North West Swindon Link August 2019

No 447 August 2019

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

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

Reaching for the skies in Swindon town centre p4

North & West Edition

New art academy gets creative with Oakhurst primary pupils Page 25 Swindon takes growth Page 13 The life and times of an Arkell's drayman pills with massive expansion plans

Page 28

Page 6 A day out at the beach? Look no further than Swindon town centre

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

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Let's all do our bit

By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk

It's a scary world out there at the moment. Doom and gloom seems to be reigning supreme with everybody arguing about politics and keeping half an eye on the economy.

And whilst we're all getting caught up in these squabbles a lot of us seem to have forgotten the very real issue of climate change that is intensely worrying.

But there is one section of society who hasn't forgotten and they are the people of Extinction Rebellion, as well as other organisations, who have been doing all they can to put the environment centre stage.

As a publication ourselves we try and be green as much as we can be. The paper you're reading at the moment comes from sustainable forests in Norway with two trees planted for every tree cut down.

It does fill us with hope that there are people out there taking this seriously but we all need to do our bit to make sure that we can live in a world that our children can enjoy.

Recycling is now the norm but we need to think about how each of us affects the environment individually from car journeys to packaging.

You can read about Extinction Rebellion on page 16.

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Reporter: Claire Dukes

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

Logan's stepping out for Diabetes UK Nova Hreod pupil to step out for Diabetes UK A 12-year-old boy from Swindon will be doing the One Million Step Challenge for Diabetes UK after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

The event challenges people to take a million sponsored steps over three months.

Logan Rose, Nova Hreod Academy student, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in October 2017.

Since then he has vowed to raise £1,000 towards diabetes research every year.

Logan made more than £1,200 for Diabetes UK last year by taking part in the charity’s Swim22 challenge, which encourages people to swim the equivalent of the English Channel in their local pool.

He was nominated for a Diabetes UK South West Inspire Award for this achievement.

When the Year 7 student takes on this year’s fundraiser, the Million Step Challenge, in a few days’ time, he will need to take at least 10,000 steps a day to reach his million. He is planning to complete them by walking the three-mile round trip to school and back during term-time, and by visiting local parks with his family.

Logan’s mum, Rachel Rose, said: “There are some lovely country parks in the Swindon area with some nice walks. As long as the weather holds out, we’ll be fine.”

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.

There are an estimated 4.7 million people living with diabetes in the UK. People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin and have to take regular insulin doses by injection or pump in order to stay alive. It cannot currently be prevented or cured.

People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly. Family history, age, certain ethnic backgrounds and being overweight are risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.

If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, including sight loss, amputation, kidney failure and stroke. With the right treatment, knowledge and

support, people living with diabetes can lead a long, full and healthy life.

Logan has embraced new technology to help him manage his condition, including an electronic glucose monitoring device and an insulin pump. Rachel said, “We like to say he’s part Cyborg!

Some days are harder than others but we take one day at a time and Logan is good with technology.”

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK South West Regional Head, said: “We’re really grateful to Logan for supporting our work to fund ground-breaking research, care services and campaigns that can change the lives of those living with diabetes. He is a fabulous fundraiser and proof, if it were needed, that diabetes need not get in the way of leading a healthy and active life.

“The One Million Step Challenge is perfect if you want to take steps towards a healthier you.

"You can take on the challenge alone, or better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved. You can walk it, jog it or dance it.

How you complete your steps is up to you. The money you raise while you do it will fund our fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm.”

To sponsor Logan Rose, visit https://step.diabetes.org.uk/ pages/loganrose.

To sign up for the One Million Step Challenge go to www. diabetes.org.uk/step

ADVERTISING Call 01793 320043 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for September adverts and editorial: 9 August September edition published: 23 August Our Statistics Est. Readership of 137,500 in print & c.50,000 monthly online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication.

Advertising starts from just £51.

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.

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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 320043 swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Swindon Link's focus on overcoming challenges faced by the town centre

Your views sought on plans to revamp transport network Members of the public will be asked for their views about proposals to shake up transport links into the town centre shaping the development of Swindon for years to come.

Feedback will be sought on the council’s proposed Town Centre Movement Strategy as part of an eight-week consultation exercise.

The Movement and Transport strategy forms a key part of the broader Swindon Central Area Action Plan - which in turn falls under the umbrella of the Local Development Plan for Swindon Borough.

Although the Central Area Action Plan was adopted in 2009, and is used as a key reference document for town centre planning applications, the plan is being brought up to date - with the aim of creating an evidence-based strategy for movement that will support

planning and funding decisions. network, which extend beyond A comprehensive traffic model the town centre of the town centre is currently Of these, priority has been being developed in parallel given to the management of with the Town Centre Movement 'unnecessary' traffic in the Strategy which can then be central area by ‘strengthening used to model the impact of the role of the Great Western various road improvements.

Way corridor as a town The movement centre bypass’ strategy including Swindon Borough contains six improvements Council has identified ‘priority to key junctions themes’: along the a clear framework of To simplify corridor and regeneration priorities in movement the traffic the town centre. by car into management and within system to the town centre maximise the capacity of the Improve the integration of route. buses into the town centre In setting out regeneration Better connected cycle priorities, the draft report networks and walkable streets states: ““There is a particular Accommodate and manage focus on Swindon Town Centre key vehicle movements to which is widely recognised to protect the central area be under performing and in Maximise the car parking need of economic regeneration. offer "To address this, Swindon To adopt complementary Borough Council has identified measures such as Park and a clear framework of Ride, and the strategic cycle regeneration priorities in the

,

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

,

town centre.

“Increasingly, leisure opportunities and town centre living are becoming important aspects of a thriving town centre, as retail habits are changing.

This trend is reflected in the emerging updates to the Swindon Local Plan which places a greater emphasis on these aspects.

Key considerations to fulfil these aspirations are the ease and convenience of access to the town centre and providing high-quality people-focused public spaces and streets.

“The Town Centre Movement Strategy sets out a framework to improve access and movement within Swindon Town Centre. (The aim is) to support and boost regeneration of the town centre by creating safe, convenient, user-friendly and attractive routes into, out of, within and through central Swindon and by enhancing the quality of town centre streets.”

Bus interchange scheme through to next round Plans to revitalise Fleming Way by creating a new bus interchange have received a significant boost from the Government.

Swindon Borough Council’s application for £25m in funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund was among the bids to make it through to the next assessment phase.

More than 300 bids from across the country were submitted for a slice of the £675m funding available.

The Government spent several months going through the many funding applications and Swindon’s proposal to transform Fleming Way and the bus station was chosen 4

as one of those which best demonstrates how to tackle the challenge of the changing High Street.

The council will now receive a grant of up to £150,000 to complete the business case and details to make the bid ‘shovel ready’ so work can start in 2020.

The proposed improvements include a green spine, new public space and dramatically improved pedestrian and cycle routes being created in the town centre with the current underpass at Fleming Way being removed.

The scheme would build on the recent improvements at nearby Wellington Street by creating an attractive route

from the train station into the town centre, encouraging further investment in the area.

All national and local bus services would be incorporated along Fleming Way, improving the experience of bus users and pedestrians, while the new road layout would complete the link between the Eastern and Western Flyer cycle routes.

The new bus facility, which is an integral part of the mixed use Kimmerfields regeneration site, will free up the area which houses the current bus station, increasing the size of the site by 20 per cent and increasing the value of the development.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town

Centre, said: “This is a big achievement, but it is important to manage expectations because there is still work to do before Swindon receives a government cheque for £25m and we can finally transform Fleming Way and our aging 1960s bus station.

“We are working hard to create an environment where business, and the Government, invest in Swindon.

"Our town centre is a large complex jigsaw where, piece by piece, project by project, we are slowly making progress.

The new bus facility will take three years to complete with buses using a temporary facility next to the Wyvern Theatre during construction.

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Sky's the limit! Bold new building vision unveiled Ambitious new plans to regenerate the town centre have been unveiled.

Developer and facilities manager of The Brunel, FI Real Estate Management, plans to build two high-rise buildings at Wharf Green.

The proposed redevelopment at Canal Walk will consist of two residential towers, and multi-use leisure space on the ground floor accommodating restaurants, cafes and other commercial leisure uses. A ‘pocket park’ will also be created off Farnsby Street.

The high-rise towers being proposed are currently up to 20 and 24 storeys in height and totalling up to approximately 280 one and two bedroom apartments.

There are also plans for a number of residents, including a rooftop garden above the first floor leisure space, lounge area, private dining, meeting rooms and co-working spaces.

It is envisaged that up to approximately 30,000 sq.ft of leisure space will breathe new life into the town centre’s evening economy and act as an anchor for the southern end of the centre, making it more accessible and appealing for residents to use particularly around Wharf Green. The

redevelopment will also provide the opportunity to enhance the current shopping arcade.

In addition, a public greenspace will be created in place of the concrete access ramp that currently serves the units, shoppers, residents and workers.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town

Centre, has welcomed this 'needed change' for the town centre.

“Barely a month goes by without a major retailer or restaurant chain announcing they have run into difficulties caused by the increase in online shopping and the change in people’s buying habits.

“Local residents know change is needed in our town centre,

and the owners of the Brunel Centre are trying to make that happen. This is our town’s one opportunity to get it right or face the status quo for another 20 years.

“This development will bring investment worth tens of millions of pounds, but it is the park, rooftop gardens, and the equivalent of 15 tennis courts of leisure uses which are important because they will fundamentally change the area around Wharf Green, and replace House of Fraser.”

