South Link November 2018

No 27 November 2018

GPS delivered door to door to 55,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 137,500

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

Your guide to Swindon's fireworks p31

South Edition

One century since The Great War - Swindon remembers Page 22 Tinchy Stryder and Young rebel artists Jahmene kick off the take over Swindon town town's festive season in with exhibition style

Page 4

p13

Page 21 A bit of delicious Spanish flavour at Los Gatos in Old Town

Celebrating diverse dumplings

By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

I'm having a love affair with dumplings all around the world.

A few months ago it was Japanese gyozas, and before that it was Polish pierogis but my latest tryst with global dumplings comes in the form of Nepalese momos. They are delicious.

And rather than travelling halfway around the world I've actually discovered them on our own doorstep of Swindon at Yak: The Himalayan Kitchen on Devizes Road.

The fact that I didn't have to trek up Everest to get hold of them has really made me appreciate the diversity that is on our doorstep that a lot of us nowadays take for granted.

And just to drive this point home this month we'll be celebrating bonfire night with Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, only a few days later.

This means that fireworks will be a fixture of our night sky for a whole week.

Household pets might not enjoy it but the fact that these two festivals now sit side by side is definitely something to celebrate.

Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Reporter: Claire Dukes

Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart, Rosy Presley Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

Swindon will light up for the Hindu festival of Diwali

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

This year the Swindon Hindu Temple will be celebrating Diwali at their temple in Cheney Manor, from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday 7 November.

Ahead of the event the temple's Chairman, Pradeep Bhardwaj (pictured), said: “Festivals hold a very special significance for Indians and play a very important role in uniting people.

"This is the most festive time of the year when we have several festivals next to each other.

"The festivals of Dussehra and Diwali are celebrated

with great fervour to signify the victory of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness, both within us as well as around us. As people adorn their best clothes, illuminate their homes, light up fireworks, share sweets and pleasantries with friends and families, offer prayers for prosperity and good health, prepare mouthwatering dishes and enjoy sumptuous feasts, it’s also a gentle reminder to everyone of the need to illuminate and brighten up the lives of those people who are less fortunate.

"On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone in Swindon."

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also referred to as 'Deepavali', is the Hindu Festival of Light, which is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains. This year Diwali takes place Wednesday 7 November.

The festival takes place between October and November, marking the Hindu New Year and the beginning of India's financial year. But, Diwali is also a very spiritual event where people come together to celebrate the light in the world which extinguishes darkness to signify victory over evil - Diwali translates from Sanskrit to “rows of lighted lamps”.

Traditionally the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities will put on an array of light displays which will see fireworks, decorated homes, lanterns and 'diyas' (candles).

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It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

Your essential guide to festive events on the horizon

Town Centre

Rap superstar Tinchy Stryder will be joined by Swindon's own Jahmene Douglas at the annual Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on.

Part of inSwindon BID's free ‘Festival of Lights, the event kicks off on Saturday 17 November from 5-6pm in Wharf Green with the annual light switch on headlined by Tinchy - one of the most popular British urban artists of this generation.

He will be joined by Jahméne Douglas who first came to the attention of the British public when he stormed through to the finals of the 2012 series of ‘X Factor’.

He's since cultivated an impressive reputation for his soul and gospel-inspired vocals and as an artist has continued to grow. Jahméne's debut album ‘Love Never Fails’ hit number one in the UK charts and featured the legendary Stevie Wonder.

His follow up album ‘Unfathomable Phantasmagoria’ continued to explore his soul and gospel inspirations and featured special guest Samuel L Jackson. Most recently Jahmene has toured with the UK soul legend Gabrielle and is now lending his voice to open the Festival of Lights in Swindon.

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Throughout the day, visitors and families can enjoy free entertainment including Christmas bouncing elves all the way from the North Pole and the mesmerising Glo Hula Hooping dancer, as well as the much-loved Santa’s Grotto and the new Santa’s Post Office at The Brunel Shopping Centre.

The official main stage goes live from 5pm in Wharf Green, featuring local performers including The Voice Kids finalist 2018 Lilia Slattery, Swindon’s ‘Tap Attack’ from Britain's Got Talent 2018, Phoebe Maddison from The Voice Kids 2018, Swindon’s Got Talent winner, Nathaniel Parker and Swindon Dance.

Heart Breakfast’s Ben and Mel will

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once again host the main event, joined by children’s host ‘Jack Frost’ who will be sure to bring festive fun and mayhem to the main stage.

At 6pm a dramatic firework finale is planned to light up the sky above the town centre.

The icing on the Christmas cake is this year’s artisan market which will be in the town centre on the Light Switch On day and on various other dates in November and December offering stalls including seasonal gifts and decorations, vintage goods, traditional Christmas fayre, arts and crafts and regional produce.

The town centre’s Festival of Lights will continue through to the end of December and will also feature: A light trail of 3D and LED Christmas light installations, including a 4-metre-high interactive teddy bear for visitors and families to enjoy. Free events every weekend in the run up to Christmas, which will include a Christmas Mariachi Band, interactive Christmas Bauble photo booth and LED Dancing Drummers.

The Festival of Lights begins on Saturday 17 November and runs until 31 December 2018.

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swindonlink.com n November 2018

Juicy new scheme is launched to tackle homelessness in Swindon

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

A local charity has launched a juicy new scheme to encourage Swindon's residents and local businesses to support the town's homeless.

Last month Threshold Housing Link launched a new social enterprise 'Health & Wellness Juices' in Swindon's town centre.

Created by Threshold's business manager, Michael Keenan, and Threshold resident, Mark Mutlow, Health & Wellness Juice aims to support homeless residents by offering a pathway into employment, as well as promoting physical and mental wellness through juicing.

Mark Keenan said: "Mark Mutlow and I conceived this

Join Threshold's 'Big Sleep Out' this December

idea about juicing for residents at Culvery Court, which is one of Swindon’s direct access hostels. We started juicing every morning and it went down a treat, and it just grew from there.

"Homelessness is a massive problem worldwide, – it’s a complex and messy problem – and there’s no quick fix solution but what I want to be able to say is that Threshold are part of the solution."

Mark Mutlow, who volunteers at Health & Wellness Juices, has also created the juice recipes for customers to purchase. He hopes this new initiative can help people, like him, to get off the streets and overcome addiction.

He said: "This is my way of giving things back to Threshold and the homeless people of

Swindon, because literally two years ago I was homeless myself for four and a half years. When I came off the alcohol, - I was an alcoholic – it was a real tough time for me because my body was just rinsed of everything. If something like this was around then, I think my recovery would have been twice as quick.

"I’d like to help others who’d like to come in and volunteer on their progression pathway."

Following on from the success of previous years, Threshold will be hosting its second Big Sleep Out 7 December. To raise awareness of homelessness, businesses, families and individual residents are being invited to sleep 'out' for

Robert Buckland QC MP officially unveiled Health & Wellness Juices. He said: "I’m genuinely excited by projects like this and I very much hope it takes off.

