June 2017 North West Swindon Link

No 421 June 2017

Est. overall readership across Swindon: 100,000

North and West Swindon Edition

General Election special p9

The Write Stuff!

Red Oaks pupils reach finals of national story competition page 14

Community: P3-20

Swindon Wide: P21-32

Sport & Leisure: P33-38

Services: P40-45

Puzzle: P46

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

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Community News Director: James Phipps

Let's do some democracy... again By Group Editor Jamie Hill It only seems like a month ago that I was telling you all to fulfil your democratic duty and to get out and vote. In fact, it was only a month ago. It was for Swindon's parish council elections and judging by the turnout a lot of people did get out there and vote. But it seems nowadays that elections are like buses with none for ages before two come at once. So we have the General Election coming up on Thursday June 8 and once again we should all be doing all we can to make sure that our voices are heard. You could even see the parish council elections as the dress rehearsal for this - the main event. A lot of people have sacrificed their lives to give us this opportunity as part of our democracy and we should honour them by voting whether it's for Labour, The Conservatives, The Lib Dems or even the 'We Love Peppa Pig' Party (which doesn't really exist but my four year old would

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com

vote for it in a flash). I've never understood those people who insist that they don't vote as 'it doesn't make any difference'. I would say to these people that we are living in interesting times where politics has seen a bit of a paradigm shift in recent years affecting all of our lives. If votes didn't matter how do they explain 'Trump' or 'Brexit' or even 'Macron'.? Every vote counts and it's important that we use it to make our voices heard. That's at least one thing that all political parties can agree on. You can see our coverage on page 9. jamie@swindonlink.com

Closing date for July adverts and editorial: 7 June July edition published: 23 June

Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Mike Barham Sales Admin: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart & Rosy Presley Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

Positive Media Group Limited, Unit 3, Arclite House, Century Road, Swindon SN5 5YN T: 01793 744677 E: publisher@swindonlink.com Our Statistics Est. Readership of 100,000 in print & c.20,000 monthly online visitors. Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £57. The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority. Positive Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers. Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Arclite House, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YN. Printed by pcp Telford

The Spirit of Swindon: Envy of the super-rich or giving pay the attention it merits By Bishop Lee Rayfield of Spirit of Swindon According to figures from the High Pay Centre in 2015, employees paid the National Minimum Wage would have to work 390 years to earn the average annual pay of a Chief Executive of a company listed on the FTSE100. Given that such executives receive around £5 million each year it is hardly surprising that the label ‘Fat Cats’ has been regularly applied to them. But is this fair? Might it simply be an expression of envy and a failure to recognise the wealth such people create for the UK economy? Are we forgetting the responsibilities and risks such individuals shoulder and downplaying the expertise they bring to their role? In seeking through this column to raise awareness of the impact of economic inequality on the UK, pay is one of the most obvious areas to focus on. Given that a larger gap between the 20% wealthiest and 20% poorest has a greater negative effect on the country as a whole, remuneration at the top and the bottom are self-evidently significant issues to address. There is increasing recognition that excessive levels of remuneration at the top is a problem, and not just for the general public; investors

and shareholders such as Pension Funds have been expressing serious concerns and, in some cases, there has been outrage. In 1988 the gap between the pay of top earners in the FTSE companies and the average pay of their staff was 1:47. That ratio increased to 1:143 by 2015. Bonus payments, short term focus on results and failure to link rewards with profitability and sustainability of a company have all been identified as causes. Social inequalities are promoted as a result. Excessive pay can be found in publicly listed companies, private businesses, hedge funds and investment management, professional services, sport and entertainment. But just what counts as excessive? The answer is not straightforward but that does not mean any sum is potentially justifiable. Ethical investing bodies recognise that variable remuneration packages (including incentives such as share payments and bonuses) may have a place in some types of company but that salaries build in natural, and healthy, restraint. Most CEOs are not entrepreneurs and there is not a high level of risk-taking. Furthermore, most executive directors do their best work

2015

1988

Artwork by David Wildish

when times are tough while their performance indicators reward them when times are good! Paying attention to the differential between the highest and the lowest paid employees in an organisation encourages workforce cohesion and a common purpose. There is no universal ‘right’ pay differential but John Lewis, not a stock market-listed company, ensures that its highest paid ‘partner’ receives no more than 75 times the lowest paid. However, differentials can encourage businesses to outsource the lowest paid jobs. Responsible businesses contribute greatly to a healthy society and human flourishing; they can and should be a powerful force for good. Future Spirit of Swindon articles will address other dimensions related to

remuneration but it has become clear that excessive pay rewards are increasingly regarded as unacceptable. They fuel both the experience and the reality of inequality and can undermine the value of the very organisations they are intended to protect. What one thing might you do to help Swindon take this issue more seriously? You could ask companies about their pay differential by using the ‘Pay Compare’ website. www. paycompare.org.uk/why-have-paymultiples. Let us know your findings at publisher@swindonlink.com. Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon offer a lead to other towns and cities in the UK. We are indebted in this article to Dr James Corah of CCLA. swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Community News

Election delays library decision

Retirees enjoy change of pace at 105.5

Covingham Community Library celebrated its launch this month

A question mark will remain over the funding for Swindon’s five remaining borough-run libraries until after the General Election. At a cabinet meeting at the end of April, it was suggested that funding could be provided through a public services mutual. Run as a charitable organisation, shared between the council, the local community and library staff, the mutual would oversee the running of Central, West Swindon, North Swindon, Park and Highworth libraries. This option was one of a number of delivery models considered during a review led by an outside consultancy firm with other options including in-house delivery, a council owned trading company, or using an external provider. Swindon’s core libraries

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moved to new staffed hours in April, with the council funding 47.5 hours a week for Central and 15 hours per week in the other libraries. Parish Councils in West Swindon, Highworth and Central Swindon South have supplemented these hours with additional funding. Swindon Borough Council will also maintain the non-core libraries of Even Swindon, Liden, Moredon, Old Town, Penhill, Pinehurst, Upper Stratton, and Wroughton, staffed for 15 hours each a week until the end of August 2017 after which community based options are being considered. Among this group, Covingham launched as Covingham Community Library this month thanks to the establishment of a library trust to run the facility.

L-R: Vic Benson, Phil Webb, Martin Preston, Chirs Ockwell and Keith Vowles

Retirement can offer many choices, but at Swindon 105.5 community radio there is the opportunity to spend the golden years doing something a little different. From presenting their own shows to helping with the day to day running of the station, Swindon 105.5's older volunteers are intrinsic to the station. Vic Benson, who hosts the Voice of the Villages show on Thursdays at 1pm, said: "I started broadcasting back in 1974 and have worked in radio throughout my life, mainly on hospital stations. Working on a show at Swindon 105.5 is unlike anything in the commercial sector and allows us to indulge our interests and expand our skills even in our retirement

years." Martin Preston, who publicises the University of the Third Age as well as co-presenting on Chris' Community Show with Chris Ockwell, said: "It's a chance to get out there and engage with people, which is something I love doing. I go out and talk to such a wide range of people doing so many wonderful things. I see myself now as the natural successor to Michael Parkinson! "Stations like this are a case of you either use it or lose it, so I decided on the former and I'm really enjoying the diversity and community input." To find out more about volunteering at Swindon 105.5, visit: www.swindon1055.com

swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Community News

Brighter Futures Appeal gets a 10k boost News in brief The Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal has received another £10,000 boost with a second donation from the Friends of Savernake Hospital and the Community. The Friends charity, which is funded by donations and legacies from local people, has been awarding grants to healthcare projects at Savernake Hospital and in the Marlborough and Pewsey area since 1958. The group made their first donation of £10,000 back in July 2015, just after Brighter Futures launched its appeal to raise £2.9 million to fund equipment for a new radiotherapy unit at the Great Western Hospital.

Trudi Granger, Spokesperson for the Friends, said: “The Friends are delighted to continue to support the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal, which will be of such benefit to patients in our area. “It will make such a difference to have radiotherapy available in Swindon, particularly at a time when patients want to be near to their families and friends.” Jane Leighton, Trusts Fundraiser for Brighter Futures, said: “We are so grateful to the Friends

of Savernake Hospital and the Community for their second generous grant towards our Radiotherapy Appeal. “Each year almost 700 cancer patients from Swindon and north Wiltshire, including Marlborough and Pewsey, travel to Oxford for daily treatment. This gift will help patients to receive radiotherapy just down the road at Great Western Hospital instead of facing a difficult 70-mile round trip to Oxford.” Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is working with Oxford University Hospitals Foundation Trust to expand its radiotherapy service with a new facility at the GWH. Find out more at www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk

Surgeons use 3D printer to create new hip Pioneering doctors at the Great Western Hospital have used 3D printing technology to create a bespoke hip joint to help a patient walk without pain. Dr Adam Brooks, Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultant, led the team in the operating theatre. He explained: “Hip replacements are one of the most common surgical procedures in the NHS and are usually a fairly straightforward affair. “Most people can be fitted with a regular off-the-shelf joint, but it’s not as easy when the patient’s entire hip socket is in completely the wrong place. “I knew that if we were going to help this person, we would need to use a joint that had been specifically tailored for their

individual needs and 3D printing gave us a way to do just that. “It’s fantastic to have been able to use this state-of-the-art technology in Swindon and I’m extremely pleased that it’s been able to have such a positive impact on this person’s everyday life.” The team in Swindon worked closely with a 3D printing firm in Belgium to create the madeto-measure hip joint, with the manufacturers using a detailed X-ray image of the patient’s hip as a template. Once the new hip joint had arrived from the continent, Dr Brooks’ team completely removed the patient’s damaged hip joint and replaced it with the 3D model using surgical screws and specialist bone cement. Although more expensive than

Dr Adam Brooks

regular hip replacements, medics argue that 3D printing can be extremely beneficial to improving the quality of life for patients with extreme hip injuries and deformities.

Eight new buses turn up at the same time Bus passengers in and around Swindon can now travel in style – thanks to the arrival of new vehicles for Thamesdown’s fleet Eight new ADL Enviro 200 single decker buses sporting the operator’s new livery will take to the streets today. This is just the beginning of Thamesdown’s investment, according to general manager Alex Chutter. “We are proud of these new British-built vehicles,” he said. “Buses are an essential method of travel for many here in Swindon. And I am delighted that we have been able to invest more than £1 million in these additions to our fleet here. These new buses are set

to deliver exceptional performance, as well as offering environmental benefits – including lower emissions. With the Government’s draft Air Quality plan recently published, we’re keen to present the bus as the ideal solution for reducing the impact of harmful exhaust fumes on the environment.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the vehicles out and about, transporting those who use the new R1 and 5 services whilst living in or visiting the area.” The new buses represent the first wave of investment from Thamesdown – with more vehicles due to arrive later this year. “By increasing reliability and comfort for passengers here in Swindon, we hope more people will be encouraged to travel by bus, and that means less traffic, cleaner air and more opportunities for us to develop the network,” added Alex. For more information about Thamesdown, please visit swindonbus.co.uk

Meet the candidates at business breakfast A series of business breakfast events has been launched by The Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership to meet the local candidates contesting this year’s parliamentary elections. At these sessions candidates will be invited to give their views on a range of topics. This will be followed by a Q&A session, providing those at the meeting with an opportunity to question the candidates. To register for an event please email - info@swlep. co.uk or call Vanessa Joseph on 07584153407.

