North West Swindon Link March 2023 edition

No 489 March 2023 GPS-tracked delivery to over 42,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 105,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

North & West Edition

Swindon Link is backing business p14 swindonlink.com

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Peatmoor pupils celebrate sanctuary status p3

Editor’s Note

Swindon City of Sanctuary celebrates success of its first School of Sanctuary Award

By Jamie Hill

By Jessica Durston Jamie@positive-media.co.uk jessica@positive-media.co.uk March is a busy month for us here at Link Towers.

For me personally, I will be crossing the Sahara Desert in aid of Prospect Hospice, having managed to raise over £2,700 for the cause.

It’s starting to feel a bit too real now. Keep an eye out on our website for progress on that (internet access in the most remote area on earth dependent). I leave on 19 March. You can still sponsor me at justgiving. com/fundraising/jamiehill12 But another reason it’s going to be a busy one is that we’re launching our new ‘business boost’ range of advertising packages to try and help Swindon firms through tough times.

You can read all about how we can help on pages 14 and 15.

Swindon has always punched above its weight when it comes to business and we hope these packages will help the town thrive as we pull ourselves up through tough economic times.

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

Swindon City of Sanctuary is celebrating the success of its first school to join the UK’s Schools of Sanctuary Network - Peatmoor Primary School.

The charity, which is part of the national City of Sanctuary movement, says it seeks to build a culture of welcome, inclusion and safety for all in Swindon, especially people Sanctuary in the UK - had seeking sanctuary from war to show good practice in and persecution. developing and embedding Through the national scheme of Sanctuary Awards, a culture of welcome and inclusion throughout the life Swindon City of Sanctuary of the school and in the aims to bring people and organisations together, raising curriculum.

The school’s application awareness of issues facing was then reviewed by a people seeking sanctuary, panel of Swindon City as well as challenging of Sanctuary’s trustees misconceptions and celebrating cultural diversity. and volunteers, and a representative from City of Following the November announcement that Peatmoor Sanctuary UK. The school’s Headteacher, Primary School would be Mrs Libby Matthews, said: Swindon’s first nationally “We are so proud of this accredited School of award, which recognises Sanctuary, the school was presented with its award at a the welcome that Peatmoor extends to all. The welcome special assembly. anyone receives at Peatmoor To gain the award, staff comes from all our pupils and young people at and staff, and is very much Peatmoor Primary - which now joins a network of almost embedded throughout all 400 Schools and Colleges of that happens.

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“Thank you to Mrs Adams and Mrs Williams, who champion and lead on this aspect of school life, and who gathered the evidence needed which they presented to the panel, along with Miss Fishlock and the Year 5 and 6 children on our Welcoming Committee.”

Trustee and Swindon City of Sanctuary’s Volunteer Schools of Sanctuary Lead, Cristina Bennett, added: “Meeting the members of the Welcoming Committee and hearing them express such passion and commitment to the importance of fairness, inclusion and welcome was an absolute pleasure. They are clear role models for future School of Sanctuary Ambassadors in other schools in Swindon.”

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Get ready to vote ahead of May’s local polls

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk With the local elections approaching on Thursday, 4 May, there are some key deadlines for voters to remember: - Monday, 17 April (11:59pm): you need to be registered to vote by this date. You normally only need to register once, not for every election. Anyone who has changed their name, address or nationality will need to register again.

It takes five minutes to register to vote online search ‘register to vote’.

- Tuesday, 18 April (5pm): deadline for postal vote applications and Tuesday, 25 April (5pm): deadline for proxy vote applications (when someone votes on your behalf). Details of how

to apply for both voting options can be found on Swindon Borough Council’s website.

Following national changes as part of the Elections Act 2022, anyone voting at a polling station must now show an accepted form of photo ID – this applies to the Borough and Parish elections taking place in Swindon on Thursday, 4 May. Accepted forms of photo ID include passports, photographic driving licences, biometric

immigration documents and some concessionary travel passes. A poll card is not accepted as a form of ID. Voters can still use expired ID, as long as it still looks like the individual and the name on the ID matches the one they’ve registered to vote with.

Postal voting will remain the same. Those voting by proxy will need to make sure that the person going to vote on their behalf takes their own ID, and not ID for the person they are voting

for.

What to do if you don’t have any ID: Anyone who doesn’t have a form of accepted photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).

This can be done: - By applying online search ‘Apply for photo ID’ on the Government’s GOV. UK website - By post - call Swindon Borough Council on 01793 445 500 to request a paper form - In person - visit the Reception of Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH on any working day between 9.30am and 4pm For a full list of accepted forms of identification and further details on how to apply for the VAC, head to the Council’s website: www. swindon.gov.uk/voterID

disabled – to put towards the cost of childcare.

People worried about energy bills are advised to contact their supplier as soon as possible.

Warm and Safe Wiltshire

(0800 038 5722) also offers free expert advice on insulating homes and managing energy costs.

In addition, Citizens Advice Swindon (0808 278 7813) can help people with benefits applications, and can help people to challenge decisions to turn down applications.

It also runs a drop-in service at Sanford House (SN1 1HE) on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm.

Cost of living advice could make for big savings

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Many families across Swindon have been feeling the pinch over the past few months, so it’s important to take the time to check if you could be saving money.

Scan the QR code here or visit Swindon Borough Council’s website for a list of 19 measures that may help if you or someone you know is struggling with living costs For example, you can check whether you’re missing

out on any benefits.

A good rule of thumb is that if your household income is less than £40,000 a year, you could be entitled to some state support.

Around seven million people are missing out on incomerelated benefits. Using an online benefits calculator is a quick way to check if you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.

Over one million families are missing out on up to £2,000 a year per child – or £4,000 if their child is

New update on continuing transformation around Fleming Way Work to transform Fleming Way in the town centre is continuing to take shape.

Visitors to the area will have recently seen new hoarding appear on The Parade, outside H&M.

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This fencing was put in place to protect residents and visitors to the town centre as contractor Colas began demolition work on the retail unit and formertravel shop next to the

subway under the road.

The demolition should last a few more weeks. The subway remains open for use throughout this work, as does H&M and access to the rest of the retail centre.

People can find to the Fleming Way newsletter at www.swindon.gov.uk/ newsletter or download the free ‘Hello Worx’ smartphone app to get updates from Colas.

The Eco Briefing Our climate is changing and so must we Everyone has a part to play in responding to the climate emergency.

People’s day-to-day behaviour, choices and purchasing decisions go hand-in-hand with Government-led changes to transition the economy away from a dependency on fossil fuels.

The Government has made a commitment to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, and all new vehicles will be required to be fully zero emission at the tailpipe by 2035.

Also, through the Future Homes Standard, no new homes will be built with oil and gas boilers beyond 2025.

Local authorities have an important contribution

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to make too. This month, an updated version of the council’s climate change action plan will go before the council’s cabinet.

This sets out actions to support a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by the council and achieve net zero by 2030.

Put simply, that means balancing the amount of greenhouse gas produced with the amount removed from the atmosphere. The council has also made a commitment to support residents and organisations on the journey to net zero, which links to the UK-wide 2050 target.

While it remains a challenging financial landscape for all local authorities, the council is

looking to build on progress over recent years including: • Completing the switchover of the borough’s 26,000 streetlights to LED • Using renewable energy from local solar farms to meet around 40-50% of the town’s total electricity needs • Planting around 51,500 new trees across the borough, including 18 sites in the Great Western Community Forest area • Commitment to roll out a borough-wide food waste collection service to an additional 90,000 households from autumn 2023 • Installing solar panels and loft insulation to improve the efficiency of 669 lower income households, through the Local Authority Delivery scheme

• Running a renewable energy group-buying scheme (Solar Together) to give Swindon homeowners easy access to purchasing solar panels • Installing the borough’s first on-street electric vehicle charging points • Purchasing new ultra low emission operations vehicles to decarbonise the council’s fleet, which currently includes 27 full electric and seven hybrid vehicles • Installing new battery storage and vehicle charging points at the council’s operations depot to fully harness solar energy Find out how you can ‘Be the Change’ and join people across Swindon taking action to live more sustainably: www.swindon.gov.uk/ bethechange

inSwindon BID announces it will cease trading at end of March - www.swindontowncentre.

