Community

Charity nights going strong at Swindon restaurants

Started in 2008, popular Indian restaurant Bengal Square in Peatmoor has consistently run charitable fundraising nights donating all profits to worthy causes across the Swindon area. Now, the restaurant is expanding this charitable evening to their newly reopened sister site Mantra in Old Town. Held every Monday and Tuesday at Bengal Square, and every Tuesday at Mantra, the charity nights have raised over £100,000 to date which has been shared amongst local causes from youth football teams to Macmillan cancer research. Owner Hanif Robbani said: “We donate all profits raised on the evening to the cause of choice, and this can be further added to if the organisers hold a raffle, quiz or auction. “Donations from ourselves of £350+ are not uncommon and the best night we’ve ever had raised a grand total of over £3,000. “We are happy to host events for any worthwhile cause and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a charity.” To host a fundraising event at Mantra, email your event details to: info@mantraswindon.co.uk Or to host your event at Bengal Square email: info@bengalsquare.co.uk

GO ALL INCLUSIVE

2 Roughmoor Village Centre,

Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5DJ 01793 887799 01793 882233 info@bengalsquare.co.uk www.bengalsquare.co.uk

By Group Editor Jamie Hill

In every corner of Swindon there are selfless people helping others.

These are the people who go out of their way with no benefit for themselves. They volunteer their time and their energy to make Swindon a better place.

They are the altruistic carers and givers that glue our communities together.

This month we aim to celebrate these people and groups with our Positive Swindon feature which starts on page 13.

As part of this we look at the Pride of Swindon awards, which has become a mainstay in the Swindon cultural calendar.

This year it takes place at Steam Museum on Thursday March 16 and it is an awards ceremony we are happy to sponsor.

Every year it is always a surprise how many entries there are for the awards. It’s amazing just how many people are out there who selflessly help other people.

We also look at the newly unveiled Switch On To Swindon

By Tom Wilkes on behalf of Spirit of Swindon

“Pain is a gift to draw attention to a problem we have failed to notice.” This quote from the US pastor TD Jakes was the postscript to last month’s Spirit of Swindon article looking at the impact of income inequality on the health of a nation.

In that article we drew attention to the nine year difference in life expectancy between two neighbourhoods in our town and some uncomfortable realities about our weight and physical activity.

You might expect that people who live in wealthier countries, on average, would enjoy better health and longer life expectancy than those who live in poorer countries. Yet that is not the case. The data show that what most impacts the health of a nation is the difference in levels of income within a country. Those with the greatest gap in income between the 20% richest and poorest have more healthrelated problems than more equal societies. Worryingly, the UK is among the more unequal.

Addiction to drugs or alcohol, mental health problems, and infant or child mortality rates are significant issues related to levels of income inequality. It is good to know that the number of children dying in infancy is statistically marketing campaign which was launched with much fanfare a few weeks ago. This campaign has seen community and business leaders come together to promote all that is good about Swindon to not only attract businesses to the town but to also make us residents remember all that makes Swindon great.

Another aspect we celebrate is all the volunteer groups in the town - they are the hidden army that deserve our praise.

We take our remit as the ‘positive’ news force seriously at The Link. Our job is to highlight all the great things going on in the town and long may it continue.

Positive Swindon

Director: James Phipps ADVERTISING

Executive Chairman: Julian Barlow Call 01793 781502 or

Group Editor: Jamie Hill email: advertising@swindonlink.com

Chief Reporter: Ben Fitzgerald Closing date for April adverts Associate: Roger Ogle and editorial: 8 March Reporter: Mike Barham April edition published:

Sales: Dave Stewart & Rosy Presley 24 March Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com Positive Media Group Limited, Unit 3, Arclite House, Century Road, Swindon SN5 5YN

T: 01793 744677 E: publisher@swindonlink.com

Our Statistics Est. Readership of 100,000 in print & c.20,000 monthly online visitors. Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £57.

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority. Positive Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers.

Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Arclite House, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YN. Printed by pcp Telford

The Spirit of Swindon: The gap between greater wealth and better health

editor@swindonlink.com

lower in Swindon than nationally at 2.3 per 1000 live births but the overall mortality rate for children is higher - 14.6 per 100 000 children compared with 11.9 nationally.

Alcohol or drug misuse by parents seriously impacts their children but also affects the wider community, another reminder that inequality is a problem for us all. In 2013/14 there were 1,184 hospital admissions related to alcohol; the admission rate for males was lower than average for England but for females it was higher.

It is a sobering reality that mental health is the largest single cause of disability and represents 28% of the disease burden in the UK.

According to the National Wellbeing Survey, people who live in Swindon feel slightly less satisfied than the national population but on average we feel happier, and less anxious. This sense of wellbeing had slipped back a little in 2012/13 while the South West in general had improved. Overall there was no significant difference between men and women. Of real concern nationally is the rising number of young people with mental health issues. Living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas of the town was associated with the lowest sense of wellbeing.

For TD Jakes, the problem causing 1184

Alcoholrelated Hospitaladmissions in2013/2014

the pain for the USA is inequality. He described the American dream as having turned into a nightmare because people have not been included in the strategy for success. Jakes speaks of anarchy erupting when someone in power forgets someone who is not. The divisions in US society are becoming more and more apparent, but the divisions in other countries, including the UK, are also harder to ignore. Not all of our healthrelated issues in the UK will be clearly linked to inequality, but many seem to be. Can Swindon be in the vanguard nationally in naming and finding ways to address this?

What one thing might you do which shows you have noticed the pain and want to do something about it? How about volunteering to support young people struggling with their sense of wellbeing, or befriending elderly neighbours and helping them get to hospital appointments? Let us know what you have been doing by email to publisher@swindonlink.com with Spirit of Swindon as the subject. For more information on health issues visit www.swindonjsna.co.uk, and make your voice heard on health issues which have a greater impact on the poorer through www.healthwatch.co.uk. Lastly, don’t forget Stewart Lansley’s talk at Gorse Hill Baptist Church at 7pm on Thursday 30 March.

Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon offer a lead to other towns and cities in the UK.

Eight-year-old chess player Zoha Ashraf is preparing herself to represent England against some of the finest young minds in the world.

The Brook Field School pupil from Peatmoor has been selected for the England Junior Squad at the World School Chess Championships in Romania on April 21.

Zoha regularly takes part in tournaments, having been recognised by the English Chess Federation as the highest ranked player in her age group at the age of seven. But this tournament will represent her biggest challenge to date.

During her 10-day competition, Zoha will play one game each day against other similarly ranked players in her age category - often spending hours over the game.

She said: “I’m looking forward to it. I’m a bit nervous but it should be good fun to go up against other people from different countries.”

She explained that her play style was aggressive with her preferring to take the lead and shape the game.

Zoha has been working closely with her coach Paul Girdlestone who provides weekly coaching and

Zoha Ashraf prepares for her international chess tournament

analysis to help her improve.

She said: “Whenever I play a game, I record all the moves I make and then we look back over what I did and try to work out what worked and what didn’t. It helps me to improve.”

Zoha’s father Imran, who also helps with her chess, explained that one of his daughter’s strengths was her ability to take a measured approach to her game and to plan carefully.

“She’s very good at calmly thinking about her game - this is something that can be difficult for many youngsters.”

Zoha started learning the game as a six-year-old at an after school chess club run by local councillor Keith Williams with the help of his wife Fran.

Imran explained that Keith was able to recognise that Zoha could have the makings of a talented player.

“We try not to push her too hard. It can be very tiring for her and we understand that.

“We work hard to allow her to balance her chess with her school life and socialising with her friends. We’re taking it one step at a time.”

MEADOWPARK School and Nursery

Visitors warmly welcomed

OPEN DAYS

Friday 10th March 9am to 3pm

Saturday 11th March 9.30am to 1pm

Inspirational

Education

Childcare with Love for Boys and Girls 0 - 11 years

Nursery 0 - 4 years

School 4 - 11 years

“Pupils make outstanding progress ... owing to outstanding teaching.”

Outstanding in EVERY category! 01793 752600 meadowparkschool.co.uk

CYCLE REPAIRS FREE collection & delivery from home or work The BIKE DOCTOR

Over 35 years experience

Servicing and repairs We also sell parts & accessories www.bikedoctorswindon.co.uk

For fast, friendly service, call Phil Mitchell: 874873 day or evening or 07850 650956 (mobile)

Buy a conservatory and get an eco-friendly room

Experts in home improvement With over 50 years experience we can project manage your new conservatory from start to finish, creating an additional room - tailor made to suit your needs all year round.

SALE WITH FREE SCATTER CUSHIONS

Market leaders in conservatory technology

Receive up to £2,000 Free*

towards any combination of: • Cane, Rattan or

Laminated Wood Furniture • Tiled Floors • Ceiling Fans • Electric Heaters • Lights

*Terms and conditions apply

Conservatory Furniture Collection Huge range of Cane, Rattan, Laminated wood combinations New fabrics available Free local delivery Huge new show unit now open with Livin roof and new ULTRA blue glass roof for all year round comfort

PREMIER FLOORING CARPETS - VINYLS - LAMINATES

THE PREMIER SERVICE GUARANTEED TO SAVE YOU MONEY

FREE uplifting and disposal of your existing flooring FREE moving of furniture NO Hidden extras or delivery charges

All products and installation guaranteed Public Liability Insured

CALL STEVEN WALDRON TEL 01793 320974 MOB 07812 855250

Premier.flooring@ymail.com

Unit 35 Pembroke Centre Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon SN2 2PQ HOME SELECTION WE COME TO YOU

NO PRESSURE SALES NO OBLIGATION QUOTATIONS CARRIED OUT IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME AT A TIME THAT SUITS YOU FAMILY RUN BUSINESS THAT DELIVERS QUALITY SERVICE AND WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN INSTALLATION AND PRODUCT SALES

ALL YEAR ROUND COMPETITIVE PRICES AND EXCELLENT SERVICE. IT’S WHY OUR CUSTOMERS RETURN TO US TIME AND TIME AGAIN! Valuation Day opportunity with Thomas Plant TV expert on Flog It! The Antiques Road Trip & Bargain Hunt

Bring along your portable items for a FREE valuation with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services

Monday 13th March 10am to 3.30pm Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG

Valuations are by appointment only.

To arrange a time, please call 01635 580595 or contact us via www.specialauctionservices.com

Thamesdown Transport Limited has been taken over by the major commercial bus operator Go South Coast after councillors agreed to sell the council’s shares in the company.

The bus company has incurred losses over the past five years due to difficult trading conditions, despite continued financial support from the council. And with the council also facing financial pressures of its own, a review of the bus company concluded that the sale would be in the best interest of council taxpayers, staff and its customers.

Go South Coast’s bid was assessed as offering the best value to the council. The terms of the offer are commercially confidential but included all the council’s shares and the freehold of Thamesdown’s Barnfield depot.

Cllr David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “We were one of the few local authorities in the country to still own a local bus company, but the council is operating in a really challenging financial climate at the moment and we do not have the resources to continue to support Thamesdown Transport as we have been doing in recent years.

“We believe this deal is in the best interests of local bus users as it Swindon 175 is marking a year of celebration with an event on March 1 looking back at all that has been achieved over the year.

