North West Swindon Link June 2023

Editor’s Note

By Jamie Hill

Jamie@positive-media.co.uk

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

By Lucia Kenna

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.

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

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

It’s all been a bit of a political earthquake in Swindon with the borough turning from blue to red.

On page 4 we hear from new council leader Jim Robbins, who will be telling us Labour’s plans now they’re in control of the borough council, and we hear from Gary Sumner, the new leader of the opposition on the Tory side.

One thing that always sticks in my craw are those seemingly intelligent people who say ‘I don’t vote because politicians are all the same.’

This huge generalisation displays stupidity in abundance. Most local councillors, whatever their political affiliation, are there for the right reasons and are good people just trying to help. We should always remember that.

The art projects use varying forms of media, from sculptures and digital art to watercolours and collages.

The event was attended by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, children’s author and illustrator, Neil Griffiths and Judith Blake, and the young artists themselves. All 11 schools within the Blue Kite Trust contributed, resulting in a brilliant collection of work spanning five year groups.

A speech was given by Dan Clarke, Executive Headteacher of Brookfield Primary School, who thanked the staff and the children, praised them for their creativity, before handing over to children’s author Neil Griffiths, who spoke about the inspiration behind the theme of the exhibit, and about his book, ‘The Journey’. He ended his address with a

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.

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.”

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

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

A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Jim Robbins

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported Labour in the recent local elections.

It was humbling to receive such incredible support and we achieved one of the most decisive results in Swindon’s history, winning 16 of the 19 seats up for grabs.

We know that we have a huge job to do to overcome the mess left by the last administration and build the better Swindon that we promised, and we are determined to do so.

I’m overwhelmed by the amazing messages of support and congratulations, and certainly noticed a theme in them – ‘You’ve got your work cut out!’

We know that we won’t be able to do everything that we want to do straight away, but we are keen to make some early changes that we hope will improve the town and demonstrate the direction we want to travel in.

The first change we have made is to some of the internal committees in the council. We have got rid of some overview committees which appeared to be talking shops and replaced them with three delivery committees focused on developing policy in three key areas.

These are Combating Inequality, Building a Better Swindon and Achieving Net Zero, our three over arching missions which are the three areas we want to really focus on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will always be positivealways promoting Swindonalways 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.

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

By Jessica Durston

Over 2,000 people took part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life fundraising event this May at Lydiard Park.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, saw people dressed up in some amazing costumes to take part in an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events.

There were Super Mario costumes, a giant pink poodle, an inflatable crocodile, a giant strawberry and banana, and all helped to raise thousands of pounds to help beat cancer, along with supporters who enjoyed the carnival atmosphere at Lydiard Park, and did their part in funding crucial

research.

2023 is the 30th year of Race for Life and participants got a special medal to mark the milestone.

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives. Organisers say funds are also still coming in even after the event.

There were many people who had been through cancer treatment themselves taking part, supported by friends and family.

There was even a hen party who decided to enter, complete with bride’s veil and a bouquet of flowers as the hen-friends took to the 5k course to enjoy their big day.

Event organiser Georgina Ainsworth, said: “We had the

best day where people really went to town in celebrating what is a popular event at Lydiard Park.

“There were groups of school friends, brides, Spiderman and lots of familiar faces who turn up year after year to take part in memory of a loved one or to mark their

own journey with cancer. The day was amazing and the weather was kind to us.”

Entries are still open for Race for Life events across the South West of England.

To enter Race for Life for future events,, people can go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 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

Haydon Wick Hero winners announced

Haydon Wick Parish Council celebrated local people who make the community a better place with its Haydon Wick Heroes civic awards.

This year’s heroes are Volunteer of the Year

Rachael Maslin, Young

Achiever Kaylee Weaving and Community Group of the Year Haydon Wick Memory Cafe.

All were praised and thanked by the council for their dedication to helping others.

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

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

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 of this year’s festival, which was by turns poignant and light-hearted.

Mr Holland, pictured here at a previous festival, has organised it since it began, and in the early days some commentators wrongly doubted that such an event could ever be successful.

He said: “What I am about to say next might commonly be called a resignation speech.

“As things stand, next year the Swindon Festival of Literature as we have known it, all the way from Dawn Chorus to a Festival Finale,

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

The Fairford Festival Book Fest is set to be a best seller across 9 and 10 June, with another line up of popular authors, children’s authors and TV stars.

It is being held in a marquee at the ground of the Fairford Cricket Club (GL7 4JJ), along with its own book shop.

Tickets are priced at £4 per child and £10 per adult.