"The Government is now providing more funding to help tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in towns like Swindon – that’s great, but it will only translate into reality on the ground with the support of our council and businesses."

the evening at Immanuel United Reformed Church from 7 December, 7pm, to 8 December, 6.30am. Food and drinks will be provided throughout, as well as a hot breakfast served in the morning. Visit www.thl.org.uk.

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Old Town Residents' Association News This month we are bursting with pride to have won a Level 3 – Advancing in the RHS Britain in Bloom - 2018 It’s Your Neighbourhood Award.

Results were announced on 4 October in Yeovil, and certificates will be handed out

by Judge Richard Beale at our next committee meeting.

Our meetings are held on the third Monday of every month at 7.30pm in the back bar at the Wheatsheaf in Newport Street. If you would like to come along, please do so.

Coincidentally, just after hearing about the award, on Sunday 7 October, we had our Autumn get together to tidy up flower beds and refresh them by planting a few more perennials and some alliums, so look out for purple globes next spring in our flower beds.

We were joined this time by an enthusiastic crowd from the Marriott; they litter picked along the wildlife corridor along Marlborough Lane and Pipers Way. A new planning concern this month is over plans to build up

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to six homes at the end of the Lakeside cul-de-sac, the site has already been designated as a Green Infrastructure Corridor and Public Open Space.

Less contentious is the development of the Burmah Castrol site where 65 retirement homes and some retail development is planned.

Planning has been granted for demolition of the former cycle club on Dixon Street to make way for 24 flats, the former Stage Coach depot plans have been approved, three houses on Victoria Hill have been

demolished, the developers at the former Wilmer’s coal yard got planning permission for an extra dwelling overlooking some Winifred Street houses.

There is uncertainty over plans to develop Newspaper House, the former Swindon Advertiser offices, and discussions are underway about how Clifton Street School can be restored.

There was a public meeting on 19 August to discuss options to reduce levels of nitrogen oxides due to exhaust fumes on Kingshill which has been designated an Air Quality Management Area.

Following the very successful Sausage and Ale Trail in September, the Old Town Business Association is organising the Old Town Christmas lights switch on, which will be held on Sunday 25 November from 12-5pm.

Raffle tickets are available from Deacon’s Jewellers among other places.

Church transformed in tribute to the fallen Rodbourne’s St Augustine’s Church has been transformed in a moving tribute to fallen servicemen who sacrificed their lives.

In a joint project between the church and the Rodbourne History Group, and Even Swindon Primary School, the interior of the church is ablaze with scarlet - a cascade of knitted poppies flows from the font and a frozen rain of 1,000 poppies drips from the roof.

British Legion crosses have been mounted around the base of the font and the alter cloth has been decorated with sewn poppies.

And The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust donated 10 perspex silhouettes of soldiers as part of the “There But Not There’ project which have been positioned in pride of place at the front of the church.

Research by the local history group has resulted in a Remembrance Wall display around the walls of the church recording the names, rank, regiment and burial locations of the fallen.

Church Warden Carole Holmes said: “It’s a community church, and we try to make people realise that – people who have come into see the poppies have realised what a beautiful place it is.”

Young actors set to stage WW1 premiere Young actors from Swindon's Prime Theatre are to stage a world premiere performance of The 11th Hour to honour those who died in the trenches of the First World War. The play, written by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, is based on his book Terrible Trenches.

The show is embarking on a six-week tour around primary and secondary schools in the Swindon and Wiltshire area, but tickets are now on sale for a one-off public performance at the Wyvern Theatre on November 13. Suitable for 7 years and older, tickets cost £10.

Set in 1918, the play is set around the meeting of a British and German soldier an hour before the ending of hostilities. We hear Danny and Marius's stories and songs as they compare their experiences.

Tickets are available from www.swindontheatres.co.uk or by calling 01793 524481.

RAF Veteran speaks of the enduring impact of conflict

Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday hold a special significance for former RAF aircraft technician Andrew Armstrong who carries physical and mental injuries from active duty.

And the Swindon based veteran says it is vital to continue to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to remember their contribution to the freedoms we hold dear.

Andrew was honoured to have the chance to pay tribute to fallen colleagues at last year’s wreath laying ceremony at London's Cenotaph.

He explained: "It was a hugely proud moment and a chance for me to remember the 10 servicemen who died when an RAF Hercules was shot down in Iraq in 2005, some of whom

I had worked alongside.”

He was among those chosen to represent the Help for Heroes charity.

Andrew served for 32 years in the RAF, serving in various overseas conflicts including the first and second Gulf War as well as peacekeeping duties in Iraq and the conflict in Afghanistan before being medically discharged last year.

He explained that the Help for Heroes and other organisations had been instrumental in helping him overcome challenges that at points had threatened to overwhelm him.

“It was a fantastic job and I loved my work - I didn’t really want to leave when I was medically discharged.

It’s been quite difficult.”

Andrew explained that he had began to suffer from complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder about six years ago - but initially was reluctant to talk openly about the symptoms with his colleagues. He had also suffered injuries to his back and right leg during his service but the mental problems were much harder to deal with.

“It was those closest to me who began to notice that there was something wrong before I even saw it myself. I became

much more withdrawn.”

He subsequently understood that what he was suffering was likely to have been caused by his exposure to extreme situations.

“I have seen some awful things in my work, badly injured people on both sides.

I began to have recurring thoughts, turning things over in your mind. It can also have a huge impact on the people around you.”

Andrew initially turned to the Swindon branch of the Mind charity who advised him to see his GP. He has since received support from the Help For Heroes charity and has thrown his energy into a range of fundraising efforts - keen to support others who find themselves in a similar position.

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Age UK to take over running of Toothill

Community Centre Toothill Community Centre will be transformed into an activity hub as Age UK Wiltshire prepares to take over the running of the centre.

Following the previous tenants’ announcement in December 2017 that they no longer wished to run the centre, the council called for community groups who may be interested to come forward.

Two bids were submitted and Age UK Wiltshire was the successful bidder.

The charity hopes that it will become a community base in which fun and educational activities for all ages can regularly take place.

The new tenants are keen to ensure the centre caters for a wide range of interests and hobbies to reflect the diverse range of community interests.

The charity also hopes the centre can play a key role in removing barriers faced by disadvantaged groups, while promoting social inclusion.

Age UK intends to put its vision for the centre to a public consultation and will consider the responses when deciding upon which activities to offer.

The Council will transfer the premises to the tenant on a five-year lease, which will enable the centre to remain in use while officers review the future of the village centre as a whole, including any potential regeneration opportunities.

Anyone who would like to get involved in the Community Centre at Toothill, or in Age UK’s wider work, can get in touch on 01380 727 767 or by visiting: www.ageuk.org.uk/ wiltshire.

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Swindon drivers gear up for zero emissions Swindon drivers are set for the future, with the opening of a new public access hydrogen refuelling station in the town.

Energy storage and clean fuel company, ITM Power, and Johnson Matthey opened the new facility to much fanfare this month.

At the opening event, attendees were able to experience a zero-emission journey in a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive.

The new Swindon plant is located at Johnson Matthey, home to the company’s fuel cell component manufacturing facility.

