customer every minute posts a review on the site.

A recent review for Pebley included this comment: “The service offered Swindon-based motor dealership, The Renegade has best-in-class

by Pebley Beach Hyundai is always TH White Fiat Group Brand Centre, off-road capability and first-inexcellent, from being greeted by a has begun a forward-thinking part- class automatic transmission along friendly smile as soon as you walk nership with Wiltshire Police which with innovative Jeep Active Drive through the door, with a cup of will see an all-new Jeep Renegade systems. coffee should you have to wait a bit put to the test in a six month trial.

Andrew Carr, Wiltshire police Hub to be attended to, to the efficiency It's a first for the dealership and Superintendent based at Gable and attention to detail when you also Wiltshire Police, where at the Cross Police Station, believes the collect the car.” end of the test period, the force Renegade has great potential to An overall experience rating will have purchased the vehicle at a support the fight against crime in of 98 per cent, and 99 per cent preferential rate. and around the Swindon area. He of customers saying they would The Renegade, based at Swindon said: “We’re delighted to add the recommend Pebley to a friend, Police HQ at Gable Cross, has been Jeep to our fleet of vehicles, it’s placed the firm in pole position in given a complete makeover by the the first of its kind we’ve used as a the franchised main dealer category force, with full police graphics, blue marked vehicle. in the South West. lights and sirens fitted.

“We're confident this is the start Pebley will now go on to the It was chosen to join the force of a rewarding relationship between London national final – which it fleet as its compact size gives police Wiltshire Police and TH White Fiat won last year – part of the Auto off-road access to rural areas that Group Brand Centre.”

Express Awards on June 30. larger vehicles are not able to reach. www.motors.thwhite.co.uk Managing director Dominic

Holly McAllister, head of customer service and quality for Motor Codes with Pebley Beach managing director Dominic Threlfall at last year’s final Threlfall said: “We have very loyal customers who come back to us year after year and are happy to recommend us to friends and family.

We work hard to retain their loyalty, and I’m delighted that the efforts of our award-winning team have paid off.”

While Pebley Beach is a franchise holder for the Hyundai and Suzuki brands, drivers of any make of car can take advantage of the firm’s MoT and servicing department.

Find out more at: www.pebley.co.uk

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Fuel consumption MPG (l/100km) for Hyundai range: Urban 18.0 (15.7) - 80.7 (3.5), Extra Urban 32.8 (8.6) - 94.2 (3.0), Combined 25.2 (11.2) - 88.3 (3.2), CO2 Emissions 261 - 84 g/km. Fuel consumption: figures shown are based on official EU test figures. These are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect all driving results. *Models shown: i10 S 1.0 at £8,705 OTR in solid paint at no extra cost and New i30 SE 1.4 5dr at £16,495 in solid paint at no extra cost. On the road (OTR) prices shown include customer saving discounts where applicable, VAT where applicable, delivery, vehicle first registration fee, number plates and 12 months’ Road Fund Licence. All offers and savings are subject to availability, while stocks last and are only available to private retail customers on new cars purchased and registered in the UK (excluding Channel Islands or Isle of Man), between 1st April and 30th June 2015, inclusive, sourced through Hyundai Motor UK Ltd or its authorised dealers. Offers are not available for customers under the Hyundai Affinity Programme. 5 Year Warranty terms and exclusions apply. Please see www.hyundai.co.uk or ask your local Dealer.

swindonlink.com n July 2015

37

Blooms on display for charity

LANDSERVE

West Swindon garden open in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity and Prospect Hospice Saturday 18 July, 10am to 5pm 1 Berry Copse, Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5AD Cream teas and cakes, tombola, raffle & rumble table Entry £2

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

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TWIGS Community Garden: Sunday 19 July, 1pm to 5pm The two acre community garden adjacent to Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor, is maintained by volunteers who experience mental health problems.