Information and a programme can be found at fairfordfestival.org.uk/ fairford-book-fest

Buckhurst Family Fun Day to return in June

The free Buckhurst Family Fun Day will be held again this year on Saturday 3 June from 11am - 4pm at Buckhurst Field.

There will be music, dance and gymnastic performances, a magic show, skateboard and scooter workshops, inflatables, a youth zone with fete games, a raffle, balloon modelling and more.

Brighter Futures Family Fun Day set for this August

A fundraising fun day event will be held by Brighter Futures on Sunday 6 August at the Coleview Community Centre, between noon and 5pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend and help raise money for GWH’s Dove Unit cancer patient garden. Donations can also be made online at brighterfutures.enthuse. com/pf/nicola-knightly

2023 marks local funeral service’s 100th anniversary

By Jessica Durston

Hillier Funeral Services’ first funeral dates back to 1923. It has remained a familyrun company since, now in its fourth generation.

The company was set up by Harold Hillier when he turned his hand to funerals after the Great Depression. He also ran a building company.

An office was set up in Victoria Road. Coffins were prepared by hand from butts of oak and elm and the first motor hearse was bought in 1933.

Harold’s son Michael joined the business in 1944, and took control when Harold retired in 1952. Michael (now 96) still takes a keen interest in the business and conducts the occasional funeral.

Michael’s son Mark joined the business in 1980, building on the family tradition of providing a professional caring service. He moved

the main office from 55 Victoria Road to 170 Victoria Road in 1993. He also established Hilliers’ unique Bereavement Care service and extended and modernised the chapels at The Broadway.

In 2014, Mark’s daughter Rebecca (pictured with Michael and Mark) joined the business. Looking at the ever-changing funeral industry, she has adapted the business’ ways of working to best suit the needs of clients, and constantly looks to improve their services.

She said: “One thing that has remained constant throughout the 100 years, is the service we provide to families which has made us a firmly established and integral part of the community. In the last five years we have opened our Highworth branch, moved

our head office to Kingshill House, as well as making improvements to our website, internal systems, products and the services we offer.”

To celebrate their centenary, the team decided to set up ‘The Hillier Community Fund’ which aims to support local charities. As a business Hillier’s will put £1,000 into the fund for every year they have been running, and year on year, will continue to add to the fund.

They made the first donations from the fund at their centenary dinner in May.

Promise that £7.5m Newbridge Square project will be sustainable

FI Real Estate Management and project partners Loop Interiors and Alphacello have outlined their top 10 sustainability goals for 1 Newbridge Square in Swindon.

The project’s key sustainability goals include: A BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent Rating, Life Cycle Carbon Assessment, Fitwel accreditation, Low Zero Carbon PV Installation, An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) A rating, local procurement of low carbon materials where possible, reusing strip-out materials to avoid waste, highly efficient LED lighting and onsite EV

charging and cycle storage.

Dominic Knowles, Head of Offices at FI Estate Management, said: “Our vision for the building is to deliver a healthy, resilient, and positive place for people to work, built responsibly, showcasing leadership.

“We want to leverage the project’s sustainability strategy, and decarbonize the refurbishment of the building to create a climatepositive asset.”

1 Newbridge Square will create a total of 100,000sqft of high-quality

grade A office space, with flexible floorplates available up to 24,000sqft.

Work is due to be completed by the end of this year.

Cushman & Wakefield, Loveday, and Smethurst are acting as joint agents for the office space.

More info can be found at fi-rem.com/property/1newbridge-square/

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

Welcome to Catherine Wayte!

Catherine Wayte Primary School opened on 6 September 2000.

We provide education for pupils aged between 411 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.

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.”

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.”

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 locally.

“Whether your design style is traditional or contemporary, Just Shutters have the design solution for you.

“The look is one thing – the usability is another thing entirely.

“Plantation shutters beat traditional curtains or blinds hands-down for practicality and life-enhancing benefits.

“Because they’re adjustable to almost any desired position, you can accurately position the louvres to

regulate the light and temperature in your rooms

“In summer, they screen out harsh sunlight on oppressive heatwave days, keeping your rooms cool… and your soft furnishings and fabrics protected from fade.

“Meanwhile, in winter, they insulate against cold and draughts so well; they can reduce heat loss by up to 40%.

“Plus, of course, they allow a versatility in privacy, security and

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.”

Words by Jessica Durston

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

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

LINK 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?