Book fete stalls now! Friends of Lethbridge Primary School and the 10K Fun Run Committee are joining forces to host their annual Summer Fete and Craft Market. The fete, which takes place on 24 June, hosts more than 25 stalls, featuring an extensive range of arts, crafts and food. Both the fete and the funrun start at 11.00am with the event closing at 2.30pm. Anyone interested in having their own stall should contact Becky Jackson on buncey2203@yahoo.com Registration forms for the Fun Run are available from lethbridge10k@gmail.com

Dig deep into past A free family history event will be hosted by the Wiltshire Family History Society in Steam, the museum of the Great Western Railway. Present at the event will be family history societies, genealogy experts and local history groups who will be on hand to provide advice to visitors. The event takes place on June 10 between 10am and 3pm. Full details: www. wiltshirefhs.co.uk

Canal Trust talk Wilts and Berks Canal Trust will be the subject of a talk at the next meeting of the Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group on Friday, 9 June 2017 at 1.30pm at the Central Community Centre in Emlyn Square. Cost: £2.50 swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Community News

General Election 2017 On Thursday June 8, the people of Swindon will be going to the polls once again in one of the most divisive votes in living memory. This comes only weeks after the Swindon parish elections which saw a larger than normal turnout. We take a quick glance at who's who in both the North Swindon and South Swindon constituencies.

THE CONSERVATIVES Both of Swindon's current MPs will be standing again with Robert Buckland QC representing South Swindon and Justin Tomlinson for North Swindon. Mr Buckland said: " Looking ahead my plan for South Swindon is creating jobs, championing our local NHS, working for even more investment, supporting our local culture and heritage, championing success in education and continuing to be an approachable, hard-working and influential MP." Mr Tomlinson said: “For the last 7 years, I have been a highly visible and approachable fellow resident who has been voted the 3rd most helpful MP in Parliament and am proud to be supported by residents of all political persuasions."

THE LABOUR PARTY Mark Dempsey will be the Labour candidate for North Swindon. He said: " As a local resident I believe that Swindon has huge potential. As a local Councillor I have worked positively to build a better future. That is the kind of MP that I would be: championing Swindon - a strong local voice and working hard to help transform our town." Sarah Church, who headed the Save Swindon's Library campaign, is standing for Labour in South Swindon. She said: "I am pleased and proud to stand in the town where my grandfather was born and where generations of my family worked inside GWR. Labour’s policies are aimed at creating a more fair society that will benefit us all."

THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS Standing for the Liberal Democrats are Liz Webster in North Swindon and veteran borough councillor Stan Pajak in South Swindon. Mr Pajak said: "We will give children in Swindon a brighter future, by investing in those from more deprived backgrounds to give them the best chance in life. We will provide strong opposition and stand against cuts to local schools, hospitals and regional funding." Liz Webster said: “Vote for change and to bring the direction of the country back to safety, openness and fairness. Send a loud message to Theresa May that you don’t want an extreme hard Brexit which will see us crash out of the Single Market and destroy the NHS and public services."

THE GREEN PARTY Swindon Area Green Party chairman Andy Bentley is standing in North Swindon and Talis Kimberley-Fairbourn is standing in South Swindon. They said: "We are standing up for what we believe in, to make the world a better place. We’re fighting for a future we can all be proud of.” UKIP Steve Halden is standing for North Swindon and Martin Costello for South Swindon. Swindon UKIP Chairman Lincoln Williams said: " We have two very strong candidates including our ‘Farage disciple’ Martin Costello who is extremely passionate about Swindon and is keen to hold those in power to account."

Parish Council elections 2017: a list of the new parish councillors The results are in for Swindon’s newly created parish councils – with Conservatives and Labour taking the lion’s share of the votes from independent candidates. They both took control of two parish councils each. Labour secured Central Swindon North with 15 seats and South with 12. The Conservatives fared better in West Swindon, taking 12 seats compared to Labour’s three. And in St Andrews, all 11 seats were won by Conservatives. In Blunsdon, all ten elected councillors stood as independents and in the Nythe, Eldene and Liden parish, voters were split between the parties, with the Conservatives taking four seats, three seats going to independent candidates and Labour winning the remaining two. Liberal Democrats made a good

showing in the Eastcott ward of the Central Swindon South parish where they won four out of the available five seats. UKIP and the Green Party gained no seats. Central Swindon South Parish Walcot and Park North ward - Steve Allsopp, Jamal Miah, Trish Philpot, Barrie Thompson Old Town ward - Nicholas BurnsHowell, Neil Hopkins, Jane MilnerBarry, Nadine Watts Eastcott ward - Paul Dixon, Dawn Pajak, Stan Pajak, Toby Robson, Dave Wood Central ward - Junab Ali, John Firmin, Mary Gladman, Janine Lowry, Imtiyaz Shaikh Lawn and Badbury Park ward - John Short, Anthony Hawkins, Michael Dickinson Park South ward - Javed Miah, Chris Watts

Central Swindon North Parish Penhill ward - Kenneth TowardParker, Paul Baker Rodbourne Cheney ward - Mick Lucas, Paul Exell Gorse Hill ward - Ray Ballman, Hannah Fullick, Tom Smith Even Swindon ward - Steph Exell, Kevin Small Ferndale ward - Des Moffat, James Yeowell, Javes Rodrigues Moredon ward - Steve Henderson Pinehurst ward - John Ballman, Olivia McCann, Derique Montaut Nythe, Eldene and Liden Parish Liden ward - David Bell, Adam and Graham Stubbs Nythe ward - Kevin Parry, Gerry Cruse , Brian Cockbill Eldene ward - Bazil Solomon, Oladapo Ibitoye, Zachary Hawson West Swindon Parish Westlea ward - Mary Martin,

Suresh Gattapur Peatmoor and Sparcells ward Peter Stoddart, Keith Williams Freshbrook ward - John Lenton, Matthew Courtliff Toothill ward - Matt Walker, Timothy Makofu, Steph Exell Grange Park ward - Tim Swinyard, Caryl Sydney-Smith, Vinay Kumar Eastleaze and Shaw - Nigel Gibbons Middleaze and Ramleaze ward Ellen Heavens, Nick Martin Blunsdon Parish - Steve Ainscow, Steve Boyd, Andrew Collingwood, Mick Compton, Ian Jankinson, Sandra Keates, Derek Ricketts, Chris Rogers, Ian Selwood, Jim Taylor St Andrews Parish - Jean Blake, Susan Cole, Deborah Donohue, Mary Friend, Paul Keevans, Phillip Lewis, Timothy Owen, Vera Tomlinson, Vince Williams, Kevin Woods, Melanie Woods swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Community News

Dr Rod calls on people of town to back ambitious project The future of Swindon’s Museum and Art Gallery project looks like it is in safe hands following the appointment of new director Dr Rod Hebden. He has taken over following the unexpected departure of previous SMAG director Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker last month and is brimming with optimism about the future of the £22m scheme and the host of benefits that it will bring to the town. Dr Hebden, who started in the role last month, is seemingly undaunted by the task at hand, picking up the reins where his predecessor left off. “I have been heartened by the welcome that I have received since I took up the post, it’s really encouraging. “We were 10 months into the project when Hadrian announced that he was leaving and we still have six months to go until the deadline for submitting our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund,” he explained. “It’s very important that we keep up the momentum.” He is aware of the concerns about the project among detractors and keen to address these head on as one of his key priorities. “There’s not been enough

Dr Rod Hebden, who has been appointed as the new director of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery

of a consultation with the people of Swindon over the new museum. I’m keen to reach out to those people because I am aware that they are passionate about the future of Swindon and ultimately we all want the same thing - to see the town prosper. We just differ in terms of how that can best be achieved. “I’m aware that some people are arguing for the new museum to be housed in the carriage works and before taking on this role I did look carefully at the viability of housing the museum there. I have concluded that it is simply not the right building - there are a lot of reasons why it could not go there. He added that there was no reason why SMAG cannot work alongside those who want to see the rich heritage of the town preserved. “I have an engineering and science background and I am passionate about the railway heritage of Swindon - I understand where they are coming from. The two projects should be

Reflecting on the task ahead, Dr Rod Hebden is confident the project will bring huge benefits to the economic well-being of the town

complementary. The new museum and art gallery will boost investment in the town which will in turn provide the council with more money to help preserve the Swindon’s heritage buildings and rejuvenate the town centre. “It is vital for the success of the SMAG project that everyone feels that they have a stake in its success - that people living in Swindon feel that they are part of it. This project is bigger than one person. Swindon Borough Council submitted an application to the HLF in 2014 for funding which was ultimately unsuccessful - but Rod explained that addressing the shortcomings of that application has helped the trust put together a very strong application this time around. “Essentially the project needed more development. This time around we have set up a trust board, we’ve got a good design. I’m very hopeful that we are in with a good chance of getting through the first stage.” The application will have to compete for a share of a national pot of money against a range of other schemes from around the country. If successful, Swindon’s museum and art gallery application will be put forward to a second stage,

where it will be considered in greater detail against rival bids. “It is a lot of hard work, but the good thing is that it means that we have to really plan out the project in detail - which is very valuable in the long run. I’m sure that we could work out what some of the rival bids are but we are just focussed on making our bid the best it can be.” Dr Rod Hebden, a father-offour from Rodbourne Cheney, has a science and engineering background. Indeed, he is a selfconfessed science nerd with an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. Rod is no stranger to dealing with the Heritage Lottery Fund and has a track record of leading and developing major projects in the heritage sector, having worked with national museums and heritage for over a decade. When working at Science Museum in London, Rod led the successful second stage of their Heritage Lottery Fund submission to secure £6m for a major gallery. Rod was previously a member of the Swindon Heritage Board and a board member for the Love Lydiard Trust, the community group formed of local people in partnership with Lydiard staff to bid for the running and management of Lydiard House and Park. He is also an active member of his local Residents’ Association.

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It is vital for the success of the project that everyone feels they have a stake in its success.