It is now open for public and private fleets operating fuel cell electric vehicles. The station uses electricity via a renewable energy contract and water to generate hydrogen on-site with no need for deliveries.

The new HRS is the first of two stations in the UK to be deployed as part of the pan

European H2ME2 project, which was funded by the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and the Office of Low Emission Vehicles.

In September at the ‘Zero Emission Vehicle Summit’ in Birmingham, Theresa May outlined the UK Government’s “Road to Zero Strategy” which includes funding of £1.5 billion for ultra-low-emission vehicles by 2020.

At the event, the Prime

Minister also announced more than £100 million of funding for innovators in ultra-lowemission vehicles and hydrogen technology.

The Road to Zero Strategy is the most comprehensive plan globally – mapping out in detail how the UK will reach its target for all new cars and vans to be, effectively, zero emission by 2040 – and for every car and van to be zero emission by 2050.

Gymnasts hailed as 'best in west' at England championships

Last month eight girls from Swindon wiped the floor at Gymnastics in the South West of England Counties “Artistic” Gymnastics Championships.

A spokesperson for the team said: "The juniors – Demi Hagan 8, Jessica Reynolds 8, Mimi King 9 and Isla McCalla 9 - looked stunning in their new Club leotards. They were in a large group of 22 and although they were nervous they all performed well. Special mention should be made of Jess and Isla for going clean on the balance beam, and with Isla performing

a flick on it for the first time.

"Their coach Lauren Cordingley said that although they didn’t place, they had gained valuable experience at this higher level competition.

"The Seniors then competed – Millie Swift 15, Jessica Lomas 15, Shannon White 15 and Shannon Reynolds 11 representing the Club, which was up against teams across the South West including Bristol, Somerset, Frome, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

"Shannon Reynolds was in a large group of 19 gymnasts and performed well on all 4

pieces of apparatus, including several new moves in her routines. She did exceptionally well to win the bronze medal on the vault.

"Millie and Jess then competed in the Over 14’s section and both performed excellently on all 4 pieces of apparatus as they also included several new skills.

"Jess won the bars and came third overall in the group.

Mille was outstanding and won the vault and beam, she came third on bars and gained second for her floor routine." www.ssggymnastics.co.uk

Making strides - local walking Bus firm's on a health drive Managing Director of group celebrates first birthday The Stagecoach West, Rupert

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

A volunteer-led walking group, Step Out Swindon, is celebrating after reaching its first birthday.

Step out Swindon - the volunteer led Walking for Health Scheme - is celebrating their first birthday since Swindon Borough Council withdrew funding. Since starting out last October the Scheme has added three more walks to the schedule and increased its membership to 500 registered walkers.

Cox, has signed up to a new initiative to help keep bus company staff feeling healthy and happy.

Mr Cox is supporting an eightweek kickstart programme to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of staff.

The UK’s Stagecoach Group is believed to be the first A spokesperson for the transport company to introduce group said: "Grahame Lee, the such a nationwide staff wellness Scheme Co-ordinator, thanks scheme. all of the Scheme’s volunteers The home-based who have made this possible #DrivingFitnessTogether plan by their continued support and aims to help the Stagecoach commitment to the Scheme. staff improve their physical "Walking in a group is a and emotional health through great way to keep fit, lose a series of videos covering weight, meet new people, physical workouts as well as explore your local area, and other aspects of wellbeing improve your general health including nutrition, hydration, and mental wellbeing." stress management, goal Dawn Burt, the Scheme setting, confidence and sleep Publicity Officer added: “Nomanagement. one ever feels lonely after The programme was devised joining one of our walks as they specifically for Stagecoach soon chat to other." employees by wellness coach

Ellie Hopley. A series of videos is being made available to staff through the company intranet.

The videos – which also feature Stagecoach employees - cover an 8-week physical workout plan as well as guidance on all aspects of wellbeing. Employees will also have access to a wellbeing guide and exercise plan in booklet form.

Rupert Cox said: “The wellbeing of our staff is hugely important.

"We all spend a large part of our lives at work so it’s important that we support each other and look after our health.

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New Coeliac group for town A new support group for coeliacs is starting for anyone in and around the Swindon area.

The auto immune condition means that sufferers have to live gluten free.

Group organiser Martin Hiscock said: “We will provide much needed support to new members by sharing knowledge and experiences. Having a local perspective makes it easier for people to know and share what is available in our area.”

Coeliac UK has been a charity for 50 years providing independent, trustworthy advice and support so that people can live healthier, happier lives gluten free.

The group will be hosting a launch event on Wednesday 14 November from 7:30pm to 9pm at Swindon Academy on Beech Avenue.

For further details see www.coeliac.org.uk/swindon.

Ceramics for sale

A vintage ceramics and collectables charity sale will be held at the White Hart Pub in Ashton Keynes (SN6 6NX) later this month.

The event will give visitors a chance to pick up a bargain - with proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The sale takes place on Thursday 22 November 3-10pm, 23 November 9am - noon, 24 November 9am - noon.

Jazz for homeless

Christ Church in Old Town will be hosting an evening of Jazz to raise money for the Centre Point homeless charity. The event, taking place on 24 November (810pm) features music by Ken Jell and a range of other acts. Tickets £7 lenvmorphew@hotmail.com

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Don't miss chance to claim Warm Home Discount Every year energy suppliers are obliged to pay £140 to eligible customers to help them with the costs of heating their home over the winter.

This is called the Warm Home Discount and the rebate can make a real difference to people who may be struggling with their energy bills or who are worried about using their heating when it gets cold. There is a core group of eligible customers who will get the rebate automatically, but there is also a broader group which is not widely promoted and has to be applied for so a lot of people miss out on it.

Swindon Borough Council, through its Warm & Safe Wiltshire Energy Advice Service, can help residents to check if they are eligible for this £140 rebate and submit applications if they are.

The rebates are often dealt with on a first-come firstserved type basis and, with suppliers having a set target

for applications, some schemes fill up sooner than others. In previous years some schemes have started closing around Christmas, so it is best to get your application in sooner rather than later.

Although the different schemes have varying eligibility criteria, they are usually aimed at people on low incomes so receipt of welfare benefits is often a good indicator of eligibility.

Not all suppliers offer the scheme, but with 39 suppliers offering it this winter a lot do.

The Warm & Safe Wiltshire energy advisors have all the information on these schemes and are waiting to help you apply.

All you need is the name of your electricity supplier and your electricity account number.

They can also offer advice on all areas of keeping warm in the home, improving the energy efficiency of your home, and managing your gas and electricity bills.

Call today and don’t let your £140 go unclaimed. See www. warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk

Tails are wagging as RSPCA praises council's stray dog service Swindon Borough Council’s Licensing team has once again received top marks from the RSPCA for its stray dog service.

The prestigious gold standard was announced at the animal charity’s recent Community Animal Welfare Footprints (CAWF) awards.

The award scheme was developed 10 years ago by the RSPCA to recognise outstanding work carried out by service organisations to highlight those who go above and beyond statutory requirements to improve animal welfare and their communities.