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk co.uk - its mission is to work ‘for businesses and the local The organisation tasked with community to make Swindon looking after businesses in Town Centre a welcoming, Swindon’s town centre is to vibrant and distinctive end its operations. destination’. inSwindon BID (Business In a statement, Operations Improvement District) is Manager Angie Blackford a not-for-profit company announced that the established in 2007. organisation would cease According to its website

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trading from 31 March.

No reason for the decision was given.

Within hours of the announcement, Swindon Borough Council leader Cllr David Renard issued a statement insisting that the town centre could still look forward to a bright future.

He also highlighted ongoing town centre regeneration projects.

Cllr Renard voiced gratitude to the inSwindon BID team, led by director Anita Bellinger.

He said: “I’d like to thank Anita and all the team at inSwindon BID for their great work in promoting the town centre over the years.

“Swindon’s town centre, like so many across the country, is having to adapt to ongoing changes in the retail industry, our shopping habits, the use

of office space and consumer spending power.

“As the town centre evolves to a mix of different uses, this has inevitably had an impact on inSwindon which relies so heavily on the funding it receives from retailers.

“Although I will be sad inSwindon will no longer be in place to support our great businesses, the town centre does have a bright future. A £100m programme of council-led investment is underway which is already beginning to stimulate private investment to boost the local economy.

“Following inSwindon’s announcement and in light of the major changes taking place, we will be engaging with all our partners on a new approach to managing the town centre.”

Zurich reveals 100 apprenticeships Swindon-based financial giant Zurich has announced 100 new apprenticeship opportunities.

They cover a dozen sectors, including new opportunities in HR, marketing and data protection.

Zurich wants to attract young talent and futureproof its business, and potential candidates have until 19 March to apply.

Details can be found at www.zurich.co.uk/careers/ apprenticeships

Vaccination workers thanked

Staff and volunteers at the Steam covid vaccination centre were thanked for more than two years of work involving more than 460,000 jabs ahead of the centre’s closure.

Cllr Brian Ford, borough council Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said the hard work which had taken place at the vaccination centre since it opened in December of 2020 was something to be proud of.

Swindon Jazz and Soul Festival

The third Swindon Jazz and Soul Festival will be held at Christ Church and in its grounds on Friday and Saturday, 14 and 15 April.

Starting with a soul evening headlined by Omar Lye Fook MBE and jazz collective QCBA, it will go on to feature a full day of live music with performers from an array of nations including Nigeria and Ethiopia.

Tickets can be bought via ccccswindon.co.uk/page/ tickets 10

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Bank staff help out Swindon mental health charity

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk A team from NatWest came to Swindon’s Phoenix Enterprises and worked alongside clients.

Based in Swindon’s Elgin Industrial Estate, Phoenix Enterprises helps around 100 vulnerable adults in Swindon each year.

Through working in their warehouse, people gain self-esteem, confidence and skills, with many going on to secure paid work.

NatWest have a policy of encouraging their staff to volunteer and get involved in the local community, and sent 28 staff to help out.

Phoenix Enterprises CEO Clare McDougall said: “Phoenix Enterprises is all about helping people with

mental health issues and learning disabilities.

“They are referred to us by the council, by GPs or by word of mouth.

“Everyone here is facing additional challenges in their life, with most coming from disadvantaged financial backgrounds.

“In spite of their challenges, these are some of the hardest working people you will ever come across.”

The volunteering session, involving assembling packaging, was arranged

by Kelly Roberts, deputy manager at the bank’s Swindon branch.

She said: “We were all so impressed by the people who benefit from Phoenix’s services. They all want to work, they want to feel included in society and contribute, just like everybody else.”

More vital supplies sent from Swindon to embattled Ukraine Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership continues to send crucial aid to Ukraine as the Russian invasion and occupation enters its second year.

In one of the latest missions, volunteers Natalya and Kelly, pictured, safely delivered a vanload of supplies and the van itself to a Ukrainian charity.

The long journey included overnight stops in Germany and Poland.

Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership chair Mike Bowden said: “ It is humbling to witness the incredible commitment and courage shown by Kelly and Natalya.

“They set the standard for the rest of us to follow. We will not match them but will do our very best to ensure the tragedy of so many Ukrainians stays in the public

eye and that much needed aid continues to pour into their devastated country.“ In a remarkable coincidence, while the two volunteers were in Kiev, which has a population of 3m, their van was spotted by a local woman, Victoria, who had come to the Swindon area as a refugee last year and been helped by

Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership.

Victoria was able to return to her homeland, where she lives with her husband, after the Swindon organisation helped her son, Denys, to secure a university place.

Shortly after she returned, her apartment had its windows blown out by a Russian missile strike.

Local am-dram group looking for performers and crew members Wroughton’s WADAMS have announced they currently have a range of opportunities for local adults and juniors who have an interest in the performing arts. People may be familiar with the group’s annual pantomimes and plays.

The group meets every Wednesday (between 6.30pm and 7.30pm for juniors, and 7.30pm onwards for adults) at the Ellendune centre.

More info can be found at www.wadamsdrama.org.uk or by emailing secretary@ wadamsdrama.org.uk

Special social and emotional literacy programme is launched at Red Oaks Red Oaks Primary School has partnered with The Happy Confident Company to pilot a social and emotional literacy programme.

The programme will be used as a UK case study for best in-class mental health and wellbeing programmes.

The launch event was held on 9 February, and featured a keynote speech by best-selling author, coach, and founder of the Happy Confident Company, Nadim Saad.

Local parents had the opportunity to hear Nadim explain the programme and provide advice and strategies for the home.

They were also able to hear from the school’s mental health team and mental health ambassadors.

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Locals encouraged to try something new and make friends with Swindon u3a reached the stage in

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

Swindon people are being invited to learn, laugh and live with Swindon u3a, and try their hand at a new skill.

Formed over 40 years ago there are now over 1,000 u3as in the UK with over 430,000 members.

It is a non-religious and non-political organisation run entirely by volunteers and financed by members’ subscriptions. Each u3a operates independently under the umbrella of The Third Age Trust.

Like all other u3a groups in the country, Swindon’s u3a promotes lifelong learning, friendship, fellowship and fun.

There are no age limits to becoming a member.

Originally, the u3a was designed for people who had

their life when they had more free time to enjoy themselves. Without the pressure of work or exams or bringing up a family, individuals are said to be able to relax in the company of like-minded people who want to take part in different activities together.

Swindon has a particularly active u3a. There are over 130 interest groups which meet all over the town and the surrounding area.

They cover a vast range of activities which aim to keep the mind and body active.

There are also monthly meetings with guest speakers, and opportunities to go on day trips, holidays and outings. This includes trips to the cinema and the theatre.

A person’s annual membership fee entitles them

to join as many groups as they wish, and to take part in all the other communal activities.

The current membership fee is £35 a year and is due to reduce in the 2023-24 session.

To find out more about u3a, people can visit: www. swindonu3a.org.uk or www. facebook.com/u3aSwindon People can also call the Swindon u3a office on 01793 614629 between 10am and noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, for more information.

How your council tax is spent in Swindon – and it might not be how you’d expect A message from Swindon Borough Council Eighty per cent of the council’s budget is prioritised on essential social care services to support adults and children in Swindon – that’s the key message from Swindon Borough Council as council tax bills are issued.

The remaining 20 per cent funds day-to-day services, such as waste and recycling, potholes and libraries.

