Quacking good time as beloved duck race returns

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

May will see the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town put on a day of duck racing and family fun - including a dog show.

The day of activities will be held on Sunday 29 May at Westcott Recreation Park, running from 11am to 4pm and with proceeds going to local charities.

Two key local charities selected this year are Threshold Housing Link -which does important work supporting homeless people and helping them to get their lives back on track - and the Jessie May Childrens’ Charity, which supports children with lifelimiting medical conditions in their home environments.

Several other important local charities will also be supported.

Duck race tickets are priced at £1 and there will be seven prizes for the first seven placing winners. The first prize is £1000 and there will also be six £100 prizes up for grabs.

There will be various stalls providing everything from refreshments to a charity tombola.

The dog show will be run by Miles and Jayne from The Runner pub, with classes ranging from Best Junior Handler to Dog with the Waggiest Tail.

Entry is priced at £2, with money raised going to SNDogs.

Further information can be found at rotaryoldtownswindon.uk

National Self-Build and Renovation Show is coming in May

The Swindon-based National Self-Build & Renovation Centre will host its May Show on Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13.

The show offers two full days of master classes, case studies, seminars and an unrivalled line up of experts on hand to share their advice.

It is billed as a brilliant event for people seeking a plot to build a new house, renovate a tired property or extend their existing home.

Back by popular demand, the Sustainability Theatre is sure to be a highlight of the show.

Talks in this space will cover how we can mitigate against rising energy costs, and other increasing costs, in our homes.

Experts will explore the technologies available to us, including insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicles.

Alongside 200-plus exhibitors within the NSBRC’s unique ‘Trade Village’, the ‘Professional Services Hub’ will be the place to go for independent expert advice from a range of specialists.

Visitors will find a number of architects and designers as well as experts on planning, project management, site safety, landscaping and more.

The ‘Build It Theatre’ is the place to go to hear about the key self-build topics including finding land, budgeting, planning, VAT reclaim and the latest on building regulations.

The centre is at Junction 16 of the M4, and parking is free and plentiful.

Further information and free advance tickets can be obtained by visiting www. nsbrc.co.uk/whats-on/ourevents/the-national-selfbuild-and-renovation-show

Local artists invited to sign up for Swindon Open Studios 2023

Swindon artists can apply to take part in this year’s Swindon Open Studios which takes place in September..

The event allows members of the public to get up close and personal with local artists through exhibitions, and visit their creative workspaces.

The Open Studios team say all artists are welcome to join in whether they consider themselves professional or amateur.

Those interested can visit www.swindonopenstudios. org.

Additionally, an informal information meeting will take place on 11 May from 7 - 9pm at the Sun Inn.

Swindon and Wiltshire credit unions merge to form community bank

Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union (WASCU) says a merger with two other credit unions and a rebrand as Acorn Community Bank will allow it to offer an even better service for members.

WASCU, which has around 4,000 members has joined forces with Clivey Credit Union in Swindon (which has 600 members) and Swan Community Bank (Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire) to relaunch as Acorn Community Bank.

Members can open savings accounts and, provided they meet loan criteria, can take out loans which are repaid monthly.

More information about Acorn Community Banks’ services can be found at acorncommunitybank.co.uk.

Swindon community figure sworn in as new High Sheriff

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

Pradeep Bhardwaj has been officially sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Wiltshire at a ceremony at St Mark’s Church.

He will hold this position until 2024.

Over 200 guests were in attendance, including civic leaders, members of the police and armed forces, faith leaders, NGOs, judiciary representatives, international High Commisions, clergymen, and members of the community.

Pradeep said: “I will do my utmost to fulfil the role with the greatest dignity, to uphold and enhance the ancient Office of High Sheriff and to make a meaningful contribution to our beautiful county.

“The theme for my Shrieval year is inclusion whereby I would be promoting and celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion to bring a positive change, connecting individuals and communities to increase societal inclusion and create opportunity for all.

“If there are any particular causes that you would like me to take up or any community organisations or charities that you think could benefit with greater visibility and support from the High Sheriff, I would like to hear from you.”

Pradeep’s professional background is in the mobile phone industry.

He is a Senior Strategy Director and Head of Industry Standards, working for Syniverse - a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group.

Mr Bhardwaj is also a Trustee of three local charities and the Governor

of New College.

Over the years, Pradeep has received a host of different awards but says he takes pride in being a social worker, and community champion for the cause of Equality and Diversity. He added that he had ‘a passion for bringing people together in Swindon.’

He also established the first Hindu Temple in Swindon and Wiltshire.

People can get in contact with Pradeep by emailing wiltshire@highsheriffs.com

Local organisation supports young people and teaches them critical life skills

Swindon-based Headstart

Skillz works with young people to teach them critical practical life skills such as first aid, self-defence, online safety and money lessons.

Headstart Skillz has partnered with local and national subject matter experts to ensure an outstanding learning experience for children.

The team say it is vitally important to draw upon the life experiences of the experts who live and breathe these topics on a daily basis.

Headstart Skillz founder

Nick Taylor explained: “I wondered, why aren’t we teaching kids things like understanding how money works and money safety, or things that can have a material impact in your life such as gaining first aid and self-defence skills?

“In 2022 I had a few months free to focus my time and energy into turning this idea into a reality, so we set up Headstart Skillz and the feedback has been phenomenal!”

Headstart Skillz say they are pleased to be working with the likes of Nationwide Building Society, who deliver money lessons sessions, and also the British Red Cross who help to deliver first aid sessions.

The organisation also works with schools as part of their PSHE lesson plans, and sports clubs, after school clubs and holiday camps.

Nick Taylor added: “Our full list of topics includes Self-Defence, First Aid, Online Safety, Managing Money, Wellbeing, Nutrition, Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health.”

Teachers, sports coaches or youth group leaders can learn more about how Headstart Skillz can support their school and sports club via info@headstartskillz. com.