Leisure

Swindon Wide Swindon couple print book in aid of Nepal earthquake relief

Dr Ian Matheson and his wife Rosa returned to Swindon in early May from a month long visit to Nepal, with copies of a new book written to raise money for numerous projects in Nepal.

The Highworth couple were part of Health Partnership Nepal in Spring 2009. Whilst in Kathmandu they were approached by Amrit Bikram Shahi, now known as Angel, requesting the assistance of a doctor and medicines for some children who were unwell in his orphanage. mountains, in the towns and in the

The couple have been supporting villages – illustrated with moving Angel’s Orphanage ever since, photographs. through the Friends of Angel’s Rosa said: “It is a truly humbling Orphanage charity they created. and awesome book, a testament to They had just left the country when people’s humanity, resilience, pride, the catastrophic earthquake hit in courage and tremendous kindness. April 2015. One cannot read it and not be

Earthquake Nepal 2015 – The moved, sometimes to sadness, Human Story is a collection of sometimes to joy and often to contributions written by more wonder at the majesty of human than 50 people and organisations nature.” – locals and foreigners – from For a copy of Earthquake a waiter, volunteers, doctors, Nepal 2015 – The Human students, children, a mother Story, contact Rosa via www. having a baby, teachers, a dancer, the100womenbookproject.com trek guides, relatives abroad, a Help Friends of Angel’s Orphanage Rotarian and reporters – on the via: www.angelsorphanage.com

Competition: Win a limited edition GWR commuters colouring book

Legendary locomotives and the regions they served have been reimagined in Great Western Railway’s (GWR) first colouring book, featuring locomotives built in Swindon’s railway works – and you have the chance to win one of two copies, thanks to GWR.

‘Iron Horses of Elaine Arthurs of Steam with the colouring book the West’ has been created in partnership by Bristol- on display at Steam, the Museum of based urban street artist Andy the Great Western Railway. Council, with help from train Building on the popularity, and enthusiasts. It celebrates the art zeitgeist, for adult colouring books, of ‘ferroequinology’ – the study of ‘Iron Horses of the West’ champions railways, and the locomotive ‘Iron not only the creativity of the South Horses’ that traversed them. West but also the trains that serve

Each of the designs illustrated it. by Andy was inspired by the top To win a copy of this very locomotives that travelled the GWR collectable colouring book with a tracks. Some were chosen for their box of colouring pencils, tastefully timeless appeal, like the GWR King displaying the GWR logo, mail Class, and others for their speed, your details to: competitions@ such as the GWR City Class – the swindonlink.com by 15 June. first engine ever to travel at more Entrants will be included on our than 100mph. Both are famed weekly newsletter roundup of news products of Swindon and are now from www.swindonlink.com

Martin Parry, the director of Railway Town

History column by Graham Carter of Swindon Heritage efforts to support Swindon men who had become prisoners of war, exactly a hundred years ago. Call me biased if you like, but I have to say Railway Town was a triumph. The premiere of Martin Parry’s film sold out the Wyvern Theatre, and if you catch a future screening or get the DVD, I promise it will tell you much about what I like to call the Swindon Spirit. That spirit is the reason Swindon has enjoyed 175 years of success since Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Daniel Gooch decided to build their railway town here. I’m proud to have been a small part of the film, appearing in it and taking part in a discussion on the stage of the Wyvern after the screening. The talk on the night was mostly about why a town that was so good at solving problems for so long isn’t always on the ball now. What happened to the spirit that made a little town the beating heart of the world’s greatest ever railway and provided the blueprint for Britain’s greatest ever invention, the NHS? The film contains plenty of answers. The spirit grew out of the vision, co-operation, hard work and cleverness of previous generations of Swindonians, and as the editor of Swindon Heritage, I also get to highlight plenty more examples of it at work. Wherever you look in our local history, the Swindon Spirit shines through. Our new summer edition, available from the end of May, includes the story of Mary Slade, who won the MBE for her tireless She and her volunteers saved lives, and their work was a logistical wonder, as many aspects of Swindon’s history were. And the Swindon Spirit is still at large in the town’s many community-minded individuals and groups today. We are still a friendly, caring and active town, but we are no longer greater than the sum of our parts, on account of those parts not joining forces often enough. Whereas there was once the railway and the Mechanics’ Institute to unite people under the same umbrella, today we are more likely to turn to the council to guide and provide. But many do not realise or accept the council’s role - as they admit themselves - is ever-diminishing. So who is going to step up to the mark in the future? My favourite bit of Railway Town comes near the end, in footage of a bitter debate over the closure of the Railway Works in 1986, when a railwayman begs to carry on working, saying: “We can make anything in Swindon.” The defiance and the belief in his voice was the Swindon Spirit talking. Swindon’s heritage clearly demonstrates that we could make anything, and we probably could again. All we have to do is get together, work together and convince each other that we can. www.swindonheritage.com A second screening of Railway Town will take place on 7 June, 7pm, at a venue to be announced at Facebook: Viewpoint Community Media

Starlight Walk for Prospect Hospice

This year’s Starlight Walk takes place on Saturday 25 June leaving from Croft Leisure Centre.