High costs of social care and increased demand for these services mean that 80 per cent of the Council’s annual budget is used to fund social care services. For instance, £27.8m will have been spent in 2022/23 to provide residential or nursing care placements for 567 people in Swindon.

Meanwhile, £11.8m is projected to be spent on residential placements for approximately 42 children with complex needs.

This year’s council tax booklet, which will be delivered alongside bills in March, shares some stories from residents who receive social care services to explain the sort of support they receive and how it has helped them.

Separate to the day-today fund, the council also receives additional funding from the Government which

it has either successfully bid for or been allocated.

This money can only be spent on the purpose it has been granted, and is often provided on a one-off basis or must be spent within a set time period.

To find out more about how your council tax is used in Swindon, look out for the booklet or visit www. swindon.gov.uk/annualreport

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Backing business

There’s a lot to celebrate in Swindon when it comes to business. Being ideally situated halfway down the M4, only a stone’s throw from the airports, it’s always been an ideal location for several highprofile HQs including Nationwide, Zurich, WH Smith and Intel. A new report from Centre of Cities highlights how productive the town is for the workforce which is definitely something to celebrate. But times have been tough over the last few years for lots of businesses in the town and there’s still lots of work to be done to help the town’s economy for all types of firms from big tech to your local painter and decorator. At Swindon Link we are passionate about boosting business in the town and helping our economy perform. Editor Jamie Hill reports...

Swindon has one of the highest productivity rates in the country People in Swindon are among the most productive in the country, according to the latest data from one of the country’s leading national research and policy institutes.

In its latest annual report published at the end of January, which ranks towns and cities in the UK against a set of economic indicators, Centre for Cities lists the town well above the national average in terms of productivity and above cities such as London, Edinburgh, Bristol and Oxford.

Swindon ranks fourth overall (£50.80) when it comes to GVA (Gross Value Added) per hour, which is the Office for National Statistics’ preferred measure of labour productivity. It measures how efficiently labour input is combined with other factors of production.

Swindon also has the fourth highest ratio of private sector jobs to those 14

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in the public sector. The statistics show that in 2021, there were four times the number of private sector jobs (92,000) compared to those in the public sector (23,000).

An indicator focusing on innovation showed Swindon performing solidly compared to other towns and cities, with the borough having 18 ‘new economy’ firms per 10,000 of the working age population. ‘New economy’ firms are those within the emerging knowledge-intensive and advanced manufacturing sectors.

It is anticipated that this sector will grow in Swindon over the next few years with the Swindon Economic Strategy identifying Central Swindon as a future major knowledge economy hub supporting a workforce of 10,000.

The report did show that Swindon was among the 10 towns and cities with the lowest number of subscriptions

achieving ultrafast broadband speeds of more than 30Mbps, although the figures showed this is improving and is likely to increase further following the completion of CityFibre’s borough-wide full fibre network rollout.

Cllr David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “The Centre for Cities annual Outlook report is always a good barometer for how we are performing as a town compared to our neighbours.

“For a town of its size, Swindon has punched above its weight for a number of years and I know our strong economy is the envy of not just other towns, but many cities.

“I’m incredibly proud that our productivity rates continue to be among the best in the country. It is a great reflection of our local workforce and it is why businesses still see Swindon as a place where they want to invest.”

in Swindon Swindon Link vows to back business

By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk I don’t think there’s any argument that we all want to live in a prosperous town with thriving businesses providing employment at every level.

And we all know that Swindon definitely punches above its weight when it comes to a lot of things.

The town is growing every day with new developments like the Eastern Villages expansion and the growth of new estates like Tadpole Farm and Wichelstowe only adding to the mix, giving prospective businesses a skilled workforce on their very doorstep.

For business there have been some good news stories like Zurich’s new HQ, the Foundry, in the Carriageworks, becoming a haven for start-ups and tech, and Pannatoni’s £700 million plans to redevelop the Honda site.

There’s a robust business community in Swindon who do all they can to help each other thrive with the help of organisations like Business West and The Federation of Small Businesses.

But the elephant in the room is that on a local level especially the town has been suffering.

It’s all well and good building all of these developments around the town but until we have the political will and investment in the town centre, Swindon will always be a ring doughnut with dormitory housing around the outside but nothing enticing in the middle.

We want residents and employees to be proud of the town and not just use it to sleep and then go out to neighbouring towns and cities where there has been proper investment like Cheltenham, Reading, Bath, Oxford and Bristol to spend their hard-earned money. That money should stay in Swindon to help local business thrive.

I would like the powers that be to do the following to support business.

These are over simplistic but they raise good points n Create a holistic plan for the town centre that incorporates Old Town, The Railway and Outlet Villages, and The Oasis with good hop-on hop-off public transport routes and maybe a value for money park and ride at one of the motorway junctions or at least reasonable parking charges that actually encourage rather than discourage. At the moment it all seems piecemeal with no overall plan. These plans should incorporate hospitality, retail, culture and leisure. n Have vision and the courage of your convictions. Don’t highlight a new project and then go into hiding as soon as there’s someone being a bit negative on Facebook. Sell your vision to us. Get us on board. n Stop spending hundreds of thousands on outside PR and marketing consultants, ending up with just a logo and brand identity meaning there’s no funding left to sell it to the people that matter - the residents. There’s plenty of talent within the town that could easily do the same for a fraction of the cost. I have seen this happen with different projects on at least five occasions over the last seven years and each thing comes to nothing with just a shiny logo and brand to show for the trouble. It’s just haemorrhaging money that could be used to support more local businesses.

It’s been a hard time for businesses over the past few years and that is why we should all be supportive and why Swindon Link itself has come up with a range of bespoke business support packages to help firms through these tough times.

Let’s help Swindon thrive.

Swindon Link Business Support Packages Gold – The Ultimate Promotional Package - £800 plus VAT - 1* Half Page print advert in each edition - 1* Online Advert 300px by 300px box advert on www.swindonlink.com running for 30 days - 1* Business Profile – Full Page in print - 1* Business Profile online on www. swindonlink.com - 1* Social Media share of Business Profile - 2* Additional business news article throughout the month on www.swindonlink. com and social media share Silver - The Business Boost Promotional Package - £500 plus VAT - 1* Quarter Page print advert in each edition - 1* Online Advert 300px by 300px box on www.swindonlink.com running for 30 days - 1* Business Profile - Full Page in print - 1* Business Profile online on www. swindonlink.com - 1* Social media share of Business Profile Bronze - The Start Up Promotional Package - £200 plus VAT - 1* Online Advert 300px by 300px box on www.swindonlink.com running for 30 days - 2 *Online Business Articles going out on www.swindonlink.com - 2 *Social Media Post shares of online article swindonlink.com n March 2023

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Business Profile - Blaylocks Shoes of Swindon Business Type - Shoe retailer Established - 1920 Address - 1-3 Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4AS Telephone number - 01793 534271 Website- blaylocks-shoes.co.uk

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Mark Blaylock is manager and a director of the company which has proudly carried his family’s name for more than a century.

His father, David, is a fellow director, and one of Mark’s children has already said he hopes to work there one day.

According to Mark, the reasons for the firm’s with a member of staff longevity and continued until they leave - hopefully success are perfectly with a bag in their hand!” straightforward: Staff pay attention to “I put that down to good, detail. Customers’ feet are longstanding staff. One lady carefully measured, with did 50 years for us and separate specialist devices another lady did 40. for men, women and “Of the current staff we children. have one who must be coming Mark said: “On the men’s up to 29 years working here. side we do brands like “We carry a range of stock Barker and Loake, which and brands that you wouldn’t are traditional Englishfind in your department stores made shoes, made in or your normal high street Northampton. They are stores, and we couple that fully leather; leather soles, with a one-to-one service to leather-lined, leather the customer. upper. They are very good “When a customer comes quality. through the door, they are “For ladies we have 16

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Mark Blaylock in the store

brands like Hotter, Ara, Rieker and Padders.

