North West Swindon Link January 2024

No 498 January 2024 GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to homes across Swindon with Est. overall print and online readership of 105,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

North & West Edition

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Photo of a giant interacitve robotic snail appearing the Festival of Tomorrow taken from video by Paul Blakemore

Swindon goes back to the future with the Festival of Tomorrow p21

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Editor's Note

By Jamie Hill

New Scout Group in Penhill going from strength to strength as numbers grow

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

A new Swindon Scout group saw numbers triple in barely two months.

Penhill Scouts opened their new section for girls and boys aged 10-14 with four members and within barely two months As we enter the first month of there were already a dozen 2024, it's definitely a time for members. us to reflect on the past and Recent activities among a ponder the future. diverse array of them have It's not been an easy time of it included an evening when for us Swindonians over the past members found out about few years but here at Swindon Diwali and made Diva Lamps.

Link we are definitely positive The evening also featured about the next 12 months. fireworks to celebrate Diwali, Most economists now agree and there were games of that we've been through the Capture the Flag and Defend worst (and it has been pretty the Chair. bad) and things are definitely Badges were presented in looking up, which can only be a the Air Activities, Air Spotter good thing for the town. and Jamboree on the Internet It is a time when the borough categories. can finally start moving forward John Paine, lead volunteer again and look at solving some for the group, said: “I decided of the town's important issues. to set up a new Scout Group For us our new project The Ink is as I wanted there to be some going from strength to strength. activities the children could The paid-for news subscription regularly attend and where service specialises in long-form they could have some fun. journalism and goes out four "We have attracted children days a week to our subscribers. who have never been involved And we've got big plans for 2024 which can only be for the in Scouts before and they are betterment of the town. You can getting opportunities to do some new activities. subscribe by scanning below.

"We’ve got plans to go hiking, climbing, having a themed evening to celebrate St Andrew, obtain the do-ityourself badge, have a hockey taster session, scuba diving and a visit to Warhammer.”

Scout Sean said: “It’s fun,

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson Reporter: Amanda Wilkins Sales Manager: Rosy Presley Accounts Manager: Karen Randall Contributors: Tyler Ody, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett

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adventurous and entertaining.

I talk to my friends about the activities they do and I think some might join.”

Fellow Scout Lilly added: “I like the games and the activities and I hope to get some badges.”

Adult volunteer Aaron said: “As a volunteer I’ve learnt new skills and developed others. These include gaining in confidence and getting opportunities to develop leadership skills.”

When John set up the Scouts, he also set up Squirrels (boys and girls aged 4 and 5) Beavers (boys and girls aged 6 to 8) and Cubs (boys and girls aged 8 to 10). Since the launch in September, they now have nearly 50 children enjoying regular fun activities.

All who wish to know more about Penhill Scouts are welcome to contact John Paine on 01793703033 or at stumpygsl@gmail.com.

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 644540 swindonlink.com n January 2024

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News from SBC

Let’s talk Swindon - Your chance to have your say Swindon Borough Council is inviting residents to say where it best focusses its efforts now and in the future as part of an engagement exercise called ‘Let’s talk Swindon’, which is taking place in January.

Doing more to involve and engage residents in the council’s work is a key priority of the administration elected last May, reinforced by resident survey feedback.

The council has developed a draft council plan, called the ‘Swindon Plan’, which proposes the initial activity it will progress over the next three years to benefit the borough

and its residents.

It is themed across three long-term, priority missions.

The ‘Reduce Inequality’ mission is concerned with making Swindon a fairer place, reducing disadvantage and eliminating big disparities in life expectancy, education levels and social justice.

Creating a town ready for the challenges of the coming decades is the focus of the ‘Build a Better Swindon’ mission and, where possible, leading town centre improvement and creating more affordable housing in partnership with the private sector.

Braving the cold shows true grit

Going out and working in freezing temperatures takes true grit, and no one has more of it this winter than Swindon Borough Council’s gritting team.

Already, the team have been out in freezing temperatures over the Christmas period, making sure the roads are safe for all drivers.

Each day, the team receives a weather forecast that informs them of what the predicted temperature will be the following night. Based on this information, a decision will be made on whether or not to send the crews out to grit more than 200 miles of the borough’s roads. As this information can change quickly, the crews are

always on standby 24/7 and will be able to make it to the depot in 20 minutes in order to load up the salt wagons and get on the road.

Bob Beecham, one of the crew members who has been on the team for 20 years, said: “We go out, we do our job and I feel proud at the end of the day for doing it. We get loaded up, we leave the depot, make sure everything’s working and we’re out on the road.

“When we do go gritting, the seven drivers are a real good team. They move the gritters for each other, they do everything they can and it’s a real team bond. One thing I do love is the team spirit we have."

The ‘Achieve Net Zero’ mission considers the council’s efforts working alongside residents and organisations to combat climate change.

Council leaders are looking for residents to kick the tyres on the plan, sharing what elements they value most and what else they feel should be included.

With the ongoing pressure of public finances, the council recognises it will need to leverage external funding from central Government and other partners to progress some elements of the plan.

The council is also looking to

Cllr Chris Watts, the council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “Our team does a fantastic job throughout the whole year but especially during the colder months.

“Bob has been a great servant to the town over the past 20 years and he truly loves his job.

“He and the rest of the team are always ready to go whenever the town might need them and they really are like our own superheroes.”

Along with gritting the roads, the team are also responsible for making sure salt boxes are full and in good condition. The main bulk of this work is done

change the way it operates and works with communities to reduce the need some families have for social care services.

A number of community events are taking place across the borough in January where residents can find out more and give their views.

Residents can also review and provide feedback on the plan online. Further details are available from: www.swindon. gov.uk/letstalkswindon The feedback received will inform a final version of the plan due to be reviewed by the council’s cabinet in March.

Cllr Chris Watts and gritting team crew member Bob Beecham

during the summer months when the boxes aren’t needed so they can be ready for when residents might wish to use them on paths during the winter.

Most salt boxes will be located off main roads and in locations that are on hills, rather than in flat areas of the town. You can find your nearest salt box on the council website.

Council thanks residents for embracing new changes to waste and recycling service

Residents in Swindon have been praised for playing their part in helping the town increase its recycling rate.

It comes after Swindon Borough Council introduced the biggest change in waste and recycling services for 15 years, including a new borough-wide food waste collection service.

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saving tens of thousands of pounds.

Once the food waste has been collected it is taken to an anaerobic digestion plant in Wiltshire, where it is turned into fertiliser for crops or converted into natural forms of energy.

That compares with putting it in with general waste where it is burnt to generate electricity.

About 70 per cent of food waste is made up of water, which requires considerably

more energy to burn it, making it a less efficient method of disposal than recycling.

Cllr Chris Watts, the council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “Our crews have been collecting waste from around 20,000 properties each day and more than 99 per cent of households have consistently had their waste collected, which is a tremendous effort from our staff, who are having

to navigate new routes and a new way of collecting waste.

