North West Swindon Link November 2023

No 496 November 2023 GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to homes across Swindon with Est. overall print and online readership of 105,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

North & West Edition

Focus on Care and Retirement p14

swindonlink.com

A seismic shift in Swindon's Waste and Recycling services p4

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Editor's Note

By Jamie Hill

New football pitch the first facility to open ahead of Moredon Sporting Hub completion

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

This month we're celebrating 45 years of Swindon Link.

The actual first edition of this lovely community magazine came out in December 1978, so at this point 45 years ago, the founder of the magazine would have been busily putting that first edition together.

As part of the celebrations, our sister publication The Ink, the news subscription service, will be hosting a talk by Swindon Link founder Roger Ogle on Monday 6 November at the Hop Inn on Devizes Road at 7.30pm.

Roger will be taking us on a journey from The Link's humble beginnings to now.

This the first of a series of planned community talks that will be hosted by The Ink on a quarterly basis.

In case you didn't know, The Ink is a new concept that we launched a couple of months ago. It's a news subscription service with insightful long-form news, getting under the skin of what matters to Swindon.

You can subscribe by scanning below.

Footballers of all ages and abilities in Swindon have a new place to show off their skills after a brand-new 3G pitch was unveiled ahead of schedule at the Moredon Sporting Hub. While work will be continuing on the multi-sports hub over the next few months to create the new pavilion, cycle tracks and car parking, the football pitch has been completed for use by local clubs.

The pitch itself can host a full-size 11-a-side pitch, two nine-a-side pitches, two sevena-side pitches, and four five-aside pitches.

Built by the borough council, the pitches will be run by Central Swindon North Parish Council and will be available for the wider community to book and use when the sporting hub is officially opened next spring.

Local clubs, working with the parish council, began using the pitch on 16 October and will continue to do so until the site is accessible to the general public. The decision was made to only allow local clubs to use the pitch at this time due to the ongoing construction of the site and to better manage access.

Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “I can’t wait to see the next generation

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson

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of footballers play on this pitch and I’m sure it will be wellused and loved by everyone.

“Of course, this is only just the start for the Moredon Sporting Hub and work is really taking shape on the new pavilion and the cycle tracks, creating some of the best cycling facilities in the region.”

Cllr James Yeowell, from Central North Swindon Parish Council, said: “I am delighted that the 3G pitch at the Moredon Sporting Hub is finally complete and available for the public to use.

“Swindon has an active Sunday League, as well as amateur sides competing in various lower leagues of the football pyramid, so this is an excellent facility.

“With the pavilion and cycle track moving ever closer to completion, having the 3G pitch available from today, shows the parish council and other stakeholders’ commitment

to providing our residents with some much needed, fresh sporting facilities.”

Lisa Smith, Secretary at FC Abbey Meads, said: “As a direct result of the Moredon Hub and the 3G pitch facilities being our home base, we have been able to expand to 32 teams across all age groups from Mini Meads (four to sixyear-olds) through to an adults' open age team, offering a complete pathway for youth footballers in the area."

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.

“We’re delighted that the local community in Swindon will now be able to enjoy all these benefits.”

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.

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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 644540 swindonlink.com n November 2023

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The Eco Briefing

A massive change to Swindon bin services From 27 November, the way we throw things away in the borough of Swindon will evolve. It’s the biggest change to how our waste gets collected in 15 years and will see a whole new fleet of refuse vehicles released onto the town’s roads. Jamie Hill reports.

- From Monday 27 November there will be weekly bin collections.

One week for recycling and one week for domestic waste.

- Food waste collections will be taken on a weekly basis with Swindonian households receiving a new large 23 litre outdoor ‘caddy’ as well as a smaller five litre ‘caddy’ to put in the kitchen to empty into the outdoor one when necessary.

- Every Swindon household will receive a new 70 litre weighted bag for plastic and metal recycling. This is to go out in whichever week the recycling is collected. If it fills up, households can put any extra in another weighted container (not a clear plastic bin bag) and it will be collected.

-The two other existing recycling bins should be sorted into paper and card in one and glass in the other.

-A letter is going out to every Swindon household in the next few weeks explaining the changes and what the collection days will be.

Do not use the new containers until 27 November.

It’s mind-boggling when you think about it.

There are nearly 100,000 households in Swindon and the borough council is tasked with getting rid of every single bit of rubbish thrown away by all of them.

Over the summer, with driver shortages, you could see that the team in charge of the bin collections got to the point where they simply weren’t coping. Entire collections were missed or delayed.

And Swindon Borough Council, and its newly installed Labour administration, were definitely feeling the heat when it came to their waste and recycling collections - at least for a few weeks until it all calmed down and they were able to catch up.

So, you might understand why some people would be cynical about the newly announced massive shake-up to the collections.

If you live in flats for instance, these changes aren’t for you as communal bins will be dealt with in a different way. It’s for houses.

