North West Swindon Link September 2018

No 436 September 2018

GPS delivered door to door to 50,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

The definitive guide to school open days p14

North & West Edition

New Orbital sculpture celebrating Swindon's engineering Page 4 New funding Focus on the last 75 opportunity for Shaw years of Lydiard Park Ridge Playgroup with new book by Kevin Fisher

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

Page 13

p32

Two brothers set sail Page 20 on a pedalo up the Thames for a good cause

Check out our new website

Swindon's singing superstar kick starts summer sports camp

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

One of our big plans came to fruition this month with the launch of our new Swindon Link website.

And we're pretty pleased with it as it is just a tiny bit nifty. A lot of hard work has been put in to it to make sure that it gives the reader more than ever before with whole new sections including lifestyle, charity, sport, education and business.

So now, you can not only keep up to date on a daily basis on all the latest goingson in the town but also find everything you need when it comes to business news, family and attractions and sport news.

The world is moving at quite a pace nowadays and although The Link is primarily a print product we need to make sure that we do all we can in the digital world too.

If I was to suddenly descend into corporate business speak we have 'increased our digital offering to emphasise the impact on the interface with our users' - but that would be meaningless twaddle so I'd just recommend visiting it and seeing what you think at www.swindonlink.com Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Claire Dukes Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart, Rosy Presley Digital and Marketing: Nataley Fryer Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

The finalist of The Voice Kids, Swindon's Lilia Slattery, wowed children at Oakhurst Primary School last month by marking the official opening of Draycott Sports Camp with a special performance.

Having attended Draycott Sports Camp in previous years with her siblings, Lilia Slattery was invited by the multi sports camp's director to perform to a hall of children.

Kicking off day two of the summer sports programme, this was Lilia's first performance since reaching the finals of ITV's The Voice Kids 2018.

In a special performance at Oakhurst Primary School the 11-year-old sang Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me' and 'A Million Dreams' from The Greatest Showman.

Draycott Sports Camp Director, Mark Draycott, said: "I think that's got us off for a brilliant start to the summer what a way to start day two."

Becki Slattery, Lilia's mum, said: "All the family are very proud, but it's been great to get back to reality to be honest - Lilia's focusing on starting secondary school in September and enjoying spending time with her friends."

Now in its fifth year, the Draycott Sports Camp aims to encourage children to get involved with sporting activities to keep them active. Aside from Christmas, the programme is

run throughout every holiday and offers a range of sporting activities including badminton, football, hockey and tennis.

Mark added: "It's a multi sports camp to keep as many children active throughout the summer holidays to get them outside and in the fresh air - to keep them off the iPads. The community is really brought into it.

"It's also really important to get the girls participating in sport - there's over 100 of them here. So that's an achievement and that's

something I'm very proud of."

For further information visit www.draycottsportscamp.com

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for October adverts and editorial: 12 September October edition published: 28 September Our Statistics Est. Readership of 125,000 in print & c.25,000 monthly online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication.

Advertising starts from just ÂŁ51.

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

Positive Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers.

Positive Media Group Limited, Unit 3, Arclite House, Century Road, Swindon SN5 5YN

T: 01793 744677 Email: publisher@swindonlink.com

Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Arclite House, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YN. Printed by pcp Telford

Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 744677 swindonlink.com n September 2018

3

New publication charts the recent history of Lydiard House

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

The future of Lydiard Park was far from certain 75 years ago - the St John Family had vacated the historic estate after generations of ownership, Hitler's army was threatening to invade and country houses were being demolished at a breathtaking rate.

Kevin Fisher, a trustee at Lydiard Park, has traced the recent history of the site in an in-depth history which charts the development of Lydiard House from a derelict shell to the much loved visitor attraction it is today.

Mr Fisher, a former electrical engineer, became interested in the recent history of Lydiard Park and some of the key figures who were instrumental in bringing it back from the brink of destruction at a time when the future looked uncertain and historic houses

4

swindonlink.com n September 2018

were being bulldozed at an alarming rate.

“I began to realise that the pleasure we all get from visiting Lydiard Park is as a direct result of the visionary ideas of individuals such as David Murray John.

“I have lived in Swindon nearly all my life but had little understanding of the history of Lydiard and, in particular, how

and why it was bought by the Swindon Corporation all those years ago.”

The publication was made possible thanks to the contribution of a number of local experts who were able to provide fascinating historical documents and original source material detailing the sale and underpinning the key decisions made by people at the time.

“One of the stand out figures to my mind was David Murray John who had the foresight to oversee the preservation of the house and the grounds for generations to come.”

He added, that was remarkable given that Britain was at war and the immediate future was impossible to Sally Taylor and Vicky Silver predict - under his watch the Swindon Corporation invested £4.5k the equivalent of £1m today. According to reports at the time the ceiling was being held up by cobwebs!

Lydiard Park is currently owned by Swindon Borough Council and managed by Lydiard Park Heritage Trust.

A PDF version of the booklet is available from the trust’s website - www.lydiardtrust. org.uk or printed copies are available at £3.50 (to cover printing costs) from: info@ lydiardtrust.org.uk Profits will be donated to a local charity.

NHS South West ditches paper The South West has become the first NHS England region to fully digitise GP to hospital outpatient referrals.

The move is aimed at reducing patient waiting times, increasing choice and enabling GPs to quickly get a consultant’s opinion on a patient’s condition.

Christina Malcolmson, Regional Head of the NHS Digital Implementation and Business Change Team (South)

6

swindonlink.com n September 2018

said: “It is very pleasing that we are the first region to completely achieve paper referral switch off. It has been a large and often complex process – one that highlights the crucial importance of NHS organisations working together in genuine partnership.”

The move towards the paper referral switch off comes following the introduction of the NHS Standard Contract and the new 2018/19 GP Contract, which requires the full use of the NHS e-Referral Service by the autumn deadline.

From 1 October 2018, providers will no longer be paid for activity which results from referrals made other than through the NHS e-Referral Service.

For more information please visit www.england.nhs.uk/ digitaltechnology/nhs-ereferral-service

Beautiful game is a walk in the park

Better Leisure Centres in Swindon have launched Walking Football sessions at Croft and Haydon Sports Centres. And new sessions are being launched at Dorcan Sports Centre on Thursday 13 September from 7pm to 8pm.

Aimed at the over 65 age group, walking football is open to men and women.

The activities form part of the Generation Gains programme which is funded

by Zurich Community Trust in partnership with GLL. The aim is to support and engage with socially isolated older people within the Swindon community.