“These brands create styles that look good and are built with longlasting materials and hard wearing in mind.

“We have a good rapport with our customers.

We have our regulars.

“I’ve got customers who no longer live in Swindon, and who now live as far away as Australia, but when they need new shoes they contact me and I send the shoes that they’re after because they don’t want to buy their shoes anywhere else.”

The History of Blaylocks

Although Blaylocks has been a familiar Old Town landmark since 1928, the company began its long life as a shoe repair business in Gorse Hill.

Many customers still bring shoes they bought in the shop years previously for repair, and they are sent by Blaylocks to a specialist firm.

In some cases, manufacturers offer a repair and reconditioning service.

The firm has traded through four generations, and is proud not only to be Swindon’s just family-run shoe shop but also to be recognised as one of the leading independent shoe businesses in the south of England.

It carries a wide range of high-quality brands not generally found in high street chain shops, covering men’s and women’s shoes and school shoes for children.

Welcome to Abbey Meads Community Primary!

At Abbey Meads Community Primary School, we develop citizens of the future, who are caring, resilient to change, and skilled both academically and socially. In its simplest terms; we aim to develop caring, conscientious, free thinking children with a love of learning.

School Profile: Abbey Meads Community Primary

AMPC: The Land Of Opportunity

Get to know the schools in your area

This issue: Abbey Meads Community Primary School Address: Hugo Drive, Abbey Meads, SN25 4GY Tel: 01793 723239 Email: admin@abbeymeads.swindon.sch.uk Website: www.abbeymeads.swindon.sch.uk

We have very simple school rules: Always Pay Forward and 1.

2.

3.

Be Kind Be Kind Be kind

From our 3-year-olds in the Nursery through to our mature and capable Year 6, we operate as one big family; focussing heavily on caring and supporting each other - developing leaders for the next generation!

Feedback from our parents survey was as follows: “I would recommend this school - 100% YES!”

At Abbey Meads Community Primary School, we believe children should have life-long memories of their time at Primary School.

Academic achievement is of course important, but how we achieve our high standards is crucial.

Children need to feel safe, be nurtured and have so much fun that school is a joy.

There are so many opportunities offered at AMCPS which extend children’s own passions, as well as introducing them to new and exciting experiences.

Whether these experiences be through amazing trips and residential fieldwork, inspirational visitors, specialists in music, dance and drama, Forest School and STEM activities or the high quality of our everyday teaching, children are left with a love of learning and life-long memories.

Find out more about Abbey Meads Community Primary by following the school on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ AMPCS_Swindon swindonlink.com n March 2023

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Interview: Chloe Ford, Swindon branch chair of Wilts & Berks Canal Trust

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk For Chloe Ford and her colleagues there is no question that their charity will succeed in its aim.

And when it does so, that success will be apparent to everybody in the Swindon area and for miles beyond.

The aim is simple.

“Wilts and Berks Canal Trust,” said Chloe, “is an organisation that wishes to restore the Wilts and Berks Canal from just below Melksham at Semington and approximately 70 miles up to Abingdon in Oxfordshire, where it joins the Thames.

“It connects the Kennet and Avon at one end and the Thames at the other.

“The whole 70 miles will have water access for boats of all kinds. Ninety percent of all canal users are towpath users, so we expect cyclists, walkers, joggers, hikers and, for the smaller sections where people live, paddle boarders, dinghies, kayaks.

“It will be accessed and used by all, open for all.”

So far the trust has realised this ambition with six miles of the waterway, and Chloe was interviewed near the Wichelstowe mooring of its vessel, Dragonfly, which takes visitors on trips.

The mooring is near the Hall & Woodhouse pub and restaurant, whose canalside location is a major attraction according to online reviews.

According to Chloe, bringing in commercial revenue for a broad range of companies is only one of the benefits the 18

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restoration will draw to the waterside.

She said: “We’re hoping to encourage businesses.

“The Canal and River Trust recently did a UK study, and going on their study of what wealth business-wise canals can bring to the UK, 70 miles of restored canal going through rural and town would bring £200m in long-term benefit to the area.

“It would bring canal side cafes, canalside pubs Hall and Woodhouse is an example. It wasn’t there a few years ago and now you’ve got a canalside pub.

That’s just one on the open body of water, but there would be many.

“Once we’re open to boaters, local shops and things like that will benefit as well. With the Kennet and Avon and many of

the Northern canals we see things like pop-up launderettes and all sorts of things connected to where the boaters go.”

Chloe stresses that there are many benefits beyond commercial ones.

“The water brings everything that lives in or near water - we attract everything that rivers attract. The bird life is phenomenal. We’ve got swans and there’s a heron always seen at Westlea.

“All of these things do not thrive when there’s no canal there. When it’s just an abandoned field you’ll see much less wildlife than you do at an active canal.

“There are lots and lots of studies now saying people in urban areas need to go to a green space to relax, to wind down. There are massive mental health

implications.

“There was a recent study nationwide which found that people in most urban spaces did not have enough access to green space.”

The trust has existed in its current form since the late 1990s, roughly 200 years after construction work on the original canal began.

It has about 2,580 members, and people can join for as little as £1.50 a month singly, £2 for a couple or £20 per year.

Members can volunteer for the trust’s various projects should they wish.

Current work includes a plan to take the canal beneath the M4.

The waterway was officially closed by act of Parliament in 2014, several years after the last vessel passed along it.

It had long been eclipsed by the railway, much of the material for which had been brought via the canal to Swindon.

Chloe joined the trust a little over three years ago, having been intrigued by an old YouTube video showing a glimpse of a longabandoned canal lock near Grove in Oxfordshire.

Tracking it down for a video on her own Youtube channel, called Retro Ratz, she was told by commenters that the structure was part of the Wilts & Berks Canal, and then learned about the work of the trust.

Her channel has a section devoted to history and the trust’s own website can be found at www.wbct.org.uk

LINK POLITICS

Don’t go Back to the Future

schools and care homes, council services such as Children’s Services and the Youth Justice Service are Twenty years ago Labour-run judged good and outstandSwindon Council was rated ing, all with council tax one of the worst councils increases kept on or below in the country, council tax inflation year after year. increased by 45 percent in Educational opportunities three years, children were have been expanded with educated in schools with the Institute of Technology, leaky roofs, the elderly were University Technical College in care homes deemed unfit and various higher education by the regulator, there was courses, giving our young no town centre regeneration people the skills they need. or plan for our heritage, the Millions of pounds have Central Library had been in been invested in our roads portable cabins for decades and other infrastructure. and the list of shame goes on.

As a Conservative adminToday, under successive istration, we have had great Conservative administrations, success with securing Govthere is extensive town centre ernment funding for Swindon regeneration with investto help provide critical ‘up ment in our heritage and front’ infrastructure. This has an award-winning Central guaranteed that Swindon’s Library. road network is future We have ‘fit for purpose’

A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader David Renard

proofed against additional demand.

The building of thousands of new homes including new council housing will see our children and grandchildren housed.

As a direct result of our engagement with investors, we have seen millions of pounds of private sector investment in employment sites and new jobs.

In addition to the £400m investment and 2,000 jobs at Symmetry Park, we have worked closely with Panattoni on the redevelopment of the former Honda site.

This regeneration will see a massive boost in jobs and an unprecedented £1.2bn boost to the Swindon economy, benefiting all of us.

Climate change is being tackled with schemes such as

the LED lights roll-out saving thousands in energy bills.

Super-fast broadband is now available to nearly all households in the borough.

The reliability of waste services is rated higher than ever before.

A Conservative-run council will continue to deliver what the borough needs in a fiscally responsible manner.

