South Swindon Link April 2019 edition

No 32 April 2019

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

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

Plans are afoot to transform the town centre p4

South Edition

Spanning the divide: Footbridge installed over canal in Wichelstowe Page 6 Culture blooms as the Spring Festival launches in Swindon

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Page 7 Get your skates on for the fifth annual Urban Rider Games

Page 8

Page 12 Swindon goes green as the town faces urgent climate change issues

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BLAYLOCKS SHOES

Bath Rd Corner, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AS • www.blaylocks-shoes.co.uk

Tel: 01793 534271

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Ironically no longer tolerating intolerance

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

We are living in divisive times.

And in these 'interesting' times things do get heated. As a news platform we welcome lively debate and 'banter'. We cover issues that are nuanced and opening the conversation up is always a good thing.

Social media gives us all the ability to debate and talk about issues that range from cycle paths to Brexit.

And as a community magazine and website Swindon Link has a responsibility to welcome everybody whatever their background, creed, sexuality, and political persuasion.

But more and more we are seeing some very toxic posts on our platforms. The type of comments that show intolerance, that actively threaten and shout down other voices and make others feel unwelcome.

As a media outlet that represents all members of our community this type of behaviour is something that we can no longer tolerate.

This isn't about curtailing freedom of speech but about creating a welcoming space where people have the freedom to speak without fear of abuse or threatening behaviour.

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

Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart, Rosy Presley, Kay Wainwright Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

Swindon Link moves its offices to the centre of Old Town

By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

Swindon Link and its sister magazine The Ocelot have moved their offices from Arclite House in Peatmoor to the centre of Old Town.

The magazines and websites, which are owned by umbrella company Positive Media Group, are now based in Old Bank Business Centre on Devizes Road right in the centre of the hustle and bustle of Old Town.

Group Editor and owner Jamie Hill said: "It's exciting times for Swindon Link. We have expanded so much over the past few years and and it is no longer a localised publication for North and West Swindon as we now cover the whole of the town

with magazines delivered monthly to 55,000 homes.

"With this in mind moving to Old Town means that we are now at the very centre of Swindon giving us the opportunity to provide a more complete coverage from our

team of reporters and sales staff.

"It also means we are more accesible to readers and customers to pop in and have a natter.

"Please do and we'll put the kettle on."

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for May adverts and editorial: 12 April May edition published: 26 April Our Statistics Est. Readership of 137,500 in print & c.35,000 monthly online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication.

Advertising starts from just ÂŁ51.

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

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

Positive Media Group Limited, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ

T: 01793 744677 Email: publisher@swindonlink.com

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

Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 744677 swindonlink.com n April 2019

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All change: Cabinet member for the town centre unveils plans for the future of key buidings

Cultural and civic hub could replace Wyvern

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for the town centre, Dale Heenan, has unveiled ambitious plans to replace the ageing Wyvern Theatre with a new arts and cultural centre - funded in part by the sale of the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

Although Mr Heenan was keen to stress that the scheme was very much in its infancy, he revealed that the new building could be used to house the town's valuable collection of 20th century art as well as providing an alternative space for council meetings.

Last year, the Heritage Lottery Fund turned down a bid to part fund a £22m landmark building to house the town's museum and art gallery. Since then, work has been going on behind closed doors to develop an alternative plan.

Speaking at the current Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Mr Heenan said: "This is really the culmination of the last six months of work.

The trust did a good piece of work last summer asking local residents in the town to come up with all the possible options they would like to see considered for a new home for the museum and art gallery.

"We had to ask ourselves what is something that the council can deliver and is within its control rather than always having to rely on external funding and proceeding on that basis. What we have come forward with is a series of short-term measures while we sort out that bigger vision."

Outlining the new plan he said: "Rather than a stand alone building being constructed, it's about 4

rebuilding the Wyvern Theatre itself.

"It is an ageing theatre which isn't big enough for a town of Swindon's size but if we want to attract the larger higher profile performances and shows and comedians we need more capacity in the theatre?

"Why don't we include a larger building which includes a relocation of the art gallery and museum?

He said that selling the council's Euclid Street civic offices would help finance the project.

A £250,000 grant from the Local Enterprise Partnership will be used to fund an initial feasibility study.

Mr Heenan was keen to stress that it was crucial that this scheme was affordable - with a proposed price tag of about £15m - £20m.

"There's already a building there and we can come up with a way to finance that in a slightly different way. I'm not allowed to put into a financial report that it is at nil cost to the tax payer but that is the

ambition."

Speaking about the potential sale of the Civic Offices he explained that the new building could be home to meeting rooms used by the council: "At the end of the day there are two functions of councillors - you need meeting rooms like any office and you need committee rooms to be able to hold meetings. So why do you need a building with six committee rooms just to do those kind of things?

"Once or twice a month we will have a debate of all 57 councillors, whether it's a planning committee or a full council - that's the kind of practical point that we will need to work though. But if you are looking at a re-built Wyvern Theatre, is there not a way in which we can create that space within the building or even use the theatre once or twice a month? It doesn't require a dedicated stand alone facility."

Mr Heenan explained that the plans were at the initial stage, with a projected completion

date of 2025/26.

"Once we are in a position to say construction starts - then is the right time to start thinking about the other consequences around what do we do with this fantastic building we are in at the moment.

We don't have all those answers but you need to start somewhere and break the problem down. We have said that this is our ambition we know how to make it work. Let's actually get cracking on it.

"I hope that within 12 months we will have all those feasibility assessments, initial design work with a time line to deliver it.

At the moment we think it's going to be 2025 but by 2027 we are going to have to invest millions into the Wyvern anyway because of the refurbishment."

The council plans to invest £400,000 into the current Swindon Museum an Art Gallery building to fund essential improvements including building a lift to increase accessibility.

swindonlink.com n April 2019

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£25m bid to transform Swindon's high street

A new bus interchange will be used as a catalyst for rejuvenating Swindon town centre.

Swindon Borough Council will apply for a £25m bid to the Government’s Future High Streets Fund with the remaining cost being met by the Council (£5m) and Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (£3m).

Artists’ impressions of the site show the proposed major improvements which include a green spine, new public space and dramatically improved pedestrian and cycle routes being created in the town centre with the current underpass at Fleming Way

being removed.

The scheme would build on the improvements currently being carried out at nearby Wellington Street by creating an attractive route from the train station into the town centre, encouraging further investment in the area.

All national and local bus

services would be incorporated along Fleming Way, improving the experience of bus users and pedestrians, while the new road layout would complete the link between the Eastern and Western Flyer cycle routes.

The new bus facility would free up the area which houses the current bus station

increasing the size of the site by 20 per cent and increasing the value of the development.

As part of the proposed changes to Fleming Way, the Council’s Cabinet will be asked to model potential changes to the Whalebridge Junction in line with the emerging Town Centre Movement Strategy and to finalise any outstanding compulsory purchase orders required to facilitate the Kimmerfields development and the new bus facility.

The new bus facility is expected to take three years to complete.

The council will find out during the summer whether their initial application has been successful.