For more information log on to www.better.org.uk/ generation-gains

Friendly support Swindon Osteoporosis Support are gearing up for their Autumn Programme which begins on 14 September with their AGM followed by a talk by Debbie Wadsworth from Swindon LIFT Psychology service. The group meets on the second Friday afternoon each month, from 1.30 - 3.30pm at the Emlyn Square Community Centre. The group welcomes new members and offers support and information on osteoporosis, a bone thinning condition affecting older people. For further information call 01793 634424, or email her at swindonosteoporosis@ googlemail.com

In good company Beechcroft Senior Citizens Thursday Club meets once a fortnight from 2 - 4.30pm at the Council Chambers, Eddison Crescent, Meadowcroft.

Contact Patsy Hopper on 01793 692143 for more details.

8

swindonlink.com n September 2018

Swindon half marathon thrown into doubt

By Jamie Hill jhill@swindonlink.com

The future of Swindon Half Marathon has been thrown into doubt after fears that an 8am start time, imposed by Swindon Borough Council, might deter out of town participants.

Organisers say that this year's event will continue whatever happens and are asking for as many people to sign up as possible to make it viable.

The Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon team have announced that the 2018 Half Marathon, on Sunday 9 September, may well be the last. The organisers say that rising costs, along with Swindon Borough Council’s insistence on an earlier start time means that the sums just aren’t adding up.

Cllr Jane Milner-Barry, Labour spokesperson for sports development, said: “I was shocked to hear that the New Swindon Half is at risk.

Last year 2,700 runners took

part and the event raised £70,000 for local charities.

Events like this are really good for the town. Families were paying to park in the town centre and spending money there. The Swindon Half has given a lot of people a reason to try and get fit.

“If Bath, Reading and Oxford can run half marathons, why can’t Swindon? It almost seems as if the Conservative Administration is actively discouraging community events.

"By treating events like these

as a cash cow, the Conservative council is killing them off. A bit of support and flexibility on the part of the council, especially with an event like the New Swindon Half which is just getting off the ground, would bring dividends in the form of a much more attractive image for Swindon. Swindon needs to invest in events like this that showcase the place. If this is the last year for the New Swindon Half, the council will be to blame.”

Swindon Borough Council were unavailable for comment.

Street food treat served up for Orbital shoppers Visitors to the Orbital Shopping Centre were treated to a foodie treat - with the East from the Streets food festival.

A converted double decker bus returned this year for visitors to dine in as they gorged on food from the various independent street food vendors. The familyfriendly event also provided free face painting through the weekend.

Jamie Turner, centre manager at Orbital, said: “Our Eats from the Street festival is a celebration of street food and some of the best, independent food vendors from across the region. The event has proven really popular with local people in recent years, and we were excited to be bringing it back once again this year, offering free entertainment for the whole family while they enjoyed the delicious food from our stalls.”

This year vendors included:

Wanna Pull – pulled meat burgers Chez Raphael – crepes and waffles International Spud Station – potato pancakes B&Co. Food – veggie / vegan pizza Gurt Wings – chicken wings Roll Me Up – ice cream rolls Devoted Deluxe Bar For further information visit www.orbitalshopping.co.uk

Hargroves bash

Learn from the housing experts at NSBRC's Renovation Show In other news...

Hargroves cycle store in Swindon is celebrating its 8th year in business on Thursday 27 September with food, drink, cake and roller racing (static cycle racing on rollers). The event will take place at Hargroves Cycles Unit 9, Penzance Drive Swindon. Doors open at 6pm.

Charity fundraiser

Tickets are now on sale for a charity night to raise money for Gloucester House residential rehabilitation treatment centre.

Taking place at the Wrag Barn Golf and Country Club in Shrivenham Road, Highworth, the charity dinner and dance on October 20 features music from local band Hangfire. Tickets cost £30.

Gloucester House is a CQC registered treatment centre which provides residential rehabilitation for people with drug and alcohol issues. For more information contact Alan Fletcher on 762914 or email alanfletcherswindon@sky. com.

Footprints fundraiser The Swindon Footprints charity is holding a fundraising night to support the charity's work with homeless people in the town.

The event. on Saturday 27 October, will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton.

The event will feature a three-course dinner, music, special guests and a fundraising auction.

For tickets contact 07903 871140.

10

swindonlink.com n September 2018

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Next month Swindon's National Self Build & Renovation Centre will be hosting their autumn Renovation Show.

Traders, craftsmen and those who are DIY-inclined are invited to hear from the housing industry's experts from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 October.

The event, which is free to attend, will have more than 240 exhibitors, live renovation demonstrations, experts on hand for free advice, a 67,000 sq ft exhibition space, and free seminars.

The centre, which boasts a full-scale renovation house,

offers supplies, displays units and audio tours for those interested in anything from a full self build to some minor home improvements. Resident experts from NSBRC include Neil Davey, - Design & Planning - Robin Batchelder – Project Management and David Hilton - Project Management and Heat & Energy.

The centre is located on Swindon M4 Junction 16.

Opening times: Friday and Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 9am to 4pm.

For further information about NSBRC and the renovation show visit www.nsbrc.co.uk

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) has been named as Swindon Town’s new Gold Business Partner.

Swindon Town FC offer a wide range of sponsorship opportunities for businesses and the NSBRC has teamed up to support the club during the 2018/19 season.

Harvey Fremlin, managing director at the NSBRC, said: “We are thrilled to support our home team by becoming a gold business partner.

"We believe the NSBRC is a fantastic resource that is under-utilised by people in and around Swindon and this partnership is a high-profile opportunity to highlight that we are free to visit and open to the public."

Cyclist completes charity bike ride in memory of daughter A 29-year-old Sales Manager from Swindon has completed the 680 mile Action Medical Research London-Geneva charity bike ride.

Dan Sinclair set off from London on 25 July with three work colleagues to tackle the first leg of his challenge: cycling from London to Paris.

Having arrived in the French capital on Saturday 28 July, he then continued towards Geneva before returning home on Friday 3 August.

Dan has set himself the challenge of raising £20,000 by completing four physical challenges in 2018 for Action Medical Research.

He’s fundraising in memory of his baby daughter Scarlett: Dan said: “My partner Emma and I were blessed with twin girls around five years ago. Both Millie and Scarlett were born with Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

“Sadly Scarlett passed away. We were absolutely devastated.”

Having completed the Trek the Night: Cotswold Way ‘London to Paris’ and ‘Paris to Geneva’ challenges, only one more stands in his way: the Race The Sun: Lake District in September.

Action’s Head of Events, Emma Morgan, said: “Dan is one of our most passionate supporters and we are so grateful for everything that he is doing to not only raise funds but also awareness of Action.

"Action is a UK-wide children’s charity which funds desperately needed research

to tackle the diseases that devastate the lives of so many of our children. It has been funding medical breakthroughs since it began in 1952 including helping to introduce the first polio vaccines in the UK, developing the use of ultrasound in pregnancy and testing the rubella vaccine.