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swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Community News

Plans submitted to replace tented market

News in brief

Ambitious plans have been submitted to replace Swindon’s 23-year-old tented market with a 12-storey building containing 101 flats, four food and drink outlets, a shop unit, bike store and refuse collection area. The new application, by NC Architects on behalf of applicants CJV Properties Limited, represents a radical expansion of previous plans that were given the go-ahead in November. The scheme involves the creation of a 12-storey building on the site, housing four restaurants and outdoor seating. The applicants claim that the shape and position would allow the creation of a landmark building which would form a gateway into the Brunel Centre and provide a focal point from Farnsby Street and Commercial Road at the opposite end to the library and supermarket at Regent Circus. According to the application, “The proposed layout will provide a modern looking building with glazed facades all round the building.” It adds that the building will feature a crisp terracotta or graphite tiled rainscreen cladding

Open gardens day A host of gardens in Shaw and Nine Elms will open their doors to vistors as part of the West Swindon Open gardens scheme. The event will be held on 24 and 25 June and costs £4 per adult. Launched in 2002, the annual scheme has raised nearly £30,000 for local charities. Aside from the opportunity to visit many exciting gardens, there will be plant sales, refreshments, tombola and a raffle. All proceeds go to SMASH (Swindon Youth Mentoring) and CALM (Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement). Tickets available on the day from any participating garden, including Lower Shaw Farm in Old Shaw Lane. Visit www.shawresidents.org.uk

An artist’s impression of the proposed building to be built on the tented market site

and blue engineering brickwork to “echo the materials and colours of the original market and disguise the service access while allowing views into and out of the building.” The development ‘seeks to provide a welcoming environment with a human scale at Street Level with the upper storeys set back from the frontage where they are softened by the roof overhang. ‘Planting and roof gardens for

Sign up to big quiz residents have been incorporated.’ Anyone wanting to view the full planning documents can do so on Swindon Borough Council’s website at www.swindon.gov.uk

Carriage works development in the spotlight

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Choose your charity Swindon’s Carriage Works - an artist’s impression of the proposed new Great Western Works development

create a new destination for digital, education and creative industries in a “campus” environment. A place where businesses can interact, support each other and grow together. Offices will sit alongside cafes, independent shops and cultural uses. Mr Chamberlain continued, “We’re calling it the “Great Western Works” – think Shoreditch meets Brunel, or Swindon’s answer to Bristol’s Engine Shed. Our message is: join us,

become one of the pioneers, and help shape the future of this site. I am pleased that local businesses recognise the potential of these iconic heritage buildings and want to work with us to make it a success.”

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Forward Swindon held an open door event for businesses interested in renting or managing new office space at the Carriage Works. The event, held at Forward Swindon’s offices last month, was attended by more than 20 organisations, from Swindon and further afield. The Carriage Works is being developed in phases on a demandled basis. Forward Swindon has planning permission for the first phase of development (9,845 sqft including mezzanine), which will provide space for around 180 desks, meeting rooms and facilities. Forward Swindon intend to appoint an operator to manage the space on a flexible basis – a combination of co-working and dedicated offices, and an offer of business support for start-ups. Paul Chamberlain, Director of New Development Partnerships, said “We wanted to let people know about the new space we are creating in phase one and how this fits into a longer term vision for the Carriage Works and wider area.” Attendees were given a tour of the development area and heard about Forward Swindon’s plans to

Zurich Community Trust is looking for people to sign up to the Big Quiz. It’s your chance to put your general knowledge to the test and raise money for good causes supported by Swindon Cares. The event will be held at The Village Hotel on Tuesday 13 June at 7.30pm. Teams (up to a maximum of six) cost £40. The two chosen charities for the Swindon Cares organisation are Swindon Women’s Aid – a domestic abuse service and The Nelson Trust – offering vulnerable women and families a comprehensive support service. To find out more contact Jane Fox on 01793 502985.

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Join us, become one of the pioneers and help shape the future of this site

Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year scheme is back for the ninth year and the Stratton store is calling for local charity nominations to be its local charity for the next year. The store will shortlist three charities which customers can vote for. The winning charity will then receive a year of support from the store, which includes fundraising and awareness raising. Customers can vote between 12 – 25 June in stores and online. For more information about Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year scheme, visit www. sainsburyslocalcharity.co.uk swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Community News

Uplands Educational Trust open Redoaks pupils into finals of second Gorse Hill shop national writing competition

Seren-Medi Purnell (left) and Poppy Fox-Thompson (right) with teacher Naomi Barry L-R: Denise Warren, Sally Rayner, Alison Long, Jackie Smith (Trust CEO) Gerard Moore, Zachary Parker, Chloe Beeden and Retail Manager Lisa Harding

Due to the overwhelming success of their current Gorse Hill Charity shop, Uplands Educational Trust have opened a second site just across the road, catering for children and babies. The new shop, which was formerly Jensons Menswear, will be selling baby and children’s clothes, baby equipment and toys whilst the established store will continue to sell ladies and men’s clothing, accessories, jewellery, books and homeware. Uplands Educational Trust is a charity that provides learning, working and living opportunities to young adults with special needs in Swindon and the surrounding area.

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Retail Manager, Lisa Harding said “We are thrilled to be opening a second shop in Gorse Hill. We have been overwhelmed with the response we have had to our charity from the Gorse Hill Community. We have lots of regular customers who call in for a chat, a browse and have really got behind the work of the Trust. “Since closing our town centre store we have been on the look out for an additional outlet for our students to learn within the retail sector, so when this new store space came up directly across the road we felt that extending our offering was ideal.” uplandseducationaltrust.org.uk

Two year 6 pupils from the same class at Red Oaks School in North Swindon have beaten over 4,000 competitors to reach the finals of the prestigious "Wicked Young Writer Awards" (The Times). The awards were established by the long-running musical WICKED to link the important messages of the production with a competition that would inspire young people to use creative writing to look at life a little differently. Since its launch in 2010, the award has received over 20,000 entries. Poppy Fox-Thompson & SerenMedi Purnell, both taught by year six teacher Naomi Barry at Red Oaks School, have both reached the final 100 of the 2017 awards, and will attend a prize giving ceremony at the Apollo Theatre where the

hugely successful musical is staged. Poppy said; “My piece is a story about the human effects of the plague, which I wrote as part of my classwork for Miss Barry. My parents sent off the competition entry a few months ago, and I had forgotten about it. Then the day before my 11th birthday my mum received an email saying I was a finalist!” Seren-Medi added “We have both been invited, along with our parents, to attend the awards ceremony at the Apollo Theatre in London on the 23 June…I’m really excited." Both Poppy & Seren-Medi are keen writers and performers, taking part in many dance, music and drama festivals and performances in Swindon and beyond.

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Community News Ambrose Field planning application submitted Plans submitted for 2,380 new homes in Swindon as part of Eastern Villages expansion by developer despite residents opposition

An outline planning application has been submitted to Swindon Borough Council for up to 2,380 homes as part of the Eastern Villages expansion of the town. The urban extension to the east of Swindon and north of the A420 in the St Margaret and South Marston area for the dwellings has been submitted by Taylor Wimpey UK, Hallam and Hannick through David Lock Associates. The plan is for 2,380 homes together with a mixed use of local centre/areas including 1,500sq metres of retail development to include restaurants, pubs and

takeaways and other businesses as well as community uses and sheltered/care accommodation. It also includes plans for two primary schools, open space and play and sports facilities. The application also proposes sustainable drainage systems, highway, cycle and pedestrian routes and engineering works including ground remodelling, demolition and site reclamation and removal of structures. The formation of new accesses from the A420, Old Vicarage Lane and Thornhill Road also form part of the proposal.

Old Town councillors Nadine Watts and Jane Milner-Barry have reiterated their concern over plans for land between their ward and Wichelstowe after developer Taylor Wimpey submitted an outline planning application on 10 May. The application to Swindon Council involves building up to 62 homes on Ambrose Field, adjacent to Croft Field. Earlier this year Taylor Wimpey began consulting on developing the fields which triggered significant opposition from local residents and local councillors. Residents and local councillors believe there is a strong case for this application to be rejected as the site is not allocated for housing in the Swindon Borough Local Plan. The site also forms part of a rural buffer designed to help maintain Wichelstowe as a separate, coherent community with a sense of identity. Both Old Town Councillors, Nadine Watts and Jane Milner-Barry are also concerned about the safety of the access to the development from Croft Road, and the impact of up to 120 more vehicles a day entering and leaving

L-R: Old Town Councillors Jane Milner-Barry and Nadine Watts

the site. This is likely to cause traffic jams on Croft Road which is already very busy. Councillor Nadine Watts said: “It is disappointing that Taylor Wimpey have submitted an application to build on the land off Croft/Ambrose Road. We have many concerns including the increase in traffic, the access to the development from Croft Road, negative impact on wildlife, increased risk of flooding and drainage issues. We would encourage local residents to contact us with their concerns. Once the application has been validated, we would urge local residents to write in with their objections. There will be consultation with neighbours, site notices will be put up and it will be advertised in the paper as usual."

Recycling Centre hours change sparking concern over fly-tipping and waiting times

Opening hours for the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) have been changed since 8 May. Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed to change the opening times at its meeting in April in order to save £96,000 a year in operational costs. As part of the new arrangements those using the recycling centre have been asked to show they are a resident of the borough before dropping off their waste. This has meant producing a form of identification such as a council tax or utility bill to prove your residency in the Swindon area. The recycling centre is now open Monday to Sunday in the summer months (1 April to 31 Oct) from 8am to 5pm, instead of the previous hours of 6am to 8pm There are now extended hours during the summer on Thursdays with the site open between 8am and 8pm. The winter opening hours (1 Nov

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to 31 Mar) will change slightly with the site being open to the public between 8am and 4pm, instead of 8am and 4.30pm. The site in Cheney Manor industrial estate is now also closed all day on Wednesdays throughout the year. The decision to reduce the hours was taken after analysing the usage patterns of those who visit the site. The number of people accessing the centre first thing in the morning and in the evening is less than during the day, while Wednesday is traditionally the quietest day for people visiting the HWRC. Local residents took to the Swindon Link facebook page to voice their thoughts, including comments expecting longer queues and waiting times caused by the new hours. Elsewhere on social media there were concerns voiced regarding how this new policy would affect fly-tipping across the borough. www.swindon.gov.uk/hwrc

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Community News

It’s all change at Churchfields Volunteers provide vital support to organisations in Swindon and the people they are working to support. Want to make a difference to local charities and groups? Many local charities, including Volunteer Centre Swindon are looking for people with skills and experience to act as trustees or treasurers, who are responsible for the management of charities. Do you enjoy the company of older people? Do you speak other languages? The Alzheimer’s Society are looking for people to help older people for whom English is not their first language access services. This is a very flexible role both in time commitment and when you can help. Enjoy helping people learn catering skills? The Sandwich People based in Swindon Town Centre are looking for people to support Salvation Army clients learn skills through their kitchen and delivery teams. Enjoy helping children and families? Hop Skip and Jump is a respite centre for children and

