Leisure

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Local musician Nick Harper “christens” the new AMS Swindon centre

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The Mayor of Swindon officially opens the new AMS Swindon centre

The Swindon branch of the Academy of Music and Sound celebrated moving to their new home in the town centre on Monday 30 January with the Mayor of Swindon officially opening the new centre.

Previously based at the Bentley Centre on Shrivenham Road near Stratton, the Academy of Music and Sound offers the artistic youth of Swindon and the surrounding area a variety of further education courses to help them explore the musical industries.

With the new year and relocation of the centre comes a new centre manager also, with Paul Hughes taking control of AMS and proposing a fresh approach with big ideas.

Paul said: “I have to say right from the off that I really am loving this job. I’ve been a musician and head of department in several schools including here in Swindon, so taking on this role feels like the perfect fit.

“I’m working with a brilliant team and we really are putting our students first with our Foundation Degree, BA and a Masters qualification coming in September. On top of this, our new location puts us right in the heart of a strong musical area. We have Level 3 and the Rolleston Arms literally across the road, Holmes Music round the corner and The Platform within minutes. We couldn’t be in a better position.”

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Link Centre staff launch their newly refurbished gym

Link Centre unveils new gym with open day

Members of the public were given the opportunity to take part in a series of free taster sessions at the Link Centre, to mark the opening of their new gym.

Throughout the day, staff provided guided tours, health and fitness There is a well known phrase that goes something like “It’s as easy as riding a bike”, so it’s no wonder that some people may feel a little intimidated or embarrassed if they have never actually learnt to ride a bike.

If this is you, and you want to ride a bike to get to the shops or get to work or just for a bit of exercise, did you know that there are courses run by Swindon Borough Council that can help you?

There are also courses to help you become a more confident cyclist on paths and roads if the thought of mixing with pedestrians, other cyclists or larger vehicles puts you off popping out for a ride.

The best bit about this? It’s all completely free.

So, if you’re sitting at home staring at another salad and wondering how you can get more active and maybe shift a couple of the pounds you put on over the winter, then why not give it a go?

Cycling is a great way to move efficiently around Swindon and it’s great for your health. Full details advice and gave away prizes to visitors.

The Link Centre, run by Better, offers an enormous array of sports activities including swimming, more than 40 fitness classes and outdoor football. of how to get on these courses are below and there is a lot more information for you on the Swindon Travel Choices website here: www. swindontravelchoices.co.uk/cycle

Give it a try. Before you know it, you’ll be hooked!

Swindon Borough Council’s ‘Be Active’ project run a weekly ‘Learn to Ride’ session every Friday from 10am - 12 noon. These FREE sessions are held at the County Ground Athletics Track in Swindon.

There are also free ‘On Road Cycle Training’ courses for those who want to get more confident on our cycle paths and local roads.

For more information and to book on a course please contact cycling officer Becky Cox on: bcox@ swindon.gov.uk or 07769281761 www.swindonbug.co.uk

The centre also boasts an international sized ice rink which is home to the Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey Team and the Swindon Ice Figure Club. In addition, the Better Extreme Trampoline Park is now open daily.

The Wildcats ice hockey column with

Mike Wray Standing by the lockers inside the Swindon Ice Arena at the latest training session, Callum Buglass searched for words about how an innocuous challenge sent him into the boards and ended his season.

“I fell awkwardly after a hit and knew that something was wrong instantly,” Buglass said. “I couldn’t move my arm, I was laying on my left and as my right was not moving I couldn’t signal for help.

“I just started kicking my legs hoping they would stop play and luckily they did. Everyone involved helped so much and I’m very grateful for that.”

With fellow Wildcats teammate and coach Aaron Nell also ruled out, the Cats have often found

Town fans meeting

Swindon Town Supporters Trust will be holding its AGM on Thursday March 16 at the Goddard Arms in Old Town.

An open question and answer session will give the opportunity for supporters to find out more about club and trust matters. There will also be representation from Supporters Direct, the parent body of all supporters trust organisations.

The evening kicks off at 6.30pm with a Q&A featuring Don Rogers and John Trollope

Fans will be updated on recent activities, and you’ll hear latest proposals for 2017.

Hills back boxer

The Hills Group has agreed to sponsorship for Swindon boxer, Kelly Morgan.

