North West Swindon Link September 2019

No 448 September 2019

GPS delivered door to door to 55,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 137,500

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

Life's a beach in Swindon town centre p4

North & West Edition

Swindon Borough celebrates 'Good' Ofsted rating for Children's Services Page 6 Swindon and Proud The town turns out for Pride 2019

Page 6 Your guide to school open days

Page 16

Page 23 Bangers and beer: Swindon celebrates the perfect combo at the Sausage and Ale Trail

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

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We're Swindon and proud

Sainsbury's hosts art exhibition in aid of mental health charity

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

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

In celebration of Sainsbury's 150th anniversary, a store in Modern life is a fast-changing Swindon, Paddington Drive, hectic place nowadays. reached out to a mental health Society is an unrecognisable charity - which offers creative place from a couple of decades therapies for people with ago. mental ill health - to mark the Tastes, fashions, music, culture, occasion with an art exhibition. technology and even the way The art exhibition, which we speak seems to change on a was officially unveiled last day to day basis. month in the customer's cafe, It's easy, more so as you get is displaying an array of older, to feel like the world artwork created by IPSUM has left you behind. My dad service users. Hosting an for instance never sent a single evening of art, music and email in his entire life (although poetry, volunteers and staff he did embrace texting in his from IPSUM said they are later years). delighted by the support from The pace of these changes the supermarket. seems to be accelerating too.

Sue Bardwell, IPSUM's art Things that were the norm are room co-ordinator, said: no longer the norm.

"They’ve been so supportive For me a lot of this 'progress' and keen to offer things that has been for the good would be relevant to us. It all especially when it comes to helps to boost people’s morale bigotry and prejudice as and people’s self-confidence, there is a movement towards and to have the affirmation the fact that we're all humans that, ‘I’m worthy – something and we're all in this together that I’ve created is worthy of no matter what religion, race, being on a wall in a public’, class, orientation or disability and that’s huge for people with we are. mental ill health."

But one of the things that IPSUM service user, Daniel hasn't changed in Swindon is its Preston, 42, unveiled some of sense of community no matter his artwork for the first time last what background we come month. He said: “This is the first from. time I’ve had anything publicly And that is what we thrive displayed. Literally yesterday on here at Swindon Link Sue asked if I had any artwork - celebrating our diverse that they could use, and I didn’t community.

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Reporter: Claire Dukes

Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart and Rosy Presley Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography:

Elizabeth Reaney

Art exhibition by IPSUM service users at Sainsbury's, Paddington Dr photography ©Elizabeth Reaney

expect it to be up on the wall in a public forum. I hadn’t told the family, so I brought them down here as a total surprise.”

Speaking of how IPSUM has benefitted him, Mr Preston added: “Especially with the kids it’s calmed me down and it has brought out a creative side that I didn’t know was there before.”

Sainsbury's, which looks to support charities as part of its community engagement programme, selected IPSUM after a service user and Sainsbury's employee wanted to help highlight the work that the charity does.

Speaking at the event Scott Dykes, Sainsbury’s Operations Manager, said: "Since May we’ve worked with Sue and the team to see what we can do to help them, and this evening launching the art exhibition is a part of that and we’re very happy to help."

IPSUM offers a range of creative therapies which

include music, art and poetry, as well as counselling.

Psychotherapist and IPSUM director Julie Mattinson says that IPSUM’s recent referral statistics have shown that only 10% of referrals do not come back to use the services. She believes that art as a form of therapy is one of the main reasons why.

Julie said: "We’ve got counselling but engaging with the arts is another way of therapeutically helping yourself to make sense of what’s going on in your mind. Until you try it, you don’t really appreciate the power it’s got.

"For a small standing charity like ours, when you get a big company like Sainsbury’s recognise you it’s so fantastic – it’s really rewarding for our clients. I can’t thank Sainsbury’s enough. I’m really proud of this evening, and I’m really proud of everyone here – especially my team, because they are amazing."

ADVERTISING Call 01793 320043 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for October adverts and editorial: 13 September October edition published: 27 September Our Statistics Est. Readership of 137,500 in print & c.50,000 monthly online visitors.

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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 320043 swindonlink.com n September 2019

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Seaside fun in the sun, in the town centre!

Visitors to Swindon Town centre were treated to a virtual day out at the seaside - thanks to the urban beach initiative.

Back for its second year, the Urban Beach at Wharf Green proved popular amongst residents, with families lounging on deck chairs and children making sand castles. inSwindon BID CEO, Di Powell, said: “We are overwhelmed

with the positive feedback and support for this year’s Urban Beach Experience, not only from our visitors but from local businesses and strategic partners. Hundreds of children and visitors joined us daily to take part in a range of free activities.

"The events we produce are so important in bringing the community together, increasing

footfall and spend for our businesses and encouraging local people to love the town they live in. Our next event is the annual Student Lockdown, taking place on Monday 30 September."

Swindon Mayor Kevin Parry, Chief Constable Kier Pritchard and Inspector Dave Hobman also headed to Swindon's beach this summer.

Alison Onslow visited the beach with her granddaughter.

She said: “This has been such a great holiday attraction and so good that it was free.

We also spent time shopping and having lunch in town which we might not have done otherwise.”

For more information about all town centre events visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

Baby shark pays a visit Welcome to the new curiosity shop

Visitors to Swindon town centre were treated to a visit by Baby Shark, and his friend Pinkfong.

The YouTube stars, made famous by their memorable song, which went viral last year, met their fans at The Entertainer, the children’s toy shop in The Brunel Centre, near to Havelock Square.

Craig Lowe from The Entertainer said: “We were really pleased that we were able to bring Baby Shark and Pinkfong to Swindon.

They are really popular and we had a lot of people come and meet these two jolly and colourful characters.”

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A pre-loved clothes and curiosities shop has just re-launched in Swindon Town Centre.

Curio in the Brunel Shopping Arcade, is run by mother and daughter Dawn and Ember Welson.

The shop sells second-hand clothes and bags plus an array of interesting and individual items, such as pre-loved and vintage jewellery, trinkets, glassware and collectables.

Dawn and Ember used to run a charity shop together but decided that they wanted to have a go at running their own business. Dawn said: “Shoppers may remember us as Urban Thrift because that’s how we started out. The clothes and handbags have been really popular so we decided that we wanted to create more than just a second-hand shop.

"Ember has a real eye for finding really interesting vintage curiosities so we’ve decided to launch Curio and now stock

even more really interesting bits and pieces. It’s quite an eclectic mix!”

Ember, who designed the shop's Art Deco look, said: “I’m really pleased how the décor has turned out; customers have been very encouraging and saying how nice the store is. I’m now planning to absolutely fill it with treasure – I want to create a shop that people keep coming back to, to see what interesting item they can find.

"It’s nice seeing customers spot things that they remember from the past. I love older and pre-owned items; they can have so much character and are often well-made and tell a story from the past.

You can also find Curio on the internet see www.facebook.com/CurioSwindon or Instagram: curio_online.

Curio is located opposite Jewellers F.Hinds on the ground floor of the Brunel Shopping Arcade in Swindon Town Centre.

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Thousands turn out for Swindon & Wiltshire Pride 2019 After a year hiatus, Swindon & Wiltshire Pride came back with a bang for 2019.

Last month thousands lined the streets of Old Town in support of Swindon's LGBTQ+ community for Swindon & Wiltshire Pride.

