Leisure

Link Magazine photographer Richard Wintle has been shortlisted for a prestigious National Association of Press Agencies award. Veteran snapper Richard, of Calex Picture Agency, will attend an award ceremony at the Grange City Hotel in London on May 12, where the winner will be announced.

His shortlisted picture was taken during the County Ground clash between Swindon Town and Fleetwood Town on December 17 2016.

Richard said: “I was positioned at the edge of the 18 yard box, quite close to the action. I was shooting away and I knew that I had something, but I wasn’t sure until I had a proper look at half time. I guess I just got lucky with this one because everything came together.”

Richard’s photograph captured Swindon Town striker Nicky Ajose frozen in a balletic tumble as he took on Fleetwood Town keeper Alex Cairns.

“This frame was one of a sequence of three that I managed to capture but this was the one. It is, to my mind, a great agency picture because it’s a nice tight action shot that would fit several formats.” Richard’s picture was taken on a Nikon D810 using a Sigma 7200mm lens. He used a shutter speed of 1/800 to freeze the moment.

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Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8.30 - 17.00 Fri: 8.30 - 14.00. Please check the website for holiday periods Swindon200, the new equality and inclusion project that launched earlier this year, held its first workshop on Saturday 25 March with 30 people attending.

The event was an opportunity for people with a passion for improving the town for all who live here to come together, network, develop their knowledge and understanding and to generate ideas for events or projects which can help make Swindon a model of fairness, inclusion, opportunity and fulfilment.

The Swindon200 project is a partnership between Voluntary Action Swindon and Swindon Equality Coalition, which launched at the Swindon Community Conference at the National Trust in January.

Together, attendees developed and launched a new ‘Swindon Equality & Inclusion Charter’, a community charter which the project now aims to get as many local people and organisations signed up to.

The March workshop was delivered with Swindon Borough Council, who is funding the project.

Hannah Parry, Development Officer at Voluntary Action Swindon, said “It’s been a pleasure to work with Nick Stephenson, SBC’s Change Lead for Equality & Diversity, on designing and delivering this event. We received such great feedback from attendees, many of whom said they felt inspired and energised by it, which I think goes to show the potential of what can be achieved when working together, across sectors, and in particular when the community sector and the council work together.”

The name Swindon200 was inspired by Swindon 175, which took place last year. Another aspect of the project is that it aims to sign up 200 people in Swindon to become ‘Equality Ambassadors’. In return, the project offers opportunities for learning, engagement and networking. Swindon200 will be holding more workshops throughout the year. To find out more, and to view and sign the Swindon Equality & Inclusion Charter, please visit www. swindon200.uk

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By Graham Carter of Swindon Heritage magazine

The Health Hydro is back in the news - but this time for all the right reasons.

Controversially earmarked, earlier this year, for conversion into flats by current occupiers, Greenwich Leisure Ltd, the former Milton Road Baths, which opened in 1892, is the latest focus of Swindon Heritage’s blue plaque scheme.

We've launched a crowdfunding page to raise the £400 required to cast and install a plaque on the building - the fifth in the series.

Project manager Noel Beauchamp said: “Our first four plaques, which honoured a pioneering suffragette, two war heroes and a film star, underlined the breadth of Swindon’s amazing heritage, but we thought it was time to return to our railway roots for the next one.

“It is of national importance because of its links with the birth of the NHS, but it also has huge significance in local history.

“And there couldn’t be a better time to put it back on the map, with this year marking the 125th anniversary of its opening.”

Along with the extension of the Mechanics’ Institute in the same year, the baths saw the completion of the social development of New Swindon, where workers had access to facilities that were far better than their counterparts in other industries or other towns and cities.

In a period when most of Britain’s workers had no access to permanent washing baths, let alone swimming baths, in Swindon they could even enjoy Turkish baths.

The concept of the new building was decades ahead of its time, combining leisure and wellbeing facilties with medical provision, housing consulting rooms and a modern dispensary.

Thanks to the boarding-over of the pool, the building was also adapted for other uses over the years, including a makeshift hospital in the First World War, a concert venue, a rollerskating rink and to host dances.

It is nationally important because it was the headquarters of the GWR Medical Fund, which would have a key role to play in the formation of the NHS, providing a blueprint for the health revolution that followed World War Two.

Although commonly assumed to be a result of the benevolence of the railway company, the baths, like the Mechanics’ Institute, were actually down to the vision and co-operation of the workers themselves, financed by the Medical Fund they paid into.

However, the materials and the skills to put the building up came from the Works, including the bricks, trusses for the roof, and magnificent stained glass windows and doors, designed by a Mr Rice, an employee in the Works. The water was supplied via a tunnel that ran from the Works, under the Railway Village and into the basement.