But one thing that has been pretty impressive is that to carry out this undertaking, the council has invested £6 million in a brand spanking new fleet of refuse vehicles. Rob Brown, the Head of End to End Waste Services at Swindon Borough Council, said: “A lot of the problems that we’ve been facing with our collections is that our fleet was at the end of its life and had lots of maintenance problems, so we would have had to replace the fleet anyway.

“These new lorries will be rolled out as part of this new service being introduced in November and one of the good things about them is that it will actually mean less collections. Beforehand we collected plastics separately so it would mean three different stops at households - plastics, recycling and general waste. But the new lorries are able to compartmentalise on the vehicles themselves all the different types of recycling including food waste, which is sorted even on the domestic waste collection vehicles, so there will only need to be two collections.”

According to the council, the rollout of the new system is costing about £800,000, to include the new bins and the letters going out to each household.

SBC’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, Chris 4

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(L to R) Rob Brown, Head of End to End Waste Services at Swindon Borough Council, and Chris Watts, SBC’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, in front of one of their brand spanking new bin lorries

Watts, said: “This is a scheme that has been in the planning stages for the past few years under the previous administration and it should make our entire waste collection services that much more efficient. Obviously, with everything, there is a cost to these things but this is necessary for us as a borough to be at the forefront of fighting climate change.”

Currently only about 40% of Swindon’s waste is recycled, with the rest heading for incineration in Oxfordshire, Avonmouth or Lakeside. The national average is now about 50%. It is hoped that the changes will push the recycling rate up to 50% or even 60%.

Rob Brown added: “Councils in Wales are at the forefront of this with their rates at around 60% or 70%, but we are hopeful this will give us that push in the right direction.

“Food waste is generally quite heavy and bulky so households will definitely see a difference in what they are chucking into their main domestic waste wheelie bin. I think a lot of people will also be able to see how much food they are actually wasting as well, meaning that households could end up buying less to provide less waste.

“The weighted bags might seem to some households a tiny bit small but they are actually quite sizeable and we would recommend crushing down your aluminium and plastics as much as possible. They are made to be crushed down.

“As time goes on, we should be seeing less and less waste anyway, especially with supermarkets now on board with providing less packaging.”

Currently, the council uses several companies to deal with their recycling with paper and cardboard as well as the plastics going to local firms for recycling. The food waste will be taken down to a company in Warminster where it will be going through a process of anaerobic digestion; this is where bacteria break down the waste in the absence of oxygen to provide fuel that is then used to go straight into the national grid, with any leftover being used as slurry for local farmers’ fields.

For the council, if everything goes right, this could actually provide a £1.2 million dividend as they are able to sell the waste for this process.

Cllr Watts said: “We know this is a huge undertaking and, like all change, it will take some getting used to.

“The team have had a difficult time recently but through their hard work they got through it and I have every confidence that they will make this work.”

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Flood-hit Link Centre's pool and rink still closed The Link Centre has partially reopened after suffering severe damage in September's flash flooding.

However, at the time of going to press the swimming pool and ice rink - home rink of the Swindon Wildcats ice hockey tea - remained closed, with the Wildcats announcing a series of 'Home Away From Home ' fixtures at other locations.

In early October, Link management firm GLL announced the partial reopening of the gym and fitness studios, although as there was still no power to the building, the company had to deploy 110-volt batterypowered lighting.

In a previous announcement, the firm said: "We are hopeful that we will be able to re-open the gym, fitness studios, soft play and trampoline park in November and the swimming pool before the end of the

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year and will communicate firm dates as soon as possible.

“We are also working in conjunction with specialist consultants on the reopening of the ice rink, however this is the most complex element and will take longer.

"The flood water penetrated the ice rink itself and we believe the rink lighting and electrical circuits have been compromised. The sand ice pad base will need to be replaced and only then can the ice rebuild begin.

“During this period of closure, leisure centre members are being given the option of using alternative GLL-operated leisure facilities within Swindon and neighbouring areas. We have transferred nearly 200 pupils from our swim school at the Link to Dorcan Leisure Centre, with a further 100 spaces available to anyone who would like to move across."

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Four-legged friends not forgotten by Ukraine aid charity

Swindon switches to 'all-out' council elections

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

People in Swindon will now only be asked to vote for local councillors once every four years following an Extraordinary Council meeting.

Councillors voted unanimously to change the election cycle from the current ‘by thirds’ model to an alternative ‘whole An election count at Steam A recent consignment of vital council’ election model, which supplies sent to Ukraine by would see all seats on the (when no elections take place) few.

Swindon Humanitarian Aid council elected at the same in 2025.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Jim Project included a treat for a time, once every four years.

The council says the change Robbins, said: “I am delighted morale-boosting dog.

