North West Swindon Link July 2024 by swindonlink6

Editor's Note

By Jamie Hill

When Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suddenly announced a General Election it definitely caused us at Link headquarters to get all in a flutter.

For the last month we've been going about the gargantuan task of interviewing every candidate we could get our hands on just to give people an insight into who's who at this vital moment in our democracy.

The Big Interviews, as we have called them, have been running on our sister publication The Ink. In these pages, where we are a bit more restricted by space, you can check out our Election Special on page 14.

As always we definitely urge everyone to do our democracy proud and vote for whichever party suits your views. It's vitally important.

A subscription to our news service The Ink costs £5.99 a month which means you get complete access to all our briefings five days a week.

Swindonians have really taken to The Ink with its insightul, analytical news that gets under the skin of the issues facing the town.

But we need more subscribers to make this work so, if you haven't already, sign up below.

Two brothers tackle Three Peaks in aid of Prospect Hospice

On 3 August brothers Lewis and Bruce Farrant will set off on a mission to conquer Britain's three highest mountains in the space of 24 hours.

They will do so in aid of one of the Swindon area's bestloved good causes - Prospect Hospice.

Lewis, a floor layer, and Bruce, a Mercedes technician, have already attracted so much support in Swindon and beyond that they smashed their initial fundraising target well over a month before the day of the challenge.

Lewis said: "We decided to do the Three Peaks Challenge. I'd been wanting to do it for a while anyway."

Bruce said: "It's something different - to push ourselves a bit."

Lewis added: "And what better charity to do it for than Prospect - we're going to to do it and try to raise some money as well.

"We set ourselves a target to start with of £1000. We've achieved that so I've doubled it to £2,000 to see if we can do that as well.

"Prospect does a lot in the community anyway, and I think, also, a big point for us is that when our Dad passed away he was days away from going there.

"He passed away in hospital before getting to Prospect.

My mother-in-law was a nurse there, so I know the work they do.

"I think you'd be hard pushed to find somebody in Swindon who hasn't been touched by the charity in some way."

Bruce said: "My Grandadmy dad's dad - was helped by Prospect way back."

The brothers are in the midst of a rigorous self-devised training programme including long weekend hikes which ideally cover a minimum halfmarathon distance, and always try to include hills and small mountains. The rugged Brecon landscape has become a regular haunt.

On the day of their challenge for Prospect, they will first tackle 1345m (4,413 ft) Ben Nevis, then head back South for Scafell Pike - 964m (3,163 ft) - and finally Snowdon at 1,085 m (3,560 ft.)

The two will be ferried

between the mountains alongside fellow challengers in a minibus provided by a specialist firm.

Lewis and Bruce are both fairly confident about their ability to cover the terrain and the distances, but admit that the real challenge is likely to be the timescale.

Bruce said: "It's the being awake - and one of them is going to be at night, in the dark. You don't even get the benefit of the pretty view!"

People can sponsor the brothers by searching for 'Lewis Farrant' at www.justgiving.com

The brothers' many supporters include Old Town pub and music venue The Tuppenny, whose Facebook page includes a video and details of a Quiz Night in aid of the cause on 17 July.

Lewis, left, and Bruce

News from SBC

Trusted solar panel installation available at lower prices for residents through group buying initiative Solar Together

Following the success of the 2022 and 2023 schemes, Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council are working in partnership with iChoosr, independent experts in group buying, to launch the third Solar Together scheme.

Solar Together gives residents the opportunity to invest in renewable energy from a trusted provider to save on energy costs and improve their carbon footprint.

The scheme utilises group buying to leverage cheaper solar panel and installation costs from vetted providers. The core principle is that coming together as a group provides enhanced buying power and allows the approved providers to offer a better price than individual homeowners might get from entering the market alone.

The initiative offers solar panels (also known as solar PV) with optional battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charge points. It also offers battery storage installation for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to maximise how much of their self-generated energy they can use at home and become less dependent on electricity from the grid.

The scheme has been popular and well received by residents with many leaving their feedback on how it was for them. One resident said: “Our experience of Solar Together was great from start to finish. We signed up to just see what the cost might be and were pleasantly surprised that we could afford the quoted price. This very quickly moved to a survey and before we knew it, installation. A seamless service with excellent customer care throughout.”

Another resident commented: “The process was straight forward to follow with

good communications and explanation of what was going to happen and when.” And in regard to quality and price, another resident said: “it gives the reassurance of quality control and a very competitive price for the whole installation.”

Councillor Emma Bushell, Swindon Borough Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Organisational Oversight said: “We’re really pleased to be involved in the Solar Together scheme for the third year running. This tried and tested scheme has so far helped over 430 Swindon households access quality solar panels and battery storage installations at a competitive price. This is estimated to achieve a combined reduction of over 8,000 tonnes of CO2 over the 25-year guaranteed lifetime of the solar panels installed.

“I’d encourage anyone who is considering whether buying solar panels to generate their own renewable energy is right for them, to visit the Solar Together website. It has lots

of clear information to help decide.”

The prospect of choosing an installer and making the change to renewable energy can be daunting, but Solar Together makes the switch to clean energy as hassle-free as possible. The scheme supports people every step of the way, providing clear and objective information that people can trust, so that they can make a well-informed decision and receive expert guidance throughout the process.