The Council’s licensing team had to comply with a wide range of criteria in order to be awarded the gold standard, including assistance with compulsory micro-chipping, and regular proactive work to encourage responsible dog ownership.

The team also scooped a Silver Animal Activity Licensing Footprint, while the Council’s Environmental Protection

Officer for Animals, Alison Waine, was nominated for a new special award, which recognises individual members of public sector staff who are

making the biggest impact to animal welfare in England and Wales. Alison was nominated by local RSPCA Chief Inspector, Steph Daly.

Commenting on her

recognition, Alison said: “We have an excellent relationship with our local RSPCA group and it is lovely to have this recognition from them.

“We have seen a 44 per cent increase in the number of stray dogs reported to us over the last two years but, despite that, we managed to reduce the number of dogs that were not claimed and so required a rescue space from 20 per cent to just 13 per cent.

“None of our unclaimed dogs were put to sleep including some that were ill, elderly or had behaviour issues as we were able to find excellent rescues to take them on and work with them.”

Cllr Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “We only have a small Animal Licensing team, so to gain this recognition from the RSPCA is a magnificent achievement.

"I would like to thank them for all their hard work."

Promoting a positive approach to living with Parkinson's

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease can come as a huge shock, but help and support is on hand thanks to the Parkinson’s UK charity.

The organisation, which has a highly active branch in Swindon, offers information, friendship and support to those living with the condition as well as their families.

Most of those involved in the Swindon branch are able to share first-hand experience of how to reduce the impact of the disease.

Branch chair Dave Logan, 70, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 15 years ago. The former RAF air traffic controller and Honda worker has taken steps to remain physically and mentally active - which has been shown to slow down the progressive nature of the disease.

He explained: “It can be quite a challenge. Those who

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have Parkinson’s disease find that they get tired twice as quickly but it’s been shown to be important.”

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition with no current cure. It is caused by a reduction of dopamine producing brain cells with dopamine being the neurotransmitting chemical important in controlling movement, multi-tasking and learning. Symptoms can include tremors, slowness of movement, freezing, trouble

eating, eye problems, falls and dizziness, speech and communication problems.

It is also linked with a range of associated mental issues from depression to hallucinations and disturbing dreams.

However, many of these symptoms can be alleviated with carefully targeted drug treatments.

“A lot of the work we do in the Swindon Branch involves going out to companies and other local organisations to

help them understand more about those with Parkinson’s.

There is a real need for this.

Some people with the condition struggle with multi-tasking, so for example if they are counting out change in a shop, this can cause them real difficulties. We have heard awful stories about people being accused of being drunk, just because of the lack of understanding. We are working hard to change this.”

The Swindon Branch of Parkinson’s UK organise a wide range of monthly events to support people in being mentally and physically active, from quiz nights and skittles to Dance, Tai Chi and Walking Football. Meetings are held on the last Friday of the month at the Grange Leisure Centre in Stratton St Margaret.

See the branch website www.swindonparkinsons.org. uk or contact Dave Logan on davelogan_parkinsons. swindon@outlook.com

Homeless charity calls for volunteers this Christmas

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

"Would you like to do something different this Christmas?" asks local charity Christmas Care, as they announce dates for prospective volunteers this winter.

Christmas Care has been supporting homeless and vulnerable people in Swindon since 1988. As the charity prepare for the lead up to Christmas they are calling on prospective volunteers to attend their annual gathering for local residents to find out more about how they can contribute this Christmas.

This year the volunteer sessions are being held at St Joseph’s Catholic College, Octotal Way - Tuesday 13 November and Wednesday 21 November at 7.30pm.

An organiser of the event said: "We are looking for adults over 18 to help us

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provide a caring, hospitable shelter for homeless and vulnerable adults, from 11am 24 December until 10am 28 December."

The volunteer session will also provide information regarding donations, before and after the winter period.

For further information visit www.christmascareswindon. org.uk

Brunel Centre is moving with the times Shopping centres have to work differently to return to their former status of the hub of a day out according to The Brunel’s Acting Centre Manager Jane Stewart.

No longer just a collection of shops, Jane and her team are increasingly involved in working with charities and community groups to provide space and support for collaborative projects in addition to looking after their retailers.

She said: “It’s no surprise to say that the way people are shopping is changing and so shopping centres need to adapt to be able to compete.

Where once a town centre was the destination for local shoppers, we now need to offer more in different ways to retain the position of being at the heart of the town centre and a real part of the community.”

The centre now hosts a number of non-retail activities

and supports an increasing number of local good causes.

When units are vacated they are often put to good use by partnering with creative enterprises such as Prime Theatre and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

"Art has been an important part of bringing the community into The Brunel; last Christmas we hosted Threshold’s exhibition on the importance of possessions to Swindon’s homeless population. We’re delighted to say that this

exhibition has led to two of those involved now opening a juice business. We are now supporting them with a temporary unit in the centre with the hope that it will be their route to success. The Brunel is more than a shopping centre; that it should become a social space for the people of Swindon and somewhere that supports thinking beyond opportunities.”

The team is putting together the 2019 calendar of events.

Call them on 01793 525857.

New stores on the way A raft of new stores, including one of the UK’s top outdoor clothing retailers, will soon be opening in The Brunel, reaffirming the centre’s offering as Swindon’s place to work, eat and play.

Two more retailers have opened in The Brunel - Grape Tree and 12th Dynasty Tattoo Studio, and they will soon be joined by Trespass UK, Burger Priest and City Mazes escape rooms.

Jane Stewart, Acting Centre Manager for The Brunel, added: “Our new retailers have had a very warm welcome from shoppers in The Brunel and although they’ve only been open here for a short time, they have already built up good reputations for what they offer.

For more information on The Brunel and its retailers, visit www.thebrunel.co.uk

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Wildcats claw their way to victory Foster care drive wins support As the opening month of the Wildcats season comes to a close, things at the Better Link Centre are going well for Aaron Nell and his men.

Much of September was dedicated to the Autumn Cup group stages, a tournament the Wildcats are the current holders of.

Despite losing starting net minder Renny Marr to suspension, the team were able to win four out of six games as we qualified for a spot in the semi-finals. Two wins against Sheffield, and one win against both Telford and Hull were enough to see us move into the knockout rounds.

The next few games the attention switches to the league campaign which got underway at the start of October. With teams like Invicta, Bracknell, London and Streatham all lined up it will not be easy, but the Cats are looking to get underway with some wins to

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start the season off on the right foot.

Off the ice, the sponsorship has been growing with new sponsors coming on board and more familiar ones returning as well. On top of this our superb community team have been spreading the hockey word at schools and events too.

It's perfect timing for you to attend your first game. Stay tuned to www.swindonwildcats. com for all the latest information.

Swindon Borough Council’s campaign to recruit more foster carers has received the backing of The White Horse Federation.

The Federation, a Wiltshirebased multi-academy trust made up of primary schools, secondary schools and special schools, stressed the important work that foster carers do and urged those who are interested to get in touch with Swindon Borough Council’s fostering team straight away.