A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management added: “We are hugely excited about our plans to regenerate this prominent site by working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, our tenants, businesses and the local community. The retail landscape of town centres is rapidly changing and it is crucial that we adopt an innovative approach to meet the demands of people in Swindon. This emerging scheme will be subject to further discussion with the local planning authority following the consultation feedback and prior to submission of an outline planning application.

For further information visit www.fi-bruneldevelopment.com

Independent shops give town centre a unique draw As the nation’s shopping habits and tastes change, our town centres are rapidly changing too. Familiar brand names are contracting or disappearing altogether. But numerous independent retailers are taking advantage of the opportunities that are being created.

For many years Swindon’s Brunel Centre has welcomed, encouraged small businesses - with around 30% of the centre’s tenants now independent. Here’s a

spotlight on just three at The Brunel.

Something Different Gift Shop: The energy and enthusiasm that father and sons team Ian, Ross and Lee Mulholland bring to their gift shop is infectious.

Something Different started out in 2015 in the tented market and progressed to a unit at The Brunel.

Ross believes that retailers need to develop a wide range of skills to be successful. “You have so much to learn when you run a business and have

to get involved in everything.

Having three of us helps though, we are all very different so can play to our individual strengths.”

Delikatesy Smaczek: For six years Delikatesy Smaczk have been providing tastes of home for Swindon’s large Polish community.

The small and extremely well-stocked shop sells fresh meats, cheeses, dairy products and cakes – all brought in from Poland several times a week.

From September Delikatesy

Smaczek will be at the bottom of The Crossing’s escalator, opposite Lush. Business owner Tadesz Buzala said: “Yes, things like Brexit, exchange rates and Honda’s situation inevitably make it harder for us. But with businesses there are always challenges.

Print & Frame: Print & Frame is run by Chris Barrett-Smith and wife Nichola.

They print your photos onto almost anything. From large wall canvass to cushions, mugs and jigsaws the list goes on. swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Brunel to host free gaming get-together Gamers of all ages are being encouraged to join the biggest free event in Swindon.

Brunel Knights takes place in The Crossing, Swindon Town Centre on the first Wednesday of the month, from 6pm onwards.

The team behind the initiative are Brunel-based retailers Troy Loveday and Jonathan Wayne-Brown from The Incredible Comic Shop, Matt Scarrott from Warhammer plus Lewis Fagence from The Brunel Centre.

They decided to set up Brunel Knights to make use of space and convenient food in The Crossing. With 100+ games available people are being encouraged to come along and join in.

Matt Scarrott from Warhammer said: “It’s a chance for established hobbyists to interact alongside people just starting out.

"Everyone is welcome; we have a huge space to accommodate large games like Warhammer 40k and have cosy booths for smaller games like Kill Team.”

Lewis Fagence is the Occupier Relationship Manager at The Brunel and is delighted to see Brunel Knights going from

strength to strength.

Jonathan Wayne-Brown from Incredible Comic Shop said: “It’s great to be working alongside Warhammer.

Retailers need to work together – this is a wonderful example of businesses helping each other to create a sense of community and fun.”

Brunel Knights takes place in the food hub at The Crossing.

People arrive from 4pm onwards, and carry on until around 11pm. There are over 100 board games to try including (but not limited to) Pokémon League/Friendlies, Yu-gi-oh, Warhammer: Age Of

Sigmar, Warhammer 40k, Lord of The Rings, Keyforge, Dragonball Z. There are bookable Dungeons & Dragons sessions and room for people to run their own games.

For more information contact Warhammer or Incredible Comic Shop, both are on the first floor of Brunel Plaza, opposite Waterstones.

Or join the “Brunel Knights” group on Facebook via The Brunel’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ TheBrunelSwindon/ or telephone The Brunel: 01793 525857.

Beach party is coming to town

Swindon town centre is getting ready to host a beach party.

August will see the return of the popular Urban Beach included amongst a variety of activities for the Swindon Town Centre Summer Festival, between 1 and 31 August.

Organised by inSwindon BID Company, the new Town Centre Summer Festival will bring a taste of the seaside to Wharf Green once more with the Urban Beach Experience from 1 to 8 August, complete with deckchairs, buckets and spades, children’s rides, seaside music, food, beach Olympics, workshops, stalls and a giant deck chair.

The free event takes place from 10 to 5pm every day.

The Summer Festival will also include activities taking place across the town including The Brunel Shopping Centre, The Parade and Regent Circus as well as town centre venues MECA, The Wyvern, Shoebox Theatre, Swindon Dance, Central Library, Pubs and more - celebrating everything on offer throughout the Summer holidays.

For further information please visit www. swindontowncentre.co.uk

Police reach out to the community at the Brunel Centre The Community Policing Shop is making a return to Swindon town centre this summer.

Swindon Community Policing Team South will be setting up in an unoccupied retail space in the The Brunel shopping centre.

The initiative is being supported by The Brunel shopping centre, inSwindon BID and the Bobby Van. PC Paul Bezzant, of the Swindon South Community Policing Team, said: “The Community Policing Shop was a really big success and we are pleased that we have been 6

donated this space over the summer so we can continue to engage with members.

“Quite often we find that people prefer the face-to-face contact to raise any concerns or ask for any advice, so we would encourage people to pay us a visit in our new premises.”

Visitors are invited to engage with local Community Policing Team officers, who will be sharing crime prevention advice and giving a better understanding of the policing work in their communities.

Di Powell, inSwindon BID CEO, said: “This project was awarded the ‘Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public’ at the Wiltshire Police Awards Ceremony last month. The award recognises the importance of providing opportunities for members of the public to meet with their community police force."

Rob Faulkner, site facilities manager, said: “We are excited to be able to help Wiltshire Police with their second Community Policing Shop, by providing them with

a unit to use for the duration.

Last year saw lots of visitors popping in and talking with police officers and members of other agencies like the Bobby Van and South Western Ambulance Service Trust and was well received by everyone who visited.

“We are very proud to support this initiative and hope that this summer’s shop sees more visitors taking advantage of the shop in the centre whilst allowing Wiltshire Police to engage with the people of Swindon.”

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2020 Marathon axed The organisers of the Swindon Half Marathon have announced that the event will not be continuing after this September's event.

A joint statement has been released on social media by organisers Graeme Hardie and Leigh Bint.

"Unfortunately, despite giving it our best efforts, we’ve simply not been able to make it work financially with the numbers of runners that have attended, and the amount of work associated with organising the race has taken over our lives more than we could have ever imagined or expected.

"We’re extremely grateful of Nationwide Building society and all the other companies that have been behind the new Swindon half in terms of sponsorship and support over our three years. "

Forces friendly

Wiltshire Police is strengthening its links with the military to help veterans and their families find employment after they leave the Forces.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and Colonel Andrew Dawes, Commander HQ, South West Region, British Army jointly signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a ceremony at Wiltshire Police headquarters in Devizes.

The Covenant is a formal document, recognising the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to policing.

Volunteers needed The Swindon branch of Citizens Advice are looking for more volunteers to support them in their valuable work. Anyone keen to become a volunteer advisers or receptionist can contact Lucy on 01793 402106 or email trainer2@ swindoncabinet.org.uk

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New mural reflects positive side of Swindon

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

After months of discussions, hard labour, and a few set backs, Swindon has a brandnew mural.

The mural, 'My Town, Our World', is on public diplay at the back of the Wyvern, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Artsite, inSwindon BID and SCAN (Swindon Climate Action Network).

Painted by Swindon-born artists Martin Travers and Peter Cowdy, the mural hopes to shine a more positive light on the town. Martin Travers

said: "It was an honour for me to come back to Swindon and leave a piece of my art for the people.

"Mural painting for me is a great way to connect with the general public and this project was an opportunity to reconnect with the town of my birth. I hope people enjoy viewing it as much as I enjoyed the process of creating it."

Sally Taylor, the brainchild of the mural project, hopes that this is one of many community art projects to help regenerate the town centre. She said: "It's all about presenting positive

things about Swindon - our town.

"It's also about opening up what happens here in the arts, to stop being so inward looking and at the same time show that what happens in other towns and cities goes on here."

Di Powell, inSwindon BID CEO, added: "The collaboration between all parties involved goes to show the strength we have as a community to ensure projects happen.

"I believe the artists have done a fantastic job and I hope this instigates similar initiatives across the Borough."

Parkinsons branch granted prestigious Queen’s Award The Swindon & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK has been presented with the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups, and is equivalent to the MBE. The citation stated: "The work your group does for the community was very much admired by the Independent Assessment Committee, chaired

by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, and I am delighted to inform you that your group has been selected as a recipient for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) 2019. This represents a tremendous achievement for your organisation and we hope that everyone involved, and particularly your volunteers, will feel immensely proud of it."

As an award winner, the Swindon Branch will receive: Publication of the group's details in a special edition of The London Gazette,.

Branch chair Dave Logan A signed certificate from Her Majesty the Queen presented locally by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire. And A crystal award with the logo insignia, presented with the certificate.

Representatives of the Swindon & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK will receive the award from Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire on 17 July 2019.

Permission to use the official Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services Logo.

Dave Logan the Branch Chair and Daphne Logan attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 29 May as representatives of the Swindon Branch.

Mr Logan said: "We are sorry for keeping our Branch members and others in the dark for the past few weeks about this great honour. We were however, advised that the notification had been sent in confidence and it was vital not to reveal the branch was a recipient of the award before the official announcement on 2 June from Buckingham Palace. Also that any breach of confidence could result in the withdrawal of the award.

"On behalf of the branch, I would like to thank the Independent Assessment Committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE and also past and present branch committee members for their commitment which helped our branch being recognised and being awarded this great honour."

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Help your child have the very best first day at school

School profile: Cricklade Manor Prep and Nursery Get to know the schools in your area.