"The charity is currently funding research into areas including premature birth, epilepsy, asthma, scarlet fever, cerebral palsy, brain cancer and some rare and distressing conditions."

swindonlink.com n September 2018

11

Shaw Ridge Playgroup recognised by national campaign to get kids back outside

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Shaw Ridge Playgroup has been recognised by a national campaign for their efforts in encouraging children and their parents to reconnect with nature and the great outdoors.

After a recent survey Play More - an organisation which supports nurseries in improving their outdoor play facilities - are running a national campaign to recognise nurseries across the UK who encourage children and their parents to spend more time outdoors.

Sudocrem, who instigated the Play More initiative, set up a survey asking children between the ages of four and eight across Britain to identify a series of bugs and insects. The survey revealed that 9 out of 10 children (89%) were unable to recognise a butterfly, 51% didn’t know what a Bumblebee

looks like, and one in three (29%) didn’t realise that bees make honey.

As part of the campaign, Play More asks parents to nominate a deserving nursery and Shaw Ridge Playgroup in West Swindon is now in the running to receive support for their outdoor play area. One parent who nominated Shaw Ridge Playgroup said: “The nursery is absolutely amazing, they

have two members of staff who adore the children and work with them to help them grow. They rely on donations as from what I’m aware they don’t receive government funding.

This would make a huge difference to the nursery and the supplies they need.”.

The campaign has won the support of BBC Chris Packham who said: “I was very fortunate when I was a child because

I was encouraged to interact with the outdoors- looking under rocks and searching under logs and hedges to find creepy crawlies. If you just open your eyes, you’ll see that there is an incredible natural world out there waiting to be discovered.”

For further information, and to nominate a local nursery, visit www.sudocrem.co.uk/ social-hub

swindonlink.com n September 2018

13

Swindon schools open day guide Haydonleigh Primary School

St Leonard's CE Primary Academy

Open evening: Saturday 6 October - 10am to 1pm Presentation by Headteacher Mrs Frances Billinge at 10.30am and 11.30am

Open day: Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 October Meet and greet with staff and students

www.haydonleighschool.co.uk

www.stleonardsblunsdon.org. uk

Open day event: Saturday 25 September at The Tawny Owl, Taw Hill - the Parliment Room from 6pm Meet and greet with staff 01793 332425 www.bluekitetrust.org.uk

Bradon Forest School

Commonweal School

Dorcan Academy

Open evenings: Thur 20 Sept - 6pm to 8pm Presentation at 7.30pm No booking required Open week: Mon 1 to Fri 5 Oct - 9.15am to 10.30am.

Booking required www.bradonforest.org.uk

Open evening: Wednesday 12 September - 6pm to 8pm

Open evenings: Thur 4 Oct 6pm to 8.30pm.

Open mornings: Tuesdays and Thursdays in Oct at 9am, 10am and 11.30am Appointment only Book: 01793 525231 www.bradonforest.org.uk

Open evenings year 6: 20 and 26 Sept - 5.30pm to 7.30pm Open evening sixth form: Wed 17 Oct - 5.30pm to 7.30pm www.gwacademy.co.uk

Kingsdown School

Lawn Manor Academy

Lydiard Park Academy

Open days and tours: every Thursday morning in October - booking is essential via PA to Headteacher, Mrs J Carter

Open evening: Thur 27 Sept - 4pm to 7pm.

Open morning: Sat 6 Oct 10am to 12pm.

Tours available.

Open evening: Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 Sept 5.30pm to 8pm Open morning: Wed 3 and Thur 4 Oct

Book via www.lawnmanor.org

www.lydiardparkacademy. org.uk

Highworth Warneford School Open evening year 5/6: Thur 27 September - 5.30pm to 7.30pm Open day tour: Mon 8 and Wed 10 Oct. Book 01793 767083 / www.warnefordschool.org 14

swindonlink.com n September 2018

For further information contact 01793 612727 / www.commonweal.co.uk

Book via 01793 822284 or jcarter@kingsdownschool. co.uk

William Morris Primary School

Abbey Park School Open evenings: Tues 18 and Wed 19 Sept - 5pm to 8pm Open days: See school in session Wed 10 Oct and Thur 11 Oct - 9.15am Book: 01793 705400 / www.abbeyparkschool.org.uk

Great Western Academy

Nova Hreod Academy Open evening: Thur 13 Sept - 6pm to 8pm Pupil experience evening: Tues 25 Sept - 6pm to 8pm Open mornings: 18 Sept, 3 and 15 Oct - 9am to 11am www.novahreodacademy. org.uk

Cirencester College Open day: Saturday 13 October - 10am to 3pm

The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy

Yr 6 open evening: Thur 13 Sept - 6pm to 8pm Yr 6 open mornings: 19, 26 Sept and 3 Oct - 9am to 10.30am

Open evening: Wed 19 September - 6pm to 8.30pm Sixth Form open evening: Wed 17 Oct - 6pm - 8.30pm

www.ridgewayschool.com

01793 841900 / www.rwba.org.uk

New College Open day: Saturday 6 October - 10am to 2pm AS, A Level and Night Courses

www.cirencester.ac.uk

Swindon College

www.newcollege.ac.uk

Wiltshire College

Open evening: Thur 11 Oct 5pm to 7pm Open day: Sun 11 Nov 10am to 1pm.

Staff and student meet and greet

Open days: Saturday 13 October and Saturday 24 November - 10am to 12 noon

www.swindon.ac.uk

www.wiltshire.ac.uk

New primary school to open in Tadpole Garden North Swindon development, Tadpole Garden, is welcoming its latest educational institute this month - William Morris Primary School.

There will be 60 Reception places and grow year on year until it reaches capacity with 420 pupils, in seven years' time. There will also be a nursery for two to four-yearolds.

The new primary school is part of a long-term strategic plan for the Tadpole area applications will be open from 1 September. With increased housing and a changing demographic, it became apparent that additional primary and nursery places would be required to meet demand. In April 2018, Swindon Borough council ran a ‘free school’ competition and

shortly after Blue Kite Multi Academy Trust was designated as sponsor for what would become William Morris Primary.

Gary Evans, CEO, Blue Kite Trust, said: "Like all schools within the Blue Kite Trust, William Morris will have a dynamic approach to teaching and learning, it will set creative questions for pupils to explore, it will engage their curiosity and nurture their imaginations allowing the children of William Morris to become more fully involved and excited about learning."

The school will be holding an open event on Tuesday 25 September at The Tawny Owl. Applications will be open from 1 September. For further information visit www. bluekitetrust.org.uk

Oxford Brookes University Open day: Saturday 13 October - 9.30am to 2pm For students interested in studying Adult Nursing and Operating Department Practice BSc www.brookes.ac.uk

Swindon Academy Open evening Yr 5/6: Wed 19 Sept - 6pm.

Yr 7 Grammar Stream Open Evening: Tues 11 Sept 6pm.