Dr Nicholas Capstick, CEO of The White Horse Federation, said: “There are too many young people who do not benefit from being part of a loving family and any employer should look within to see if, by just spreading information and broadening insight into fostering among their staff, they can bring awareness which will hopefully lead to more children being cared for by loving foster parents.”

In May, the council launched

the first phase of a massive drive to encourage more people to sign up to become foster carers.

Phase two will run until December and will be centred on working with local businesses and organisations to help encourage more people to sign up.

The WHF will be assisting the council’s campaign by amplifying its message across the many Federation schools, ensuring parents and carers across the community are informed about fostering and have access to resources and advice if they are thinking about becoming foster carers.

Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and School Attainment, said: “We are thrilled to be working with them to recruit more foster carers over the coming months.

To find out more: visit www. swindon.gov.uk/fostering or call the team for a chat on 07917 503447.

The Business Brief

A little company with a cracking future

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

A fledgling Swindon food company is preparing to take the bold step of moving beyond the kitchen table to meet rocketing demand for their uncompromisingly healthy range of snacks.

Having secured the backing of NatWest bank - with a place on their Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme - Go Nutz looks set for a cracking future. Since being founded last year by Pranab Ghosh and his wife Ankita, the business has taken on nine full & part time employees.

And its product range appears to have caught the wave of health savvy consumers who are looking for alternatives to sugary or processed food-laden snacks with its range of energy balls.

Pranab explained: “The idea really came about when my wife was pregnant with our second child - she had a real craving for sweet foods but was very keen to eat as healthily as she could because she was expecting.

“I wasn’t sure what to do so I turned to my mother for advice who suggested a recipe that my grandma used to make - a combination of fruits, seeds, spices and nuts that were both healthy and delicious.”

Pranab was inspired to take the idea of healthy snacking and turn it into a business making use of the business consultant expertise built up working for a range of businesses including Deloitte, Nationwide Building Society and Lloyds Bank.

“We wanted to bring our snacks to the wider market because we thought there was a real appetite for something like this.

Go Nutz founder Pranab Ghosh with his range of healthy snacks “Because we spent 10 months Go Nutz Pranab Ghosh selling ourfounder products at food festivals, corporate events and on market stalls, it allowed us to refine and improve our offering - we were constantly learning. We quickly realised that we needed to change some of the products to make sure that we catered for a range of flavour palettes.”

Go Nutz now offers a range of eight different flavours from pecan gingerbread to coffee walnut - all carefully created from readily identifiable simple ingredients.

At present they can be bought directly from the firm’s website with discussions to stock them in supermarkets currently underway.

“Our offering is right on track with three trends that are having an impact on the food industry at the moment. Firstly, we are seeing that people are concerned about the amount of plastic they see in packaging so we have ensured that we use only the bare minimum to keep our product fresh - almost all of our packaging is cardboard.

“People are also wanting to reduce the amount of refined sugar in what they eat so we use natural and unrefined cane

sugar to add sweetness. And finally, people are wanting to eat a higher proportion of plant based protein in their diets and this certainly caters for this need.”

Having secured a place on NatWest’s Innovation Hub, the business now has access to professional mentoring and coaching from the bank’s industry experts - and already this has given him the necessary training to allow Pranab to pitch his products to a range of national players including CoOp Supermarkets and Selfridges.

In preparation for expected growth, Go Nutz is now moving its production to new premises in Swindon.

The firm has also secured a listing opportunity to sell their products at the Artisan Food online marketplace Yumbles.com and recently with Musclefood.com Go Nutz products have been approved by the Vegan Society and they also recently featured at Swindon’s very own Vegan & Yoga Festival.

To find out more, visit www. go-nutz.co.uk Call direct on 07889664549 or email info@go-nutz.co.uk

Stephen joins team

Specialist pharmaceutical packaging provider Wasdell has appointed Stephen Cox as Senior Information Technologist to develop technology and support productivity and efficiency across the business.

Stephen was formerly an intern at Wasdell during his year in industry as part of his BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business at UWE, which he has just graduated from with First Class Honours.

Stephen said: “I’m excited to be returning to Wasdell as a permanent part of the team. Completing my year in industry at Wasdell gave me a deeper insight into different areas of business and how IT can be used to improve efficiency and support production." swindonlink.com n November 2018

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The Politics Page

The switch-on that will bring great benefits to Swindon Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard (Con) This month a switch will be flicked that will bring enormous benefits to our town.

I’m sure the process of electrifying the Great Western main line between Swindon and Paddington is much more complicated than turning on a switch, but no one can underestimate the huge benefits that surge of power will bring to our local economy.

The new electric trains will

significantly reduce the time it takes to get into London, making Swindon a really attractive place for businesses and people who are struggling with the high property prices in the capital.

More businesses means more jobs, which in turn will bring more wealth and investment into the borough. We are already facilitating major regeneration in the town centre and, with plans for the regional leisure centre at North Star also on the table, I am sure the electrified railway line will draw in even more investment.

Our rail links could also receive another significant boost with Network Rail due to submit plans next year for the western rail link to Heathrow

Airport that could see people travel from Swindon to Heathrow in less than an hour.

I have been lobbying hard for this extension and, earlier this year, I made a submission on behalf of the Council to state how important such a rail link would be to Swindon.

The western rail link will mean you can get a train from Swindon to Heathrow via Reading which will be hugely beneficial, not just to residents, but to the many national and multi-national companies within the borough.

Plans to end plastic recycling are a retrograde step Swindon Labour Group Leader Cllr Jim Grant Plastics Recycling The Conservatives on Swindon Borough Council have proposed ending all recycling collection of plastic. Residents will instead be forced to put plastics in the general waste bin.

Labour councillors strongly object to this proposal. We think this is a terrible idea for four reasons: 1. The Government’s recycling rate target is 50% by 2020.

Some councils have already

exceeded this target, however Swindon council’s current recycling rate has dropped by 10% over the last five years from 48% to 38%. Scrapping plastic recycling collection would reduce Swindon’s recycling rate only further.

2. There are only three local authorities in the country that currently do not collect plastics as a recycling product. Swindon would become the fourth against the overwhelming number of local councils that continue to collect recyclable plastics.

3. Encouraging residents to put recyclable plastics in the general waste sends a mixed message to residents about the value of recycling.

4. They will not be providing residents with more general waste bins to put the plastics

in, so this will just lead to more queues at the waste and recycling centre and, most likely, more fly-tipping.

The reality is that this is just another cost cutting, austerity measure.

But their proposal is misguided as it is possible for the council to generate more income from plastics recycling if it tweaks the way in which it collects plastics.

We would urge the Conservative administration to drop this ill-thought out, retrograde proposal.

Anything can happen when you're out leafleting!

Lib Dem councillor Cllr Stan Pajak The council will be issuing penalty charge notices of up to £113 under the Traffic Management Act if drivers block dropped kerbs and driveways or double park.

The action follows the many complaints of pedestrians and the annoyance caused to those with pushchairs, mobility scooters and those with visual impairments and households who get their driveways blocked. The council is recommending residents report 18

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instances online. The phone number is 01793 445506.

I have been a councillor for 33 years but probably delivering our regular Focus leaflets for some 36 years.