The lower cost of the product and installation is made possible by iChoosr holding a reverse auction with vetted installers who compete to offer the group of residents who have signed up the best price. Across the country, iChoosr have helped facilitate over 33,000 installations with 10-25 per cent savings against the market average.

There is no obligation to go ahead with purchasing solar panels if people register their interest. They will receive a detailed and

easy to understand personal recommendation which they can choose whether to accept or not.

The scheme is now open for registrations in Wiltshire and Swindon and the deadline is 9 August 2024. People who are interested can register for free.

To register for the scheme, residents must either own their own house or have permission from the landlord to install solar panels. Small and medium-sized enterprises (nondomestic) and Commonhold Associations meeting this requirement can also participate.

For more information including likely costs and the amount of energy people can expect to generate, people can visit the Solar Together site for the local authority area in which they reside: www. solartogether.co.uk/swindon/ join

Residents from across Swindon and Wiltshire who wish to contact iChoosr can email the team or call 0800 048 8113.

William, who lives in Wiltshire, has 12 solar panels fitted through the scheme last year.

Latest Ink Talk delights audience

John Stooke delivered an insightful look at the history of the Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange.

More than 70 packed St Mary’s Church in The Mall for the latest Ink Community Talk.

The June gathering, held as part of the Old Town Festival, was given in support of Prospect Hospice with entry by donation.

‘Markets, Masons and Music’ was delivered by author, historian and Swindon Society committee member John Stooke was an entertaining and erudite guide through the history of Swindon's Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange. The tale he told encompassed the expansion of the town from little more than a few hundred souls, the growth of commerce, the lives and preoccupations of those who helped to found the modern town, the changing face of popular entertainment, disuse, dereliction and -

crucially - hope for the future.

The site of the the Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange, the audience learned, was centuries old even when the mid-Victorian buildings were new, having been a centre of commercial and community activity since the 13th century.

Mr Stooke guided the audience through the following centuries, including the purchase of the location in 1563 by Thomas Goddard, the covered market which began in 1660 and the fact that in 1705 the town’s population stood at 600.

The Square, we learned, was once home to the town’s pillory and stocks, where people could expect to be confined for six hours for public intoxication and an hour for public swearing. Bull baiting, a ‘sport’ involving fierce dogs being set on a bull, took place there, as it did in many locations throughout the country, with the last such event in Swindon

taking place in 1810.

As with so many momentous changes in the town, the building of the Old Town Hall in the mid-1850s and the expansion to create the Corn Exchange some years later was prompted by the arrival of the railway and the prosperity which followed.

for good, and in 2003 and 2004 was ravaged by fire.

The subsequent decades saw the structure become home to everything from the local court to a wine merchant’s premises, where French vintages were decanted from casks into bottles before selling to consumers.

Later years saw an even greater variety of uses, including as a cinema, a roller skating rink, a dance hall, a music venue, a roller skating rink (again), a bingo hall and a venue for big names in wrestling to show off their skills. In 1996 the building closed

Mr Stooke detailed the tribulations of the building and those who care about it - and Swindon’s architectural heritage - in the years which followed, as hopes of new uses were raised and dashed planning wrangles.

Thankfully, he ended on an optimistic note when he let the audience know that the building had bee acquired by a new owner with plans to rescue it.

The next Ink Community Talk will be given on Monday 9 September at 7.30pm at The Hop Inn by Prospect Hospice CEO Jeremy Lune.

New Executive Principal for The Deanery

The Park Academies Trust has announced the appointment of Jon Young as the new Executive Principal at The Deanery.

Mr Young will take on the role from September.

The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe was judged to be 'inadequate' by an Ofsted inspection, carried out on 12 and 13 September 2023. Since that time Kelly Osborne-James has been acting as interim headteacher.

Following the Special Measures judgement from Ofsted, a Termination Warning Notice was issued to DBAT from the Department for Education (DfE). This resulted in a decision that both The Deanery Academy and Kingfisher primary school and nursery in Wichelstowe would join the Swindon-based Park Academies Trust in September 2024.

Mr Young brings a wealth of experience and leadership to The Deanery with a proven track record of leading a dedicated staff team as Principal at Abbey Park School.

In his new role, Mr Young will be the Executive Principal of both schools. Jon Ward will be the new Head of School at Abbey Park from this September.

Since Abbey Park School joined TPAT in 2016 it has gone from strength to strength. As principal, Mr Young has overseen the school’s best ever exam results, Ofsted graded the school as ‘good’ in January 2023. He's been an important part of the team that has built strong relationships with feeder primary schools and established a successful transition model with Red Oaks Primary.

Jon Young, Executive Principal, said: “By working together, two schools can grow stronger together and we aim to deliver the best education to all our pupils at both schools.

“The Trust has a proven track record of school improvement and I look forward to meeting staff, parents, carers and pupils."

Swindon and Wiltshire Pride announce first act

By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com

Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, which is taking place in the GWR park on Saturday 10 August, has announced that Victoria Scone will be performing at the event.

Victoria Scone (She/Her/ They/Them) made history being the first person assigned female at birth to compete on Drag Race UK, on the franchise’s third series.