Sixth Form evening: Wed 7 Nov - 6pm. www.swindon-academy.org

Rendcomb College Open morning: Sat 6 Oct 9.30am Sixth Form open evening: Fri 9 Nov Book via admissions@ rendcombcollege.org.uk / 01285 832306

School leavers celebrate A-Level results day Last month saw hundreds of students across Swindon find out their A-Level results.

A study revealed by the BBC summarised that "the overall pass rate (grades A*-E) was 97.6%, down from 97.9% last year" and that "boys led girls in the top grades for the second year running".

New College were revelling in the 97% overall pass rate of 16 to 18-year-olds. Principal and CEO of New College

Carole Kitching said: “This is a really excellent performance by our A level, AS level and vocational students, continuing a trend of year on year improvement and this year seeing a significant increase in the percentage of high grades too.

"It’s fantastic to see so many young people and adults achieving their goals and moving on to higher education, apprenticeships and work."

swindonlink.com n September 2018

15

Residents get their say on Swindon Museum and Art gallery's new home

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery (SMAG) called on Swindon residents to help decide where the town’s art collection should be moved to.

Since the Heritage Lottery Fund rejected the £12.7 million bid to place a new Museum and Art Gallery in the town centre, trustees of SMAG are pressing forward with new ideas for an alternative site.

One of the main reasons for the proposal is that the Museum and Gallery holds an extensive collection of art and artefacts with many not able to be on display.

Still in talks with Swindon Borough Council, SMAG called on residents for their opinions on determining a new site after being granted an Options Appraisal by the council. Residents keen to express their view on the matter had three weeks to

put their suggestions forward to SMAG and SBC. Once the Options Appraisal closed to the public - on 27 August - SBC and SMAG trustees have been deliberating on a new outcome for the future of the Museum and Art Gallery.

Rod Hebden, director of the SMAG trust, said: “There were people who were for and against the project, and the people who were against the project largely were people who cared about heritage and want to see something happen, they just feel like they didn’t have a say on what that thing was. So, I’m saying let’s get out there and get people’s opinions.

“The commitment with the council to find a new home for the Museum and Art Gallery is still there, – we’ve got these amazing collections we’re not using well, or not being used best for Swindon – and that hasn’t gone away. It’s still a priority and the council still

need to deliver it.

“We know that the funding environment has changed – the message we got from the Heritage Lottery Fund was that they just can’t fund big facilities like this anymore. We need to go back to other funders with a different solution.

“One of the things I heard very loud and clear when I first got involved with the project was that people hadn’t felt they’d been involved in actually deciding what the project was

originally, and where it should be and how it should be done."

We know that the current facility just isn’t fit for purpose.

I got involved in the project not because of the building or because of the location or anything else like that, I got involved in the project because I believe in the power of heritage, and people’s history, and the culture to have an impact on people’s lives in Swindon." www.swindonmuseum.org.uk

swindonlink.com n September 2018

17

Join Swindon Link for charity race night

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Swindon Link and Nicky Alberry, The High Sherriff of Wiltshire, are joining forces and hosting a Race Night at The County Ground on Thursday 13 September.

The race night will be raising money for Net Patient Foundation, supporting Neuroendocrine Cancer - a charity very close to Swindon Link's photographer Richard Wintle. As the brain child of the event Mr Wintle wants to raise as much money as possible for the charity that

has supported him over the last year.

The evening will include a raffle with various prizes up for grabs which includes a signed Swindon Town shirt, Swindon Town Tickets, tickets to Swindon Wildcats and a day out at Better Link Centre.

Tickets cost ÂŁ10 each and will include a sausage or fish and chips meal - tickets must be booked in advance. Tables can be booked for up to groups of 10.

To book tickets please email Karen Randall at the Swindon Link office via Karen@ positivemediagroup.press

Wiltshire Air Ambulance lands at new air base swindonlink.com n September 2018

19

Brothers get ready to set sail for London in pedalo

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

A pair of brothers are embarking on an ambitious challenge for a good cause - travelling to London in a pedalo boat.

Matt, 24, and 20-year-old Brandon Greenwood are setting sail this month on a 206km voyage.

In 2003, after finding a lump during a routine dentist appointment, a close family member of the brothers was diagnosed with throat and mouth cancer. After having nearly all their teeth and half of his tongue removed, their relative was cleared of cancer in 2006 - but it would not be the end to his suffering. The chemo got rid of the cancer but destroyed the jaw bone - last year, when getting out of bed one morning, the jaw completely broke.

After being cleared of cancer

20

swindonlink.com n September 2018

Brandon and Matt Greenwood Photograph by Dan Pettitt

the Greenwoods were told by doctors that their relative was at risk of septicaemia due to the decay of the jaw bone, giving him 12 months to live.

He would need reconstructive surgery to rebuild the jaw.

Matt said: “The NHS said they would be able to rebuild it, but it was about eight months – they couldn’t guarantee they could get him in. So, we couldn’t get it done on the NHS in time to guarantee his life.”

After getting quotes from consultants in London they found the operation would cost between £40,000 and £50,000 in the UK and there

Photograph Dan Pettitt would still be a long by waiting list.

Matt said: "After meeting a contact in Belgium the family were able to find the same treatment cheaper and at a sooner date."

Unable to find the £15,000 for the operation immediately, the Greenwood's were able to receive a loan in order for their relative to get the treatment as soon as possible.

Since the operation in April the brothers are keen to repay as much of the debt as they can. Having found a 10-year-old pedalo in July, the brothers are trying to fundraise

the money by setting sail: 1 September, from Lechlade Bridge to Teddington Lock as the "Pedalo Bros".

Brandon said: "This challenge means the world to us. Having the chance to help a family member out of medical debt is the most rewarding feeling we have ever experienced.

"I’m very optimistic about this challenge. Of course, it’s going to be hard. There’re going to be some very tiresome moments along the way. But I have no doubt that we will complete the 206km, with pride, having done our family proud."

The Pedalo Bros feel emotionally indebted to repay the money that gave their family the option for lifesaving surgery. The brothers are hoping to complete their journey - which will include 43 locks and eight hours in the pedalo per day - in ten days. www.pedalobros.co.uk

The Politics Page

How can we reduce the impact of waste plastics?

Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard (Con) Last autumn’s Blue Planet II had

a global impact in drawing attention to the damage that waste, and particularly plastic pollution, causes to our oceans. It has since sparked many new positive initiatives from government, business and communities.

Wherever we can, avoiding creating waste in our own homes is the most sustainable solution along with companies making sure products are manufactured from materials that are easily recycled.

Whilst it may take time for manufacturers to reduce using plastics we can make a

difference right now with our recycling in Swindon.

During September and October we are inviting public input to help us develop a new waste strategy for Swindon.