In the forthcoming local elections, it is vital that Labour is not given the opportunity to run the council and take us back to the future.

Labour leader Jim Robbins accuses Tories of mismanagement By the time you are reading this, Swindon Council will have set their budget for the next financial year and I’m assuming that the Conservative administration will have again raised council tax by 4.99 percent, the full amount allowed without needing to go to a referendum of residents.

The budget contains £15m of cuts to essential services and will make it harder for vulnerable people in the town to get the help that they need.

I don’t blame the local Conservatives fully for the council tax rise; the national Conservative Government have been slashing council budgets for 13 years and more damaging cuts would have been needed to balance the budget.

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However, I do blame the Conservative councillors for the eye-watering debt that they have built up since they took over the council.

At the recent cabinet meeting, it was revealed that the debt has now topped £400m, and that the £7.8m annual cost to the council of servicing the debt dwarfs the money raised by the council tax hike.

The financial mismanagement of the local Conservatives, alongside the crashing of the economy by the shambolic national Conservative Government, means that the cost-of-living crisis is set to be longer and worse than it had to be.

Swindon residents deserve better than this.

Labour are doing all we can to take control of the

council in May, and we are working tirelessly to get out on the doorstep to speak to as many residents as possible. I can’t promise that Labour will be able to change everything straight away, but I do believe that the five pledges we are setting out ahead of the election will allow us to build a better Swindon.

Our five pledges are: Your Roads – We’ll get Swindon moving by stopping excessive roadworks and sorting potholes Your Parks – We’ll protect Swindon’s green open spaces from development Your Economy – We’ll put Swindon businesses, jobs and people first, and improve the town centre Your Community – We’ll build a Greener, Healthier,

Safer and Fairer Swindon Your Money – We’ll relentlessly focus on making sure we spend taxpayers’ money wisely These pledges have come from the thousands of conversations we have had with Swindon residents.

We’ll keep working to understand your hopes and aspirations for the town, as well as hearing your concerns. We’re keen to hear from you, to work with you and to convince you to lend us your vote on 4 May so that we can build a better Swindon.

Pupil from Royal Wootton Bassett-based primary school fights for disability access letter to Royal Wootton

By Jessica Durston Bassett Town Council, jessica@positive-media.co.uk asking for staff to look into resolving the issue to A young student from make the park accessible Noremarsh Junior School has for all to enjoy. started a petition to send to The park is located Royal Wootton Bassett Town next to Noremarsh Junior Council about better disability School and is often used access. by local children, and that Evie Smith, a pupil at the nearest disabilityNoremarsh Junior School, friendly park is 15 minutes noticed that Noremarsh Park away. was not disability friendly.

Evie and her friend, The play area was said to Lydia Koshi, took it upon have had disability-friendly themselves to approach equipment but Evie noticed parents at the end of the that the equipment was not school day, and parents at fully accessible to those in the park, and ask them to wheelchairs because of the sign their petition. grass surrounding the park.

The girls managed to get The young activist wrote a 118 signatures and sent off letter along with her mother, their petition along with their Helen Smith, a Teaching letter.

Assistant at Noremarsh Junior Jo Ballinger, Assistant School.

Headteacher at Noremarsh Helen and Evie posted their

Junior School, said: “It is so and Lydia for being so brave lovely to see our children and fighting for something standing up for what they that they are passionate believe in. Especially going as about.” far as to contact the council More information about and going out of their way to Noremarsh can be found at gather signatures. noremarshjuniorschool.org.uk “We are so proud of Evie

Hireable interactive Mobii Table to help those with dementia or learning difficulties It has been found through

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk research that those with dementia who have used Haydon Wick Parish Council interactive tables have have shared the news that demonstrated positive they now have an interactive, changes such as:: motion-activated Mobii Table, for members of the • Emotional Stability public to hire. The parish • Mood and Outlook council staff say the table is • Sense of Self-Worth a mobile, motion-activated, and Belonging and interactive projection • Physical Effort and system.

Energy It is said to be proven to help people with learning Similarly, positive changes disabilities, age-related demonstrated among children diseases, mental health and adults with additional issues, and other physical learning needs were found health issues. A spokesperson to be: from Haydon Wick Parish Council said: “It gives • Improvement in ability children and adults the to take part in activities opportunity to actively take rather than passively part, socialise, challenge and watch unwind.”

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•

•

•

Improvement in ability to socialise and enjoy meaningful activities with others Improvement in ability to stretch themselves, think, and be challenged Improvement in ability to unwind with calming physical activity

Those interested in more information, or hiring the Mobii Table, can contact Jo via memorycafe@ haydonwick.gov.uk or by calling 01793 722 446.

Haydon Wick Parish Council’s Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/ HaydonWickParishCouncil

Mum and son chosen as final Swindon Big Dog Art Trail artists

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The Big Dog Art Trail has reached an exciting milestone as the final artists and their Swindog designs have been chosen.

At the end of last year more than 200 designs were shortlisted to 60 and now the final 30 designs have been selected.

A pack of 30 Swindogs larger than life balloon dog sculptures - are set to be unleashed across Swindon during the summer of 2023.

The uniquely decorated sculptures will create the UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail and will raise essential funds for local children’s hospice charity Julia’s House.

The final list includes artists from Swindon, and nearly

a third are from the South West.

Among them are Judy and Morgan Guillery, a mum and son duo from Mouldon View in Swindon.

Judy runs Judee Tree Art and has been involved in various art projects in Swindon.

She likes to include typography in her art work along with a positive message.

Her design is inspired by nature and growth, and she has named it Love Grows.

She also wanted her design to reflect her art journey, which began with family trees, hence Judee Tree Art. Judy hopes her sculpture will bring happiness to children when they discover it along the trail.

Son Morgan, 12, had his design selected after

entering a local competition for younger people, and will now paint it on one of the huge balloon dog sculptures.

Morgan’s art already has a following on social media, and he worked with mum Judy on a mural for his primary school, St Mary’s in Swindon.

Morgan has always

been technically minded and enjoys tinkering with mechanisms.

This interest leads him to often include mechanical elements in his works of art.

Swindon’s steam heritage, dating back to the 19th century inspired the striking Steampunk-style design of his Swindog.

Upgraded road safety measures for Greenmeadow Primary

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk A Swindon Borough Council team were sent to add and refresh road safety measures outside Greenmeadow Primary School.

Pupils did their bit for road safety around the school by designing colourful banners for display.

Having burnt away the existing yellow road markings, workers then prepped the area to be ready for fresh markings.

As well as line painting leading up to the school’s entrance the team laid fresh yellow markings on roads in the surrounding area.

Additonal safety measures included: - Laying markings for a ‘School Keep Clear’ zone

- Installing school warning and school keep clear signs - Updating the existing flashing amber lights by the school The work was part of the council School Safety Environment Zones initiative, a series of measures at schools across the borough.

Greenmeadow Primary School head teacher Kate McKinnon said: “At Greenmeadow, like all schools in Swindon, we take the safety of our children extremely seriously.

“We are lucky to have locations close to school where people can park which would mean that cars don’t need to come into Pen Close, and we thank the local businesses for their support.” swindonlink.com n March 2023

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Swindon Academy places top of local table for GCSE progress

By Jessica Durston during their time at school. jessica@positive-media.co.uk On Progress 8, Swindon Academy takes the top spot Staff at Swindon Academy are celebrating recent GCSE in Swindon, with a score of result success with validated +0.69. A spokesperson for progress scores that confirm the school said this was a it is top of the local authority reflection of the hard work and dedication of students league table. and staff, as well as the The scores come as part consistent strength of the of the Department for Education’s validated GCSE school.