They then went on to compete on Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs The World, representing the UK, in which they made the top 4, and garnered rave reviews from fans and critics worldwide.

Victoria has since led the alldrag cast of ‘Death Drop: Back In The Habit’ on its UK Tour and West End run in 2022/23,

playing Mother Superior to critical acclaim. Most recently, Victoria played the Queen of Hearts in Charming Entertainment’s Adult Panto UK Tour of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ 2024 and Carabosse in Tuckshop’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’

2023.

Pre Drag Race, Victoria made it to the grand-final of Drag Idol UK 2018.

For more information on Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, visit their website: www. swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk

Free home security measures in Wiltshire and Swindon Safer Streets project

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust has free home security measures for people living in 10 areas of Wiltshire and Swindon identified as being at a high risk of crime.

People aged over 60 and those with a disability who are over 18 can apply for a home visit as part of a Safer Streets initiative launched in partnership with Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson.

He successfully bid for almost £1 million from the Home Office a range of Safer Streets projects.

Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust Director Jennie Shaw said: “We are very thankful to Mr Wilkinson and for the support of Wiltshire Police with this initiative.

"It will help us bring targeted, helpful advice and practical measures to keep people safe in the areas where it is most needed.

“The fear of crime can often

be very much worse than crime itself so anything that makes people feel safer and more secure in their own homes is a very good thing.”

The 10 Swindon areas identified as being at priority areas for burglary are: Pinehurst West, The Bungalows and Doris Archer Court; Stokesay Drive and Stamford Close; Okus East, Glenwood Close; Farringdon Road, including Theobald Street, Chester Street, Maxwell Street and Tennyson Street and

The home visits will be carried out by the Wiltshire Bobby Van’s operators, who are former police officers. They will pass on home security tips and advice and can upgrade locks and fit window locks, door viewers or door chains.

The operators will also carry out a fire risk assessment and can fit carbon monoxide monitors and smoke alarms on behalf of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Westmead South, Thornford Drive.

Zurich domestic abuse policy recognised with national business award

Swindon-based Zurich has won the title of Outstanding Initiative of Support at Cover Magazine’s Women in Protection and Health Awards.

The accolade was given in recognition of its domestic abuse policy, which was developed in conjunction with Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS).

Cover Magazine is the magazine for the insurance industry, and its Women in Protection and Health Awards recognise the leading lights driving industry diversity and improving access to insurance for women and their families.

Outdoor theatre to return to Lydiard this summer

The outdoor theatre will be returning to Lydiard Park on 19 July, with a production of the Shakespeare classic, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Following the success of Twelfth Night, Immersion Theatre is thrilled to be reviving their acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s funniest, most magical comedy of all featuring Bottom, Demetrius, Titania et al. This hilarious adaptation sees Shakespeare’s fantastical characters brought vividly to life as audiences are transported to an enchanting world bursting with magic, romance, and of course, heaps of laugh-out-loud comedy.

A festival fit for a king and queen for charity in Highworth this August

A day of music, food, and community spirit will take place at The King and Queen pub from midday to 7pm on Saturday 3 August. The day will be in aid of The Roxi Foundation - which helps young people aged seven to 14 within the Swindon area who may be neurodiverse get timely and accurate diagnosis through private funding.

Typhoon display pilot proud to be participating in RIAT

By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com

In just over three weeks, RAF pilot Flight Lieutenant David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull will be preparing to display at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo, which takes place between Friday 19 and Sunday 21 July.

With almost 200 aircraft already confirmed, the event has experis enced unprecedented demand ahead of next month’s show with it only having tickets remaining for Friday 19 and Sunday 21 July, after announcing it had sold out of tickets for Saturday earlier this month.

In what is his debut season as the RAF Typhoon display pilot, 32-year-old David ‘Turbo’ Turnbull will be putting his iconic aircraft through its paces in front of 150,000 people at the aviation showcase, which is held at RAF Fairford.

David said: “RIAT is the big one. So many pilots travel from all over the world to take part in RIAT and for me it’s the home match.

“I feel incredibly proud to represent the RAF and UK military at this amazing

airshow.”

This year the show is celebrating 100-years of the Royal Canadian Air Force, 75-years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, 50-years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, plus their operational theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’.

Ahead of this year’s airshow season, the RAF display Typhoon’s new livery was unveiled with it being inspired by a Hawker Typhoon from World War II.

Capable of reaching speeds of 1,550mph, the fast jet makes for exciting viewing and the RAF pilot is looking forward to demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities in the Cotswold skies.

David said: “The display is going to be fast, aggressive and varied. It is definitely going to wow the crowds as it still wows me.

“The Typhoon is a beast. I have realised that to a much greater extent during the last couple of months working up to

perform the typhoon display. It can go from -3G to +9G and it makes it feel so simple.

“I still remember my first take off in Typhoon, dry power only (without afterburners), and I had never felt acceleration like it. It was on a different level.

“Performing this outstanding aircraft to its limits is very rewarding. It is hard work, but incredibly easy to get motivated for, as you can imagine.

“The step down of heights has made the display physically more challenging at every level, it is a real work out.”

