North West Swindon Link June 2023

No 492 June 2023 GPS-tracked delivery to over 42,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 105,000

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Swindon celebrates The King’s Coronation p6

Editor’s Note

Art exhibition at local library a celebration of children’s creativity

By Lucia Kenna

By Jamie Hill Jamie@positive-media.co.uk An exhibit of art from Blue Kite Academy Trust pupils can be viewed at North Swindon Library.

The exhibition features pieces from local children from various schools in the Trust, all inspired by the word ‘Journey’. It will run until 5 June.

The art projects use varying It’s all been a bit of a forms of media, from political earthquake in sculptures and digital art to Swindon with the borough watercolours and collages. turning from blue to red.

The event was attended On page 4 we hear

by North Swindon MP Justin from new council leader Tomlinson, children’s author Jim Robbins, who will be and illustrator, Neil Griffiths telling us Labour’s plans and Judith Blake, and the now they’re in control of the young artists themselves. All borough council, and we 11 schools within the Blue Kite hear from Gary Sumner, Trust contributed, resulting in the new leader of the a brilliant collection of work opposition on the Tory side. spanning five year groups.

One thing that always A speech was given by sticks in my craw are Dan Clarke, Executive those seemingly intelligent Headteacher of Brookfield people who say ‘I don’t vote Primary School, who thanked because politicians are all the staff and the children, the same.’ praised them for their This huge generalisation creativity, before handing displays stupidity in over to children’s author Neil abundance. Most local Griffiths, who spoke about councillors, whatever their the inspiration behind the political affiliation, are theme of the exhibit, and there for the right reasons about his book, ‘The Journey’. and are good people just He ended his address with a trying to help. We should always remember that.

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

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promise to drop a copy of his book to every school in the Trust.

Gary Evans, CEO of the Blue Kite Academy Trust, said: “All of these children that have worked on the exhibition are now published artists. Their work is displayed here in a public place for people to come and have a look. This not only drives their confidence, but their skill level too.

“Some of these young artists are five years old, some are seven, some are 11, so you’ve got a number of different skill levels.

They’ve also used a variety of different mediums to express themselves.

“We’re looking forward to doing many more things like this.”

Michelle Drew, Library Manager, said: “I hope we at North Swindon Library, can host events like this every year. You can see how hard all the children have worked and the artwork is amazing and really varied. I have been most impressed by all the different techniques the young artists have used.

“We would love to see as many people as possible coming into the library to see the exhibition, and we hope to work with Blue Kite Trust again.”

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3

LINK POLITICS

New era at borough council

The result of the local elections at the beginning of May saw Swindon Borough Council change political hands for the first time since the Conservatives gained control in June of 2004. The turnout was 35 percent.

Labour now has 33 seats, the Conservatives 22 and the Liberal Democrats one. Leader David Renard lost his Haydon Wick seat and Labour Group leader Cllr Jim Robbins became council leader. Former deputy leader Cllr Gary Sumner became Conservative leader. Here Cllrs Robbins and Sumner reveal their plans.

Council leader pledges a better Swindon open to fresh ideas We know that we won’t be able to do everything that we want to do straight away, but we are keen to I want to say a massive thank make some early changes you to everyone who supportthat we hope will improve ed Labour in the recent local the town and demonstrate elections. the direction we want to It was humbling to receive travel in. such incredible support and The first change we have we achieved one of the most made is to some of the interdecisive results in Swindon’s nal committees in the council. history, winning 16 of the 19 We have got rid of some seats up for grabs. overview committees which We know that we have a appeared to be talking huge job to do to overcome shops and replaced them the mess left by the last with three delivery commitadministration and build the tees focused on developing better Swindon that we prompolicy in three key areas. ised, and we are determined These are Combating to do so.

Inequality, Building a Better I’m overwhelmed by the Swindon and Achieving Net amazing messages of support Zero, our three over arching and congratulations, and missions which are the three certainly noticed a theme in areas we want to really them – ‘You’ve got your work focus on. cut out!’

We want to make sure that everyone in Swindon reaches their potential, make sure that we have the buildings and infrastructure necessary for the next 30 years and ensure that Swindon more than plays its part in fighting climate change and ensuring we have a sustainable future.

We know that, whilst the Labour team have plenty of big ideas to transform the town, we don’t have the monopoly on good ideas, and we invite all residents to feed into these groups.

Finally, the Labour group were stunned and very sad to hear the news of the death of one of our councillors, Pam Adams of St Margaret & South Marston ward.

Her death was very

I am now the Leader of the Opposition on Swindon Borough Council.

It will be a difficult few years ahead, but the Conservatives will hold Labour councillors to deliver on the promises they made during the election.

As Deputy Leader of the council, I spent several years holding public meetings with residents about how Swindon grows over the next 15 years.

I insisted on infrastructure before housing, and I have not always been popular

break meetings, but the Conservatives got it over the line.