The validated score comes league tables released off the back of a stellar set recently. of results this summer where This national data is said to 62% of GCSE students show schools’ performance on achieved a grade 5 or above the Government’s Progress 8 in both English and maths, measure, which calculates the making the academy the topaverage progress students performing school in Swindon make by GCSE, compared based on this measure. with other similar schools.

Swindon Academy staff say Additionally, over two-fifths a progress score that meets of the academy’s Year 11 the national average is set at pupils (21%) achieved a zero each year, with anything grade 7 or higher in english higher reflecting value added and maths.

At A Level, 37% of all to a student’s achievements

entries at United College Sixth Form – which is based at Swindon Academy – achieved grades A*-B. This has enabled Sixth Formers to take up places at some of the country’s top Russell Group institutions including the Universities of Bath and Cardiff.

Karen Wright, Principal at Swindon Academy, said: “All of us at the academy are delighted to have secured the top Progress 8 score in Swindon. This shows that students at the academy are able to make stronger progress between Years 7 and 11 from their individual starting points than they

would have made elsewhere.

“Thank you to our students and staff whose enduring commitment to their teaching and learning enables our young people to thrive and achieve their very best. We look forward to continuing to do all we can to support and nurture our young people so that they are able to achieve their goals and lead successful lives in the future.”

GWH’s Little Pioneers Nursery & Pre-School celebrates 20th anniversary and non-clinical teams – can

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk come to work each day and continue their careers with Staff at the Great Western us.

Hospital’s Little Pioneers “We are extremely proud Nursery & Pre-School have to have such a great facility been celebrating the group’s on our hospital site and see 20th anniversary. the nursery as very much The nursery and pre-school part of the Great Western operates within the hospital Hospital family. and looks after the children “We hope the amazing of many of the workers nursery staff have enjoyed there. celebrating!”

Little Pioneers is open each Those interested in day it is in operation, from learning more about the 7.30am to 6.15pm.

Little Pioneers nursery can 2023 marks the 20th year visit its website at www. it has been running. littlepioneers.coop/findA spokesperson for Great your-nursery/swindon_ Western Hospital said: nursery “Little Pioneers are the The nursery’s Facebook reason that so many of our page can be found at staff – doctors, nurses, allied www.facebook.com/ healthcare professionals CoopChildcareSwindon 24

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LINK

Diners converge on muchloved Old Town restaurant following major expansion

FEATURES

Malaga and Barcelona.

Christopher said: “When Los Gatos opened in Swindon Newly-refurbished Old Town it was quite a bold move restaurant Los Gatos held a as not many places were launch evening which attracted doing tapas. Phil, Shareen more than 100 diners and 60 and the team created a VIP guests. menu of classic Spanish The popular venue held tapas favourites that have the gathering following an become really popular with expansion into premises next our regular customers, like door to its existing ones in Berenjenas (our aubergene Devizes Road. chips) and Albondigas (our The restaurant was created in classic meatballs).

2006 at a smaller site on Wood “We put on specials every before a move to a new Old The new owners have also Street by couple Phil Saunter weekend too, and also have Town location. promised to keep the new and Shareen Campbell, and a large range of vegetarian, Over the last 12 months, wrap-around bar for walk-in vegan and gluten-free was immediately at capacity on a new vision for Los Gatos customers only, so as well most nights. options.” was developed to modernise as table bookings, people Over the past 16 years the The name Los Gatos, the bar, while keeping its making last minute plans can meaning The Cats, was taken restaurant has built a loyal Spanish roots and significantly take one of the 20 seats at following of tapas-loving from a tapas bar in Malaga extending the dining space the new feature bar. customers and after Phil and which the previous owners into next door.

The now famous menu is still found while exploring Spain.

Shareen retired in lockdown The new extension doubles prepared by original Head it was taken on by two local Over the years, customers the capacity of the restaurant Chef Christopher Ventura, entrepreneurs who vowed to have brought in cat-based to over 120 seats in a bid who was there when Los continue its legacy. collectables which are on to keep up with the huge Gatos was on Wood Street.

In early January 2022, The display in the old side of the weekend demand from The restaurant’s dishes cater restaurant.

Core juice bar next door customers. The expansion also for all food types and are agreed a deal with the new The restaurant’s website is allows for larger groups of up typical of traditional tapas owners of Los Gatos to move www.losgatos.uk to 60, and private functions. from Spanish cities such as the juice bar and cafe upstairs

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

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An interview with 10cc’s Graham Gouldman

By Jessica Durston | jessica@positive-media.co.uk

LINK CULTURE

Swindon Link’s Jessica Durston spoke to prolific songwriter Graham Gouldman to pick his brain, ahead of his ‘Heart Full of Songs’ tour that will take place across the UK in March.

Did you know it is said that people swallow eight spiders in their lifetime?

I’m not sure I’m convinced this is true, but I’ll tell you something I am sure about – most people will definitely have heard (and loved) a Graham Gouldman song in their lifetime.

The man is a musical genius, with a career spanning six decades. He is responsible for a seemingly endless list of iconic chart hits for bands from the 1960s & 70s.

Graham was also behind 10cc’s well-loved hits ‘Dreadlock Holiday’, ‘Rubber Bullets’, ‘Art for Art’s Sake’, ‘I’m Mandy Fly Me’, ‘Wall Street Shuffle’, and ‘I’m Not In Love.’

In our interview he discusses everything from his upcoming semi-acoustic tour, to his thoughts on songwriting and ownership, to his time writing his brilliant 60s hits for other famous artists, to his advice for budding songsmiths.

I recommend reading the full piece at swindonlink.com/ lifestyle/graham-gouldmaninterview-jan-2023.

This excerpt has been taken from the part of the piece discussing Graham’s upcoming tour ‘Heart Full of Songs’ (HFOS).

Graham will be joined by bandmates Iain Hornal, Keith Hayman and Dave Cobby, and will take audiences on a trip down memory lane, and also on a journey through the 10cc legend’s own songbook.

I was keen to find out more about what audiences could 26

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expect.

Graham said: “Heart Full of Songs is a real mixed bag setlist-wise. We do some 10cc songs that I co-wrote, and a lot that I wrote from the 60s for artists including The Hollies, The Yardbirds, Herman’s Hermits, and some from my time with Andrew Gold in Wax, as well as album tracks and film music.

“HFOS actually started off during a 10cc tour because we didn’t have a support act, and I felt we should. I used to go on stage before 10cc and sing a few songs. The idea really stuck with me.”

Audience members can also expect the man himself to be introducing each of his tracks and contextualising them.

Graham added: “Yeah, that’s one of the things that makes this tour a bit different - I’m able to talk about the songs, and about what inspired them. I find people are always really interested in that.”

Graham will be performing a number of UK shows as part of the HFOS tour that will run from 9 – 23 March.

The tour includes a date at the Haymarket in Basingstoke on Saturday 18 March.

More information and tickets are available from www.thegigcartel.com/ Artists-profiles/10ccsGraham-Gouldman.htm Moving on, I was interested to know if the songwriter had any particular favourites songs to perform, after we had both expressed our shared love for his iconic

1966 track for The Hollies ‘Bus Stop.’

After all these years performing different tracks with different musicians – were there any songs he began to tire of performing, or similarly, were there any that were so dear to him that he felt he could play them for all eternity?

“They’re all great – all the songs.” Graham said. “I suppose it’s different – fresh, every time we perform, because our audience is different every night. I always sort of put myself in the audience and remember it’s the first time for them.

There’s not really any song or piece that I get tired of singing to be honest. I just really enjoy it.

“That enjoyment is key – and as long as everyone else is also enjoying themselves at our gigs, I’ll keep doing what I’m doing. That drives us on.”

With the tour being semiacoustic and not the full band setup he would be used to with 10cc or Wax, our discussion turned to how he adapted his songs for this particular style of concert.

Graham explained: “We have had to adapt the songs to a certain extent with this semi-acoustic tour, and it has given us a chance to arrange the songs and showcase them in a slightly different way.