Once finalised, this will set out how we intend to sustainably manage Swindon’s waste in the years ahead. Like all local authorities, we need to respond to changes outside of our direct control, including population growth, the impact of changing global recycling markets, new technology, and evolving government policy and legislation. The delivery

of future waste and recycling services must also be within the Council’s budget.

We will be running public events and a survey to gather public input to help shape the new waste strategy. Meantime, national Recycle Week, now in its 15th year, takes place from 24-30 September. We are launching a new campaign to promote the recycling services available in Swindon and the positive contribution every resident can make. You can find out more about these services here: www.swindon.gov.uk/ recycling

What kind of Brexit should we be pushing for?

Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Labour Group Leader Later this year Parliament will be voting on what kind of Brexit Britain will have.

The Conservative Government have thus far proposed a Brexit that nobody understands and has led to resignations from the Foreign and Brexit Secretaries.

Labour have proposed staying within a Customs Union with the EU. The stakes are incredibly high for Swindon in terms of the Brexit we get. Honda, BMW and other Swindon employers have warned about the effects of having no Customs Union with the EU. Britain’s car manufacturers have already said they are not ready for a no-deal Brexit and Honda has

said that not being part of a Customs Union with the EU would lead to £2.1m in extra paperwork costs.

I would urge Swindon’s two MPs to protect jobs in businesses like Honda and BMW when voting on Brexit.

Swindon Borough Council has started to undertake the essential repairs they agreed

to make on Lydiard House. They have allocated £850K towards these repairs so far and have said all the works will cost no more than £1m in total.

Bookings at the Lydiard Conference Centre have steadily increased and the centre is now pretty much full during the working week.

Lydiard is paying for itself under the Council.

The increasing success of Lydiard under Council management just shows the political motives the Conservative administration had when they tried to transfer Lydiard away from the Council and Labour are pleased to have played their part in keeping Lydiard under public control. swindonlink.com n September 2018

21

Support sky-high heroes WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance saved hundreds of lives in the 28 years they have been operating.

Last year the service was called to incidents in the Swindon area once every three days on average.

Incidents attended range from road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests and strokes to child-related emergencies and sporting accidents.

The registered charity relies on the generosity of fundraisers - requiring ÂŁ3.25 million a year to run. Wiltshire Air Ambulance operates up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service's paramedics are trained in critical care skills and are able to deliver gold standard medical care to patients.

Earlier this year the organisation moved to a purpose-built airbase in Semington, near Melksham, bringing together their

operational, fundraising and administrative teams under one roof. This central site means their helicopter can still reach all parts of Wiltshire within 11 minutes.

There are many ways to support the charity; take part in their lottery where you could win ÂŁ1,000 a week or upgrade to the Superdraw and be in with a chance of winning up to ÂŁ25,000.

You could also hold your own fundraising event or take part in fun challenges organised by the charity, including Bake Off for Lift Off during National Air Ambulance Week (10-16 September).

Businesses can also play a key role by getting onboard and fundraising for them.

For more information about what we do and how to support us, go to our website www.wiltshireairambulance. co.uk or call the charity team on 01225 300536.

swindonlink.com n September 2018

25

The Business Brief

Driving forward an innovative solution to car ownership

By Emma Smith publisher@swindonlink.com

When it comes to the environment, one could say the best place to tackle the issue is at a Climate Change conference, not the pub.

But, ten years ago - over a pint - a forward-thinking duo floated an idea to help the environment and change the way we approach car ownership and hire.

Their vision was to introduce one of the first independent car clubs where members could hire a car for as little as fifteen minutes to days at a time. The idea was revolutionary and set to change the way we view travel for years to come.

Richard Falconer and Paul Balmont founded Co-wheels Car Club in 2008. Operating as a Social Enterprise the company was founded in Durham but has now grown to over 60 locations and twenty employees. Their aim is to work with local councils

and companies to reduce the number of cars on the road.

Pay-as-you-go scheme ‘members’ access vehicles by booking in advance for as little as £4.75 an hour. Fully comprehensive insurance covers all members, with fuel included.

Marketing Manager Robert Schopen said: “Swindon was one of the earliest locations to be included in the programme in 2012 and has now become one of the highest-ranking locations for active members.

“The app is a convenient way to make and amend bookings

With the UK facing an estimated shortfall of 100,000 cyber security professionals, young people picking up their A Level results are being urged to consider an apprenticeship in cyber security as an alternative to university.

Swindon-based BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, has

developed two different cyber security apprenticeship routes that will deliver professionals with technical expertise and specialist skills to the IT industry within two years.

For the apprentices, an exciting and fulfilling career with salary expectations typically 15 percent above the

on the move. Co-wheels is an alternative to public transport for the trips which are difficult to make on a bus or train, i.e. food shopping.”

CoMoUK who accredit car clubs and bike share schemes, said: “Car clubs provide their members with convenient access to cleaner vehicles without the hassles and expense of ownership. For members who drive less than 6-8,000 miles per year, a car club could save up to £3,500 a year.”

But, what of the environmental benefits?

According to Co-wheels, one car replaces fifteen other vehicles on the road, and their CO2 emissions are 44% less than the average, with the scheme now eliminating diesel from the fleet and operating only with electric or ultra-low emission vehicles.

The club which is the only national independent car club has gone as far as hydrogen fleet in Scotland. An initiative that will not be rolled out across the UK as yet, Robert explains: “Our fleets consist of 20% electric and 50% ultralow emissions.

"Our target is to reduce fuel use and increase the hybrid fleet. We also provide fleet vehicles to the NHS and councils to allow staff to commute to work via public transport but still have access to a car."

For those looking to road test the scheme, Co-wheels are currently offering Swindon membership for as little as £1 with a £25 driving credit. www.co-wheels.org.uk/swindon

Youngsters urged to consider cyber security as a career industry standard awaits.

A recent parliamentary report found “the gap between supply and demand of skills… is now verging on a crisis.”

The Parliamentary report on Cyber Skills and the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure said thousands more skilled programmers are needed

to protect government and industry from the threats posed by hostile nations and from criminal enterprises which “are increasingly attaining statelevel capabilities.”

BT Security told ministers it only had around one-third of the candidates it needs for the jobs posted.

Do us a favour! Tradesmen missing out on earnings Research conducted by CORGI HomePlan has revealed the weird and wacky things trades professionals have been asked to fix while on a job.

Over 50 per cent of Swindon residents don’t expect to pay the usual hourly rate for the extra tasks carried out, preferring instead to pay in

26

swindonlink.com n September 2018

cups of tea, (10 %) or not paying all together (10 %).

Britain’s skilled professionals are proving themselves a bit too handy with the amount of unpaid work they are agreeing to do - it’s estimated that they are missing out on £2.7m in potential earnings each year.