"Welcome to our happy and friendly nursery and prep school, where children are challenged and motivated to achieve amazing things.

With outstanding facilities, from our fully equipped science laboratories, to the swimming pool and sports hall, and a brilliant team of staff, Cricklade Manor Prep offers both broad opportunities and individualised learning schemes, helping every child identify the thing that inspires them the most.

The past two years have seen an enormous amount of investment and development in the school. The resulting outcomes for our leavers, a raft of grammar school successes and senior school scholarships, speak for themselves.

I warmly invite you to visit us and discover a lively and engaging school in which your son or daughter will enjoy their childhood and develop a love of learning."

Guy Barrett, Head Teacher 10

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This issue: Cricklade Manor Prep and Nursery Address: Calcutt Street, Cricklade, SN6 6BB Open Day: Sat 19 October from 10am to noon Contact Penny Kelly: 01793 750275 or office@cricklademanor.com Website: www.cricklademanor.com

Cricklade Manor Prep, previously Prior Park Prep, is a co-educational nursery and day school for children aged 2 to 11.

We create an environment that supports and nurtures our pupils while providing them with an education that opens their minds. We support their development into well-rounded, curious young people, prepared for the next stage of their education.

We pride ourselves on our outstanding pastoral system that supports the educational development of our children and builds skills

for life. We centre our values on helpfulness and working together, being kind and caring for one another. We also encourage our children to be independent learners, great communicators, risktakers, collaborators and leaders.

Our curriculum is focused on core academic subjects but also our individualised learning and adventure programmes. Our teachers are highly experienced and committed professionals and our class sizes are small, ensuring each child recieves the time and attention they need.

Starting school is a big step, for children and parents, and there may well be nerves on both sides. There are ways you can help your child make a relaxed and confident start: 1. Avoid making starting school too significant. It is tempting for a parent to really celebrate this milestone, but too much focus can make the prospect daunting rather than exciting for your child. Talk about starting school as something more day-to-day and familiar.

2. Don’t ignore any concerns that your child does express; dismissing worries will not reassure them. Keep focused on the positives; friends to play with, fun things to do etc.

3. Surround preparation for school with positivity. Make trips to buy uniform, pencil cases and any other requirements happy occasions, and encourage your child to have fun wearing his or her uniform around the house before the big day. Ask what they are looking forward to most and tell them what you liked best about school.

4. Try to catch up with other children in the class over the summer, such as organising a trip to the park.

Walking into a new environment can feel intimidating at any age, and spotting a familiar face can make all the difference.

5. Help your child be as independent as possible. Being able to take themselves to the toilet, wash their hands, and get dressed with minimal aid will help with confidence.

Encourage them to speak up for themselves outside the immediate family. The more comfortable they are making their needs and feelings known, the easier they will find it.

6. On the first day, don’t hang around too long, and if you are feeling teary, don’t let them see. The quicker you are gone, the quicker they will settle in, and your tears will confuse and worry them. A favourite toy or teddy for reassurance will often help.

7. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get a blow-by-blow account of their day when they get home.

Generations of parents have been disappointed by children who become monosyllabic when asked how their school day went. They will tell you in their own time. Give them a hug and a little treat to reassure them on a job well done.

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£72m road scheme ahead of 8,000 home expansion

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

A comprehensive £72.5m programme of highway improvements will begin in October, ahead of plans to create the 8,000 home New Eastern Villages expansion in Swindon.

The multiple projects will be taking place over the next few years to create infrastructure to support the proposed new communities east of the A419.

The New Eastern Villages project is one of the largest greenfield developments in the country. It will consist of around 8,000 homes, new schools, employment spaces and community facilities. It will span 724 hectares with its eastern boundary reaching the point at which the River Cole meets the A420.

For the development to go ahead, the council has prioritised the need for roads and junctions around the A419 to cope with the anticipated

increase in traffic that the NEV will bring.

Under the package of improvements being rolled out, the first will be work to improve the White Hart junction in October, which will see the construction of a new northbound on-slip road from the roundabout onto the A419, replacing the existing slip road.

The southbound slip road from the A419 onto the roundabout

will also be widened, signals will be put into place at the roundabout, the existing entry onto Ermin Street will be closed and replaced by a new priority junction on Oxford Road and the number of lanes circling the roundabout will be increased.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning said: “The New Eastern Villages is a huge development and these highways schemes are the largest that we have ever undertaken.

“It’s important that we deliver these road improvements before work starts on building the houses as it will ensure that vital infrastructure is in place first.

“Delivering the NEV is one of the council’s key pledges and I am pleased to say that work is progressing well and that we are giving priority to these vital infrastructure improvements which will benefit everybody in Swindon.”

Residents to have say over 1,000 home plan Swindon residents will be consulted on plans to build an extra 1,000 homes in the borough by 2036.

The consultation will steer Swindon's Local Plan, identifying housing needs over 20 years.

Revised forecasts have resulted in a lower housing target for the Borough with a total of 19,500 additional homes required by 2036.

Option 1 includes continuing the expansion of Swindon to the north with some additional land for housing in Highworth or Wroughton.

Option 2 is a more dispersed approach with some development at Highworth, Wroughton and other villages, while Options 3 and 4 focus development at Blunsdon and Wroughton, respectively.

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www.thameswoodvets.co.uk swindonlink.com n August 2019

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'An accident waiting to happen' - residents call for action at Purton Road junction

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

A couple living in North Swindon believe that an accident is waiting to happen if the traffic flow on Purton Road is not controlled.

Kimi Lin, 64, and her partner Steve Watts, 50, want action to be taken to protect residents living on Mustang Road against the constant heavy flow of traffic along Purton Road which connects to Thamesdown Drive.

Miss Lin and Mr Watts moved into their property on Mustang Road, Moulden View, in 2011, but in recent years - due to the lack of safe crossing passages for both pedestrians and drivers - are growing more concerned that someone could get hurt.

Miss Lin said: "It has become worse through the years. I am deeply concerned that an accident is just going to happen."

The couple moved to Moulden View as they were attracted to the location and size of the estate, however in recent years the construction of housing developments in the surrounding areas – most recently Tadpole Village and Ridgeway Farm - have increased the volume of traffic.

Although there is a courtesy crossing on Purton Road, pedestrians do not have right of way - the nearest traffic lights are only accessible via the grass embankment running alongside the main road.

Miss Lin said: “As someone who tends to go for a stroll, and as a cyclist, the path is very uneven and dangerous, because we are very close to the road and oncoming cars are really fast.

“Because the path there is so used the path and the grass is so uneven, so as a cyclist I can feel all these bumps. It’s really nerve racking. Perhaps the relevant authority can put in a

proper pavement for people who turn right to walk up to Thamesdown Drive? It’d be much safer that way.”

Miss Lin said that she and her partner are not against the new developments, but they believe more should be done so that the area’s infrastructure can safely support the increase of residents. She says that when leaving the Moulden estate in a vehicle, the couple often have to accelerate really quickly in order to be able to exit the junction at Purton Road – where the speed limit is currently 40mph.

Miss Lin added: "At first it was a small estate, but there are more and more developments in the area being built - but I don’t mind that. It’s the poor planning of the roads. There are no traffic lights for us to come out. The traffic is getting heavier, so we have a problem even getting out of the estate.

We have to wait for quite a while, unless there’s a really

kind driver who stops and lets us come out. Most of the time we have to drive quite recklessly to quickly come out of the estate."

Moulden View falls under the authority of Wiltshire Council and in 2017 an anonymous resident raised concerns over the Purton Road junction on the council's online Area Board, proposing the instalment of a traffic light or small roundabout.

In response to the resident’s post Cllr Jacqui Lay responded: “I am told by Highways that traffic control is not possible on this junction. A no RIGHT turn sign on the exit out of Mustang Way might be a simple solution.”

Boost your confidence - here's everything you need to know about Varicose Veins

"They are usually blue or purple in colour"

With the summer here, varicose veins are on the minds of many looking to enjoy the longer and warmer days without the worry of associated pain and wanting to look their best.

We speak to Mr Richard Wilson, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital: So what exactly are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are raised veins on the leg. They are usually blue or purple in colour and may be lumpy or twisted in appearance. Veins depend on a series of one-way valves 14 swindonlink.com n August 2019 NW August artwork.indd 14

to direct blood flow back to the heart. If the one-way valves function poorly and can’t close properly, blood leaks back through the veins, resulting in swollen or varicose veins. This can cause aching, burning sensation and swelling.

How are they treated?

The guidelines for treating varicose veins within the NHS are very strict. Usually support stockings are suggested, which do not treat the underlying problem. Varicose veins can only be treated by removing or closing them.

Minimally invasive “pin-hole”

approaches are used such as radiofrequency, laser and foam sclerotherapy.

What will the procedure involve?

Radiofrequency vein closure is performed under local anaesthetic and takes an hour per leg. Using ultrasound guidance, a radiofrequency tube is inserted into the leg vein at knee level. It provides heat energy to the vein wall, causing it to close. Varicose veins below the knee can be removed through tiny skin incisions or foam injections. The patient is allowed home after

two hours, often returning to work in just a few days.

What are the benefits of private treatment?

With private treatment, you can be seen rapidly and with the experienced consultant of your choice. While the NHS is good for major circulatory problems, most modern techniques for varicose veins treatment are not available.

To book an appointment with the Varicose Vein Treatment Unit at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital, call 0800 051 2300 or visit www.bmihealthcare. co.uk/ridgeway

19/07/2019 13:35

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Who are Extinction Rebellion Swindon?

Extinction Rebellion, also referred to as 'XR', is a global oragnisation which first assembled in 2018 - there are now groups across the globe.