The event costs £15 to regiester and has a suggested sponsorship of £100.

You can choose from the 10km or 15km routes around Old Town, Wroughton and Wichelstowe and discover the special illuminated areas along the way. Get involved by dressing up in anything which glows, lights up or just bright colours.

All money raised will go directly towards Prospect Hospice’s nursing care. www.prospect-hospice.net/ Events/starlight Claire Fleming from Haydon End has just published her second novel, having enjoyed success with her debut, Dark Horse, which is selling well via Amazon in Europe, America and in the UK.

She hopes the latest novel, Drowning will follow in its footsteps.

Claire works full time for Swindon Borough Council, but has been writing in her spare time since she was at junior school.

She said: “I use my website and social media to spread the word about my books, but I’ve found that the personal touch is really effective. I’ve made new friends on local Facebook sites and I combined the launch of my second novel with a book signing at the Lambourn Open Day. People were interested in the fact I was there in person and wanted to know more about the writing process.”

Dark Horse was written over the course of a year - on long train journeys and also in Central Library. It tells the tale of a graduate forced to go on the run in sleepy Gloucestershire.

Drowning is set in 2025 and is more political. It was inspired by a non fiction book about the

Claire Fleming of Haydon End

environmental challenges facing the human race, and whether technology has the answers.

Claire explained: “I was on holiday in a hot country and overhead a lady say that she didn’t feel guilty about using plenty of water, as she’d paid for it. I wanted to capture that sentiment in a story. It’s not as heavy as it sounds. It’s still a warm, humorous tale, but hopefully makes the reader think more about our actions, our greed and consumerism.

“I’m now planning a sequel to Dark Horse because people are wanting more with these characters.”

Both books are available on Kindle, or in paperback and are stocked in Central Library.

Visit www.cfleming.co.uk and facebook.com/cflemingauthor

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Businessmen join management team to take Swindon Speedway Robins forward

Swindon Speedway is pleased to announce the introduction of a consortium of local businessmen to the club and in turn the formation of a board of directors to assist with the running and promotion of the Robins.

Mike Bowden is now the club’s chief executive officer, Per-Axel Warensjo financial director with current owner Terry Russell continuing as the club’s chairman whilst remaining the major shareholder in Swindon Speedway.

These developments are seen as a big step forward by Terry. He said: “It is something that I have wanted to happen for some time now.

“Local business people at the head of the club to help promote it in and around Swindon is fantastic news and can only move the club forward. It allows Alun Rossiter and Colin Pratt to focus on team matters and B.S.P.A (British Speedway Promoters Association) matters whilst the business side of the club is being well looked after.

“I’m excited by the new setup that will push the club forward as we move into a new era.”

Mike Bowden said: “I have been an

From left, Per-Axel Warensjo, Mike Bowden and Terry Russell

avid speedway fan since the age of 15 – my first meeting coincidentally being at Rye House on the day Colin Pratt made his debut as a team manager. My aim working with Terry and the team is to do all I can to ensure the Swindon Robins continue to be a strong, successful and an ever popular feature of our town.”

The club has also announced it will be sponsoring this year’s Swindon Shuffle music festival.

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5 Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre, Swindon SN5 5PY Charity cricket match to end polio

A charity cricket match will take will captain the Isambard Kingdom place on Sunday 19 June at the Brunel XI and Jon ‘Rocky’ Lewis, County Ground as part of Swindon of Swindon Cricket Club, who will 175 celebrations. captain the Daniel Gooch XI.

The match has been organised It will be preceded by a Junior by the Swindon branch of the 20:20 at 11am between Swindon Rotary Club in support of Rotary Cricket Club XI and District XI. International’s mission to eradicate The main match starts at 2.30pm polio worldwide. with doors opening at 11am. The

Polio is an infectious disease event, which is sponsored by caused by the poliovirus which can Deacons and ASG, will also include result in paralysis and death. It is a hog roast, stalls, games, a public now entirely preventable with a bar and skittles. Tickets, available vaccine. on the door or in advance from the

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New appointments for Trust STFC

The Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust (Trust STFC) continues to widen its reach with the addition of three new board members.