“We have worked to only adapt certain tracks that

we think suit the style of the semi-acoustic band best.

There are some songs I could do, but I won’t because I don’t feel they suit the acoustic arrangement. I’m really careful with that, because I want every track to sound good.”

Graham will be placing himself in the spotlight for this tour and has appointed himself as the band’s frontman.

As his 10cc days saw him famously sing lead on the 1978’s ‘Dreadlock Holiday’ but also share the lead vocal duties with his bandmates - I was curious to know if he was going to feel more exposed.

He was quick to agree with this notion.

“Definitely, I’m singing everything on this tour.

You’re absolutely right - you are more exposed in this kind of setting and you have to be a bit more on your game!

“I don’t mind though – I enjoy myself. If I stopped enjoying it, I wouldn’t do it, and I say this for two reasons. One, I don’t need to do it. And two, I think audiences pick up on it. They can tell when a performer isn’t happy or is just ‘going through the motions.”

What's On: Musical Must-See Events In March & April

LINK

CULTURE

Blood Brothers at the Wyvern Theatre All are invited to witness the Willy Russell classic ‘Blood Brothers’, at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre this March.

Performance dates will run from Tuesday 7 March - Saturday 11 March.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

“The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.”

This year’s dates have been rescheduled from 2020, and then from 2022.

Tickets can be found at swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/ticketsblood-brothers-swindon-2020

Supersonic Queen at the Meca Words by Jessica Durston

Friday 24 March will see Supersonic Queen (billed as the UK’s most dynamic Queen tribute) perform at Swindon’s Meca.

The show will start at 7.30pm.

A spokesperson for the show said: “Take a trip back in time to experience the magic and excitement of a live Queen concert with Supersonic Queen: their energy, enthusiasm and on-stage chemistry is mesmerising as they belt out hit after hit.

“Round up your family and friends, book your tickets and get ready to rock – It IS a kind of magic!”

Tickets are priced at £24.20 including an online booking fee.

More information, and tickets, can be found online at www.mecaswindon.co.uk/events-tickets/supersonicqueen-2/

Ten in a Bar: The Sweetest Sounds at Swindons Arts Centre Local choir group Ten in a Bar are marking their 30th anniversary with three special concerts at Swindon Arts Centre.

The performance dates will take place from 13 - 15 April, each starting at 7.30pm.

These shows will be the 12 members’ first outings together since 2019.

A spokesperson said: “The group have prepared a little homage to their first show from 1993, and director Jill Hodge has been busy devising a sketch based on a day in the life of the Bronte family.

“But as always, the music comes first and we are fortunate to continue to have the fabulous arrangements of Kirstie Smith in an array of beautiful, legendary songs and uplifting ballads. “ Tickets are available at swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/tickets-tenin-a-bar-swindon-2023 swindonlink.com n March 2023

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Big dance music event to take place at Lydiard Park this August

By Jessica Durston | jessica@positive-media.co.uk

LINK

CULTURE

RCADIA - a dance event with sets from Sigma, Nathan Dawe, DJ Fresh, and more - will be coming to Swindon’s Lydiard Park this Summer.

RCADIA will be taking place at the Swindon park on Saturday 26 August.

Organisers behind this one-day event have already confirmed the line-up.

A spokesperson for RCADIA said of the headlining act: “Sigma DJ Set, one of the biggest Drum n’ Bass artists in the world, with global sales of over 7 million, will tear up the huge dance tent with a big drum n’ bass DJ set.”

They will be joined on the line up by some big names in the drum n’ bass, and dance fields, including breakout dance act, Ibiza Rocks resident, and BRIT nominated DJ and producer, Nathan Dawe Electronic music legend, DJ Fresh, who achieved the UK’s first dubstep and drum n’ bass number ones, will also be joining the list of performers. Further special guests include Darkzy & Window Kid, and MC Window Kid. Joining all of the above on the line-up are: • Alchemist , drum n’ bass DJ and producer, known for The Gone EP and single ‘Us’ • DJ Riddle - Eksman x Carasel ft Jmulla • OliLove, south coast breakthrough DJ • Titan the Robot, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, the 8ft tall dancing robot The music event will take place at Lydiard Park between 1pm - 11pm (gates will open at 12.30pm).

RCADIA will also feature a licensed bar, thrill rides, and food and drink stalls.

Tickets are priced at £40 and the event is open to over 14s only.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are on sale now at www.rcadia.uk

Nathan Dawe

Sigma

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Future of Mechanics’ Institute was big news of February 1998

LINK HERITAGE

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The fate of what is arguably Swindon’s greatest architectural jewel was at the top of Swindon Link’s news agenda a quarter of a century ago.

“SAVE IT FOR SWINDON” was the message we plastered across the corner of a front page colour picture of the instantly-recognisable Railway Village building, which had first opened its doors in 1855.

The future of the building had been a concern of many people in the town since it was last used in the 1980s, and remains a concern to this day.

Our February 1998 edition devoted its main story to a new development in the ongoing saga.

We wrote: “Swindon’s Mechanics Institute could become the centre for the town’s arts, cultural and community life, if the dreams of a band of committed volunteers come true.

“But they need £848,000 from the people and businesses of Swindon.

“A decision on a National Lottery grant for £2.5m is due in June and local fundraising is essential to secure it.

“The local appeal by the New Mechanics Institute Preservation Trust was launched on 22 January under the slogan, ‘Get the Mechanics.’”

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then already a respected community campaigner, who remains involved in heritage preservation.

We said of the team: “They believe [the building] can be refurbished to provide a central base for voluntary organisations, space for performance, arts workshops and exhibitions, and a cinema. Conference facilities, a social history archive and a high-tech multi-media centre are also proposed.”

Unfortunately, a series of issues including a rejected bid by a private owner earlier this century to turn the structure into a hotel, meant that the building remains unused.

However, the Railway Village is now at the heart of a Heritage Action Zone, and there are hopes of a brighter future for the

Mechanics’ Institute and the area in which it stands.

Moving from the old to what was still very much the new in 1998, we carried a report from the emerging North Swindon neighbourhood of Abbey Meads.

stands.

The resolution of various building delays meant work on the planned shops and pub could begin that April.

It also meant that the Church of Christ the Servant in Abbey Meads was a step closer to having a permanent

“Church ready to claim village centre site,” ran the headline of the story centred on the Elstree Way land where the Abbey Meads Village Centre now

home, having been quartered initially at Church House in Hayward Close and subsequently moved to the temporary Abbey Meads Community Centre.

Team Link’s Trek across The Sahara Desert in aid of Prospect Hospice

LINK

CHARITY

It’s time for our just deserts...

By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk

There’s about a dozen of us trekkers all doing it for Prospect Hospice.

But between the four I’m getting nervous now.

It seems an age ago that I members who made up Team signed up for this mammoth Link, which are myself, Amy task back in January 2022. O’Reilly, Kieran McCarthy and Laura Johnson, we’ve And now after a frantic fundraising year, the month managed to raise £10,717 towards Prospect Hospice. is finally here where I’m It was a stressful year going to have to put my with a very busy autumn charity money where my of fundraising events from mouth is and actually cross the Sahara Desert in aid of quizzes and feasts to gig nights but miraculously Prospect Hospice.

We leave for Morocco on we got there with the Sunday 19 March and within fundraising and we can’t thank all of those who 24 hours of our arrival we will be shoved into the desert donated enough.

We will be spending five and told to start walking days in the Sahara Desert before we’ve even had a trekking about 20-25 chance to wipe the sand kilometres during a full day. from our faces.

When we finally finish our desert leg, we will then be spending two days crossing The Atlas Mountains before finally coming back to Marrakesh.