The town centre has £100 million in projects to lift the value of the town centre and unlock sites for redevelopment.

This has been successful, with residential sites agreed at Kimmerfields, First Investments spending £7.5m on the former Tricentre to create new Grade A offices, and the new Zurich headquarters - a £38m office building which is statement of support in

A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Jim Robbins

sudden, and I had been speaking to her in the days beforehand planning her role in the new administration.

We all send our best wishes to her family and friends. She was a big figure in the Labour group, as well as being a much-loved former teacher in the town.

I know that many pupils from Churchfields, now Lawn Manor Academy, used to stop her to let her know how they were getting on and introducing her to their children and grandchildren.

New Conservative Group leader Gary Sumner will promote town

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because of this.

I headed up the delivery of £200m of road upgrades and left Swindon in a better place to accommodate new homes and businesses.

I supported Amazon, £400m of investment and 2,000 jobs.

I championed the redevelopment of the Honda site which will bring 12,000 jobs to Swindon, more than when Honda was open. A £700m investment and a £1.2bn boost to Swindon over 10 years.

We had many make or

our town, and an income investment for SBC, bringing in much needed profit to the council’s budget.

I will always be positive always promoting Swindon always with an open door.

Swindon people turned out in their thousands to celebrate Coronation

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk People throughout the Swindon area took part in special events to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. From street parties to more private gatherings, and from concerts to sampling tasty food from local businesses, revellers celebrated the special day in their own way.

Our images show (top) Jellytots Playgroup, (middle) a Coronation Concert in the Town Gardens and an open air party in Wood Street and (bottom) White Lodge Care Home.

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Thousands of participants raise over £200,000 for this year’s Race For Life

By Jessica Durston

research.

2023 is the 30th year of Over 2,000 people took part Race for Life and participants in Cancer Research UK’s Race got a special medal to mark for Life fundraising event this the milestone.

May at Lydiard Park.

Money raised at Race for Cancer Research UK’s Race Life enables scientists to for Life, in partnership with find new ways to prevent, headline sponsor Standard diagnose and treat cancer Life, saw people dressed up - helping to save more lives. in some amazing costumes Organisers say funds are also to take part in an inspiring still coming in even after the series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty event.

Muddy and Pretty Muddy There were many people Kids events. who had been through cancer There were Super Mario treatment themselves taking costumes, a giant pink poodle, part, supported by friends an inflatable crocodile, and family. a giant strawberry and There was even a hen banana, and all helped to party who decided to enter, raise thousands of pounds complete with bride’s veil to help beat cancer, along and a bouquet of flowers as with supporters who enjoyed the hen-friends took to the 5k the carnival atmosphere course to enjoy their big day. at Lydiard Park, and did Event organiser Georgina their part in funding crucial Ainsworth, said: “We had the

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best day where people really own journey with cancer. The went to town in celebrating day was amazing and the what is a popular event at weather was kind to us.”

Lydiard Park.

Entries are still open for Race “There were groups of school for Life events across the South friends, brides, Spiderman West of England. and lots of familiar faces To enter Race for Life for who turn up year after year future events,, people can go to take part in memory of a to raceforlife.org or call 0300 loved one or to mark their 123 0770.

Morris Minor in major fundraiser The 2023 rally of the North Wiltshire Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club will be held on Sunday, 11June from 10am to 3pm at Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

There will be a very special guest in the form of a specially wrapped example which is touring the country to raise funds for the Marie Curie cancer charity.

The car will also be at Swindon Summer Festival on the Parks on Saturday, 24 June from 10am to 3pm.

To date the Marie Curie car has raised more than £100,000 for the charity.

People can make a donation by visiting www. justgiving.com/page/ meetingmirandaminor and a calendar of locations and events can be found at miranda.mmoc.org.uk/ calendar Further information about the owners club can be found at www. northwiltsmmoc.co.uk

All systems go for Swindon’s Famous Duck Race

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Momentum and excitement is growing for the approaching 2023 annual Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town Duck race.

Known as Swindon’s Famous Duck Race, it will be held on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 May. There will also be an associated dog show, organised by Lucy Pet Carer and Red Lodge Canine Splash, along with many other activities, charity stalls and refreshments, and a good family day out is promised.

It will take place as usual at the Westcott Recreation Ground, opposite the Runner Pub, as it has done for the past 20 plus years, and

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holder will receive £1000 and there will be six runners up prizes of £100 each.

All money raised from the event will be donated to a range of well-deserving charities.

This is the club’s biggest annual fundraiser for charities.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to come and join in the fun.

Veteran Swindon Festival of Literature organiser steps down

Stalwart promoter of arts and culture Matt Holland has confirmed that the 30th Swindon Festival of Literature was his last as organiser.

He announced his decision in a speech during the finale Haydon Wick Hero of this year’s festival, which winners announced was by turns poignant and light-hearted.