Every week, the event announces more participating aircraft and tickets are selling fast, but to secure your spot visit AirTattoo.com.

Huge Hindu celebrations set for return to Swindon

Swindon Hindu Centre in Theatre Square has announced Rath Yatra - The Chariot Festivalfor Sunday 7 July from 2pm.

More than 2,000 people participated in last year's Rath Yatra in Swindon.

The Chariot Festival is of great religious cultural significance to the community, and last year's - pictured - saw spectators delighted by a procession, including a colourful chariot

of deities, which started Swindon Hindu Centre and passed through town centre before ending at Regent Circus.

People danced and sang during the procession and many local people joined in.

Volunteers had worked for months to plan the procession and build the 12ft chariot. The original Rath Yatra festival is celebrated in eastern India.

Swindon

THE CANDIDATES

Swindon North

Justin Tomlinson

"I have served my local community for 24 years - first as a councillor and secondly as an MP. My enthusiasm and my determination is as strong today as when I first sought to represent my local community."

Swindon South

Sir Robert Buckland KC

"I came into politics to get things done and to find solutions to problems. I’ve made promises to the people of Swindon and I’ve delivered on those promises. There’s still a lot more I want to finish and I want to do but I believe that the facts of what I've already achieved speak for themselves."

Swindon North

Will Stone

"I live in Swindon, I love Swindon. I want people to be engaged in politics again; to see their politician and relate to them, and that if they have an issue they can come to me and I will act with honour and integrity and try to get it fixed. I think my military background is the crux of why I'm the best candidate."

Swindon South

Swindon North

Flo Clucas

"I have worked with communities, businesses, universities and colleges and a range of organisations to build a better, more inclusive future. Translating that experience to Swindon North would be my aim and hope, creating jobs, new businesses, community resilience and a voice at national level."

Swindon South

Matt McCabe

"The Liberal Democrats stand for a fairer society, and the residents of Swindon South deserve this. People think all politicians are the same, but a hard working local MP can change all that. The more lives that are touched by a helpful MP, brings back a bit of faith."

"The past 14 years of Conservative Government have been disastrous, with Labour now on track to win by a landslide. But Labour have failed to convince anyone that they will provide a real difference. Only the Green Party have the policies and plans to tackle climate change, create a fair tax system and put people and planet first." The Conservative Party The Liberal Democrats The Labour Party The Green Party

Heidi Alexander

"As a Swindon girl born and bred, this is my home and I understand the hopes and aspirations of Swindonians. Having been an MP before, having been the Deputy Mayor for Transport in London, I know that I can hit the ground running and I think that we need some fresh ideas and some fresh energy."

Swindon North

Andy Bentley

"The question is whether we want real change in Swindon that the Green Party believe in, or more of the same from one of the old parties. If the people want an MP who will stand up for what they think is right and will speak their mind regardless of what their party leader says, that’s me."

Swindon South

Rod Hebden

Decides

THE CANDIDATES

Reform UK

Swindon North

Les Willis

"I, like many people, am fed up with ping pong politics. Reform party policies are common sense and what the people of this country have been asking for years. Please help us make this a reality."

Swindon South

Catherine Kosidowski

Reform said: "Our country has so much potential, but both Labour and the Conservatives have broken promise after promise. The Conservatives have failed and Labour will fail too. A vote for either is a vote for more incompetence, dishonesty and failure. Reform is the alternative."

Independents and smaller parties

Swindon North

Debbie Hicks - Independent

Debbie is standing as an Independent in North Swindon along with Martin Costello in South Swindon, with whom she works.

Scott Victor Abbas Hunter - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Swindon South

Martin Costello - Independent

"I am a proud Swindonian and hardworking father who is totally disillusioned with party politics and have decided to stand as an Independent with Debbie Hicks to give a voice to all of those who are tired of the stale red and blue duopoly that have merged into the same blob."

Voter information for the UK General Election

By law you need to bring an accepted form of photo ID in order to vote at a polling station at the UK General Election on Thursday, 4 July. Swindon Borough Council’s website has a comprehensive list of accepted forms of photo ID. This includes passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents and certain concessionary travel passes including an older person’s bus pass and disabled person’s bus pass.

You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date, as long as it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote. At the polling station you’ll need to present your photo ID

in its physical, original form, so copies or images presented on a mobile phone won’t be accepted. Poll cards and work photo ID badges are not accepted forms of ID.

If someone is voting on your behalf as a proxy, they must bring their own accepted photo ID to the polling station, not yours.

Electors who are voting by post are encouraged to return their postal vote via Royal Mail.

If you’re planning to handdeliver a postal vote, new election rules mean postal votes can only be hand delivered to the Civic Offices reception during office hours (9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday) or to a polling station on election day.

Both require a document called a postal vote return form to be completed which you can get from whichever of these locations you deliver your postal vote to. Failure to

complete the postal vote return form when hand delivering a postal vote will mean the vote is rejected. www.swindon.gov.uk/ forthcomingelections

Welcome to St Joseph's

A great secondary school education means more choice, more freedom and more responsibility for our children as they develop into young adults. Supporting and guiding all our young people as they grow is both a serious responsibility and an immense privilege. We want all of our students to leave us not only with the knowledge, skills and qualifications they need to succeed, but also with the strong moral framework that will support them through life, helping them find their own identity as capable, confident and compassionate adults.