We always knew there would be some teething issues along the way, so please report a missed collection if your recycling hasn’t been collected.

“You can find out more information about the waste and recycling changes on our website, including a list of frequently asked questions.”

For more information visit swindon.gov.uk/recyclefaqs

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Borough Council finances 'on cliff edge'

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com Swindon Borough Council leader Cllr Jim Robbins has outlined the 'extremely serious' state of the authority's finances.

A Local Government Association report has described the financial situation as being on a cliff edge.

Although the council has reduced its current in-year budget deficit by £3.6m since its Cabinet meeting in September, the most recent Cabinet meeting heard it was vital that ongoing spending controls continued to be rigorously applied across the organisation to minimise the use of reserves so they could be used to support the 2024-25 budget.

Based on current proposals, it is anticipated that in order to help to close the budget gap for the next financial year around 80 full-time equivalent

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posts will be removed from the organisation’s structure in 2024-25.

Of those 24 are currently vacant. Pending Full Council approval of the 2024-25 budget next February, any changes would be subject to a 30-day consultation process.

Other proposals discussed by the Cabinet include saving £4m by increasing communityled support to reduce demand on Adults’ services, and reducing the cost of children’s placements by using more local foster carers and improving the commissioning of services, saving £2.93m.

Changing the way libraries are run could save £606,000 over two years, while reducing street-lighting energy costs, such as by dimming certain lights at certain times, would account for £400,000 and withdrawing funding for community transport would save £182,000.

Cllr Robbins outlined the financial position at a Civic Offices briefing alongside senior councillors and officials including Cabinet Member for Finance Cllr Kevin Small, Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care Cllr Paul Dixon and chief executive Samantha Mowbray.

While stressing that the borough council, unlike some other councils, was currently not in danger of going bust, Cllr Robbins candidly admitted: "There isn't anything left to cut that hasn't already been looked at, and we're in a situation where the cuts we're having to make are having an impact on front line services."

Cllr Small said: “The LGA’s description of the council’s financial position being on a ‘cliff edge’ may sound dramatic to some, but it is exactly the position we find ourselves in.

“We knew when we took control of the council in May that inflation and increasing cost pressures, particularly in Children’s Services, were having a severe impact on our budget and we invited the LGA in to give us independent challenge and advice.

“Getting to grips with the eyewatering costs of children’s social care is critical if the council is to deliver a balanced budget now and in the future."

The council is currently forecasting a £6.5m in-year budget gap and an estimated £14.1m shortfall for the following financial year 2024/25.

This, it says, is due largely to inflation and the significant additional costs associated with Children’s Services - which were rated as Inadequate following an Ofsted inspection in September.

In its report the Local Government Association (LGA) described the council’s finances as being on a 'cliff edge' with a total of £32.9m in savings needing to be delivered next year, which equates to 20 per cent of this year’s budget.

So far, £18.8m in savings has been identified.

The LGA carried out a financial health check of the local authority after being asked by political leaders to undertake a Finance Peer Challenge, with a specific focus on the revenue budget position and the impact of the challenges in delivering Children’s Services.

In its review, which was also discussed by the council’s Cabinet, the LGA highlighted how the council needed to bring its Children’s Services budget under control if it was going to succeed in achieving long-term financial stability.

The service area, which is currently forecasting a budget pressure of £9.5m for the next financial year, has developed a transformation plan to address concerns raised by Ofsted in the wake of the 'Inadequate' rating.

The LGA also recommended that the council tackled concerns over a shortfall in the amount of reserves it holds, as well as ensuring the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit was addressed and that a Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) was developed to balance the budget beyond 2024-25.

The Peer Challenge report added that the new political and managerial leadership of the council “...are showing clear ownership of the financial position that the Council finds itself in and collectively they are committed to Swindon and to addressing the financial challenges.”

The report also described the council's finance team as wellrespected and said the council had a good track record of delivering savings, being on schedule to deliver 83 per cent of savings in 2023-24.

Reference was made to the importance of the council’s new corporate plan - The Swindon Plan - which, once finalised, will set the council’s priorities in the years to come.

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You can now get hold of your free Swindon Link in Tesco Superstore Swindon Link readers will now be able to pick up their free copy of the magazine at Tesco Superstore in Ocotal Way. A new magazine bin has been installed in the store near the free bookcase by the self service checkouts.

Swindon Link editor Jamie Hill said: "We have always wanted to get Swindon Link out to as many people as possible but because of the economics involved we have been unable to deliver door to door to a few areas of the town.

"This new magazine bin will enable people who don't currently get the Link and are therefore unable to keep up with the news in our community to be able to pick one up as they finish shopping.

"It is hoped that this will be

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the first supermarket of many that we will be able to use as Swindon Link pick-up points."

If you can't make it to Tesco a digital version of the magazine as well as Swindon Link's full digital archive covering the past 45 years is always available on our website at swindonlink.com

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Families across Swindon receive help with the cost of food During 2023, households across Swindon have continued to benefit from the Household Support Fund (HSF), a fund provided by the Department for Work and Pensions to support families with the cost of food, energy and wider essentials.

Between April and September this year, more than £1.2m in HSF funding was used by Swindon Borough Council to support 12,269 households in the borough.

This support included 1,546 households receiving food from local charities, such as the Swindon Food Collective or the Community Fridge at the Gorse

Hill Baptist Church, and 10,063 households receiving food vouchers, which are spent at local grocery stores on healthy food.

Since last summer, the HSF has also been used to buy 426 slow cookers, 85 health grills and 24 kettles, and many of these have been given to local families.

The HSF is available to people who have experienced an unexpected expense which affects their ability to meet the cost of energy, food or other essential bills, or who are struggling to afford to heat their home.

Eligible residents can apply

by searching ‘Household Support Fund’ on the council’s website.

For those who wish to help their community with food poverty, Swindon residents can donate food and toiletries to the Swindon Food Collective, an independent food bank in Swindon currently feeding nearly 10,000 people per year.

In the last 12 months, just over

11.5 tonnes of pasta, baby products and tinned food has been distributed by the charity.

The Swindon Food Collective has multiple drop-off points for donations in Swindon.

You can find these at www. swindonfoodcollective.org For those who need a little inspiration, the charity is happy to receive soups, sauces, tinned fruit and veg as well as other non-perishable food items.

This account can help parents save up to £2,000 a year on childcare costs, whether they have toddlers or teens. For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare account, families automatically receive a top up from the Government of £2.

Parents can use Tax-Free

Childcare to help with childcare costs. It provides working families with up to £2,000 a year per child towards their bills for children up to the age of 11, or £4,000 a year up to the age of 16 if their child has a disability. www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

Parents encouraged to apply for support with childcare costs Eligible working parents of two-year-olds will be able to register to access 15 hours of free childcare per week from April 2024. The recommended time to register is between mid-January and the end of February.