Haydon Wick Parish Council Mr Holland, pictured here celebrated local people at a previous festival, has who make the community organised it since it began, a better place with its and in the early days some Haydon Wick Heroes civic commentators wrongly awards. doubted that such an event This year’s heroes are could ever be successful.

Volunteer of the Year He said: “What I am about Rachael Maslin, Young to say next might commonly Achiever Kaylee Weaving be called a resignation and Community Group of speech. the Year Haydon Wick “As things stand, next year Memory Cafe. the Swindon Festival of All were praised and Literature as we have known thanked by the council for it, all the way from Dawn their dedication to helping Chorus to a Festival Finale, others.

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preparations are well under way.

There will be three race categories - a Sponsored Business Drake Race, the Schools’ Duck Race and the biggest race, the main Duck Race.

The fun events will run from 11am to 4pm, with all welcome to attend.

Tickets are on sale at £1 a duck. The winning duck ticket

will not be organised by me.

“It is, I think, time for me to hang up my organiser’s hat.”

He added: “Notwithstanding the fact that it’s been a brilliant festival this year, for which I thank you all for your help and support, and even though running and organising a festival is not the hardest job in the world, nothing like, say, being a King, or harder still, being a mother, I have occasionally felt ever-widening cracks

appearing in my ageing and formerly impenetrable armour.”

Mr Holland now plans to spend more time with his growing grand-family, put his massive collection of books in order - and perhaps make some of his own writing ready for publication.

A major focus will be on working to help up-andcoming Swindon authors at the acclaimed Lower Shaw Farm arts venue.

Fairford Book Fest to welcome Dom Joly, Paul Martin and more

2023 marks local funeral service’s 100th anniversary

By Jessica Durston

the main office from 55 Victoria Road to 170 Hillier Funeral Services’ first Victoria Road in 1993. He funeral dates back to 1923. also established Hilliers’ The Fairford Festival Book It has remained a familyunique Bereavement Care Fest is set to be a best seller run company since, now in its service and extended and across 9 and 10 June, with fourth generation. another line up of popular The company was set up by modernised the chapels at authors, children’s authors Harold Hillier when he turned The Broadway.

In 2014, Mark’s daughter and TV stars. his hand to funerals after the Rebecca (pictured with It is being held in a Great Depression. He also ran Michael and Mark) joined marquee at the ground of a building company. our head office to Kingshill the business.

Looking at the Fairford Cricket Club An office was set up in House, as well as making the ever-changing funeral (GL7 4JJ), along with its own Victoria Road. Coffins were improvements to our website, book shop. prepared by hand from butts industry, she has adapted internal systems, products and the business’ ways of Tickets are priced at £4 of oak and elm and the first the services we offer.” working to best suit the per child and £10 per motor hearse was bought in To celebrate their centenary, needs of clients, and adult.

1933. the team decided to set Information and a Harold’s son Michael joined constantly looks to improve up ‘The Hillier Community programme can be found the business in 1944, and took their services.

Fund’ which aims to support She said: “One thing that at fairfordfestival.org.uk/ control when Harold retired local charities. As a business has remained constant fairford-book-fest in 1952. Michael (now 96) Hillier’s will put £1,000 into throughout the 100 years, still takes a keen interest in the fund for every year they Buckhurst Family Fun the business and conducts the is the service we provide have been running, and year to families which has made Day to return in June occasional funeral. on year, will continue to add us a firmly established Michael’s son Mark joined The free Buckhurst Family to the fund. the business in 1980, building and integral part of the Fun Day will be held again They made the first community. In the last five on the family tradition of this year on Saturday 3 donations from the fund at years we have opened our providing a professional June from 11am - 4pm at their centenary dinner in May. Highworth branch, moved caring service. He moved Buckhurst Field.

There will be music, dance and gymnastic Promise that £7.5m Newbridge Square project will be performances, a magic sustainable show, skateboard and scooter workshops, FI Real Estate Management charging and inflatables, a youth zone and project partners Loop cycle storage. with fete games, a raffle, Interiors and Alphacello Dominic balloon modelling and have outlined their top 10 Knowles, Head more. sustainability goals for of Offices 1 Newbridge Square in at FI Estate Brighter Futures Family Swindon.

Management, Fun Day set for this The project’s key said: “Our vision sustainability goals include: for the building August A BREEAM (Building is to deliver a A fundraising fun day event Research Establishment healthy, resilient, will be held by Brighter Environmental Assessment and positive grade A office space, with Futures on Sunday 6 August Method) Excellent Rating, place for people to work, flexible floorplates available at the Coleview Community Life Cycle Carbon built responsibly, showcasing up to 24,000sqft.

Centre, between noon and Assessment, Fitwel leadership.