At St Joseph’s, ‘we place our students at the heart of everything we do’ is more than a collection of words – it is used to guide the daily decisions and choices made by every member of our college community. We are immensely proud of the curriculum we have developed, the quality of our pastoral care, the additional opportunities on offer, and the high standards our students experience each and every day.

A great secondary school education also involves memorable experiences that broaden horizons, friendships that stand the test of time, and a well-spent childhood filled with enjoyment. At St Joseph’s, our strong sense of community promotes such an experience, with each child wellknown and valued.

Our students are our best ambassadors – they are proud to be part of this school and will happily discuss the reasons why with you and answer any questions you may have. Please get in touch about a visit if you are considering St Joseph’s for your child – you will get a warm welcome and a valuable insight into everything we are proud of in our school.

School Profile: St Joseph's Catholic College

Get to know the schools in your area

This issue: St Joseph's Catholic College

Address: Ocotal Way, Swindon SN3 3LR

Contact: 01793 714200

Website: www.stjosephscollege.net

We are dedicated and proud to provide exceptional, inclusive and inspirational education to students of all faiths, and none, in a Catholic setting. We pride ourselves on providing an aspirational and supportive environment, which enables all of our students to thrive in school and in life.

Every student leaves us with the education and experiences to enable them to thrive academically and empower them to enrich their own lives, and those around them.

Education at St Joseph’s takes place in a fully inclusive environment where students learn to value diversity. Students are supported by their peers and inspired by committed staff. Our strong, proactive partnerships help us continually improve our school and sustain excellence.

Business Profile - Kitchen Makeovers Swindon

Business Type - Giving kitchens a new look

Established - 2018

Address - 11 The Tynings, Biddestone SN14 7ED

Telephone number - 01793 625179

Website - www.kitchenmakeovers.co.uk and also search for Kitchen Makeovers (Swindon) on Google

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

John Jacques, who heads Kitchen Makeovers Swindon, has a clear mission:

"At Kitchen Makeovers we supply and fit new doors,

do with sprucing up or even a complete new look do not realise they are under no obligation to go to the expense of taking the all-new option.

Customers are so impressed that much of Mr Jacques' business is through word of

Top quality at an affordable price

look.

"Colours tend to look quite different in different light, in different rooms, so we can see how they look in their own kitchen, and then I can give them a free no-obligation quote

worktops and associated items in the kitchen to transform your old kitchen into a new kitchen at less cost and inconvenience

"People can save up to 50 percent on the price, compared to a new kitchen.

"We can do whole brand new kitchens but the main focus of the business is basically to replace doors, end panels, plinths, drawer fronts, worktops and anything else that needs replacing, and to re-clothe the existing kitchen, make it look new, change the style."

Many people who decide their current kitchen could

mouth.

"A lot of people are not aware that this service is available and that it is an option, especially if they're not planning on rearranging their kitchen but just want to change the style or renew it."

Once they get in touch with Kitchen Makeovers Swindon, Mr Jacques will do the rest.

John's and John

"I will arrange an appointment to go and visit them - visit them in their kitchen! - and I bring with me loads of samples and brochures we can go through.

"I hold the samples up in the

while I'm there.

"I bring almost all of the colours and styles with me, and we can have a chat about the options.

"I see myself as going in to try and help them achieve what they want for their kitchen; I create for them the kitchen that they desire at less cost and inconvenience.

"All the doors and panels come with a six-year warranty - they are of good quality and I'm happy to sell them personally."

Kitchen Makeovers operates on a franchise basis, with more than 30 franchises thriving throughout the country.

John Jacques took on the SN postcode area a little over a year ago, but worked as a craftsman for some 20 years.

Indeed, before deciding to take on the challenge of forming his own business under the Kitchen Makeovers banner, he spent much of his career as a bespoke furniture maker, and examples of his work are still to be found in some of the nation's most exclusive locations.

One of the many things he relishes about his current role is being able bring his skill and attention to detail to a broader range of customers because of the keen pricing which is a Kitchen Makeovers hallmark.

kitchen so they can see how they

Business Profile - Awdry Law

Business Type - Law firm

Address - 2 Gateway North, Latham Road, Swindon SN25 4DL

Telephone number - 01793 384140

Website - awdry.law

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

Awdry Law says it’s time for a change, it’s time for a proactive law firm that really listens, that genuinely cares and provides practical, pragmatic legal advice to achieve your goals, without being bewildered with legal jargon.

“We speak your language” is the motto at Awdry Law, with over 120 employees and five offices across Wiltshire, including the Swindon office at 2 Gateway North, Latham Road.

They are a friendly, helpful and down-to-earth bunch of people who like to build relationships with their clients, with an emphasis on the appreciation of the human side of how they provide legal services for you, your family and your business.

Partner Tim Hotchkiss said: “We are known for our proactive and approachable nature, with an emphasis on always seeking to place client care at the heart of everything that we do.

"A positive can-do attitude lies at the heart of our approach to delivering exceptional client service.

"We pride ourselves on our modern and dynamic approach to providing legal services.

