North West Swindon Link April 2023

Editor’s Note

By Jamie Hill

Jamie@positive-media.co.uk

I’m writing this only days after Swindon was covered in snow and only another few days before I, myself, will be surrounded by sand.

By the time you read this I’ll either be out traversing The Sahara Desert with Team Link, having raised nearly £12,000 for Prospect Hospice, or hopefully I’ll have already returned.

It’s all a bit nervewracking to be honest.

Physically I’m definitely alright to trek more than 60 kilometres across one of the most inhospitable places on earth but it’s the heat that I’m a bit worried about.

Training has been good (something my waistline can definitely vouch for) but it’s been impossible to train in the temperatures that I’ll be facing and, short of running on the spot in a sauna, there’s not much I’ve been able to do about that.

But it’s all for a good cause and the more money we raise the better. To donate visit www.justgiving. com/team/linksahara

Swindon bus donated for use as field hospital in Ukraine

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

A bus donated by Swindon’s Bus Company will be put to use and converted into a field hospital before being sent to the front line in Ukraine.

The local operator was recently approached by Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP), which was formed to help those both still in the war-torn country and those who have become refugees in the UK.

Mike Bowden, SHAP chair, said: “SHAP was formed when Russia first invaded Ukraine. A small group of local people met to learn about the desperate situation many in Ukraine found themselves in. We all wanted to ‘do something’ and the seeds of SHAP were planted.

“Our work is carried out by volunteers and relies upon donations from generous companies and individuals. Ukraine is in need of mobile field hospitals to aid the recovery of civilians, and those risking their lives to defend their homeland.

“Converted buses are perfect for this so, with significant help from Heidi Alexander and non executive director at Transport for London, Leon Daniels, we approached companies across the UK to see if they were willing to donate vehicles to this very worthy cause. We recently took delivery of our first bus - given to us by Swindon’s Bus Company.

“I’d like to thank them on behalf of all those who

are working hard to help those caught up in this cruel conflict. The bus will be converted and fitted with hospital beds and everything else required for it to carry out its new role in Ukraine. We look forward to more buses from other operators over the coming months.”

Andrew Wickham, managing director of Swindon’s Bus Company, added: “It’s a very sad fact of war that this new field hospital, and others that follow it to Ukraine, will be well-used. Swindon’s Bus Company would like to send hopes, prayers and best wishes to our friends - both in Ukraine and in the UKwho are affected by this cruel conflict.”

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill

Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson

Reporter: Jessica Durston

Sales: Dave Stewart and Rosy

Presley

Accounts Manager: Karen Randall

Contributors: Tyler Ody, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett

(L to R): Anantoliy Kiktiev, Alla Skydan and Svitlana Yehorochkina

The Eco Briefing

Smart meters: monitoring your energy use and costs in real time

If you’ve ever travelled in a black cab in London (Hackney carriage), you’ll be familiar with the electronic meter that shows the costs of the fare ticking upwards as the wheels roll forward.

It’s similar to the in-home digital display of an energy smart meter that shows how much energy you’re using, when and how much it costs.

Every home and office in England will have been offered a smart meter by mid-2025 – a total of 50 million gas and electricity meters provided to 27 million homes and offices. A smart meter has two main elements. The meter itself: you get one meter for gas and one for electricity –they’ll usually go where your existing meters are. They use

a secure smart data network to automatically and wirelessly send your meter readings to your supplier at least once a month.

Then there’s the in-home digital display (shown in the photo). It’s a small gadget that communicates wirelessly with your smart meters, monitoring what energy you’re using and showing you how much it costs, in near real time. It gives readings in pounds and pence, and kilowatt hours (kWh), so it can help you identify where you can cut back.

If you’ve had smart meters installed over the last few years, or you’re set to get them, you’ll have a secondgeneration (SMETS 2) meter. That means if you ever

switch to a new energy supplier, it should be able to see your usage and meter readings, and your in-home display should show you your usage with the new supplier’s costs.

What if you don’t currently have a smart meter? All energy providers have their own plans for rolling out free smart meters to customers. How quickly you can get them will depend on availability in your area. Unfortunately, suppliers don’t publish lists of which areas they’re installing smart meters in, nor a timetable for future roll-outs. The best thing to do is check Smart Energy GB’s website, www. smartenergygb.org, or check your energy supplier’s website.