Work is due to be 5pm. accreditation, Low Zero “We want to leverage completed by the end of this Members of the public Carbon PV Installation, An the project’s sustainability year. are invited to attend EPC (Energy Performance strategy, and decarbonize Cushman & Wakefield, and help raise money for Certificate) A rating, local the refurbishment of the Loveday, and Smethurst are GWH’s Dove Unit cancer procurement of low carbon building to create a climateacting as joint agents for the patient garden. Donations materials where possible, positive asset.” office space. can also be made online reusing strip-out materials to 1 Newbridge Square More info can be found at brighterfutures.enthuse. avoid waste, highly efficient will create a total of at fi-rem.com/property/1com/pf/nicola-knightly LED lighting and onsite EV 100,000sqft of high-quality newbridge-square/ 12

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Much-loved community gym doomed unless it can find new home

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Swindon’s Scrappers Gym must find a new home or close.

The boxing gym and community fitness centre has until 30 June to find new premises.

It currently operates from part of the ground floor of Sensor House in Langley Road, Hillmead, but the landlord has served notice.

The gym is one of many community projects under the umbrella of Swindon Children’s Scrapstore, whose head, Olivia McCann, is appealing for organisations and individuals to come forward if they can help to provide an alternative venue. She would also welcome information about any available council

premises.

Olivia said: “Scrappers Boxing Gym and Community Fitness Centre is set up to benefit the local community.

“We run sessions for people aged eight to 14, sessions for people with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, sessions for people with disabilities and sessions for the general public.

“Anybody can come along and use the gym.”

Last year saw 1,234 young people and 1,678 adults attend the volunteer-run sessions. Although the main focus is on boxing-related training and exercise, there is no obligation for users to box.

For some users, the gym has been a gateway to amateur boxing.

Olivia said: “We’re

probably going to have to massively downsize because we have four rings.

“My focus is on making sure we can find somewhere where we can continue the sessions for young people, people with mental health issues and people with disabilities.

“No other gyms offer what

we offer.

“We’re unique because we’re a community gym and not a commercial gym.”

Anybody who can help or suggest a way to save the gym is asked to contact Olivia on 01793 513982, on 0773 902 3290 or by email at olivia@scrapstore. co.uk

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Welcome to Catherine Wayte!

Catherine Wayte Primary School opened on 6 September 2000.

We provide education for pupils aged between 4 11 years of age.

We are a popular and successful school, serving the North Swindon community.

We are also proud to be part of the Blue Kite Trust.

Our Curriculum: - Focused upon high standards in mathematics, reading and writing as well as being broad and balanced, providing plenty of opportunities for enrichment - Inspires children and excites their imaginations - Progressive, ensuring continuity from Reception onwards - Provides a firm foundation for their educational journey and beyond - Relevant to all of our children and our community - Accessible to all children - Underpinned by quality first teaching - Encourages children to make positive contributions to society and to develop skills, qualities and characteristics essential for a happy, healthy and successful life

School Profile: Catherine Wayte Primary School Get to know the schools in your area This issue: Catherine Wayte Primary School Address: Elstree Way, Abbey Meads, Swindon, SN25 4TA Tel: 01793 727405 Email: admin@catherinewayte.swindon.sch.uk Website: www.catherinewayte.swindon.sch.uk

School Ethos:

Catherine Wayte Primary School aims to be a thriving purposeful community of learners where adults and children work together in an environment planned for high quality teaching and learning and where all those involved in the successful development of children work closely together for school improvement and development.

Our children are entitled to high standards of teaching that will help them to achieve their full potential in terms of education and independence.

We are extremely proud of the incredible achievements of our pupils, and their growth into confident and assured young people, and we do our very best to ensure all of our school leavers are ready for the challenges that lie ahead of them.

Safeguarding and Welfare Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to this commitment, including our Child Protection Policy, and these can be viewed within the Key Information section of our website. swindonlink.com n June 2023

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Remember someone special with Prospect’s ‘Remember Me’ roses Prospect Hospice is offering the community the opportunity to come together and remember those who are no longer with us with a new temporary art installation.

The hospice will be hosting its ‘Remember Me’ roses installation in their gardens in September to celebrate the lives and honour the memory of loved ones.

The charity is inviting anyone in the community who would like to be involved to dedicate a rose, handcrafted from recycled metal, in memory of someone they would like to honour in return for a donation to the hospice.

Each rose, available in a selection of four colours will bear the name of the person being remembered and will be displayed in the hospice’s gardens at the charity’s

garden fete on Saturday 9 September.

More info about the ‘Remember Me’ roses, supported by Arval UK, and rose dedications can be found at www.prospecthospice.net/roses The Prospect team would also like to add that nurses or healthcare assistants looking for new opportunities available to them, can attend their upcoming Prospect open events. They will be held on Thurs 15 June (5-8pm), & Sat 17 June (10am - 2pm).

People can register interest at www.prospect-hospice. net/openday or just drop in.

Interview: Ben Morris - A young Swindon reporter with a bright future ahead of him with the BBC

By Jessica Durston Ben, a 22-year-old man from Swindon born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, will be moving to London this September to pursue his career in journalism and broadcasting.