"This approach is a reflection

of the culture and ethos of the firm where strong technical ability is combined with a deep seated commitment to driving things forward and helping our clients to succeed.”

The team at Awdry Law are committed to innovating in order to provide the best

to date with progress, fill in forms and more all via their mobile, as a free addition to the regular communication with their lawyer.

Tim Hotchkiss said:

“We’ve developed our new conveyancing app to help make the process of buying or selling

service to clients and enhance the options available to them.

A recent innovation includes the creation of a conveyancing mobile app, meaning clients who are using the firm to buy or sell their home can keep up

a house, quicker, easier and as stress free as possible.

"We are currently the only firm in the Swindon area with an app of this kind, and it has been incredibly well received by our clients.”

A long and very proud history

Awdry Law can trace its history back to 1750.

The firm's original founder was William Salmon who started his professional life as a young Attorney in Devizes in the mid-1700s.

The business has changed names many times over the years, often to reflect the names of the owners.

However, throughout the organisation's long history, one thing has always remained the same - its unstinting commitment to the delivery of excellent client service is at the heart of everything that they do.

Awdry Law is going through a period of sustained growth, which has been aided by the opening of the Swindon office in 2021.

In fact, this growth has occurred so swiftly in Swindon, that additional office space was acquired in less than a year of opening

There has been a significant recruitment drive, which remains very much ongoing.

The Swindon office is located in a convenient and accessible location directly opposite David Lloyd, placing it just a short drive away from the Orbital Shopping Park.

Tim Hotchkiss

"As

Mayor my main aim is to connect communities across Swindon to build a stronger foundation for the next generation."

Cllr Imtiyaz Shaikh recently became Mayor of Swindon after the customary year as Deputy Mayor

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

It is not often that the story of a new Mayor of Swindon taking office makes international news, but that is precisely what happened to Cllr Imtiyaz Shaikh.

Among the foreign newspapers to report on the changeover at the Civic Offices was The Times of India, which was already decades old when the borough of which Cllr Shaikh is Mayor was established, and which is the most widely circulated English language newspaper on the planet.

The reason for the international attention?

As Swindon Borough Council said in its own announcement of the new Mayor's taking office: "Swindon is incredibly proud of its strong Goan community and today Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh became Swindon’s first Indian and Goan Mayor of Swindon at a special ceremony.

"The Mayor carries out a range of civic duties on behalf of the Council and acts as an ambassador for the area, to represent the local community and local democracy."

Cllr Shaikh was quick to set out his approach to the role and to the community he serves, saying: "I am here to lend a hand of friendship, extend my support where possible and listen to all residents views regardless of who they and where they are from.

"I was really proud and happy to be the Deputy Mayor. It gave me an opportunity to learn and shadow the Mayor of Swindon.

"As Mayor my main aim is

to connect communities across Swindon to build a stronger foundation for the next generation."

This commitment is reflected in his choice of Mayor's charities. Each incoming Mayor of Swindon is invited to name two charities especially close to their heart at the beginning of their term, and Cllr Shaikh announced that his BEST - Be a Better You and Changing Suits. BEST - Be a Better You was founded in 2020, and its mission is "...to provide a positive experience for young people with different social, emotional and mental health barriers."

The charity achieves this through sports training and mentoring, supporting the young people to go on to lead successful lives."

Changing Suits, meanwhile, is a community-based organisation which aims to transcend cultural barriers and get the South Asian community to engage with support services. Its activities include family-friendly health and wellbeing events to raise awareness of a variety of crucial issues.

The Mayor said: "Both do amazing work in Swindon with the youth and in South Asian communities."

Aside from these organisations, however, Cllr Shaikh plans plenty of other community work. "I have some fantastic ideas: I will be working with local schools, businesses, charities and residents."

Cllr Shaikh, proud father of two children, represents the Eastcott ward on Swindon Borough Council and has a management role at DHL.

He is married to fellow borough councillor Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, whose ward is Central.

The couple have lived in Swindon since 2004, and married in the town.

Asked whether he had political ambitions from an early age, the Mayor said: "I’ve always loved meeting new people and that’s something I enjoy doing to this day.

"I don’t think there was a master plan, but I eventually found myself becoming a community contact where people would place their trust in me and I guess that eventually led me to want to play a more formal role in service."

He was first elected to the council in 2018. "It was an incredible feeling of elation and I couldn’t believe that I could start to work with the system to help all our community.

"I was eager to help those who reached out to me and being a councillor was the only formal way I could extend a helping hand. The communities

interacted with have been my biggest inspiration!"

His proudest achievements all reflect the ethos of this winner of the South West Region Community Champion Award for 2019.

He assisted the community during the covid pandemic, for example, using his networking skills to help people make awareness videos, and has raised funds for Swindon homeless charity Threshold and Great Western Hospital charity Brighter Futures.

He has cooked meals for the Harbour Project, the organisation which is a lifeline for refugees and asylum seekers, and during the pandemic ran a food bank from his garage.

Which people in his life, past and present, does the new Mayor credit most with helping him along the way to his achievement in becoming civic leader of the borough?

"My wife, both our families, my close friends and the community have been very supportive and helpful in my journey."