Kelly turned professional in 2015, and currently holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) silver middleweight belt.

Kelly’s sporting achievements are not limited to boxing as she has a Commonwealth Games bronze medal for javelin and has

It’s as easy as riding a bike

On Two Wheels by Rob Derry of Swindon Bicycle Users Group (BUG)

Callum on ice after innocuous challenge

represented England in Netball. themselves short benched this term.

Having been out of the side since the incident in October, the Welshman added: “Being out is frustrating, as hockey is my life and I’ve gone from training every day to not being able to do anything. It’s been a massive lifestyle change and I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things.

“I had to wait for my operation as we wanted the best surgeon in Wales to do the job. Everything went really well – it was a complete success as far as that part of the recovery process went.

“I now have physiotherapy in Cardiff, but I still travel up to watch our home games and have additional physiotherapy here [in Swindon] too and I’m really doing everything I can at focussing on returning to the ice next season.” www.swindonwildcats.com swindonlink.com n March 2017 31

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Walking challenge - Roger Unsworth, left, and Sam Davies

Stepping out for charity

When Roger Unsworth suffered a “The doctors were not able to tell stroke, he had no idea whether he me what the future might hold, I would ever be able to walk again. had no idea if I would walk again or But thanks to the excellent medical be able to use my right arm.” care he has received, a little luck But luckily Roger was able to and some dogged determination, he regain full mobility. has regained full mobility. “I call it my stroke of luck – before

And now he has roped in two it happened I was under a lot of pals to accompany him on an epic stress. But after I got ill, it made fundraising trek to Rome – walking me sit up and take a good look at every step of the 2000km route. my life and think about what really

Roger, 60, a former RAF matters. communications technician, “It made me reassess my priorities explained that his stroke three and change my lifestyle.” years ago came out of the blue: “I Roger, who works part time at was lying in bed and I noticed a the Swindon branch of Cotswold numbness in my right arm. I just Outdoors, will be joined by 26-yearthought that it was a bit of pins old work colleague Sam Davies, and needles from lying on it. an experienced activity instructor

“And then when I went to get out and Mick Lonergan, a former of bed, I realised that my whole leg paratrooper and fireman who asked on the same side was also totally to join the project after finding numb and I just went crashing into out about it from the Cotswold the ground.” Outdoors summer catalogue.

Roger was rushed to hospital, The trio plan to set off from where he was told that he had Canterbury in Kent and will be suffered a stroke – a potentially blogging about their experience at life-changing or fatal disruption in www.sole2soul.rocks the blood supply to the brain. They will be raising money along

“It was really frightening at the the way for the Crisis homeless time. charity.

Audi driving grassroots football

Swindon Audi has come to the aid of Purton Youth Football Club by donating warm weather jackets for their coaching team.

The grassroots club had been eagerly pursuing sponsorship for the 2016/17 season, when Richard Fellows, Head of Business at Swindon Audi - a keen football fan, offered to help out.

“We recognise the importance of local grassroots football and helping youngsters get into sport. When Purton Youth approached us, they were specific about where a contribution from Audi could immediately make an impact” Fellows said. “Without the volunteer time offered by team coaches and club management these organisations wouldn’t exist, and sometimes the value of these contributions is overlooked.”

Purton Youth FC has been running since 2005. It’s an established club that has turned out youngsters who have been picked up by Swindon Town FC and Southampton FC academies. The club prides itself on the philosophies of fun, development, friendliness and respect, aiming to holistically develop the boys and girls over the longer term.

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Sport and Leisure Swindon Cricket Club appoint ex-England international Phil

DeFreitas as head coach Swindon Cricket Club have has made this signing a reality.” announced the appointment of As head coach, Phil will be ex-England international cricketer working closely with the existing Phil DeFreitas as club head coach team of England Cricket Board for the next three years. qualified coaches, in order to help Phil has enjoyed a long and players of all ages and abilities to prolific career in the game, playing develop. This includes youth teams, for England at the highest level. ladies teams and adult senior Club Chairman, Tom Foreman is teams. thrilled with such a coup for the As head coach Phil’s first club and said: “I’m excited about coaching sessions will be delivered the benefit this signing can have across the age ranges through fun, for both current, prospective and but structured, indoor sessions at future players in the Swindon area. the Croft Sports Centre. “We plan to deliver success Following this Phil will continue on and off the cricket field in a to lead coaching sessions when FREE Girls Golf Taster Session manner that matches the history and former pedigree of the club. The signing of a head coach with outdoor training begins in April. These sessions will take place at the club ground, which is located 18th March (1-2pm) Phil’s calibre and experience next to the County Ground, home represents a key milestone within of Swindon Town Football Club,