Rob Angus, Greg Callard and From left, Steve Mytton, James Rishi Ladwa are all long-standing Phipps, Rob Angus, Rishi Ladwa Swindon Town fans and will and Greg Callard work with vice-chairman James Phipps who continues to develop Greg said: “I am honoured to be relationships with local businesses. involved with such a passionate

Rob is appointed as an external Trust that has the club at the heart director with a specific focus of its every thought and drive.” on financial planning. Currently Rishi added: “I’m delighted to director of strategy and propositions be involved with the Trust, whose at Nationwide, he said: “I’m really objectives all benefit the club I have pleased to add my support to ensure supported for 26 years.” we safeguard the long-term future Chairman Steve Mytton welcomed of our football club and I aim to the trio onto the board, saying: help enable the Trust to continue all “Rob, Greg and Rishi bring with its great work.” them significant experience as

Greg and Rishi both work at we look to expand and grow our solicitors Withy King. Greg is part ambitions. of the commercial property team ‘‘While they bring a corporate while Rishi is an associate in the edge, it’s important to recognise corporate and commercial division. that they are all massive Town They will add invaluable legal know- supporters.” how to the board. www.truststfc.com

Recycling cycles

Cycling column by Rob Derry of Swindon Bicycle Users Group (BUG)

I recently went to the place that we all used to call the tip - the Household Recycling Centre. On depositing a couple of old dustbins and a few other bits and pieces I noticed a large collection of bicycles of various styles and conditions.

In the main, there appeared to be nothing wrong with these bikes. Some had rusty chains but everything else seemed to be in order. I wondered why so many people are throwing so many good bikes out. I didn’t have a brand new bike until I was about 14 when I bought my own. I didn’t have another new one until my mid-20s. I asked a member of staff what they did with those bikes and I was expecting to be told they were broken down in to their Young cyclists can take part in weekly Swindon Go-Ride sessions at Lydiard Park.

The summer series takes place every Saturday at 10am from 4 June to 16 July.

Go-Ride is British Cycling’s development programme for young people aged seven to 16. The programme provides a fun and safe way to introduce young riders to cycling. base materials and used to make something completely different. However, they are given to charities to repair, rebuild and ship out to Africa. Some are given to the prison service for them to repair and rebuild. Other charities also benefit from these machines.

It’s great to see that these discarded bikes are reused. I’ve tried selling a couple of bikes that the kids have grown out of, and other than a particular brand, they struggle to sell. Maybe people simply prefer to buy new. They’re missing a trick in my opinion as the value of a second hand bike can be incredible – a lot have often hardly been used, they’ve simply been grown out of. l If you want to donate your old bike to a good cause you should at www.re-cycle.org

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Riders can turn up on the day, but should register in advance on the website.

Each rider should bring a donation of £1 for each session, a parental consent form, a helmet and their own bike. Funds from the donations are invested into coaching and equipment. All the coaches are volunteers and qualified by British Cycling. www.swindon-go-ride.uk

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Sport and Leisure Swindon team to relay swim the English Channel for Aspire spinal injury charity

A team of six swimmers including will both be on tenterhooks with Bethan Sowden from West the rest of the team to get the Swindon, will be challenging call to go to Dover.... from there themselves to raise funds for we will take it in turns swimming the Aspire spinal injuries charity an hour at a time until we touch by relay swimming the English land in France. This can be in the Channel in August. region of 12 hours plus, where Bethan is no stranger to the we will encounter one of the arduous swim, having attempted busiest shipping lanes in the world, the crossing twice already, changing tides, water temperatures successfully negotiating one of the around 15 degrees, jelly fish and busiest shipping lanes in the world the potential of sea sickness. in 2012. “We are relishing and looking On the JustGiving page she shares forward to the challenge.” Bethan Sowden and Lyndsey Adamson at Link Centre pool with team mate Lyndsey Adamson, For details, or to donate, visit: Bethan said: “From 17 August we www.justgiving.com/Bethan-Lyndsey

Wanborough Farmers The Hypnotherapy Studio in Cricklade offers Market on 18 June solution-focused therapy for all

Wanborough Farmers Market takes place on Saturday 18 June from 9am to midday.

The market is located at Wanborough Village Hall and there is parking available at the Harrow Inn opposite, where the chef’s bread can also be bought.

There will be a range of stallholders selling everything from eggs to organic vegetables.

For more information call 01793 790438 or email sbirley@gn.apc.org

Hypnotherapist Sarah Sollom

The Hypnotherapy Studio offers modern solution-focused therapy from fully qualified and registered hypnotherapist Sarah Sollom.