The group organised a host of events to showcase the town, celebrating the past, present and future, from a children’s photo competition and classic car cavalcade to the naming of Sir Daniel Gooch Place by HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and

Thamesdown general manager Alex Chutter secures the financial sustainability of the bus company, offers the best long-term security for Thamesdown employees, and will provide vital investment.

Alex Chutter, formerly operations manager at Go South Coast’s Salisbury Reds and now general manager at Thamesdown said: “A full review of how the company operates and what improvements need to be made is underway. The directors may have changed, but at the moment it’s simply a case of steadying this ship.

“We will be looking at things like the exact fare policy and passenger forums to gather feedback. Our aim the creation of a wooden bust of Sir Daniel Gooch by a New College student.

The event, which will be raising funds for the Brighter Futures charity, is an opportunity to also look to the future and consider how Swindon can continue to be celebrated as an industrious, innovative and community focused town.

The event, on March 1, takes place is to make Thamesdown the bus company of choice for Swindon. Within the Go Ahead group, local knowledge and management is key, and taking steps like removing the assault screen at the town centre ticket office and improving the customer approach are key moving forward.”

• The deadline for feedback submissions on the proposed

Wichelstowe to town centre bus corridor is 22 March.

To view the plans and share your thoughts with Swindon

Borough Council visit:

swindontravelchoices.co.uk/

Looking back at a year of celebrating Swindon

A vintage car cavalcade at the iconic Magic Roundabout to celebrate Swindon 175

projects/wichelstowe at the Great Western Hall at the Steam Museum in Fire Fly Avenue from 6.30pm to 9pm

A cash bar is available and there will be a complimentary buffet available.

Entry is free but places are limited. For your complimentary ticket please email: Caroline@ Swindon175.com

Tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

News in brief WH Smith’s moving

WH Smith’s headquarters are set for demolition – but the future of the company in the town is secure.

Planners have given the go-ahead to build 134 homes, a nursery and a care home.

The company, which employs 450 senior managers and consultants at its Greenbridge office, has pledged that it will remain in the town and is currently working with Swindon Borough Council and Forward Swindon to look for a suitable alternative headquarters building in the borough.

WH Smith, which has been based in the 6,500 sq m office since the 1980s, have been forced to consider the move because of the changing nature of their business and the fact that their current offices are needing repair work.

Employment is up

New unemployment figures have revealed that 1.3 percent of people are out work in Swindon, compared with a national figure of 4.8 per cent.

Since 2010, unemployment across the town has fallen by more than 60% and over 8,400 more people are in work. Data also shows that annual wage growth is at 2.6%, outstripping inflation; while youth unemployment is down significantly, the number of disabled people finding work has increased and the percentage of women in employment has reached a record high.

Employment across the UK has reached its highest rate since records began and unemployment remains at its lowest level for 11 years.

Hate crime increase

Record levels of hate crime were reported in Wiltshire in the three months following last June’s historic EU referendum, new figures have shown.

The data, released this week, show a total of 134 incidents being reported to Wiltshire Police between July and September – a 38 per cent increase on the previous three month period from April to June. The figure was the highest recorded number since comparable records began in April 2012.

An Expression of Interest has individual libraries. Any community together into a true One Swindon has can make savings of more been submitted by Swindon’s only group wishing to take over a partnership. Final bids, supported by than £17,000 for Liden Library and Community Library Trust to take community library had to submit an a business case, must be submitted £5,000 at Covingham Library, but over up to eight of Swindon’s expression of interest by 31 January by 31 March 2017 with a decision these same ideas can be applied community Libraries. to be considered. by 30 April. to other libraries such as Upper

The Community Library Trust bid The Community Library Trust is Dale Heenan, who is also the Stratton Library at £12,000, or involves Covingham Library and the only known group in Swindon Conservative councillor for Penhill at £5,400. Liden Library being taken over that has submitted an expression of Covingham and Dorcan, is heading These are all easy savings which with a five year plan, and six other interest to manage the remaining the trust. He said: “Months of hard Swindon Borough Council and community libraries – Stratton, eight community libraries that are work mean that we are confident the Parishes cannot implement by Even Swindon, Moredon, Old at risk of closure after Swindon plans for Covingham Library and themselves. Town, Penhill, Pinetrees – from Borough Council cut the library Liden Library are realistic and “This approach will only be 1 September if there are parish budget by over £1 million in achievable with lower running successful if Parish Councils, councils willing to help fund them, December. costs, and professional Library staff. community groups and all of the and volunteers or community Following submission, there is “The Library Trust is independent, political parties work together.” groups able to support them. now a two month period where the non-political, and willing to Any group, business or individual

In addition to the Library Trust, it Library Trust can work with Parish collaborate with anyone to ensure who wishes to assist the is anticipated two parish councils Councils, Shadow Parish Councils Swindon’s Community Libraries are Community Library Trust should and two shadow parish councils will and community groups to act as saved from closure. contact Dale Heenan at submit their own bids for running an umbrella to bring everyone “On day one, the ideas the Trust dale.heenan@gmail.com

Budget pressures lead to council job losses and tax hike

Swindon Borough Council plans to cut up to 90 jobs to save £1.5m as part of its proposed budget.

And the council tax is set to rise by 7.2 percent – made up from a 4.99 per cent rise levied by Swindon Borough Council coupled with the tax levied by the parish councils. This means that the average bill will rise by £59.47 per year – excluding extra costs levied by parish councils.

The increase comprises 1.99 percent for the basic amount of council tax and a specific adult social care precept of three percent.

Speaking about the proposed job cuts, Cabinet Member for Finance, Russell Holland, said: “We are hoping that a significant proportion of those posts will be lost through a process of voluntary redundancy.

“We are not in a position to say which departments are being The first election cycle for the new parish councils in Swindon will take place on 4 May.