We are also running a 5 week course for beginner the club’s ambitious five year plan. utilising the club facilities which girls from 1st April for just £14! “We are forging a new have been heavily invested in over

Learn more about the different areas of golf through relationship aimed at delivering recent years. professional tuition, fun & games. a long lasting legacy for Swindon The signing of Phil DeFreitas

Both suitable for girls aged 5-18 years old. Equipment provided. To book a place, please call us on 01793 812336 or email info@bassetdowngolfcourse.com Cricket Club, its members and the local sporting community. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our fantastic sponsors Excalibur as head coach, it is hoped, will help enable Swindon Cricket Club to develop cricketers of all ages, helping to ensure the future Find out more on our website Communications, Deacon & strength of cricket at the club and www.bassetdowngolfcourse.com or visit www.getintogolf.org Son Jewellers and David M Coe in the local area. Basset Down Golf Course, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9QW Financial Planning, whose support swindon.play-cricket.com

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Sport and Leisure Walk, jog or run the Mad March Hare 5/10k for Breast Cancer Now

There is still time to sign up to take part in the 10th Mad March Hare event, which takes place on Sunday 26 March, starting and finishing at Lydiard Park Academy.

MMH 10 will be a big celebration of what Swindon people can do together and everyone is invited to take part or support in fancy dress. As always, the 5km or 10km routes will start and finish at Lydiard Park Academy in Grange Park, taking walkers, joggers and runners on a circular route of West Swindon and through Lydiard Park.

“Help us make this special year a resounding success and come along with your friends and families and dogs too,” said MMH team member Kathy Doyle. “The Mad March Hare is a fully inclusive event that welcomes everyone to join in.

“As well as fundraising, the aim is to encourage people of all ages to get out and get active in a fun environment.

To take part or volunteer at the event head to madmarchhare.org. uk, email at info@madmarchhare. org.uk or call 0845 6808064.

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Waiting for Ice skating picture

Christopher and Zoe give some skating tips to Sophie and Ericka at the Link Centre

Ice skating duo Christopher Boyadji compete at this level. dream possible. It would mean Junior Grand Prix events and the and Zoe Jones are looking for We have to pay for professional that we could devote more time 2009 Winter Universiade. sponsorship to help them reach coaching, travel costs to get us to to training and we would have a As a pairs skater he won the 2014 their dream of Olympic glory. competitions, costumes as well as much better chance of achieving British national title with former

The talented figure skating living costs. our goals.” skating partner Amani Fancy and partnership have represented “It’s really difficult to make it Zoe was the British Champion in won the bronze medal at the 2015 Great Britain at the 2017 European work.” 2000 and 2001 in Tallinn Trophy. Championships in Ostrava in the The pair have to the British Senior Zoe and Christoper are trying to Czech Republic. And the pair have already been selected to compete at the end of this month at the 2017 World Championships - the first step fit their training routine around work at the Link Centre. They are able to Ladies event. After that, she decided to retire and moved to Canada to coach and build If we are able to get some sponsorship it would make our dream possible , , raise £20,000 to fund their trip to the 2017 World Figure Skating Championship in Helsinki and prepare for the next Olympic season together. towards qualifying for the Olympics. support themselves a family. Zoe, 37, The pair have set up a

Zoe and Christopher teamed up by running is now a single crowdfunding page to support in June last year and they have regular coaching sessions for other mother of three children and she their efforts www.gofundme.com/ gone from strength to strength, but promising skaters as well as earning just returned to skating after 13 JonesBoyadji without sponsorship they face an extra money working at the Link’s years in retirement. Anyone interested in sponsoring impossible mountain to climb. coffee bar. As a singles skater Christopher, the pair should get in touch via

Christopher explained: “Ice skating “If we are able to get some who was born in France, Facebook by searching for Zoe Jones is really expensive to be able to sponsorship it would make our represented his country at five ISU and Christopher Boyadji.