New Youth Arts Festival to celebrate creativity and empower young people

By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com

Swindon will welcome a brand new youth arts event, Signal Festival, which will feature a fortnight of performances, career talks and workshops, from Monday 22 July to Sunday 3 August 2024.

Signal Festival aims to cultivate art, support artists and enrich audiences. The event will bring a dynamic mix of performances, participation, professional development and pop-up surprises all around the town.

The main goal of Signal Festival is to be as easily accessible as possible to all audiences.

The festival is led by six young producers, all under the age of 28, who grew up and create work in Swindon. All six are involved in the creative industry, from visual art and theatre to music and dance.

Swindon’s young people provided the initial spark for Signal Festival. In 2023, Swindon Borough Council conducted the Swindon Taskforce Secondary School Survey which asked students what they liked most about the town. The overwhelming response was "Nothing." This feedback, along with results from the Needs Analysis for Wiltshire and Swindon, 2023 shaped the vision for Signal Festival.

Following this several young producers got together and set themselves the task to create a Swindon where art is accessible to all and young people are empowered to create it.

Their motivation is to highlight the exceptional work being created by Swindon-based artists, raise awareness of the creative opportunities around the area as well as empower the younger generation to embrace their creativity and know that they can be successful and supported here.

To launch Swindon's first ever Signal Festival, an Opening Showcase will be held on Tuesday, 23 July at Swindon Dance. It will be an evening of music, dance, theatre, film and spoken word from a range of local artists.

On Wednesday, 31 July, Swindon Arts Centre are housing

LINK FEATURES

Swindon's first ever theatre and film careers event, facilitated by Get into Theatre.

On Friday, 2 August, Signal Festival is taking over Town Gardens for an entire day of pop-up performances and creative arts workshops. Anyone can take part in the performances or simply sit back, relax and take in all the breakthrough talent on the Band Stage and the Bowl Stage.

Signal Festival is a collaborative effort, fuelled by funding from Arts Council England and partnerships with key local organisations such as Prime Theatre, Swindon Borough Council, GEL Studios, and The Listening Fund.

The festival is also backed by a number of other key sponsors, such as the National Trust, Swindon Wyvern Theatre, Museum & Art Swindon, STEAM and Create Studios. Some of these organisations are providing venues which will host a number of events throughout the fortnight.

Arlo, Erin, Clarissa, George, Morgan and Riley, Producers of Signal Festival, said: “Living in Swindon, you can’t ignore attitudes about the town and its potential. This often means that young people have to fight to create opportunities for themselves.

“Signal Festival is a chance to bring us all together, celebrate our talents and invest in our development. We want to empower all young people to create art and communities where they are, instead of feeling like they always have to find it elsewhere."

Mark Powell, creative Director of Prime Theatre, Founding Partner of Signal Festival, said: “Signal Festival is the living response to the Producers’ consultations with other young people about Swindon’s arts and culture. They want more opportunities, more positivity and more celebration of youth talent.

“It’s great to be one of the many organisations and artists answering their call to action. Signal Festival should be a step change in how we all work together to design and deliver a more creative future for the town."

Find out more and book tickets at www.signalfestival.co.uk

It's time for some

LINK CULTURE Shufflin'!

The Swindon Shuffle has been a fixture in the diaries of local music lovers for the last 18 years, celebrating all that is good about the Swindon music scene.

The 2024 event (the 17th edition technically as 2020’s festival was online) runs from Wednesday 11 September with an opening music quiz event at The Beehive.

Festivities continue until Sunday 15 September, with over 60 acts featured across five main venues in Old Town (The Beehive, The Castle, The Hop, The Tuppenny and The Victoria) alongside fringe events at venues like Baristocats, The Eternal Optimist, The Pick-Up Point, Swindon Central Library, Eastcott Community Centre and more. The event will be raising funds for Prospect Hospice, who will be holding special music events at their Commercial Road store during Saturday afternoon.

The cream of the local musical crop are taking part from across the musical spectrum, with the focus firmly on artists who write and perform their own material.

Acts as diverse as Erin Bardwell-led reggae outfit

Subject A and the amazing NervEndings and Chasing Dolls headline along with the brilliant Talk in Code and the newly-conceived Swindon superband led by Jim Blair called JB & the Mojo Makers - who have to be seen to be believed.

The Shuffle was conceived by a group of independent music promoters in 2007, inspired by established city centre festivals like The Camden Crawl, The Great Escape and the Oxford Punt.

Organiser Ed Dyer said:

“We're really excited to be able to put on the 17th running of the Swindon Shuffle and to continue to raise money for Prospect Hospice.

"We have a really exciting programme of live music in store, and this year we are doing as much as we can to highlight the wonderful original musical talent on our doorstep, and help nurture the local scene and support local venues.

As always we are indebted to our amazing acts, venues and sponsors for enabling this all to happen.”

All sessions are free of charge with full details available at www. swindonshuffle.org.uk.

NervEndings who will be headlining The Vic on Saturday 14 September

on Friday 13 September

Subject A who will be headlining The Hop Inn on Thursday 12 September

Chasing Dolls who will be headlining The Vic

Eight years is the gap between my youngest daughter and her sister. When the youngest was thirty, the family were sitting around a restaurant table when she tapped her glass and said aloud:

“Dad, I want you to be honest with me.” That got everyone’s attention.