The group's intentions are simple: to form a rebellion against the Government to push those elected to do more about climate change through peaceful demonstrations. Many

residents in Swindon quickly answered the call to create a local rebellion - XR Swindon.

XR Swindon have so far hosted many gatherings including a peaceful parade through Old Town, demonstrated outside the Civic Offices to highlight the council's inaction on climate matters, and have seen children strike out of

school - the younger generation are named as Extinction Rebellion Youth. Most recently XR Swindon joined their rebels in Bristol, blocking Bristol Bridge with a pink boat for five days. Despite practicing nonviolent tactics it is reported that 40 people were arrested, with 16 taken to police custody and charged.

What do they want?

XR values

g Calling on Swindon Borough Council to declare a climate emergency. g For the Government to act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025. g For the Government to create a Citizens’ Assembly which will ultimately decide on the outcome of green matters. g Want the Government to "do their job" and to put policies in place which best protect the people they serve.

g Peaceful, non-violent direct action is the most effective way to create change. g "Tell the truth" - believe the Government have a moral duty to communicate the reality of the climate crisis. g Create friendly dialogues to help spread the message about the climate crisis. g Support fellow rebels throughout the cause Follow XR Swindon Facebook: @ExtinctionRebellionSwindon

What the members say about climate change: "I actually want to see them [council] act than just talk about it – I don’t want anyone to lie to us anymore.

I want them to actually do something."

Chloe, 17 "It’s affecting our future and people aren’t understanding that."

Louise, 17 "It’s getting to the point where it’s not fair to have children, because they will just suffer – we have to take some responsibility for."

Kieran, 18 "Climate change is happening because all sorts of actions are happening around the world, or lack of action. The council's refusal to treat climate breakdown as an emergency shows how little regard they have for the future of the people of Swindon."

John “Ultimately, we do this for the love – for the love of people, humanity and society."

Peter “We’ve got this crazy idea of telling the truth in Extinction Rebellion, and that is the first part of moving towards a solution. The council will not declare a climate emergency, and on a local level this is a huge issue."

Tristan, 36

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swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Kumon teacher 'outstanding' Teacher Stephen Chamberlain, who runs a Kumon study franchise at the Freshbrook Community Centre, has been awarded an ‘outstanding instructor award’.

Mr Chamberlain, 54, who previously had a successful career in retail management and is a qualified maths teacher, has been working with Kumon for six months.

He explained: “I was doing a lot of travelling in my previous job and I was looking around for something different where I could still use many of the skills that I had built up over the years. I signed up with Kumon and it has been brilliant.

I’m delighted to receive this recognition - I put in a lot of hard work but there is also a lot of job satisfaction.

“We focus on Maths and English, without calculators or computers, to support them in their school work. The skills they learn here will of course support them in progressing in other subjectss as well because Maths and English are the cornerstones.”

The Kumon Institute of Education was founded in 1958 in Japan, by maths teacher Toru Kumon. www.kumon.co.uk/swindonwest/ or call Stephen on 07857 447982.

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Dog consultation at Lydiard Park The council carried out a consultation in July on the proposed continuation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) regarding dog control at Lydiard Park.

In 2016, the PSPO was introduced following complaints of nuisance dogs. Since the introduction complaints of

nuisance dogs and fouling have completely reduced.

The order requires dogs to be kept on leads in certain areas of the park at specific times and excludes dogs at all times from the small, fully enclosed Walled Garden and rick yard.

The order does not apply to registered assistance dogs.

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Our family service caring for you

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John Pearce (left), Belinda, Tracy and David.

Here for you when needed most

Recommended in The Good Funeral Guide Professionally qualified • Home visits available

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Town Office: 1 Groundwell Road, Swindon SN1 2LT

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Chapel of Rest: 92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, SN3 4NN

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Pearce Funeral Services - John Pearce speaks of his commitment to service

J

who help on the day of the funeral itself.

Everyone at Pearce's adapts the service for when families want something a little more unusual, such as different types of hearses, motorcycles hearses, tractors, alternative coffins, eco funerals and any other types of request, "We have received some very unique requests over the years and we have always been able to accommodate a family's

,

ohn has been within the world of Funeral Directing for nearly 30 years, joining the profession, in Swindon, in 1990.

The son of a vicar, he has always appreciated what it means to commit to serving the needs of a community. "I learnt as a young man of the commitment and sympathy required when dealing with the needs of people, leading me to begin my career at the age of 18. Over the years I have gained extensive knowledge and experience, becoming a fully qualified member of The British Institute Of Embalmers in 1997 and gaining my Diploma of Funeral Directing in 1998."

John's years of experience has helped him to come alongside families in their time of need with courtesy and compassion, whilst ensuring that the service provided is unique to every life of a loved one.

"As a family Funeral Directors we understand how every funeral is personal and every family we serve must be treated as individuals. At every stage we listen and can respectfully guide and advise families, we ensure every detail is correct and focus on creating a fitting and personal goodbye for those left behind."

John is also supported by a truly dedicated and experienced team who equally offer the same support to those in need. Dave and Belinda also arrange and conduct funerals for families. Caroline helps Dave with administering donations, whilst also assisting Neil, who looks after a lot of the practical elements behind the scenes, including lining of coffins and helping to prepare the funerals ready for each day. Tracy and Belinda looks after all the administration of funerals, including press notices in the newspapers, arranging flowers and printing of orders of service. To enable everyone to fulfil these tasks to the best of our ability we are all supported by a large and dedicated team of bearers

supporting a local man with his weekly training as a member of The England Wheelchair Rugby Team, supporting Circus Starr (a circus for children with additional needs) when they have visited Swindon, as well as different charities who raise funds for disadvantaged children in society.

"We have also helped with donations to keep Beechcroft Road Library open when they were faced with closure

We ensure every detail is correct and focus on creating a fitting and personal goodbye for those left behind

wish", even arranging and conducting services all over the country, as well as in Swindon.

"Whatever the family require we are here to serve. We are known and respected for our quality of service, which is reflected by our inclusion in The Good Funeral Guide since 2011 and also reflected in the feedback that we receive from the families we have come into contact with."

As a local man John also supports his local community through many different avenues and means. "For me supporting the community is much more than through supporting the bereaved." Over the years Pearce Funeral Services have looked to support the community in a variety of ways,

,

in 2017, as well as helping annually with support for fund raising through local events, recently being one of the local sponsors of Old Town Beer Festival that raised ÂŁ12,000 for Christ Church Roof and The Local Duck Race, a recent event in Covingham that raised ÂŁ2000 for the local library there and also for the local church in Dorcan to help them support the local community."

Pearce Funeral Services also support many other organisations, including local bowling clubs and more recently, sponsoring a 24hr Football Tournament being held to help support and benefit the local youth of Swindon. "With the trust that the people of Swindon place in us to support

them in their time of need, we also do all we can to support the community of today, to try and help people in their everyday lives too."

Our pride in offering a personal service whilst supporting the local community and those left behind extends to giving peace of mind for those who wish to have arrangements in place for when their time comes.

Arranging a prepaid funeral plan means that those left behind do not have any concerns regarding finances for the funeral, nor worry about what the wishes of the departed might be.

"We offer to anyone who wishes to arrange and pay for their funeral in advance a prepaid funeral plan through ourselves that gives a 100% guarantee of our funeral directors fees and all third party costs required for cremation. This compares to many others that only offer a contribution towards third party costs.

Our funeral plans give families complete peace of mind that everything is in place and allows the person who has arranged the plan to register their wishes for their funeral."

At Pearce Funeral Services great care is given to be able to meet you, either in your time of need or if you are planning ahead, to help you create your own unique goodbye. This can be done either at our Groundwell Road premises (The closest funeral director's premises to the Registrar's offices), our chapel of rest in Ermin Street or, if you prefer, we can meet with you in the comfort of your own home. Wherever we meet you can be confident and assured of our professional approach, our empathy, care and understanding that you will receive from all of us at Pearce Funeral Services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Whenever you need us we will always only ever be a phone call away. swindonlink.com n August 2019

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19/07/2019 13:35

The Business Brief Cakeoholix: It's an amazing independent business on the rise

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

From Game of Thrones to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, talented Tracey Mosley is able to create incredible cakes based on almost any theme.

Tracey, started her Gorse Hill business, Cakeoholix, on 21st July last year. And since then, she has steadily been attracting a loyal following through word of mouth.

She explained: “I suppose I’m a bit of a perfectionist.

"I simply don’t let anything out of the door unless I’m happy with it. I just can’t do it. If it’s not right, then I have been known to throw it away and start again. It all comes down to reputation.

“On the other hand, it’s lovely to see people’s reactions when they open up the box and look at what I have created for the first time - quite often they burst into tears - in a good way, I should add!”

Tracey, who runs the business with the help of her partner Andy, must have baking in her blood - her grandfather David Moorman, from Swindon, was a master baker.

Mother of three Tracey explained that prior to setting up Cakeoholix she was working in a preschool and also as a childminder - but at the same time always held a passion for baking and cake decoration.

NSBRC staff celebrate Employee Ownership Day

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

Last month marked Employee Ownership Day which saw staff at Swindon's NSBRC (National Self Build Renovation Centre) celebrate their fifth year of being independent business owners.

Employee Ownership Day, sponsored by Gripple, highlights the impact of employee-owned businesses on the individual and the community which has enabled staff at the NSBRC to have their say on their company. The centre's managing director, Harvey Fremlin, said he believes employee-owned 20 swindonlink.com n August 2019 NW August artwork.indd 20

businesses are a viable option and has seen a positive impact on employee morale.