The decision to change the will allow the administration that councillors have voted SHAP has sent countless election cycle came after a to make strategic long-term to move to ‘all-out’ elections truckloads of medical and public consultation during the decisions and save the council following our consultation with other supplies to Ukraine since summer. approximately £300,000 residents over the summer.

Russia invaded early last year, A total of 794 people every four years.

"This will allow us to work together with vehicles including responded, and of those 58.56 Alongside this decision, the on our long-term missions to a bus kitted out as a mobile per cent said they would prefer Local Government Boundary reduce inequality, achieve field hospital. to vote for councillors every Commission for England net zero, and build a better The aid has included around four years.

(LGBCE) is reviewing Swindon’s Swindon.

130 pallets of hygiene wipes, The ‘all-out’ election cycle will wards due to electoral "We hope that this will help which are much sought after as take effect from 2026, with inequality in two wards St to bring positive change to the they help keep both civilians a third of councillors being Andrews, which has too many people of Swindon. It will also and front line troops clean when elected for a final time in 2024 electors, and Wroughton & have the added benefit of there is no water available for followed by a fallow year Wichelstowe, which has too saving the council money." washing.

One bag of hygiene wipes Skill and dedication of teenager inspires boys to try gymnastics sent recently also included a pink dog coat which was

By Barrie Hudson among the thousands of items barrie@positive-media.co.uk donated in Swindon since the A young Acrobatic Gymnast invasion. from Swindon is paving It turned out to be a perfect the way for boys at Evoke fit for a little dog named Pavlovna by Ukrainian soldiers Gymnastics in the town.

Kailen, 16, first signed up for - and came just in time for the Recreational Gymnastics at harsh winter. nine, after a local club offered SHAP Chair Mike Bowden him a free taster session. said “I have to be honest and He had previously tried say when we loaded the pink football and rugby, but they dog coat I did wonder if we were not for him. After being had gone barking mad but offered a place, within six it’s so lovely to see a little months he was offered a trial Ukrainian dog wearing it. for a new Acrobatics squad "Hopefully it will keep him and found pure joy in the or her warm in the cold winter his country internationally. He can look up to. discipline. months ahead. said: "I love how my squad and "As I started out myself at In the beginning, people "Of course, our primary focus my coach are like my family. around their age, I want to be often made remarks about the is to send aid to the people of We have such a strong bond able to inspire them and share Ukraine, but in keeping with the sport to Kailen, saying it wasn’t and even though we are all on my passion with them.” for boys or asking him: “Isn’t Brits' love of animals we send our own journey, we are there As Kailen has progressed, bags of cat and dog food and gymnastics a girl's sport?" to support one another. My he now competes with his However, even though this the odd pink dog coat. coach always strives to help me Acrobatic partner Ruby, and knocked Kailen’s confidence, he see the best in myself.

"I'm so proud of the the two get along like brother chose to ignore the stereotype magnificent work of the whole “I now also help to coach the and sister. and remind himself how much SHAP team of volunteers." boy’s development squad at Further information can he loves Acrobatics and the SHAP is on Facebook Evoke. I enjoy being able to be found at www.britishfeeling it gives him. at www.facebook.com/ see other boys in Acrobatics gymnastics.org/discover/ Today Kailen is representing groups/1161884587960781/ and be a role model that they 10 swindonlink.com n November 2023 NW November Master pages.indd 10

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Charity night at Bengal Square

Bengal Square in Peatmoor held the first of its charity nights at the start of October.

The restaurant is offering good causes and charities the ability to use the venue on a Monday and a Tuesday evening, giving organisers the opportunity of a value for money set menu and the ability to sell tickets to the event.

The first event was organised

by TD Williamson based in Dorcan who were raising much needed funds for Swindon Food Collective and Threshold Housing Link. It was organised

by Samantha Mitchard.

If you would like to organise a charity night at Bengal Square contact the restaurant at info@bengalsquare.co.uk

Old Town Christmas Festival 2023

After the success of last year the Old Town Christmas Festival 2023 will take place on Sunday 26 November on Wood Street and Victoria Hill.

The event will take place between noon and 5pm.

Tickets are available for advance purchase to guarantee entry as the numbers are limited to 5000 via www.thisisoldtown.com/ support-us/p/christmas-festivaladmission-ticket

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‘Stay Well Swindon’ campaign aims to reduce winter hospital attendance Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Swindon Borough Council have joined forces for a special project.

Their aim is to prevent the health of local people from deteriorating, in a new campaign called ‘Stay well Swindon’.

Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “This joined-up care tackles not only the individual’s immediate health condition, but other factors that might be impacting on their wellbeing. By addressing these issues earlier, we hope to get people the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“We know that many patients go to hospital because their health has worsened due to things at home, such as not being able to afford heating, so it’s hoped that this year we can reach more people before it gets to that stage.

“There is also lots that families,

friends and carers can do to support – and sometimes even something as simple as popping in on a neighbour more regularly can highlight any problems to us even earlier.