In each of the new parishes, a shadow parish council has been formed. This is made up largely of Swindon Borough Council ward councillors from each area. The shadow parish councils are responsible for deciding which services they wish to provide in each of their areas, setting their budget and the resulting precept, and putting in place arrangements for services to be provided from 1 April.

Work is currently still underway with Swindon Borough Council staff to make these arrangements.

Council leader David Renard

affected at the moment.”

He explained that a total of 80-90 posts will be lost from a current council staffing level of 2,900. This will be in addition to the recent announcement of the loss of approximately 40 full and part

The decision to parish previously unparished areas of the Borough followed a year-long Community Governance Review process which involved extensive engagement and formal consultation with residents and parish councils.

The statutory minimum number of parish councillors for each area is five - there is no maximum number.

The number of parish councillors in existing parishes in Swindon range from 5 to 23.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a parish councillor can find information about what is required on the ‘How to become a councillor’ webpage. time posts from the library service following the cutting of funding to 10 of the town’s 15 facilities.

Mr Holland added that the process of reducing ‘headcount’ would begin as soon as possible in order to maximise savings.

Continued demand pressures on adult social care, combined with increased costs of waste and recycling, lower than expected parking income and increased demand on the council’s homelessness budget has contributed to a predicted overspend of £6.5m.

Council leader David Renard explained that the council is looking carefully at where savings on adult social care can be made and has made use of consultants and worked with other local authorities to help guide them in this process.

“A lot of work is being done on

Prospective candidates should contact the election office from 1 March for a nomination pack. All nominations must be received by 4pm on Tuesday 4 April.

Anyone wishing to vote but unable to get to a polling station identifying where early intervention can be made to improve the long term outcomes for patients and reduce the need for support.

“We are also working with other organisations to look at how social workers do their jobs. We are keen to re-enable people to get back on their feet and be able to lead more independent lives.”

He explained that the predicted overspend in this sector was partly a result of demographic change: “More people are living longer with more complex health needs.”

He added that further cost increases have been brought about by having to comply with tighter regulations on care homes and the introduction of the National Minimum Wage, which has meant an increase in the wage bill for the large number of low pay workers

How can you get involved in Swindon’s new parish councils?

who work in the sector.” on 4 May can request a postal vote.

To apply, call 01793 464601 or email: elecreg@swindon.gov.uk

Residents who still remain unsure which parished area they live in can use the postcode checker at:

www.swindon.gov.uk/parishes

6 Star Service from Trevor Salter

✰ View and select in your own home - day or evening ✰ Free no obligation measuring and quoting ✰ Luxury underlay, all accessories and installation included in the price! ✰ Competitive prices:

Our customers tell us so ✰ Old carpets removed ✰ Furniture moved as required

Trevor Salter, offering 39 years experience supplying carpets to satisfied customers in Swindon “Challenge me to beat your existing quotes. You’ll be pleasantly surprised” 12 months interest free credit available Representative 0% APR Subject to status.* Finance provided by Omni Capital Retail Finance 42-50 Hersham Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 1RZ Registered in England & Wales. Company Reg: 7232938 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Interim Permissions reference Number: 649286 *Terms & conditions apply

Call Trevor: 01793 812995 or 07860 882588 or email: homechoosecarpets@hotmail.com www.carpetsswindon.co.uk Town Office

1 Groundwell Road, Swindon SN1 2LT Tel: 01793 422422

Chapel of Rest

92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret SN3 4NN Tel: 01793 832072 Our family service caring for you

A truly personal and compassionate service available 24 hours a day, every day of the year

Included in The Good Funeral Guide in recognition of our quality of service

• Professionally qualified • Pre-paid funeral plans available • Home visits available • Parking available

John Pearce (left), Belinda, Tracy and David. Here for you when needed most

Providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones Our Prepaid Funeral Plans provide a 100% Guarantee of our funeral director services at today’s costs, whilst also enabling you to record your funeral wishes in full.

Our Prepaid Funeral Plans start from £3,350*, which includes £1,250 contribution towards third party costs. For extra peace of mind, a complimentary, professionally written Will can be provided (if required). The option of paying by monthly instalments is also available. To receive a £75 discount on these fees please contact us, quoting the reference ‘Link1’ 01793 832072 or 01793 422422 www.pearcefuneral services.co.uk info@pearcefuneralservices.co.uk

Landlords Dan and Tracey Brackenbury are looking forward to celebrating their first year behind the bar of the Tawny Owl in North Swindon.

The married couple, took up the new role on March 17 last year and are planning to mark their anniversary on St Patrick’s Day this year with the launch of Mustang Black a new keg stout from Arkells Brewery, which owns the Tawny Owl.

“Over the year, we have been made to feel really welcome. We have made a big push on developing the pub and hotel as a family

By Mike Barham

“We were knocked down, but we got back up, dusted ourselves off and searched for a way back to doing what we love.” commented Luke Jacobs amidst a bustling half term evening rush at The Ridge at Shaw.

One half of a management duo, Luke Jacobs and his twin brother Scott recently opened their latest venture in Shaw Ridge, acting as a coffee house and café during the day and a throughly modern cocktail bar and restaurant during the evenings.

Having previously worked together at Botellinos on Penzance Drive, the pair had to leave their positions due to a stabbing incident in November, but have worked since then to create their dream establishment.

“We were really touched by the support we received. Friends and family all came together and rallied behind us. We both can’t begin to thank them enough. The Highworth Hotel are offering to turn Mother’s Day into a whole weekend of special moments and good food from 25 March.

Having recently undergone some major renovation work and now under new ownership, the Highworth Hotel is fast becoming a hot spot for those special occasions.

Original wooden beams, antique fireplaces and elegant guest rooms combined with luxurious bedrooms and state of the art en-suite bathrooms give you the perfect blend of both old and new for any event.