More information on the

childcare support available to parents can be found on the Childcare Choices website, where parents can explore early education entitlements and other Government help with childcare costs, including opening a Tax-Free Childcare account.

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New NHS service tackles gambling addiction

Fifth birthday celebration for Swindon church

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

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Pattern Church has marked its Health Partnership NHS Trust fifth anniversary with a wellhas launched the South West attended party.

Gambling Service.

It was in 2018 in a marquee The service is working in outside the old GWR Pattern partnership with Mental Health Store that a new Anglican Matters, H2CD, Togetherall, church was started in Swindon.

Dr Julian and Intuitive Thinking Pattern Church held its first Skills and will provide specialist meeting in the car park outside therapies to those affected by the historic building that was to gambling addiction. become its new home after a More information can be found programme of renovation. at www.awp.nhs.uk/our-services/ Despite wet and windy az-services/south-west-gambling- weather Pattern Church was service and on 0330 022 3175. born with lively worship,

New head of Zurich Community Trust

Zurich Community Trust (ZCT) Zurich’s community charitable arm in the UK - has appointed Laurie Deans as its new head.

She will succeed Steve Grimmett, who has decided to step down next April after leading the organisation for the past five years. Laurie has been with Swindon-based Zurich for two decades, having joined on the Actuarial Graduate Scheme.

Almost 600 potholes tackled by Swindon Borough Council in November

Swindon Borough Council has announced the repair of 592 potholes in November.

The council said 483 were fixed within five working days of being reported, 541 were identified by the team of five highway inspectors and 142 were reported by residents, of which 51 were in criteria for a repair.

A council spokesperson said: "As our budget is limited, we risk assess and prioritise repairs as follows: For a pothole to be considered a safety defect, it must be at least 40mm deep in the road surface.

"Potholes that pose a very high level of safety risk are completed within 24 hours.

"Other defects may be programmed for a longer period of repair of up to six weeks."

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passionate prayer and a desire to see help Swindon experience the love of Jesus.

Five years on, more than 350 people gathered for a day of celebration called Pattern Fest.

Senior Pattern Church leader Joel Sales said: "It’s amazing seeing what God has done over these last five years.

People have found faith in Jesus, found community,

and are serving Swindon in amazing ways.

“Jesus changes lives, we’ve seen that again and again. It was wonderful to celebrate with the community, we’re excited to see what God does next.”

The day began with the 10am service, featuring the usual mixture of family worship, children’s groups and the youth, who went to Five Guys as part of the celebration. Joel Sales talked about the journey the church had made over the last five years as well as

challenging the congregation to play their part in all that God has planned for Swindon.

Following the service Pattern Fest got under way. This included the lower floor being cleared for activities such as a silent disco, velcro axe throwing, candy floss, pop corn and biscuit decoration.

Other attractions ranged from craft stalls to a visit from a Westlea fire engine, and the celebrations with the 6pm service, followed by pizza, a silent disco and a speciallymade birthday cake.

Visiting poet helps junior school pupils find their inner bard

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Noremarsh Junior School welcomed poet and author Paul Cookson for a special event called Rise Up. Veteran performance poet Paul, who has written several acclaimed collections, spends much of his time touring schools and encouraging young people to explore their creativity.

Schools within the Ascend Learning Trust take turns to host the Rise Up events and pick their own topic, with Noremarsh this year choosing poetry.

The day began with students reading aloud and acting out the interactive poems written

by Paul.

By altering their tone of voice or the way in which the words were spoken, the students were able to bring the words to life.

Evie from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy proudly claimed first place, with Sam from Noremarsh Junior School and Florrie from Wellington

Lions Primary coming in a welldeserved joint second.

All thoroughly enjoyed the day, with Paul leaving all the students and staff in fits of laughter.

The poet returned the next day for workshops with all children at Noremarsh Junior School, with each class creating their own poems.

Hilary MacMeekin, Headteacher at Noremarsh, said: “Paul Cookson is a family favourite poet.

"Every child got involved with the actions and chanting along to Paul’s poems.

"Paul returned on the Tuesday after a successful first day with the trust students, for a workshop with our children to teach them how to create their own poetry.

"Both days were great fun and Paul had us all in stitches and I hope to have Paul visit again next year for our school’s next Rise Up event.”

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New Northern Ireland role for South Swindon MP Robert Buckland Sir Robert Buckland MP has been elected unopposed as the Chair of the Northern Ireland Select Committee.

The South Swindon MP said: "I am delighted to have been elected unopposed as Chair of Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee.

"I am a strong Unionist but believe in working with all communities and as there is no functioning government at Stormont, the Committee’s work is particularly important.

“This work is all part of my active and visible contribution to Parliamentary life, talking about Swindon and wider issues on the national stage.”

Corporation Street reopened

Work to improve traffic flow at a key town centre junction has been completed within budget and ahead of schedule.

Corporation Street, which has been closed to through traffic since 14 August, has just reopened with a new additional southbound lane on the approach to Whalebridge junction in the direction of the Leonardo Hotel. The works included numerous underground upgrades to existing utility services, which has taken some co-ordination but should reduce further works in the area over the coming years.

The £1.1m scheme also includes a new access road into the Kimmerfields development site next to Zurich’s Unity Place office and the creation of a new dedicated cycle lane, which will link up the Eastern Flyer cycle route with Fleming Way. The improvements to the cycle network were made following consultation with Swindon Cycle Campaign group. The road was originally due to reopen prior to Christmas. Local firm Lake Edge Limited successfully completed the project using local employees and utilising a local supply chain.

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Work begins on Health Hydro façade as new funding bid submitted Work to improve the external façade of the Health Hydro has begun.

Since the Swindon Borough Council-owned leisure centre closed earlier this year, extensive surveys have been carried out, which could not be done while the building was in use.

Now, scaffolding has been put up in order to repair failing roofs and sections of the stonework and windows.

This work is part of a £6.9m refurbishment programme which is being funded using money from the council, the Government’s Towns Fund and Historic England.

When complete, users will experience substantial improvements with enhanced changing facilities, a new entrance and fitness suite in the former washing baths hall and a new mechanical, electrical and plumbing plant system to service the main pool and improve the building’s environmental performance.

As this is only the first phase of works, further funding is needed for the £5.7m second phase. In November a £4.6m grant bid was submitted to the National Heritage Lottery Fund, which will aim to fund the completion of the restoration and enhancement of the main pool hall.

Overall, the project will repair and insulate the main pool hall roof, deliver substantial improvements to the building’s environmental performance and

undertake conservation works to the exterior and interior including the spectator gallery and stained-glass window.

The project will also focus on how to showcase the building’s remarkable history and its role in informing the blueprint for the NHS. The success of the first stage of this bid will be revealed in March 2024. If successful, a second application will then need to be prepared and submitted.

No more tears after poorly puppy treated at Swindon animal hospital A much-loved Great Dane with multiple eyelid problems and chronic tear overflow has had her eyesight restored thanks to surgeons at a Swindon animal hospital.