Obviously I’ll be trying to update you all via the Link website but that all depends on signal, and I’ve got a feeling there might not be much reception in the middle of the desert. In fact my Trip Advisor review will probably read ‘Lovely golden dunes, the camels were fun even though they didn’t let us ride them, but shame about the wifi.’

I have been training for this. In fact some of you might have spotted me huffing and puffing around

Old Town, but I don’t think there’s much I can do about acclimatising to a desert heat during the winter months in Swindon, so I’ve got a feeling that might be one thing that could see me become a sweat monster who is constantly dying of thirst.

But we are still fundraising as although we have raised our targets for Prospect Hospice any more donations will still be very welcome and much-needed by the Wroughton-based charity.

To donate please visit justigiving.com/team/ linksahara Right, I’m off to cross a desert.

Wish me luck! swindonlink.com n March 2023

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LINK

POETRY

Joining friends for a joyful reminder that wine is bottled poetry Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

I was chair in a local wine group this past year and it was delightful.

We’ve been going for 10 years with 12 members maximum. An old friend told me years ago that we should have friends who are older and younger, and this group hits the spot.

Each month one couple hosts the evening, having done deep research on

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their topic.

The unwritten rule is no blind tasting, so nobody is set up to fail. In the last year we explored Gascony, The Sherry Triangle, New York State, Campania, visited Burgundy, and invited guest speakers.

We are friends who enjoy wine and indirectly look out for each other.

I often reflect that

when children live at a distance, friends become the immediate support.

As a group we have fun, tease and debate, and appreciate our diverse views.

Our monthly sub is a decent budget for wines we wouldn’t buy as individuals.

We finish the evening with everyone’s contribution to the food table.

It’s an inexpensive social evening.

Learning and curiosity are perfect bedfellows, and there’s the cross-over with poetry.

Poets as friends learning and sharing is no different to friends sampling wine with a keen interest in grape, producer and terroir. And as much fun.

I’m no expert but I’ve

certainly improved my knowledge on both fronts. So raise a glass to a cross-over poem, Ben Jonson’s ‘Song to Celia’: Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup, And I’ll not look for wine.

The thirst that from the soul doth rise Doth ask a drink divine; But might I of Jove’s nectar sup, I would not change for thine.

If you’d like input on setting up a wine group, let me know. www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer From the outside looking in, the appointment of Jody Morris as Swindon manager is questionable.

Surely entrusting a first-time manager, with under half the season remaining, is a roll of the dice to say the least.

In this latest column I shall explore both the pros and cons of the 27th Swindon manager since the year 2000.

The CV of Jody Morris is impressive to say the least. Before coaching, Morris represented Chelsea 173 times, becoming their youngest Premier League player in the process.

After hanging up his boots Morris continued his allegiances with Chelsea as a youth coach. There, as Head

With the stakes high, Swindon take a risky gamble Coach of the Under 18s, he won seven trophies in two years, playing a pivotal role in the development of future England international Mason Mount.

Morris would next gain invaluable experience working as a number 2 for Frank Lampard at Derby County and Chelsea. This demonstrates the glowing reputation Morris boasts amongst the elite in football.

Moreover, the 44-yearold will be able to deliver the top rate techniques deployed at the highest level of the game.

In addition Morris’ pedigree and long list of contacts could see Swindon attract a higher calibre of youth player.

However, it could be

argued that the appointment is a risk. Every appointment in football carries an element of risk, but none more so than hiring a manager for his first crack at the whip in the hot seat.

Morris will be thrown into the deep end with little opportunity to work on new ideas with his team.

His new surroundings will be a far cry from those he has worked in before. With no previous experience of League 2 football it could take the new gaffer time to adapt to the roughest league in the EFL. Arguably the timing couldn’t be worse, with Swindon approaching the home straight, leaving Morris little room for error. This, however, is only a problem if

The Macmillan Castles Bike Ride Returns for 2023 Monthly column from Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.

The Macmillan Castles Bike Ride is set to return for its 25th year on Sunday 4 June 2023 and is expected to attract around 200 - 300 riders of varying ability levels.

The event will start at Coate Water Country Park in Swindon and will take riders out over the rolling hills, following bridleways around Barbury Castle and the Ridgeway.

The rides are mostly offroad and traffic-free, using some of the fantastic trails we have in the beautiful countryside to the south of Swindon.

Event organiser Lew Lawton said: “None of the routes are completely flat so everyone

can get the satisfaction of completing a challenge suitable for them. We have a family ride of about 10 miles, a medium route of 16 miles and a more technical and challenging route of 25 miles for those with a bit more experience”.

All routes follow the National Cycle Network from Coate towards Chiseldon.

The short route does a loop around Chiseldon, following country roads and bridleways.

The medium and long routes join the former railway path towards Marlborough before cutting off at Ogbourne St George and climbing up onto the Ridgeway via Smeath’s Ridge. At Barbury Castle, the medium route heads back

towards Chiseldon whilst the long route heads south to Rockly before turning back towards home via Hackpen White Horse.

Refreshment stops and points to refill water bottles will be provided on the medium and long routes.

Participants are encouraged to set up a fundraising page for the event or make a voluntary donation to MacMillan Cancer support, but these are optional. This event relies on the support of volunteers to keep the riders safe and on course. The organisers would love to hear from those interested in supporting the event as a marshal/first aider.

LINK FOOTBALL he is expected to win the race.

Perhaps the objective for the remainder of the season is to build for the next. Potentially this could be a good plan.

Richie Wellens and Swindon offer the perfect blueprint for this scenario, with the former gaffer using the 2018/19 season to build his famous titlewinning team for the following campaign.

If history is anything to go by, Morris’ chances of success are 50/50. In some cases, Assistant Managers have gone on to be outstanding number one’s. On the other hand there have been many examples of assistants failing to make the step up. Look no further than failed England manager Steve McClaren. Only time will tell us which category Jody Morris falls into.

LINK CYCLING

10-year-old Jamie at a previous Macmillan Castles Bike Ride event If you think you can help please contact cycle.medic@ btinternet.com For those interested in signing up for the ride, more details will soon be available on www. castlesbikeride.co.uk and the Castles Bike Ride Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ CastlesBikeRide swindonlink.com n March 2023

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AGONY

GIRL

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

Dear Agony Girl, Springtime is soon coming up. Do you have any recommendations for any spring related activities to pass the time?

Tyler, Swindon You should play tag and walk around the forest. You can do a picnic and you could smell and pick flowers.

Dear Agony Girl, I hear your dad is heading to Morocco to do a trek across the Sahara Desert in aid of charity this month. Have you got any tips for him to make the most of it?

Amanda, Abbeymeads You should have fun with the camels and ride them and explore. Drink loads of water and don’t have too heavy a backpack. And if you get lost you should call the desert emergency services.

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Dear Agony Girl, I’ve heard you have a boyfriend.

I’ve been single for nearly five years now. What is the best way to snag a man as I’m getting pretty lonely?

Bianca, Town Centre Be confident. I didn’t really do anything to get a boyfriend. I was just being myself. For Valentines and for his birthday and Christmas I would get him presents. He got me loads of presents too.

Dear Agony Girl I’ve just quit my job and am going to retire as I found it too stressful.

Should I get another job or just enjoy my retirement? And what should I do to pass the time?

Nicola, Holyrood Enjoy your retirement. You can go trampolining or ice skating and just have loads of fun. You can party all the time. If you run out of money you

can always get another job then.

Dear Agony Girl, I’m a bit worried about climate change. It all just seems so scary. I know that you have lots of ecocredentials. Got any advice on how I can help save the environment?

Dave, Gorse Hill Plant some plants in your garden and make wellies that don’t fit you as plant pots and stuff like that. I’ve made some money for the school for their dirty pond. I slay at making the environment better. If you’re close to the thing where you are going you should always walk but if you live in Swindon and need to get to Marlborough you might have to drive as the buses always come at strange times.