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adults with additional or complex needs. They are looking for volunteers to help as playworkers, also practical and admin roles are available. Do you want to gain retail skills? The British Heart Foundation Furniture Store has a range of roles from serving customers, organising collections and deliveries to stock management. Do you enjoy outdoor activities? The Wilts & Berks Canal has a range of roles on offer from helping with restoration work parties, assisting with boat trips and helping at events. Plenty of indoor opportunities as well such as admin and skilled roles. To find out how you can get involved in these or any other volunteering opportunities please contact Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557 or email info@ swindonvolunteers.org.uk. The centre is located at 1 John Street, Swindon and the team would love to see you between 11am -3pm Monday to Friday. You can also find these at the Do-it website at https://do-it.org

Churchfields Academy is all set to close its doors on 31 August 2017 and reopen as Lawn Manor Academy. The school originally opened as Lawn School in 1964 catering for 11-14 year olds and the name was changed by the original headteacher, Ralph Owen, when it become a 11-18 comprehensive. The new school name derives from the Goddard family connection. The 18th century house was built on the site of a Tudor Mansion and the Goddard family were Lords of the Manor from 1563 until 1927. The new logo has been designed using the shape of the sunken garden on the Lawn Manor Estate. Headteacher Sandra Muir said: “We have invested a lot of time this year forming a new vision for the school. “The vision extends to our staff and pupils and drives all of the improvements that are taking place throughout the school, but with a particular focus on teaching and learning. We are looking forward to opening as a new school in September, along with the new name we will be introducing a new uniform. All current students

Churchfield Academy will join Royal Wootton Bassett Acadeny Trust and become Lawn Manor Academy

will be provided with a blazer and tie and we will be asking parents to return the old uniform to be recycled”. Lawn Manor is the first secondary school to join the newly formed Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust which opened on 1 May. Sandra is inviting parents to visit during a normal working day for anyone wishing to secure a place at Lawn Manor Academy for their child. You can book an appointment to tour the school with the Headteacher’s PA Tracy Prescott tprescott@churchfields.org

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Community News

Town and country living

Keep cool in a conservatory

If you dream of the countryside idyll, but still want the convenience of town, Redrow Homes’ new developments at Badbury Park and Abbey Farm offer the perfect solution. A short drive from Swindon town centre and the M4, both developments look out on glorious countryside. Badbury Park Located on the edge of the Coate Water Country Park, Badbury Park is a mixed-use development which will provide up to 890 homes. The site will also boast a retail centre, a primary school and extensive areas designated as public open space such as recreational and ecological areas. The development is conveniently placed just three miles from

As the sun comes out, conservatories can become mini ovens which make them unbearable to sit in. Keeping cool in your conservatory in the summer can become a tiresome challenge! So what’s the solution? In 2010 the planning laws were relaxed and in the majority of cases, you can now fit a solid roof to your conservatory without planning permission. This means better insulation, keeping the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and a room that you can use all year round. Green Space specialise in replacing conservatory roofs with panels that will keep your

Swindon and near the M4 and A419 with its fast links to Cirencester and Gloucester. There are four-bedroom homes currently available at the development from £324,995 with other new homes to follow shortly. For more information and to book an appointment, call 01793 391751. Abbey Farm. Located five miles from Swindon town centre, once completed, Abbey Farm will offer 175 family homes on the edge of beautiful open Cotswold countryside. There are currently four bedroom homes available from £420,995. Abbey Farm is being built in two phases starting with 70 plots currently under development, with the remaining 105 in the second. For more information and to book an appointment, call 01793 391760.

conservatory at a comfortable temperature all year round even at the height of summer. What’s more, the panels are manufactured to measure off site, so installation generally takes less than a day, and we always aim to ensure that your roof conversion is as nondisruptive as possible. Green Space are the sole supplier of this system in the South, our system is compatible with most conservatories, old and new plus it comes with a ten year guarantee. Contact Green Space today on 01256272002 or find the company online at www.greenspaceconservatories. co.uk

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

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH with in association

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in association with

Swindon Shuffle announces line up for this year’s musical extravaganza! in association with It’s that time of year again! The Swindon Shuffle is like our musical Christmas, and they’ve released details of all the bands and acts you can enjoy across four venues from 12 – 16 July. Featuring headliners like The Tribe, Kid Calico and The Astral Ponies, Diagonal People, Misfires and True Strays, this year’s Shuffle is going to be a sublime ride through the variety of music on offer from Swindon and the local area. The Swindon Shuffle was conceived and founded in 2007 by Richard Craven, Phil Dyson and Paul Jellings from Songs of Praise Promotions, plus Neil Gammon from Black Lava Promotions and Tim McDonald from Yankeeboy Promotions. These days it's still operated by Paul Jellings, with Songs Of Praise promoters Ed Dyer and Dave Franklin sharing out the workload to make it one of Swindon's iconic celebrations of all that's special in the area. Using the basis of already established city centre music festivals like the Camden Crawl, The Great Escape and the Oxford Punt, the aim was and still is to bring together the community to showcase a thriving local music scene. The idea for the music festival, and inspiration for the festival name, started as a “shuffle” by the crowd between several music

venues on one particular night to watch the performing acts, but this had expanded even before the start of the first festival to be a four day event held across many venues. For more information, up to date news, ticket enquiries, or just to show your support for the Shuffle, head to: swindonshuffle.org.uk

The disarmingly mad yet brilliant Diagonal People headline The Victoria on Friday 14 July

Above: The Tribe headline The Victoria on Saturday 15 July and (below) Kid Calico and The Astral Ponies headline The Beehive on Sunday 16 July

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Swindon Wide MUSIC Friday 2nd, 7.30pm The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50th Anniversary Celebration also features a full live band. £23.50. £1.50 conc. Friends £2.50. Wyvern Thursday 8th, 7.30pm Mercury have firmly established themselves as one of the world’s most authentic tributes to Queen. £25. Wyvern Friday 9th, 7.30pm

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The Beach Boys Story delivers a stunning show of technicolour harmonies that will take your breath away. £20. Friends £2 off. Wyvern Saturday 10th, 7.30pm That’ll Be The Day returns with another opportunity to see its latest most popular show. £27.50. Wyvern Saturday 10th, 7.30pm Judie Tzuke - Songs and Stories. This promises to be an intimate evening of old favourites and new songs and tales from across her life and career. £25. Arts Centre Sunday 11th, 7.30pm ABBA - Forever is one of the UK’s leading international tribute shows and theatre audiences from across Great Britain and Sweden have long enjoyed this superb recreation of possibly the world‘s greatest pop band. £25. Wyvern Sunday 18th, 7.30pm And Finally… Phil Collins are recognised throughout the industry as the market leaders and definitive Phil Collins & Genesis tribute show. £22.50. Friends £3 off. Wyvern Tuesday 20th, 7.30pm Royal Air Force Association Proms. An evening of military band pieces, classical light music and adaptations of modern favourites. All in aid of the Royal Air Forces Association charity that provides welfare support for serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. £23. Wyvern Thursday 22nd, 7.30pm Some Guys Have All The Luck is a celebration of the career of one of rock's greatest icons, Rod Stewart – from street busker through to international superstar. £23 - £24.50. Wyvern

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WHAT’S ON SWIN Thursday 22nd, 8pm

Voodoo Room deliver a full-on show that features all of your favourite Hendrix and Cream tunes, performed with an energy and virtuosity that transcends tribute band status. £17.50. Arts Centre Friday 23rd, 7.30pm Claire Jones, Britain's best-selling classical harpist, presents her truly unique harp and percussion duo - C2, featuring West End percussionist and emerging composer, Chris Marshall. £15. £13 Senior conc. £8 Children. Arts Centre Tuesday 27th, 7.30pm Sons of Pitches will be hitting the road again in 2017 with a brand-new specially themed touring show with a unique, never-before seen flavour all of its own!. £28 - £33. Wyvern

TALKS Monday 5th, 7pm Swindon Question Time. An opportunity to question and hear from the candidates seeking your vote to become Members of Parliament representing Swindon. Free Entry. Wyvern Monday 5th, 7pm Dr Phil Hammond. NHS doctor, BBC broadcaster, Private Eye journalist and whistle-blowing comic combines both of his 2016 sell-out Edinburgh fringe shows in one unforgettable evening. £17.50. £3 conc. NHS Workers £3 off. Arts Centre

DRAMA & MUSICALS Friday 9th, 7pm Great Expectations at Lydiard Park. Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Charles Dickens’ unforgettable story of love, family and friendship set in the depths of Victorian England. £15.50. Children/ Students £10.50. Lydiard Park Wednesday 14th to Saturday 17th, 7.30pm The Western Players - Murder Weapon. Local theatre group perform a tale of murder mystery. £11. £1 conc. Arts Centre Mon 12th to Sat 17th, 7.30pm (2.30pm Thurs & Sat) Shirley Valentine. Jodie Prenger stars in the first major revival of this national treasure on its 30th Anniversary. £21.50 - £33. Friends £2.50 Mon evening. Wyvern

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Swindon Wide

ON SWINDON COMEDY Thursday 1st, 8pm Reginald D Hunter returns to the UK in 2017 with his highly anticipated brand new show, supported by Glenn Wool. £26.50. Wyvern Saturday 3rd, 7.30pm Katy Brand returns with an honest, fascinating and funny exploration of her self-imposed conversion and total immersion in evangelical Christianity. £15.50. Arts Centre Wednesday 7th, 7.30pm Comedy Triple Bill. Three fastpaced, one act plays from The Baroque Theatre Company, giving fun-seeking audiences a full and entertaining evening. £14.50. £2 conc. Arts Centre Friday 9th, 7.30pm

I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again... AGAIN! The Offstage Theatre Group recreates the cult comedy BBC Radio show. £17. £1 conc. Friends £1.50 off. Arts Centre

DANCE Sunday 4th, 7.30pm Teresa's School of Dance - Ticket to the West End. Local dance school dedicate annual show to the West End with a variety of dance pieces from students. £10.50. Wyvern Thursday 15th, 7pm Swindon Schools Dance Platform. Sharing the amazing dance work that goes on in schools in Swindon and the surrounding area. £3.70. U12s £1.50. U5s Free. Phoenix Theatre Sunday 25th, 4pm Miss Kel's Dance Academy. Local dance pupils showcase their talents through the best of TV and Film. £15. £2 conc. Wyvern

Thursday 29th to Friday 30th, 7.30pm Judith Hockaday School of Dance - Let's Make Noise. The pupils of Judith Hockaday School of Dance and Drama combine with students of Judith Hockaday College to present Let’s Make Noise. £15.50. £1 conc. (Thurs only) Wyvern

Westlea Primary School Summer Fete

Saturday 10th, 1pm - 4pm Games, stalls, ice-creams, horse rides, face painting and much more. There will be a BBQ and refreshments as well as a silent auction and a raffle. The event, organised by the school’s PTA, raises much needed funds to provide equipment and support for the students.