Speaking of the event Phoenix Stewart, Pride's parade manager, said: "We are so ecstatic with how the event went. We are still so excited and really pleased at how successful it was.

"10,000 people attended the event throughout the day, 700 people took part in the Parade - a new record - and over 300 people attended our After Party event at Level 3.

"We've had many comments online, in person and emails, congratulating us on a well run, free and amazing pride event!

"A big thank you to Nationwide as our Main Sponsor, and all our other sponsors who helped make pride happen.

"A huge thank you to our Army of volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly and to the community who support Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, all year round.

"We will have a couple of weeks off, before planning starts again for Swindon & Wiltshire Pride 2020."

To get involved with Swindon & Wiltshire Pride 2020 email swinwiltspride@live.co.uk.

For further information visit www. swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk

Photographs by Elizabeth Reaney

Lydiard Millicent 'outstanding'

Lydiard Millicent Pre-school has retained its outstanding rating in all areas.

Following an Ofsted inspection in July 2019, Inspectors praised the preschool’s ethos of allowing children extensive opportunities to investigate, explore and become confident, curious learners which results in children making rapid progress in their learning. Ofsted also reported that children are exceptionally well prepared for their transition into school.

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Manager, Caroline Mckellar, said: "We are delighted that our determination to maintain our exceptional levels of teaching over the past four years has been recognised by Ofsted awarding us the highest possible grading yet again."

The pre-school cares for 52 children aged 2.5-5 years of age and currently has a few vacancies from September.

Contact the pre-school on 01793 772981 or email admin@ lydiardmillicentpreschool.org

Swindon’s Children’s Services rated as ‘Good’

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

Ofsted has praised “the swift and decisive action to improve services for children and young people in Swindon” after a recent inspection.

Ofsted was so impressed by the rapid rate of improvement within Swindon Borough Council’s Children’s Services department, it judged Children’s Services to be providing the children and families of Swindon with a ‘good’ service.

The two-week inspection of the services took place at the beginning of July. Inspectors carried out an in-depth look at everything the Council does to protect children and judged the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families to be ‘good’.

Ofsted wrote: “Services to respond to children in need of help and protection are now good. Arrangements to facilitate the delivery of

consistently good services for children in care are firmly in place.”

The report added: “Governance arrangements have been strengthened, and a new chief executive and lead member have been appointed. Political leaders have ensured that there is corporate commitment across all Directorates to the wider children’s safeguarding agenda in Swindon.

“The quality of leadership and management at all levels in Swindon is a key strength and the senior leadership team is ambitious, energetic and assured in the oversight and delivery of services to children and their families.

Improvements have now been sustained in most areas of practice."

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Marathon shelved Organisers of the Swindon Half Marathon have announced that this September's event will be the last due to financial pressures.

Race directors Graeme Hardie and Leigh Bint explained: "Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we’ve not been able to make it work financially.

"The break even point for the event is around 3,500, which is a number we’ve yet to achieve, and is looking very unlikely to be achieved in 2019.

"The 2019 Race, to be held in a little over 2 months on September 22, is still open for entries on our website, and we would love to be able to send it off with our biggest runner numbers and atmosphere yet "Thanks for being part of this amazing journey."

Shape the future

Members of the public are being invited to share their views to help Swindon Borough Council choose where best to site homes and businesses in years to come. The consultation, which runs until September 23, will help the council refresh its Local Plan, which sets out how much housing Swindon needs over 20-years.

The current Local Plan runs to 2026 but needs to be updated to plan ahead to 2036. Take part by logging on to www.swindon. gov.uk and clicking on ‘Consultations, Engagement and Surveys’.

Joined up care

First City Nursing & Care have teamed up with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue to help people live independently.

First City will refer people who might benefit from a visit from the Fire and Rescue Service under their Safe and Well Service.

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Annual conference tackling PTSD

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

How can a human not be affected psychologically after suffering terrible injuries or witnessing horror piled upon horror?

Swindon Trauma Group will be tackling these issues and others at its 10th annual conference to be held on 18 October from 9am to 5.30pm at The Marriot Hotel. There will also be a meal in the evening as part of the event.

Apart from war though what about the national disasters from Aberfan to across the world, such as The Granville Train Disaster in NSW Australia, not forgetting the wars and conflicts from 1901 onwards including the Korean War and Northern Ireland? Did people get the psychological support they would have needed? Probably not! The Conference in October will address these issues.

The Nursing Times, as far back as March 1994, did three excellent articles with the emphasis on support for nursing staff after trauma and allowing people permission to mourn and not be under pressure to “get over it”.

Swindon Trauma Group has been going a number of years with a lot of support locally and nationally.

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress can develop when a person is subjected to an event considered outside the realms of usual human experience which can include, for example, multiple physical childhood trauma, where the child can experience the pain returning time and time again. If the symptoms persist for more than four weeks, or the psychological symptoms return months or years later, the person may well have

developed Post-TraumaticStress Disorder which can devastate not only individuals but also families and groups.

Subjects covered at this year's conference will include the tenacity of how two mums fought the war on drugs, raising the awareness of mental health and PTSD, therapy through animals, coping mechanisms and music therapy. There will also be a presentation on the Grenfell Tower Disaster, entitled ‘Lessons Learnt’.

For further information please ring 07505 476139 or view at www.

SwindonTraumaGroup.org.uk

Expect the Unexpected with Swindon's new tourism website New tourism website Visit Swindon has been launched aimed at attracting people looking to explore the town's cultural offering and is also a useful resource for local people planning a weekend or school holiday itinerary.

Already famous for its railway heritage, visitors to the site are being told to Expect the Unexpected as the spotlight is shone on some of the town's hidden gems.

Developed by Swindon-based design and branding agency Jazzbones Creative, and supported by Reuben Digital, in conjunction with Switch On To Swindon, the site offers visitors to the site up-to-date information about events and places to shop, eat, and sleep.

The site targets different audiences with sections based on family days out, green days out, heritage, shopping, arts, culture, and the nighttime economy, and gives a comprehensive list of venues.

Exhibitions, festivals, theatre

shows, comedy, concerts and more can be found in the What's On section.

Meanwhile, local businesses and organisations – especially those working in and around the tourism and leisure sectors – are urged to submit their own relevant content for inclusion.

The Jazzbones team hope to encourage contributors to add news, events, and blogs articles to the site.

The site is already attracting healthy traffic with savvy SEO achieving great results on Google and other search engines.

“Over the last few years we have worked on a number of exciting projects with Swindon Borough Council and Switch on to Swindon, and in many ways the Visit Swindon website is

the culmination of that fulfilling journey,” said Jazzbones founder and creative director Nathan Sandhu.

“Jazzbones work with highprofile clients throughout the UK, but nothing gives us more pleasure than projects that raise Swindon’s profile.

"Every one of our design team was born, bred and lives in Swindon, so the Visit Swindon project is a real labour of love.”

The Visit Swindon website can be found at www.visitswindon. org.uk, on Facebook at Visit Swindon, on Twitter at @visit_ swindon, and on Instagram at Visit_Swindon

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West Swindon Parish Council update Great Play Coming Soon

Parish Councillors have opened up invitations to tender for new equipment in up to 7 play areas in the next 12 months. The Council will be reviewing and agreeing designs in the Autumn.