As you might expect from Victorian baths, the sexes were segregated, with men swimming in the main pool, and the smaller pool, which is currently out of use, reserved for women and children.

The debate over the future of the Health Hydro has highlighted people’s concern over the handling of heritage, and the blue plaque is a chance for them to turn their passion into something positive.

And it will go hand-in-hand with planners’ new vision for the town's future, which now sees old buildings as an asset, rather than a liability.

According to Forward Swindon, in their released Masterplan Review and Delivery Plan: “Expectations of Swindon will only be fulfilled when the town’s internationally significant heritage quarter is perceived to be fully restored and making a dynamic contribution.”

To donate to the Health Hydro blue plaque fund, visit www. crowdfunder.co.uk/blue-plaque-forthe-gwr-medical-fund-hq-baths

Crowdfunding pages for two further plaques, honouring Swindon-born author Ralph Bates and Sam Allen, the first manager of Swindon Town Football Club, have also been set up. See www. swindonheritage.com for details.

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An award-winning charity that addresses isolation amongst the elderly through its fun daytime singalongs wants to reach out to more people across the Swindon area.

The Golden-Oldies launched 11 years ago in and around Bath and Bristol with just four sessions.

This has grown now to over 150 across South West England, South Wales, Essex, The Midlands and North Yorkshire. New sessions starting in Exeter, Liverpool and Cornwall later this year will see the total reach 200. These are taken by 50 dedicated freelance session leaders in the town and it enjoys the support of Swindon Borough Council.

Its popular monthly daytime singing and activity session at Coleview Community Centre, Towcester Road, started in 2015 and is led by Alison Dawn.

The next session is from 10.30am to 11.30am on Thursday May 4.

The songs are the memory-evoking pop tunes of the 50s onwards, including of course the hits of Sir Cliff Richard, the Patron of GoldenOldies. Everyone is invited to enjoy their local session at Coleview

In fine voice: Members of the Golden Oldies singing group which is inviting new members

with Alison. Goldies, as it has become fondly known, welcomes the support of volunteers to help with tea making and other practical jobs. The people attending are older people, many who live in isolation, adults with learning difficulties and increasing numbers of people who are living with dementia.

Founded by renowned West of England choir leader Grenville Jones who originates from Swindon, he is always quick to point out that Goldies is not about singing in a choir;

“We simply try to give people something that they can look forward to each month. A reason to get out and enjoy being with others, making friends, singing and smiling. We know that for thousands, Goldies is now a very important part of their lives. Come along on May 4 to see what Goldies is all about,” he said.

Goldies has won many awards in the past 11 years and featured in the media World-Wide.

Most recently it was awarded top place in the National Voluntary Arts Awards and there has also been considerable recognition for its intergenerational programme with schools across the UK. Swindon Goldies will be guests at the Dementia Event ‘Making Sense of Dementia’ which is being held at the Swindon Steam Museum on Thursday May 18, where they will perform on stage singing those popular hits of the 50s and onwards. www.golden-oldies.org.uk

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A big hearted youngster has agreed to have her flowing tresses snipped to raise £866 for the Prospect Hospice.

She will also be donating her 14-inch braids to the Little Princess Trust charity - to be made into wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.

She explained: "I chose the Prospect because they provided end of life care to my grandad, great nan and auntie - they do an amazing job. ."

Year 8 Lydiard Park Academy pupil Beth Vince, 13, took the plunge this month in front of her mum Leonora, nan Wendy and 14-month old sister Beatrice.

As her long hair was cut Beth said: "It feels really strange - I've had long hair for as long as I can remember. It feels a lot lighter and I can feel the air on my neck."

And as she looked at the result in the mirror at her new pixie style cut, she added: "It looks really nice - it's going to take a little while to get used to but I love it."

Beth's mum Leonora said: "At first I thought it was a bit crazy but we are super proud of Beth."

Hair we go! Beth has had her hair cut to raise money for charity - and now looks super confident with her new Pixie cut Staff from Excalibur Communications walked more than 75 miles to work – raising £2,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance in the process.

Colleagues of Excalibur Technical Director Graham Ford heard he was planning to trek from his home in the Welsh town of Croesyceiliog to the company’s HQ in Swindon as part of National Walk to Work day… so they decided to keep him company.

Setting out on Friday, on a journey that provided close encounters with an electric fence, coaches, caravans – not to mention being set upon by a large and angry herd of sheep, the group finally made it to work on Monday morning. Walking in unexpectedly high temperatures, the group that also included Darren Harper, Mike Hayden and Tony Jones were gradually joined by more and more Excalibur colleagues as they drew closer to Arclite House in Peatmoor.