Old Town Surgery Educational Evening

Wednesday 7th, 6.30pm Open to everyone, priority given to Old Town Surgery patients. Guest speakers on Men's Health covering various topics including bladder conditions, ED and Prostate Cancer. Phone 01793 616057 / email ppg.ots@nhs.net

Wanborough Farmers' Market

Saturday 17th, 9am On sale will be vegetables, meat, cold pressed rapeseed oil, honey and preserves, cakes and pies, milk from JoJo's dairy at Lotmead Farm, herbs and other plants, and fairly traded goods. For more information call Sue or David Birley on 01793 790438 or email: sbirley@gn.apc.org VENUES Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 The Bohemian Balcony, Jennings Street, Swindon SN2 2BD. Tel: 07874 366256 Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907 Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Email: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

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Swindon Wide

guide to live music in Swindon through June As we barrel towards festival season, the musical juggernaut that keeps on rolling in Swindon has a few diamonds left in the rough. Here's just a few choice picks, but there are plenty more out there for you to discover! We are going to open this month's suggestions with something a little different. Remember when Level III was The Furnace? (Or when The Furnace was Level III for that matter? We digress...) Well for one night only on Saturday 3 June you can relive those heady Furnace days with a one-off club night featuring nothing but classic stuff played at The Furnace between 2002 and 2013; Rock / Metal / Indie / Pop / Electronica from the 60s to the Noughties, just like it always used to be. Entry will be £3 before 10pm, and the first 50 people through the door get a free "Furnace Mixtape"

Swindon's very own Misfires will headline The Vic TWICE on 6 & 13 June too! Then we have something a little special. One of Swindon's youngest groups are headlining The Victoria TWICE in June, with one of the dates already sold out when we went to press. Misfires have been labelled as the next indie super band by Spilt Milk Magazine and billed as the love child of Catfish & The Bottlemen and The Libertines.

They are taking over The Vic on 6 June (that's the sold out one) and then again on 13 June. Get your tickets and find out what all the fuss is about. More of a ska fan? Head down to Swindon's latest addition to the live music scene, the Groves Company Inn, who are building a reputation for putting on some of the best covers and tribute acts in

the area. There are musical offerings every week from Thursday to Sunday, but a highlight this month is the 2 Tone All Skas on 9 June, who perform exactly what you'd expect from their name. Not to be missed! And finally, although it's not technically in June, the Old Town Festival is just over the horizon, starting on 8 July. The Positive Media Group team will be at the Family Fun Day on 9 July, and the main concert on 15 July at the Old Town Bowl will be headlined this year by The Britpop Boys. Plenty to look forward to, and you can find more information via the festival website: www.oldtownfestival.org To keep your finger on the musical pulse in Swindon and further afield, pick up your copy of The Ocelot in venues at the end of each month, or head to: www.theocelot.co.uk

Recipe: Beautiful beetroot, potato and horseradish rostis A sure-fire hit for breakfast, brunch or lunch. You can cook the beetroot first, but using it raw lends the röstis a nice bit of bite. If you have any leftover cooked beetroot or potato these would work fine too, or swap the beetroot for parsnip, celeriac or squash. 2 large potatoes 1 large beetroot, peeled 1 small red onion 5cm piece of horseradish, peeled or 1 tsp grated horseradish from a jar 1 large garlic clove small bunch of dill, roughly chopped small bunch of tarragon, roughly chopped small bunch of parsley, roughly chopped 1 tbsp plain flour (or rice flour to make it glutenfree) sunflower oil, for frying salt & black pepper

Par boil the potatoes in a pan of cold salted water. Drain and peel. Coarsely grate the potatoes, beetroot and onion into a large bowl. Finely grate the horseradish into the same bowl. Bash the garlic into a fine paste then add it to the bowl with the herbs. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle over the flour and mix well. Heat the oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Shape the veg mix into four burger-sized patties. They should hold together well, but add a bit more flour if not. Heat a good slug of oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the röstis until golden brown on each side (don’t be tempted to flip them more than once or move them much). Transfer to a baking tray and finish cooking in the oven for 15 minutes, until crisp and cooked through. www.riverford.co.uk

Putting your foot in it for poetry Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane

This is how it happened. I went to a rugby match in Bath and took a shortcut across a grassy bank. My left foot slid down the slope and my body fell back on my ankle. Snap, fibula fractured in two places. We went to A&E. The nurse asked questions about allergies. Then

Bletchly Park to Swindon meant five changes, all fine until Didcot said: where there’s no lift on platform 1. “On a scale of 1 to 10, what’s A client in Watford has his meeting your pain threshold?” room on the fifth floor and he’d I thought about that: “Well, I’m no lift. Worse, he didn’t think that not sure. I’ve nothing to compare was odd. with.” People were lovely. A pregnant She tapped her pen on the desk woman offered me her seat. I and told me she hadn’t got all day. declined, but it started a lovely “Ok,” I said, “on a scale of 1 to 10 chat. An old man stood up and what would child-birth be?” offered me his wife and then got She glared at me and said: “You’re flustered. a 1.” It was fun and fine for a few days And so it went. Being on crutches and then it became tedious. So and no car for the last two weeks much you can’t do. opened my eyes. A train from I will look at the disabled more

closely in future. Julia Kasdorf has lines that catch it: Like a doctor, I learned to create from another’s suffering, my own uselessness, and once you know how to do this, you can never refuse. • Open Mic is on Monday 12 June, 6pm at Richard Jefferies Museum • Performance Poetry is at the Beehive Pub on Tuesday 13 June, 7:30pm Book at www.poetryswindon.org swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Swindon Wide

Air Tattoo welcomes US heavyweights Arkell’s Brewery and Wiltshire bakers Halls use their loaf and create Loaf of Beer

The US Air Force has confirmed that two of its largest and most formidable aircraft will be flying into RAF Fairford, its only European airfield for heavy bombers, to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer. The aircraft, a B-52H Stratofortress and a B-1B Lancer will join other US Air Force aircraft including the F-22 Raptor and Thunderbirds display team as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force. Also taking part in the airshow will be an historic P-40 Kittyhawk and P-51D Mustang, both of which flew with the US Army Air Force prior to the establishment of the US Air Force in 1947. The Air Tattoo’s links with the US Air Force stretch back to 1972 when the Americans permitted the airshow to be staged at RAF Greenham Common, near Newbury. When the Air Tattoo had to find a

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new home in the 1980s, the US Air Force offered RAF Fairford and the first Air Tattoo was staged in the Cotswolds in 1985. Reflecting this strong relationship, the Air Tattoo has staged a number of memorable celebrations marking key USAF anniversaries over the years and 2017 will be no different. Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The US Air Force has played an important role in our history and has helped us become the greatest military airshow in the world. We’re both committed to ensuring that July’s anniversary celebrations continue to be both memorable and exciting for what will undoubtedly be another sell-out airshow.” The Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. All accompanied under-16s are admitted free of charge. Free parking. www.airtattoo.com.

L-R: Brewer Alex Arkell with Charlie Hall of Hall's Bakery Wiltshire family brewery Arkell’s Brewery has teamed up with Stroud family baker, Hall’s Bakery to brew a special bread beer, Loaf of Beer. The ingredients which go into making bread and beer are very similar so Arkell’s head brewer Alex Arkell decided to see what would happen if he combined beer and bread to make a brand-new brew. “Hall’s Bakery provided us with some of their delicious fresh bread which we chopped up and added to our mash tun alongside a healthy dose of malted barley and some oats for added flavour,” explains Alex. At 3.8% ABV the resulting ‘Loaf of Beer’ has a distinct, bready sweetness – warm, fresh and

perfect for early summer drinking. “It’s wonderful to be able to work with another family business, especially one that’s relatively close,” adds Alex. “Hall’s Bakery has been baking bread for over 100 years. We’ve been brewing beer for 170 years. Both families understand the passion and precision that goes into making two of the most satisfying things ever to pass the lips. Tim Hall of Hall’s Brewery said: “Our fifth generation family run bakery prides itself on quality , passion and an understanding of the needs of all our customers and are proud to work alongside Arkells Brewery in helping with this wonderful new beer.”

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Swindon Wide

A centre of excellence in the early days of West Swindon From The Archives with Link founding publisher Roger Ogle Libbie Sheppard and Terry Waters describe a project for the deaf and hearing in West Swindon from 1973 to 1989. In the early 1970s, the Breakthrough Trust (Deaf-Hearing Integration) Charity, leased Roughmoor Farmhouse to the north of Shaw. Thamesdown Council had bought the land to the west of Swindon for future development and Breakthrough was offered the building and the surrounding farmyard on a short term lease to provide a much-needed local base. The charity renamed the farmhouse, accessed from the back road from Nine Elms to Common Platt, the Roughmoor Centre. Breakthrough’s philosophy was to integrate deaf and hearing people by encouraging communication, through practical projects, to improve deaf awareness. Thamesdown Voluntary Service Council (TVSC) was especially supportive in the early days and. people in the town donated coal for the fires, furniture, office equipment and paint to renovate the rooms. Swindon Town Football Club even played a charity match and raised

money for an adventure playground. Teacher of the deaf Libbie Sheppard and her husband lived at the centre for about three years, supported by Terry Waters, and a programme of day and weekend events was developed to provide opportunities for deaf and hearing children and families. Projects included children’s activities, sports weekends, social development and integration, mother and children groups and art weekends. The centre was so popular that Terry and his wife Ethel decided to move from Southampton to Swindon with their two young children to help run the project. The farmhouse was sparse but comfortable, but proper facilities were needed and more fundraising met the costs of installing central heating, materials for 24 bunk beds for the six bedrooms, made by volunteers, adequate cooking facilities to replace the old farmhouse Aga, carpets, and a new septic tank as mains provision was still several years away. As more people started to come from Swindon and the rest of the country, as well as Europe, more space was needed. Hills Waste donated three old prefabricated

The Roughmoor Centre, looking east, in about 1979. buildings to create a community hall. They were in parts and deaf and hearing volunteers visited every weekend for over a year to help with the assembly, guided by a volunteer architect who made sure that all the tasks were understood by deaf and hearing alike. Marks & Spencer provided furniture for the hall and Swindon Community Service Workers (offenders) helped in painting, decorating and clearing the rough areas. The Jubilee Hall, as it became known, was officially opened by Joel Joffe – now Lord Joffe CBE – who was chairman of Allied Dunbar (now Zurich) at the time. He also arranged a grant to cover the salary for one of the four workers. From 1975 onwards the centre

was heavily booked for many varied projects, and by national deaf organisations for their meetings in a quiet and safe rural environment. By the mid-1980s the development of West Swindon, which had started in 1974, was moving into its later phases and houses at Nine Elms and Peatmoor were being occupied. By that time Roughmoor Centre was accessed via Swinley Drive, next to the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, and in 1989 the centre closed. The buildings and the play area were soon razed to the ground when The council sold the site for 12 executive houses. But planners retained the sense of the history of the area by naming the new culde-sac Roughmoor Farm Close.