The vision of 11-month-old Eve was being affected due to the severity of her eye conditions until she underwent an intricate operation

by Ida Gilbert, head of ophthalmology at Linnaeusowned Eastcott Veterinary Referrals.

The most severe eye issue for Eve, who was being cared for by National Great Dane Rescue before she was fostered and then adopted by her new owners, was a painful right eye.

Eve was born with large eyelid openings which had caused her lower right eyelid to turn inward (entropion), resulting in corneal irritation and inflammation.

In turn, this caused blood vessels to grow into her cornea and the surface to pigment.

Additionally, there was a prolapsed third eyelid gland in the right eye which was so large it was blocking some of her visual field.

Dogs have an extra eyelid at the inside corner of their eyes which sweeps across the surface to provide protection and distribute the tear film. The painful keratitis as well as the prolapsed gland resulted in chronic tear overflow.

Eve’s new owners, Deborah Noakes and Justin Finning, took her in as a foster from National Great Dane Rescue when she was awaiting surgery but quickly fell in love with Eve so adopted her.

Deborah said: “Eve was extremely uncomfortable and her eyesight was being affected, but her quality of life has massively improved since her operation at Eastcott.

“She is much happier in her skin and so much more confident now she has full vision.

“Eve was in the very best hands and we were not concerned at all as we trusted Ida 100 per cent.”

Ida said: “It’s great to hear Eve is recovering well in her new forever home, where she gets to live with four other Great Danes.”

More information about Eastcott Referrals can be found at www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk

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- Self-service dog wash station - No booking required - All products & equipment included

www.muddysquad.co.uk From £8 24 Henchard Crescent, Swindon, SN25 1BD 07914 759892

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A focus on fitness and wellbeing for 2024 As we come into 2024, our minds are drawn to our own physical and mental wellbeing especially in the wake of our New Year Resolutions. Let's make 2024 a healthy one for our minds and bodies.

Embrace Health and Wellbeing at your local Better leisure centre Taking care of our health and wellbeing is essential and fortunately residents of Swindon have access to a number of fantastic facilities right in your doorstep.

Better leisure centres Croft Sports Centre, Delta Tennis Centre, Dorcan Better Health & Recreation Centre, Hayden Centre and Gym and Link centre offer a wide range of activities and facilities that can help you achieve your health and fitness goals while having fun and socialising with others.

From working out in the gym to attending social fitness classes and taking a refreshing swim, we’ve got you covered.

Kickstart your fitness journey with a workout in the gym welcoming you to a supportive environment for everyone in the community. You can focus on building a programme that is tailored to you with one of the fitness instructors incorporating cardio, strength and free weights.

Fitness Instructors provide guidance on using equipment safely and effectively.

Add a little variety by attending a number of weekly fitness classes to help you stay motivated.

Give singing a try for your wellbeing at Julie Scott's Academy Julie Scott started the academy, originally called K School of Music, 30 years ago.

She said: "The name was supposed to be temporary, short for Karaoke School but 12 Years ago I finally changed it to Julie Scott’s Academy. This was my professional singing name for most of my life."

The school has grown since 1993 and apart from singing lessons they do musical Theatre, jazz, street, freestyle, ballet, tap.

Limbering, contemporary and lyrical, the academy competes in competitions, do exams and shows, and they have also been lucky enough to perform at Disneyland Paris.

Julie added: "The singing school has a wide variety of students ranging from three years old to 70 and it's one big family supporting each other no matter how they do.

"Music and dance is available to everyone, so give it a try someday and I think you will love it."

To take part contact Julie on 07970 501599.

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Fitness classes are perfect for you if you prefer group settings and enjoy social interaction with like-minded individuals.

Finally, enjoy a refreshing workout by attending one of our swim sessions.

If you're looking for a low-impact yet highly effective workout, swimming is an excellent choice. Swimming offers

numerous health benefits and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Your local Better leisure centre in Swindon is more than just a place to exercise; it's a hub for enhancing your health and wellbeing.

Discover your local leisure centre today by visiting better.org.uk/swindon

Youfit helps you to help yourself Youfit Health Club is based at the Holiday Inn just off the Coate Water roundabout on Marlborough Road.

People joining the club can choose either to pay for three months at £39 per month or 12 months at £34 per month.

At the moment there is a 0% joining fee available for a limited time only.

There are currently 425 members, ranging from keen gym-goers to people simply wishing to improve their general fitness, and also people taking exercise as part of rehabilitation from injury.

They can choose to use the extensivelyequipped gym, the modern swimming pool, the spa pool, the saunas or whichever combination of these things they prefer.

A major You Fit Health Club promise is that staff will always be on hand to offer friendly and well-informed advice.

As the club says on its website: "Join You Fit Swindon today to start your fitness and wellbeing journey. Our team will ensure you always feel welcome and inspired."

The club also offers a broad range of

exercise classes.

During one recent week alone, there were three Aqua Aerobics classes, a Stretch class and a Pilates class.

The club offers tours to prospective members, and details can be found on the website, which also has a special members' area and information about special offers and prize draws.

The benefits of membership include the use of You Fit Club branches throughout the country, keenly-priced exclusive hotel staycations, 25 percent off food and drinks and discounts at online shops including Cotswold Outdoor. youfitclubs.co.uk/club/swindon

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A focus on fitness and wellbeing for 2024 Tanya sheds 10.5 stone in a year thanks to Slimming World

Tanya Miller of Penhill joined Slimming World on referral scheme after her GP suggested the only option for her was weight loss surgery.

Tanya suffered from severe back pain and she wasn't able to walk 100 meters without coughing.

Instead of the surgery she received a 12 week referral to Slimming World and in January 2023 she joined her local group in Penhill.

Determined to make a change and become healthy she gave the Food Optimising eating plan all she had.

She soon realised nothing was off limits and when she made changes to the way she cooked family meals, her weight started to drop off.

Tanya loves that she can still eat her family favourites like carbonara or home made scotch eggs for snacking.

She is still learning to adapt recipes for her husband who is a vegetarian and due to his autism he struggles with textures. In the past she was in so much pain, even standing to cook dinner was a challenge, so she used to order three to five takeaways a week.

After losing 10.5 stone this year she no longer relies on unhealthy takeouts. Not only is her waistline smaller, but also her food bills!

Tanya also embraced the Body Magic plan which helps Slimming World members build activity at their own pace. She started walking, increasing

distance step by step.

In the beginning she couldn't walk far but now walks 8-10 miles a day. In May she managed to complete her first charity walk and did 108 miles for Cancer Research. In November she managed to do 227 miles raising money for Autistic National Society!

Tanya reached her 10.5 stone award by December and the change to her health and life is incredible.

She walks everywhere, she is no longer in pain, she sleeps better and she is able to enjoy activities with her family! Tanya said: "Without their support and my group members' support I wouldn't have gotten this far.

"Now I look forward to the brighter and better future."