Your voices... 'We should reduce the size of the retail space' I have been following, with interest and concern, your Let's pretend, you are going articles about Swindon Town shopping. It is cold and wet... No Centre development. I can contest head for the shopping certainly agree that there is mall. How can Regent Street a serious and urgent need to compete? Put a roof over it! address the current situation.

Draught excluding screens with However, I do not think that easy access, open all hours, many of the suggestions I have tables and chairs from coffee seen so far are either viable shops, food outlets. In short, or urgent enough. create a coffee society. Is it The retail environment has worth a try? changed in recent years and Get the retailers on board in my opinion, the change is before the whole area is progressive and permanent. moribund.

My suggestion would be Let Swindon set an example to to reduce the retail space other failing High Streets. by building more residential John Corbey. property or converting existing

Create coffee society

properties. Encouraging the small independent retailers who are making a success of things at the moment by offering more reasonable rent/rates, increasing the leisure opportunities and spaces for people to come and meet. Linking the shopping areas of the Outlet Centre and the current town centre without setting up competition between the two and connections to the new Oasis centre and Regent Street. Perhaps the Old Town could somehow also be involved.

The provision of more homes would help to feed the retail

sector without increasing the congestion on the roads. The existing bus system is far from broken though, having loads of capacity and fairly good network. However, the parking costs in the centre are far, far too high – especially when compared to other towns.

Rather than spending huge mounts on trying to re-establish what is lost – and maybe gone forever, let’s use the space we have got to create an environment in which people will want to live, work and play – and yes do their shopping.

Gilbert Burnett

drivers to use.

An additional motorway junction at Wroughton should have been included and implemented in any plan, and there are opportunities to open some routes to a tidal flow system at peak times. Lack of foresight and planning is the cause of the problems along Mead Way and any serious incident near Bridgemead roundabout can

cause gridlock in Sainsburys parking area. Swindon has wasted millions of pounds on surveys and studies most of which have come to nothing or the results are obsolete before the improvements are implemented. The original outline planning application for Wichelstowe included a light rail system to the Town centre. In 2030 maybe?.

Bob Newman Westlea

'Millions of pounds have been wasted on surveys and studies' When the term "Heart of Swindon" is used many older residents might be forgiven for asking exactly what the words mean. in a modern context.

For many years the heart of Swindon was the Railway Works which in the early days provided employment, housing, welfare and an annual holiday using the railways.

The idea of trams as a

solution to the Swindon traffic problem is merely someone's wishfull thinking as there is not a cat in hell's chance of raising the necessary funds. A visit to Manchester, Sheffield, or places abroad will show what is involved, but these are cities and Swindon is a town which had a tram system years ago.

More Park and Ride facilities are obviously needed but only if financially attractive for car

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'We're Open' event supporting Swindon's refugees finds new home

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

'We're Open', hosted by Swindon City of Sanctuary, has officially unveiled its new home at Canal Walk's Coffee#1.

Since the event's inception in 2017, the charity has been providing music, hot drinks, home baked goods and games to offer a community space for refugees living in Swindon to extend a message of welcome.

The event, previously hosted at Darkroom Espresso, is open for anyone to attend with the hopes that We're Open will break down barriers, or misconceptions, towards refugees seeking asylum.

Nicola Wood, Executive Officer for Swindon City of Sanctuary, said: "We're Open is a great example of what we as an organisation are about. This project is open to all who live in Swindon to come together and feel part of the

Swindon Community.

"The whole idea came from volunteer Jol Rose who saw there was a need for this project in Swindon. Jol and a small team of lead volunteers manage the evenings with the support of other volunteers who sign up to a monthly rota. We have been extremely grateful to Will and his team at Darkroom Espresso for hosting us the past few years.

"We are now delighted to have the support of Coffee#1 and hope to attract new people from our community to come and join us, whether your're new to the town or born and bred here like myself. Come and feel part of something, feel proud to be a 'Swindonian'."

When We're Open started the charity gathered feedback from those who came. N was a new refugee at the time.

Prior to living in Swindon, he spent some time in London and

Cardiff. He originally arrived in the UK on a visa, before life in his home country made it too dangerous to return.

N said: “We’re Open brings a taste of socialising in a new culture. It’s an exciting environment: music, board games, the chance to learn new things. It’s an additional positive environment. It feels more like community – all the people trying to contribute to this town.

"Through Swindon City of Sanctuary, they’ve found a way to bring immigrants close to society. You meet people and lots of volunteers.

"In terms of change, even the small things can change someone’s life hugely. At We’re Open, we have more closeness to each other and become part of the community. Some volunteers even invite us to their homes for things like Christmas.

That’s the change.”

If art "helps to create more fully rounded individuals" why aren't we teaching it in school?

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

I couldn’t imagine living in a world without creative expression.

Even something as simple as looking at Swindon’s grey town centre is unsettling. Many people, in fact, complain about this but fail to realise that, firstly, you need to commission an artist, and secondly artists could be harder to come by over the next few years now that many schools have dropped art from educational curriculums. And, for the life of me, I can’t understand why.

Could an architect design a building without creative thinking and creative vision?

Even cardboard cut-out newbuilds, often trapped inside a beige neighbourhood of mirror continuums, require some creativity.

Carole Bent, partner at her husband's art studio 'David Bent Studio', agrees and strongly believes that 6

art is unquestionably linked to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She is one of many who are backing the global STEM to STEAM movement to put art back into school curriculums. Many backers of the campaign, like Carole, believe it’s a crucial element to a child’s education as well as human development and mental wellbeing.

Carole said: “I believe that the Arts have an increasingly important role to play alongside these other subjects.

Arts education underpins the work of many of the great designers and architects of our time.

“My motivation came from a strong belief in the value of creativity in its widest sense and a belief in the value of expanding horizons and collaborations rather than narrow silos.

"In February, Swindon’s first Wellbeing and Arts Week took place, raising awareness of

how art can have a positive affect on peoples mental health. Organiser James Osborn’s event brought public, private, community and voluntary sector organisations together. Almost every day another report seems to appear, emphasising the importance of the arts on mental wellbeing, including on the young. On this basis, its positive impact seems clear."

Carole became involved in the campaign eight months ago to simply put the question 'How do we turn STEM into STEAM?' out there. She soon found she was not the only one wondering this.

She said: "I quickly learnt that the idea to shift STEM to STEAM wasn’t new or limited to the UK and that it was very timely to input and help to move the dialogue forwards.

"Each subject contributes great value to the mix.

Including the arts alongside these helps to create more fully rounded individuals. Whilst

creativity isn’t exclusive to any one subject or sector, it exists in abundance across the arts.

"In an increasingly roboticized world the more opportunities for human creativity, observation, self-expression, lateral thinking and awareness of the world around us, the better."

After recently giving a Research Seminar at Cambridge, Carole has local initiatives in the pipeline over the next six months to spread her message loud and clear in Swindon.

swindonlink.com n April 2019

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Goodbye Lit Fest, hello to the all-new Swindon Spring Festival

More than 175 years of Swindon’s rich cultural heritage has inspired a new festival of arts and culture.

The Swindon Spring Festival is an extension of the popular Festival of Literature, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

Twelve months ago, festival director Matt Holland revealed his desire to expand the lit fest into “an all-encompassing combined arts festival.”