West Swindon Parish Council

All Baled Up

In the Summer holidays, you may have seen Lydiard Turkeys farm tractors cutting and baling our wildflower meadows at Shaw Ridge Linear Park and Toothill Park.

23 bales of grass were gathered in total which will be used as feed for male cows.

The grass in the meadow fields is baled rather than just mown to help reduce the fertility of the soil which then enables wildflower plants to get established.

A big thank you to our Shaw Ridge volunteers, John, Barry, Lynne and Justin for helping make it happen.

Help always needed If you would like to do your bit on your own or as part of a group, check our website or please contact the Parish Office.

If you have an idea for a community or neighbourhood project please get in touch, we may be able to help with grants, equipment or tools.

Memorial Scheme The Parish Council is currently designing a new scheme that will enable residents (past and present) to donate

a bench or planter with a memorial plaque. We will provide updates on facebook and our website very shortly.

Hopes for a BMX Pump Track West Swindon Parish Council has been investigating options to fund a BMX track. Councillors are hoping that a new facility could be funded and installed in West Swindon with the Rivermead site close to the skate park as an early contender.

The project is still in the very early stages and residents have been providing comments and ideas on the Parish Council’s facebook page.

If you would like to be involved in this new project please let us know.

Your Parish Council

For reports or enquiries, please contact the parish office, email: westswindonpc@outlook. com, Tel: 01793 466418. The parish office is based at the West Swindon library, Link Centre. Updates on events, meetings and information can be found on the Parish Council’s website www.westswindon-pc.gov.uk. Contact details are available on the website and noticeboards: Email Contacts: EASTLEAZE & SHAW Nigel Gibbons - negibbons@hotmail.co.uk FRESHBROOK Geoff Gould - gffrygld@ntlworld.com Trish Philpot - triciaphilpot@hotmail.co.uk GRANGE PARK Umar Ali - umar.ali98@outlook.com Tim Swinyard - timswin@hotmail.com Caryl Sydney Smith - carylss@hotmail.com

PEATMOOR & SPARCELLS: Prakash Khaitan - prakash.khaitan@gmail.com Keith Williams - krwilliams@swindon.gov.uk TOOTHILL: Mike Burtenshaw - mpbholly@yahoo.com Steph Exell - steph.exell@sky.com Tim Makofu - tmakofu@gmail.com WESTLEA: Suresh Gattapur - CllrSuresh.WestSwindon@gmail.com Mary Martin - mmartin@swindon.gov.uk

MIDDLELEAZE & RAMLEAZE Simon Firth - simon@simonfirth.org Nick Martin - martin.family12@outlook.com

For more information check www.westswindon-pc.gov.uk swindonlink.com n September 2019

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New care pathway GWH has introduced a more specialist approach to caring for older patients whose visit is unplanned.

The new pathway has been designed to focus on the complex needs of older patients.

Results from a successful pilot last year, has prompted Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group to fund the innovative way of working.

Patients are now assessed by a multidisciplinary team of nursing, therapy and social care staff and seen by a geriatrician much earlier.

Treatment is now likely to begin sooner and more patients are able to leave hospital the same day, with those who need to stay, receiving care on a specialist older person’s ward where possible.

The new way of working has led to 80 per cent of older patients being seen by a geriatrician within 24 hours, with some patients previously waiting up to three days.

Name change ignites progressive move forward for ladies football club Wiltshire’s highest-ranked football club, - Swindon Town Ladies - which has operated under that name since its founding in 1993, is proud to announce that it will move forward as Swindon Town Women.

They make the step following another strong showing from the England Women’s side in this year’s World Cup, with the Lionesses performances inspiring a generation of girls to take up the game, and encouraging new fans to the women’s game.

Swindon Town Women’s first team manager, Dan Jones, said: “This name change represents a huge step for the club as we look to move towards the modern terminology around women’s football. I’m proud to be part of this new chapter in the club’s history.”

Club captain Polly New added: “Changing the club’s name from Swindon Town Ladies to Women is a massive

step forward for us. As the top division clubs and leagues are all branded as ‘Women’s’, it puts us on the same page.

Highlighting the example of the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup, in which support and viewership of the England national team reached unprecedented levels, New said the environment was ripe for new engagement with the sport.

She said: "Women’s football has definitely witnessed a

turning point in these last few months, with everyone, young to old, getting behind the sport.

“For me the new ‘W’ in our name doesn’t only stand for ‘Women’ – it stands for working together, within a team, winning together, but most of all standing together as a whole squad, to bring everyone in as one.”

Hardworking GWH staff treated to wellbeing day

Avoid dementia risk A recent study has suggested that healthy lifestyle choices can lower your risk of dementia, even if it runs in the family.

The study, carried out by the University of Exeter, followed nearly 200,000 people and showed the risk fell by up to a third if participants gave up smoking, limited alcohol intake, changed their diet and increased exercise.

The study showed there were 18 cases of dementia per 1,000 people if they were born with high risk genes and then led an unhealthy lifestyle.

That went down to 11 per 1,000 people during the study, if those highrisk people had a healthy lifestyle.

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NHS staff at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were treated to a free all-day health and wellbeing event at the hospital - reflecting the trust's pride in its staff and volunteers.

Massage therapists, skin and makeup experts and health and wellbeing advisors

came together to offer staff treatments designed to relax, comfort and de-stress.

Sam Walklett, Health and Wellbeing Advisor, said: “We are committed to investing resources in our staff to keep them mentally and physically fit and well.

“This ensures that they

are coming to work in the best frame of mind and will provide the best quality care to patients without any other stresses or distractions.

“Of course, our patients are our priority, but we cannot provide the appropriate care if our staff are not being properly looked after too.”

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HaydonleigH Primary ScHool OPEN DAY Saturday 28 September

I am talented.

Together we are amazing.

Everybody welcome from 10am to 1pm On Open Day, we invite you to tour all parts of our impressive school building.

Come and discover for yourself our wonderful school, great Early Years area and bright modern classrooms.

Come and gain an insight into how our school works, meet our talented staff and confident children in action, with displays of our class work and examples of all the amazing things we do.

There will be two presentations by the Headteacher Mrs Frances Billinge at 10.30am and 11.30am.

We are a happy school where visitors immediately feel the atmosphere of welcome, excitement, vibrancy and calm.

Haydonleigh Primary School Haydon Court Drive Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1JP Tel 01793 700443 www.haydonleighschool.co.uk

The Early Years classrooms at Haydonleigh

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Dinner and dance to help the Salvation Army

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

The Rotary Club of Swindon North will be holding a charity fund-raising event on Saturday 12 October, with all proceeds going to the Friends of the Salvation Army’s Rehabilitation Centre, Gloucester House, in Highworth.

Promising a delicious threecourse meal and a night filled with dinner, music and dancing, the star attraction will be a performance by Swindon’s famous Kentwood Show Choir.

Having appeared at the Royal Albert Hall and performed on Songs of Praise, the choir will be delivering songs from a vast repertoire, from blues to ballads, showstoppers to swing, classics to chart toppers.

During dinner, table magic with be conjured up

by Highworth magician, John Williams, mesmerising audiences with his amazing tricks. The Brewery Street Buskers, also from Highworth,

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will provide music for dancing later on. Playing blues, to jazz, through to easy listening, they are sure to keep the dance floor full until midnight. There will also be a charity auction for a holiday in Spain.