Harmonising Mindset, Metabolic Health, and Longevity: The Zenith Body and Mind Approach Did you know that from the age of 30 we lose 5% of our muscle mass per decade, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, arthritis, obesity, heart disease, depression, and diabetes?

Our metabolic health affects our mental health, especially our levels of anxiety and depression, and it also influences our chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and some cancers. In a world where mental and physical health are often treated as separate entities, finding a holistic approach that intertwines all the factors needed for your health and longevity can be transformative.

Zenith Body & Mind transcends conventional fitness regimes, focussing on not just extending lifespan but enriching it.

This pioneering venture is co-founded by Anita Lawless and Niki Walker, their combined knowledge and expertise offering a seamless integration of mindset coaching, cognitive and emotional fitness, physical training, and nutrition to revolutionise personal health.

Experience an introductory, tailored, six-week program designed with convenient coaching sessions and extra self-paced learning. www.zenithbodyandmind.co.uk

A guide to chiropractic by Chiropractic Health Chiropractic is a form of treatment that helps alleviate many musculoskeletal problems and any associated issues such as nerve or muscle pain, or even pain in other joints caused by the body compensating.

The treatment uses a variety of manipulative and soft tissue

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techniques that can improve the function and alignment of the joints, therefore relieving pain and muscle spasm, and overall increase mobility.

The techniques Chiropractic Health use will depend on many factors such as the condition that is being treated, age and

personal preferences.

While the majority of the treatment is for low back or neck pain, they can also treat many other areas such as the shoulder, knee or hip as well as less joint related issues such as headaches and migraines.

Chiropractic Health offers a

Big changes at Shaw Chiro

The team at Shaw Chiropractic Clinic are delighted to announce an exciting new chapter in their 26 year service to Swindon, and surrounding areas.

Dr. Sandra Davies (Sandy), founder of Shaw Chiropractic Clinic, will be handing over clinical responsibilities to Doctors of Chiropractic, Callum Larcombe and Max Bento, from the start of January 2024.

It is with Sandy's famous eye for detail and attentive care that this handover process will be a seamless continuation of the high-standard care associated with Shaw Chiropractic Clinic.

Both Callum and Max share the passion for delivering safe and effective chiropractic care. It is through the careful analysis of human structure that chiropractors assess both the alignment of the spinal column and pelvis, as well as the function of the nervous system. Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining structural alignment in the spine in order to maintain optimum nervous system function and the body's ability to heal. Their dedication to chiropractic care aligns seamlessly with the clinic's mission to empower individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.

Callum and Max look forward to working with the existing team. We invite all past, present, and new clients to welcome both Callum and Max into their role, www.shawchiropracticclinic. co.uk

‘free screen’ service where you can come in and chat to put a plan together on how to move forwards.

It is free of charge but no treatment is given.

For more information call 01793 602454, or visit www. chiropractichealthcentres.com swindonlink.com n January 2024 15 15/12/2023 10:15

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Five Principles Everything the school does is based on five clear and powerful principles: Excellence Aspiration Challenge Values Community

Welcome to Warneford!

Highworth Warneford School is a small, welcoming and successful 11-16 school. Our students come from the market town of Highworth and surrounding areas, including local villages, Swindon and South Oxfordshire.

We have a proud tradition of academic excellence and the school is a very safe and vibrant learning environment, with high expectations.

The School Profile: Highworth Warneford

Get to know the schools in your area.

This issue: Highworth Warneford School Address: Shrivenham Road, Highworth SN6 7BZ Contact: 01793 762426 Website: www.warnefordschool.org

You are always welcome to come and visit us to see the school in action.

We are an inclusive school, providing a well-rounded education that enables our students to acquire and develop the skills, knowledge and attributes they will need throughout their adult lives.

We have a focus on academic achievement, with our students aiming for and achieving the very best exam grades that will ensure ongoing success.

Some of our young people need extra support, and our amazing SEND and Pastoral teams are always there to help where needed.

Working Together We are delighted to be part of the very highly regarded Park Academies Trust, which has an excellent reputation and oversees six local schools.

Being part of this team means that excellence is shared and resources go that little bit further, ensuring all of our young people get the best possible experiences.

Most importantly, the students are all ‘known’ and valued: the quality of pastoral care is outstanding.

Our Ethos

These are used to engage our students and encourage them to be the very best that they can be.

The Warneford Way

We are very proud of our school and our amazing students. When youngsters join us, they become part of our family and we do everything to nurture them as individuals to reach their potential.

Many of our staff choose the school for their own children, which is one of the best recommendations you can get.

Our House system forms the backbone of the school and underpins much of what we do – from pastoral care to student leadership and beyond.

Behaviour and attitudes to learning are excellent – our specialist teachers can teach using the very best educational approaches and students can learn without distraction.

We are particularly proud of the many opportunities available outside of the classroom – clubs, activities, sports, music, events, trips, work experience, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and residentials. There is something for everyone!

This exciting partnership also gives access to the Trust’s Sixth Form for those that want to continue their educational journey within our family of schools.

Facilities The school has excellent, specialist facilities that enable our students to study a wide range of subjects to a high level. This includes a large, modern Sports Hall, a full range of DT and IT rooms and well-provisioned Science labs.

Situated on the edge of Highworth, we have plenty of outdoor space for sports and other activities in a rural setting.

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Interview: Swindon man Leon Flower is an instructor in European martial arts with Wessex School of Arms

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk When most people think of martial arts, they tend to think of Eastern disciplines ranging from Judo to Kendo, and from Karate to Jiu-Jitsu.

Few realise that there are not ony European martial arts, but that they have been around for centuries and have traditions and literature all their own.

Leon Flower is familiar with this unfamiliarity: "Whenever I mention martial arts and then say it's English martial Arts or European Martial Arts, people normally say, 'There's such a thing?'

"And yes, there is - they are martial arts of European origin!

"What groups such as ours do is studying and training, using real historical sources.

These are books and manuals that were written by historic European masters.

"The earliest one - the earliest European Fight Book, as they are known, is a German book on sword and buckler [a buckler is a small shield] which was actually written in 1300.

"Since then there have been a wealth of sources - mostly German and Italian - right through from the 14th century to the early modern period.

But it was really in that early modern period, late Tudor and Stuart period, where you start to see some English sources appearing.

"We at Wessex School of Arms have always taken a focus on those English sources.

"The main source that we use is a couple of books written by a guy called George Silver. In 1599 he wrote his first book, Paradoxes of Defence, and he followed that one in around 1610 that he wrote Brief Instructions on my Paradoxes of Defence.

"We take that as our main source along with some some 18

Leon Flower, kneeling, with fellow instructors Matt Spencer, left, and Nial Prince

other 17th and 18th century English sources."

Wessex School of Arms has two groups or chapters, one in Swindon and the other in Bath.

The Swindon chapter meets on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Pinetrees Community Centre in Pinehurst.