"It’s also important to stay warm when the temperature drops - if you’re worried about energy costs, visit www.swindon. gov.uk/costofliving to find out about the financial support available.”

It is expected that this winter will be the busiest on record yet, and with GWH regularly operating at maximum capacity, the two organisations are highlighting the community support that is available right across Swindon so that people can access help earlier on and prevent a hospital stay.

In the last 12 months, over 125,000 people have attended the Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre at Great Western Hospital, with around 98,000 of them admitted to a ward for further care. NHS bosses say

environmental and social issues are also having an impact, with more people being affected by loneliness, homelessness and the cost of living.

Mental health attendances are also increasing year on year at Great Western Hospital, with around 2,500 patients presenting with mental health issues in the last year.

To offer support on these social care issues, a number of initiatives have been set up by both organisations which seek to get people help earlier, so they don’t deteriorate and need a stay in hospital.

A total of 38 Welcome Spaces across the town provide local residents with a confidential and safe space to spend time, meet other people and find warmth during cold weather.

A full list of spaces can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/ welcomespaces.

More information can also be found at www.gwh.nhs.uk/ patients-and-visitors/stay-wellswindon

This year's Swindie Makers Market set to be biggest yet Preparations are well under way for the fourth Swindie Makers Market.

It will be held at new venue Steam on Saturday 18 November from noon to 4pm.

Organiser Lora O'Callaghan said: "Swindie is a one-day event that brings together talented modern makers, musicians and food and drink businesses all under one roof, and for our fourth one we are expanding and hosting the one-day event at the Steam museum.

"Born after a desire to get small creative business owners together to sell their on trend, high quality products, Swindie has now grown into an all day event that not only celebrates makers but also provides exposure for musicians along with some of the finest, hand picked food and drink vendors.

"Each stall is carefully selected with an emphasis on the quality of products,

brand identity along with the businesses ethos.

"We’re super excited to welcome this time up to 100 talented makers alongside breweries, bakeries, coffee and street food vendors, all trading against our backdrop of live music.

"So set the date in your

diaries, 18th of November and get ready to support small and celebrate all things indie!"

The organisers say the new venue allows for even more makers and more food vendors along with live music throughout the event. www.swindiemakersmarket. co.uk

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A focus on care and retirement in Swindon With a rapidly increasing elderly population in Swindon it is vital that we are aware of the plethora of services out there not only for retirement living but also for genuinely good care facilities. As you get older it becomes all about the quality of life and ensuring that you are in the right hands for your needs.

Hartford Care’s luxury new care home, Cotswolds Rise in Swindon, now open Hartford Care’s newly built, stateof-the-art residential care home, Cotswolds Rise, in Swindon, is now open, with prospective residents and their families welcome to come along and chat with the team, discuss care requirements and view the new home.

Cotswolds Rise will be hosting a series of drop in events, with an open day on Monday 30 October, 11am to 3pm and community coffee mornings every other Thursday from Thursday 26 October 10am to noon. People are invited to pop along to these events with no appointment necessary, to meet the team, and have the opportunity to tour the home.

Cotswolds Rise offers residential,

dementia and respite care across 66 en suite bedrooms. Close to Swindon town centre’s amenities, the home has fully accessible and enclosed landscaped gardens with patio areas and sun terraces, perfect for hosting outdoor activities. There are several spacious lounges and dining rooms, a lifestyle kitchen, salon and a shop. Designed with sustainability in mind, Cotswolds Rise has significant renewable energy elements, including solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage systems.

For more information on Cotswolds Rise, Upper Mill, Swindon, SN5 4FL, please call 0800 234924, or email: cotswolds. rise@hartfordcare.co.uk

Finding the right care home Ladymead Care Home is located in a beautiful rural area of Wroughton. The home is only a short drive from Swindon town centre and there is easy access to local transport.

Ladymead is a purpose-built home providing residential and nursing care to the elderly. It is a very friendly and happy home with an extended family feel. The staff pride themselves on making the home attractive and comfortable and they work according to the residents’ needs and routines.

The home has TV lounges and a quiet sitting room where residents can relax in quiet contemplation, or enjoy the company of others.

Kingsmead Care Home is located in the Old Town area of Swindon. The home has a selection of lounges and communal areas, where activities are often held, and a quiet sitting room. The meal experience is excellent at Kingsmead, with our chef and catering team working hard to create meals that are both nutritious and tasty, using fresh seasonal ingredients.

The home offers a very stable environment for residents with many of the staff long-standing, so they have been able to build up great relationships with the residents and families over time. The care home manager is a registered nurse and has heavy involvement with residents and the day-to-day running of the home.

For a reassuring chat with one of our advisors call 01793 387330.

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Quality living at home When to introduce the concept of Care/ Companionship It’s a sad fact that when families look for care it is often too late.