If you rent your home, you can still choose to have one installed as long as you pay the bills and they’re addressed to you. However, the energy regulator Ofgem recommends you tell your landlord before you get one. That’s because there may be rules in your tenancy agreement about how energy is supplied to the property, including the type of meter that can be installed.

Ancient woodland in North Wiltshire to be saved and transformed into a nature reserve

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has announced the purchase of Great Wood, an ancient woodland near Grittenham in North Wiltshire, which covers 71 hectares.

The transformation of Great Wood into a nature reserve prevents it from being sold off in small parcels to multiple landowners or commercially managed.

It will enable the Trust to protect one of the county’s few remaining large ancient woodlands.

The Trust’s purchase was made possible by a generous grant from Biffa Award, a multi-million pound fund that awards grants to community and environmental projects across the UK, as part of the Landfill Communities Fund. Only 3% of Wiltshire is

ancient woodland and there is only 8% of woodland cover in total. Great Wood is in urgent need of restoration to realise its full potential to attract wildlife that has been lost from the area and prevent more species disappearing.

Ancient woodlands have delicate and complex ecosystems that have developed over hundreds of years. They defend against climate change by storing huge amounts of carbon, have far greater plant biodiversity than recently planted woodlands and support a stunning array of insects, birds and mammals. Some species are typically only found in ancient woodlands, including butterflies such as the wood white, Pearl-Bordered Fritillary and Purple Emperor,

and birds such as nightingale and willow warbler.

Gary Mantle, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “I am delighted that we have saved Great Wood as a fantastic place for nature and people in Wiltshire. This is a unique opportunity for us to preserve what is probably the largest collection of wild service trees in the country as well as fantastic stands of oak. We will restore it to a fully functioning ancient woodland ecosystem, increasing biodiversity ensuring it is more resilient

to the impacts of climate

change.”

Under the restoration programme, the non-native conifer plantation, which currently covers around a third of the woodland and does not support much wildlife, will be replaced with a mix of native broadleaf trees such as oak, sycamore and rowan.

Easily accessible from Swindon, Great Wood also offers a tremendous place for local communities to enjoy nature, relax, learn and volunteer.

Are you ready to vote in the local elections?

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

With local elections taking place in Swindon on Thursday, 4 May, people are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote and have the right photo ID.

The election is a significant one for Swindon, with each of the 57 borough council seats apart from Ridgeway being contended.

Currently, the Conservatives have 34 of those seats and are the ruling administration, while Labour has the remaining 23.

There will also be elections for seven parish councils on 4 May.

It takes five minutes to register to vote on the Government’s website – just

search ‘register to vote’ online and register before 11.59pm on 17 April.

Anyone who wants to use a postal vote at this year’s elections will need to register by 5pm on 18 April, and for a proxy vote, applications must be submitted by 5pm on 25 April. More details can be found at www.swindon.gov. uk/postalvoting

All voters must bring an accepted form of photo ID, which could be a UK passport, a driving licence

(either full or provisional), an older person’s bus pass or a PASS card. A full list of acceptable forms of photo ID is available at www. swindon.gov.uk/voterID

Voters can still use their ID even if it’s out of date, as long as the photo still looks like them and the name matches the one they are registered to vote with. Poll cards aren’t an accepted form of ID.

Any voter without an accepted form of ID can apply for a free Voter

Authority Certificate, which is a new form of ID that can be used to vote in elections. Anyone applying for a Voter Authority Certificate will need to be registered to vote first.

For the local elections on 4 May, applications for a Voter Authority Certificate need to be made before 5pm on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.

Applications can be made by visiting www.swindon. gov.uk/voterID, calling the council on 01793 445500 for a postal application form or applying in person on any working day between 9.30am and 4pm at Civic Reception, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH. Full details of requirements can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/ voterID

Care organisation offers helping hand for people in need

Air ambulance fundraiser

Helping Old Friends says it is the perfect bridge between isolation and fulltime care.

A spokesperson said: “Sometimes after an operation on a knee or a hip all you need is for someone to do those little tasks around the house that you were able to do but no longer can.

“You know you will get back on your feet, but you could do with an extra pair

of hands for a bit - we can do that.

“Please do give us a call if you have a loved one stuck in hospital and if we’re able to help or steer you in the right direction to get the appropriate help we will.”

Further information is available at www. helpingoldfriends.co.uk and by calling Katrina on 01793 550895 or Lauren on 01285 701801.

A branding expert has set himself the task of raising at least £1,500 this year for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Mike Land, who runs Swindon-based Nickel Design, has started the ball rolling with a £150 donation of his own, given in lieu of sending cards and gifts to clients and contacts at Christmas.