And at Swindon Town Hall last month, supporters were given their first glimpse of a programme that includes dance, drama, music, film, art, and circus skills alongside

literature, as well as enjoying Irish dancing, and a poem about the first day of spring.

Sixty events across 14 days are bookended by two events that will be familiar to fans of the literature festival, beginning with the unique Dawn Chorus launch of bank holiday Monday, May 6 where hundreds of supporters watch the sunrise over Lawn Woods to a soundtrack of poetry and music, and reaching its climax with the Festival Finale - a feast of music, dance, poetry, theatre, magic, and acrobatics - on Sunday, May 19.

Other events unique to Swindon’s quirky literature festival, including a 5k run followed by a talk by an author on all things running - this year it’s Bella Mackie, author of Jog On - and the Think Slam, where philosophers do battle to out-think each other, make a welcome return.

Also new for this year is Festival in the Park, a free

day of family fun at Lydiard Park, replacing the popular Family Day which has outgrown its Lower Shaw Farm home.

Families will be treated to circus skills, a poetry jukebox, puppetry, and live music.

Swindon’s most celebrated author gets an event in his honour - 132 years after his death. The first annual Richard Jefferies Lecture will be presented by broadcaster and Victorian literature expert Will Abberley. Appearances from living authors include former education minister and home secretary Lord Kenneth Baker, Mike Berners-Lee on climate change, and Marcus Du Sautoy, on whether computers will ever replace artists.

Swindon Arts Centre will host a number of film screenings, among which is Life is Wonderful, a documentary about the legal team who defended Nelson Mandela a team led by Joel Joffe, a longtime supporter of Swindon

Festival of Literature.

In dance, Swindon Dance will mark its 40th anniversary with The Rising, where dancers and musicians will explore what makes people feel alive, while in theatre, Everybody - a play written and performed by young Swindon actors - will explore what it means to be a teenager today.

The brochure is online and tickets are on sale now at www. swindonspringfestival.co.uk

Green spaces and speeding cars - your update in Old Town

By Linda Kasmaty Old Town Residents Association

With many active gardeners on the committee and a great interest in community gardening, we were very pleased to learn that South Swindon Parish is taking part in Britain in Bloom this year.

Chair of South Swindon Parish, Chris Watts outlined one of the initiatives being developed as part of our entry, a wildlife corridor that will run from Shaftesbury Lake, via Coate Water, Wichelstowe to Old Town. This is an attempt to increase biodiversity in the area by developing more habitats for wildlife.

Planning applications included one from The Goddard Arms, and half the Post Office space is set to become a bar. Meanwhile Clifton St School has been covered by blue tarpaulin, but no further updates. The Gables in Bath Road is having a smaller extension than originally

applied for.

We have decided to hold our next Annual General meeting in the evening at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery on Thursday 16 May from 7 to 8.30pm, although seating is limited to 50.

At our last tidying event in February, we worked on the flower bed near Pipers roundabout - about 12 people came and helped with weeding, planting donated plants and litter picking. Our next gardening is 28 April at 10.30am meeting at the corner of Newport Street and Devizes Road. We agreed we would apply to the Parish Council for a grant to fit a bench near the flower bed, and also make some raised beds near the Co-op because the current ones have a very shallow covering of soil.

Police patrols have apparently been increased at the Town Gardens, Westlecot Road and Quarry Road because of concerns about

overt drug taking in those areas.

Dewell Mews has had problems with a breakdown lorry parking there, now dealt with by Cllr Watts, and Okus Road has a problem with traffic driving too fast causing minor accidents, additionally some people park their cars illegally half on pavements to avoid them being hit by passing speeding motorists. We'd like speed limit signs which indicate the speed a motorist is traveling, rather than one that just becomes illuminated if someone is speeding.

Our meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at Newport St's Wheatsheaf pub at 7.30pm. All welcome! swindonlink.com n April 2019

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Late London coach Weekend travel connections between Swindon and the capital have received a welcome boost, thanks to National Express.

The new 443 service is the latest addition to the UK’s largest coach operator’s national network, providing a 2 am departure from London Victoria Coach Station direct to Swindon Bus Station.

Single adult fares from London Victoria to Swindon start from £5. The 443 departs at 02:00 on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, arriving in Swindon at 04:15. Passengers will benefit from a guaranteed seat, air conditioning, access to films, TV and magazines through a complimentary onboard entertainment app, as well as power sockets and free WiFi. For more information or to book visit www. nationalexpress.com or call 0871 781 81 81.

Services praised Services for care leavers in Swindon are improving, according to Ofsted.

Inspectors carried out a two-day focused visit of Swindon Borough Council’s Children’s Services department at the beginning of last month and found that progress had been made since its last inspection.

“Changes to the organisation’s structure, the stabilisation of the senior leadership team and improved partnership working are starting to create the conditions in which good practice can flourish”, Ofsted described in its letter to the local authority.

The letter highlighted a number of areas where the council is providing good support to care leavers, especially with regard to the range of education, employment and training (EET) opportunities.

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Skater event organisers call for improved facilities

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Organisers of an annual skating competition have called for improved facilities for young enthusiasts of the sport.

This year's Urban Rider Games - taking place on April 19 - marks five years of campaigning for better free skate facilities in Swindon and up and down the UK. Diana Kirk, one of the owners of Swindon's ATBShop, says that cuts to youth services have lead to an increase in crime and anti social behaviour.

She is backing a campaign calling on the council to build facilities for young skaters to use.

The Urban Riders - a group of local Swindon extreme sports campaigners, have been campaigning for more than 10 years to save the free outdoor skate park at the Oasis Leisure Centre and have it revamped for future generations.

For the last five years the campaigners have upped their

game from a petition, signed by the likes of pro-skater Tony Hawk to hosting one of the biggest extreme sports events in the UK. Each year on Good Friday hundreds of extreme sports fans head to ATBShop's indoor skate park on Hawksworth industrial estate.

ATBShop opens its indoor skate park for the use of the games for free.

Diana said that the outdoor parks in Swindon are unsuitable for such an event.

She said: "I know first hand how upset parishes get when other people use their facilities from other areas, however

there's just nothing suitable in Swindon which even comes close.

"We believe that the Oasis site must be saved.

"We shall also have top UK and international judges like Matt Brind, 9 times UK and World Mountainboard Champion and former Nitro Circus Star down on the day.

"There will also be Long Boarding action from the Oxford based Roots long boarding team."

The event will start at noon 19 April and will run on until 10.30pm.

Spectators are welcome to come along and watch.

Mayor and High Sheriff get their teeth into training Swindon mayor Junab Ali and Wiltshire High Sheriff Nicky Alberry were given the chance to experience a full-on training course run by Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service at their Drove Road station.

The two new recruits, kitted out in protective gear, were taught how to use hydraulic cutting equipment - used by firefighters to rescue injured people from vehicles following a road accident.

swindonlink.com n April 2019

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Has your home caught the lighting bug?

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St Joseph's Mass

A celebration Mass is being held at St Joseph's Catholic College on Tuesday 14th May, starting at 6.30pm.

Bishop Declan will be the celebrant and guests are welcome to stay for light refreshments after the Mass.