Young racer looking for support from local businesses

Young racer Elliot Pinson has just signed with a team to race in British Superbikes in the Motostar Moto3 standard class – and he is looking for sponsorship to help him achieve his racing goals.

The 13-year-old from Lydiard Millicent is a pupil at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy. He started his racing career learning to ride mini-motos at the Scott Redding Young Rider’s Academy. In 2014 he had his first full season racing minimotos with Fab-racing on go kart circuits and he managed to take second place in the junior production class in the British Championships.

Since then he has secured a place in the Cresswell Racing Team in the British Superbikes Motostar Moto3 Standard Class.

The Cresswell team achieved race wins and a top three championship finish in this class in 2015. The championship is held over 12 rounds and attracts 25-35,000 spectators and is on TV via Eurosport on Sky, Virgin Media and ITV/ITV4.

His dad Keith said: “We would really appreciate any help at all with Elliot’s future racing and would welcome people to be part of Elliot’s journey and hopefully future success.”

Keith can be contacted on pinson_k@yahoo.co.uk

Motoring Nissan X-Trail – Versatile SUV

ft of torque. Kitted out in desirable Tekna trim and with the addition of an extra pair of seats (optional) in the substantial boot that fold dead flat when not in use. Handy.

There’s also a 2.0L diesel which would be my choice for a bit of extra grunt or alternatively a 1.6L petrol motor.

I often say that to me, many SUV / crossover models are beginning to look the same. I guess it is the nature of the beast. The Nissan X-Trail also joins this fashionable

Geoff Maxted of Drivewrite.co.uk takes the Nissan X-Trail for a spin trend but is at least curvy with nice styling touches. Nissan X-Trail is not a silly or who appreciate the Nissan way and Sitting Comfortably meaningless name for a car – unlike it remains a hugely competent car The interior is also stylish and has some I could mention. It conjures up to this very day. obviously been given some thought. an image of the great outdoors and All-Wheel Drive Sit back and enjoy tasteful touches of rugged exploration. Like almost The X-Trail’s all-wheel-drive like a powered panoramic roof every other car in these lifestyle set-up is an adaptive 4x4 system. It which really brightens the interior days, or so it seems to me, it is now can be switched between the more while double stitched leather softer in its approach to the SUV economical front-wheel drive only abounds. LED interior lighting, gloss market. set up or an auto mode, which will black trim and all the usual toys

In fact, not so much Texas Ranger only send power to the back wheels creates a really nice environment as Park Ranger, if you will. All in under hard acceleration or in risky for all. It’s all there: navigation, all it has been a popular choice road conditions where more grip Bluetooth, Aux, CD and USB and it in various iterations since 2000, is called for. For the worst weather is all straightforward to use. which, if you remember, was the and off-road situations there’s a I was pleasantly surprised by the year when nothing went wrong 4x4 lock. overall comfort of this vehicle. after all. During that time it has The model tested and pictured was It is effortless to drive; just like been a consistent seller with buyers a 1.6L dCi with 128bhp and 236lb/ piloting a regular hatch. The test vehicle had a very good six speed manual gearbox which would be my preference over the CVT automatic. The 1.6L diesel isn’t quick but is full of punchy purpose.

The current model Nissan X-Trail is thus the most efficient yet and the company believe that well over 50mpg is achievable thanks to stop/ start and a 90kg weight saving. This mileage will of course depend upon how the car is driven, inevitably.

The Nissan X-Trail as tested had the whole set of safety equipment, variously standard or optional. The proximity warning is a bit over-anxious but otherwise it all worked seamlessly whilst on test. This sort of kit is pretty much tried and tested now and, even if it sometimes seems a bit over-thetop, has got to be worthwhile on our busy roads.

The car driven here cost the thick end of £35k being so fully featured but prices start from around £23,000 for base two-wheel drive models.

Although not a vehicle for raising the pulse I can certainly recommend the Nissan X-Trail for its quality fit and finish and an effortless, comfortable drive.

A new animal warden has been appointed by Swindon Borough Council.

With experience of working in a zoo and vets, Jordan McEwan is more than equipped to tackle her new role.