Mike’s previous fundraising efforts have ranged from

bungee jumping to abseiling down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.

He is promising to make 10 times that amount, and will stage a 24-hour van pull to mark the £1,500 fundraising milestone. At the £2,000 mark he will take part in a skydive. Donations can be made at www.givengain. com/ap/mike-land-raisingfunds-for-wiltshire-airambulance/#timeline.

Family history talk at Lydiard House

Lydiard House is to host a talk about the use of DNA in tracing family history. It will be held on Wednesday, 19 April at 7pm, when Sonia St John, whose research into the St John family of Lydiard Tregoze brought many interesting stories to light, will provide a layperson’s guide to the use of DNA testing.

Tickets can be booked via www.friendsoflydiardpark. org.uk/events/howgenealogists-use-dna/

Cancer counselling service launched

Cancer counselling charity

We Hear You (WHY) is launching a new one-toone counselling service in Swindon, operating from Ahead4Therapy at Abbey Meads Village.

To find out more about We Hear You, people should visit wehearyou.org. uk, and to refer themselves for support they should call 01373 455255 or email info@wehearyou.org.uk

School celebrates Ofsted praise

Great Western Academy in Tadpole Garden Village received a glowing first Ofsted report.

The academy, which opened in 2018, was graded as ‘Good’ in all categories after being visited by an inspection team in January of this year.

The high aspirations of the school were said to have been praised throughout the report, as was the “ambitious and broad” curriculum.

Coronation to be marked by range of celebrations

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

With the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort quickly approaching, there is still time to get your plans in place.

Over the extended Bank Holiday Weekend in May, a variety of events will be happening across the country, so why not get involved?

The Coronation itself takes place on Saturday, 6 May, and residents are encouraged to take part in the Coronation Big Lunch on the Sunday.

This is when most street parties will be happening up and down the country. To host your own street party, you will need to apply for

a road closure. This must be done before Friday, 14 April in order for it to be cleared in time.

If your event is selling alcohol, providing entertainment or serving hot food or drinks between 11pm and 5am, you may need to apply for a temporary event notice. You can apply for a road closure and an event notice

at www.swindon.gov.uk/ kingscoronation

On Monday, 8 May, everyone will be encouraged to take part in The Big Help Out, a chance to try out volunteering and learn more about the valuable work being undertaken in local areas. Further information about all events can be found at www.coronation. gov.uk

Exciting events promised throughout April at Kelmscott Manor

Kelmscott Manor is inviting people to be part of The Wild Escape, a major new national project led by Art Fund.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the natural environment around the Manor which inspired revered artist and designer William Morris.

A spokesperson said: “Throughout April we will be running a series of free family activities where you can come along and be part of this nationwide project.

“This will culminate in celebrating Earth Day on 22 April. Inspired by the Strawberry Thief thrush, the most iconic design and creature associated with the Manor, families will be invited to make a Strawberry Thief to be part of our visitor produced art

installation.”

The events are:

Saturday, 8 April – Bed Bugs embroidery workshop. Join artist Kay Adamson to stitch a creature inspired by William Morris’s iconic bedspread.

Saturday, 15 April –Incredible insects! Discover the creepy crawlies all around us and craft your own with the learning and outreach team.

Saturday, 22 April – Earth Day Celebration. Celebrate nature as part of this national event!

Entrance to the grounds and to take part in activities is free but a ticket is

required for entrance to the

house.

People can visit Kelmscott Manor from April to October on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.30am to 5pm, and full details are at www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

The Wild Escape is made possible by funding from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants, with additional support from Kusuma Trust, Foyle Foundation and a group of generous individuals and trusts.

The Wild Escape is inspired by Wild Isles, a landmark BBC series exploring the flora and fauna of the UK.

Non-profit supporting parents and carers with SEND children celebrates fifth anniversary

The team at Swindon SEND Families Voice (SSFV) are celebrating five years in operation.

SSFV were set up back in 2018, in order to support local families who have children and young people with any kind of Special Education Needs or Disabilities (SEND).

The SSFV team celebrated their five-year milestone by sharing cake with parents and carers at their support group, Branches. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/ SwindonSENDfamiliesvoice

My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival to return this Summer

The My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival will return to the Town Gardens this year on Saturday 22 July.

Acts already announced for 2023 include Imperial Leisure, The Read Cheesemakers, and True Strays.