When homeowners in Swindon

were asked why they seek extra work from a trades professional on top of what has been agreed, 62 per cent cited the convenience of having a professional in the home. A further 40 per cent of those surveyed revealed it was because the professionals are experts and 23 per cent admit

they’re rubbish at any kind of DIY themselves.

Men are more likely to ask for an extra freebie than women (52 vs 47 per cent), however it is women who are most likely to expect the work done for free, with half expecting it to be carried out for less than the usual fee.

Detail from David Bent's 'WOW!' art work.

Visit www.swindonopenstudios.org for his studio opening times.

Swindon Life

Celebrating town living

Swindon artists open their studios for annual art event Swindon's biggest art event on the cultural calendar returns this month.

Over 100 Swindon artists will be welcoming you as they throw open their doors at 67 studios and pop-up galleries, for the last two weekends of September (22, 23, 29 and 30) during the much loved Swindon Open Studio community art event.

The annual event is a unique opportunity to meet local artists and see where the magic happens. In most studios art of

some form will be available for purchase.

A sample of artists' work will be on show during the month of September in many business windows throughout Swindon, including John Lewis, Deacons and Darkroom Espresso as part of the preview.

There will be an official launch party which the Mayor of Swindon will attend on Friday 14 September at the Central Community Centre – tickets will be available for this at Event Brite via the website.

For further information visit www.swindonopenstudios.org. swindonlink.com n September 2018

29

Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD In the community l The High Sheriff of Wiltshire presents: Uncelebrated Journey, Saturday 6 October.

The High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Nicky Alberry presents a oneoff spectacular performance which celebrates Swindon and its journey. The story of Swindon is told through the eyes of ‘The Hammerman Poet’ – Alfred Williams. Visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Book now...

THE KING OF DEADPAN COMES TO THE WYVERN

Dylan Moran has announced a brand new tour, Dr. Cosmos, which is coming to Swindon's Wyvern Theatre Sunday 9 September.

Moran will offer his unique take on love, politics, misery and the everyday absurdities of life, all served with poetical panache from one of the finest comedians of his generation Moran has been called the Oscar Wilde of comedy and his famed style - deadpan, witty and crackpot lyricism.

Moran said: “It’s dinner time in the monkey house, and I’ve got the spoon.”

Visit www. swindontheatres.co.uk

SUSIE DENT - THE SECRET OF WORDS

The Lexicographer, bestselling author and Queen of Dictionary Corner, will be coming to the Wyvern Theatre 19 September. Her brand new show 'The Secret Lives of Words' uncovers the surreal origins of the words we use everyday.

Tickets £21.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

AN EVENING WITH AGGERS

Cricket’s ‘master broadcaster’ is bringing his UK tour to the Wyvern Theatre, 18 September. This autumn he goes it alone on his first ever solo UK tour regaling audiences with some of his special memories and amusing anecdotes.

Tickets £28.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

ROSS NOBLE - EL HABLADOR

Ross Noble returns to dance around the stage spinning out all the nonsense in his head into a hilarious stand up show coming to the Wyvern Theatre 25 and 26 September.

Book now to see the one they call El Hablador - Ross is the only one that calls himself this.

Tickets £28.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Venues Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907

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

l Swindon Viewpoint 45th Anniversary is celebrating the town's digital diary through documenting Swindon through television. On Friday 21 September people are invited for a night of live music and highlight footage from Swindon Viewpoint. www.swindonviewpoint.com l Quaker Meeting House Opens for Heritage Day: National exhibition on Quaker Humanitarian Relief Work.

Swindon Quaker Meeting House will be open to the public for English Heritage Open Day this year on Saturday 16 September 2018.

A national exhibition about Quaker humanitarian relief work from 1846 to the present day will be on display. clerk@swindonquakers.org.uk l Local people are invited to share Swindon’s story for Heritage Open Day 2018. On Saturday 8 September they will be hosting a 'Show & Tell' event at Central Community Centre where Swindon residents are invited to bring along items or stories which relate to the early days of Swindon. Email becca@mechanics-trust.org.uk

Confirm date, time & price with venue

swindonlink.com n September 2018

31

Swindon's Spitfire heritage honoured by steel sculpture Shoppers visiting The Orbital shopping centre in North Swindon are in for a treat, as a new sculpture commemorating Swindon’s engineering heritage has been unveiled by Justin Tomlinson MP. The impressive 5.5 metre laser-cut steel installation, located close to Next and the new play area, has been created by local historian and artist Dr Mike Pringle.

Designed around the shape and size of a Spitfire wing and featuring the outline of an engineer and a pilot, the artwork honours the people of Swindon who helped in the war effort during WWII and contributed to the town’s rich engineering heritage.

To celebrate the arrival of the sculpture, children from Abbey Park School were invited to create colourful plane-themed designs for a series of paving stones located throughout the centre.

Jamie Turner, centre manager at Orbital, said: “The installation of this brilliant sculpture is the final phase of a significant investment at Orbital, following the arrival of our aviation-themed play

area earlier this year.

“The sculpture is an excellent way to honour the history of our town, and we know it will be a nice talking point for our shoppers when they visit.”

Historian and artist Dr Mike Pringle, said: “It was a joy for me to be able to create this piece of art for the town where I live. It’s a celebration of Swindon’s rich and varied

engineering heritage, and it’s fantastic to have it unveiled in the RAF’s centenary year too.

I hope Orbital shoppers will enjoy it as much as I have, for many years to come.”

Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, said: “The Spitfire is generally regarded as one of the most important pieces of British engineering, and I am incredibly proud of

Swindon’s contribution to its production.

The artwork is a fantastic way to celebrate this history – as well as to honour the pilots whose contribution was pivotal to winning the war.

“A big thank you to Mike Pringle for producing this fantastic work, and of course to Orbital for displaying our proud history.”

Where knowledge is free Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls Where words come out from the depth of truth Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

from 4th October (more next month): www.poetryswindon. org • Open Mic – Last Monday of the month, 7:30 Castle Pub, Prospect Place, Old Town • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 11 September, 7pm http://bee-hive.co.uk/ Maurice Spillane

Poetry by Maurice Spillane I’d a long run yesterday. At one stage I skirted a field. A big man walked towards me with a bloody big spanner and said: “There’s no right-of-way here.”

I said I’d permission from the farmer. He said that farmer didn’t own that field.

Then we had a chat about weather and crop yields, as you do.

He was a gentle man and happy to chat. But then said: “I must be getting on. I’ve that damn harvester to fix.”

So that’s what the spanner was for. He also gave me permission to use the field anytime. I reflected on the conversation as I ran. I hadn’t noticed the harvester. All I saw was a big man with a very 32

swindonlink.com n September 2018

big spanner. I know you can read too much into an incident like that but I’ve never met an angry farmer so why my initial anxiety?

It’s ubiquitous nowadays, every conversation kidnapped by politics, scary economics, racism, just bad news.