The fundraiser will be at Wrag Barn Golf and Country Club near Highworth on Saturday 12 October.

Tickets cost just £30 and are available from Rotarian Alan Fletcher on 01793 762914.

All the proceeds will go to the Friends of the Salvation Army’s Rehabilitation Centre, Gloucester House, in Highworth.

The dress code is lounge suits.

For more information, visit www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs

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EXTRA UNITS AND APPLIANCES Additional cabinets can be made to measure and we can supply all major appliance brands sinks and accessories.

GUARANTEE All our work is insured and guaranteed.

swindonlink.com n September 2019

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Lydiard Park Academy

Abbey Park School

New College

The essential guide to School Open Days in Swindon Haydonleigh Primary School

Badbury Park Primary School

Cricklade Manor Prep and Nursery

Open Day: Saturday 28 September, 10am - 1pm Presentation: 10:30 & 11:30am

Open Days: 8 Oct, 9.15am 17 Oct, 1.15pm 5 Nov, 9.15am

Open Day: Saturday 19 October, 10am - noon

01793 700443 admin@haydonleighschool.co.uk www.haydonleighschool.co.uk

01793 299101 admin@badburyparkprimary.co.uk www.badburyparkprimary.co.uk

01793 750275 Office@cricklademanor.com www.cricklademanor.com

St Leonard's CE Primary Academy

William Morris Primary School

Abbey Park School

Open Mornings: Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 October, 9am - 11.30am Place available in some classes.

01793 721423 admin@stleonards.swindon.sch.uk www.stleonardsblunsdon.org.uk

Bradon Forest School Open Mornings: 30 Sept - 4 Oct, 9.15-10.30am 5 Oct, 9.30-11am. Book via website Open Evening: Thursday 26 Sept, 6-8pm.

7.30pm: Headteacher presentation 01793 770570 enquiry@bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk www.bradonforest.org.uk 16

7 Nov, 1.15pm 3 Dec, 9.15am 9 Jan, 9.15am

Nursery and Reception places available for 2019/20 Open Days: 15 Oct, 9.15am 12 Nov, 9.15am

15 Nov, 9.15am 29 Nov, 1.15pm 10 Jan, 9.15am

'Discover a lively and engaging school'

Open Mornings: 2 & 3 October, 9.15am Tour and Q&A. Book: 01793 705400 Sixth Form: Thursday 14 November Open Evenings: 17 & 18 September, 5-8pm

01793 299022 admin@williammorrisprimary.co.uk www.williammorrisprimary.co.uk

01793 705400 admin@abbeyparkschool.org.uk www.abbeyparkschool.org.uk

The Dorcan Academy

Farmor's School

Open Evening: 3 October, 6pm - 8pm

Open Mornings: Tues 1 & Wed 2 October Book Tour: 01285 712302 Open Evening: 26 September, 5-8pm.

Presentations: 5.15pm and 6.30pm.

01793 525231 enquiries@dorcan.co.uk www.dorcan.co.uk

01285 712302 admin@farmors.gloucs.sch.uk www.farmors.gloucs.sch.uk

Open Day tours: 9, 11, 16 & 18 October - 9am, 10am or 11.15am.

swindonlink.com n September 2019

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More events in the area The Deanery CE Academy Year 5 and 6 Open Evening: 26 September, 5pm - 8pm www.dcea.org.uk Swindon Academy Year 5 and 6 Open Evening: 25 September www.swindon-academy.org Kingsdown School Open Mornings: Every Thursday in September 2019 Open Evening: 26 September www.kingsdownschool.co.uk The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College Open Evening: 12 Sept, 6-8pm Open Morning: 18 & 25 Sept, 9-10.30am www.ridgewayschool.com Swindon College Thursday 10 October, 5-7pm www.swindon.ac.uk UTC Swindon Saturday 5 October www.utcswindon.co.uk Oxford Brookes University 12 October, 23 November www.brookes.ac.uk Wiltshire College & University Centre Chippenham: 2 October Salisbury: 3 October Trowbridge: 10 October Lackham: 12 October www.wiltshire.ac.uk

St Joseph’s Catholic College Year 6 Open Evening: Wednesday 2 October, 5.30pm Find out more information about the curriculum, facilities and culture of the College.

01793 714200 info@stjosephscollege.net www.stjosephscollege.net

Great Western Academy Open Evenings: Year 6: 19 & 25 September, 5.307.30pm

Highworth Warneford School

Open Mornings: 7 Oct & 9 Oct. Tours: 9.10am & 10.10am. Book: 01793 767083

Sixth Form: 16 October, 5.30-7.30pm

Open Evening: 3 Oct, 5.30pm. Presentation: 7pm

01793 209700 Office@gwacademy.co.uk www.gwacademy.co.uk

01793 762426 llewis@warnefordschool.org www.warnefordschool.org

Lawn Manor Academy

Lydiard Park Academy

Open Evening: 26 September

Open Mornings: 3 & 4 October, 9am Book online

Kingsbury Green Academy Open Evening: 12 September 01249 818100 www.kingsburygreenacademy.com

Open Evenings: 10 & 11 September, 5.30-8pm

01793 487286 admin@lawnmanor.org www.lawnmanor.org

01793 874224 ask@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk www.lydiardparkacademy.org.uk

Nova Hreod Academy

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy

Open Evening: 19 September, 6-8pm

Pupil Experience Evening: 26 September, 6-8pm Open Mornings: 2 & 15 Oct, 17 March, 9-11am

Open Evenings: Whole School: Wednesday 11 September Sixth Form: Monday 16 October

01793 528800 admin@novahreodacademy.org.uk www.novahreodacademy.org.uk

01793 841900 admin@rwba.org.uk www.rwba.org.uk

Cirencester College

New College

Open Day: Saturday 12 October, 10am - 3pm

Open Day: Saturday 5 October, 10am - 2pm

Meet the teachers and students, find out about subjects and enrichment and take a tour of the facilities. Register online.

Future college students in Yr10 & 11 can explore their study options after GCSEs.

01285 640994 student.journey@cirencester.ac.uk www.cirencester.ac.uk

01793 611470 info@newcollege.ac.uk www.newcollege.ac.uk

NEWS: The Blue Kite Academy Trust are opening two brandnew schools in Swindon

New College students celebrate high grades

Badbury Park Primary School

William Morris Primary School

Where: Badbury Park Headteacher: Mrs Louise Dance gTemporary building open September 2019, two-storey school opens 2020 gA 'Forest School' with dynamic approach to teaching and learning gWill become a two-form entry school with a nursery

Where: Tadpole Garden Village Headteacher: Mrs J Fraser gOpens Nursery & Reception September 2019 gGrow to two-form primary school gCreative curriculum, using exciting stimulus and hand-on experiences. gTeaches National curriculum and Life Skills curriculum

g98% overall A Level pass rate for 16-18 students g27 subjects had a 100% pass rate gLily Starling achieved A*A*A*A - she is off to University of Exeter to study Medicine gMichael Chiu achieved A*A*AA - he is off to University College London to study Medicine

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The Business Brief

Digital marketing company celebrates landmark anniversary

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

Five years ago, Tom Davenport wanted to utilise his skills and knowledge from within the world of journalism and music to become an independent businessman. Today, he is the director of Digital Marketing Specialist Ltd (DMS) which is taking the marketing world by storm.