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New beauty salon keeping Swindon on trend

A young entrepreneur has started her own beauty salon in West Swindon promising the most professional service and up to date styling options in the town. Fully qualified beauty therapist, nail technician and make-up artist Aleshia Burnett, who is just 18, has set up BurnettsBeauty at the Spectrum Building on Mead Way offering a personal, professional and reliable beauty environment with a huge variety of treatments available. Aleshia said: "I have always taken great pride in my work and make

Charity nights going strong at Swindon restaurants

Started in 2008, popular Indian restaurant Bengal Square in Peatmoor has consistently run charitable fundraising nights donating all profits to worthy causes across the Swindon area.

sure I am constantly updating my skills to ensure my knowledge is up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques available. "My number one goal is for you to enjoy your experience in my salon and for you to leave feeling completely refreshed and revitalised." For more information, check out BurnettsBeauty via social media: facebook.com/burnettsbeauty To book an appointment contact: 07503 475524 or email info@burnettsbeauty.co.uk

GO ALL INCLUSIVE

Now, the restaurant is expanding this charitable evening to their newly reopened sister site Mantra in Old Town. Held every Monday and Tuesday at Bengal Square, and every Tuesday at Mantra, the charity nights have raised over £100,000 to date which has been shared amongst local causes from youth football teams to Macmillan cancer research. Owner Hanif Robbani said: “We donate all profits raised on the evening to the cause of choice, and this can be further added to if the organisers hold a raffle, quiz or auction. “Donations from ourselves of £350+ are not uncommon and the best night we’ve ever had raised a grand total of over £3,000. “We are happy to host events for any worthwhile cause and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a charity.” To host a fundraising event at Mantra, email your event details to: info@mantraswindon.co.uk Or to host your event at Bengal Square email: info@bengalsquare.co.uk

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2 Roughmoor Village Centre, Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5DJ

01793 887799 01793 882233 info@bengalsquare.co.uk www.bengalsquare.co.uk

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Swindon Wide

New College photography students showcase work at Number Nine Gallery

L-R: New College Photography students Grace Mansfield, Eloise Foster, Mollie Jupp, SuJan Pun, Stephanie Mensing and Sophie Reid

BTEC Photography students from Swindon’s New College have showcased their work at the Number Nine Gallery in Theatre Square during May during a week long exhibition open to the general public. The collection of work was selected by the students themselves from their second year of the photography course, giving the aspiring snappers an

opportunity to show off their work to the public and prospective clients. Mary Gale, Course Leader for Photography at New College, said: “Every year we help the students put on an exhibition like this, and every year they impress me with their professionalism and quality of work. The students were asked to supply examples of their best photos from throughout their

second year, and in some cases they have chosen shots they have taken for clients they have already taken on. “This is about preparing the students for the professional world, keeping them grounded but giving them a chance to show their work to prospective clients and get noticed in the community. “Having the exhibition in Theatre Square brings an opportunity for

their work to be seen by the arts community as well as the general public too, as we are directly across from the Shoebox and Wyvern Theatres. It’s a great opportunity.” The students themselves collaboratively set up the finer points of the exhibition, dividing up the various jobs such as publicity and logistics amongst themselves. For more on available courses, visit: www.newcollege.ac.uk

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Swindon Wide Art meets history in latest heritage magazine By Graham Carter of Swindon Heritage magazine Art meets history in the brand new summer edition of Swindon Heritage, published at the end of May. The cover features a stunning painting of a Great Western locomotive, and the strapline, ‘Made in Swindon’, refers to both the subject and the artist, whose work is showcased inside. Craig Tiley was born locally and grew up in West Swindon, where he made a name for himself as an artist before he left school. He became the youngest ever member of the Guild of Railway Artists when he was just 16, and exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery while still a student. Now in his thirties and living in Devon, where he works for the railway modelling company, Peco, Craig finds inspiration not just in Swindon’s railway heritage, but also in the air, with his impressive aviation paintings also winning him admiration from his peers. Subjects include Spitfires, many of which were built at South Marston, and the C-130 Hercules, a familiar daily sight over the town

for many years when they flew in and out of RAF Lyneham. But Craig is best known for his railway paintings, which were the result of a trip to the railway centre at Didcot when he was a pupil at Freshbrook Primary School. He amazed his teacher and headteacher by painting from memory the engines he saw, and later found inspiration in the works of David Shepherd and especially Terence Cuneo. In fact, Craig is inspired by the late railway poster artist whenever he picks up a brush because the easel he uses once belonged to Cuneo. And he could hardly fail to be inspired, too, by the GWR and the elegance of the Swindon-built engines “which the other railways couldn’t match”. However, he does offer a kind of confession. “You may not want to print this,” he told us, “but if I’m honest: as much as I love the GWR, I’ve always actually preferred LMS loco designs, particularly those by Sir William Stanier.” This may not be as controversial as it sounds, coming from a Swindon-born painter, because Stanier was born in Swindon too.

Although he spent many years working for the GWR, he went on to become the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the rival London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), and after spearheading British Railways loco design, became only the third railway engineer to be knighted. Curiously, although he has given his name to more than 20 streets across Britain, Stanier Street in Swindon isn’t named after Sir William. His father, WH Stanier, another railwayman and a Mayor of Swindon, was given that honour before his son made his name. The new edition of Swindon Heritage, which is the 18th to be

Swindon-born artist Craig Tiley using the easel that formerly belonged to the late railway poster artist, Terence Cuneo.

published, now adding up to more than 1,500 pages, is, of course, not restricted to railway heritage. As ever, it also reflects the great depth and breadth of the rest of the town’s rich history. So readers can also find out about a ‘lost’ church near Cricklade, the rise and fall of farming in Highworth, and even how Swindonians were unknowingly involved in germ warfare experiments during the Cold War. The magazine is available at the Central Library and selected local newsagents, including WH Smith, and more information about sales and subscriptions are available at www.swindonheritage.com

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Swindon Wide

A perfect 10 for Wagging Tails

Hilary Coates (left) on the boat at the "Take the Plunge 1" with Wagging Tails Mascot, Bernie, and Wagging Tails Director, Lisa Suswain.

Local businesswoman Hilary Coates, owner of Wiltshire dog boarding company Wagging Tails, was recently welcomed to the headquarters of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at The Grange in Buckinghamshire to celebrate the Wagging Tails' 10th

Birthday. Since Wagging Tails began supporting Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in January 2014 they have helped to raise over £10,000 for the charity with Hilary's involvement instrumental to this success, as her

Annual Family Fun Day at Three Trees Farm Shop

2015 "Take the Plunge" event raised over £2,500 for Hearing Dogs. The celebrations saw Hilary present a cheque for £10,000 to Sir Stuart Hampson, President of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, before the cutting of the birthday cake and a toast celebrating 10 years of Wagging Tails and 35 years of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Speaking on behalf of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Nicholas Orpin, Community Fundraising Manager for the South East, stated: "Wagging Tails is such a great company and their customers get a unique and fantastic service. But they don't just stop there, they also help to change lives of deaf people by supporting Hearing Dogs, and that tells you what great people they are too". Hilary said, "I have loved working

with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and seeing the great work that they do in helping the deaf and those with partial hearing loss. I would like to thank all of our owners who have made donations to the charity when boarding their dogs with us and all those who attended and supported 'Take the Plunge'. I am really looking forward to 'Take the Plunge 2' and helping to raise more valuable funds for Hearing Dogs." Take the Plunge 2 will take place on 9 September at South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre, Gloucestershire in partnership with the registered charity Newfound Friends and in support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Please contact Hilary on sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk or 01793 874 777 for details of how you could get involved.

Three Trees Farm Shop will be hosting their Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, 17th June 2017, from 10am until 3pm. This year’s Fun Day promises to be another great day out for all the family. Now in its fifth year, the ever-popular donkeys will be back to give children a ride around the field in support of local charity Prospect Hospice. Farm equipment, including tractors, will be on display along with s farm animals.

Local author, Barbara Townsend, will be reading her book The Savernake Big Belly Oak to children, after which they can participate in traditional bark rubbing. Other activities will include face painting and glitter tattoos, outdoor games for children and more, with delicious homemade refreshments available throughout the day. Follow on Facebook for more details and the schedule of events for the day. fb/ThreeTreesFarmShop

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Swindon Wide

Fans look for brighter club future BUG gets a new name and logo On Two Wheels by Rob Derry of after relegation Swindon Cyle Campaign Trust STFC chairman Steve Mytton's monthly column

So, we're down into League Two and at the time of writing, the search for a new manager is on.

We’re hoping the club advertise the post and get someone in who has total control in the running of the football side of things, someone who is allowed to recruit who they need, and someone who gives the fans a style of football that shows passion and commitment to the cause. On the Trust front we are continuing in our pursuit to buy the County Ground, and work to bring about positive change. We’ve had two meetings with Swindon Borough Council off the back of our £1.1m stadium bid, and discussions continue. We have also been working closely with ‘Supporters Direct’ and, at the time of writing, we are about to hold a public fans meeting to update supporters and continue

our work to protect the long-term future of the club. Our fundraising has improved significantly since our public AGM in March, with almost 300 people now signed up to monthly contributions into the Red Army Fund (www.redarmyfund.co.uk) – this is dramatic growth, more than doubling the size of the previous fund in just two months. At the AGM we talked about “Let's Work Together!” – a campaign for club, council, media and fans to help each other in these troubled times, and we believe it’s in the interest of both Swindon Town FC and all Swindon Town fans to make the effort to find a positive way forwards. Hopefully you are behind our stadium bid, and will support the Trust as we look towards a brighter future. Your Club, Your Trust.