Profits from the festival will go to Prospect Hospice. This will be the third year of the festival which was organised in tribute to Dave Young, the former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar, who died in early June 2021 at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle against cancer.

Music lovers can get their tickets for My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad now by visiting the website mydadsbiggerthanyourdad. co.uk or www.wegottickets. com

Swindon’s first Growers Summit aims to inspire local gardeners

Plans have been announced for a new springtime eventthe Swindon Growers Summitfor keen gardeners throughout the town.

The first summit will take place at the Swindon Hub on Sunday 30 April, from 10am to 4pm, and national experts will be on hand to talk about compost, organic gardening and garden design. The event will also feature stalls, tool sharpening, a seed-swap, and live music for attendees to enjoy.

Event organiser Josie Slade (pictured right) wants to create a fun day where people can learn from experts and share ideas with each other.

She said: “The Growers Summit will be a chance for everyone to get together, get inspired, and get plenty of tips for healthier plants and more nutritious food.”

The main speakers have

been chosen with a focus on healthy, organic soil and plants. Eddie Bailey has given talks around the country, and is a national expert on compost. He will be demonstrating different ways to make compost, as well as talking about how people can make their own natural fertiliser and ‘compost teas’. For those wanting to get started with organic gardening, and learn about the challenges and pitfalls, author and former head of education at Garden Organic UK, Maggi Brown, will talk about all she has learned in a lifetime of organic.

She is the author of ‘Growing Naturally - a guide to organic gardening.

The event’s third keynote speaker is organic

horticulturist Nicola Hope. She aims to create ‘wildlifefriendly and ecologically resilient gardens’ and will talk about how to plan a garden or allotment, what grows well together, and the all-important timings for sowing and harvesting.

Tickets cost £8 (£4 concessions) and are available at www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/ swindon-growers-summittickets-519813695757

All profits will be shared between the Soil Association, Twigs Community Gardens, and Swindon Hub.

Street art breathes new life into Marlowe Avenue underpass

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

Swindon artists have recently injected some colour and creativity into one of the town’s underpasses with a giant mural.

The underpass that connects Marlowe Avenue to Eastern Way has been transformed with the use of bright colours, shapes, and flowers.

Local artists Paul Exton, Curtis Hylton and Caryn Koh were supported by Swindon Borough Council for this art project.

The flower designs appearing on the front of the underpass are said to be a depiction of the flowers found in the Old Town Gardens.

Inside the underpass itself,

a bright and colourful design using shapes and images of people exercising can be found spanning the entire length of the walkway.

A spokesperson from Swindon Paint Festan organisation that held Swindon’s first graffiti and street art festival last year - said: “This artwork is so massive, you need to walk through and experience it for yourself.”

Swindon’s first ‘Paint Fest’ was held last October, with aims of showcasing and initiating murals and street

art in the town centre and beyond.

The event was organised by artists Caryn Koh, Sally Taylor and Organiser Helen Salter on behalf of Artsite, an artist led self-funded charity, in partnership with Inswindon BID.

Local artists took part in live painting sessions, hosted workshops and exhibited their artwork.

Focus on Property in Swindon

A word from Nationwide on house prices:

Data collected from Nationwide in December of last year found annual house price growth continued to slow sharply as 2022 drew to a close.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, said: “December saw a further sharp slowdown in annual house price growth to 2.8%, from 4.4% in November. Prices fell by 0.1% month-on-month – a much smaller decline than in the previous couple of months.

“However, December also marked the fourth consecutive monthly price fall - the worst run since 2008, which left prices 2.5% lower than their August peak (after taking account of seasonal effects).”

On the subject of house prices in 2023, Robert added: “While house prices are likely to see a modest decline in 2023 (perhaps of c.5%), a significant deterioration in the labour market or more elevated mortgage rates would probably be required to generate the double-digit declines suggested by some forecasters. While the risks are skewed in that direction, it doesn’t appear to be the most likely outcome.”

Nationwide Building Society has a tool on its website (www.nationwidehousepriceindex.co.uk/ charts) that allows the user to work out and compare the affordability of houses in their local area.

The graph pictured to the left shows the affordability of houses in Swindon compared to London on average, between 2012 - 2022.

The data shows the average house price in Swindon fluctuates from between four times the first-time buyer’s earnings to 5.6 times FTB earnings.

The average house price in London fluctuates between almost 7 times the first-time buyer’s earnings to just over nine times FTB earnings over the same period of time.