Between them, Excalibur’s personnel clocked up 477 miles, and are set to continue with fundraising to reach the £10,000 target it has set itself to help Wiltshire Air Ambulance in 2017. The charity

Excalibur staff raised £2,000

aims to raise £1.25 million to make their new airbase a reality. To support Wiltshire Air Ambulance contact the Charity Team on 01380 739453

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson educational trust’s website, they joined teachers and students have raised approximately £2,300 so from Uplands school, as well as far. Justin was on hand to join the representatives from the Rotary team in cycling a mile as part of his Club and Rockin’ Robin from contribution to the 50. Swindon Town Football Club at Justin said: “I took this one of their charity ‘Bikeathons’ opportunity to thank all of the at Asda Walmart for the Uplands volunteers who have worked Educational Trust. exceptionally hard for the UET.

The trust is currently trying to I have been a long-standing raise £5,000 towards buying a new supporter of the Trust which minibus so that learners will be provides so many opportunities to able to attend work placements, its learners and it is so great to see holiday clubs and be able to the students so enthusiastic. Their socialise with their peers. Horizons efforts have been remarkable.” College is encouraging volunteers Uplands caters for students to get involved cycling 50 miles at each event and according to the with severe or profound learning difficulties. North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson with teachers and students from Uplands School

Big hearted youngsters go the distance for good cause

Big hearted youngsters from Oakhurst Community Primary School went the extra mile to raise cash for charity.

Cheered on by teachers and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, the Year 6 children threw themselves into the fundraiser with an aim of raising £500.

Since becoming an MP, Justin is now a patron of the Swindon branch of the British Heart Foundation and has been supporting a campaign to provide lifesaving defibrillator access in schools.

He has also supported BHF’s parliamentary campaigns to introduce lifesaving skills into the national curriculum.

Justin said: “It was fantastic to see students so enthusiastic to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and we enjoyed cheering them on as they raced around. As a patron of the Swindon branch of the British Heart Foundation I know only too well how much their fundraising efforts are appreciated.”

Teams needed for annual dragon boat race at Coate

On Sunday 25 June the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix will be holding their 5th annual Dragon Boat Race at Coate Water Country Park.

The event is open to anyone over the age of 12 who can form a team and participate in the racing on the day. Each team is encouraged to raise money for local charities.

There will be rides, refreshments, stalls etc on the day so it makes for a great family/community day out for everyone.

Dragon boats are long, elaborately decorated canoes with a dragon’s head and tails attached.

The sport dates back more than 2000 years to China’s Mi-Lo river about 400BC. Today, with over one million teams competing worldwide, it is the second most popular sport on the planet.

The organisers are calling for teams to come forward to take part. To get hold of an information pack visit www.swindondragonboat.org.uk

Sport and Leisure The freedom and health benefits of getting back in the saddle

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

It’s fair to say that I haven’t used my bike over the winter as much as I have previously or anywhere near as much as I would like to have done.

This has partly been because of work commitments meaning a lot more travel but, if I’m completely honest with myself, it’s partly because I used the additional travel as an excuse to drive to work when I have been in Swindon.

I never really appreciated how much benefit I was getting from a simple 30-minute cycle to work until I stopped doing it.

I now feel unfit, I have definitely put on “a few pounds” and my knees are playing up from a lack of exercise.

I meet all of my friends who cycle and they’re fit, healthy and the thing I envy of them the most: They can say that they took on the winter weather, the dark nights, the cold, wet mornings and they won!

I remember the feeling that the seasons are throwing all of these things at you and you simply bat them away and stand proud in the knowledge that a little bit of rain or a chilly morning didn’t stop you.

Now, with spring upon us and the lighter evenings here, I’m taking my bike with me when I travel so I can pop out for a quick spin in the evenings.

The freedom and joy of the bike is back in my heart. We’ve been sold “the freedom of the motor car” for years and years but what is it about sitting in traffic jams, having a 2 hour journey take 5 hours and visiting the petrol pumps frequently that screams freedom? It doesn’t do it for me, but I need to travel for work. Taking my bike out for a spin in the countryside provides the antidote to all of the traffic jams.

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The old Suzuki SX4 S-Cross from 2013 was okay but rather bland. Suzuki have obviously taken note of this criticism and this latest version is generally chunkier with a bold chrome grille and revised lights front and rear. It looks smart and the good news is, it’s smart on the road too.

Driving The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

You can get this car with the optional ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive system for more challenging roads. A quick flick of a dial lets the driver adapt to varying conditions. Alas, our test car, in SZ-T trim, was strictly two-wheel drive but none the worse for that. I can say that having used the 4WD system in other Suzukis, it's good, although not for serious off-road work.