“Was I a mistake?” A fair question but I would’ve welcomed a bit of notice.

“You weren’t a mistake,

Dealing with the difficult questions of life

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

sweetheart. Such a dreadful word for a child.”

“You’re obfuscating,” she retorted, but it gave me a few seconds to get my brain into gear.

“Your mum and I tried every night for months to conceive you,” I said. “When that didn’t work, I hired a batman outfit, climbed to the top of the wardrobe to dive down . . .”

I got no further as she’d her hands over her ears, mouthing

“too much, too much.” She hasn’t raised the question since.

Obfuscation is a great word. You can’t miss it now with politicians being interviewed for the general election obfuscating responses when yes or no would suffice. Purdah has become purgatory. Politicians should note Elizabeth Alexander’s earthy poem, read at President Obama’s inauguration:

A woman and her son wait for the bus.

A farmer considers the changing sky.

A teacher says, Take out your pencils. Begin.

We encounter each other in words, words

spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed, words to consider, reconsider.

We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of someone and then others, who said I need to see what’s on the other side.

I know there’s something better down the road. We need to find a place where we are safe. We walk into that which we cannot yet see.

Poetry Swindon meets at Lower Shaw Farm SN5 5PJ on 3 July from 7pm to 9pm.

www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Still time to get tickets for Minety Festival

The four-day Minety Festival begins on Thursday 4 July.

This year's will be the sixth, and follows what the organisers describe as a hugely successful 2023 event.

The line-up includes Sleeper, The Feeling, Ash, Queen tribute Flash, The Chase and NoFlipe, Operation 77, Talk in Code and Stereoholics.

The community notfor-profit festival, run entirely by volunteers, aims to raise funds for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Naomi House & Jacksplace Hospice, Combat Stress and Kandu Arts, as well as securing future charity fundraising events.

A spokesperson said: "Minety Music Festival is

a four day music event with over 100 bands/acts on four stages. Plenty to do and see for the whole family. It’s a great way to spend your summer weekend...and generally an excuse to have a bit of a party!

"Although we have booked hot weather, we will be prepared for all eventualities!

"The main stage will be undercover, so whatever happens, you can stay dry and enjoy a superb weekend of music from a fantastic line-up, showcasing local music talent and covering a wide spectrum of music styles."

The spokesperson added: "You are guaranteed excellent music, a great, wide

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

To their credit, Swindon are beginning to put one or two promising plans in place for next season. A new manager in Mark Kennedy, and new signings such as the impressive Ollie Clarke.

All very encouraging. However, this in my eyes has only highlighted how broken and disconnected the Swindon fan base is. There is barely any excitement being generated for the new season. And that is because it feels like another case of déjà vu.

We as fans always seem to find ourselves in this position, a couple of good signings and we think that this will be our year, only to suffer another empty season. But now we really have had enough. The same mistake is not being made again, Clem Morfuni needs to pull several more rabbits out of the hat to draw

range of food and a well-stocked house Bar, Gin & Prosecco Bar and Cocktail Tiki Bar. There will also be a range of free activities in the Kidzone, including rock climbing wall, inflatables, circus skills workshops, storytelling, archery and kids craft workshops plus many more activities.

"Additionally, there is a Teen Tent, dedicated to 13-17 year olds, who often fall through the gaps at festivals. The tent is kitted out with music equipment, sofas, video gaming equipment, a pool table and that all important WiFi."

Adult weekend tickets are priced from £95, and the festival website is www.minetyfestival.co.uk

TOWN STRUGGLING TO SECURE INTEREST LINK FOOTBALL

in the crowds once more.

You almost get the impression that Kylian Mbappe could be announced in Town colours, and it would still be met dubiously by the Swindon support. Owner Clem Morfuni only has his tenure and the one before his to blame. This is a fan base which are disenchanted with their own club.

Mark Kennedy and whoever arrives through the door between now and August must hit the ground running. August will be their trial period. Almost the last role of the dice at trying to lure supporters once more for another season. If they do not hit the ground running, you dread to think where the season will end up. Hence many people’s reluctance to get on board now.

Football during the pandemic taught us that the game is

soulless without its fans. And I fear that this season is the closest Swindon could get to replicating the atmosphere of Covid. Of course, it should be mentioned that even if we do hit the ground running it’s no guarantee of a good season. Just ask Michael Flynn and Co. Another dent along the bumpy road which has led to a broken STFC.

Now this is all sounding very negative, I agree. I’m sure that I speak on behalf of every Town fan when I say that I wish Mark Kennedy and his team every success. We want to be surprised and fall back in love with this team. We’ve seen just how brilliant times can be under Morfuni with record crowds in his first season of ownership. That should be enough to show anyone just how great the potential is should Kennedy get it right.

Wise men say only fools rush in. Let’s not be the fools here, a couple of good signings doesn’t paper over the cracks. Instead let’s be wise and observe the good work and make our own minds up. Will mistakes be rectified? Is it once again a case for cautious optimism? Only the next 2 months will tell. But my word could everyone do with a season to cheer for. And then maybe, for the first time in a while, you will finish reading my column feeling optimistic!