The gardens provide plenty of ideas for your own garden. Swindon beekeepers will have a stall and there will be plants and craft goods for sale as well as home-made teas.

Admission £3; children free. www.twigscommunitygardens.org.uk

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Lydiard Park Walled Garden: Sunday 19 July, 11am to 5pm The beautifully restored ornamental 18th Century walled garden will be at its peak, a riot of colour with shrubs alternating with individually planted flowers and bulbs as well as sweet peas, annuals and wall-trained fruit trees.

Light refreshments are available in the adjacent tearooms.

Admission £2, children £1.

Visit Lydiard Park and view the medieval decoration in St Mary’s Church, and also the St John family tree which celebrates 400 years on 24, 25 and 26 July. See page 23 for details www.lydiardpark.org.uk See gardens involved with the National Garden Scheme open throughout the year at www.ngs.org.uk

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www.sansums.co.uk 38

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GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHED 1992

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GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

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upvc-swindon@hotmail.co.uk

ELECTRICIAN • Electrical installations • Modifications • Fault finding • Inspection & Testing • Domestic & Commercial • 24/7 Emergency call-out • Part P & IET Certified

Call Darren on 01793 629 629 www.crannistech.co.uk

Tel: 01793 271185 Mobile: 07813 950899

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS • Kitchen/Bathroom Installations • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing • Tiling • Minor Electrical • Carpentry • Garden landscaping/Maintenance • Patios & Decking

Tel: 01793 721677 Mobile 07919415849 24/7 Emergency Call Out • All Works Guaranteed • Reliable & Affordable

All types of electrical work undertaken • House extensions, alterations & rewires • Fault finding & repairs • Fuse board repairs & replacements • Testing & certification • Kitchen installations - cookers & appliances • Intruder alarm systems • Bathroom installations • Supplies to garages & out-houses • Lighting & socket outlets • Exterior lighting & power • 24 hour emergency call out

Swindon’s Heating & Plumbing Specialists • Full Central Heating Installations • Boiler Replacement, Servicing & Repair • All Plumbing & Maintenance Services • Full Bathroom Installations • Landlord & Letting Agent Services • Renewable Energy Installations

Fully qualified, NAPIT & Part P Approved Electricians

01793 847575

www.wired-electrical.co.uk

info@wired-electrical.co.uk

01793 878636

T.

523887

Power Flus hing Agent

www.CentraHeat.co.uk

CentraHeat.co.uk

www.

07739 357617

M.

swindonlink.com n July 2015

41

SERVICE SECTOR

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Plumbing

& Heating MJP Home Creations

❉ Quality bathroom suites

fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, 302877 machines installed

Free estimates

01793 876600 07748 964433

Creation Born Of Perfection Specialists in kitchens bathrooms and wetrooms Design and installation, plastering, plumbing, electrics, underfloor heating and tiling

Contact Matthew Pollard: 07779 318717 info@mjphomecreations.com See our customer testimonials: www.mjphomecreations.com

Approved Plumber

mjplumbing64@gmail.com

DAMP SOLUTIONS

IS DAMP A PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME?

DECORATOR

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

Do you have: • Rising damp • Streaming windows?

• Damp clothing & furniture?

• Unsightly black mould?

• Wet internal walls?

• Mould and odours?

Damp surveys undertaken All damp problems solved Call now for free advice

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

DECORATOR INSIDE AND OUT • High class painting and decorating • 30 years experience • Competitive rates • Interior & exterior • References available • Reliable friendly service, all work undertaken For free quotation call Paul on

01793 321981 07775 840236

HEATING & PLUMBING

HOME MAINTENANCE

Quality Plumbing & Heating

G R SERVICES

Est. 30 years • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Bathrooms & tiling • Power showers • Outside taps Reg: 128966 All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

Painting and decorating Carpentry services Grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Kitchen & bathroom installations Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

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

HOME MAINTENANCE Services

(Household Maintenance) Handyman

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

www.swindondamp.co.uk

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367 www.swindonheating.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

OFFICES/WORKSHOPS

PLANS DRAWN

PLASTERING

TILING

Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.