An Expert Voice: Barrie Brocks, from Richard James’ West Swindon branch

Barrie Brocks is the Branch Manager of Richard James’ West Swindon office.

He says: “West Swindon was designed in the 1970s and built in the 1980s. It has always been a solid investment, with the distinct advantage of having Lydiard Park & the Link Centre on our doorstep.

“This year, we have experienced a challenging market, however, have benefitted from having over 60 staff in 9 local offices with a solid work ethic.

“With our vast experience in the Swindon property market, we are well-placed to provide excellent customer service, whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent a

property.

“If you would like to discuss a possible house sale or book a consultation, then please feel free to contact us here at Richard James.”

The property firm have offices in Old Town, North Swindon, East Swindon, West Swindon, Wroughton, Royal Wootton Bassett, Faringdon and Highworth.

Members of the public can get in touch with Barrie Brocks by calling 01793 311 014.

Similarly, those interested in finding out more about Richard James can visit its website at richardjames.uk, or call 01793 520 720.

Focus on Property in Swindon

New housing opportunities in the area

Redlands Grove, off Wanborough Road

Bellway is building 81 new homes in the first phase of Redlands Grove, off Wanborough Road to the east of Swindon.

The scheme will include 65 two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale and 16 affordable properties for rent or shared ownership. The house styles will be from Bellway’s Artisan Collection. The first homes went on the market in February and are being sold from the sales centre at Bellway’s Ridgeway Park development in Wroughton. Redlands Grove is part of a new neighbourhood of up to 370 homes on a 46-acre site which has outline planning permission in place.

More information at www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-west/redlands-grove or via calling 01793 393145.

Retirement living

Gilbert Place, Swindon

McCarthy Stone say a total of 66 one and two-bedroom apartments, exclusively designed to meet the needs of the over 70s, make up Gilbert Place, each pairing well-appointed kitchens and bathrooms with stylish living spaces.

Homeowners at the Gilbert Place Retirement Living Plus development have access to a stylish and welcoming communal lounge, which is said to be perfect for socialising with new neighbours, landscaped gardens maintained by McCarthy Stone’s team, and a guest suite for when family and friends come to stay.

McCarthy Stone say tailored domestic support packages can be arranged to meet individual needs, maximising the time available for leisure, while day-to-day operations are overseen by an Estate Manager. Secure entry systems and 24-hour emergency call points can also be found at the new development.

The retirement developer adds that flexible purchase options are available to make moving even easier for retirees.The development will also feature its own bistro style restaurant serving delicious, freshly prepared meals every day. Those interested can discover more about Retirement Living Plus at Gilbert Place, by calling 0800 153 3076 or visiting www.mccarthystone.co.uk/gilbert-place.

Orchard Lodge, Calne

For those looking to retire to a friendly, historic market town, but with quick and easy transport links into Bath or Swindon, Calne could be the perfect retirement location.

This brand-new Churchill Retirement development features 39 retirement properties, a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments some with balconies or patios overlooking landscaped gardens. Owners will also have full use of the South-facing Owners’ Lounge - described as a beautifully designed space with access to the patio.

Located in the heart of the town, these brand-new retirement homes will offer contemporary living within a historic conservation area just a short walk from the local shops, amenities and leisure facilities.

St Andrews Lodge, Chippenham

St Andrew’s Lodge is a collection of 46 one and two bedroom retirement apartments, well located for the town centre shops and amenities, and the wealth of maintained parks in Chippenham. This market town on the banks of the River Avon is just under 20 minutes by train and 20 miles south west of Swindon. Those interested are invited to try before they buy.

Churchill Retirement Living have recently introduced its Experience Apartment, allowing individuals to sample the Churchill Retirement lifestyle in one of its apartments before buying. During their stay retirees will have an opportunity to meet with the Lodge Manager and owners already enjoying life at St Andrew’s Lodge.

Those interested can call today on 0800 077 4594 for more information on Churchill Retirement developments, or visit crl.co.uk

LINK PEOPLE Interview: Angela Atkinson, author of books including Secret Swindon and Swindon in 50 Buildings

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

Angela Atkinson has no time for those who would have us believe Swindon is an architectural desert.

“What would you rather have? Would you rather have classical architecture with columns that was funded by slavery and tobacco, or would you rather have Victorian red brick funded by good, honest toil?

“That’s what I say, and I know what I’d rather have.

“As I wrote in Secret Swindon, ‘Let’s go to Swindon for a spa break,’ said nobody ever. ‘Let’s go to Swindon for jobs and economic prosperity,’ said thousands and thousands!”