Saturday 25 March sees Cream Tea served with homemade scones, jam, clotted cream, fresh cream friendly venue. We still screen big sports matches, so sports fans are well catered for, but our big emphasis is on making The Tawny Owl a place where you can enjoy what we have to offer in a family friendly environment.

The Tawny Owl boasts a well appointed conference room, family friendly food options and a welcoming atmosphere. Dan and Tracey have ensured that a programme of regular events has something for everyone, from weekly quiz nights and open mic slots to live music and even Rock n’

Dan and Tracey Brackenbury

New Shaw Ridge cocktail bar and restaurant opens

Roll Bingo. www.thetawnyowl.co.uk

Twin brothers Luke (L) and Scott (R) Jacobs outside the newly opened restaurant and cocktail bar The Ridge at Shaw

“It’s taken a fair bit of work to get the place up to the standard we wanted, but we kept improving everything as we went along, and kept saying to each other ‘how can we make this better?’ or ‘how would this work here?’.

“We were approached by Justin Britchford who asked if we wanted to set up this place, whether we wanted to partner with him to make a reality, so we took the sponge and fruit slice.

Mother’s Day itself (Sunday 26 March for the forgetful few amongst you) at The Highworth will be a thoroughly special occasion, with a full three course roast from £19.95 per person. Your choice of starter, three great roasts, fish or opportunity. We’ve received nothing but positive feedback, everyone who’s come in has been really supportive and our staff especially deserve credit. I don’t think either of us have ever worked with more dedicated, fun-loving yet hard working people. We really want to make this place a focal point for local people again.”

visit: facebook.com/ridgeswindon

Highworth Hotel offering Mother’s Day weekend splendor

10 swindonlink.com n March 2017

For more information on The Ridge veggie main course with all your favourite trimmings and a selection of delicious homemade desserts that you must leave room for.

And of course, a gift for all mums will be included with the lunch.

For more information, visit: www.thehighworth.co.uk

Focus on inequality

A public talk will be held at the Baptist Church in Gorse Hill which asks the question ‘How inevitable is inequality?’

The event will be held on Thursday 30 March from 7pm to 8.30pm. Guest speakers include Bishop of Swindon Lee Rayfield and Economist and academic Stewart Lansley.

The free event has been organised by the Swindon Equality Group and the Spirit of Swindon group.

To find out more log on to www.equalitytrust.org.uk

Women in Business

A strategy workshop to help women in business is one of many sessions at this year’s Swindon & Wiltshire Women in Business Conference, on Wednesday March 8 at Bowood Resort near Calne.

It will be led by Wiltshire-based mentor Isla Baliszewska. The conference programme includes expert speakers, interactive workshops, networking and exhibitions. Tickets: £35. www. theenterprisenetwork.co.uk/ women-in-business

Support group talk

Wiltshire Farms Foods will be the subject of the talk at the next meeting of the Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group.

The meeting is on Friday, 10 March at 1.30pm at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square.

Entrance is £2.50. For further information call Ali on 634424.

Bake ‘N’ Roll new evening hours

Popular cafe/bakery Bake ‘N’ Roll on Groundwell Road will be opening on Thursday to Saturday evenings from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Featuring an on site bakery that provides fresh produce on a daily basis, the new evening menus will feature a range of meals to suit all tastes. For more information, visit: /BakenRoll-Bakery-Cafe

Hamlet rebooted

Local actor and videogame enthusiast Edward Day is trying to raise £3000 for his new project, Super Hamlet 64: Parody DLC, Hamlet in a computer game style. The show is at Swindon’s Shoebox Theatre on 27 May. Tickets £10. http://bit.ly/hamlet64

A life saving defibrillator – which can be used to revive patients whose hearts have stopped – has been bought for use by the Blunsdon Abbey and wider St Andrew’s Ridge community.

Blunsdon Abbey Park is a residential community of over50s residents in North Swindon managed by family-run company Park Home Life. The company has bought the new defibrillator on behalf of the local community.

“We put in a lot of research into the different options available to us, but rather than ask our residents to contribute or fundraise, we opted to purchase the equipment ourselves”, said Jane Kirk from Park Home Life.

“We know how valuable this apparatus can be in saving lives, and now having one for the whole community is fantastic.”

Jane’s colleague Jasmine Corrigan added: “This is the first defibrillator sited at our residential parks and we will look to continue the rollout across our other park locations so all our residents can benefit from the potentially life saving equipment.” Bus operator Stagecoach West is to expand its network in Swindon which will deliver even better services for customers and provide a jobs boost for the town.

From 2 April, the company plans to launch a new route between Abbey Meads and Great Western Hospital, via the town centre, as well as delivering a series of improvements to existing services.

As a result of the network expansion, which will increase Stagecoach’s local operations by 15%, the company is creating 30 new jobs at its Swindon depot, including driver, engineering, cleaning and other roles.

The move, which reflects the company’s commitment to Swindon, is in response to customer demand for more choice in bus transport in the town.

The brand new Service 3 will offer different connections to current routes, creating new journey opportunities for local people, with buses up to every 10 minutes.

Stagecoach is also delivering improved frequencies, additional services and adding new locations to existing routes, including

Jasmine Corrigan (L) and Jane Kirk (R) with the new Blunsdon Abbey defibrillator equipment.

Blunsdon Abbey’s Park Office was chosen as an easily accessible location for the defibrillator, available 24 hours a day. The defibrillator is fully automatic and is housed in a temperature controlled, illuminated cabinet. The Services 9, 10 and Gold 66.

Rupert Cox, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “This expansion is a sign of our commitment to bus passengers in the area and in the belief that buses will continue to be a hugely important mode of transport in the years to come.

“We have seen positive growth on our current services and have invested significantly in a new bus depot last year. We have also unit can be accessed by a unique code known to the residents or obtained by an emergency call to the 999 service.