The 23-year-old, who has moved from Scotland to Swindon, is a big animal lover, especially of dogs, which fuels her determination to encourage residents to think carefully before they take on a pet.

She said: “Having an animal, particularly dogs, is tremendously rewarding but it’s also a huge responsibility. All too often people get one without considering the hard work, time, cost and overall commitment involved.

“Part of my role is to raise awareness of this and urge everyone to be kind, not cruel, to all animals.”

In 2016 a total of 218 stray dogs were reported to the council, a third of which were unclaimed. The most common breed affected are Staffordshire Bull Terriers which are readily available and cheap.

“Staffies are wonderful dogs and, despite their reputation, can be big softies. But because they are so common and easy to get hold of, people sometimes rush in without thinking about all the implications of owning one,” Jordan said.

“It’s so sad because they make lovely pets, although can be a handful if you don’t take ownership seriously. That’s often when the problems set in and instead of sticking at it, people cruelly discard them or report them to us as a stray.”

In the run up to Christmas six dogs were handed in as strays and following investigations three of the owners were tracked down and admitted they were abandoned For many people, living with hair loss can affect self-esteem and confidence. But help is at hand thanks to a new business recently set up in Swindon – Scalp Innovations – offering an alternative treatment to hair transplant.

Swindon born Carl Newman, 49, launched the business after discovering a new treatment that gives the illusion of a shaved head.

He explained: “At around the age of 20 I started to lose my hair. I always felt that my image aged me and affected my confidence. I spent many years looking forward to Jordan McEwan with Sprocker Spaniel Annie

because the dog had chewed furniture. Another had moved to a house where dogs were not permitted.

Jordan said: “This really upsets me because the dogs are basically victims of people’s irresponsibility and lack of proper care or planning. People often let their hearts rather than their heads make decisions when it comes to pet ownership, so my message is not to act on impulse but to think really carefully and factor everything in. I’d love to own a dog again but will have to wait until my living arrangements allow it, hopefully not too far in the future. Fortunately I have a bearded dragon called Kaz instead.”

As well as picking up stray dogs and liaising with owners, part of Jordan’s job will involve working with local schools, in partnership with the Blue Cross and other groups, to develop this sense of responsible ownership and care from an early age.

She said: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved animals and wanted to work with them. I think it’s really important to instil this early on.”

With an internship at a family-run zoo in Scotland and a stint as a veterinary care assistant under her belt, Jordan already has a wealth of experience working with all sorts of animals.

She said: “I looked after the primates and small mammals in the zoo, which was fantastic. As a family, we’ve owned lots of dogs, as well as guinea pigs, rabbits and reptiles. I’ve also helped all these animals and so many others working in a vets. It’s definitely a labour of love and I’m really looking forward to developing my skills and passion in this role.”

Cllr Oliver Donachie, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Animal Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jordan to the Council and wish her every success.

“Hopefully she will be able to bring her expertise to help us continue delivering excellent standards in this area, as shown by the RSPCA awards the team has won for its work with stray dogs. It’s a sad and shameful fact that so many dogs are abandoned in the Borough. Educating people about the significant responsibilities dog ownership entails is really important and it’s never too early to learn the basics and also start to nurture a compassionate and caring attitude towards all animals.”

To report a lost or found dog to the council, please call: 01793

Newly launched company gets to the root of hair loss

445500. winter to get out that hat and not feel like I stood out. I spent money on hats like people do on hair styling. I started Scalp Innovations to give back the confidence to men and women of all ages as I felt I could relate to their experiences.”

Carl offers a variety of treatments from the NU U Clinic in Old Town.

These include scalp micropigmentation (SMP), which replicates the appearance of a shaven head by introducing thousands of tiny pigment deposits into the epidermis of the scalp. Also on offer is tricopigmentation a more temporary treatment. This is considered by many to be a good first step before committing to a permanent form of the treatment – it also allows for the option to alter their hair line in the future to reflect their age.

SMP does not claim to cure hair loss but it does conceal the symptoms.

It is advisable to seek professional medical advice before undergoing treatment.

To find out more contact Carl at Scalp Innovations on 51 Godwin Court, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BB. Call 07833630335 or log in to www. scalpinnovations.co.uk