In addition to being an author, Angela is a copywriter and Volunteer Area Lead with the Federation of Small Businesses.

Her blog, Born Again Swindonian, is described as a personal celebration of the town, and can be found at swindonian.me

Secret Swindon, her first book, was published in 2016, and delves into aspects of the town and its history of which many people are unaware.

Swindon in 50 Buildings came in 2019, as did Ken White: Muralist and Painter, which is about Swindon’s most famous living artist.

Swindon: A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide came in 2020.

The author’s description of herself as a born again Swindonian is not an idle one. Originally from a mining

community whose nearest town was Worksop in Nottinghamshire, Angela came to Swindon in the 1990s with her daughter who was then 12.

“I came to Swindon with no negative perceptions of the town. In fact, I came here thinking I had come to the land of milk and honey, and that was because I had, compared to the devastation left by Margaret Thatcher and the mine closures.

“I came as a single parent. I had to find full time work, so I spent about 15 years, going to work, coming home, having my tea, getting washed, going to bed and doing it all the next day, and taking not much more interest in Swindon than that.

“I liked it well enough - this was in the days when we still had Littlewoods, British Home Stores - a really good

addiction. Worksop became the heroin capital of Europe by the 1990s, or even the late eighties, such was the level of hopelessness.

“Obviously all of that influenced my affection for Swindon.

“A general affection slowly turned into a passion.

“When you think of Swindon’s story, that these men and their families walked - they walked - from Scotland and Wales and the north of England knowing nothing other than that there was opportunity...they came here and they built not only a railway but a community.”

town centre.

“But it was only when I was at university, doing my English degree, about 10 years ago now, that I started the blog to amass material for a travel-writing module. A conversation with my lecturer triggered it.”

Angela told her lecturer that she didn’t do much travelling - and was inspired by his response.

“I’ll never forget this. He said, ‘Angela, the last thing I want on my desk is another gap year in Thailand. Tell me what you see when you walk to your Tesco Express.’

“I just wrote stuff over the summer before we went back for that third year, and so it was from that, really.

“A lot of it is to do with what I left behind, which was slag heaps, mass unemployment and emphysema - oh, and heroin

The pandemic hampered her schedule, but there are further research and writing projects, with progress detailed in the blog.

One is a sequel to Swindon in 50 Buildings entitled Swindon in 50 more buildings, with about half of the entries complete and available on the blog.

“What I’m aiming to do is one or two from the wider borough, some more of the railway-related buildings that I didn’t do in the book, basically just trying to plug some gaps.

“It’ll be a bit more random than the book was, really, just filling in things I wanted to do but couldn’t.”

Angela has also joined forces with two other wellknown figures on the local history and heritage scene, Roger Ogle and Frances Bevan, for a book called West Swindon: What the Eye Can’t See, which she hopes will be pubished this autumn.

Welcome to Nova Hreod!

It’s been an incredibly busy and successful few weeks at Nova Hreod Academy following the release of an Ofsted report in which the school was described as “friendly and welcoming” with inspectors complimenting the “rich and ambitious curriculum” and confirming that Nova is a Good school.

‘Supernova’ Extra Curricular Activities

The Supernova programme allows students to learn new skills by joining clubs covering a wide range of areas including subjects such as ceramic gift making, anime, Warhammer and even Mario Kart.

Jamie in Year 7 joined food technology club and entered the national junior FutureChef BakeOff competition.

The judges loved his entry. Jamie was declared the winner and is going on to represent Nova at the National Senior Final.

Holly from Year 10 won the Swindon Rotary Club photography competition with a photograph taken at the Brunel Centre, described as “recognising how the world no longer just has its natural beauty it was ‘born’ with.”

School Profile: Nova Hreod Academy

Get to know the schools in your area

This issue: Nova Hreod Academy

Address: Akers Way, Swindon SN2 2NQ

Tel: 01793 528800

Email: admin@novahreodacademy.org.uk

Website: www.novahreodacademy.org.uk

School Productions:

A particular highlight this term has been the sell-out production of High School Musical, exemplifying the strong “Supernova” extracurricular programme which was praised by Ofsted. The cast and crew worked hard after school, spending evenings and weekends rehearsing to put together a really professional show. In the true spirit of Supernova, the cast included experienced performers and students who had never performed on stage before, all supporting each other in developing a passion for performance.