Already overcoming the odds set against his health and survival (he was given a life expectancy of two years when born), Ben has also broken further barriers by successfully earning his place on the BBC’s Advanced Journalism Apprenticeship Scheme 2023. There were around 2,000 applicants and 22 places.

He described what opportunities this apprenticeship could bring his way: “I will be working specifically with BBC News.

I’m not sure what department I’m going to be put in yet – it could be anything.

“I’ll be helping to find stories, to film and edit etc. I probably won’t be able to be on-screen for at least the first year though.”

He added: “It’s a Level 7 apprenticeship - equivalent to a Masters Degree. After that, on my briefing, it says effectively ‘you’ll get a job at the end of this.’”

Before getting this big break, Ben studied Journalism at Winchester University, specialising in broadcasting.

But journalism wasn’t always Ben’s original plan.

He said: “I originally wanted to be a doctor or a scientist, because I was determined to help cure my own condition, which sounds a bit pathetic

– plus I realised I wasn’t the best at Science at school.

So then I was thinking about what other career sectors I had been exposed to, I thought about reporting, as I was used to having reporters around me a lot, and talking to them. I found I had a good idea of what people wanted to read in a story.

“I really played on the whole disability thing when I first started, as I wanted to get the representation for my condition out there.

However, you start doing the stories and realise quickly that it’s not about you – it’s about the people you’re talking to, and writing about.

“It’s the journalist’s job to get the stories out there that wouldn’t normally be told – and if I can get disability representation out there at the same time, then great, but it’s not my main aim!”

Ben has also been working with local organisations to further hone his skills and

gain experience.

He is currently working with the local radio station Swindon 105.5, and undertook some work experience with the Swindon Link team a few years ago.

Ben said: “I’m sort of like the dedicated teacher at Swindon 105.5 at the moment, and I’m helping out the station manager, Shirley Ludford. If a new trainee comes in, I help show them the ropes and teach them what they will need to know.

I also do reporting and editing.

“I’ve found people won’t employ you within the journalism game if you don’t have previous work experience. It’s frustrating as if you can’t get any jobs, you’ll never gain the work experience. Swindon 105.5 are very accepting and just take people on.

“I think these local work experience/volunteering opportunities have really increased my passion for journalism.”

LINK PEOPLE Counting down the months until September, Ben is now turning his attention to getting everything in order for his move to London.

Although exciting, this move will not come without its own challenges for him.

Ben added: “Accommodation is going to be a major issue as I can’t just go on RightMove.

“I’ve had to find specialist agents that deal with accessible accommodation.

“I need to find somewhere that is affordable and accessible at the same time which can be difficult.

Transport to the BBC building needs to be accessible for my wheelchair too.”

Ben said this window of time until his move had also given him time to reflect.

“I think it’s quite interesting that the media and the press are interested in my story. If I could walk, I don’t think newspapers would give as much of a damn. I think through more disability representation, that will sort of fizzle out, but then would that in itself reduce the disability representation? It’s a complex question.

“I also had a bit of a moment the other night where I was questioning whether I was just approved by the BBC because I am disabled, or whether it was due to my skills. But then I thought, any publicity is good publicity, and that it may be a bit of both.

“And working with the BBC will give me the opportunity of a more hands-on approach to helping with disability representation.” swindonlink.com n June 2023

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Business Profile - Just Shutters Business Type - Design and install Plantation Shutters Established - 2006 Telephone number - 01793 378342 Website - www.justshutters.co.uk/swindon/

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The beautiful world of Just Shutters plantation shutters has now come to Swindon with a simple mission: to offer elegant yet entirely practical shutters to homeowners and businesses in the thriving town and surrounding areas.

A company spokesperson said: “Often referred to as plantation blinds or shutter blinds, you can’t fail to notice these stylish shutters behind the windows of a few houses regulate the light and locally.

“Whether your design style temperature in your rooms is traditional or contemporary, “In summer, they screen Just Shutters have the design out harsh sunlight on oppressive heatwave days, solution for you.

“The look is one thing – the keeping your rooms cool… and your soft furnishings usability is another thing and fabrics protected from entirely. fade.

“Plantation shutters beat “Meanwhile, in winter, traditional curtains or blinds they insulate against cold hands-down for practicality and draughts so well; they and life-enhancing benefits. can reduce heat loss by up “Because they’re adjustable to 40%. to almost any desired “Plus, of course, they position, you can accurately allow a versatility in position the louvres to privacy, security and 20

swindonlink.com n June 2023

cleanliness that gives an important sense of serenity.”

The spokesperson added: “Thomas Cater, your local shutter specialist, delivers a friendly, professional consultative service.

“His fundamental design sensibility, and careful understanding and interpretation of what you want to achieve, ultimately result in the ideal shutter solution that will add style and value to your home.”

History of Just Shutters

Just Shutters was initially established as a family business in Dorset in 2006.