However this year I had the

most extraordinary experience when delivering. I heard some fluttering but carried on walking to the door with leaflet in hand – the door opened and a man somewhat aghast opened it and said I had a parrot on my head. I could now feel something on my head and putting my hand up got pecked. Richard, a friend, walked by and stopped in his tracks and declared I had a beautiful red parrot on my head that didn’t want to come off. I rang my wife who I knew was on her way home from

Holy Rood school and told her. Needless to say she didn’t believe me hence the selfie to prove it was true! Together with her friend Christine they came and managed to catch it and together we took him home. We contacted the vet and they put us in contact with a specialist vet who duly took him in. He was an Australian King Parrot worth over £500 and alas much to my wife’s disappointment needed special care and reuniting with his owner. Who says leafleting isn’t exciting!

Swindon Life

Celebrating town living

Arts Centre scoops 'most welcoming theatre' title Swindon Arts Centre has been announced as the winner of most welcoming theatre in the South West 2018 at the UK Theatre Awards. The venue will also compete for the overall title of ‘UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre’ at the awards ceremony this month.

UK Theatre has announced the regional and national winners of this year’s Most Welcoming Theatre award, after 56,000 votes were cast by members of the public. The Arts Centre, which is operated

by HQ Theatres on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, won the award, despite competition from a large

Earthworm Recording Studio's Jon Buckett - photograph by Jennifer Berry

number of other venues across the South West.

Last year’s winner was the Wyvern Theatre, making this two consecutive wins for Swindon Theatres.

Director of Swindon Theatres, Derek Aldridge said: “I am thrilled that Swindon Arts Centre and the staff who work there have been recognised for the welcome they deliver.

So often the Arts Centre is Swindon’s best-kept secret but we know that people’s first visit is rarely their last and it is a magical place to watch live entertainment.” www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD In the community l High Climbers, Illustrations, and Ravetank at Artsite's Number Nine Gallery, 17 November. Charlie Miles, of Liquid Library tape label said: "Our great pals and purveyors of swirly mood-music, High Climbers, will be joined by local neo-flower-power foursome, Illustrations and the always scuzzy anti-folk of Ravetank."

Book now...

CALLING ALL ARTISTS TO SWINDON'S FIRST OPEN ART EXHIBITION

Local artists are set to benefit from Swindon Museum and Art Gallery's latest collective which will display the best original art works in a winter exhibition.

From 11 December until 5 January the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery will come alive with art work from artists to showcase local and original pieces.

The exhibiting art work will be selected by a panel of judges consisting of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery’s Curator, Sophie Cummings; Mark Pepperall, owner of Oink Gallery and Caroline Day, Artist. Submissions of work must be made by 17 November and each artist can submit up to three pieces of original work. The winning pieces will go on display from December.

To enter visit www.swindonmuseumandartgallery.org.uk

SWINDON SINGER COMES HOME

Having performed with headlining acts and travelled the country, Swindon born Rob Richings is heading out on a UK tour with his latest EP 'Lately I’ve Been Wondering' - his tour will finish off at Swindon Arts Centre, November 24.

Tickets are £13 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

AWFUL AUNTIE BY DAVID WALLIAMS

From the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny comes the world premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl and a very Awful Auntie - Nov 21 to Nov 24, Wyvern Theatre.

Tickets from £15.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

"A SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED"

The north's critically acclaimed comedian Jason Manford brings his brand new show 'Muddle Class' to the Oasis Leisure Centre Friday 23 November. Delivered with Jason’s amiable charm and captivating wit, this is a show not to be missed.

Tickets are £31 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Venues Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk 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

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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 - www.swindontheatres.co.uk Confirm date, time & price with venue

l Toothill Church will be celebrating its 40th birthday this year, Sunday 25 November. Guests are invited to a special service 'Yesterday, Today and Forever', 2.30pm.

For further information contact David via Newsletter@ toothillchurch.org.uk l The Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival have announced their autumn concert, taking place Saturday 17 November at the Sacred Heart RC Church.

The theme will be St.Cecilia, the patron Saint of musicians, whose feast day is 22 November. l Swindon & Wiltshire Pride are hosting a fundraiser at Level III on Saturday 24 November. The event, UV White Party, takes place from 9pm to 3am, includes a free shot on arrival and offers on selected drinks throughout the night. There will also be an adult ball pit and photo booth.

Tickets £5. l Level III hosts charity and halloween gig to help raise money for Sadie Cowdry's prosthetic arm - 2 Nov. Bands include Shepherds Pie, Shades of Seattle and The Oxymora. www.level3swindon.com

Los Gatos review - "like going to Spain... minus the travel costs"

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Do you have that restaurant where, no matter how many times you've been, you will always just keep going back?

I won't lie, there are only a few restaurants in Swindon that have this effect on me, and one of them is Spanish tapas bar Los Gatos. Whether I'm there for lunch or dinner, this authentic little gem on Devizes Road always leaves me warm

and, yes, a little bit more cultured since I woke up.

For a quick bite to eat on a lunch time, like the Link's last visit, I'm always assured that some of my household favourites are there waiting for me such as Pescado Borracho, hake in beer batter - Coliflor al Azafran, - Cauliflower spiced with saffron - Pato Ahumado, - house-smoked duck breast - and Arroz con Pollo - 'mini paella' - to name a few. But, equally not being a creature

of habit, my first port of call is always the specials board and without hesitation we ordered them: Tustada de Sardinas, - pan fried Cornish sardine on sour dough - Pierna de Cabrito, - slow roasted leg of goat - and Sanctuary Tapas, Mohammed's chickpea falafel.

As per tapas protocol each dish comes to your table when it's fresh off the cooker and, as usual, it's a bombardment of rich flavours and diverse textures one plate after another - and this isn't strict to tapas, but it is to Los Gatos.

But it was sardines and duck breast that won me over this particular trip. The sardines were fresh, crisp and delicate, and perfectly paired with the pickled cabbage and red sauce, with the duck breast gloriously tender and rich, which also combined a pleasant acidity from the pickled lettuce and creamy coolness of the crème fraiche. Delicioso!

Design-wise the combination of tiles and wood give Los Gatos that indoor-outdoor

feel - you could, even just for a brief second, be fooled that you’re sitting on a terrace, grazing over tapas on a warm Spanish evening (preferably with a glass of red).

Los Gatos really does feel like you're in Spain, but minus the travel costs (and, believe me, if we do leave the EU 1-3 Devizes Road will be your number one go-to Spanish destination).

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Art exhibition leaves gallery "buzzing with youth and vitality"

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Artsite's gallery trustees recently collaborated with Swindon's young artists, musicians and poets to showcase the town's buzzing art scene in an exhibition.

To put a spotlight on cuts to arts funding in Swindon, young creatives rallied together to showcase some of the town's unrecognised talent living in Swindon.

Inspired by Artsite's ambition to spark a resurgence back into one of Swindon's oldest galleries, Number Nine, artists and volunteers gathered together to support local art in their hometown. The two day exhibition saw artists, poets (Tony Hillier and Rusty Goat) and musicians perform to fellow creatives and residents of Swindon.