Full details of its activities can be found at www.swindonhema. com Leon said: "We're looking to start a beginners' course in the new year - we're ready to take on some new students. People can contact us via the website."

All are welcome at the club, and members work with a range of weapons including the backsword, the fearsome traditional cutting and thrusting weapon which developed from the one-handed swords used by knights.

Another discipline involves the quarterstaff - the stout length of wood familiar from historical representations of Little John in screen versions of the Robin Hood legends. Although its most famous wielder may or may not have existed, there is no doubt that the quarter staff itself was

a very real weapon indeed, and made especially deadly when tipped with a bill hook.

Wessex School of Arms members can also explore fighting styles such as sword and buckler and pugilism - the style of boxing which was dominant for many years before the modern sport as we know it emerged.

Naturally, blades are blunted and combatants in bouts wear strong modern safety equipment - and not 'period' gear such as chainmail.

Leon said: "We are not reenactors. We teach genuine systems based on historical systems of how to actually fight properly."

Leon's professional background is in librarianship, and like many a librarian he has a strong interest in history.

His favourite period?

"I suppose it's got to be the Middle Ages, really - Medieval right up to the early modern period. It was a period of a lot of changes. I'm not saying I'd necessarily want to have been alive during that period! It was very violent and dangerous

LINK PEOPLE but certainly the period I read more about and am more interested in."

There are regular competitions for anybody who wishes to take part in them.

Leon has been involved in European martial arts since 2007.

"I always wanted to fight with a sword. I grew up reading fantasy fiction and being interested in history.

"I was always interested in it, and then a friend of mine began training with an organisation called the Company of Maisters who are based in London.

"He then set up a study group of the Company of Maisters in Avebury, and that was when I started."

The club's door is always open to those with an interest.

"If you're thinking about it, come along and just try it out.

We always do the first lesson for free anyway because it's quite daunting and people don't know what to expect, but we're a friendly bunch. We take ourselves seriously in the sense that what we're doing is dangerous and we don't want to hurt anyone, but we're not precious about it. I want the people who come along to our club to learn skills that are real and genuine rather than just impart what I think is the right way.

"We take turns teaching and we all learn from each other.

"Equally, you don't need to have any skill at all, and you don't need to be particularly fit. We have people who come along and have trained in systems, and we have people who come along and are completely green and never practised any martial art.

They've just watched Lord of the Rings or Witcher and thought, 'I'd like to give that a go!'"

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Business Profile - NexGen Windows Swindon Business Type - Provider of windows and doors Established - 2019 Location - 9 Clive Parade, Cricklade Road, Swindon SN2 1AJ Telephone number - 01793 977030 Website - www.nexgenwindows.co.uk

Pride in excellent customer care

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk "The primary focus of NexGen Windows Swindon," said codirector Mark Coates, "is the quality of our products, the quality of our installations and also the quality of the after care."

This means that in the rare event of a problem arising, the company makes sure it sends somebody out to meet the customer and arrange for whatever is necessary to be done.

The message is reiterated on the NexGen website: " For too long the double-glazing industry has had a reputation for poor customer service. Our vision was to fix that which is why you will always be able to discuss your project or any concerns directly with the owners."

The calibre of the company was recognised in backto-back Prestige Window Supplier of the Year accolades for 2022-23 and 2023-24.

NexGen Windows Swindon offers a broad range of products to suit any requirement a customer might have.

As the first message to greet clients on its website proudly

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states: "We are a local business offering the latest in energyefficient windows and doors, bi-fold, patio and French doors, electric and manual garage doors, fascia, soffit, guttering and cladding and conservatory roof upgrades in Wiltshire and surrounding areas."

The website also explains another key principle behind the NexGen customer experiece: "We will leave your home as if it were ours and we only fit products we either do have, or would have, in our own properties."

The directors chose the name NexGen - short for 'Next Generation' - because customers can expect the very latest and best products along with excellent value for money.

The first step for a new customer - usually after consulting the detailed website - is to arrange a visit and a discussion of requirements and options. Each of those options is carefully explained and demonstrated, ensuring each customer's individual needs are met.

Further crucial inspection is carried out by one of the company's qualified surveyors before work commences.

All NexGen fitters are skilled master craftsmen with exceptionally high standards.

And throughout the process, as Mark explained: "There will always be a director available to talk to the customer and answer any questions they might have."

The directors of Nexgen Windows Swindon are Mark Coates, Shane Thompson and Aby Al-Rukon.

Between them the three have decades of experience in their industry, including working for a major firm with a national presence.

Each took pride - and still takes pride - in offering each customer the items best suited to their needs, but according to Mark there was one aspect of working at the national firm which spurred them to set up on their own.

Mark explained that they would sometimes hear from people who had sought customer care only to find themselves unable to speak to the right people.

That is why customers of NexGen Windows Swindon can rest assured that if they have any queries about their purchase at any stage before or after installation, they can simply call and speak directly to one of the owners of the company. swindonlink.com n January 2024

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LINK POLITICS Looking forward to a year of challenges and hope for Swindon's future A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins As is traditional at this time of year, it is good to look forward in January at what you want to achieve through the year, but first I want to thank residents for an unbelievable 2023!

Taking over the council has been a huge honour and privilege, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as have the Labour group. It was really humbling to win such support in May. That said, it certainly hasn’t been easy; taking over a council with an eyewatering debt, further cuts to make, low staff morale, a poor reputation with the public, having to deliver the Conservatives' changes to the waste and recycling service and most concerning of all, an

inadequate Childrens’ Services department, and all done in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

I hope that you feel that we have made steady improvements, such as getting Ofsted to agree to our plan to get Childrens’ Services back on track, adopting the Better Swindon principles to demonstrate our commitment to genuine feedback, approving plans for vital new youth facilities in the town, finally getting some roadworks projects delivered on time and on budget, building staff morale, getting a deal agreed

to reopen the Oasis, helping save the Swindon Wildcats by getting the Link Centre back open ahead of schedule and more.

There is, of course, lots more to be done, such as transforming how the council works to safeguard its financial future, delivering the policies that will help us achieve our goals of reducing inequality, building a better Swindon and achieving Net Zero.

That is why we were so proud to bring forward the first draft of the Swindon Plan in December, and through January we will be holding a series of public sessions to get your feedback and input on the plan to make sure that it is owned and agreed by the residents of Swindon.

We will launching an exciting new online platform – Let’s talk Swindon - to host some of

these conversations and get your engagement on how we develop the town.

Following that in May, we will be back out on the campaign trail, seeking your vote to help us build on the work that we have started and to be able to implement the plan we will have developed for the town together.

We may have the General Election at the same time, and we will be fighting hard to get two Labour MPs elected and for a Labour Government who can deliver the change and regeneration that both the town and the country desperately need. We look forward to thousands more conversations with residents on the doorstep over the next year, to get your feedback on how we can build the better Swindon we all want to see and give the town its future back.