It’s morphing into an underlying fear that literature will reflect on in the future about this period. Hmmm.

Maybe I should just write poems about it and stop complaining!

The poet Rabindranath Tagore, known as the Bard of Bengal and 1913 Nobel Laureate, wrote about fear in society: Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high

• Here’s early notice of the Swindon Poetry Festival

Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Janey P Templer-Milligan

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

A former British Airways flight attendant is on a crusade to educate Swindon about a forgotten part of their community transgender people.

Janey P Templer-Milligan knew she was different when she was 11. At 64 she is an established Psychotherapist/ Counsellor and LGB & Transgender Specialist. She wants to make sure that children growing up today have the same support she did when coming out as bisexual.

As a former long-haul flight attendant Janey has always been welcoming of diversity.

She explained: "I’ve always been aware of diversity and I think that was developed when I flew because I was travelling all over the world and going to different countries and experiencing different cultures.

It’s given me a greater perspective of difference, of minorities, of cultures.”

With a practice set up in Old Town, Janey is set to be introducing her workshop ‘Transgender People’ into schools in the autumn. She explained: "It’s a very simple message: these are people, these are human beings."

The premise of these workshops is to help children understand from a young age that transgender people exist, and that's okay. As a bisexual Janey has experienced discrimination first hand and wants to support people who are experiencing the same thing.

She said: "When I first came out as bi I had sort of the more militant feminist lesbians saying, ‘you’re a disgrace’. I 34

swindonlink.com n September 2018

had one woman say, ‘you’re a disgrace to lesbianism, you need to stop sitting on the fence and make a choice’ and I said ‘well that is my choice – this is me’.

“It’s just unbelievable how this bigotry and hatred could exist in 2018. And this leads to transgender people feeling very isolated, and that they can’t come out as trans, and I definitely think they are an overlooked minority group – it can start as young as three.

"I think it’s really important because it is stigmatised with words like ‘tranny’ or ‘heshe’ or ‘chick with a dick’."

Janey spoke about an incident which occurred in Swindon six months ago when she went for food with a friend who had transitioned from male to female. She explained: "By the time that we walked down the street she was pushed, spat at, verbally abused. We went to McDonalds where some kids on another table started to throw food at her.

“Because so little is known about it, this is why I feel it’s important for things like my workshop to be delivered so that the community has a better understanding of what transgender is and is about.”

Through her practice Janey has worked with people from the transgender community from all different ages, jobs and backgrounds. This is one of the reasons she believes her workshops will be beneficial in institutes such as mental health organisations, businesses, schools, colleges, and hopefully Swindon's Great Western Hospital.

"I was talking to one of the nurses there and she said, ‘when a transgender person

comes in here we don’t know what to do, we don’t know where to put them – whether or not to put them on the male or female ward, we just don’t know enough about it.’ I’m hoping with my workshop I can help educate people," she explained.

Even with laws now in place to protect the transgender community - the Gender Recognition Act and Equality Act - Janey recognises that there is still a lot of work to do within the mainstream society. She believes there is a lack of understanding and acceptance which makes some people uncomfortable simply because they are faced with something different. This lack of understanding, she tells me, has horrific effects on both children and adults.

She explained: “There’s a lot of self-harm amongst young transgender people – I’ve known young children to try and mutilate themselves. I had one very young six-yearold boy who saw himself as female and he tried to cut his genitals off, which is when the parents realised the extent of his feelings. I think they thought it was an aberration to start with, but then they realised this was something much deeper.

"Some of our clients do really horrific things, like cutting right down to the bone."

Through her 'Transgender People' workshop Janey hopes that children will be encouraged to be more mindful and accepting from an earlier age about people in their community who feel suppressed and ostracized.

Already open to parents and schools rejecting her workshops she said: "If a child of theirs was having this terrible turmoil, would they reject them? Would they show that sort of hatred?

"I have known young teenagers to be really rejected, completely, by their families and that of course makes everything so much more difficult. If they are thrown out on the street, then they become more vulnerable.

"Your childhood shapes the way you become as an adult, and I knew I was different when I was about 11 but I had a very open-minded mother who said, ‘All I want you to do is be happy and safe’ and that’s how I feel that human beings should be allowed to live, not fearing for their life." www.janeytmcounsellor.co.uk

Feeling peckish? Nando's is here

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

The popular restaurant chain, Nando's, has opened its second restaurant in Swindon at The Orbital.

As of last month, the chicken franchise is fully open for business at Swindon's Orbital Shopping Centre. After a dry run and series of events Nando's officially opened its doors to customers.

Jamie Turner, The Orbital's Centre Manager, said: "We are very excited to see the new Nando's open at the Orbital. They bring another dining option to North Swindon as well as local employment. Around 40 of the staff are aged between 1618 years old which is fantastic

to see.

"The benefits will be felt by other retailers as they will help increase the night time economy and British Land have noticed that customers who engage with our catering offers typically have a higher retail spend."

Hearing of the news that Nando's was set to open in August, Swindon Link had contacted the chain for a comment prior to the event. Aside from a few minor promotions we were told by a spokesperson that the restaurant would be officially opened 1 August. The idea to keep it as a low key event was so that the new young employees, some of which had no previous experience, would not be overwhelmed by an influx of diners.

MONDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick SN25 1QQ Your consultant’s name is: Sharon P 07841 119082 MONDAYS 7.30pm Tadpole Farm School, Greene Street, Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon SN25 2QS Your consultant’s name is: Lisa L 07414 540866 WEDNESDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill, Off Bath Road SN1 3LS Your consultant’s name is: Vicky 07917 653700 WEDNESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill, Off Bath Road SN1 3LS Your consultant’s name is: Vicky 07917 653700 WEDNESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Francis School, Aiken Way, Taw Hill SN25 1UH Your consultant’s name is: Heather Z 07816 860840 THURSDAYS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick SN25 1QQ Your consultant’s name is: Sharon 07841 119082 FRIDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ Your consultant’s name is: Heather Z 07816 860840 SATURDAYS 8am, 10am & 12 noon Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook SN5 8LY Your consultant’s name is: Louise 07784 098022

swindonlink.com n September 2018

35

Blogger celebrates Swindon's past, present and future in new book

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

A blogger from Swindon has created a "labour of love" as a tribute to the town through her new book 'Secret Swindon'.

Angela Atkinson, the author of local blog 'Born Again Swindonian', is delighting residents with her new book which celebrates the town's heritage through the eras.

Released last month Angela hopes to instil pride into the town's residents - trying to hammer down negative perceptions of the town she is pleased to call home.

Originally from a mining village in Whitwell, Derbyshire, she said: “I come from a mining area where there was nothing.

"I came here with my 12-year-old daughter in search of a better life and managed to get myself a full-time job – that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it was.