Blunsdon Abbey resident Linda Deacon said: “The defibrillator sited at Blunsdon Abbey Park is an introduced 12 new vehicles, at a cost of £2.2 million in the past three years for local people.

“These plans will deliver better connections and greater travel choice for customers and we believe they will help us attract even more people on to our greener, smarter services.”

The new route and other improvements are: centre – Great Western Hospital essential piece of equipment. It not only gives both voice and written instructions, but also has a built-in safety mechanism to act on the rhythm of the heart.

“I really hope I never have to use

Stagecoach expands town bus network and boosts jobs

Number 3 (Abbey Meads – town it, but if I did, it could save a life.” linking the Orbital Centre, Abbey Meads, Moredon, Cheney Manor, Designer Outlet, town centre, New College, Walcot East, Park and Great Western Hospital. The service will operate up to every ten minutes during the day from Monday to Saturday and up to every 20 minutes on Sunday.

Number 9 (town centre – Wichelstowe – Wroughton) will see a new Sunday service operating every hour during the daytime.

Number 10 (Kingsdown – town centre – Freshbrook) will see some peak time journeys on Mondays to Fridays extended from Freshbrook to Windmill Hill Business Park. These journeys partially replace service 27 which was recently withdrawn by Thamesdown Transport.

Number 66 (Swindon – Faringdon – Oxford) will see the Monday to Friday frequency increase to every 20 minutes during the daytime. This increase will complement the existing 20 minute frequency on Saturdays and 30 minute frequency on Sundays.

For more details on Stagecoach bus services visit www. stagecoachbus.com

Positive Swindon Hundreds gather to promote Swindon

Gavin Calthrop of Place Marketing at the Switch On to Swindon event

More than 400 representatives of business, the arts and local government gathered at the launch of an ambitious campaign to promote all that is great about our town – Switch On to Swindon.

Taking to the stage at Swindon’s £16m Audi showroom in the Delta business park, Gavin Calthrop, head of Place Marketing, was joined by speakers Nicky Alberry, chairman of the Influence board and Jo Miller, chief executive of Doncaster Council.

Gavin said: “Swindon’s strength is its economy and its desire to grow. We need to share the positive stories about the town. That is what Switch On To Swindon is all about. This campaign is all about harnessing that energy. We need to be telling the real stories of Swindon.”

Statistically, Swindon is the seventh most productive economy in the UK and the employment rate is the fifth highest in the country. The town has the UK’s largest concentration of foreign owned enterprises (19 per cent) and has seen a 15 per cent growth in the number of businesses, with 281 businesses per 10,000 population.

It is home to RCUK, Honda, Nationwide, Intel, Johnson Matthey, BMW Mini pressings plant, National Trust, English Heritage, WH Smith to name a few. It’s also a great place to live with exceptional transport links.

There is also a thriving arts and culture scene – being home to the finest collection of British Modern Art outside London as well as the renowned Festival of Literature.

Grants available

Grants for organisations with an income of less than £50,000 are available from the Wiltshire Community Foundation.

The Foundation Small Grants Programme will support projects which will make a sustained impact on the lives of disadvantaged people in Wiltshire and Swindon. You can apply for up to £2,000 per year. Log on to wiltshirecf.org.uk

Support network Medium sized charities with an income of more than £100k can benefit from a “Business Buddy” - a support network of business skill support.

To find out more about business buddies contact involve@swindonvolunteers. org.uk

Positive Swindon Nominations for Pride of Swindon were many and varied

Judges at the Pride of Swindon Awards were faced with the unenviable task of sifting through more than 50 nominations for people who contribute in a dizzying variety of ways to the people and environment of the town.

Those nominating were asked to identify what it was about that particular individual or group that meant they would be worthy recipients of the title Pride of Swindon award winner.

Those put forward included Alan Butler, who has single-handedly organised support and sponsorship for the RunVember fundraising event which challenges people to raise money for the homeless of Swindon by running every day for 30 days.

His nomination reads: “The madness of him running in his speedos and swimming hat on a freezing November evening to raise

Conservation volunteers Colin

Crook and Jacqui Collins don’t like to be in the spotlight.

The friends, have been nominated for the Pride of

Swindon 2017 awards in recognition of the many hours awareness of RunVember will stay with me for a long time. He is a quiet and humble man who takes no personal credit for the effort he has put in.”

Those facing personal challenges were also nominated, including Clare Stow who was nominated for her tireless work for charities and community groups over the years. Clare plays an active role in the Swindon Downs Syndrome group, local churches, and was instrumental in setting up a community cafe.

People working in the arts and education were also well represented in the nominations.

Falling into this category is Barbara Moody, who was one of the founders of the Haydon Artists group, which she has helped to run for 14 years.

In this capacity, she has also worked closely with schools and the they spend placing bird boxes around the green spaces in the borough.

Often hidden from view, nestled in the low branches of trees, it is easy to miss the efforts of these conservationists who have set up wider community.

Development officer Lee Bowen was praised for his work to promote table tennis in the town. Head of Performing Arts, Alison Sutcliffe was nominated for the work that she puts into promoting music in the town and Neil Bromley was nominated for working to promote fencing in the town for 15 years.

Noreen Vitale was nominated for the huge efforts she puts into ensuring that Christmas is a time to celebrate for many people who might otherwise find themselves isolated and alone.

Working as catering manager for the Swindon Care Shelter for the last 9 years, Noreen collects donations from all over Swindon. She also works all over the Christmas period providing breakfast, lunch and an evening buffet for more than 60 people.

Community stalwart Caroline and maintain 700 bird boxes in 13 different sites in Swindon over the past 20 years.