Swindon BUG is changing its name. We’re now known as the Swindon Cycle Campaign. We’ve also got a new Facebook page if you search for Swindon Cycle Campaign. We’re really excited about this change of name as it signals a slight change of direction for the group but we maintain our friendly and approachable nature. We’ve made the name change because a lot of people weren’t sure what BUG stood for and there are many similar organisations around the country that have successfully adopted the “Campaign” moniker. But we’re not campaigning for more people to cycle and to tell people that they should cycle and to leave their nasty motor cars. What me mean by campaigning is to increase the awareness among the population of Swindon and surrounding areas about cycling for all purposes: commuting, shopping, leisure, visiting friends and sport. We’re also campaigning to the borough council to ensure that there is sufficient infrastructure to allow people to cycle. Over the last 10 years, many people have seen

the benefits of cycling and most of them say that the biggest barrier to them is a lack of safe infrastructure. We don’t want to lecture to people that they should cycle, rather we know from the experiences of other towns and cities like London, Bristol and Leicester, that if the local authority provides good facilities for people to cycle, then they will choose to do so where it is practical. Of course, there are benefits to cycling that we want to highlight as well such as general fitness, cleaner air and less congestion. But we’re not lecturing – we’re campaigning to make people aware of cycling and to ensure that the facilities are there to allow more people to cycle more often in more safety. For more information visit fb/swindoncyclecampaign

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Sport and Leisure

Prior Park Prep School pupils get the call to join Wiltshire County Cricket squad

Celebrations are the order of the day for six Prior Park Prep School pupils who have been selected to play for Wiltshire County Cricket Club. Selection to the prestigious cricket club has meant months of hard work and commitment during which the boys have had to compete at a consistently high level for both their school and their club. The boys' cricketing skills then saw them selected for an intense 12 week programme with the North East Wiltshire Cricket District. After their constantly

good performances playing district cricket, they were then selected for county trials. The tough selection process covered all aspects of the boys’ cricketing performance including bowling, batting and fielding. The selected Prior Park Prep pupils are Joseph and Aryan who have been selected to play for the U10’s, James and Nicholas for the U11’s and Oliver and Ethan for the U12’s. On hearing that he had been selected, Ethan said: “I love cricket and I’m so pleased to have been selected. I can’t wait for my first match.”

Swindon Cricket Club to host charity fun day The Rotary Club of Swindon and Swindon Cricket Club are holding another Charity Fun Day at the historic cricket club next to the County Ground on Sunday 9 July. The Charity Fun Day has a VIP lunch, auction and Q&A session with ex England International cricketer Phil DeFreitas, compered by ex Swindon Town player Phil King. It is being held in the historic cricket pavilion from 1pm (tickets £25pp), while free entrance to the fun day being held on the field will be from midday. The day will include Face Painting, Sand Art, Glitter Tattoos, Tombola,

Lucky Dip, Hook a Duck, Jamberry Nails plus many more. There will also be ‘All Stars Programme’ cricket matches, a national programme for 5-8 years olds, which is being run throughout May and June at Swindon Cricket Club. All proceeds raised will be donated to rotary charities, including ‘End Polio Now’. Tickets are available from Deacons Jewellers, Old Town. To keep up to date with events follow ‘Swindon Cricket Club’ on Facebook or @swindoncricket on Twitter.

Mobile Car ServiCing & repairS

★ Electrical work ★ MoTs arranged (no re-test fee)

★ All vehicle diagnostics For a reliable local service with over 30 years experience

SAVE 20% - No VAT to pay Call Graham on (01793) 873045 or 07867 556350 36

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Motoring

Audi A1 Hatchback: The little car with a lot of class The Audi A1: Small Is Beautiful. According to a dictionary (Yup. Still using one), A1 means ‘Very good or well. Excellent’. If a ship is described as A1 it means it is equipped to the highest standard. All these definitions apply to the Audi A1 hatchback. Not cheap mind. The diminutive motor on this test was a Sport model and it costs almost £25k (with options) which is a lot to pay for a supermini. On The Outside When it comes to Audi however, price doesn’t seem to matter. You get what you pay for I guess and for a small car the Audi A1 is elegant and sophisticated. Featured in my image in a smart Nano Grey with a contrasting silver roofline, there is no sign of its close familial relationship to the VW Polo. Attractive two-tone 17” alloys complete the ensemble. The test car was a three-door which meant the usual clamber to get into the back seats. You can get a five-door but I think the car loses some of its style in that format. I’d go for the three-door model and, if I really needed five doors, I would

Geoff Maxted of Drivewrite.co.uk takes a look at the Audi A1

step up to the A3. On The Inside It seems superfluous to describe the interior in detail, because all modern cars from the German brand look alike on the inside. Very comfortable and supportive seats are embellished with leather and Alcantara. There’s the to-beexpected soft-touch dashboard materials and even more leather dotted around the cabin. Plenty of the latest technology as will be expected at this price point plus quality sounds from the speakers. There is not much on the market to challenge Audi’s premium

class interior and it just feels so expensive when behind the wheel. The Audi A1 is designed as a four-seater and like many in this segment, it is cramped in the back. With the driving seat set perfectly for me, an adult could not sit behind. I would have to drive with my knees up around my ears to accommodate a lanky sort. Okay for children but this is not family-sized. The boot isn’t the biggest in class either at 210L so I reckon this is an ideal little car for two with the occasional passenger catered for. On The Road You’ll pay a big premium for

the admittedly very economical 1.6L diesel but I wouldn’t bother frankly, particularly in this day and age. There’s a feisty 2.0L quattro if more pizzazz is required and a less powerful 1.4L petrol version too, but in my opinion the best of the Audi A1 engine choices is the 1.0L TFSI petrol unit with 94bhp as driven here. Sure, 0-62mph takes 11.0 seconds but it is a revvy, lively and refined engine that makes the car fun to drive. It has enough grunt to keep up with the motorway rush and for most buyers should be the engine of choice. Some say that the ride is too firm but for me it is just right. I really enjoyed piloting this small hatchback around the local highways and byways. The suspension (it varies with model choice, the softest being on SE versions) keeps the Audi A1 well controlled in the corners and there’s minimal lean. The steering, although inevitably lacking feel, is accurate and light, making parking a doddle. Good to drive and easy to park, the Audi A1 is a sophisticated, albeit expensive, choice in the supermini marketplace.

Treated Landscape Sleepers (Pine for longevity) 2.4 metres long by 200 x 100mm • • • • • • •

Gates Fencing Decking Trellis Panels Wood Preservatives Garden Tools Raised Garden Beds

T: 01793 783879

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W: www.webbswood.co.uk

Find us on facebook.com/webbswood Proud sponsors of Swindon Supermarine FC

Southdown Farm, Faringdon Road, (A420) Longcot, Oxon SN7 7UA swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Sport and Leisure

Ambitious flight suit project has taken off like a rocket

Wiltshire’s Iron Man: Richard Browning prepares for lift off

The dream of flying around like a superhero has taken a giant leap forward - thanks to the single minded vision of an inventor from Wiltshire. Richard Browning, 38, has stunned audiences around the world after posting incredible footage of himself hovering above the ground and manoeuvring around a farmyard in a jet-powered Iron Man style flight suit. And now he has been showcasing his startling invention around the world. Former City oil trader Richard explained: “I’m a believer in the genuine spirit of how innovation takes place. For me it is all about spending less time arguing about whether something is possible and more on working out how to make something work.” Richard, who lives in Salisbury, explained that his idea - dubbed the Daedalus suit by his eight year old son Thomas - grew out of a series of conversations with like-minded enthusiasts. He said that the exoskeleton suit had been developed over the past couple of years in a careful stepby-step evolution, with a series of increasingly ambitious test flights in a farm in Wiltshire. “We started out with just one thruster. I initially wanted to see if it was possible to stand there and hold the thruster. Some people said that it would be incredibly dangerous but it was absolutely fine, no shredded arms, no burns - it was then that I knew we were onto something.” Although safety is at the forefront of his flight demonstrations, the suit is capable of flying at 200 mph and cruising at an altitude of a few thousand feet with a current flight

duration of around ten minutes. Although Richard wears fireproof protective gear and tough rattlesnake-proof boots that he sourced from the US, he was surprised that being in such proximity to the four small jets he directs with his hands was entirely painless. “Given that you are looking at temperatures of 700 degrees centigrade from the exhaust, it’s remarkable that you don’t get burned. But the heat very quickly dissipates in the air - the technology works.” The project is being taken forward under a startup company Gravity which has had huge interest from commercial and military representatives. The firm has had a lot of interest from investors, including a recent investment of £600,000 from Tim Draper, an American venture capitalist. No stranger to danger, the Royal Marine Reservist threw himself into getting into shape to meet the demands of human-guided flight by embarking on a gruelling regime of physical training alongside developing the design of the Daedalus flight suit. “People ask me what’s the point - and I reply that I’ve done this for exactly the same reason that you might look at a mountain and decide to climb it. After all, what’s the point of a jet ski? There isn’t one, but they are great fun. I’m doing this for the journey and the challenge.” Most children think their dad is a superhero, but for Richard’s two sons, Thomas, 8, and Oliver 10, their claim is closer to the truth than most. When Oliver was asked what he thinks about his dad, he just had one word “Awesome”.

The innovative design was a process of trial and error

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CJ Gardening Services

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• Tip runs • General/full garden maintenance • Hedge cutting • Mowing • Garden design • Soft/hard landscaping and much more Fully insured and licensed For a free quote call Lee on

Hard & Soft Landscaper

For a free quotation contact:

Patios & Decking Panelled & Close Board Fencing Hedge & Shrub Pruning Regular Lawn Cuttings & Maintenance Waste Removal

01793 813853 07813 906863 cwjgarrett@tiscali.co.uk

stevebrander@hotmail.co.uk 01793 329472 / 07949 896349 www.brandnewgardens.co.uk

Free Quotes & Advice

Earthmoving Services

07434 964586

David Hawkins

Tree Surgeon

• Garden/site shaping, levelling, clearance ALL TYPES OF TREE WORK • Footings, trenches & ditches excavated COMPLETED TO THE • Hardcore sub-bases & roadways/tracks HIGHEST STANDARD • Concrete, tarmac, hedge & stump removal Hedge cutting • Fruit tree pruning • Soil screening/debris removal Fully insured • Micro excavator, minimum access width required: 29” (730mm) Free estimates

Stump removal

C.P.C.S Licensed • Fully Insured Call Steve to discuss your needs and receive a free estimate Tel: 01793 848708 or 07967 341567 www.earthmovingservices.co.uk

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

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CLIFF WHITEWAY SERVICES For all your home & garden needs Patios Decking Paths Turfing Walling Fencing Driveways For a free quote call Cliff on

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LANDSERVE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care `````` for your garden Grass cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Decking and Fencing Hedge cutting & pruning No Job Too Small. All works insured Contact Dermot

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NW June 2017 Master Pages.indd 39

Call Martin Emery MI Hort.

for free quotation on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

Over 20 years experience

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GAZEBO

LANDSCAPING

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• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc. • Drives & patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing, grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas

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FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD Est. 1990 35 Spencer Close, West Swindon ❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152 www.freethfencingandgardenservicesltd.com

HERITAGE TREE CARE

PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS Comprehensive service Qualified staff Fully insured • Pruning and Shaping • Felling and Removal • Hedge Cutting • Stump Grinding • Tree Planting

Free quotations and advice Call Ian Walding (N.C.Hort N.D.Arb)

01793 790210 07971 566880

Email: ian@heritage-treecare.co.uk

18/05/2017 12:24

REPAIR & IMPROVE YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician

ACP

J&R Plumbing

Part P Registered Part P Registered

Home Improvements & Building Services • General building maintenance • Garage conversions • Bathrooms and Kitchens • Carpentry • Wall & floor tiling • Plastering/Plaster boarding/Coving • UPVC doors, windows & repairs • Fascias, soffits, guttering • Patios and fencing Insurance work undertaken For a prompt professional service contact Andy: 07969350160 /01793 435513 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk

Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms & Bedrooms Tiling & Worktops Laminate Flooring Skirtings & Architraves Dados & Coving Doors & Decking And much more

For a FREE no obligation quote call now on 07874 021004 or 01793 701797

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Chrome sockets and switches

•

Replacement fuse boards

•

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• No job too small!