Swindon facing another Council Tax increase next year A column by borough council Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Sumner Many of you will remember the election campaign in May when Labour posted repeatedly in their leaflets and in paid-for promotions on social media (paid for by the National Labour Party) their big promise of a Council Tax Freeze.

The policy was announced

by Sir Keir Starmer at their election launch at the Carriageworks. There was some small print (many may not have looked closely) stating that this would apply only ‘if’ there was a Labour Government. However, many believed it, and local labour members and activists repeated it as a reason for voting their way.

That key promise has turned out to be a lie and Council Tax will rise by the maximum 20

allowed of five percent next year – a rise that we, reluctantly, had to implement for the same reasons last year.

They claim this is due to unexpected budget pressures, but those are the same pressures we managed year after year whilst delivering a balanced budget. I have some sympathy in that managing a council is never easy but we always succeeded in keeping key services running. It requires tough decisions and all the time you have the increasing pressures of adults and children’s social care, which Sir

Kier Starmer hasn’t said they would deal with any differently either.

Please remember this as leaflets start to pop through your door again over the coming months. Last month I proposed a motion asking the Labour administration to prioritise development of Brownfield sites, before Greenfield. The Labour members, without any debate, defeated this unanimously – they said they didn’t want to pre-judge the draft ‘Local Plan’ which will be subject to consultation next summer (after the elections). I am disappointed, as it is within the council’s gift to decide on the amount of growth and where they want those sites to be.

Swindon has enough planned development for housing and employment for the next 20 years and residents in Highworth, Blunsdon, Wroughton, Wanborough and

West Swindon should be very concerned. In the meantime, we will continue to oppose additional and unnecessary development.

More green fields will be lost to development under the Labour administration as they now lie unprotected, whilst hundreds of brownfield sites stand empty and waiting.

Finally, I have raised with the Council Leader and Chief Executive the removal of the ‘Adults & Childrens’ Overview & Scrutiny Committee meetings in May, as they rushed to create new ‘policy’ committees.

After nine months without a single policy agreed, and with Adults and Childrens services facing serious challenges there is now agreement from all that this decision was hasty. I have asked that these valuable meetings are reinstated to protect both the council and its residents form potentially harmful decisions.

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Swindon goes back to the future with The Festival of Tomorrow

By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk From a giant interactive robotic snail to strawberry flavoured clouds, from swarms of drones to exploding custard - the Festival of Tomorrow is taking over the town with its biggest programme yet.

The annual festival sees artists and Swindon arts organisations coming together with scientists and researchers to find creative new ways to help people explore the science, technology and discoveries that will shape our future. Thanks to support from key partners UK Research and Innovation, Business West and Arts Council England, this year’s festival will include performances, immersive installations, and free drop-in activities at more venues than ever before – from Coate Water to the Designer Outlet Centre.

Thousands of primary school children across the borough will get an early taste of the fun, with a programme of handson workshops, planetarium shows and interactive online performances and challenges from top science communicators in the run up to the half-term break.

The public programme will kick off with a live contemporary dance performance set to the rich visuals of the late Jóhann Jóhannsson’s science fiction film Last and First Men with narration from Tilda Swinton.

Presented by Neon Dance, First and Last Men will take place at Swindon Dance on Friday 9 February. Other evening events will include a science comedy night at The Vic in Old Town, and a special film screening hosted by Create Studios at the Carriageworks.

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Families will also find lots to keep them entertained throughout the half-term week.

One highlight is sure to be meeting a huge robot; Luma an 8m long inflatable snail who loves an audience. She looms above visitors with a presence which is gentle, welcoming and otherworldly. Luma will be at Steam Museum from Monday 12 to Sunday 18 February, as part of a programme of free, drop-in activities. Don’t miss the chance to see, touch and taste clouds at The Cloud Factory workshops on Wednesday 14!

A quick walk across to the Designer Outlet will uncover more free activities, including a swarm robot escape room, an Augmented Reality space trail and an interactive installation which invites visitors to make their mark while interacting with bio-inspired robots.

There’ll also be fun science sparks workshops at libraries, young street theatre science performers will be popping up around the town centre, and the Richard Jefferies Museum will be running nature-inspired activities.

The festivities will culminate in a two-day Finale Extravaganza on Friday 16 & Saturday 17 February, taking place once again at The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe.

Organisers say visitors can expect to be wowed by lots of exciting new interactive exhibits. Participants will have the chance to fly a drone, race a hydrogen cell car or programme a robot vehicle, and get hands on with the latest technology including a 3D anatomage virtual anatomy table, and the latest e-sports gaming gear.

The popular event will also feature an action-packed array of live shows and thought-

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FEATURES

Photo by Miles Hart Photography

provoking panel discussions.

Families won’t want to miss the inspirational ‘Exploding Custard’ science-show presented by award-winning science communicator Ian Russell. This spectacular experience of more easily-repeatable experiments than you’ll be able to remember has delighted audiences in over 15 countries.

In their new interactive show, Braintastic! Science challenge you to complete tasks that have been used in real life to test the intelligence of a range of animals. You’ll need to use your creativity to solve tricky logic puzzles normally completed by chimps, parrots and even dolphins.

Juggling Scientist Dr Ken will explore the scientific principles

behind skilful circus tricks and dangerous stunts. Hold onto your seats as he eats fire, cracks whips and juggles five beanbags - all in the name of science.

With immersive planetarium shows from family-favourites Explorerdome and live science demonstrations, hands-on science and creative activities and fun challenges from organisations including the James Dyson Foundation, Intel, Catalent and many leading universities, everyone is invited to explore the latest discoveries and ideas which will help shape our future!

To be first in line for tickets and the latest festival announcements, sign up for updates at www. festivaloftomorrow.com

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Pick Up Point brought plenty of cheer and a top class menu - to celebration

FOOD & DRINK

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The thing about booking a work Christmas meal is that it can be a bit of a gamble.

'Tis the season, after all, for restaurants packed to the gunwhales, harried staff and sometimes befuddled customers.

When the time came for our annual festive meal gamble, we decided to shamelessly load the dice by heading for The Pick Up Point (thepickuppoint. com), which has been comfortably among the finest Old Town dining experieces since the day it opened its doors.

Owner and chef Josh West, who trained at one of the most prestigious culinary schools in France, and whose CV features some of the top kitchens in London and beyond, once said that his philosophy was underselling

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POETRY

and overdelivering.

In practice this means bringing personal touches and unique angles to each dish - and the formula works, whether during the festive season or at any other time of year.

Between the half-dozen or so people who made up our party, there were too many star dishes to list, although the several imaginative takes on burgers were particular favourites.

The Heisenburger, for example, is a truly delicious

“Eight,” I replied.

“I suppose you’ll be getting a pup to replace him soon.”

I hadn’t been thinking anything of the sort, but it’s been swirling in my head ever since. Rocky’s much loved by my wife and our extended family and friends.

The grandkids adore him.

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combination of aged beef, double cheese, chipotle mayo, jalapeno and dill pickle, with each component prepared to perfection.