Colin and Jacqui first met when they were both working for the Swindon ranger service and have continued their passion for Watson was singled out for her work with those she lives alongside in Walcot. Over the 30 years that she has lived in the area, she has acted as a community champion, helping elderly residents with household tasks.

A volunteer for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust since 1981, Kathleen Wyatt has played a key role in the development of the organisation.

She has also played a large role in inspiring others to get involved in environmental conservation - speaking to schools and community groups to talk about her role and how others can get involved.

Groups who were nominated included the Swindon Lagoons Volunteer Group, The Harbour Project which works with refugees in the town, youth theatre group Prime Theatre and the Witness Service which supports victims of

Jacqui Collins who has been nominated along with her friend Colin Crook for their conservation work

Conservation volunteers praised for their efforts

crime. conservation after stepping down from the role.

The also carry out voluntary work for the RSPB, Wiltshire Wildlife, Cotswold Water Park, Swindon Dormouse Conservation and Swindon Volunteer Rangers.

Positive Swindon Judges faced the difficult task of identifying winners

The ninth annual Pride of Swindon awards were launched in December and since then suggestions have been flooding in.

The event aims to honour unsung heroes in the town who make a difference in their community.

Speaking at the launch of the awards, Swindon Mayor Eric Shaw said: “We are looking for people who are making a difference to this town. It can be someone who has saved a life or people like Phoebe who are increasing awareness of a condition. Pride of Swindon is one of the best events of the year.”

Judges drawn from Voluntary Action Swindon, Volunteer Centre Previous winners and representatives of the sponsors attended this year’s launch eventSwindon, Nationwide, Zurich, McDonalds, Swindon 105.5, contribute to their community or volunteers in their community for development manager of Zurich Positive Media Group and Swindon improve the lives of others were years, others who were the driving Community Trust Tony Martin, the Advertiser faced the difficult task judged on their merits rather force behind fundraising activities winning 10 individuals and six of sifting through more than 50 than the number of nominations in the town or youngsters who had teams were decided upon. nominations to draw up a shortlist. received. reached out to others in need. The winners will be revealed at Nominees who were thought Among the nominations were After a lengthy debate and vote the awards ceremony on March 16 to have gone the extra mile to those who had quietly served as by the judges, chaired by volunteer at the Steam museum.

Inspirational Oscar launched fundraising drive for friend

One of those nominated for the Pride of Swindon awards is 9-yearold Oscar Moulding.

The inspirational Robert Le Kyng pupil, despite facing his own personal challenges, has shown a maturity beyond his years to help raise money to fund a wheelchair for a friend from Bosnia.

Oscar heard about Sofija Jevdic’s story from a Facebook group dedicated to those affected by merosin-negative congenital muscular dystrophy.

The youngster understood that Sofija’s family needed to raise at least £400 to fund a wheelchair for his friend and set about the task with determination.

Oscar’s mum Alex explained: “Without help, Sofija would have had to make do with a wheelchair that is not suitable for her.

“The chairs that were available to her were all the same size and she would have had to be propped up with pieces of foam.

“Oscar decided that he should do all that he could to help out. We’re really proud of him.”

In order to hit his fundraising target, Oscar held a variety of fundraising activities, including a wear yellow day at his school where fellow pupils were asked to donate towards the fund.

He also made a guest appearance on BBC Wiltshire Radio to

Inspirational youngster Oscar Moulding with his mum Alex

encourage people to donate to his Just Giving fundraising page.

Oscar said: “We started out asking people to help raise £400, but we got that really quickly and soon we had about £2,000.”

The money has been sent to Sofija’s family to buy a new motorised wheelchair and help her family support her over the next few years.

Alex said: “I feel really proud of Oscar and what he has achieved. It’s brilliant and he deserves to have the spotlight on him.”

Author Robin Price put children at Tregoze Primary School through their creative paces when he ran a series of workshops for all children in the school.

Robin, a former BBC Children’s digital content editor, said: “It’s really nice to be able to come into schools and help inspire writers, especially reluctant writers.”

He explained that his approach involved providing a framework for children to develop their story ideas.

“I ask children to start by thinking of a setting and then populate it with characters and then to think of a problem that the characters might need to solve. From my experience, girls are better at planning their writing than boys. So this approach supports boys who might find writing to be a struggle because the planning is supported by this framework. It allows them to get straight into the action.”

Class teacher Peter Williams said: “The children have been really engaged with this – it’s a great opportunity for them to hear from an author and get inspired by some of the ideas that he is sharing today.”

Robin Price is the author of three historical series of children’s books Spartapuss, The Olympuss Games

Author Robin Price at Tregoze School

and Beowuff – where cats and dogs rule the world. His graphic novel London Deep was chosen as a Recommend Read for World Book Day in 2011. An Olivier nominated songwriter, Robin writes songs for Tall Stories theatre company. His writing credits include The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom (by Julia Donaldson) and a musical version of Something Else by the Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell. Robin’s visit to Tregoze school was funded by the Erasmus+ fund, a EU funded project aimed at supporting education projects throughout Europe.

From left, Justin Tomlinson, Graham Taylor and Coun Mary Martin

Builders make start on academy

Construction work on a new are delighted with how things are £21 million secondary school for going” north Swindon has been officially Work on the three-storey building launched at a ground breaking at Tadpole Farm should be complete ceremony. by July 2018 ready for school

At the event were Principal of opening in September 2018 for year New College Graham Taylor and 7 and year 12 pupils. The Great North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson Western Academy will have a major along with representatives of BAM focus on computing, business, construction and Coun Mary Martin enterprise and technology. (Con, Shaw) who will take on the The design includes modern, post of Chair of Governors. facilities for IT, Science and Maths,

Justin Tomlinson said: “I’m Design and Technology and the very pleased to mark the start of creative arts. this 78-week project. This is the Sports facilities include a four culmination of many years’ hard court sports hall, three outdoor work to secure this £21m project football pitches, a multi-use games and is a much needed facility to area and artificial cricket pitch. boost the local community.” A full website for the School

Graham Taylor, principal of will launch in early March at New College said: “We have www.gwacademy.co.uk and any been working closely with BAM interested parents of Year 5 pupils construction on the design and should follow the Facebook page at planning of this facility and we www.facebook.com/GWASwindon.

