42 minute read
Community
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 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 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.
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The Spirit of Swindon: Envy of the super-rich or giving pay the attention it merits
jamie@swindonlink.com
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
1988
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
2015
ArtworkbyDavidWildish
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 3
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 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
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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. 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 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
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 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 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. 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 at www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk
Surgeons use 3D printer to create new hip
facility at the GWH. Find out more
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
Eight new buses turn up at the same time
deformities.
“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
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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 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 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." 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
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."
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, 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
Parish Council elections 2017: a list of the new parish councillors
in power to account." 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 9
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 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
Dr Rod Hebden, who has been appointed as the new director of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery 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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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 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
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 Great Western Works development and cultural uses. residents have been incorporated.’
Anyone wanting to view the full planning documents can do so on at www.swindon.gov.uk
Carriage works development in the spotlight
Swindon’s Carriage Works - an artist’s impression of the proposed new
create a new destination for digital, become one of the pioneers, and education and creative industries in help shape the future of this site. a “campus” environment. I am pleased that local businesses
A place where businesses can recognise the potential of these interact, support each other and iconic heritage buildings and grow together. Offices will sit want to work with us to make it a alongside cafes, independent shops success.” Swindon Borough Council’s website 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, Join us, become one of the pioneers and help shape the future of this site , ,
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
Sign up to big quiz
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.
Choose your charity
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
Community News Uplands Educational Trust open Redoaks pupils into finals of second Gorse Hill shop national writing competition
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.
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 Seren-Medi Purnell (left) and Poppy Fox-Thompson (right) with teacher Naomi Barry 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.
Plans submitted for 2,380 new homes in Swindon as part of Eastern Villages expansion
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.
Ambrose Field planning application submitted by developer despite residents opposition
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 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
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
Recycling Centre hours change sparking concern over fly-tipping and waiting times
usual." 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
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 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
Janet’s Puppy Skool
Have fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes
3 Playskool class for puppies 3 Adult beginners/improvers 3 Senior Skool/advanced classes 3 One to one advice & training 3 Fun agility workshops
www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk APDT Member (01066)
Janet Garrett DipCABT (QCF-Level 4) Tel: 01793 727158 janet@janetspuppyskool.co.uk
Are you at work all day? Going away? Or just too busy? The National Pet Care Company Dog holidays with host families, Cat Care, Pet Feeding The Complete Pet Service Pet Taxi/Ambulance Tel: 07496 855694 info@swindondistrict.animalsathome.co.uk www.animalsathome.co.uk/swindon-district
The Springboard to Confidence for your child
Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play programme for children from 6 months to 7 years. Your child will learn agility, balance, climbing, co-ordination appropriate to his or her age. Structured programmes designed to build self confidence and develop essential listening and language skills. Supervised by trained staff in a fun and caring environment.
Tumble Tots now in your area!
For information about local centres call
Liz Davies on 0844 800 0219 www.tumbletots.com/swindon Find us on Facebook
Head Rush
73 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive Westlea, West Swindon Tel: 01793 602552
Open Tuesday to Saturday. Late night Wednesday & Thursday Free parking www.headrushsalon.co.uk