BSJ PLASTERING & DECORATING SERVICES

GILES BROS

01793 886222

WHITEHALL CRICKLADE LTD

near Cricklade - out of town location

OFFICES/ WORKSHOPS Are you looking for flexible, rural office/workspace, in various sizes, on attractive terms?

Contact: 01793 750416 allbusiness@whitehall-services.co.uk

42

swindonlink.com n July 2015

From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and advice given.

7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered

Call Bob on 07778 324228

email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

All areas of Plastering, Decorating and Refurbishment undertaken

• Ceilings and Walls Plastered • Coving • Rendering • Painting & Decorating - Internal & External • Complete Home Improvements undertaken • Free quotations

For a free no obligation quote call Gary on

FLOOR & WALL TILING SPECIALISTS

Please contact Brian Jones

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Professional, reliable and friendly service www.swindonplasterer.com

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

Mobile: 07976 572905 Home: 01793 725834

SERVICE SECTOR

43

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

DECORATOR

DECORATOR

Paul Rhind

J S Property Services

Experienced in all aspects FREE of interior and exterior ESTIMATES decorating

TREVOR WYSE

Roofing & building maintenance

Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

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

DOUBLE GLAZING

ELECTRICIAN

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

Doctor TREVOR WYSE Professional Painter Glass & Decorator

ELECTRICAL Professional Painter SERVICES

Call 01793 721455 or

Call 01793 721455 or 07976 885203 Also hinges FREE QUOTATIONS,

repairs & replaces cracked, broken or Wallpaper Specialist misted double Coving • Dado Rails • Tiling glazed windows Also hinges 07976 885203 and locks

Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671 www.trevorwyse.com

TREVOR WYSE

SAFE & SHAW

Doctor Glass & Decorator

✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ repairs SECURITY ALARMS &LIGHTING/FIRE replaces cracked, Wallpaper Specialist ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR broken or SOCKETS Coving •double Dado Rails • Tiling ✓ misted SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ glazed FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT windows ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING NO locks OBLIGATION and

Please call Call: 01793 Paul Eastham on 854448 www.trevorwyse.com 07769 883717 or 07976 219671

✓ Domestic, commercial & letting INTERIOR & ✓ Specialist in insurance claims EXTERIOR & DIY 'rescues’

Pa inte r&

Conservatories, fascias and guttering

General General carpentry carpentry Fitted Fitted kitchens kitchens // bedrooms bedrooms Laminate Laminate and and solid solid flooring flooring Replacement Replacement doors doors Skirtings Skirtings // architraves architraves Decking Decking and and patios patios General General building building maintenance maintenance

PA I N T I N G A N D D E C O R AT I N G

UPVC windows & doors

Home & Garden Improvements

✓ Competitive rates (no VAT) REDUCTIONS FOR ✓ Excellent references & recommended Call OAPs ✓ Registered by the Painting & Decorating

01793 ✓ Age UK Registered 334823 ✓ Full public liability insurance or Free advice and quotations 07788 contact Darryl Bevan on 01793 497461 or 07919 671307 572043 Association

PR ID E

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

De cor ato r

CARPENTRY

A C h a n g e o f Co l o u r

BUILDING SERVICES

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

Call 01793 721455 or 07976 885203

www.trevorwyse.com

HEATING & PLUMBING

RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd Doctor

Glass

Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work

• Central heating cracked, repairs & replaces 7 YEAR GUARANTEE • Bathrooms & showers on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers broken or misted double rates • Competitive glazed windows • All work guaranteed Accredited Installer Also hinges • No job too small and locks

Call: 01793 854448details call Richard For further or 07976 219671 on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

203455

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES

APPRENTICESHIP SERVED TRADESMAN • Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling • Electrics • Plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted including granite For a complete professional service contact:

STEVE GEORGE

APPROVED

Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364 30 years experienced tradesman

TILING

TILING

WOODWORK

TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673

TRADITIONAL HANDMADE KITCHENS, FURNITURE, FITTED WARDROBES BESPOKE JOINERY WINDOWS, DOORS, GATES CONSERVATORIES SKIRTING AND ARCHITRAVES

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

www.britishwoodwork.co.uk info@britishwoodwork.co.uk

WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST Please call Leon for a free quote

01793 978274

swindonlink.com n July 2015

43

SERVICE SECTOR

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

ACCOUNTANCY

AERIAL SERVICES

CJD

Shaun Guard

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

TV AERIAL SERVICES

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

Poor Reception Solved Aerials repaired & supplied TVs - Hung on your wall and tuned Extra TV Points - For aerial and Sky (In HD!) Sky TV - Also Foreign Language TV

Call Swindon 01793 474720

www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

BOOK-KEEPING

CARPETS

AERIAL SERVICES

Chris Payne

aerials & satellite systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

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

Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

CARPET CLEANING

AERIAL SERVICES

Aerial Solutions • Does your picture freeze and break up?

• Would you like TV points in other rooms?

• Do you want Freesat or Sky installed?

Then contact your local VAT free aerial and satellite installers

01793 744957

50% off digital aerials

CARPET CLEANING

Abacus Cleaning Services

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

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

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

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748 www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

We bring the showroom to you!

Carpet, Vinyl, Wood & Laminate

01793 200071

www.jcarpets.co.uk Great personal service with great prices!

CLEARANCE

Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

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

• Quickly usable

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed

Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

www.abacuscleaningswindon.co.uk

COMPUTER SUPPORT

COMPUTER SUPPORT

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

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

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

Tel: 01793 325685

GARAGE DOORS

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

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

44

swindonlink.com n July 2015

OVEN CLEANING

Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves

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 877677 or email:

office@enlan.co.uk

PEST CONTROL

PEST CONTROL

Cost Effective Pest Prevention and Control

ASW Pest Control

Highly competitive pricing Swindon based Fully qualified Specialists in all pest removal Bird proofing Wasp Specialists 7 Day - No call out charge

Call 07818 550347

russell@whelanpest.co.uk

Daily service in Swindon and surrounding areas covering all pests including rats, mice, moles, rabbits, pigeons, ants, fleas, bedbugs, wasps and bees

Prompt professional service 07966 527538 07973 767582 www.aswpestcontrol.co.uk

SERVICE SECTOR

45

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

HALE SKILLS • Washing Machines • Cookers • Dishwashers

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances

• Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 year’s experience

Same day/next day service

Call 07963 131429

Tel: 01793 469300

e.mail: haleskills@gmail.com

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

CLEANING

At COSMOS-PRESTIGE Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Natural Stone Restoration

h Domestic and Commercial h End of Tenancy Cleaning h Stain Removal h Tile & Grout Colour Sealing h Driveway/Patio Cleaning h Stone Cleaning & Sealing h Free Competitive Quote h Fully Insured

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

www.procleancleaningservices.co.uk

COMPUTER SUPPORT

FURNITURE WANTED

Mobile: 07506 740921

Est 2002 For all your computing needs

• • • • •

we are dedicated to

TOP QUALITY CLEANING and great customer satisfaction

Phone MAGGIE on 07516 57 99 76

and see how easily you can afford to RELAX and still have a SPARKLING CLEAN HOME Also OFFICE cleaning and IRONING Check out our written references Work done under insurance

www.cosmos-prestige.com

Make an impact!