Friday Challenges and Interhouse competitions are also a regular feature at the school. With such a variety of opportunities outside the classroom, at Nova, everyone is encouraged to get involved, discover new interests, and grow in confidence and character.

Business Profile - Willoby’s Furniture Co

Business Type - Furniture retailer

Established - 2010

Address - 34 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AB

Telephone number - 01793 540512

Website - willobysfurniture.co.uk

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

As far as owners Will and Tom Bowness are concerned, the reasons for the success of Willoby’s couldn’t be simpler. They pride themselves on selling items which have style and quality but are never excessively expensive.

Will said: “We have always wanted to sell things that I would want in my house.

“We always want things that are a little bit different to everywhere else, whether that’s in the bold colours of sofas or the shape and style of things.

“Customers can choose whichever colours they want to on lots of products.

“It’s to have things that are stylish and a little bit different for your house. To make a statement.

“It’s very hard to pin down a typical customer, because it’s from people buying their first home all the way to people buying for their retirement home.

“The majority would be in the middle. We mainly service Swindon and the surrounding counties but we have delivered down to the various coasts - Devon and Wales.

“We don’t ever deal with big brand names because you tend to get less for your money.

“We want to be able to find the smaller independent suppliers that are able to give a lot more product and quality for the money.

“You often get a quicker lead time and more choice from those suppliers as

well, so we look very hard to find our suppliers. “They’ve got to have the right product, essentially.” Although the brothers insist that only items of the highest quality find their way into the Swindon Shop and the Cotswold Sofa Barn, prices are competitive.

Will said: “We’ve grown up with furniture retail in some form for all of our lives, and we are in the lucky position of having space for our warehousing and showroom, so we’re able to hold large stocks in order to get prices down.”

The History of Willoby’s

Willoby’s was founded 13 years ago and for its owners furniture retail is in the blood.

The parents of Will and Tom Bowness, Mike and Lynn, had a chain of shops, Pine and Cane.

Will said: “I had the opportunity after university and after doing a few other things to start something new, which is where Willobys came in.”

Brother Tom, who studied animation at university and uses his drawing skills to help customers in need of bespoke items, joined the business.

In addition to its shop at 34 Wood Street in Swindon’s Old Town, which displays its wares over three floors, Willoby’s also offers its Cotswold Sofa Barn near Cotswold Water Park, off the A419 at Glebe Farm, Ashton Road, SN6 6RF.

Willoby’s owners Will, left, and Tom Bowness

Judge Jules to host music event celebrating 25 years of ‘Kevin and Perry Go Large’

By Jessica Durston | jessica@positive-media.co.uk

Judge Jules will be visiting Swindon’s Meca this May to host a nostalgic show stacked with Ibiza legends, goodie bags, giveaways and inflatables.

The Judge Jules Goes Large show will come to the Meca on Saturday 13 May, and will start at 8pm. The full line-up for the event is still to be confirmed.

Described as ‘the mastermind behind the Kevin & Perry Go Large film soundtrack and album’, Judge Jules also wrote the movie’s theme song “All I Wanna Do Is Do It” with Harry Enfield.

Judge Jules Goes Large is Jules’ own event interpretation that aims to pay homage to the movie.

A spokesperson for the show said: “Musically, as with Jules’s work on the soundtrack, ‘Goes Large’ is not genre specific – more a mixed bag of timeless iconic anthems. This event is a true representation of Judge Jules at his very best, giving a nod to one of the most memorable films representing club culture. A timeless movie that helped mould and shape the scene we love and enjoy today.”

Early bird tickets are priced at £22, with Meca also offering a trio of different VIP packages for those interested in them.

More information can be found at www.mecaswindon.co.uk/events-tickets/judge-jules-goes-large

LINK CULTURE

Forest Live 2023 will see performances from Paul Weller, Jack Savoretti, Natalie Imbruglia, and Tom Grennan

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series presented by Forestry England.

The concerts take place between 8 and 18 June and introduce forests to new audiences in unique, natural woodland arenas around the country.

Over 2 million people have attended a Forest Live gig in the last 22 years, experiencing great music and supporting the nation’s forests when buying a ticket.

Going to a concert helps Forestry England create places for people to enjoy, run important conservation projects, and keep growing trees. Last year they planted some 6.8 million trees, caring for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests sustainably and welcoming 363 million visits annually.