Former staff or Governors are invited to attend. For information contact Chloe Wilkinson to reserve a place.

RSVP by Friday April 26 Those wanting to attend this ticketed event should call 01793 236030 or email cwilkinson@romeroservices. co.uk

School places More than 90 per cent of Year 6 pupils have been offered a place in their first choice secondary school for this September.

Approximately 90 per cent of students in Swindon will attend their first choice secondary school this year, while 99 per cent will attend one of their three preferences.

Parents of Year 6 pupils across Swindon who applied on time will start receiving emails today, letting them know where their children have been placed for the next academic year. If parents have any queries regarding secondary school places for this September, they should contact School Admissions at schooladmissions@swindon. gov.uk or the school directly.

Spring meeting

Swindon Seniors Forum Spring Open Meeting is taking place at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square on 9th May 2019 Registration for the annual meeting takes place at 1:30pm for 2pm start.

The meeting will feature speakers, a variety of information stalls and refreshments.

For more information phone 01793 766338.

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Richard Jefferies Museum unveils plans for extension

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

One of Swindon’s best-loved museums has unveiled ambitious plans to transform its former cowshed into an eco-friendly attraction to accommodate an influx of visitors.

Plans for a new extension at Coate Water's Richard Jefferies Museum hope to combine Swindon's heritage with an eco-friendly future and forward-looking approach.

Last year the museum, the birth place of Victorian writer and ecologist Richard Jefferies, saw an increase of visitors from 800 up to 15,000. With the increase in popularity to the site, volunteers and the museum's director, Dr Mike Pringle, are seizing the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £250,000.

If Swindon Borough Council back the plans, and the grant is obtained, the museum could open up to more local

community groups as well as its current history enthusiasts.

Based on the original architecture of the cowshed, Dr Mike Pringle says this will be a forward-thinking development to combine Swindon’s history with a progressionist outlook.

At a recent formal unveiling, the public saw a first glimpse of the 3D model which proposes to use sustainable materials to create a hall which could see a brand-new café introduced and potentially enable the museum to re-house

artefacts currently in storage.

Dr Pringle said: " “For me, as someone who’s always been into history and heritage, I just see life as a continuum – you need to keep learning from where we’ve come from. I love the fact that in the old cultural museum there were tractors and carts – it’s a balance, because we keep thinking we’re moving forward all the time but there’s always this backwards and forwards dynamic.” www.richardjefferies.org

BBC Wiltshire radio celebrates its 30th birthday

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

On April 4, BBC Wiltshire will celebrate its 30th birthday.

Throughout 2019 presenter Ben Prater will be taking the station on the road with Ben’s Big Breakfast Tour, broadcasting live from 30 of Wiltshire’s most iconic locations.

Some of Wiltshire’s best known faces will be taking the reins at BBC Wiltshire as guest editors, including star of the Apprentice and Countdown Nick Hewer, TV archaeologist and historian Phil Harding, Olympic Swimmer Sharon Davies and actor Christopher Biggins.

Then, on April 4, the breakfast show will broadcast live from Swindon College, where students will be hoping to bake Wiltshire's biggest lardy cake.

BBC publicist Jack Pitts recalls the launch of the station: It’s 5.55am on April 4, 1989,

and a scrum of journalists are clutching their notebooks and pressing their cameras against the glass.

Presenter on the day Paul Chantler said “I was paranoid the first record would be in the wrong place, I must’ve checked that seven or eight times.

“The first track was The Carpenters – ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’" Fifteen minutes later the station held its first of countless competitions. All four phone lines lit up. “I thought ‘brilliant, at least we’ve got four listeners!’” Paul said.

Salisbury had originally been earmarked for the BBC’s Wiltshire HQ, but Swindon won the day.

A building on Prospect Place in Old Town which had been

used for administration was gutted and revamped with studios, a newsroom, phone-in gallery and engineering room.

The building was renamed Broadcasting House, and would become the main home of the station for the next 30 years.

The copyright for the name Radio Wiltshire had already been taken so the team settled on BBC Wiltshire Sound – with the slogan “parish pump and proud of it” and the white horse as its logo. It was many years before it was renamed ‘BBC Wiltshire’.

One of the original presenters is still at BBC Wiltshire.

Graham Seaman presents the lunchtime show from midday to 2pm.

“Wiltshire has changed massively over those years.

We’ve seen the expansion of Swindon, we’ve seen a lot of successful companies grow like Dyson, but then again in many ways it hasn’t – the culture remains as was.”

swindonlink.com n April 2019

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Thameswood Veterinary Clinics

“Making Life Better”

Worried about diabetes?

Diabetes is a common condition seen in pets, symptoms include: • Increased drinking • Increased urination • Increased appetite • Weight loss Our diabetes awareness clinics help owners maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle for their pet.

Visit our website to download our free diabetes advice pack or contact your nearest clinic.

62-64 Purton Road, Swindon SN2 2LZ. Tel: 01793 526780 1A Oppenheimer, Greenbridge Road SN3 3LH. Tel: 01793 511267 39B Station Road, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7ED. Tel: 01793 230266

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

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From school strikes to refilling stations - has Swindon joined the war on climate change?

Students across Swindon bunked off their classes last month to join more than 1 million pupils across the globe to spread the message of a topic which they feel is currently the most important: climate change.

The rippling effects of youth climate strikes across the globe hit Swindon last month as children as young as 11 gathered outside Swindon Borough Council’s Civic Offices. The students hoped they would be able to send their message loud and clear to their town’s councillors: "climate action now".

The band of eco-warriors joined local environmental group Extinction Rebellion Swindon. They wanted to raise their concerns about climate change to Swindon Borough

Council from the future of the town's green spaces, and air quality, to the growing population and the wider scope of the melting Arctic.

New College student, Chloe Woodhouse, 17, said: "From what we’ve just been told, they [council] seem to care about climate change, but I actually want to see them act, rather than just talk about it – I don’t want anyone to lie to us anymore. I want them to actually do something.

"The earth is so wonderful, and I don’t think it’s right to keep taking from it and not try and give something back – this is our home, let's treat it like one. You don’t throw litter around your house, so why are we doing that to the earth? I think it’s hypocritical."

Less plastic and more composting - local farm shop steps up war on waste In an effort to reduce single use plastic bottles, staff at Purton House Organics have delighted customers by introducing a brand-new refilling station. Customers can now bring back their bottles to reuse and refill products such as washing-up liquid, fabric conditioner and sanitising hand wash.

Purton House Organics shop manager, Kate Robinson,

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said: "A team of us went to see the film 'A Plastic Ocean' screened by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and it was shocking and heart-breaking to see marine animals suffering from ingested plastic.

"The drive to reduce waste is helped by sourcing food as locally as possible. People are asking us to go back to returnable glass bottles - we already do this for our local preserves, juices and honey.

"I'm noticing a real buzz

about this issue and I'm confident that things are going to change quickly – for the better!"

The farm in Purton is also known for its annual festival Festival on the Farm. This year festival organiser and organic farmer, Rowie Meers, wants to implement more eco-friendly alternatives and will be introducing re-useable beer glasses as well as ensuring that food vans use recyclable packaging.