Since the company's inception and moving into the Workshed, Swindon, last year Mr Davenport has accumulated a small team and some big clients. He attributes reaching Digital Marketing Specialist Ltd’s fifth year to the company's imbedded values, identifying a missed market in the creative sectors and changing the way businesses communicate with consumers.

He said: "The first year was all normal stuff, and it was very organic. I was working with quite normal businesses. The

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L to R: Tom Davenport (Director), Claire Espley (Digital Marketing Assistant) and Alex Booth (Digital Marketing Executive)

shift came from old connections in the music world who I met when they were in the early stages of their career.

"The creative sectors wanted advertising, so we started talking to them with this experience we gained from the outside – and they wanted that. They didn’t want people who were using the same old methods, they wanted someone to come in from the outside and really innovate."

One of the big guns which keep returning to use DMS's services is film distributor

Trafalgar Releasing and has seen the team create ad campaigns for Nick Cave’s live concert show ‘Distant Sky’, Muse’s ‘The Drones World Tour’ and Coldplay’s documentary 'Head Full of Dreams.'

Despite the company's quick growth Mr Davenport's ultimate aim is to support businesses who have a good and meaningful product to sell which roots back to assisting Flash Pack becoming - according to Forbes - one of the fastest growing start-ups in the UK in 2012. Assisted

by DMS's ad campaigns, within a year the start-up travel company - which offers adventurous trips for singletons - was valued at £13 million. It's these types of companies that DMS say they want to continue to support and learn from.

On working with Flash Pack Mr Davenport said: "I learnt a lot about marketing with integrity, aspiring to positively affect people’s experience at scale and lots of other technical stuff. So, Flash Pack has been a really big highlight for me.

"I’d love to be hearing from people like that. It suits us from a business perspective and a societal perspective. If I wasn’t satisfied that we’re doing good, positive work at scale then we don’t do it – which is why we turn away certain things. Anyone who has a genuinely good, positive and innovative product or service I would love to help them take that to people." www. digitalmarketingspecialist.co.uk

swindonlink.com n September 2019

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Pets and Nature

by Drove Vets

How can you avoid accidentally poisoning your pets?

Pet owners know that it can be quite the uphill battle to stop our pets from ingesting, touching, sniffing or rolling around in all of the many substances that could be harmful to them.

While dogs are known for being prone to eating stuff that they shouldn’t, cats are certainly not innocent parties when it comes to putting things in their mouths. If your cat is not feeling well, don’t forget to look for a toxic source that they might have come in contact with.

Medication It’s tempting to give human medicine to our pets when they are feeling ill, but doing so might put them at severe risk.

• Paracetamol – Commonly taken for fever, this compound is highly toxic for cats as they lack the metabolism to process it, and even minimal doses might be fatal.

• Ibuprofen – it’s one of the

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first things we take when we feel under the weather but our pets, especially cats, are very sensitive to it.

The most important rule is to never give your pets any medication that wasn’t prescribed or indicated for them, and this includes leftover meds from your other pets.

Toxic food There are too many examples to name of food that are poisonous to our pets.

But common risks include: • Chocolate and caffeine – highly toxic to both cats and dogs, especially darker chocolate; • Grapes and raisins – are toxic to dogs and they can cause kidney failure; • Xylitol – found in sweets, some brands of low sugar peanut butter and in sugar-free chewing gum. Causes important liver damage in dogs; • Onion and garlic – contain compounds that destroy red

blood cells; • Alcohol – highly toxic to both cats and dogs; Mouldy food can also be hazardous as the moulds that colonise our food waste can produce potent toxins. This is particularly important with dogs as they just love to steal food from the garbage!

Household chemicals As a general rule, all cleaning products should be kept out of reach. If your pets have access to the garage, make sure they can’t knock down or get into any containers.

• Ethylene glycol – This is a component of many types of antifreeze and it tastes sweet to our pets. Because of this, they may be tempted to lick it when it spills or even actively seek it out inside of containers. Even small quantities can cause irreversible kidney damage, and it requires rapid intervention to avoid a fatal outcome.

• Anticoagulant rat poison and metaldehyde for slug and snail control – Both of these can cause severe intoxication that requires immediate medical attention. It can happen by direct ingestion or by eating an animal that ingested poison.

Plants When bringing in plants to your home, make sure to research them thoroughly as to avoid putting your pets in danger as many might be toxic for them.

Lilies – These are very common plants, but species of the Lilium and Hemerocallis genus can cause kidney failure in cats. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, including pollens that are frequently groomed off the fur. If you suspect your pet has ingested something it shouldn’t have, take them to the vet as soon as possible and if you can, take any packaging with you. Time is of the essence to avoid a serious or even fatal outcome.

swindonlink.com n September 2019

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Swindon Life

Celebrating town living

Old Town's Sausage & Ale Festival Old Town Business Association’s annual Sausage & Ale Festival is back again for a sixth year.

Taking place on Sunday 1st September, numerous food and drink businesses showcase craft beers and ales, sizzling bangers and other foods from around the world. At this year’s festival, stall holders are being encouraged to be as eco-

friendly as possible. Instead of the usual plastic cups, The Tuppenny craft beers will be served in plant starch cups, which are compostable. The Royal Oak will be using cans and compostable straws, and all the food vendors are being encouraged to use highly recyclable cardboard rather than polystyrene or plastic containers. People can even bring their own

reusable plates and make their experience 'zero waste'.

Live music will be provided by seasoned festival favourites such as Drew Bryant and Ministry of Samba, as well as other young rising talents from the local area. The Sausage & Ale Trail is organised by volunteers from the Old Town Business Association, which is headed by Chairman

Richard Deacon of Deacon’s Jewellery.

He said: “We absolutely love running this event for Old Town, and are so grateful for all the support shown by everyone who comes and visits us! It is lovely to see Old Town buzzing with life.”

The festivities start at noon and will run until around 5pm. swindonlink.com n September 2019

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTHS AHEAD In the community

Book now...

ROYAL WOOTON BASSETT ORCHESTRA CELEBRATES LOCAL TALENT

Following their sell-out concert in Malmesbury Abbey in June, Royal Wootton Bassett Orchestra are holding their Autumn Concert on Saturday September 28.

Starting at 7.30 pm in Royal Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall, the concert is an evening of concertos showcasing talented members of the orchestra with scores including Mozart Horn Concerto No 3, K.447, Krommer’s Concerto for 2 Clarinets, Op 35 and Concerto for Oboe in C Minor by Cimarosa.

Next month, October 12, the orchestra will also be holding its yearly Open Rehearsal.

Tickets to the Autumn Concert are £8 but entrance is free to students and under 16’s. For further information visit www.rwborchestra.wordpress.com

MENTAL HEALTH FILM SCREENING

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. 12 men a day. 1 every 2 hours. One of those men was Steve Yates. The screening at Swindon Arts Centre, 12 Sept, focuses on men's mental health and includes Q&A with the film's makers.

Tickets £5.00 www.swindontheatres.com

'RAZOR-SHARP COMEDY'

Head back to school as Guildford Fringe Theatre Company present a raucous, robust production of John Godber’s razor-sharp comedy Teechers at Swindon Arts Centre, 10 Sept. This comedy hilariously scrutinises the education system.