Forest Live will take place at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos and this year’s headline acts are:

- Thurs 8 June: Paul Weller + special guests Far From Saints and guest support Seb Lowe

- Friday 9 June: Tom Grennan + special guest Matilda Mann and support Liv Dawson

- Sat 10 June: Jack Savoretti + special guest Natalie Imbruglia

For info or tickets visit www.forestryengland.uk/music

Lechlade Festival returns with Tony Hadley & D:Ream

Lechlade Festival will return this year from 26 to 28 May.

The multi-award winning family friendly festival will feature headline performances from pop star Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), and much-loved Northern Irish/English pop and dance group D:Ream.

Tony will play on the Sunday night, and D:Ream will take to the stage on the Saturday evening.

The festival’s Cabaret & Comedy Stage will also be stocked with a host of different acts.

For full line-up and tickets visit lechladefestival.co.uk

LINK POETRY

Reflecting on where we come from and where we are going

Maurice

Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

I met a woman from Ghana, Ama, when volunteering. Ghanaian names are based on the day of birth and there’s quite a fascinating ritual around it.

I worked in Africa back in the days, so we dug around that, swapping stories, a fabulous chat.

I encouraged her to visit Dublin someday. If she does, I want to be her

family’s guide.

The question, “Where are you from?” usually gets the answer, “Swindon” from me.

If “really” is added in you’ll get Dublin and lots of detail. A harmless conversation opener, you’d think. But not anymore.

When people ask that question these days, they apologise as if they’ve caused offence. It’s the

unintended consequence of Ngozi Fulani and Lady Hussey some months ago. Ngozi maintained that “Where are you really from?” was abusive to a foreigner.

The BBC picked it up and there was a furore. In my view the two women should’ve had a grown-up discussion there and then. And if Ngozi didn’t want the question, she should’ve moved on.

I want that sentence reclaimed. I accept words can be offensive in the wrong context, “gay” for example which used to mean happy. “Black” is another, though it confounds me when black friends use it about themselves. You’ll know other words.

But I don’t accept a whole sentence of five words should be censored.

It reminds me of a poem when I was five about asking difficult questions. It’s called “The Elf-Man” – though it’s probably banned these days!

I met a little Elf-man once Down where the lilies blow. I asked him why he was so small,

And, why he didn’t grow.

He slightly frowned, and with his eye

He looked me through and through.

‘I’m just as big for me,’ said he, ‘As you are big for you!’

www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

After eight months of racing Swindon finally have the finish line in sight.

April shall bring eight games, all of which will go a long way in determining the destiny of The Robins’ campaign.

However, while Town are close to completing their current race, has attention already turned to their next race - the 2023/24 season?

There’s no doubt the Robins’ season is in a precarious position. With games in hand and an opportunity to play teams above them at home, there’s an outside chance of Town making a late assault for the play-offs. This feat at the start of the season was considered a minimal expectation. If you add the

Swindon enter the home straight LINK FOOTBALL

fact that Swindon occupied a position in the top seven for the first half of the season, you’d say that the fact that they now find themselves with an eye on next season is a damning failure.

On paper there’s little difference between Swindon’s position now than there was this time last year. Ben Garner’s men found themselves requiring a late push spurred on by the fans in order to secure play-off football. Unfortunately for Swindon I can’t see history repeating itself.

Firstly, the team just isn’t strong enough. Town lack a player capable of inspiring their eleven to the next level. Both in defence and attack, the current crop are soft. Too often they find themselves bullied by organised and

experienced outfits, and in attack they fail to trouble opposition back lines for a sustained period of time. So the simple answer would be that they’re just not good enough to warrant a top seven finish.

Secondly, there’s just no belief regarding the football. Last season at times the support inside the County Ground was like a 12th man, however this season it feels as if Swindon are playing with 10. This, in my opinion, is more than justifiable with the players on the pitch producing lacklustre, tedious performances which offer those in the stands little encouragement. As a result games at SN1 are uninspiring which translates to a general consensus of another damp squib of a season. In short, Swindon

lack the momentum to propel themselves towards promotion. Although on the pitch it’s been a disappointing season, off the pitch Swindon have made great strides. From clearing debts to purchasing the County Ground STFC have come a long way under the new regime. The long term future of the club looks in safe hands, which seemed a far cry away two years ago. I’m confident that Swindon now have a solid base to build from in the future. Despite the short term pain on the pitch this campaign, you have to say that STFC have had an incredibly successful season in the grand scheme of things. Because of this, they’re right to turn their attention to next season where an exciting young coach will have the opportunity to steer a stable ship containing potential future talents.