As part of an annual celebration for all things green and environmentally friendly, The Swindon Eco Fest will be returning to Savernake Street Hall, Sunday 14 April.

From eating sustainably and limiting food waste, to insulating your home cheaply and living plastic-free, Swindon's Eco Fest will be hosting an array of workshops, guest talks and family-friendly activities to help residents become more environmentally conscious. www.swindonclimate.org

Council seeks HGV ban on Kingshill Road Swindon Borough Council's cabinet will be urged to approve a ban on lorries using Kingshill Road - a key route leading to Old Town after government inspectors found levels of toxic nitrogen dioxide breached legal levels.

A report that will be put before councillors on 20 April sets out various measures which include seeking a ban on HGVs using the road, which will cut NO2 emissions however, the plan will still fall short of the target by a third.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “We are required to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions generated on Kingshill Road by 30 per cent and the proposal to remove HGVs from the road is a significant step towards achieving that.

The most far reaching solution would be for those people who currently drive up and down Kingshill to use alternative modes of transport."

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Could the town centre be getting a new mural?

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Last month a Swindon art hub, Artsite, called on artists interested in painting a mural in a bid to help bring community art back into the town centre.

Thanks to inSwindon BID, Artsite have been offered £2,000 funding to commission a Swindon-based artist, or artists, to work alongside Artsite and SCAN (Swindon Climate Action Network) to produce a vibrant mural entitled ‘My Town, My World’.

Artists living in Swindon were asked to submit samples of their work for the proposed mural. The potential site for the mural will be located opposite The Savoy on the panels cordoning off Aspen House.

Artsite Trustee Sally Taylor is the brainchild of the project - she hopes this will lead the way for other tangible

schemes in the town centre and encourage more local businesses to invest in creative initiatives.

Sally said: "This isn’t just about putting a picture on a wall, it’s about how the community can add to the town centre, – trying to fill the spaces and empty shops – because a lot of people are complaining about it. Projects like this happen in Bristol and Brighton, so why not Swindon?

"We’re working with SCAN, inSwindon BID and local businesses to highlight that we’re all working together to make our town centre better by resurrecting community art to get people attracted to the town centre again. If you took art out of life everything would collapse – but a lot of people don’t recognise that.”

The concept for the mural will be a collaborative effort between Artsite, the selected artist and SCAN. After the

artist, or artists, have been chosen Artsite will host a workshop alongside SCAN to develop the idea into fruition. The organisations want to create a concept which incorporates current social and environmental issues – which also symbolise Artsite's ethos.

Sally said: "At the heart of it it’s about opportunities.

We could have easily found someone to paint a quick mural, but it’s not about that.

Artsite is about developing opportunities, and this would just be the beginning because murals were what Swindon was renowned for in the 70s and

80s thanks to Ken White.

"We hope this will plant the seed to create more murals in the future and provide more opportunities for Swindonbased artists.”

Vicky Silver, also an Artsite Trustee, added: “With this project Sally’s reclaimed it back for the artist – allowing them to input their own creativity. It’s also giving artists the opportunity to earn their keep."

The final plans were set to be submitted to Swindon Borough Council by inSwindon at the end of March to approve the proposal.

Landmark Wichelstowe footbridge lifted into place

By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

An important piece of Wichelstowe’s District Centre jigsaw was slotted into place on Monday 18 March courtesy of a giant crane.

The new footbridge was lifted into position across the Wilts and Berks Canal and forms an important link between the Waitrose store and the new Hall and Woodhouse pub.

The huge structure, which measures 35m in length and weighs a whopping 28 tonnes, was delivered to the site by police escort over a week before, but its installation was put on hold due to high winds.

Designed by public artist Sebastien Boyeson, in partnership with civil engineers Peter Brett Associates, the bridge was identified in the plans for the Canalside area as the perfect location for a piece of public art.

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The bridge design includes ornate laser cut steel panels interspersed with coloured resin which will reflect the sunlight during the day and be illuminated at night by feature lights set within the handrail.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “The installation of the footbridge is the culmination of two years’ work from the planning and design stage through to the militarylike organisation to not only get

it here by lorry, but to then lift it into place by crane today.

“This bridge will provide an important link for pedestrians and will also act as the centrepiece for the stunning canal-inspired development the Council has created here at Wichelstowe.

“The new Hall and Woodhouse pub is now open and with the footbridge in place, people can now really start to see the District Centre taking shape.”

Speaking about the design

of the footbridge Sebastien Boyesen said: “I wanted to come up with a concept informed by the local surroundings, the wildlife and flora, holding a memory of what could have been found in the Wichelstowe of the past - a secret history.

“The casual observer would be unaware of the beautiful flowering plants that would once have proliferated on the site, such as the Horseshoe Vetch and Bath Asparagus. By creating graphic designs based on these, and other plants, it is hoped that the bridge will serve as a daily reminder of nature’s abundance and the site-specific references.

“It is my intention that the Wichelstowe footbridge contributes to the sense of place and ownership for the residents of the new development, creating something that is both beautiful and functional.” swindonlink.com n April 2019 13 22/03/2019 16:06

Town's first zero waste ‘Nude Food’ store opens

By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

A group of volunteers will be launching a zero waste shop called 'Nude Foods' inside The Core juice bar in Swindon’s Old Town on 17 April.

The store-within-a-store model, will include a range of up to 60 dried goods including, among other things, speciality pasta, gluten-free muesli, locally grown quinoa, wholegrain rice, lentils, raw nuts and herbs.

Core owner, Kris Talikowski said “I fully support this initiative and I’m proud to

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offer them free space. I regularly recommend lots of the products they’ll be selling to my customers and now people can get them here in reusable packaging.”

The group is led by Old Town resident Lesley Chandler. She said: “We want to do our bit to save the planet and so a zero waste not-for-profit shop felt like a great first step.”

The group are planning to not only sell dried foods but will also be selling similarly ecological products like bamboo toothbrushes and running education workshops on how to reduce plastic waste.

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Charity supporting orphans hits milestone birthday

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Since its inception in 2009, Swindon-based charity Friends of Angel’s Orphanage has been supporting 21 Nepalese children who have lost, or have been abandoned by, their families.

Founders and trustees of Friends of Angel’s Orphanage, Rosa and Dr Ian Matheson, initially set out to Nepal as part of Health Partnership Nepal in May 2009 to provide healthcare across the rural villages.

During a visit to Kathmandu the couple were approached

by Angel, formerly Amrit Bikram Shahi, who asked if they could provide healthcare to sick children housed in his orphanage. Since their visit the couple founded the charity Friends of Angel’s Orphanage.

To celebrate 10 years of partnership with Angel’s

Orphanage, the charity will be hosting a family fun day as part of a birthday fundraiser on Sunday 19 May at Root & Branch, Westmill Farm. All the money raised will go to Friends of Angel’s Orphanage.

Since 2009 Friends of Angel’s Orphanage have been fundraising to provide medical supplies, food and shelter to 21 children who were found abandoned on the streets of Kathmandu by Angel. The charity aims to keep

the children housed together as a family, protecting them from further trauma. Since its inception the charity have also been able to help provide clothing, educational facilities and leisure activities for the children.