Tickets £10 to £15 www.swindontheatres.com

FAULTY TOWERS DINNER SHOW

Experience the Fawlty Towers Live Themed Dinner Show in the Wyvern's Spotlight Room, 13-14 Sept. Basil and his team open the notorious dining room at the Fawlty Towers Hotel to the public for a night of food and theatrical mayhem like no other.

Tickets £40 w/ 3-course meal www.swindontheatres.com

Venues

Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ

Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907

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

l Swindon Open Studios returns the last two weekends of September - Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 - where 70 studios and pop-up galleries open to the public. Venues include Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, The Brunel Centre, Young’s, Deacon’s Jewellers, Willoby’s Furniture Company and Beechcroft Library. www.swindonopenstudios.org l Across the globe on Friday 20 September, “Earth Strike” events will be held in a bid to highlight the need for action by national and local governments to tackle climate change.

In Swindon, concerned residents will be assembling at Regent Circus at 12.30 pm. l The Big Poetry Weekend returns to the Richard Jefferies Museum from 3 to 7 October. Poets include: Fiona Benson, Roy McFarlane, Jennifer Militello, Julia Copus, Richard Scott, Julia Webb and Elisabeth Bletsoe. www. bigpoetryweekend.com l Swindon Recital Series’ 2019-20 season welcome Bute Bones - four young trombonists from varied musical backgrounds - to the Wyvern Theatre 18 September. Tickets £6. l Free weekly chess clubs will be taking place at West Swindon Library in the Link Centre. The club is for all ages and abilities. Past Wiltshire champions will help, train and guide children and adults who wish to improve their chess. For more information email ramnik. mehta@btinternet.com

swindonlink.com n September 2019

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A poetry column by Maurice Spillane: An ode to my friend Milton Campbell I’m sure some of you know Milton Campbell from Stratton St. Margaret. You’ll understand the link here with his first name, Milton.

When his parents named him after the great poet, John Milton, it could’ve been a millstone around his considerable neck, or a lifetime with a great conversation opener. He opted for the latter.

Milton had a busy life in Swindon – turner on the railways, technical writer, maintenance engineer, and had a shop before retirement. He’s also an active poetry reader. His favourite poet is Rudyard Kipling who wrote The Jungle Book. When Milton comes along to Open Mikes I always read one of Kipling’s poems for both our pleasures.

And then the other day another old friend, Bill, said: “You’re a poet, Maurice, so maybe you can help me locate a poem.” Bill told a story about an English teacher who regularly read poems out loud and one line from those days was rattling his brain: “And

26

the dawn comes up like thunder.”

I knew it immediately because Milton and I had recently read it.

Here’s a taster from “Mandalay”

by Kipling: Come you back to Mandalay, Where the old Flotilla lay: Can't you 'ear their paddles chunkin' from Rangoon to Mandalay?

On the road to Mandalay, Where the flyin'-fishes play, An' the dawn comes up like thunder outer China 'crost the Bay!

Watch out for “The Big Poetry Weekend” www. bigpoetryweekend.com in October. www.mauricespillane.com

I love the serendipity of those links. Next time you meet Milton at the pub, the bookies or on his daily walk ask him about Kipling and prepare to be well entertained.

This month in Swindon: • Reading Group – Monday 3 September, 7-9pm Richard Jefferies Museum • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 10 September, 7.30pm • Open Mic – Monday 23 September, 7.30pm Regent Hotel, Victoria Road

swindonlink.com n September 2019

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MONDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tadpole Farm School, Greene Street, Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon SN25 2QS - Lisa L 07414 540866 MONDAYS 7.30pm Peatmoor Community Primary School, Pepperbox Hill, Swindon SN5 5DP - Nikki 07803 807065 TUESDAYS 9.30am Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre, Swindon SN5 5PY - Emma 07792 1278 TUESDAYS 6.30pm Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive, Abbey Meads SN25 4G - Heather Z 07816 860840 WEDNESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Francis School, Aiken Way, Taw Hill SN25 1UH - Heather Z 07816 860840 WEDNESDAYS 7.30pm Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook SN5 8LY - Louise 07784 098022 THURSDAYS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick SN25 1QQ - Sharon 07841 119082 THURSDAYS 7.30pm Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ - Carrieanne 07864 839820 FRIDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ - Heather Z 07816 860840 SATURDAYS 8am, 10am & 12 noon Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Freshbrook SN5 8LY - Louise 07784 098022

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Swindon Lives WITH: Chef Josh West

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

There are burgers... and there are burgers that have been assembled by a classically trained chef with a passion for perfection.

It's the difference between chalk and cheeseburger.

Swindon’s newly opened Pick Up Point at the Hop Inn in Old Town takes the concept of pub grub, grabs it by the scruff of the neck and dropkicks it into the middle of next week.

“I wouldn’t call The Pick Up Point gourmet food," admits chef Josh West.

"It’s just that most other burger places are a bit s***.

"I don’t care if that ruffles a few feathers, I set my standards high. Come and give The Pick Up Point a try and you will find out how it should be done.”

Chef Josh West, is firing on all cylinders as he works the kitchen, whipping up a Honey Buffalo Ranch burger in a blizzard of flying flour and sizzling fat.

As we both stand back to admire the finished product, a fried chicken thigh, dripping with glossy smoked honey buffalo sauce, crunchy slaw, herb ranch and house dill pickles, it’s clear that we are looking at something far removed from many other ‘fast food’ standards.

And the taste is like a big savoury slap around the chops - crunchy fried chicken packed with intense flavour - stretching the definition of burger to the limit.

Josh concedes: “There is something about McDonald’s - not so much Burger King (he pulls a face) - that they do right, and that’s the sauce. If you can recreate that then it’s 28

going to taste OK. "But I believe that if you can create something that has been obsessed about, that uses the best ingredients from trusted suppliers, and put it together with skill, you are going to end up with something pretty special.”

Josh cut his teeth in the classical French tradition spending a year in France to hone his art, before spending many years working in the kitchens of hotels and restaurants in London and the Cotswolds.

“It’s a pretty good training ground - having to cut herbs to the millimetre and do everything to perfection - with the threat of something being chucked at you if you get it wrong! It’s a great discipline.

But my real passion is Asian cuisine which has developed over the years. I've always thought it would work brilliantly in a pub and now I've got the chance to make that happen.

"You have that wonderful apothecary of ingredients that

have such big flavours - there’s not a great deal of subtlety but it works really well with a pint of beer.

"It’s been an amazing start and Josh and Ben, who run The Hop, have been brilliant.

They’ve given me complete freedom to create The Pick Up Point and that has made all the difference.”

The menu, as it stands,

comprises a tight and carefully considered menu of four burgers, two wings and cauliflower bites.

And there are plans in place to expand the menu as the business develops.

To try Pick Up Point food, visit The Hop at 8 Devizes Road, Old Town.

Follow on Instagram @ Thepickuppoint

The Pick Up Poin

Burgers: Seoul Survivor (K orean sauce, soy sauce ki mchi, sesame mayo and pickles) Pecker (Fried chick en, American cheese, herb mayonnaise, red on ion pickles and shredd ed lettuce and a vegg ie Mean Bean (spicy

t

bean burger, shre dded cheddar, roast ga rlic aioli, red onion pi ckles and sweet chilli yo gurt.)