Promote your business on paper and online @ swindonlink.com Call Sue Roberts to discuss our combined advertising packages

01793 602540

GARAGE DOORS

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

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

CLEANING

Showroom:

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

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

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

REMOVALS

SCRAP METAL

TV REPAIRS

UPHOLSTERY

WHITE VAN MAN

RODDERS SCRAP METAL

Gogglebox

M & J Upholsterers

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

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

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

Call Darryl Pace on 01793 812738

RE-UPHOLSTERY & ALL SUITE REPAIRS Re-upholstery of 3 piece suites, dining & fireside chairs etc.

Also new seat interiors Seams - Zips - Springs

LEATHER CLEANING Repairs carried out in situ Established 1972

Call 07709 453949 emanjayupholstery@gmail.com swindonlink.com n July 2015

45

VIEWPOINT: Richard Pagett

A snow centre for Swindon. But is it resiliant?

What a brilliant idea! What with hotels, retail outlets, entertainment arena and a ski slope, this should be a real kick-start to energise a town centre, but, there are major problems. The question is, does it meet resiliance requirements?

This project needs incredibly careful planning and expertise. Raising cash and pouring concrete is fairly straightforward but designing infrastructure for resilience into the future is hard, very hard.

If not finessed carefully then all one is doing today is adding straw to the camel’s back. When we do not take the future into account today, then that is unsustainable and becomes a big no, no.

Understanding how to build resilience in cities is arguably one of the defining challenges of the 21st Century. Urban populations are exploding and urban centres are vulnerable.

But how can we build resilience in the context of complex and massively divergent urban tapestries?

We need to unpack the enormous opportunities that exist for stimulating resilient development.

We all know that the last few climate change summits (at the end of each year) have all been promising to figure out a deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions so that global overall temperatures do not exceed an additional 2 degrees threshold.

The problem, of course, is that as the world leaders tussle with that challenge, we are, the world over, adding to the problem each day with everything we do. We are still moving food around, heating water, driving cars, building houses as if it was still 1970. That is to be expected.

The density of our population means that most have to live in cities and towns. This could be the best way of gaining economy of scale in terms of emission reduction, current housing, food, water, waste and energy.

Unfortunately, current policies are just too unsophisticated to accomplish that. Arguably, we can only do so much with food, housing, cars, waste and so on as these are basic requirements, and we cannot all go and live in a cave.

There are simply not enough caves to go around anyway.

But the elephant in the room is entertainment. Entertainment is discretionary though an important part of the human condition. We have been sitting around open fires listening to storytellers for thousands of years.

In modern times entertainment has become ever more sophisticated and energy-consumptive. Some entertainment can have low carbon footprints, but Formula 1, Premier League, badminton (in fact most sports) have larger or smaller energy penalties, not to mention snow domes.

So where do we draw the line?

Society will decide that, though probably not soon. Yet, the writing

Prize winner DJ McGhee ran a competition in the April Link to win a copy of his debut illustrated story ‘Space Invaders!

On offer was a signed copy of his book and a signed and framed print of one of his pictures that appear in it, as well as an Easter egg The winner was seven year old Lauren Winley who attends Haydon Wick Primary School who is pictured with DJ. Find out more about the author and upcoming books on Facebook: DJ McGhee

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swindonlink.com n July 2015

ion the wall is not on everyone’s wall just yet. The best we can do, given all the constraints, is that all new infrastructure has to be designed with resilience in mind. It is no longer acceptable to burden the future with our energy consumption attitudes.

So let’s welcome the snow dome but it needs to be designed with a minimum carbon footprint, emission-free and zero waste as far as possible, taking responsibility for all the emissions of the thousands of cars driven to the attractions, and of course, it needs to generate emission-free energy from, for example, solar panels and heat pumps. It needs to use all the latest innovative materials and concepts.

Quite simply and unequivocally, it needs to be (from what we have been told so far) considerably better than it is.

If not, Swindon’s entertainment driven regeneration will simply be another headstone in the Cemetery of Lost Chances and a reckless embarrassment.

• Dr Richard Paget, who lives in Purton, is an international expert on resilience and thinker on the critical global issues of our time, connecting their importance with activities at a local level