Located in quiet and welcoming surroundings, with private parking on site, The Hypnotherapy Studio offers a calming environment where Sarah can help her client to understand what is going on in the brain, so that together they can unlock the client’s own strengths and resources.

Sarah says: “There are so many conditions and issues that are often subconsciously linked to stress or anxiety, and the solution-focused therapy helps to alleviate these issues.”

Sarah, who is also an artist, views hypnotherapy as an art form with both the client and herself being creative.

“I help the client to visualise what life would be like without the issue that is causing concern, so as to bring about positive changes,” she said.

“Sometimes clients are sceptical at first, but I explain the process clearly.

“I help them to realise that there is nothing weird or supernatural in hypnotherapy and you don’t have to ‘believe’ in it for it to help.

“You simply have to want to make some changes and be willing to engage in the process.’

“I would say to anyone, forget what you have seen on TV or stage shows. Hypnosis, when used as part of a therapy is a logical process, validated by scientific research.

“It is a safe, gentle, dignified procedure and the client is aware and in control at all times.

“I am able to help with a range of issues including general anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, overeating, pain relief, IBS, phobias and to stop smoking.”

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Call Graham on (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350 Sport and Leisure Walk A Mile for Swindon Carers

Carers Week from 6 to 12 June Swindon town centre on Saturday is an annual campaign to raise 11 June, 10.30am for 11am from awareness of caring, highlight the the Artsite Gallery in Theatre challenges that carers face and Square. recognise the contribution they To register for the event, or if make to families and communities you would like to organise a Walk throughout the UK. a Mile event for a school, group or

Swindon Carers Centre is calling business, call Heather Goldsmith on on people to help them by taking 01793 531133 part in their Walk A Mile in www.swindoncarers.org.uk

Muster your crews for Rotary Club Dragon Boat race at Coate Water - 26 June

•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 Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix is calling on businesses, sports groups and charities to assemble crews to take part in this year’s dragon boat racing challenge.

The 2016 event takes place at Coate Water on Sunday 26 June. It’s the fourth year the club has organised the big fundraiser and it is looking for at least six more crews.

Teams must have a minimum of 17 participants, aged at least 12. In each race there are 16 rowers and one is the drummer who beats out the paddle rhythm, but two or three reserve team members is recommended.

Find out more at www. swindondragonboat.org.uk where there is an information pack and team registration form.

Geoff Maxted of Drivewrite.co.uk takes the VW Touran MPV for a spin

The thing to remember about a Multi-Purpose Vehicle is that the clue is in the MPV designation. In this case it is a mid-size seven-seat vehicle which has many practical uses, none of which include driving thrills. This is the car you want when there is child wrangling to be done or awkward items to be collected from the garden centre. Enthusiastic drivers need not apply.

It has to be said that in a sea of similar vehicles the Volkswagen Touran doesn’t really set itself apart. It is determinedly unflashy. The Touran does have one thing on its side though and that is build quality. It feels solid and dependable, able to withstand the rigours of family car life.

The two small seats at the rear fold flush into the floor to ensure there is more than adequate boot space. It takes ten seconds to raise and lock them into position. At a pinch two adults could sit there for a short trip but really they are for children. Even with the third row up there is still room for the family shop at the back.

The second row will seat three comfortably and they too will fold flat individually or collectively to give an already generous boot almost cavernous qualities. The boot itself has hooks, straps, cubbies and 12v power and the tested car also offered a cargo net for extra security. Under the floor is a tyre inflation kit which isn’t to everyone’s taste but serves to better utilise interior space.

The tested Touran is the SE version; one up from the base S model. It has all you need but you have to forgo climate control for more basic air-con. All the now expected technology is on board with a decent infotainment screen covering navigation, music and car controls in one easy to use set-up, augmented by steering wheel controls.

Pretty much everything has been redesigned to work better than on the Mark 1 version. This means increased safety and more gadgets. The model to avoid is the entry S level which is a tad spartan. As ever, there are various trim levels and options right up to the rangetopping R-Line model.

A nice touch is the CD / SD card player hidden behind a bright panel above the glove box which helps to keep the dashboard neat and tidy. The twelve volt socket, aux plug and USB are tucked away in one of the many useful storage wells. Seats are comfortable enough for long trips and the driving position is good. It even has five Isofix fittings for profligate child-rearers.

There’s a good range of engines to choose from. My pick of the range is the 1.6 TDI 110 SE model as tested here. It’s a happy medium between cost, efficiency and performance and comes with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG auto. On test I routinely saw well over 43mpg and on a longer run diesel consumption rose to a heady 51.2mpg.