Another much-loved feature of the burger selection is the Royale, whose refinements consist of baconaise, crispy onions and dill pickle.

Among the side dishes on offer during our visit, the Korean chicken wings with sesame and coriander were particular favourites. As it was Christmas, a member of our

party ordered some sprouts as a side - and was rewarded with a shockingly delicious (they were sprouts, after all) plate of carefully herbed and spiced perfection.

Even the fries were prepared in accordance with the overriding ethos of imagination and attention to detail. For one thing, there was not so much as a single soggy or even faintly tired one in sight, and for another, the garlic and parmesan fries were something I reckon everyone should experience.

By the time you read this, it may well be that the season of works Christmas meals has passed. No matter. As plenty of devoted customers of The Pick Up Point already know, the restaurant is one of the relatively few places where an excellent meal can be expected whenever one visits.

Those who have yet to try it are truly in for a treat.

Musing on the life and times of Rocky the Labrador Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

“How old is Rocky?” a friend asked of my black Labrador.

LINK

He’s a strong working dog.

We’re in the pheasant season now, spending a few days each week on farms around Swindon. We come home muddy, exhausted and happy. He’s my pal, a constant companion.

He probably has three years left as a working dog and maybe two years in retirement. I’ll be hitting off ninety when another Labrador is mature, and he

may be too strong for me to walk. I’ll have to get a small dog. That doesn’t excite me.

Labradors are born halftrained, small dogs die halftrained.

I normally brush conversation about age away. It’s just a number, more relative to the day you die than the date you were born. But here we are, loose talk about replacing a pet became a cold slap that we’re both getting on.

Rocky was called Tom when he came to us as a rescue.

Tom is the name of my wife’s first son who died young, so we had to rename him. Here’s the story:

ten months on who came with a name, named Tom. But my wife had a son who’d died at seven, very much loved, and he’s called Tom. So we bent some rhyme like Pom and Dom to hear how they went and even tried Bomb in an Irish accent, but they didn’t fool us and wouldn’t fool Tom so we called him Rocky.

You can watch the poetry video on https://vimeo. com/180018813 www.mauricespillane.co.uk

We got a black lab

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Swindon Oasis by Dona Bradley

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Helping children get cycling Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.

It’s coming up to Christmas and the gift of a bike can be a popular option.

Having a bike can change a life; the start of new adventures and opportunities.

Learning to cycle is just the first step and plenty of practice is needed to grow confidence and skills to make journeys by bike.

The next step for most children is Bikeability training.

Bikeability is the Government’s national cycle training programme, the modern day equivalent of the Cycling Proficiency.

Level 1 of the Bikeability training takes place in a playground, then Level 2 involves training on quiet local streets, helping children learn practical skills to help them cycle on today’s roads.

As part of Government

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

The month of January is often a fresh start for many. Including football clubs.

The start of the new year signals the second transfer window of the season. And in my opinion, this could be the transfer window which defines the Clem Morfuni regime.

For the first time since taking over in the summer of 2021, the Australian is facing pockets of discontent amongst the Town faithful.

Both on and off the pitch, Swindon appear to have stalled in 2023. In my opinion the year will only be remembered in time for the historic purchase of The County Ground.

However, unfortunately for Town’s hierarchy, this doesn’t warrant an open top bus parade.

To put it simply, Swindon are starved of success. A 24

targets to try to increase the number of children cycling, the Bikeability Trust has recently announced an ambitious target to ensure that 80 percent of Year 6 pupils receive this training Bikeability training is typically organised by children’s schools and available free of charge, thanks to funding from the Department for Transport.

Life Cycle UK has the contract for delivering Bikeability training to children in Swindon Training normally takes place in Year 6 of Primary School when children are 10 or 11 years old.

Children need a roadworthy bike and helmet to take part in the training, but sometimes spare bikes may be available.

(There are also schemes such as Matt Jones’ Christmas Bike

Out with the old, in with the new feeling which is becoming more common by the week, as illustrated by the recent sevenmatch winless streak.

The new year must bring changes if Swindon are to have the faintest glimmer of success.

I know I must sound like a broken record, but I still see potential in Town’s XI. This is because in my opinion a bad team doesn’t make the best start to a season in the club’s history, and most recently topple high flying Mansfield The problem, as I keep repeating, is the squad. This must be fixed in the January window with a minimum of four astute signings – should there be no departures.

Almost every Town fan will be prepared for the departure of Jake Young.

I would be astonished if Town’s leading marksman wasn’t recalled by his parent

club Bradford City.

The sequence of events which could follow will be what dominates January. It wasn’t that long ago that Swindon were in an identical situation Obviously, Eoin Doyle’s whereabouts was the talk of the Town in January 2020.

We all know that in Doyle’s case, Lee Power ultimately secured the championship for Town that season by bringing back the cult hero after his recall. Not to mention he did the same with Jerry Yates.

For many the January window of 2020 is the most memorable in recent history.

And for me it captures just how instrumental a good January window can be in shaping a team’s fortunes.

Unfortunately, I fear that the same story won't happen twice.

Let’s face it, other than the initial window, every transfer

LINK

CYCLING

Appeal which can provide a refurbished bike for your child this Christmas if you’re unable to afford one.)

Bikeability training aims to be inclusive. The local trainers, LifeCycle UK, encourage parents and guardians to get in touch beforehand to discuss child’s requirements and any adaptations which could be made to enable participation.

If children are unable to make the school sessions or are home educated then there are also limited Bikeability sessions available during the school holidays; you can sign up to be alerted when the dates are added on the LifeCycle UK website.

For more information for both parents and schools about cycle training and Bikeability courses in Swindon see: www. lifecycleuk.org.uk/node/211

LINK FOOTBALL window under Clem Morfuni has been disappointing.

It leaves me with little confidence that Jake Young will be plying his trade in red come February. Once more it leaves me fearful that the signings to bolster the squad will be both poor and last minute.

Regardless of my prediction, Morfuni has an opportunity to breathe fresh life into Swindon’s season. And it’s an opportunity which I urge him to take.

After all, what better way to silence my scepticism than through showing a statement of intent in January. Therefore, hopefully the New Year will be out with the old Swindon and in with the new and improved Swindon.

But one thing is for sure. If the past 144 years of STFC have taught us anything, the 145th won’t be dull.

swindonlink.com n January 2024

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LINK

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LINK

TRADE PAGES

Semi-retired Plumber SURESTOP SWITCH installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Tap washers & ball valves • Toilet cistern repairs • Kitchen taps fitted Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

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Swindon

LINK is recruiting

Are you a people person?

Are you passionate about the Swindon community?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to both of these questions – Swindon Link needs you!

We are looking for a salesperson to join our successful print and digital team at the heart of the community Applicants should be dynamic, confident, hard-working and just as adept at face-to-face meetings as cold-calling If interested, email jamie@swindonlink.com with a cover note and your CV by Wednesday 31 January

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