Wings: Korean wings (hot sauce, chillies, sesa me, coriander) Vietna mese Wings (soy and gi nger glaze, chillies, sesa me and spring onion.

swindonlink.com n September 2019

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MJA Roofing Ltd is a fast, friendly and reliable roofing company based in Purton, Swindon, Wiltshire.

We have over 30 years of experience, with all aspects of roof tiling, slating and lead work undertaken.

We provide a pragmatic, reliable & high quality service and would welcome the opportunity to quote for your requirements.

Tel: 01793 272142 or 07941 664026

Email: enquiry@mja-roofing.co.uk Website: www.mja-roofing.co.uk

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It's just like riding a bike...

By Becky Cox: Swindon Cycle Campaign Can you remember when you along the way (and definitely first learnt to ride a bike? complaints of a sore bottom!), Like many people I learnt as but once that magical moment a child. I must have been about has been achieved there is no three or four and I had a little going back. red Raleigh with a doll seat I’ve worked with people of on the back. I loved riding all ages and walks of life. I my bike and spent most of my remember teaching a female summer holidays as a child refugee in her 30s who was riding up and down the lane desperate to learn to ride so outside my house with the other she could get to her classes at kids on our street. a local college and explore I was lucky though. Not her new town. Learning to cycle everyone gets the chance to offered her the chance for learn to ride as a child, and freedom, to travel where she it’s not until later in life that wanted when she wanted. they get to experience the joys So, if you haven’t cycled for of the wind in your hair and a while or are looking to learn, power under your pedals. then why not pop along to the There tends to be a sense of County Ground Athletics track embarrassment from adults on a Friday morning between when they disclose that they 10 and 12 for free drop in can’t ride a bike. However, learn to cycle sessions. Bikes there is still a chance for adults and helmets are avaliable to learn to ride. and the friendly instructors will I used to work as a cycle make sure you’re looked after. instructor. It was the most Contact Ben Humphrey on rewarding job I’ve ever had. bhumphrey@swindon.gov.uk.

It might take 20 minutes or a Or log in to www. few weeks of practice, maybe swindontravelchoices.co.uk/ even some scrapes and bruises cycle/cycle-training-in-swindon

HIGHWORTH WARNEFORD SCHOOL

Shrivenham Road, Highworth, SN6 7BZ (01793) 762426

An Academy Putting Excellence First Highworth Warneford is an excellent secondary school providing an outstanding learning environment which allows pupils to thrive and develop their academic, personal and social skills.

OPEN EVENING

Thursday 3rd October 2019

This is a chance to view the school’s facilities and listen to a presentation by our Headteacher. There will also be plenty of opportunities to talk to staff, students and governors. Visitors can expect to see sample lessons, exhibitions, activities and performances.

Programme: 5.30pm - Start of Tours 5.40pm and repeated at 7pm - Presentation by Mr Steele in the Main Hall 7.30pm Finish

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Please discount.

Pleasequote quoteLINK2 LINK2totoclaim claimyour your discount.

Prospective students and their parents are also warmly invited to attend our popular Open Mornings so that you can see for yourself the high quality of provision and outstanding behaviour during a normal school day. Student guides will be on hand to show you around the school and will be happy to answer any questions.

Daytime tours start at 9.10am and 10.10am and last around 1 hour.

Senior staff will also be available.

To book your visit please contact our Data Manager, Mrs Lewis, on (01793) 767083 or email: datateam@warnefordschool.org www.warnefordschool.org admin@warnefordschool.org swindonlink.com n September 2019

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GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES

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SERVICE SECTOR GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES

• Driveways • Patios • Block Paving • Patterned Paving • Landscaping • Fencing • Garden Designs • Tarmacking Reliable - Tidy - Prompt Check us out on Contact Leslie Coneley:

01793 239477 0800 7471826 07957 642977 classicdrivesandpatios@gmail.com www.classic-drives-and-patios.co.uk

FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD Est. 1990 35 Spencer Close, West Swindon ❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152

www.freethfencingandgardenservicesltd.com

David Hawkins Fully Qualified

Tree Surgeon ALL TYPES OF TREE WORK COMPLETED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD

STUMP REMOVAL Using NEW state-of-the-art equipment

Hedge Cutting • Tree Planting Fruit Tree Pruning Fully insured Free estimates 25 years experience

01793 828055 07967 594707 david.hawkins100@hotmail.co.uk

A & S Paving & Landscaping • Block Paving • Tarmacking • Patios • Resin Driveways • Free estimates • Fully insured

10% discount for all new customers Call for a free no obligation quote:

Find us on

Mobile: 07747 721281 Office: 01793 238267 Email: aandsbowers@live.co.uk A & S Paving & Landscaping Unit 6, Calcutt Park, Cricklade SN6 6JR

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SERVICE SECTOR

ACCOUNTANCY, ACCOUNTANCY, AERIALS,AERIALS, BATHROOM BATHROOM & KITCHEN & KITCHEN FITTING, BOOKKEEPING, FITTING, BOOKKEEPING, BUILDINGBUILDING & LANDSCAPING SERVICES, SERVICES, CARPENTRY, CARPENTRY, CLEANING CLEANING

Established since 1961

Craig Dell FCCA

Chartered Certified Accountant With 30 years experience for all your accountancy & taxation needs including:

• Self Assessments • Sole traders • Partnerships • Limited Companies • Available evenings and weekends • Fixed fee quotes • No VAT • First consultation free Tel: 01793 343255 M: 07557 399987 cjd.accountancy@virginmedia.com www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

BOOK-KEEPING Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work?

Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748 www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

• • • • • •

Free Quotes Reception Issues Resolved High Gain Digital Aerials Sky, Freesat & Freeview TV Wall Mounting Additional Points

20% off

New Aerial Installations Tel: 01793 531400 • 07703 292850 www.swindonaerials.com swindonaerialservices@yahoo.co.uk

Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597 www.haynesconstruction.org.uk

Chris Payne

aerials & satellite systems

✭ Freeview & Sky installations ✭ TV & radio aerials ✭ Home cinema ✭ Extra TV & telephone points

Phone: 07502 442726 or 01793 790437

VA T

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

O

Swindon Aerial Services

N

CJD

Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists • Alterations/Renovations • New Builds and Barn Conversions

Fully insured. 18 years experience Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on

0800 1357063 or 07967 155502

or email: info@benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk www.benchmark-construction.co.uk

MILESTONE

All Building Works Undertaken No job too small • Free estimates Contact: Dean Scanlon Telephone: 01793 422032 Mobile: 077 8968 1536

Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member

Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802 www.abacuscleaningservices.co.uk

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THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE House cleans start from £20 per house.

Around £30 for a large 4 bed.

Weekly, fortnightly, monthly, end of tenancy or one off cleans.

Ironing £20 per basket, returned next day.

Call 01793 875665 07780 625244

Reliable Local Company Established 2003 FULL Installation and Design of Bathrooms and Kitchens including: • Tiling & Plastering • Painting • Plumbing • Flooring • Electrics & Gas Contact us for a quote:

01793 877677 www.enlan.co.uk

• Extensions • Driveways • Conservatories • Patios • Garden Walls • Fencing All general building and landscaping projects undertaken NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Stewart on

01793 613642 or 07841 826390 for a Free Estimate

D E Carpentry

Building Services

Complete Property Renovations & Alterations Kitchens / Bathroom Tiling / Flooring Brickwork / Blockwork Paving / Patios Fencing / Decking & Ground Works Carpentry / Plumbing

Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting

For all your carpentry needs k Door hanging ● General carpentry ● Fitted kitchens/bedrooms ● Laminate and solid flooring ● Replacement doors ● Skirtings/architraves ● General building maintenance

k Kitchen fitting k Real wood and laminate flooring k Fitted wardrobes k 15 years experience

Call 01793 514069 or 07885 972172 e: ellisj10@sky.com www.delliscarpentry.co.uk

Mandy’s Maid to Clean Services Too busy to clean?