Quite often the person who requires care refuses to have the care they need because they are not used to having strangers in their home or asking for help. We frequently hear stories where implementing a care plan is impossible as they cannot see why the family is unable to step in and do the necessary.

This often results in tension within the family unit.

It is useful to introduce the concept of care/companionship to ageing loved ones in good time, so they get used to the concept and allow the families to get used to what good care/companionship looks like and what is best for their loved ones. This is particularly important when family members are showing signs of dementia.

At Helping Old Friends, we can provide a cost-effective service that will, through our fully vetted and trained staff provide hassle free Companionship.

This Companionship can take on many forms. It may be that we clean the house, do the washing and ironing, put away the shopping or even take the person shopping. Or is could be that we just provide Companionship, a cup of tea and a natter. We can also provide respite for partners who feel they cannot leave the home for fear that they cannot leave their loved one alone.

If you would like to know more about the services that Helping Old Friends can provide, please give Katrina a call on 01793 550 895 or Lauren on 01285 701 801

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A focus on care and retirement in Swindon “I hate asking for help. But IHear love knowing it’s there.”

Clear:

Enjoy a stress-free lifestyle, with flexible support whenever you need it with McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living.

When you move to one of McCarthy & Stone's retirement properties at Gilbert Place, life can become much easier.

It’s not because their properties are brand new, stunningly modern and sited in beautifully tended private grounds. Or because many offer flexible support services that can be easily tailored to meet your needs. Or even because there are friendly faces everywhere, from your neighbours to the on-site team.

It’s because you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they take care of all the things you might have come to think of as a hassle.

There are friends next door and help always nearby.

You’ll enjoy a warm welcome to the vibrant community, where new neighbours quickly become

new friends who share hobbies, interests and passions.

Experts are also on hand for everything from general maintenance to gardening.

They can help with the vacuuming too, while the onsite bistro offers a break from cooking. Even holidays are more relaxing, knowing there’s someone to keep an eye on things 24/7 back home.

Come and see for yourself.

Our stress-free approach to living offers such a range of benefits, it’s no wonder many of our homeowners say they wish they’d made the move sooner.

So why not come and see for yourself? You can take a tour, or simply pop in for a chat.

Gilbert Place, Lowry Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 1FX Call today on 0800 185 5669 and one of their friendly team will be happy to help, or alternatively visit mccarthystone.co.uk/gilbertplace

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Our School Visions: A community where everyone belongs, where our children feel safe to be confident and ambitious, and where we work together with kindness and respect.

We are redesigning our curriculum to reflect our community and location, which is rich in geographical and historical interest. Our team of passionate and enthusiastic subject leaders are working together to ensure our curriculum provides our children with enriching and exciting experiences. We want to ensure that all children can achieve success along their educational journey.

Our values of Ambition, Belonging and Compassion, our Noremarsh ABC’s reflect those of the Ascend Learning Trust and align with all the other schools within it. These values can be seen all around our school. All parties have a vital role to play in Noremarsh’s ABCs:

Ambition

Our team are ambitious for all of our children. We want them to achieve their full potential in their time with us. We have redesigned our curriculum to be ambitious and challenge and engage our learners.

Belonging

School Profile:

Noremarsh Junior School Get to know the schools in your area This issue: Noremarsh Junior School Address: Clarenedon Drive, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 8BT Contact: 01793 8562250 Website: www.noremarshjuniorschool.org.uk Email: admin@njs.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk Twitter: @NoremarshJS Facebook: Noremarsh Junior School Instagram: @noremarsh.js

About the Academy

At Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, we are determined to ensure that all students are provided with the learning experiences, learning opportunities and all-round support they need to be the very best version of themselves that they can be. The Academy has a proud record of academic success by pupils with considerable achievement in a range of sporting, musical, dramatic and extra-curricular activities.

Our vision is one that recognises that success comes in many shapes and forms and should be celebrated in the largest and smallest of ways.

For students and staff to individually and collectively progress, we must personally develop and learn from our mistakes or the challenges that lay before us each day.

This process is supported by our values opposite and we apply them every day, to everything that we do.

We know that all children are different and have differing needs throughout their time with us. We are skilled at supporting them and adapting our practice to help them all to achieve success. As a community we believe there are no outsiders.

Compassion

Our children talk about kindness alongside compassion. We see this on a daily basis in and outside of the classroom and on the playgrounds. Our community cares about each other and we show it.

Respect

We aim to be respectful to each other, to our environment and to understand our links within a diverse world.

Wellbeing

School Profile:

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Get to know the schools in your area This issue: Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Address: Lime Kiln, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7HG Contact: 01793 841900 Website: www.rwba.org.uk Email: admin@rwba.org.uk Twitter: @RWBAcademy

We aim to consciously promote and achieve positive mental and physical wellbeing, to draw on skills and tools to support our journeys and to be resilience.

Balance

We aim to recognise our academic goals and achievements and to balance them with the love and attention we should give to ourselves as a whole.