He said: "The big difference that it makes is that everyone arrives at work believing that they genuinely have a stake in the business and that they’re an owner of the business. It’s a way of really looking after your team for not just the short run but for the long term as well."

On 1 September the NSBRC will be taking another step forward with the launch of a brand-new commercial - on Catch Up on Channel 4 - to offer insight into the lifestyle that the Swindon-based centre can provide. www.nsbrc.co.uk

She explained: “I’m mainly self taught, and would make cakes for friends and family.

But I also took some cake decoration courses at Swindon College which I really enjoyed.

“I decided that I should take the plunge and set up Cakeoholix and I haven’t looked back! It’s hard work and long hours but it’s something I’m really passionate about so that makes it all

worthwhile!”

Some of the more unusual creations that Tracey has been asked to make include a black hole, a windmill, an entire extended family made from fondant icing and a llama.

“That’s what makes this job so much fun. If you’ve got an idea - no matter how outlandish, I’m always up for a challenge!”

As well as creating incredible bespoke cakes, Cakeoholix also stocks a range of sugarcraft equipment and cake toppings to allow people to have a go themselves, with the benefit of expert advice from Tracey.

And the business is also branching out to service the retail sector - fulfilling orders from a growing portfolio of corporate clients.

Anyone interested in finding out more should log on to www.cakeoholix.co.uk drop in to their shop at 20 Cricklade Road Gorse Hill SN28AA or call the business on 614333.

Youngsters prove they're the best in business Local employers and their apprentices were joined by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson for the Annual Apprenticeship Awards at Swindon College.

Local employers including the Research Councils, the NHS, local schools, Swindon Borough Council, engineering companies, accountants and construction companies gathered to honour the apprentices who had been selected to receive a special recognition award for their hard work and effort.

Since 2010, there have been 4.1 million new apprenticeships created across the country with 12,600 apprenticeships created in Swindon. The number of people starting on

the new employer-designed standards in the first half of 2018-19 has increased by 79%, which is an indication of the quality. Furthermore, small and medium-sized enterprises, and smaller businesses now get 95% of their training costs paid, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to provide the opportunity of an apprenticeship.

Justin Tomlinson said: “It is fantastic to hear how the opportunity has transformed their life. It is absolutely crucial we keep providing these opportunities and I will continue to support local providers including Swindon College to ensure this.” www.newcollege.ac.uk

19/07/2019 13:35

The Politics Page Wheels are in motion for positive changes in town

Swindon Link has always been keen to champion the positive news within our town, so I am absolutely delighted to continue that theme by writing about some encouraging developments.

Last month, I presented my Annual Report to the council’s Scrutiny Committee, which is a great opportunity to outline the progress the council is making towards achieving the Vision and Pledges that we made to the people of Swindon.

A big part of that focus is on improving our town centre and we are seeing visible signs of progress, coupled with some

exciting announcements for future schemes.

We celebrated the reopening of Wellington Street which builds on the earlier work to improve the railway station forecourt to create a positive impression for everyone arriving in our town by rail.

Last month, we also discovered that our bid for £25m in funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund had made it through to the next round. If our bid is successful the money would be used to transform Fleming Way by removing the underpass and creating

a new bus interchange with new public space and major improvements to cycling and pedestrian routes.

Our Heritage Action Zone in the historic Railway Village has been launched and we also began work on Unit 11 of the Carriage Works nearby, which will be home to Swindon’s Cultural Heritage Institute and run by Royal Agricultural University. We are very close to concluding a deal to regenerate the vacant Aspen House site near the former Town Hall and First Investments also announced their very exciting plans to redevelop

part of the Brunel Centre.

It has taken many years to finally gain some momentum with our town centre projects, but the wheels are now most definitely in motion.

Swindon Labour Group Leader Cllr Jim Grant The decision to remove free TV Licences for over-75s is nothing short of shameful.

In 2001 the Labour Party introduced free TV Licences for all adults over 75. It was introduced as a way to ensure the elderly could keep up to speed with current affairs and to reduce loneliness and poverty (over 75s are 50% more likely to be in poverty than the 65-75 year old age group). It was a promise made and a promise delivered.

In the last Conservative Party

manifesto they committed to keeping free TV Licences for the over 75s. It was a promise made to our senior citizens and a promise sadly broken.

Up and down the country, experts and charities have warned that means testing License fees will be damaging to some of society’s most vulnerable elderly people.

Research by the Campaign to End Loneliness has found that 40% of older people say their television is a main source of company, giving them routine, structure, and an invaluable window to their world.

Combatting loneliness is an important goal for Swindon.

Just last month, Robert Buckland called the fight against loneliness one of his ‘top priorities’, but in providing the means for the removal of free Licenses for over-75s, this Conservative Government has been complicit in increasing such a damaging and widespread problem.

I believe that we need a government which will immediately reverse the decision to axe free TV Licenses for over-75s, to promote the best interests

of our most at-risk people and protect those who have contributed to society.

Free TV licences for over 75 year olds should be kept

Town centre stores are feeling economic pressures

Lib Dem councillor Stan Pajak Swindon Town Centre Gloom The perfect storm of the consequences of Britain leaving the EU, the growth of online sales and business worries are leaving the town centre reeling.

The latest being the closures of two canal walk stores and

the loss of five brands including Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Top Shop and Starbucks. Perhaps the worst of these for local residents being the closure of Argos which at one time was Swindon’s most exciting store with a completely novel way of buying products at discounted prices. While the latest proposal by F1 Real Estate management, the owners of the Brunel, to address the issues with the creation of more restaurants, cafes and bars has understandably gone down like a lead balloon with a call for more good shops by local shoppers – something I wholeheartedly agree with.

Town Gardens Celebrates 125 years At the recent meeting of the South Swindon Parish Council there was universal support to celebrate the creation of the Town Gardens in 1894 with the best possible birthday present – refurbished gates! These wonderful gates will be totally and expertly renewed to their original Victorian glory.

King William Street School Crossing Help Last year there was a campaign by parents of children at King William Street School to renew the provision of a school crossing patrol person on the busy Eastcott

Road. At the Swindon Council meeting we lost the vote but perhaps not a realization that help should be given.

This Summer sees that help take shape with the creation of a scheme to aid crossing the road by highlighting the crossing point to motorists using bollards, paving and signs.

Dragonfly Canal Trips are Back The Summer must be here as the wonderful Wilts and Berks Canal Trust weekend canal trips are back running from their landing stage at the bottom of Kingshill Road.

For more information ring 07401220076 or email boat. bookings@wbct.org.uk swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Pets and Nature

Drove Vets newly opened Ridgeway Farm welcomes you!

The first few weeks in our beautiful new branch at Ridgeway Farm have been great!

We have met lots of lovely new clients and greeted our existing clients that have made the move to Ridgeway Farm from our old Moredon or Taw Hill branches with open arms.

The coffee mornings have been a huge success and we have taken on board a number of comments to host one at the weekend, and we hope to soon. In the meantime, please feel free to pop in and say hello to the team any time we are open.

Lucy Millard, one of the Vets at Ridgeway Farm said: “We are so excited to finally be open.

"It’s so modern and we have all the equipment and facilities we need, all backed up by Drove Veterinary Hospital in Wroughton.

“We are also really looking forward to being a part of the local community at Ridgeway Farm and hoping to work with Ridgeway Farm Academy to

get a programme of Talks and Visits underway for the new school year.”

The same friendly team from Moredon and Taw Hill branches are on hand to provide Vet and Nurse clinics and on site operations in the purpose built theatre, and they

will now be able to offer more extensive laboratory testing, X-ray and Ultrasound, as well as a complete dental service with a separate dental area and dental X-ray. There are also separate dog and cat wards so if your pet has to stay in we can make it as stress free

as possible.

With online booking, evening and weekend appointments (as well as daytime appointments), backed up 24/7 by the main hospital in Wroughton, the new Ridgeway Farm branch really does offer comprehensive care to pets in the area.

Orphaned wallaby is thriving thanks to a keeper's makeshift pouch The zoo keepers at Studley Grange Butterfly World, Farm Park & Craft village are hand rearing an orphan Joey (baby Wallaby), as the Joey’s mother has sadly passed away.

The male Joey, named Riley is approximately four months old and would have remained in his mother’s pouch until he was 6-9 months old. In order for him survive and to ensure he has the best quality of life, Riley is being carried around in an adapted rucksack by one of the zoo keepers.

The rucksack is acting as a surrogate pouch, and is worn by a keeper constantly throughout the day. At night Riley cannot be left to fend for himself, so he is taken home by the keeper, and hung on the end of the bed.

Riley is being reared on lactose free milk, rabbit

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pellets, fruit, vegetables and vegetation.

Wallaby’s are macropods and live in groups known as a mob; they originate from

Australia and New Zealand.

They are marsupials meaning they have a pouch where an embryo will be released 28 days after fertilisation;

this then crawls up into the pouch where it will develop.

The embryos can be kept static for up to a year in case something happens to the one in the pouch. An adult female Wallaby will have a Joey at foot, one in the pouch and one dormant at any one time.

Riley spends time with Studley Grange’s Wallaby mob daily, ready for when he will be fully re-integrated within.

Come along to Studley Grange Butterfly, Farm Park & Craft Village to see Riley, as well as all the other animals, reptiles and butterflies.

Visit our craft village, three new units have recently opened, adding to your shopping experience. Don’t forget to stop off in our Butterfly Café for delicious homemade meals, snacks and cakes.

swindonlink.com n August 2019

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Swindon Life

Celebrating town living

Swindon Photographic exhibition to take place at the Brunel Centre A photography group is snapping up the best of Swindon's photographers and hosting an exhibition this month.