We provide a reliable, affordable service and can offer:

Weekly or Fortnightly cleans Spring cleans All equipment and supplies provided and full CRB checked references available.

Call Amanda today for your Free Quotation on:

01793 701797 021005

or 07874

Quality is not only assured; it’s guaranteed!

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SERVICE SECTOR

COMPUTER SUPPORT, DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR, ELECTRICAL SERVICES, GARAGE DOORS, HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Computer problems?

Let us help We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • • • • • • • •

PC repairs and maintenance System upgrades, networking Custom built computers Windows home server installs Virus removal Data recovery Internet solutions Web design With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

Est 2002

For all your computing needs • Hardware & Software Installs & Upgrades • Repairs • Maintenance • PC Security •● Home or Business Networking General carpentry • Wireless Setup ● Fitted kitchens/bedrooms • On Site Service, Home or Business

● Laminate and solid flooring

For a dedicated local service with a ● Replacement Microsoft Certifieddoors Professional, with over 25 years experience, call ● Skirtings/architraves 01793 320 439 or 07799 337 918 ● General building maintenance E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

Tel: 01793 325685

Certified Electrician NICEIC Domestic Installers (D606759)

Reliable Local Company • Re-Wires, Alterations & Additions • Inspections, Testing & Certificates • Consumer Units Replaced • LED Lighting Installations • Emergency Lighting • Fix Wire Testing

01793 877677 office@enlan.co.uk www.enlan.co.uk

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered

• Extra Sockets/lights Extra Sockets/lights • • Fuse Board Upgrade • Fuse Board Upgrade

• • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and Complete Rewires • • Complete Rewires No job too small!

• • No job too small!

Connected Connected Electrical Electrical && Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 or Tel: 07824 314080 or 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD

Tel 01793 940096 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

ACP

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS • Kitchen/Bathroom Installations • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing • Tiling • Minor Electrical • Carpentry • Garden landscaping/Maintenance • Patios & Decking

Tel: 01793 721677 Mobile 07919415849

Home Improvements & Building Services A tailormade service crafted around our customers, from initial consultation through to bespoke planning and design stage, finishing with quality installation and warranty. We are the best choice for your next project, our customers tell us so...

FREE DESIGN AND CONSULTATION FREE PROJECT MANAGEMENT FREE WASTE REMOVAL

(INCLUDING OLD KITCHEN OR BATHROOM)

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

• • • • • • • •

General building maintenance Garage conversions Bathrooms and Kitchens Carpentry • Wall & floor tiling Plastering/Plaster boarding/Coving UPVC doors, windows & repairs Fascias, soffits, guttering Patios and fencing Insurance work undertaken For a prompt professional service contact Andy: 07969 350160 / 01793 610286 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk swindonlink.com n September 2019

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SERVICE SECTOR

HOME MAINTENANCE, PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES, PLANS DRAWN, PLUMBING AND GAS SERVICES

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

For free quotation call Paul on

01793 321981 07775 840236

DECORATOR Quality painting and decorating at an affordable price

Interior & exterior painting and decorating.

20 years serving local people.

40 years experience No VAT Free estimates

For professional, reliable and friendly service call

Call Andy on

GBD Services

between 8am and 5pm

01793 979282 or 07453 966627

07970 533569

DECORATOR

Plastering and Decorating • Skimming and plastering • Artex to smooth • Plaster repairs • Coving • Painting and decorating • Stud work and boarding

Call

07976 885203

www.trevorwyse.com

Please contact Brian Jones:

07976 572905 01793 725834

Professional, reliable and friendly service

19 years experience Fully insured Excellent references Discounts for senior citizens FREE no obligation quotation not an estimate!

(Unlike many of our competitors)

01793 264568 07415 431340

garyfulford1@sky.com www.garyfulfordpaintingand decorating.co.uk

G R SERVICES Painting and decorating Carpentry services Grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Kitchen & bathroom installations Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879 email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

or

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

eco r at

• High class painting and decorating •30 years experience •Competitive rates •Interior & exterior •References available •Reliable friendly service, all work undertaken

Domestic & commercial Internal & external Wallpaper specialist

&D

• Carpentry • Garden maintenance • Decorating, Coving • Groundwork • Tiling • Bathroom & Kitchen installation • Fencing & Patios • Power jetting • Building, installing partition walls, loft boarding & repairs Competitive rates, flexible hours, reliable, no job too small For a free no obligation quote call Gary on

FREE ESTIMATES

t er

Handyman

DECORATOR INSIDE AND OUT

Pa in

(Household Maintenance)

PR ID E

Services

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

DECORATING & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen & bathroom refits • Shower wall board installation • Internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

andysweeney1@virginmedia.com

PLANS DRAWN Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.

From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and advice given.

7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered

Call Bob on 07778 324228

Plumbing & Heating

❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring, all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps,

pumps, tanks,

burst pipes, machines installed 302877 Free estimates

01793 288772 07748 964433

Approved Plumber

mjplumbing64@gmail.com 36

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SERVICE SECTOR

PLUMBING AND GAS SERVICES, REMOVALS, ROOFING SERVICES, SECURITY, TILING, WASTE REMOVAL

J&R Plumbing Providing plumbing services to clients throughout Swindon 35 years experience Friendly, reliable service 24/7 call out service Tel: 01793 938362 Mobile: 07813 950899

Semi-retired Plumber

RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

(subject to survey)

on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers

• All work guaranteed • No job too small

SURESTOP SWITCH

Accredited Installer

For further details call Richard on 01793 870472 or 07747 723606

• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

203455

188262

WHITE VAN MAN SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35

Haydon Wick Heating Services

All heating and plumbing works undertaken

• • • • •

• Full central heating systems • Boiler changes / services and repairs • Power flushing • Full bathroom / ensuite installations • General plumbing works • Free quotes and realistic prices

Full house removal House clearance Disposal of unwanted items Any distance long/short Fully insured

NEW: Licensed to remove fridges

Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436

hwheating@googlemail.com

GILES BROS • Felt Roofing • Liquid Plastics • Single-Ply • Slate and Tiling • Fascias and Guttering • General Repairs • Free Estimates Over 40 years experience in the industry

Call Nick on 07973 872266

FLOOR & WALL TILING SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526 Find us on Facebook swindonlink.com n September 2019

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Valuation Day opportunity with Thomas Forrester TV expert on Flog It! The Antiques Road Trip & Bargain Hunt

Bring along your Antiques & Jewellery for a FREE valuation with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services

Monday 9th September 10am to 3.30pm

Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG Valuations are by appointment only To arrange a time, please call 01635 580595 or contact us via the website

www.specialauctionservices.com

Special Auction Services

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Earthworm Recording Studio's Jon Buckett - photograph by Jennifer Berry

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