Organisers of the event hope

Artists, performers and contributors 22

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that the latest exhibition at Artsite, 'I Can't Buy a House, and Yet I Decorate Yours', would demonstrate how providing more support to Artsite would enable more artists in Swindon to exhibit their work.

An organiser of the exhibition said: "The exhibition was such a success - the turnout was brilliant. But, something to remember is that no one was paid for partaking in this exhibition - all the art work, organising and people's time were all voluntary. We wanted to do something, to show how much creativity is in this town, but ultimately it has reflected the lack of support from funding.

"If there was more arts funding, if Artsite is given more support to create more studios and host more exhibitions, just think about how many more creative collaborations

James Osborn Zsuzsa Galos Charlie Miles Gavin Jones

could be popping up all over Swindon. There was such a great response from everyone involved and people who attended, and events like this show that Swindon has the capability to be a thriving arts town."

Artsite - an arts charity which has provided Swindon with a theatre, 12 artists' studios and gallery space - has been supporting Swindon's artists for 18 years. After opening The Post Modern in 2008 Artsite trustees, Vicky Silver and Sally Taylor, have been hoping to obtain more space through council-owned, and derelict, buildings. Artsite had been in talks with the council over the last five years to obtain the former Connexions building with talks not progressing further.

Vicky Silver said: "It was rewarding just seeing Artsite buzzing with youth and vitality

Beatrice Mar Julie Smith Jesser Dip Michelle Marsiglia

- so many young artists telling us how exciting it was to be able to exhibit in Swindon and expressing the desire to make it happen again.

"Conversations confirmed the need for more studios and we had an amazing response that it was an ideal place where specific vulnerable groups could come to work in safety.

"It was more than apparent that without an Arts Officer in Swindon, Artsite's role is more important than ever to continue to link up both the community and artists.

"Certainly, last weekend’s exhibition highlighted our presence to young artists that there is somewhere in Swindon that wants them to stay in Swindon - somewhere that identifies with them and understands them. Whether the town has woken up to that need I am not sure." www.artsite.ltd.uk

Rosie Leather Henry Meredith Tony Hillier Rusty Goat

Jol Rose Chris Lawton Vicky Silver Sally Taylor

Interview: Comedian Juliette Burton Ben Fitzgerald caught up with comedian and mental health campaigner Juliette Burton ahead of her show at the Swindon Arts Centre to coincide with World Mental Health Day

,

The phone call doesn’t start out well...

There’s a baby screaming in the background…

And she’s on a train...

“Hello Juliette… is that a baby in the background?”

She’s taking it all in her stride: “Sorry, can you hear me? I expected to be off the train now but it’s been delayed. Not to worry, we can get through this.”

“I agree - we’re both professionals,” I say unconvincingly.

I begin by asking Juliette about her mental health inappropriately personal under most circumstances - but a subject she is happy to address… even in the close confines of a packed commuter train.

“Speaking openly about my mental illness is very freeing - I find that if I can make people laugh when I’m talking to them about these issues it puts them at their ease. I’m always very open about my mental health, I’ve done a lot of one to one therapy in the past but it’s other people that can sometimes be unsure about how best to approach these issues.”

Juliette’s teenage years and early adulthood were overshadowed by struggles with anorexia, compulsive eating and bulimia which saw her weight fluctuate from a life-threatening 5 stone to 20 stone in less than a year and led to her being sectioned under the Mental Health Act on four occasions.

“I grew up on a farm which was lovely, but I quickly realised that I was not really cut out for that sort of life. I was supposed to be a lawyer, that is what I was expected to do by my parents but the fact that I was struggling

with my health at the time really affected my schooling and didn’t achieve the qualifications needed.

I then went into journalism and worked for various magazines and in broadcast journalism for the BBC before getting into voiceover work which I really enjoyed.

This led me into acting where I found that I took to the comedy side of things - it’s something I really enjoy.

“I think comedy has changed over the years - audiences are a lot more savvy now they are very aware. I think audiences are looking for more diverse voices and want to hear different life experiences.

“Obviously those people who choose to come and see me already know what they might expect. It’s a bit different with a mixed bill where you have a range of different acts on. I think every comedian out there has had the experience of ‘that terrible show’ where the audience doesn’t get on board, it’s part of the job I suppose.

Comedy and the issues

surrounding mental health are both very levelling - it’s a great equaliser. People from a wide range of backgrounds can all laugh at the same things and can also relate to some of the other issues that I talk about - I’m sure that there are many people who are feeling that general sense of anxiety about a lot of things going on in the world at the moment.

I ask: “Are there specific challenges faced by female comics in the industry - what barriers and expectations do you have to overcome in what has traditionally been a maledominated industry... Is it a level playing field?”

My complex and multi-layered question is met with complete silence which hangs heavily for a full five seconds before I jump in weakly... Hello?...

The line’s dead.

After a couple of aborted attempts to call back I finally get through on a much clearer line this time - turns out that her train had finally arrived and she’s now

sitting somewhere relatively quiet.

She laughs, “No, I wasn’t annoyed by your question, in fact I was pleased that you used the term female comic rather than comedienne which I always find patronising, so thanks for that.

“No, I don’t feel that my being female is much of a thing really, obviously those people who come to see me have come to terms with that. I think that something that comedy audiences really need to embrace is diversity in terms of disability - to appreciate a range of voices from different backgrounds. That’s much more of a challenge.

“I am really appreciative of the people who specifically choose to come out and see me at my shows.

They are my heroes because they could have chosen to do any number of other things on that evening. I love making people laugh, and when you have that moment when everyone is with you and enjoying the show it’s an amazing feeling.

My style is to create a story arc; I want to lead my audience on a sort of journey where they can have a laugh along the way but there is also something else there as well.

“My new show at the Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday, Butterfly Effect, focusses on kindness and the power of just doing simple small acts of kindness and the often huge effect it can have. In my show I give an example of a guy who came up to me when I was promoting one of my events at the Edinburgh Fringe, inviting him to come along.

What he didn’t tell me at the time was that he was very down and considering taking his own life at that time and says that someone speaking to him made him reconsider.

He still keeps in touch and is getting his life back on track. It is incredible how simple small acts of kindness have a power to change things beyond our expectations. We need more kindness...”

,

Olive Tree cafe hosts evening of drama and poetry at Shoebox To mark World Mental Health Day, Swindon's Olive Tree Café hosted an evening of drama and poetry at the Shoebox Theatre.

The event explored the theme of mental health through a range of thought-

provoking performances by local and touring artists from the Swindon Fringe Festival.

The Olive Tree Café is a local Mental Health Charity which aims to help and support people recovering or at risk

of suffering from mental illness by providing them with positive, work-related opportunities.

Find out more about the charity and the work that they do at www.theolivetreecafe. org.uk swindonlink.com n November 2018

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Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Fiona Simpson

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Some people try something once and then that's it, they can tick that off their list. But for people like Fiona Simpson, a trip abroad turned into a charitable work opportunity giving her a new career and outlook on life.