Dr Ian Matheson said: "There are many wonderful things to celebrate in this tenth year not least the aspirations of our children, but the reality is these aspirations present a real challenge to our education fund

if in the near future if we are to fulfil our commitment to them."

As well as supporting Angel’s Orphanage the Matheson’s trips to Nepal have become a mission to help rebuild the lives of those affected by the earthquake - the need for medical supplies, homes, schools, electricity, food and clothing has since been imperative.

Despite the charity’s achievements, Nepal is still recovering from the earthquake, as well as severe flooding which hit Sauraha Chitwas in 2017. The impact of the flood saw more than 40,000 houses destroyed, leaving 100,000 people displaced. The money raised by the charity also goes towards providing urgent relief to those affected by the natural disasters, and to transport medical supplies across Nepal where much of the terrain has become turbulent and dangerous.

West End Bowls needs you!

Hargroves Cycles gears up for annual Trade-in a Banger charity campaign Hargroves Cycles and Swindon based charity Recycles have teamed up for a third year to launch their annual Trade-in a Banger campaign.

The scheme runs until April 30 2019 and provides customers of Hargroves Cycles the opportunity to trade-in an old rusty bike in return for a discount on a new replacement.

All of the trade-in bicycles are donated to charity partners Recycles located at Booth House Swindon.

Booth House is a social enterprise and creates opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness

to turn their lives around, recognise their full potential by learning and developing new skills which can enable them to transform their own lives.

Mark Sealey, Store Manager for Hargroves Cycles Swindon, said: "Hargroves Cycles are proud to support such a great local charity, our donated bikes are our way of giving something back to the local community.

"To date over the last three years, we have donated over 300 bikes and hope to continue to support such a worthy cause." www.hargrovescycles. co.uk/banger

Swindon West End Bowls Club is calling for new members to join in the fun.

The future of the club, which was formed in 1926, has been thrown into doubt following the withdrawl of council subsidies and the increased costs for caring for the green.

The organisation is hosting an open day on Saturday 11th May to allow those interested to find out more about the friendly and social club.

The club is based on Wootton Bassett Road just past the Runner Pub at the bottom of Kingshill.

It offers outdoor lawn bowls during the summer months, and various social events throughout the year. It has the benefit of a skittles alley, licenced bar and kitchen facilities.

Lawn bowls is gentle exercise and very sociable.

Coaching available for beginners.

For more details or to get in touch, contact Colin Harvey Club President on 01793 331053 Email swindonwestendbc@ gmail.com or swindonwestendbowlsclub@ gmail.com.

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Council agrees £2.2m deal to sell County Ground to STFC and Supporters Trust

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

A £2.2 million deal has been struck to buy the freehold of the County Ground.

The deal will see Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust and Swindon Town Football club take over the running of the Former Adver site due for £9.6m regeneration site.

The agreement comes two

By Jamie Hill beginning early this summer. years after a failed £1.1 jamie@swindonlink.com The Advertiser moved out million bid by the supporters' of the Victoria Road offices trust for the grounds and a A further planning application in April last year, when it was further offer from STFC that has been submitted to Swindon purchased by Ultimate Holdings was turned down last year.

Borough Council as part of Group as a regeneration Swindon Town chairman plans to redevelop the former project.

Lee Power welcomed the Newsquest site in Swindon's The proposals form part of development, saying that this Old Town. a number of existing planning presented an “exciting and The latest proposals, put permissions to be delivered unique opportunity” to boost forward by developer, on the former Newsquest site the revenue of the football club Blewbury Court Ltd. aim to which includes 66 private and improve facilities. extend the rear of the building rented residential units Council leader David Renard to provide 26 flats. This will across the two sites and the said that the price-tag was in refurbishment of the Grade bring the total number of line with a figure suggested by proposed residential properties II-listed former Swindon independent assessors, adding Advertiser offices facing to 66 as part of the £9.6m that it was important for the Victoria Road. regeneration project with work

Swindon Wildcats scoop title

Exactly a year to the day since their Autumn Trophy success, Aaron Nell’s Wildcats blew the bees away with their superior all-around quality to finally lay claim to a title that looked far from likely before Christmas.

One 15-game winning run later, and the chance was presented to wrap up the league last week, however an unlikely loss to Streatham saw celebrations postponed until this.

In front of an expectant crowd, Nell opened the scoring in the first period, however the Bracknell Bees hit back to set nerves jangling.

A second-period flood of goals saw Nell’s men race into a 4-1 lead and calm any worries – Nell, Toms Rutkis and Sam Jones all contributed to the Cats’ tally, only for Tyler VanKleef to score his second 16 swindonlink.com n April 2019 S April Master pages.indd 16

late on.

But with Peterborough Phantoms losing 7-6 away to London Raiders, the Wildcats were confirmed as champions in the second interval. The Cats’ fans began cheering and celebrating as the players came out onto the ice for the final period.

An emotional Nell said afterwards: “I’m very happy with all the boys – I’m very proud of them.

“It’s been a great couple of months for us, especially when you consider the position we were in, to be where we are now is just credit to the players because of how hard they’ve worked and how good they’ve been.

“It’s massive, it’s great for the club – our goal this year was to win the league and winning the league is the one that everyone wants to do."

council to get the best deal for the people of the town.

A covenant put in place by the Goddard estate, ensures that the site must be used for sport or leisure purposes.

The purchasing parties have a year to raise the money to buy the ground.

The Supporters' Trust will be holding a share issue to attract investment from fans, having spoken to supporters at their annual general meeting.

The plans were passed by cabinet in late March.

Swindon Sports Stars of the Future?

Young Swindon athletes from a wide range of sports have been attending personal development courses provided

by Swindon Sports Forum.

This is in conjunction with high-performance coach James Marshall from Excelsior who specialise in enhanced sports performance.

Between 12 and 20 teenage athletes have been attending the four hour sessions to help develop their personal fitness, organisation, diet and health.

The young athletes have focussed on teamwork, personal organisation, nutrition and healthy eating and sport/life balance. Nominated by their Club Coaches and coached

by James, they have learned how to approach their sports development in a measured way to help prevent ‘burn out’ before they achieve their potential.

There are two sessions to go in their programme which are run in the school holidays.

Ian Jankinson Chairman of

Swindon Sports Forum said “What a wonderful opportunity for these youngsters. They are still performing at a high level for their Club in their sport and we are enhancing their personal development over the year. They are also having fun at the same time.”

The final two dates for the Academy will be 11 April and 30 May. For more information contact Swindon Sports Forum through their Coordinator Chris Baker at chris@wiltssport.org, or visit www.swindonsportsforum.co.uk or through Facebook.

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Pets and Nature

Bedraggled dogs get a proper pampering

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Dozens of bedraggled rescued dogs were given a full on pampering by staff at Pets At Home - some of whom came in especially on their day off.

The animals, now being looked after at the Swindon and District Animal Haven, are among a group of 300 dogs that were being kept in dreadful conditions by a single animal breeder who has since been banned from keeping animals.

Professional dog groomers, who work at the St Margaret’s Retail Park branch of Pets At Home rallied round to ensure that the animals were sent away with a clean coat, clipped nails and a spring in their step.