Since then it has grown to cover many areas of the UK; today, they are known for being highly respected shutter specialists.

Swindon MD Thomas Cater, pictured above, is a dedicated and highly trained expert in the field.

Just Shutters said: “With his meticulous attention to detail, you can rest assured that your shutters will be designed and installed flawlessly, leaving you delighted with your shutters for years to come.

“If you live in Swindon or the surrounding areas and are looking for high-quality shutters backed by Just Shutters’ lifetime guarantee, exceptional service, and expertise, then look no further than Just Shutters Swindon.”

LINK

[Interview] Patti Boulaye OBE talks to the Link ahead of her upcoming Swindon tour date

Words by Jessica Durston

Swindon Link’s Jessica Durston spoke to the exuberant entertainer Patti Boulaye about her ‘I’m Coming Out’ tour that will be visiting Swindon this June. Below is an excerpt from the full interview: Considered a real doyenne within the entertainment field, Patti Boulaye OBE is back touring the UK with her new show.

‘I’m Coming Out’ features a plethora of Diana Ross’ most well-loved tracks along with some humorous comparisons between the veteran performer’s and Diana’s lives – told by Patti herself.

The lady of many talents kindly put time aside to talk to me ahead of her Swindon show.

The performing arts legend has turned her hand to everything – music, television, film, and theatre. She broke into the entertainment industry in the UK after moving from Nigeria in 1970, and has been performing since then.

She lives a happy life, still touring, with support from her husband and manager Steven Komlosy, who had his own illustrious career, representing Motown (and working with artists such as Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, and more) in the UK. In the full interview we also discuss the charity work the pair have been involved in, Patti’s devotion to supporting young people with their education and wellbeing, and what spirituality and faith mean to her - full article at

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LINK FOOD & DRINK

FEATURES

swindonlink.com/lifestyle/ patti-boulaye-interviewmay-2023 I wanted to find out what music-lovers could expect from her upcoming Arts Centre performance. What makes this tour special, and why Diana Ross was at the forefront of Patti’s mind when putting her show together? without a secretary. We also Patti’s connection with Diana Patti explained: “It’s a fun provided funds for Prince and why her music is the show and is not just a Diana Harry’s charity Sentebale, backbone of this new tour. tribute performance. I will be to help build a school in She told me she met Diana performing tracks from Diana Lesotho. when she was 19 years of Ross, and the Supremes, and “Following this I decided to age, and had only been some of my own too. These return to what I loved doing over in the UK for three shows on the ‘I’m Coming Out – my singing.

I thought what years. tour’ are about lifting people’s can I do that is exciting for Aside from the fact that spirits. I like to involve my me and the audience?

It all she and her husband love audience” started when i wrote a show Diana’s poppy, upbeat, and This show is not the first ‘Billie and Me’ where I catchy choruses, Patti added: one Patti has put together would perform Billie Holliday “Michael Jackson used to in homage to another great songs and talk about her life. tease me whenever I met artist. Before the ‘I’m Coming “As Billie’s life story is him, and would sing ‘Ain’t No Out’ tour, she also did a show really quite a sad tale, and Mountain High Enough’ to entitled ‘Billie and Me’ (paying some of her songs reflected me, and say that he was sure her respects to Billie Holliday) this, I thought what can I do that if we went way back, I and ‘Aretha and Me’ (for to balance this out and bring would be related to Diana Aretha Franklin). more joyous elements to it.” Ross!

She recalled: “A few years Patti continued: “I then “Also when I did New Faces ago now, my husband and I started writing funny in 1978, Tony Blackburn worked to get three health stories and anecdotes, and compared me to Diana centres built in Nigeria and comparing my life to Billie’s.

Ross!”

Cameroon. I set up a charity Patti’s Swindon’s Arts - Support for Africa - and the It gave people a chance to get to know the real me, and Centre date is Saturday 17 funding for the health centres about my life.

Audiences June at 8pm. came from my concerts at the loved it.” swindontheatres.co.uk/ Albert Hall, and from donors.

So why Diana Ross this online/tickets-patti-boulayeIt took years, as it was just time?

I was curious about swindon-2023 me working from my laptop,

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Coronation poem highlights the good we can do for one another

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POETRY

for God and giants should open to let her in.

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

Simon Armitage wrote ‘An Unexpected Gues’ for the Coronation. The concept is an ordinary person witnessing history: She’s treated herself to new shoes, a window seat on the fast train, a hotel for a night.

She’s been to the capital twice before, once to see Tutankhamun when she was nine

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and once when it rained.

Crossing The Mall she’s just a person like everyone else but her hand keeps checking the invitation, her thumb strumming the gilded edge of the card, her finger tracing the thread of embossed leaves.

In sight of the great porch she can’t believe the police just step aside, that doors shaped

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www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Strawberry Thief a big venue with small venue cosiness

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk With more than 400 covers inside and out, Arkell’s Strawberry Thief is one of the venerable Swindon brewery’s biggest venues.