Formerly an Enrichment Coordinator at New College, Fiona, now 32, organised activities to enhance students' lives. "An opportunity came up where I was able to take a group of students over to Kenya where we were placed at Melon Mission school," she told me.

"It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life – I’d already been travelling and seen quite a bit of the world, but I had never been to Africa and I had never seen anything like this. The children were happy, teachers were happy, and yet they didn’t really have anything in comparison to what we have in England. So, I loved how we were helping even in a small way. And what I also really loved was seeing how students were really benefitting from the trip.

"So, for me that was the start of everything. I thought ‘this is the best thing ever' – not only are we helping a school in Africa, but I’m actually seeing this help people from my own town and my own students’."

Fiona is now the trustee of Swindon-based charity Younite Foundation and director of her own travel company Younique Travel Adventures (YTA). Combining the organisations together she now offers people adventurous and cultural

travel experiences. These are in aid of charitable projects she works alongside in Kenya, - Melon Mission School and Silver Bells Children’s Welfare - India, P.E.T.E (Providing Education To Everyone) and Vietnam - a youth project supporting disadvantaged young people.

"Every destination that we’re working in we are supporting a project, but we’re choosing to support them in a way that they’ll benefit the most from," she says.

Fiona started out by creating a community interest company, Younite Outreach Project, and became driven to take the project further. She said: "It just got to a point where it was quite clear that this was my passion, and I wanted to go fulltime with it.

"I moved out of college and went for it on my own – I’d never had any experience in running a business, no experience in the travel industry, and hadn’t any experience in charity work either. So [laughs], all of this was a massive massive learning curve."

Starting small with providing trips for friends and family, Fiona wanted to make these trips and charitable causes more accessible, so in 2016 she brought together YTA and Younite Foundation which is aimed primarily at her Kenyan projects - last year the organisations raised £45,000 which has enabled Fiona, volunteers from the UK and community members in Kenya to start building a brand new school which she hopes will be up in running within the next two years. "People often ask, ‘how can you make a difference in two weeks?’

Fiona in Kenya - she visits at least three times a year

and I just think that unless you go there and see for yourself what difference you can make then you’re never really going to know. But what I see is the schools progressing massively – we had Melon Mission where the school was in a terrible condition, they didn’t have any electricity, but now they’re very close to having a brand-new school like you would expect to see here."

Through YTA volunteers, and travellers, will also get to explore different countries.

For instance, she tells me, "You can’t go to Kenya and not do a safari! We want people who come on our trip to have a cultural experience and a little bit of adventure as well. We feel people should really see the area and embrace it - we take groups to Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Thomson's Falls, traditional church services and Menengai Crater."

Always on the move, Fiona's next step is to get local businesses, schools and projects in Swindon involved

with both Younite Foundation and YTA - next year a scout group from Taunton will be going out to Kenya, and she would love for more local organisations to engage with the charity.

Aside from “a lot more grey hairs”, Fiona has also felt the impact of her adventures, both as a traveller but also as a charity trustee and business owner. "What I do, I don’t refer to as a job – it’s my life.

It is something that has taken over my life, it’s something I always talk about, something I am very passionate about – every night I go to bed I’m thinking about it. It’s given me a real drive and passion - I want to help and when I go out on these trips I see the benefits of people on the trip, and benefits of the projects.

But, when I see the kids [in Kenya] running out shouting ‘Fiona! Fiona!’ that means the most to me."

YTA: www.ytauk.co.uk Younite Foundation: www. younitefoundation.com swindonlink.com n November 2018

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Weighbridge Brewhouse's owners upscale popular Swindon restaurant

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Current owners of The Weighbridge Brewhouse have given the popular restaurant a new lease of life to meet the appetite of new and existing customers.

The Weighbridge Brewhouse has been one of Swindon's most popular establishments for more than 100 years.

Home now to both a restaurant and brewery, new owners - the Upham Group - are hoping to take it to the next level of fine-dining.

Since taking over ownership in 2017, the Upham Group have now put their own mark on The Weighbridge Brewhouse with a redesign of both the menu, - led by newly appointed head chef Russell Hunt - and interior decor.

As well as a new menu the Upham Group are also introducing a new Express Lunch service.

A spokesperson for the Upham Group said: "Measures have been put into place to improve the speed and level of service to ensure a consistently excellent customer experience." www.weighbridgebrewhouseco. uk

NSBRC show proves a great draw as visitors flock to centre

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the National Self Build and Renovation Centre to take part in the centre's show.

Visitors were treated to a line-up of more than 29 seminars and demonstrations as well as more than 250 exhibitors.

Those attending the ticketed event had the opportunity to speak to a range of friendly experts who were on hand to answer questions on self-build and renovation inquiries.

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And visitors were also given a free self-build handbook to take away with them following their visit - packed with important contacts and advice.

The NSBRC is a 67,000 sq ft year round resource centre featuring more than 250 stands from selected suppliers.

The centre hosts a range of self-build courses, exhibitions and architect consultant days.

The NSBRC centre is just off Junction 16 of the M4.

See www.nsbrc.co.uk

SERVICE SECTOR GARDEN AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES

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SERVICE SECTOR

BOOKKEEPING, CLEANING, DECORATOR, ELECTRICAL, GARAGE DOORS, HOME IMPROVEMENTS, PLANS DRAWN, PLUMBING, REMOVALS, RUBBISH DISPOSAL

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

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Call 07976 885203 or 01793 721455

www.trevorwyse.com

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

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SERVICE SECTOR

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swindonlink.com n November 2018

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Your guide to Bonfire Night Highworth

Calne

Swindon Lions

Cricket Club

Friday 2 November Highworth Recreation Ground, Swindon SN6 7DD Entry £4 to £6 www highworthtowncouncil. gov.uk

Friday 2 November Beversbrook Lane, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9FL Entry £6

Saturday 3 November Swindon Polo Ground, Swindon SN3 1NR

Saturday 3 November The County Ground, Swindon, SN1 2EE

Entry £4 to £10

Entry from £5

www.calne.gov.uk

www.swindonlions.org

www.swindoncricketclub. com

Lydiard Park

Westlea School

St Francis School

Brook Field School

Saturday 3 November Lydiard House & Park Lydiard Tregoze Swindon SN5 3PA

Monday 5 November Langstone Way, Swindon, SN5 7BT

Thursday 8 November Aiken Rd, Swindon SN25 1UH

Thursday 8 November Cartwright Dr, Shaw, Swindon SN5 5SB

Entry from £4

Entry from £2.50

Entry from £5

www.lydiardpark.org.uk

Tickets for sale from the school office

www.stfrancis.swindon. sch.uk

www.brookfieldprimary. org

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service's Bonfire and Firework safety points s Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable. s Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time. s Read and follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary. s Light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back. s Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks. s Never return to a firework once it has been lit. s Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them. s Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.

s Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire. s Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving. s It is against the law to carry fireworks in public if you’re under 18. s Fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18. s It is an offence to let off fireworks during night hours (11pm to 7am), except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year, and Chinese New Year (1am). s It is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875 to tamper with or modify fireworks. swindonlink.com n November 2018

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