Swindon Photographic Society’s Annual Exhibition is being held this year from Sunday 11 to Sunday 18 August in the Brunel Centre (next to Buzz Gym).

The exhibition will feature some of the wonderful prints from the society's members and you will be able to vote for your favourite.

A spokesperson for the event said: "We are now in

our 121st year, and although we cannot say for sure we have been holding an annual exhibition for 121 years. There is a newspaper review of our annual exhibition of 1913 on our website. After all this time we must be doing something right!"

There will also be a wide range of digital photographs displayed on a large screen.

All of the entries to the society's 120th Birthday Competition held earlier this year and open to all, will be on show. www.swindonphotosoc.org.uk

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTHS AHEAD In the community l As part of the national Wild Night Out campaign to get more children out and about in the great outdoors, Richard Jefferies Museum will be hosting a camp out in and around the idyllic gardens of the museum Sat 17 August.

Costing £20 per pitch, email ann-marie@richardjefferies. org to book your place.

Book now...

N-TRANCE CONFIRMED TO PERFORM AT SWINDON & WILTSHIRE PRIDE

Months of hard work have paid off for the Swindon & Wiltshire Pride team as they return for the LGBTQ+ festival’s eleventh year this month! Kicking off at Town Gardens 10 August at 11am, the parade will then march through Old Town.

This year the organisation will be showcasing local talent on a newly introduced community stage, as well as host a family, craft and shopping zone. A Pride afterparty will also be taking place - with 90s dance sensations N-Trance confirmed to perform - at Level III from 10pm.

John Edwards, Pride's Grants Manager, said: "We are so proud to be part of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride and it could not happen without the huge levels of support from the community and the National Lottery. I cannot wait for the event this year." www.swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk

RUSSELL HOWARD WARM UP SHOW

Stand-up comedian, and host of Russell Howard's Good News is back to test out some brand-new material in intimate surroundings alongside some of his favourite comedians.

His warm up show takes place at the Wyvern Theatre Wednesday 28 August.

Tickets £24.50 www.swindontheatres.com

KILLER SHOW HEADS TO ARTSITE

Playwright Matt Fox will be bringing his 'killer show' Fred Ted Jack & Harold - to Artsite & The Post Modern, 31 August. The show tells a twisted story of murderers Ted Bundy, Jack the Ripper, Harold Shipman, Myra Hindley and Fred West.

Tickets £11.50 www.swindontheatres.com

IMMERSIVE THEATRE AT LYDIARD PARK

Families can run off into the woods in Alice in Wonderland: Lydiard Open Air Theatre.

Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they set off on a colourful, topsy-turvy adventure like no other on 2 August. "A perfect day out for the entire family."

Tickets £11.50 to £48.00 www.swindontheatres.com

Venues

Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ

Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907

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Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Email: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 - www.swindontheatres.co.uk Confirm date, time & price with venue

l Darkroom Theatre Company brings its latest show 'Cock' to Artsite & The Post Modern, 2 to 3 August. Mike Bartlett’s punchy story takes a playful, candid look at one man’s sexuality and the difficulties that arise when you realise you have a choice.

Tickets: £8 and £10. www. citizenticket.co.uk/event/cockby-mike-bartlett/ l Swindon’s only small, funky, cool festival on an organic farm is back! From 2 to 4 August Festival on the Farm returns to Purton House Organics, bringing along West Country favourites the Wurzel’s and some of the UK's most renowned tribute acts! www.festivalonthefarm.co.uk l Swindon-based cassette label, Liquid Library, bring a wholesome and surreal arts and music festival - Blanketfest - to Artsite & The Post Modern Sat 17 August. The event will be held inside a giant blanketfort. l To celebrate Sainsbury's turning 15, local mental health charity and wellbeing centre IPSUM is launching an art exhibition on Thursday 1 August at Sainsburys, Paddington Drive for an evening of art and music.

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Wiltshire Air Ambulance needs your support!

During National Air Ambulance Week (9-15 September) Wiltshire Air Ambulance is asking people to do something fun by incorporating the colours yellow and green.

The colours have been chosen because they match the colours of the Wiltshire Ambulance’s Bell 429 helicopter and Rapid Response Vehicle.

Perhaps your business or school could hold a dress down day at work? Alternatively your team could hold a yellow and green cake sale, organise a yellow and green quiz or even ask your workplace or school to change their logo colours to yellow and green for the day!

By taking part in Air Ambulance Week, the funds raised will help to keep the Air Ambulance helicopter and crew flying and saving lives.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a charity and relies on donations to continue saving lives.

They are not funded directly by the Government and receive no National Lottery grants.

The lifesaving service has been operating since 1990 and the specialist skills of their aircrew and the speed the helicopter can make the difference between life and death.

In 2018 the demand for the skills of our critical care team resulted in an increase in missions of 26% with the largest number of call outs – 182 – in the Swindon area, equivalent to a call out, on average, every two days.

It costs £3.75 million a year to keep the service operating,

that’s just over £10,000 a day.

If you would like to get involved in Air Ambulance Week and help turn the county yellow and green, please call the fundraising team on 01225 300536, email kenresa@ wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or www.wiltshireairambulance. co.uk/aaweek2019.

New art academy gives creative children chance to shine

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

Since its inception in April, a primary school practitioner in North Swindon says his new art academy has "hit the ground running" with students and parents alike – there’s even a waiting list.

Dean McGhee launched The Art Academy at Oakhurst Primary School earlier this year, - which currently has 24 children enrolled - and wants to offer creative students the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Mr McGhee says that in an educational system where children are pressured to perform in subjects such as Maths, English and Science that their creativity is being compromised.

He said: “I’ve just felt for a while that the arts are slowly being compromised because of the pressures to meet expectations in the core subjects – English, Maths and

Science. There’s a big group of children in the middle of all this that aren’t getting the opportunity to really shine.

The more academic children are getting their opportunities to shine, - such as 'Maths Star' of the week - and children who are also more physically gifted get the opportunity to represent the school.”

As an artist himself Mr McGhee believes that creative people play a vital role in society, and that this value should be instilled within children from a young age to help build their confidence and self-esteem. He says, "In class the children wear aprons with the academy’s insignia so instantly they’ve got this sense of pride and belonging.

“If they don’t discover their place in primary school society, how will that then go on to impact them as they go through secondary school?

We encourage them to make mistakes, make corrections, and

then learn from those mistakes, and trial things because that’s all factors of positive growth mindset. The fact that we put the emphasis on the child is ultimately going to make them more independent. We want them to be more autonomous, which is not what they’re getting elsewhere."

The Art Academy wants to offer children the opportunity to get involved in everything from sculpture and painting, to pottery and street art and looking for professionals to get involved. So far local artists Rich Bindon, - a metal sculpture artist - and Sally

Smith – a pencil artist – have led the lessons to share their craft. Once Mr McGhee has completed his degree in Educational Practice he wants to roll out The Art Academy across Swindon, with two other local schools - Red Oaks Primary School and Faringdon Juniors - introducing the initiative this September.

On Tuesday 6 August The Art Academy will be hosting a day workshop at Redhouse Community Centre - all children from ages six to 11 are welcome to attend. www.facebook.com/ ArtAcademyUK/ swindonlink.com n August 2019

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19/07/2019 13:35

Weighbridge Brewhouse launches new menu – but has it hit the mark?

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

For people, including myself, who have been born and raised in Swindon we all know that the Weighbridge Brewhouse is a household name for fine dining – whether you agree or not, it’s just what it’s always been known for. But changes in management, and new dishes on trial, have left people saying that it’s failing to “hit the mark”.

So, to try and recitfy this, ahead of its relaunch a selection of local businesses, loyal customers and press were invited for a complimentary dry run of the Weighbridge's new menus.

First off the introduction of the new cocktail bar has implemented a more bougy feel to the space – something, until recently, which had been really lacking in Swindon, so it was great to see this historic establishment add in some contemporary features.

Upon arrival you’re immediately hit by new design changes, with fabulous touches – from fake grass and cute flower pots outside, to colourful touches on the upholstering and illuminated maple trees on the inside. In this regard the Weighbridge is wonderfully enticing and not as stiff as it once looked.

As a party of four consisting of two meat eaters, a pescatarian and a vegan we were able to take on a variety of dishes on this slightly smaller, but still very vast, menu.

As a rule of thumb, I tend

to stay away from fish dishes unless it’s a relatively fresh catch, but when you’re offered a free meal it would be unconscionable not to go in for a whole lobster. Appearance wise I couldn’t fault it but taste wise it was okay. Just okay. In hindsight I should have opted for the Brixham plaice, or even the ale battered market fish, because unless you’re a speciality fish restaurant the lobster isn’t something just to have on the menu to make it feel fancy. I ate it, for sure, but wasn’t amazed nor outraged by the dish.

Meanwhile the overall rating of the steaks was that they were “enjoyable” but the chaps wouldn't have paid £35 for the meal. However, the Weighbridge have brought back the Dauphinoise potatoes which was a particular highlight as a side dish for both diners.

Unfortunately my vegan guest said the Superfood salad wasn’t “exactly mind-blowing” but a side order of sweet potato fries managed to ‘beef’ it up.

The main aspect that I took away from our dinner was that some faith has been restored in this restaurant. Having taken on comments from previous errors, it is apparent the team are actually really trying to bring this place back to its former glory - with some chic new touches. All in all the staff were a delight, and I genuinely hope the Weighbridge Brewhouse takes off under this new refurb because it has a lot of potential! www. weighbridgebrewhouse.co.uk

A poetry column by Maurice Spillane: the death of a lover This is an uplifting story a year on.