Connected Connected Electrical Electrical && Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 or Tel: 07824 314080 or 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Providing plumbing services to clients throughout Swindon

Home extensions/rewires Kitchen & bathroom electrics Data cabling/office conversions Garage/garden power

30 years experience

Decorative lights Fault finding/repairs Free help and advice

Fully insured to £2m

Call Dan: 07791 791513 Email: dan@boylectrical.co.uk Visit: www.boylectrical.co.uk

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

• • • • • • • • • •

Extensions Garage & Loft Conversions Conservatories Garden Walls Patios & Fencing Plastering Wall & Floor Tiling Laminate & Wood Flooring Block Paving Painting & Decorating All our work is carried out to your complete satisfaction

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217129

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DJR General Builders Ltd Competent, reliable and fully insured. All aspects of building and maintenance work carried out to private and public properties. Please call for a free quotation. 01793 871660 (Office) Mob: 075151 25060 derek.richardson5@virginmedia.com 24 The Elms, Nine Elms Swindon SN5 5XA

Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions

Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ For ALL your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

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J’s Electrical

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& Heating ❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring, all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed 302877 Free estimates

Approved Plumber

mjplumbing64@gmail.com 40

OAP discount on request

Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping

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01793 876600 07748 964433

Friendly, reliable service

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

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

✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing ✭ 24 hours

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NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07434 588731 Tel: 01793 320447

Call Sue Roberts to discuss our combined advertising packages

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01793 781502

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REPAIR & IMPROVE

41

YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

D E Carpentry For all your carpentry needs

Misted or Broken Windows?

Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists

k Door hanging

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

k Kitchen fitting

• Alterations/Renovations • New Builds and Barn Conversions

k Real wood and laminate flooring

● Repairs to all upvc doors and windows ● 24 hr boarding up service and lock change ● Hinges, Window/Door Locks and Handles etc. Call Jamie for free advice and quote on all aspects of upvc. We will beat any like for like quotation

Fully insured. 18 years experience Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on

0800 1357063 or 07967 155502 or email: info@benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk

k Fitted wardrobes k 15 years experience

Call 01793 514069 or 07885 972172 e: ellisj10@sky.com www.delliscarpentry.co.uk

THE INDEPENDENT GAS SPECIALISTS

Haydon Wick Heating Services 142573

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FOR GAS SERVICE CALL 01793 848800 6 Templars Way Industrial Est, Marlborough Rd, W. Bassett SN4 7SR

www.gastechwilts.co.uk

Haines

Plastering & Home Improvements

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Call Luke on

07853 966003

or email: hainesplastering@gmail.com

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

installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

• Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in • Radiators changed

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Semi-retired Plumber

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560944

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REPAIR & IMPROVE YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

INTERIOR EXTERIOR H WALLPAPERING H

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Please contact Brian Jones

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Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051

Professional, reliable and friendly service

Doctor Glass

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GILES BROS

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526 Find us on Facebook

Also hinges and locks Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671

42

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen & bathroom refits • Internal alterations

FLOOR & WALL TILING SPECIALISTS

repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows

• Specialise in wet rooms • Supply and fix service • Complete bathroom service • Underfloor heating • Wall & floor tiling • Plastering • Free estimates Contact Mat: 07738 298803 or 01793 728283 mat@middlesextilingltd.co.uk www.middlesextilingltd.co.uk

DECORATING & CARPENTRY

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GBD Services 01793 979282 or 07453 966627

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r

H

All areas of Plastering, Decorating and Refurbishment undertaken

01793 321981 07775 840236

Call 07976 885203

ato

BSJ PLASTERING & DECORATING SERVICES

For free quotation call Paul on

eco r

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DECORATOR

&D

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ter

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.

PC Property S Services

ain

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PR ID EP

PLANS DRAWN

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

TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673 Email: leon.jack@hotmail.co.uk

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories

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REPAIR & IMPROVE

43

YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

G R SERVICES 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 email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

Services

(Household Maintenance)

• Extensions • Driveways • Conservatories • Patios • Garden Walls • Fencing All general building and landscaping projects undertaken NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Stewart on

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01793 670115 or 0784 182 6390 for a Free Estimate

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work

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203455

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Contact Matthew Pollard: 07779 318717 info@mjphomecreations.com See our customer testimonials: www.mjphomecreations.com swindonlink.com n June 2017

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19/05/2017 06:09

SERVICE SECTOR YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES

CLEANING

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

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www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

44

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

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CJD

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• • • • • • • •

OVEN CLEANING

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We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including:

OVEN CLEANING

WHITE VAN MAN

ACCOUNTANCY

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Computer problems? Let us help

Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £45 - Range £75

•

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

M & J Upholsterers RE-UPHOLSTERY & ALL SUITE REPAIRS

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Call 07709 453949 emanjayupholstery@gmail.com

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SERVICE SECTOR

45

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES

THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE House cleans from £16 per house. Around £26 for a 4 bed. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly cleans. One-off Spring cleans Ironing £17 per basket, collected and returned the next day

Call 01793 875665 07780625244

Est 2002

For all your computing needs • 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 25 years experience, call 01793 320 439 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

Amistad facilities management

Nice ‘n’ Gleam

✦ House Cleaning ✦ Carpet Cleaning ✦ After Party Cleaning ✦ Commercial/ Office Spaces ✦ Move In/Out Cleaning ✦ Property Maintenance

Professional service Non-toxic chemicals Prices from: ✰ Ovens £35.00 ✰ ✰ Ranges £75.00 ✰ ✰ Carpets £30.00 ✰ ✰ Driveways £50.00 ✰ Free no obligation quote Call Martin on T: 01793 611036 M: 07771 821757 W: nicengleamovenclean.co.uk E: info@nicengleamovenclean.co.uk

Call for a free quotation

01793 987482

OVEN CLEAN

Domestic & Commercial

Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

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

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal

Showroom: Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR

Fully Insured, NCCA member

Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796 swindondoorservices@btinternet.com

Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

01793 421802 www.abacuscleaningservices.co.uk

HALE SKILLS

Swindon Aerial Services Established since 1961 • Free Quotes • Reception Issues Resolved • Motorised Satellite Systems • High Gain Digital Aerials • Freesat/Freeview • TV Wall Mounting • Additional Points

Repairs & Installations • Washing Machines • Cookers

10% off New Aerial Installs please quote Link when booking!

• Dishwashers • Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 years’ experience

Senior Citizens Discount

07963 131429

Tel: 01793 531400 • 07703 292850 www.swindonaerials.com

or 01793 490668

swindonaerialservices@yahoo.co.uk

email: haleskills@gmail.com

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

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

FURNITURE WANTED

A charity providing furniture, white goods and household items to local people in need Call the collections line on 01793 683146 HELP US TO HELP OTHERS swindonlink.com n June 2017

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Puzzle

12

13 14

15

18 20

16

19 21

21

22

24

23 26

17

24

25

27

29

18. 19. 20. 21. 23. 26. 28. 29. 30.

46

Bringing back to life (7) Sloping (7) Conceited man (7) Pray (7) Yield of grapes (7) Append (3) Crust formed over wound (4) Break suddenly (4) Yes (inf.) (4) Yellow part of an egg (4) Large deer (3) Spray can (7) Sheltered place (7) Sleeveless garment (7) Small bomb (7) Underground cell (7)

I

T E X

SUDOKU

1

30

1. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14. 16.

D E

There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, you should not have to guess.

28

ACROSS

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 12. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 22. 24. 25. 26. 27.

Recuperation (8) Female fox (5) Stringed instrument (5) Threw high into the air (6) In addition (4) Sound of walking in mud (7) Net (4) Armoured vehicle (4) Yawn (4) Dam (4) Cereal substance (4) News broadcast (8) Verbal defamation (7) Became invalid (6) Continue (3,2) Work out (5) Exhale loudly (4) Actual (4)

4 2 5 6 5 1 9 8 1 5 2

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which, when placed correctly in the grid, will form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

SOLUTIONS

5 8

4 2 9 7

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

Bulletin; 18 Slander; 22 Lapsed; 24 Run on; 25 Solve; 26 Sigh; 27 Real.

11

T R Y

23 Good; 28 Very Good; 32 Excellent.

QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 1 Revival; 8 Oblique; 9 Coxcomb; 10 Beseech; 11 Vintage; 14 Add; 16 Scab; 18 Snap; 19 Yeah; 20 Yolk; 21 Elk; 23 Aerosol; 26 Suntrap; 28 Singlet; 29 Grenade; 30 Dungeon.

10 10

SELL SOAP OVERSEAS

NONAGRAM deer; deity; deter; dexter; DEXTERITY; diet; dieter; dire; dree; drey; dyer; edit; eider; exert; exit; exited; eyed; eyrie; rede; reed; reedy; rete; retie; retied; retted; ride; rite; teed; text; texter; tide; tied; tier; tiered; tire; tired; titre; tree; treed; tret; trey; tried; trite; tyre; tyred; yeti.

9

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Target scores:

Down – 1 Recovery; 2 Vixen; 3 Viola; 4 Lobbed; 5 Plus; 6 Squelch; 7 Mesh; 12 Tank; 13 Gape; 15 Dyke; 16 Sago; 17

7

MAGIC SQUARE rose; oval; saps; else.

7

9 1 6 4 7 5 8 2 3

6

5 3 2 9 8 6 4 1 7

6

4 8 7 3 2 1 6 9 5

5

2 5 8 7 1 3 9 4 6

5

8

3 6 4 2 5 9 7 8 1

4

7 9 1 6 4 8 5 3 2

3

6 2 9 8 3 7 1 5 4

2

MAGIC SQUARE

8 4 5 1 6 2 3 7 9

1

NONAGRAM

1 7 3 5 9 4 2 6 8

QUICK CROSSWORD

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