Aspiration

Through having high expectations, we aspire to progress in everything that we do.

Facebook: @RWBAcademy swindonlink.com n November 2023

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20/10/2023 09:23

Interview: Don Bryden is founder and CEO of BEST - Be A Better You, a Swindon charity helping young people

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

LINK PEOPLE

a place called Phalaborwa.

"I remember the train arriving in the early hours of the morning, and I've never heard such shouting and yelling, smacks around the back of the head and backsides being kicked from the minute we got off that train."

In spite of the hellishness of the training, Don went on to join a respected cavalry unit, although he candidly admits that his military service left him with trauma which lingers to this day.

At the beginning of the century he came to Britain with his young family.

"I arrived in England with £380, a wife and two kids."

Don Bryden, right, with BEST Operations Manager Craig Hiscock, who There were early troubles has been with the organisation since the beginning including a fight in London which left him with a badly plus older than her, started with strong British connections, broken leg. taking her in. had problems in his own earlier "We managed to save "We went through hell with life. enough money to rent our first her, had to move out of the "As a young kid, I got myself house. I remember having to country." into real trouble at the age of live for three months on a couch Don and his wife, Sarah, 14. Although I was doing sports we found by the side of the were determined not to let the - I was riding, showjumping road." exploitation continue, and with something drew me to gang Don found work in recruitment the ties of that exploitation life. in Swindon, thoroughly learning broken, Jess turned her life "We used to meet up at a about the sector and gaining around. local bowling alley. Things useful insights into psychology, The young woman took to started deteriorating; the knife and eventually set up on his boxing, and today is one of culture came. I started getting own. the country's most successful in into trouble at school, and it BEST is going from strength to her weight division. A bright just escalated from that into strength, and recently moved sporting future beckons, and something similar to what the into its largest premises yet, Jess works with some of the kids have today. where the facilities include a young people now helped "At the ripe old age of just large space with a boxing ring by the charity her father was turned 18 I got my prescription and opportunities for other inspired to found in the light of papers. I was called up to the sports training. the family's experiences.

South African Defence Force.

His advice to parents whose "She's gone from running I found myself in a situation own children are in peril? around with knives, doing more where we were packing all our "The only thing I can say is drugs than we'd imagine, being bags, getting all the stuff we that initially you've got to be an enforcer, beating up kids needed to take. tough. You've got to be hard after being beaten up herself, "I was on this train. It was and make some rulings. to taking that aggression and like a small prison cell. All the "I was not prepared to lose putting it in the ring, and doing shutters had to be up because my child - no matter what the her sport for her country. we were classed as government cost."

"That's a winner as far as I'm property - we weren't Mum's Information about the charity, concerned." and Dad's property anymore. its work and how people can Don himself, who is originally "We spent two full days and help can be found at www. from Port Elizabeth in South into the third night, travelling on bestrust.co.uk Africa and comes from a family this train from Port Elizabeth to

Don Bryden, a successful businessman in the recruitment sector, created BEST - Be A Better You at the beginning of 2020.

The charity's mission is a simple one, using mentoring and sport to help young people facing emotional, social and mental health difficilties to avoid taking harmful paths.

So far, the number of people it has helped has run into four figures, and BEST was recently visited by an admiring Prince William, who takes a special interest in the welfare of the young.

He spoke to Don, the team and many young people.

Don speaks about the charity's work with a vehemence and passion born of horrifying experience, as his own daughter, Jess, suffered criminal exploitation.

He said: "From the age of 10 or 11 things started changing in her.

"She was bullied for a long time. Eventually she started standing up for herself. All three girls that had beaten her up, stamping on her food, stealing her food, phoning her day and night, threatening her - she was a wreck.

"But she eventually stood up to all three of them and physically knocked their lights out. But because of her getting her fists involved and battering these girls, the first thing each and every one of their families did - they hadn't worried about their daughters beating my daughter - was go to the police.

"It was probably the worst thing that could have happened, not because the police did nothing but because Jessica was recognised by the wrong crowd.

"The wrong crowd, two years 18 swindonlink.com n November 2023 NW November Master pages.indd 18

20/10/2023 09:23

BUSINESS PROFILE

Business Profile - Deacons Business Type - Jeweller Established - 1848 Location - 11-15 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AN Telephone number - 01793 527530/522072 Website - www.deacons-jewellers.com

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk If a business has not only survived but thrived for 175 years, its core philosophy is clearly a sound one.

Managing director Richard Deacon, pictured, in charge since 1998 and - alongside sister Sara - part of the sixth generation of his family to run the firm, is happy to explain that philosophy.

"The watchword here at Deacons, obviously, is 'service' and providing the best possible service we can is always uppermost in our minds.

"I think today that is more important than ever, because as everybody knows, the world of retail has changed enormously, particularly in the last five years, and probably accelerated by the recent pandemic.