John Warwick, who runs the animal haven said: “I’m really grateful for the Pets at Home grooming staff who took time out to make sure that these animals look great and feel better. It’s important to bear in mind that they have never had a brush, let alone been fitted with a collar or taken for

a walk. I can’t envisage how happy they are now.”

To get in touch with the Swindon and District Animal Haven call 07990 868887 or log on to www.sdah.co.uk

Abandoned emaciated dog begins a new life

An abandoned dog that was brought into Swindon District Animal Haven close to death has now been rehomed with a loving family after the story was featured in the Swindon Link.

Lady, a Saluki dog, was found by a member of the public three days before Christmas. It had been tied to a gate and was clearly malnourished.

But thanks to round the clock care by John Warwick, the animal was restored to full health.

The new owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “John did an amazing job of nursing Lady back to health. She wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him.

“She is settling well into her new home. She has a new lurcher brother and she enjoys

running in the garden and play fighting with him! She is an amazingly social dog despite her history, and loves meeting new people and other dogs.

“She looks forward to going out for a walk, two or three times a day and meeting new friends in the park. She is also learning to walk nicely on the lead and not to pull too hard.

“She is very vocal and likes to announce (very loudly) to the world that she has just woken up or that she is hungry - which

happens a number of times each day!! She has lots of new toys, some that she allows her brother to play with and some that she has decided are just for her!

“But mostly what she likes doing is relaxing... especially in the lovely sunny weather we have been having. She has a number of favourite sleeping spots - human beds, sofas and dog beds - and she really enjoys sunbathing in the garden.”

By Drove Veterinary Hospital

Cat vaccines

One of the most important ways to promote health in our pets is through prevention.

When we feed our pets good quality diets, provide them with clean and adequate environments to live in as well as keep their hygiene in tiptop shape, we are already reducing their chances of getting sick, but vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent several deadly diseases.

Core vaccines: Feline Infectious Enteritis This disease is caused by a highly infectious virus, and it’s one of the most important infections in cats.

Vaccination is the only way to prevent this terrible disease.

Cat Flu The vaccine for Cat Flu protects against two viruses that cause this disease – Feline herpesvirus and Feline calicivirus.

Non-Core vaccines: Feline leukaemia Caused by infection with the Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), this illness is particularly threatening to outdoor cats.

Rabies Rabies is part of the legal requirements for all cats that wish to travel abroad or that are returning to the UK. This disease is deadly but it’s not considered an issue in the UK. Other Non-Core vaccines: Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica: Both of these tend to cause problems in very specific situations like in multi-cat households or in places with a lot of young kittens.

We cannot overstate how important it is for your cats’ health to keep their vaccines up to date!

Your vet can advise you on when and how to vaccinate your cat, as well as create a vaccination plan that takes into account their lifestyle and risks of contracting these diseases. swindonlink.com n April 2019

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The Politics Page

Local elections are looming - don't lose your right to vote!

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Local elections are looming next month and Swindon residents are being urged to ensure they don’t lose out on their right to vote.

The local elections, both Borough and Parish council, are being held on Thursday, 2 May 2019.

But in order to be eligible to vote, you will need to ensure that you are on the electoral register.

And to qualify, you must be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of another European Union state and a resident in the Borough of Swindon and be aged 18 years or older.

Every year, all properties in the Borough of Swindon are sent a household enquiry form.

Although there is no legal requirement to vote, the law requires that the form is completed and returned.

The current Register of Electors was published on Saturday, 1 December 2018.

Each person applying to be added to the electoral register needs to provide their National

Insurance Number and date of birth.

There are three different ways you can vote. Most people vote in person at their local polling station If you would like to vote by post you can e-mail elecreg@ swindon.gov.uk or call the Electoral Services team on 01793 464601 and ask for a form to be posted to you.

The deadline for receipt of postal vote applications is 5pm Monday, 15 April.

If you are not able to go to the polling station in person on election day, you can apply to vote by post or by someone voting on your behalf, known as a proxy vote.

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is six days before an election.

If you would like a proxy vote e-mail elecreg@swindon. gov.uk or call the Electoral Services team on 01793 464601 and ask for a form to be posted to you.

The deadline for receipt of proxy vote applications is 5pm Wednesday, 24 April.

For more information on voting visit: www. yourvotematters.co.uk

The Business Brief

'Swindon Science Park will be a 'game-changer' say developers

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

The campaign to bring a controversial science park to Swindon has taken another step forward as developers working on the project have revealed insight into what the park could look like.

The pharmaceutical company behind ambitious plans for a science park in Swindon have released images to the public to offer insight into how the site could develop over the next 15 years.

The Wasdell Group is currently based on its Swindon site at Blagrove, where 650 staff are employed. The proposals to develop a new 40-hectare site at Inland's Farm, Wanborough, offer the creation of 600 more jobs by 2021 - when the first stage of development is due to be 20

complete.

By 2025, if the plans are accepted, the developers are predicting that Swindon Science Park will create up to 3,045 jobs and believe the site will attract highly skilled employees from Swindon and further afield.

Martin Tedham, MD of the Wasdell Group, said: “The vision behind the Swindon Science Park is to create a high-tech hub for the knowledge economy, with Wasdell as the anchor company.

“Swindon doesn’t yet have

anything like this. The demand is there, but you have to create the right offer, so that the innovative next-generation companies, who are the wealth creators and employers of the future, want to come to live and work here.

"Swindon Science Park will be a game-changer for attracting these high-tech employers.”

As well as employment opportunities, the proposals envisage extensive tree planting, water features and paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

Plans for the park are still

being opposed by a local campaign group, South Swindon Protection Group as well as Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, Dale Heenan.

In a recent demonstration more than 200 local residents formed a human chain to highlight the size of the farm and what impacts it will have on the natural environment.

Cllr Dale Heenan said: "Wasdell are an important business for our town and I am happy to see whatever can be done to support their ambitions. Yet this is not a science park but a way to build large warehouses in an inappropiate location outside Wanborough.

"An alternative better site has been proposed to Wasdell

by Cllr Gary Sumner, Cabinet member for Planning, and I hope Wasdell will reconsider." www.swindonsciencepark.co.uk

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Swindon Life

Celebrating town living

Out of the Box, with renowned aviation artist David Bent Renowned Swindon artist David Bent has launched a brand-new exhibition at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery - Out of the Box. Out of the Box is the latest exhibition from aviation artist David Bent which includes some of his original works as well as portraits, self-portraits and figure studies from the Swindon Collection.

The exhibition runs until 1 June and is accompanied by a talk from the curator, Sophie Cummings, on 5 April and a talk by David Bent for

the Friends of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery on 23 May. During his talk David will outline the wide-ranging influences that have inspired his life’s work, including his art education and adventures around the world. This talk is an opportunity to hear from the artist alongside this new exhibition of his work which features paintings and photo collages representing his broader work.

Visit: www. swindonmuseumandartgallery. org.uk

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From Ken White murals to The Mechanic’s Institute - five Swindon landmarks that have disappeared

By Genna Pugh publisher@swindonlink.com

as a history student - that we have little to show for our rich heritage.

It’s not surprising that nearly everyone who lives in Swindon has probably visited the Steam Museum at least once, - as a

Swindon’s history – will that forever remain in the past?