It’s about a Swindon man who, had he lived, would be 70. What set Dafydd Rouse apart was that he was gay and a poet, a dangerous combination during his lifetime. The end wasn’t great either. He was paralysed after a motorbike accident and died ten years later in a nursing home in Purton.

His sister, Margaret, tried to get his poems published posthumously but it’s hard enough getting poems published when a poet is alive with a lifetime of work ahead.

She persisted and persisted. To cut the story short I edited his work, we found a publisher and 26

the book was launched a year ago. Copies went to his friends and the wider community and the response was wonderful.

We had recognition for Dafydd and a very happy Margaret.

For me, the editing was intimate, digging deep beyond the words, getting to know the man.

The poems are about his lived experience with all the wonder that any lover would use, the ache, the agonising, the love, but in his case the death of lovers from AIDS through the eighties and nineties. It was heart breaking. He was a good poet and deserved recognition.

Here are a few lines from “The Power Beyond”

following the death of a lover: Like different birds who have flown the same air, the same sky same sea but different storms.

He will not return to me.

I listen for his echo on the wind.

And back to the present here in Swindon: • Reading Group – Monday 5 August, 7-9pm Richard Jefferies Museum • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 13 August, 7:30pm • Open Mic – Monday 26 August, 7:30pm Regent Hotel, Victoria Road www.mauricespillane.com

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19/07/2019 13:35

MONDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tadpole Farm School, Greene Street, Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon SN25 2QS - Lisa L 07414 540866 MONDAYS 7.30pm Peatmoor Community Primary School, Pepperbox Hill, Swindon SN5 5DP - Nikki 07803 807065 TUESDAYS 9.30am Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre, Swindon SN5 5PY - Emma 07792 1278 TUESDAYS 6.30pm Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive, Abbey Meads SN25 4G - Heather Z 07816 860840 WEDNESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Francis School, Aiken Way, Taw Hill SN25 1UH - Heather Z 07816 860840 WEDNESDAYS 7.30pm Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook SN5 8LY - Louise 07784 098022 THURSDAYS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick SN25 1QQ - Sharon 07841 119082 THURSDAYS 7.30pm Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ - Carrieanne 07864 839820 FRIDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ - Heather Z 07816 860840 SATURDAYS 8am, 10am & 12 noon Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook SN5 8LY - Louise 07784 098022

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Swindon Lives IN TALKS WITH: Arkell's drayman Jon Dance

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

Arkell’s drayman Jon Dance is celebrating 40 years of dedicated service to the family owned brewery.

When Jon Dance walked through the gates of Arkell’s Brewery on 18 June 1979, as a slightly nervous 17-year-old, Margaret Thatcher had been Prime Minister for just over a month and Ring My Bell by Anita Ward was number 1 in the charts.

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Jon, from Haydon End, said: “They started me off in the brewhouse for 10 months which was hard work. But what I really wanted to do was to be out there driving. After that I became a driver’s mate going around delivering to all the pubs in the area - I think there were something like 68 at the time. And Arkells later paid for me to get my HGV licence when I was 21.

“The job has changed a lot since I started, mainly for the better I have to say. The lorries

that we drive are much more comfortable now and easier to drive. And there are a lot more pubs owned by Arkells now, something like 168. We have pubs that we deliver to as far as Ascott and Oxford.

“I love the job, it can be hard work but it’s also rewarding. It’s the social life that comes with it - everywhere you go people are happy to chat.”

Arkells marked Jon’s landmark with a cash bonus, a certificate of thanks and a bottle of wine.

19/07/2019 13:35

"They can play and learn" - author offers new insights into helping children with handwriting

Local artist publishes first book to open people's minds about Bipolar disorder

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

For a lot of children handwriting can be a difficult task, but it can be a lot more of a struggle for children with conditions such as Dyslexia.

Maria Chivers, 63, is an author from Swindon and former manager at the Swindon Dyslexia Centre.

She hopes her new book Alli Can’t Write will offer children, parents and teachers a better understanding when it comes to learning how to handwrite – especially for children with conditions such as Dyslexia and Dysgraphia.

As a Dyslexic herself, Maria understands the difficulties children can face in the classroom by not being able to keep up with their peers. “My aim is to help to explain to children that they’re not stupid, that they can write the same as their friends, but they just need

"That’s exactly how I feel sometimes," is what some people say when they look at an artist's work which depicts Bipolar disorder.

As an artist living with Bipolar disorder, James Osborn, 29, some extra help," she says. hopes his new book will offer Although Maria acknowledges comfort to those also living the benefits of certain with the condition through the technologies to help assist unlikely character, Nanook children with their handwriting, the Bipolarbear.

He says, "It’s her research has shown that basically a book exploring the handwriting has direct links stresses and emotions involved with motor skills which are vital in having Bipolar disorder to develop in childhood. She adds, "If they don’t go through through the medium of a those development stages and Bipolar bear.

"Because of the massive lack practically handwrite, neurons of understanding I’m trying to in the brain are not being help people to see the turmoil developed. that people are actually going "Learning through play is the through, and that I’ve been best way anyone can learn. I through in the past. It’s a way want to help children know that of presenting it [Bipolar] so they don’t have to sit down for people can stomach it, because hours and hours every day quite often people can’t they can play and learn.”

stomach the harsh realities of something."

Mr Osborn is also a poet, who co-runs The Rusty Goat Poetry Corner. He believes that creative expression can often be more effective when dealing with mental wellbeing which is where Nanook comes in. He adds, “I think that’s how we change society at large; to have art, music, theatre, poetry, and any other creative pursuit make it okay for anyone to talk about their mental health.

"First and foremost, through the book I want to validate how people are feeling and that they’re not alone."

Review: The 39 Steps at the Barn Theatre - 'Jolly good show ol' chap!'

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

Murder, secret agents and farcical chaos awaited me at The Barn Theatre last month, and I was not left disappointed.

Adapted from John Buchan’s 1915 novel, The 39 Steps follows the story of the dashing, and pompous Richard Hannay – the unlikely, and loosely titled, ‘hero’ of this story. After a murder takes place in his London apartment, the English gent tries to clear his name.

On his journey he encounters more than 100 characters, played out by just four actors...

Director Joseph O’Malley has done well to orchestrate this double-crossing action on the Barn's small stage, consistently evoking a clear-cut Carry On execution with farcical physicality and quick wit. The show is potentially over-worked due to the lack of space, but O’Malley got inventive with scene swaps which really paid off – a highlight was the airplane chase using some

lighting, toy airplanes, a sheet and the clowns. A nice little nod to the novel’s Hitchcockian roots.

Furthermore, Mike Leopold's set came across both clever and kitsch and was a perfect aid to the sometimes repetitive - slap-stick action.

For me the clowns took centre stage - well executed and versatile performances at an unforgiving pace. Meanwhile Max Hutchinson gives Hanny plenty of dashing arrogance. Although there was no spectacular character arc by the end, Hutchinson delved into the energetic physicality that was demanded from his character.

The Barn's 39 Steps does well to play on parody, as well as signature stereotypes, - that audience digested on cue - and ultimately our four actors and 140 characters deliver on the top-notch script writing. It’s daft, dashing and carefully chaotic - I must say it was a jolly good show ol’ chap.

The 39 Steps takes place at The Barn Theatre, Cirencester, until 10 August. www.barntheatre.org.uk swindonlink.com n August 2019

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By Becky Cox: Swindon Cycle Campaign I generally love my commute to According to National Travel work on my bike, it’s the perfect Survey data approximately way for a gym-aphobe like ¾ of our day-to-day trips me to get some exercise, avoid between 1 and 5 miles are traffic and enjoy some (mostly) made by car. Whilst some of fresh air. these trips are being made by I’m lucky that my route is those with mobility impairments predominately on quiet roads or carrying bulky items, there and shared paths, but there is the potential for a big shift are some sections of busier in the proportion of journeys roads which I just can’t avoid. by bike. But we need to Despite having cycled all create safe and attractive my life, trained as a ‘cycle environments for this, because instructor’, I never feel 100% whilst we have some ‘shared comfortable on busy roads. I’m paths’ they are far from ideal. not alone. Fear of traffic is the We can look to our neighbours primary reason more women in Holland and Denmark to see like me don’t feel safe to cycle what a combination of safe on UK roads. However, there cycle lanes and cycle-friendly so many benefits to cycling. By policies can do to encourage riding my bike to work I’m not cycling. Whilst Swindon is contributing to road congestion luckier than many other UK or air pollution and I’m getting towns, wouldn’t it be nice for all a regular bit of exercise with school children to be able to no expensive gym membership. cycle on safe routes to schools, My commute is about four and for all adults to see cycling miles, it generally takes me as a convenient and practical around 20-25 minutes and I way to get to work? After all, can cycle in my work clothes aren’t all us adults just big since I don’t work up a sweat. children anyway?

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Prospective students and their parents are also warmly invited to attend our popular Open Mornings so that you can see for yourself the high quality of provision and outstanding behaviour during a normal school day. Student guides will be on hand to show you around the school and will be happy to answer any questions.

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D E Carpentry

Building Services

Complete Property Renovations & Alterations Kitchens / Bathroom Tiling / Flooring Brickwork / Blockwork Paving / Patios Fencing / Decking & Ground Works Carpentry / Plumbing

Chris Payne

VA T

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

O

Swindon Aerial Services

N

CJD

e: ellisj10@sky.com

Too busy to clean?

We provide a reliable, affordable service and can offer:

Weekly or Fortnightly cleans Spring cleans All equipment and supplies provided and full CRB checked references available.

Call Amanda today for your Free Quotation on:

01793 701797 021005

or 07874

Quality is not only assured; it’s guaranteed!