"Therefore, we've had to up our game, and in the selling of - let's face it - luxury goods that people might only purchase two or three times in their lifetime, it's very important to make that occasion, when it happens, a special occasion for our customer.

"That might be purchasing an

engagement ring, it might be purchasing a wedding ring, it might be purchasing a Rolex watch, but it's very important that we make sure we look after our customer in the best way we can.

"In order to do that, over the last five years we have completely refurbished our retail space in Wood Street. The showroom now, I like to think, is very impressive, for somebody setting foot in it for the first time."

The company has just finished refurbishing and extending its clock, watch and jewellery workshop, which now includes a state-of-the-art Rolex workshop where four accredited Rolex watchmakers look after customers' luxury watches.

Mr Deacon said: "We are very, very lucky to be official Rolex retailers, and we are even luckier that we have always kept our skills in the workshop. A lot of other similar businesses no longer have that capability that we have here in Wood Street. Our Rolex

workshop is truly a fantastic facility that would rival any in the country without a doubt and enables us to give people an exceptional service.

"In summary, the new workshop facility makes Deacons even more of a destination for future generations of Swindonians."

The company sets great store by continuity, and prides itself on the fact that the average length of service among its staff is 19 years, with some remaining for far longer.

A proud tradition of skill

The founder of Deacons was 26-year-old George Deacon, the son of a Westbury farmer who used his savings and a loan from his father to buy 13 Wood Street in 1847.

The shop opened the following year.

George Deacon had been an apprentice to a clockmaker called Thomas Howse in High Street, Marlborough.

More than 17 decades on, Deacons' experts still create, maintain and repair timepieces, and workshop cabinets brim with finelycrafted components.

In addition to selling clocks, watches, jewellery and silver, the company creates special pieces to commemorate major events such as the jubilees of monarchs.

It is marking this year's 175th anniversary with a series of specially-crafted pieces including bangles in precious metals and a limited-edition clock. swindonlink.com n November 2023

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20/10/2023 09:23

LINK POLITICS Hope at last for The Oasis?

A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins It is certainly feeling like Autumn and has done over the last few weeks with some very wet weather.

We were very disappointed to see the Link Centre close due to severe flooding, and we are working with GLL, the Wildcats and the West Swindon Library to try to see them all back up and running as soon as possible.

We are hoping to bring the reopening dates forward if we can and are keen to see the Wildcats back on the ice to make sure that they can keep the club going.

It is hugely frustrating for us to lose the Link Centre swimming pool whilst the Health Hydro is being renovated and the Oasis is shut, but I’m hoping that November will bring some

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positive news on the Oasis.

We are keen to bring plans to reopen the Oasis to the November Cabinet meeting, and we are desperate to be able to share the exciting plans with residents. We are hoping that Seven Capital can put in a planning application soon after the meeting and that work to renovate the centre will start as soon as possible. We know how important the Oasis is to the town, and it will be a huge boost to see work start to bring it back to use.

Getting back to the office A column by borough council Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Sumner At the Full Council meeting on 12 October, I submitted a motion, seconded by my colleague Cllr Matty Courtliff, that asked the Labour administration to encourage more staff to return to working from the office.

The primary reason for this is that the Covid pandemic had a devastating effect on our town centre (and town and city centres across the country) and many of these businesses survived that period thanks to generous Conservative Government support.

However, ‘post lockdown’ working practices remained, with many staff continuing to work remotely.

Our town centre desperately needs footfall. The closure of Marks and Spencer was like a slow car crash with the

lunchtime food section shrinking and less ‘office wear’ on sale.

I work in my office in the town centre, and talking to many small business owners they agree that whatever anyone does in terms of ‘grand plans’ will not increase footfall.

My motion wasn’t to force the staff back to the office five days a week – but enough to make a difference. It is also important for staff morale.

The Labour Group rejected my motion, saying that they would become an outlier as an employer and find it harder to recruit staff.

swindonlink.com n November 2023

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20/10/2023 09:23

People considering becoming foster carers promised they will never be alone

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

More than 120 children and young people are living miles away from Swindon, separated from their family and friends.

This is because Swindon Borough Council does not have enough local foster carers who can provide a loving home.

However, the council is hoping to change that by encouraging people to take the first step to see if fostering is for them.

Those able to become a foster carer will never be alone. The council’s Fostering Team will support each foster carer every step of the way and they will become part of the strong network of local foster carers, with access to training and support.

Swindon foster carers are paid up to £708 per child, per week, depending on the

carer’s skills and the needs of the child.

Some of the council’s foster carers have spoken of their joy at being able to positively shape a young person’s life.

Foster carer Caroline, 35, said: “It’s a long road but only 10 months in we are seeing a real change in the young person with us. The most rewarding part is seeing the change in the children.

“It’s the little things like when you hear them using your words to another child in a positive way. It’s when you see them becoming a part of the family and feeling comfortable and at home.”