However, a carefullydesigned layout including shelves of old books and assorted vintage objects provides a far more intimate atmosphere than might be expected in such a huge structure.

My colleagues and I, meeting for lunch, found the mood relaxed and friendly, thanks in no small part to the attentive and friendly staff.

Our lunch orders were taken efficiently and food and

It’s a poem that jumps boundaries. I’d like to think of her as a volunteer, one of the unassuming masses that get important jobs done without fuss.

If only we could harness the “Unexpected Guests” within our community. Imagine the difference it would make.

I’ve spent decades defending Swindon at poetry festivals when confronted with the negatives. I know the grim buildings are from the fifties, the centre has too many boarded-up shops, the permanent scaffolding around the Mechanics Institute and other eyesores.

On the positive, I extol the green spaces within the town

and inner Wiltshire, lucky to live here.

I was out with volunteers picking up rubbish by the roadside recently. It was grim. Beer bottles and cans, takeaway cartons and unfinished meals, condoms and detritus that would make you gag. We collected a lorry-load, all of it thrown from cars passing through.

I wish they’d stop and talk.

I’d give them Armitage’s poem, invite them to be “Unexpected Guests” next time they pass through. I’m sure it would require no more than that.

You can read the full poem at poetrysociety.org.uk/ poems/an-unexpected-guest

drink arrived promptly and without confusion.

My choice, a 6oz burger (£14.50), was served with 3Bs ketchup and crispy onions, lettuce, tomato and pickles. The meat was succulent and had a good, strong flavour rather than the bland something-and-nothing absence which mars many a pub lunch burger.

Roasted chicken Caesar Salad (£12.50) with Romaine Lettuce, dry aged Parmesan, garlic croutes and smoked bacon was pronounced delicious.

Grilled watermelon, Feta and pickled beetroot salad (£10) was rated summery, tasty and with high-quality ingredients.

My colleagues were The colleague who opted pleased with their choices, for the blackened spiced too. courgette and broad bean Malthouse beer battered tacos (£13) said he enjoyed cod fillet (£17) came with the creativity of the dish crushed peas, Tartare but would personally have Sauce, lemon and chips. The preferred the spices to be recipient, who was especially adjusted a little to provide hungry, enjoyed the size more zing. The dish, he of the portion, the ‘lovely’ added, was crying out for batter and the flavoursome some sourness. smashed peas.

Do You Believe In Ghosts?

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Wyvern Theatre Thursday 20 July An experiential ghost story, unlike anything you have ever experienced before is coming to Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre this July.

Welcome to a haunting night at the theatre if you, as an audience member, are brave enough.

If you are, head to the Wyvern, and you will be told all the secrets of what goes on when the theatre goes dark.

When the only thing to guide you is the Ghost Light - to keep mischievous spirits away – or maybe just to light the way for the ghosts who call it their home.

Follow the rules: keep your hands inside the car (so to speak) and you will be safe, as you will be told the tales that every theatre has to tell.

The ghostly stories of the things that go bump in the night, or the day.

The things that just don’t add up - or do they?

Stories that you have to take away with you. . . or at least try not to.

The show will raise the hairs on your arms and send chills down the back of your neck.

Join the Wyvern for a dark night.

Tickets cost £31.50 and the show is advised for ages 12 years and up. So definitely not for young children.

For tickets visit swindontheatres.co.uk

Studley Grange Not just a garden centre There’s a lot more to Studley grange, found just off Junction 16 of the M4, than you would first think. With great food, soft play, shops galore and even the Butterfly World and Farm Park, it’s definitely a lot more than just a garden centre.

The choice of places to eat is great. There’s the Garden Restaurant & Butterfly Café with freshly made food to order and a selection of cakes made in their own bakery.

And if you fancy taking some treats home visit the farm shop full of edible delights.

There’s also the fully air conditioned soft play area, including separate section for toddlers where there’s refreshments and freshly baked cookies available.

A spokesperson for the attraction said: “We have also recently undergone an extensive building programme. The new extension is now complete and we can offer an even larger selection of giftware, furniture and toys.

“There’s even a dolls house area; where we can offer everything from complete dolls houses and furniture sets to individual figures and items to complete your rooms.

“If you browse our indoor and outdoor plant areas, a member of experienced staff will be able to help you with your selections.

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“And you can treat yourself to a new barbecue or set of garden furniture to relax in and enjoy the sunshine.”

Visitors can also pamper themselves with an onsite hair dresser and nail bar or take part in a bit of retail therapy and buy a new outfit from Klass Clothing, Edinburgh Woollen Mill or Monique Clothing.

The spokesperson added: “We also have a range of concessions to complete your experience, from pottery painting to model railways and a whole lot more.

“Pets are not forgotten here either. We have Pet Shed and World of Water onsite. We also have a section of the restaurant set aside for dogs and their owners.”