01793 421802

We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • • • • • • • •

PC repairs and maintenance System upgrades, networking Custom built computers Windows home server installs Virus removal Data recovery Internet solutions Web design With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

Tel: 01793 325685

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SERVICE SECTOR

COMPUTER SUPPORT, DECORATING SERVICES, DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR, ELECTRICAL SERVICES, GARAGE DOORS

For a dedicated local service with a Microsoft Certified Professional, with over 25 years experience, call 01793 320 439 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

DECORATOR Quality painting and decorating at an affordable price

40 years experience No VAT Free estimates

For professional, reliable and friendly service call

GBD Services 01793 979282 or 07453 966627

07415 431340

garyfulford1@sky.com www.garyfulfordpaintingand decorating.co.uk

DECORATOR INSIDE AND OUT • High class painting and decorating •30 years experience •Competitive rates •Interior & exterior •References available •Reliable friendly service, all work undertaken For free quotation call Paul on

01793 321981 07775 840236

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

or r at eco

&D

19 years experience

insured ● GeneralFully carpentry Excellent references ● Fitted kitchens/bedrooms Discounts for senior citizens ●FREE Laminate and solidquotation flooring no obligation not an estimate! ● Replacement doors (Unlike many of our competitors) ● Skirtings/architraves 01793 264568 ● General building maintenance

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

t er

Domestic & commercial Internal & external Wallpaper specialist

Pa in

For all your computing needs • Hardware & Software Installs & Upgrades • Repairs • Maintenance • PC Security • Home or Business Networking • Wireless Setup • On Site Service, Home or Business

PR ID E

Est 2002

FREE ESTIMATES

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

G R SERVICES Painting and decorating Carpentry services Grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Kitchen & bathroom installations Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879 email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

Interior & exterior painting and decorating.

20 years serving local people.

Call Andy on

07970 533569

between 8am and 5pm

DECORATING & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen & bathroom refits • Shower wall board installation • Internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

andysweeney1@virginmedia.com

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered

• Extra Sockets/lights Extra Sockets/lights • • Fuse Board Upgrade • Fuse Board Upgrade

• • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and Complete Rewires • • Complete Rewires No job too small!

• • No job too small!

Connected Connected Electrical Electrical && Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 or Tel: 07824 314080 or 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Certified Electrician NICEIC Domestic Installers (D606759)

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

01793 877677 office@enlan.co.uk www.enlan.co.uk

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD

Tel 01793 940096 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk swindonlink.com n August 2019

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SERVICE SECTOR

GARAGE DOORS, HOME IMPROVEMENTS, MOTORING SERVICES, PLANS DRAWN, PLASTERING & DECORATING, PLUMBING AND GAS SERVICES

A tailormade service crafted around our customers, from initial consultation through to bespoke planning and design stage, finishing with quality installation and warranty. We are the best choice for your next project, our customers tell us so...

FREE DESIGN AND CONSULTATION FREE PROJECT MANAGEMENT FREE WASTE REMOVAL

(INCLUDING OLD KITCHEN OR BATHROOM)

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

ACP

Home Improvements & Building Services • • • • • • • •

General building maintenance Garage conversions Bathrooms and Kitchens Carpentry • Wall & floor tiling Plastering/Plaster boarding/Coving UPVC doors, windows & repairs Fascias, soffits, guttering Patios and fencing Insurance work undertaken For a prompt professional service contact Andy: 07969 350160 / 01793 610286 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk

THE AUTOBOSS SWINDON LTD

...A SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST 01793 612131 info@theautoboss.co.uk Unit 2a, Station Road, Swindon SN1 2AD www.theautoboss.co.uk

& Heating

Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ For ALL your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring, all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps,

pumps, tanks,

burst pipes, machines installed 302877 Free estimates

www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

mjplumbing64@gmail.com

217129

07845 90 80 60 or 01793 700 820

Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.

From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and advice given.

7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered

Call Bob on 07778 324228

Plumbing

24 YEARS EXPERIENCE

PLANS DRAWN

01793 288772 07748 964433

Approved Plumber

Plastering and Decorating • Skimming and plastering • Artex to smooth • Plaster repairs • Coving • Painting and decorating • Stud work and boarding Please contact Brian Jones:

07976 572905 01793 725834

Professional, reliable and friendly service

J&R Plumbing Providing plumbing services to clients throughout Swindon 35 years experience Friendly, reliable service 24/7 call out service Tel: 01793 938362 Mobile: 07813 950899

Haydon Wick Heating Services

All heating and plumbing works undertaken • Full central heating systems • Boiler changes / services and repairs • Power flushing • Full bathroom / ensuite installations • General plumbing works • Free quotes and realistic prices

Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

hwheating@googlemail.com

36

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SERVICE SECTOR

PLUMBING AND GAS SERVICES, REMOVALS, ROOFING SERVICES, SECURITY, TILING, TOWBAR FITTING, WASTE REMOVAL

Semi-retired Plumber

RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates • No job too small

installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

(subject to survey)

• All work guaranteed Accredited Installer

For further details call Richard on 01793 870472 or 07747 723606

Heating Services

SURESTOP SWITCH

10 YEAR GUARANTEE on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers

M.P.S.

• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

203455

Combi Boiler Swap from £1300 Gas Central Heating Repairs & Servicing We will guarantee to BEAT any like for like quote!

188262

CALL 01793 522579 or MOBILE 07816 906437 Email: matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk 67416

WHITE VAN MAN SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35 • • • • •

Full house removal House clearance Disposal of unwanted items Any distance long/short Fully insured

NEW: Licensed to remove fridges

Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436

• Felt Roofing • Liquid Plastics • Single-Ply • Slate and Tiling • Fascias and Guttering • General Repairs • Free Estimates Over 40 years experience in the industry

Call Nick on 07973 872266

GILES BROS 24hr Locksmiths & Security Specialists DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORK No call out fee!

Fixed prices and 6 months guarantee on parts • New locks fitted • Free security surveys • Doors opened • uPVC door repairs • Security grilles fitted Call Matt for a quote on 07734 253189 or email mattwest 61@live.co.uk

FLOOR & WALL TILING SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526 Find us on Facebook

BRITANNIA TOWBAR CENTRE TOWBAR FITTING SPECIALISTS & TRAILER SERVICING

Tel: 01793 613147 Find us on Facebook

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17

18

19 22

24

14

20

21

23

25

29

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

16

26

27

28

31 33

ACROSS 1.

5.

8.

9.

10.

11.

13.

15.

17.

19.

22.

24.

26.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

Laid at rest (7) Helped (5) Lubricate (3) Nautical instrument (7) Tine (5) Deal with (5) Shoulder pad (7) Whirlpool (4) In advance (6) Attacker (6) Make tea (4) Secrecy (7) Yellowish brown (5) Beneath (5) Expressionless (7) Prompt (3) Hand-held lamp (5) Motorcycle passenger carriage (7)

O A T

SUDOKU There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, you should not have to guess.

30

32

A L T

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

14.

16.

17.

18.

20.

21.

23.

25.

27.

28.

Adjust again (5) Elf (5) Disperse (7) Scattered around (6) First Greek letter (5) Slavered (7) Another name for Sirius (7) Regret (3) Funeral fire (4) Obligation (4) Thin crisp cake (7) Cricketer (7) Ungainly (7) Scottish river (3) Greek island (6) Stagger (5) Savoury jelly (5) Interior (5)

7 2 8 4 9 3 6 2 8 6 7 1 6 4 7 7 6 8 9 3 8

9 7 1 5 1 8 7 2 3 2 5 4 9 7 3

SOLUTIONS

Drooled; 7 Dogstar; 12 Rue; 14 Pyre; 16 Debt; 17 Biscuit; 18 Fielder; 20 Awkward; 21 Esk; 23 Rhodes; 25 Lurch; 27 Aspic; 28 Inner.

13 15

B

QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 1 Reposed; 5 Aided; 8 Oil; 9 Sextant; 10 Prong; 11 Treat; 13 Epaulet; 15 Eddy; 17 Before; 19 Raider; 22 Brew; 24 Stealth; 26 Khaki; 29 Under; 30 Deadpan; 31 Cue; 32 Torch; 33 Sidecar.

12

I

Down – 1 Reset; 2 Pixie; 3 Scatter; 4 Dotted; 5 Alpha; 6

11

N

20 Good; 24 Very Good; 28 Excellent.

10

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which, when placed correctly in the grid, will form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

NONAGRAM ablation; alba; albino; alto; anal; atilt; atonal; bail; balti; banal; BATTALION; bitonal; blain; blat; blatant; blin; bloat; blot; boil; bolt; lain; lanai; liana; lino; lint; lion; loan; loin; loti; nail; natal; noil; tabla; tail; tala; talon; tilt; toil; tonal; total.

10

MAGIC SQUARE oral; rice; ache; lees.

9

I ERASE CELLAR ECHO

6 8 2 1 7 9 5 4 3

8

MAGIC SQUARE

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Target scores:

9 5 1 4 8 3 2 6 7

7

3 4 7 5 6 2 1 8 9

NONAGRAM 6

4 7 5 9 2 8 6 3 1

5

1 2 9 3 4 6 7 5 8

5

8 6 3 7 1 5 9 2 4

4

2 3 8 6 9 7 4 1 5

3

7 1 6 8 5 4 3 9 2

2

5 9 4 2 3 1 8 7 6

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

Valuation Day opportunity with Thomas Forrester TV expert on Flog It! The Antiques Road Trip & Bargain Hunt

Bring along your Antiques & Jewellery for a FREE valuation with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services

Monday 12th August 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 the website

www.specialauctionservices.com

Special Auction Services 38

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

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