On the road, the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is a pleasure to drive. Under the bonnet buyers can specify a diesel engine but I don’t think you want that. Instead go for the surprisingly nippy turbocharged petrol engine.

The 1.0L turbo three-pot serves up 109bhp which, on the face of it, isn’t a lot. Yet it reveals itself to be a flexible and torquey little unit that can shift on if you wind it up

Geoff Maxted of Drivewrite.co.uk takes a look at the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross S2-1

a bit.

The car is supposed to do 68mpg but you would have to drive like a parsimonious parson to achieve it. It may be possible; who knows? I achieved a consistent 48mpg across mixed driving.

Of course, all things are relative and at around 11 seconds for the 62mph sprint it’s not exactly hot-wheels time but is a sprightly and enjoyable drive. Wind and road noise is commendably hushed for a car at this price point (around £18k for the model pictured). On the go, the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross drove with impressive body control, minimal body roll and light, direct steering.

Riding The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

I’m not one to ascribe human characteristics and nicknames to cars but this motor was fun to drive, reinforcing that appealing attitude that cars from this brand always seem to have.

The interior (there are also two other drive levels; SZ4 and the range-topping SZ5) is not that much different from the previous model but updates include a piano black centre panel and a new soft-touch dashboard. Refreshingly button-free, most functions are controlled through the 6” touchscreen.

The fabric-covered seats are very comfortable. Suzuki don’t go in for flash. Their interiors, whilst never exciting or luxurious, are always attractive and, more to the point, usable and robust. Inevitably, with a range that starts at just under £15k, there are some less-seen areas of hard plastic. This is a usual moan with less expensive vehicles but, really, does it matter? With lots of standard kit and tech this car is good value.

The boot, bigger than a Yeti or a Qashqai, is generous and wellshaped with a false floor and big, handy side bins. The rear seats split for convenience and Isofix is standard.

Appreciating The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

Suzuki have come on a lot recently. In addition to the familiar models there’s also a new Swift on the way and the hugely cute Ignis. Both get the seal of approval. Gradually, they will win you over with friendly persuasion.

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Bowmoor Sailing Club near Lechlade will be holding its second and last 'Come and Try' day this year in conjunction with the RYA ‘s Push the Boat Out campaign on the 20 May 2017 from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Bowmoor helms will be on hand to take potential new members out on our lake.

Visitors are advised to bring a change of clothing and a towel just in case they get wet. Visitors can come and chat to members of the club to find out more – whether it’s social sailing, enjoying the fresh air on a fine day or competitive racing. They also cater for Windsurfing, Open Water Swimming, Paddle Boarding, RC Boats and Canoeing.

The sailing club has just purchased 3 RS Terra dinghies with the help of the Eric Twiname Trust to give junior sailors an alternative choice of boat. These will be made available to junior members for training and racing.

Junior and youth training courses are held on a regular basis to improve sailing skills and are a fun way of getting children into the exhilarating sport.

Bowmoor Sailing Club is a family friendly club open 365 days a year, with a year round racing programme together with one of the largest youth fleets in the country.

They are an RYA Recognised A Swindon teenager is fulfilling her promise to her best friend who died of a heart and lung condition and jumping 10,000ft from a plane for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which supports her friend’s family.

Ash Cleverly, 19, from Grange Park, wants to keep Erika Cowie’s memory alive and also Erika’s love for Rainbow Trust, which supports families caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness.

Erika, from Rodbourne, who Ash describes as the “sister she never had”, died of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension two months after her 18th Birthday in September last year.

She was diagnosed when she was 13 and was not expected to reach her 14th birthday. The lifethreating disease prevents the heart from sufficiently pumping blood through the pulmonary arteries.

Ash and Erika met on social media Training Centre and the first club to achieve Volvo Champion Club status.

As well as their racing and training programmes they can offer cruising, social events, camping and caravanning. Included in their extensive club house facility is a staffed catering arrangement operating on race days and other special events.

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Swindon teen’s charity skydive in memory of best friend

bowmoor.co.uk in 2015 and thoughts of their friendship will help put her fear of heights behind her when she skydives from Netheravon Airfield in Salisbury on 24 June.

Ash said: “Erika was truly thrilled when I told her I wanted to skydive for her and a charity so dear not only to her but to me as well. Our friendship was all about living in the moment and purely just having fun. We knew when to be serious and we also knew when and how to be silly and sarcastic. Erika really was the sister I never had.”

Rainbow Trust has nine care teams of Family Support Workers across England, including Swindon, helping families at home, in hospital and in the community.

To sponsor Ash visit http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ AshCleverly

For more information visit rainbowtrust.org.uk