The Fostering Team run regular information sessions to put carers’ minds at ease and to help them find out more about what it's all about. The sessions are relaxed and there is no obligation to continue.

At the sessions, potential foster carers have the chance to meet foster carers and Fostering Team members, and learn at first hand what the role entails.

Anyone interested in attending should visit www. swindon.gov.uk/fostering call 07917 503447 or email fosteringrecruitment@swindon. gov.uk to find out more.

swindonlink.com n November 2023

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LINK

POETRY

Memories of the Berlin wall and those who knew it Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

I was in Germany for the Berlin Marathon recently. I’d a day to be a tourist in Berlin again.

It’s a city of wonderfully solid and stark buildings, the latter from the old GDR. The last time I was in Berlin was 1986, three years before the Wall came down.

I’d an office in Frankfurt at the time. One of my staff had a nickname, 'Über die

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Mauer', meaning she’d escaped 'Over the Wall'.

She wore that nickname with a lovely smile as a badge of honour, in memory of her escapade.

Checkpoint Charlie was armed by Americans and East Germans on my last visit. It was grim with the cold war statements of Wall and Watchtowers and the silence of the observed and the observers.

This time the Checkpoint was a photo opportunity for young tourists, and though the museum nearby captured the monstrosity of it all, I couldn’t let go of my earlier memory of the death-strip.

And beyond the death-strip, trying to imagine how people lived where neighbours, even family, could be informers reporting on dodgy tendencies and opinions.

It’s hard to believe now that the East German government used literature and poetry in particular to motivate the border guards, to uplift them from boredom and the attraction of the glamour lights in the West. Poetry books were published to show that the concrete and

barbed wire were anti-fascist protection - and the guards diligently killed those who tried to flee. My colleague, Über die Mauer, was lucky.

This translated German poem, The Unforgotten Unforgotten, is about those who died trying to escape: We stand, where they fell, What they loved, we love more deeply.

What they hated, we hate more strongly.

Wherefore they died, we now live.

Unforgotten - are the murdered.

Unforgotten the murderers. www.mauricespillane.co.uk

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20/10/2023 09:23

Swindon Oasis by Dona Bradley

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20/10/2023 09:23

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

Can STFC go the distance?

With over a quarter of the season already gone, League 2 is beginning to take shape. In the midst of the early runners and riders sit Swindon. Despite fluctuating form in October, Swindon will be pleased with the start they’ve made. But can they keep their momentum?

My stance on The Robins remains consistent. In my opinion, Swindon have their strongest starting XI since the 2019/20 side. This has already been demonstrated through their fine early season form.

Based on the teams I’ve seen at The County Ground so far this season, I’d say that Swindon are amongst the top seven in the division.

However, although a strong starting line-up wins you games, a strong squad earns you promotion. For me, Swindon have sold themselves short through a lack of ambition in

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the transfer market. Manager Michael Flynn is working miracles with both hands tied behind his back. Town’s gaffer has been offered little to work with and yet he is drawing every drop of potential from his squad.

Nonetheless, he must be better backed in the January transfer window. This is because the squad depth is simply not there to compete at the top.

Despite having one of the best starting teams, Swindon’s squad is parallel with mid-table.

I’m concerned that this will come to fruition as the season progresses and dearly cost Town. In fact, we’ve already been offered a preview in the EFL Trophy, where Swindon’s threadbare squad has been unable to compete.

Flynn has, however, expertly navigated the loan market.

In Murphy Mahoney, Jake

Young, and Dan Kemp Swindon have constructed their spine on a fraction of the budget.

Unfortunately, the loan market comes with its trademark risks. One being that all three players are vulnerable to recalls come January. In recent seasons this has become an all too familiar concern for Town fans.

There will be large question marks placed over the future of both Jake Young and particularly Dan Kemp. This is due to the fact that both players are on loan from fellow League 2 clubs. Therefore, there are an array of reasons as to why they could each return to their parent clubs.

Firstly, the two players would improve their old teams.

This mainly applies to Kemp; with MK Dons struggling to get their season going, a player of his quality and

LINK FOOTBALL

form could kick start the Dons' season. Bradford on the other hand are building momentum after the departure of Mark Hughes. And with last season’s leading marksman, Andy Cook, leading the line it’s hard to see Young regularly starting for The Bantams. Although Young would undoubtedly improve the Yorkshire side's squad, there’s a more pressing reason behind his potential recall. If the forward were to leave SN1, it’d weaken Swindon; this in turn would strengthen Bradford who’ll likely see Town as a promotion rival come January If I was Town, I’d focus all my efforts on securing Kemp for the whole season. The number 10 is the main man, the source of all creativity, and Swindon’s Mr Consistent. You don’t get many like him so replacing him will be that little bit harder.

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LINK

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TRADE PAGES

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LINK

TRADE PAGES

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LINK

TRADE PAGES

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