“To live a few minutes' walk from a bowling alley, an ice

36

swindonlink.com n September 2018

rink, swimming pool and Pizza Hut… I cannot convey how amazing that was to have on your doorstep, and with a 12-year-old daughter.”

'Secret Swindon' was commissioned by Amberley House who have released a series of publications including ‘Secret Sheffield’ and ‘Secret Cotswolds’.

Having achieved a 1st Class Joint English Hons degree she was thrilled to take on the

project. When she was asked last year if she would like to write the book, she responded “hell yes.”

Angela added: “To suggest that there is nothing of value in Swindon is dismissable – it’s not true. Swindon is a land of milk and honey.

“I just want to get a few ‘oh I never knew that’ responses – I’m writing about what we have. I want to give people some sense of pride and say

that basically Swindon is much better than you think. There’s much more here than the roundabouts and GWR. Using her blog as an aid to assist her research she insists that no content was directly lifted from the site.

Angela, now 61, has lived in Swindon for 25 years and said it was pure chance that the book was released on her 25th anniversary year since moving to the town.

She added: "It is a complete coincidence, but a very nice one."

Her ‘born again’ identity comes from the fact she was not from here, but now feels very much a proud Swindonian.

She hopes this is conveyed in her book, which she describes as "a labour of love".

The author currently manages her own company AA Editorial Services, which offers services including proof-editing and proofreading.

To purchase her book visit www.amberley-books.com

The DS7 Crossback: Plush and built for comfort

D

S is a famous motoring logo resurrected by the French car maker Citroen to sell an up-market sub-brand. It worked and such is the appeal that a while back DS, like a coming-ofage child, broke ties with the parent and set out to conquer the automotive world on its own. There’s no doubt that with the smaller DS3 hatchback the company has succeeded, so much so that the model range has been increased and is now topped by the big, sophisticated DS7 Crossback SUV featured here.

Not Radical But Interesting: The DS7 is the first in a second-generation wave of six models set to appear in the brand's line-up by 2023.

The low-slung, air-sprung DS saloon of old will get its modern counterpart in due course apparently, but the company are starting off by riding the rising tide of SUV popularity.

38

swindonlink.com n September 2018

The DS7 Crossback is a plush SUV that is built for comfort. It floats along. About the same size as an Audi Q5 inside and out, it is nevertheless a less expensive alternative to the German brand and is a viable and different alternative to the more familiar brands. UK prices start at £28,000 and rise to £43,000 depending upon trim and options. The model tested here costs £34,000 and is powered by a sleepy 1.5L four-cylinder 130bhp diesel engine. Not quick but full of purpose, would be the best description

for this unit.

Additionally, there’s a choice of two other engines; a 225bhp 1.6L petrol (the preferred option) or 180bhp, 2.0L turbo-diesel. We learn that in early 2019 DS will introduce a plug-in hybrid, combining a 1.0L petrol unit coupled to not one, but two, electric motors delivering up to 300bhp. This version will also introduce all-wheel drive.

Comfort Not Speed: At first glance the DS7 looks similar to most SUVs but investigate a little closer and the detailing is much

more impressive. It is a very attractive package. Inside, it’s plush and roomy. Very contemporary and smart, the Crossback interior is an expression of the brand’s intention to appeal to the prestige market. The cockpit stands out thanks to the attention to detail. Dash, door panels, and centre console are all wrapped in the same leather that is tightly fitted to each seat, sewn with precision.

To drive, the DS7 Crossback boasts safe rather than sharp driving characteristics. Body roll is kept in check, but the steering and the suspension is soft. Utilising the Sport mode doesn’t add a lot to the package so it is best to stick with comfort and really enjoy that DS ride. An interesting alternative and, like their national football team, the French company might be on to a winner.

Geoff Maxted DriveWrite.co.uk

18 Good; 22 Very Good; 25 Excellent.

10 11

11

12

14 17

15 18

13

13

19

20

21

20

22

23

24

25

26 28

27

DOWN

1.

5.

9.

10.

11.

13.

15.

17.

19.

20.

21.

23.

1.

2.

3.

4.

6.

7.

8.

12.

Promoting health (8) Male deer (4) Called on (7) Most important (5) Drunkard (5) Clamour (6) Non-conformist (5) Tangy (4) Type of headgear (3) Muddle (4) Writing material (5) Rash, hot-headed person (6) Door fastening (5) Insufficient (5) One in the know (7) Speed (4) Instigated (8)

13.

14.

16.

18.

21.

22.

25.

26.

27.

Rescue (4) Lariat (5) Animal restraint (6) Isle of Wight resort (4) Dribble (7) Largest (8) Horrify (5) Summarise (abbrev.)

(5) Beat back (5) Perfume spray (8) Bread roll (3) Glowing (7) Social gathering (5) Kidnap payment (6) Trainee (5) Wharf (4) Framework (4)

swindonlink.com n September 2018

L Y

A

I

A S

P

R

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

7

31

ACROSS

46

28

29

30

24.

28.

29.

30.

31.

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

16

S

8 3 3

7 6 4 3 8 4 2 8 9 4

2

9 5 3 2 8

7 9 5 4 8 5 9 1 8 3 7 9 5 6

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

SOLUTIONS

Recap; 13 Repel; 14 QUICK Atomiser; 16 Bap; 18 CROSSWORD Radiant; 21 Party; 22 Across – 1 Salutary; Ransom; 25 Cadet; 26 5 Stag; 9 Visited; 10 Pier; 27 Grid.

Prime; 11 Toper; 13 Racket; 15 Rebel; NONAGRAM 17 Tart; 19 Cap; 20 alas; alias; apsis; Mess; 21 Paper; 23 arsis; assai; assail; Madcap; 24 Latch; 28 assay; lapis; lass; Scant; 29 Insider; 30 lassi; lisp; lysis; Rate; 31 Prompted. paisa; palais; palsy; PARALYSIS; pass; Down – 1 Save; 2 prissy; rasp; raspy; Lasso; 3 Tether; 4 sail; salary; salp; Ryde; 6 Trickle; 7 Greatest; 8 Appal; 12 salsa; sari; sisal; slap; slay; slip; spar; spay; spiral; spiry; splay; spray; spry.

10

MAGIC SQUARE elan; loco; acid; node.

9

A NICE OLD CANOODLE!

5 2 1 3 8 7 9 4 6

8

MAGIC SQUARE

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

Target scores:

9 6 8 2 4 1 7 3 5

7

4 3 7 6 5 9 1 2 8

6

2 8 4 7 9 5 3 6 1

NONAGRAM 5

6 1 5 4 3 2 8 7 9

5

3 7 9 1 6 8 2 5 4

4

8 4 6 9 7 3 5 1 2

3

1 5 3 8 2 6 4 9 7

2

7 9 2 5 1 4 6 8 3

QUICK CROSSWORD 1