The Volkswagen Touran is not the most exciting car to look at but, for what it lacks in styling, it makes up for with its functionality. Its unique selling point is the classy-feeling interior, which is also more spacious and practical than many rivals in this class. It is very comfortable to ride in but not exciting to drive. Subtle improvements across the board over the previous iteration make the new Volkswagen Touran more impressive than ever as a family all-rounder.

Gardening Swindon Super Bees could save the world after bee man’s second big discovery

It’s estimated that 80 per cent of the world’s food production relies on bees to pollinate flowers, but varroa mite parasites are weakening bee populations resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of beehives each year in the UK, Europe and the USA.

However Ron Hoskins and the Swindon Honeybee Conservation Group have discovered how to combat varroa infestation without resorting to using chemicals.

In 1994 Ron found a queen bee with a genetic mutation in one of his hives. It meant she was producing bees which were grooming each other to rid themselves of mites.

He said: “The varroa mite became a major problem to beekeepers in 1992. The advice to beekeepers from the Department of Agriculture is to use chemicals and the producers are keen on this. But chemicals cannot eradicate the mites; it

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simply means beekeepers intervene to keep them in check, but at the same time weakening the bees. Most feral colonies have been killed by the mite. I’ve not used chemicals for over 20 years since finding that special queen and proved she had a unique ability to breed what I call ‘hygienic bees.’

“Since then we’ve carried out a selective breeding programme of queen bees which lay eggs which develop into bees which have strong hygienic behaviour in their genes. From the original queen we now have well over 100 hives which have very low infestation.”

The group’s success has been Ron Hoskins, giving close attention to saving honeybees widely reported amongst beekeepers and in the national and local media. a wound in the larval bee’s body to However, the pioneering work

But Ron’s second discovery in 2015 provide blood for baby mites to feed by Ron and his colleagues Eddy has yet to be widely covered. off. As all bee larvae moult several Eggleston, Glen Head and Ron Hill

Though varroa mites are parasites times as they develop in the cell the is being limited and even put in they don’t actually kill bees, but adult mite must keep the wound jeopardy because they are denied they spread viruses which do destroy open for her young. One of the baby government grants or support from them. “The main killer is Deformed mites is a male which will mate universities. Despite being very Wing Virus (DWV TypeA), spread with his sisters and then dies. experienced beekeepers they are not by the blood sucking mites which “Bees have an acute sense of regarded as scientists. occupy the cells in the hive where smell and by close observation Ron has just had his eighty-fifth the queen lays her eggs,” said Ron. we discovered that they were birthday and other members of the

“The adult female varroa, having identifying the larval cells where group are all over the age of 50. already mated, enters the bee there was an odour coming from Their passion, expertise and skills larval cell before it is capped over. the wound. could be lost if their discoveries are There she lays her eggs and makes “Bees were removing these larvae not developed further. from the hive before they fully Ron commented: “The struggle developed and could spread a to get funding is so frustrating. disease. We’re all unpaid volunteers and it’s “The Swindon Super Bees have amazing that, with the problems been studied by virologists who the world is facing from bee colony declared that our bees have a Super collapse and the implications that Infection Exclusion Virus (SIEV) or has on food production, we cannot DWV (TypeB) which means they are get money to further our work. immune to the deadly DWV (TypeA) We’ve been to places like the killer virus. National Environmental Research “The report of their research Council which is based in Swindon into our bees was published in the but have been turned down.” journal Nature and was featured in Read the full story and find a link a ten minute film presented by Chris to Chris Packham’s BBC film about Packham on the BBC in October the conservation group’s work at: 2015.” www.bit.ly/Swindonbeeresearch

Fun for families at Studley Grange

There are lots of baby lambs and for paper crafters with everything kids waiting to meet you at Studley needed to make beautiful gifts or Grange Craft Village, Butterfly World items for the home. The Dolls House and Farm Park, near Wroughton. Workshop is also a place for your

Watch them skipping about and imagination to run riot. give them a cuddle; they’re sure to Close by is the tropical house put a smile on your face. where you can come close to

There is also the latest arrival, graceful and colourful butterflies. Rigby the raccoon, as well as many The Butterfly Cafe is a great place small animals to learn about, to enjoy a snack or main meal, especiallly at feeding times. freshly prepared on site.

There are an array of retail units See the advert for Studley Grange to explore and the chocolate shop is Craft Village and Butterfly World on proving very popular. page 26 or visit:

Sparkle Dreams is a one stop shop www.studleygrange.co.uk