At the popular Butterfly World & Farm Park visitors can walk through a tropical setting surrounded by free-flying butterflies or enter the reptile section and see a range of creepy crawlies, before walking through the Zoo area and spotting the Meerkats, Darwin the Otter and Rigby the Raccoon, finishing off at the Farm with the pygmy goats, pigs, cows, alpacas, chickens and geese. Lucky visitors might even get a chance to see the baby pygmy goats and emu chicks. www.studleygrange.co.uk swindonlink.com n June 2023

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STFC starting from scratch Alfie Howlett: Swindon full seasons, Flynn once again League 2.

Town FC For the first time in a while guided Newport to the playwriter off final where they were Swindon have appointed a agonisingly denied in extra manager with pedigree in time. All of these feats were this division.

What Michael My previous column posed achieved on a shoestring.

Flynn achieved in his first an important question - who Another reason I believe job at Newport is simply is to blame for Swindon’s Flynn will be a strong incredible. poor season? Jody Morris or appointment is due to his Taking over an Exiles side Sandro Di Michele? personality.

Within hours of 11 points from safety and The Swindon board have being hired, the Welshman destined for the drop, Flynn since decided that both men was on the pitch to introduce won seven of 12 games to are culprits with the two himself to the fans. In a brief seal survival with a game to being dismissed. interview he made a greater go.

The 42-year-old would As is so often the case in interaction with the Swindon build upon that, as his first football one man’s loss is faithful than his predecessors, full season at the helm saw another man’s gain and this since Richie Wellens. him mastermind the giant time the opportunity has Now again it sounds simple, killing of Leeds United in the fallen to Michael Flynn to but Flynn didn’t have to FA Cup. become the 24th Swindon address the supporters. But The following season Flynn manager since 2001. There’s in his words, he ‘gained an continued to defy the odds an array of reasons why I impression that he will forge as he and Newport dumped believe the Welshman will a real connection with fans.’ former Premier League be one of the more shrewd This connection could be vital winners Leicester City out appointments of this century. to push for promotion. of the FA cup, while in the The initial reason sounds STFC are a big club league County fell just short simple but I assure you it is and in order for this to be of promotion in the play-off the most important. Flynn utilised everyone must come final at Wembley.

In his final understands the demands of together as one. I believe

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that Flynn is capable of bringing everyone together - making Swindon a whole. This has been sorely missed of late with the atmosphere at home games being no better example.

Lastly I feel as if Flynn’s intelligence is worth mentioning.

Researching his background, I was impressed with what I read.

To begin with he’s a holder of a UEFA Pro Licence, which is the highest coaching certification available in Europe.

While earning his licence, he worked alongside football elite in Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry.

Interestingly, the Welshman is also friends with Pep Guardiola and has received an invite to Liverpool training from Jurgen Klopp. Off the pitch Flynn holds a 2:1 BA degree in Sports Journalism and Media Law. This adds further substance to why he is the ideal appointment.

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AGONY

GIRL

From the pages of Swindon Link's sister publication The Ocelot comes Agony Girl in the form of ten-year-old Amy. We read her the questions and she tells us the answers. To ask Agony Girl a question yourself email us at publisher@ swindonlink.com with 'Agony Girl' in the subject line.

Dear Agony Girl, I sometimes let things get to me and take things to heart. Please can you advise me on how not to worry?

Tyler, Haydon Wick By not caring what anyone thinks about you like I do. And tell them to shut up if someone is being mean to you.

Dear Agony Girl, I’ve taken to growing tomatoes and chillies indoors because of the unreliable British weather.

This involves the use of a special LED light, and the glow can be seen from the street. My partner always said people would think I was growing illegal plants. I didn’t believe her until I caught one of my neighbours, who is a police officer, peering through the window.

Also, the hippy down the street whose dog has a string instead of a lead keeps trying to invite himself

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round for a cup of tea.

How do I reassure everybody that I am not up to anything dodgy? I only want some nice tomatoes for my sandwiches.

Yours confusedly, Barrie, Old Town Put a sign on your front door saying that you’re not a weirdo and you’re only growing tomatoes. And if anyone knocks on your door and they’ve got a dog, get a shovel and whack them round the face with it.

Dear Agony Girl, I’m so annoyed at men. Can’t they just act like normal adult human beings and do what they say they are going to do and not just disappear for days and sometimes weeks on end without a word? How do I find an actual adult man in this minefield that is online dating?

Lisa, Ridgeway Farm

Message my dad because he’s nice. But you might have to wait until he dies and gets reincarnated in his next life as he has a girlfriend.

Dear Agony Girl I was just wandering around Westminster the other day and some bloke in a dress and a lady with a sword grabbed me and put a crown on my head. Now I’m King. What should my first act be?

Charles, Windsor Find a girl called Amy who lives in Swindon and give her a million free pounds and then after that you can tell the boys in my school to stop being annoying.