Patti explained: “It’s a fun show and is not just a Diana tribute performance. I will be performing tracks from Diana Ross, and the Supremes, and some of my own too. These shows on the ‘I’m Coming Out tour’ are about lifting people’s spirits. I like to involve my audience”

This show is not the first one Patti has put together in homage to another great artist. Before the ‘I’m Coming Out’ tour, she also did a show entitled ‘Billie and Me’ (paying her respects to Billie Holliday) and ‘Aretha and Me’ (for Aretha Franklin).

She recalled: “A few years ago now, my husband and I worked to get three health centres built in Nigeria and Cameroon. I set up a charity - Support for Africa - and the funding for the health centres came from my concerts at the Albert Hall, and from donors.

It took years, as it was just me working from my laptop,

without a secretary. We also provided funds for Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale, to help build a school in Lesotho.

“Following this I decided to return to what I loved doing – my singing. I thought what can I do that is exciting for me and the audience? It all started when i wrote a show - ‘Billie and Me’ - where I would perform Billie Holliday songs and talk about her life.

“As Billie’s life story is really quite a sad tale, and some of her songs reflected this, I thought what can I do to balance this out and bring more joyous elements to it.”

Patti continued: “I then started writing funny stories and anecdotes, and comparing my life to Billie’s. It gave people a chance to get to know the real me, and about my life. Audiences loved it.”

So why Diana Ross this time? I was curious about

Patti’s connection with Diana and why her music is the backbone of this new tour. She told me she met Diana when she was 19 years of age, and had only been over in the UK for three years.

Aside from the fact that she and her husband love Diana’s poppy, upbeat, and catchy choruses, Patti added: “Michael Jackson used to tease me whenever I met him, and would sing ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ to me, and say that he was sure that if we went way back, I would be related to Diana Ross!

“Also when I did New Faces in 1978, Tony Blackburn compared me to Diana Ross!”

Patti’s Swindon’s Arts Centre date is Saturday 17 June at 8pm. swindontheatres.co.uk/ online/tickets-patti-boulayeswindon-2023

LINK POETRY

Coronation poem highlights the good we can do for one another

for God and giants should open to let her in.

and inner Wiltshire, lucky to live here.

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

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

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

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

www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Strawberry Thief a big venue with small venue cosiness LINK FOOD & DRINK

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

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.

My colleagues were pleased with their choices, too.

Malthouse beer battered cod fillet (£17) came with crushed peas, Tartare Sauce, lemon and chips. The recipient, who was especially hungry, enjoyed the size of the portion, the ‘lovely’ batter and the flavoursome smashed peas.

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.

The colleague who opted for the blackened spiced courgette and broad bean tacos (£13) said he enjoyed the creativity of the dish but would personally have preferred the spices to be adjusted a little to provide more zing. The dish, he added, was crying out for some sourness.

Do You Believe In Ghosts?

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.

Studley GrangeNot just a garden

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 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

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.

“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

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

My previous column posed an important question - who is to blame for Swindon’s poor season? Jody Morris or Sandro Di Michele?

The Swindon board have since decided that both men are culprits with the two being dismissed.

As is so often the case in football one man’s loss is another man’s gain and this time the opportunity has fallen to Michael Flynn to become the 24th Swindon manager since 2001. There’s an array of reasons why I believe the Welshman will be one of the more shrewd appointments of this century.

The initial reason sounds simple but I assure you it is the most important. Flynn understands the demands of

League 2.

STFC starting from scratch LINK FOOTBALL

For the first time in a while Swindon have appointed a manager with pedigree in this division. What Michael Flynn achieved in his first job at Newport is simply incredible.

Taking over an Exiles side 11 points from safety and destined for the drop, Flynn won seven of 12 games to seal survival with a game to go. The 42-year-old would build upon that, as his first full season at the helm saw him mastermind the giant killing of Leeds United in the FA Cup.

The following season Flynn continued to defy the odds as he and Newport dumped former Premier League winners Leicester City out of the FA cup, while in the league County fell just short of promotion in the play-off final at Wembley. In his final

full seasons, Flynn once again guided Newport to the playoff final where they were agonisingly denied in extra time. All of these feats were achieved on a shoestring.

Another reason I believe Flynn will be a strong appointment is due to his personality. Within hours of being hired, the Welshman was on the pitch to introduce himself to the fans. In a brief interview he made a greater interaction with the Swindon faithful than his predecessors, since Richie Wellens.

Now again it sounds simple, but Flynn didn’t have to address the supporters. But in his words, he ‘gained an impression that he will forge a real connection with fans.’ This connection could be vital to push for promotion.

STFC are a big club and in order for this to be utilised everyone must come together as one. I believe

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.

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

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.