Minister visits pioneering schools

Minister of State for Schools, Nick Gibb MP, insisted that Ofsted were ‘doing a very good job’ in the wake of blanket criticisms of primary and secondary schools by Ofsted Regional Director Bradley Simmons.

The Minister, who was in town to learn about pioneering approaches taken by Swindon Academy and Nova Hreod, refused to criticise Mr Simmon’s controversial stance, adding that Ofsted have an “important job to do.”

Mr Gibb began his tour at Swindon Academy, where he was introduced to the school’s new Grammar Stream programme which has been established in partnership with Marlborough College.

A total of 30 places have been offered to the most academically able students in year 7 who follow a challenging curriculum which also sees them visit Marlborough College one afternoon a week, study Latin and work an extended school day.

Mr Gibb also visited Nova Hreod

Schools Minister Nick Gibb

Academy which has been able to raise the percentage of pupils achieving 5 GCSEs graded A* to C from 21 per cent in 2014 to 63 per cent in 2016 and under the leadership of Principal Darren Barton, has transformed the culture of the school by introducing a strict discipline policy.

preschool gymnastics

where an early start makes a world of difference!

LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare & eduCation FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356

l

l l

l

l Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042 An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

daily classes for the under 5’s

01793 822262 www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

Are you at work all day? Going away? Or just too busy? The National Pet Care Company Dog holidays with host families, Cat Care, Pet Feeding The Complete Pet Service Pet Taxi/Ambulance Tel: 07496 855694 info@swindondistrict.animalsathome.co.uk www.animalsathome.co.uk/swindon-district

IMAGINATION CHILDCARE is a private day nursery providing high quality inclusive childcare for children aged birth to five

Open 8am to 6pm, 51 weeks of the year e: becky@imagination-childcare.co.uk or call 01793 530197 Now offering places for 0-2 year olds

www.imagination-childcareuk.co.uk

A North Swindon puppy training school will be celebrating 10 years of canine tutelage on March 1.

At the age of 51 and at the top of her profession, Janet Garrett, Executive Bilingual PA to the CEO of a large multi-national company based in Paris, decided that it was time to stop working where head and bank balance dictates .... and to follow her heart, quit it all. So she decided to create Janet’s Puppy Following on from January’s Early Years Foundation Stage article, this month we are looking at one of the three specific areas; Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED).

PSED is a very important part of a child’s development; children need to build relationships with others in an emotionally safe and secure environment. Children need opportunities to play with others and learn about the different emotions that they will experience.

When your child starts at a new setting it is important that you support them in forming a relationship with another adult. You can do this by staying with your child during their first visit and showing them how you trust and build a relationship with their Key person through your positive body language and facial expressions.

Your child will need to adapt to a new routine; routines help build emotional security and help your child become self-confident, independent and self-aware. Children are able to process what Skool.

Janet had been very involved with dogs since the age of three when she was thrilled to see her granddad’s wonderful collie bring his slippers or find his keys when needed.

As a hobby, she was demonstrating during her time in Paris with one of her own Bouvier des Flandres, Blue, who appeared at Crufts NEC and Discover Dogs will happen next and this supports their feeling of security.

You can support routines at home by encouraging your child to sit down when they eat and drink, encourage your child to wash themselves and clean their teeth, dressing and undressing independently and having a bedtime and sleep routine. Activities you can do to support your child: Share photos of friends and family, encourage your child to look at themselves in a mirror and point to parts of their face, encourage role play with dolls or teddies as this helps them understand the world around them and develops their imagination. Encourage children to share with other children and take turns, let them choose what they would like to play with or do. Try not to say no and explain why they cannot do something. When out and about show and explain to your child how to stay safe, for example when crossing the road.

Next month we will look at Communication and Language. Earls Court as part of the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Gold Level demonstration team. Janet made the decision that helping others with dogs and puppies was a passion worth pursuing.

Studying canine behaviour became intrinsic to her daily life and with many qualifications to her name it was only a matter of time before she felt brave enough to let go of the ‘day job’.

In February 2007, she was persuaded to jump and now 10 years on, with many more

Executive PA turned dog trainer Janet Garrett celebrates 10 years of her Puppy Skool in March

qualifications to her name, Kembrey Park Children and families gathered in Kembrey Park in February for the opening of a new day nursery.

Parenting expert Jane Evans, as seen on ITV’s “This Morning” and Channel 5’s “My Violent Child”, performed the ribbon-cutting duties at Panda Day Nursery, a new childcare setting in Swindon that offers parents a flexible range of childcare sessions all year round.

Panda Day Nursery received its including the most recent in 2016 of Canine Nutrionist, she is still incredibly happy that she made the decision.

Janet said: “The time was right – my qualifications fitted perfectly with my years of experience - and my husband, friends and family were behind me all the way. It has been an enormous privilege as well as fantastic fun to meet so many wonderful people and their fab dogs and I’m hoping for many more anniversaries to come.”

Your child matters - Advice from West Swindon Family Centre

Parenting expert Jane Evans cuts the ribbon at the new Panda Day Nursery in

Panda Day Nursery opens its doors

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk Ofsted registration in January and has been taking enquiries and registrations from parents over the last few weeks. It offers full and part time care, 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year. The nursery is the second early years setting to be managed by the West Swindon Family Centre, a children’s charity based in the town for over 20 years. www.pandachildcare.co.uk