Having lived in Swindon all my life, nearly 20 years now, it saddens me – particularly

town it is abundantly clear that we cherish our prestigious railway heritage - mainly thanks to Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

However, many historic buildings and places in Swindon could become completely unknown

to future generations as they continue to be destroyed or left to rot.

To quench my own historical curiosity, I even uncovered some Swindon relics that were, until recently, unheard of to me.

The Mechanic’s Institute

The Baptist Tabernacle

The Corn Exchange

Ken White murals

Old Town Railway Station

Although technically not a disappeared landmark, the Mechanic’s Institute on Emlyn Square has been derelict for a number of years. But, this Grade II listed Jacobean style building was once a thriving social hub for Swindon’s railway workers.

Created by Great Western Railway workers, it was opened in May 1855 and was home to the first lending library, a skittle alley, bar and lounge facilities and even a theatre - to name but a few. It also became a new location for the GWR Medical Fund Society first set up in 1847.

The current owner’s ideas have been for a small hotel, as well as a café, but having owned the Mechanic’s Institute since 2003, the only update has been a roof refurbishment in 2012, leading the building to remain empty and deteriorate further.

The pretty Georgian style building built from Bath stone, with six columns with a large roof and stone wall surroundings in 1886, became the Baptist Tabernacle at the top of Regent Street, and was host to the Baptists of Swindon.

What was once a popular Baptist church, subsequently began to decline in congregation numbers – this meant the costs of upkeep became much too expensive.

In 1978, fears of the old building crumbling onto the street and injuring pedestrians, led Thamesdown Borough Council to make the decision to take it down.

In 2006, Swindon Borough Council bought the remains of the Tabernacle stones for £360,000, to use in a new car park but their partner company went bust and the former site is now home to the Pilgrim Centre.

The Corn Exchange, known as The Locarno, in The Square, Old Town, has taken many names and roles over the years but was first opened in 1852 as the Old Town Hall. Later, in 1865, more land was provided by Swindon’s historic family, The Goddard’s, to extend it into the Corn Exchange market, which opened in 1866.

In 1880 the building’s large hall was made into a theatre that could hold up to 1000 people. After being converted into the 'Rink Cinema' in 1919, it was refurbished in 1949 and became the Locarno Dance Hall. The Locarno now, however, is decaying badly and completely derelict having suffered two fires since the beginning of the 21st century. Is there hope for the site or will it continue to lie covered in graffiti, roofless and with nature taking over, soon to become a disappeared landmark?

Born in Swindon in 1943, Ken White, like many at the time, began working at the Swindon Railway Works in 1958, after leaving school aged 15.

First working as a rivet hotter, then a sign-writer in the wagon shop, he then left to study at Swindon Art College for four years.

By the late 1970s, his distinctive murals began to pop up in and around Swindon, with his first ‘The Golden Lion Bridge’ still on the side of a house on Fleming Way today.

Many of his murals, however, no longer exist due to re-developments, - amongst other reasons such as a two-piece mural that used to be in the Brunel Centre featuring Diana Dors and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Although White has been refurbishing many of his murals, I wouldn’t be surprised if more of his wonderful murals become more of Swindon's disappeared landmarks.

The Old Town Railway Station, although only existing as a railway for eighty years, became a prominent line for the people of Swindon.

Opening in July 1881, it was a relatively quiet line providing journeys from Swindon to Andover - although it picked up significantly during the First and Second World War. September 1961 would then see its final passenger service although the refreshment rooms stayed open whilst goods traffic still existed until 1964. It now exists running along Signal Way Industrial Estate as a cycle path trail linking West Swindon to Old Town.

Although the original landmark has disappeared as such, the work done to renovate it has been a great success and now provides a pleasant route for both keen cyclists and dog walkers alike.

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTHS AHEAD In the community l The Swindon Fringe kicks off this month, Friday 5 April, at The Crossing. Join the team for live music and entertainment, a glass of bubbly and meet some of the acts. www.swindonfringefestival.com

Book now...

EASTENDERS' MICHELLE COLLINS JOINS CAST FOR WYVERN PANTO

Eastenders and Coronation Street soap star Michelle Collins has been confirmed as the the evil Carabosse for the Wyvern Theatre's pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Following the Wyvern Theatre’s previous announcement that Cbeebies’ Chris Jarvis will play the lovable Muddles in their Pantomime this Christmas, it has now been confirmed that actress Michelle Collins will star alongside him as the evil Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty from Saturday 7 December - the first time the title has been performed at the Wyvern Theatre in ten years.

Michelle is best known for her roles in EastEnders and Coronation Street. In EastEnders Michelle played Cindy Beale, wife of previous-Wyvern panto star Adam Woodyatt’s character Ian Beale. For tickets visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk

LIONESS AT THE WYVERN THEATRE

The Amy Winehouse Experience: Lioness is heading to the Wyvern Theatre, 20 April. The show features TV’s ‘Stars in Their Eyes’ finalist and ‘X Factor’ boot- camp contestant Emma Wright as Amy Winehouse, plus a full 7 piece backing band.

Tickets from £22 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

DIANA DORS: HER STORY

The life of Britain's Marilyn Monroe will be brought to the Wyvern Theatre, 1 April, as a one-woman show by Mandy Winters.

Mandy will also perform some of the songs that Diana performed in her cabaret performances.

Tickets £21.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

ELECTRIC SIX AT LEVEL III

The disco/rock hybrid sensations will be coming to Swindon, Thursday 16 May, as part of their UK tour! If expectation is anything to go by, then it’s a safe assumption that Level III's sound system is gearing up for a beating with some high voltage.

Tickets £18.50 www.level3swindon.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 Disco-rock entertainer Leo Sayer is returning to the British shores which will see him perform at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre, Thursday 2 May! The show is part of his 'Just A Boy at 70' tour. www.swindontheatres.co.uk l Mirth Control Comedy Guide confirm Tom Deacon, Iszi Lawrence and Yazz Fetto as acts for The Ocelot's free Comedy Night at The Victoria, Thursday 25 April. l Swindon Male Voice Choir and Fairford Ladies Choir will be hosting a concert in aid of Parkinson’s Swindon & District Branch, Sunday 6 April at Bath Road Methodist Church.

Tickets: davelogan_parkinsons. swindon@outlook.com l The RAF Red Arrows will perform their last public displays in the UK from 19 to 21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, before they fly to North America for the Western Hawk 19 Tour. The event promotes trade in support of the UK’s prosperity agenda.

Tickets from £47 www.airtattoo.com l Inbetweeners' star Emily Atack heads to Swindon Arts Centre for her debut comedy show 'Talk Thirty To Me', 30 April, for a live memoir of impressions and tales of an actress in her twenties.

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Swindon's youth finds voice in new online magazine As part of an innovative social enterprise, The Platform Project, young people from Swindon are making their voices heard after launching a new online magazine focusing on social issues - #iDare.

Created by young creatives, aged 13 to 20, the online magazine is formed from written content, blogs, vlogs and podcasts which the group hopes will begin a positive dialogue about the issues facing young people today.

Platform Project director

Sadie Sharp said: "Everything they did was so amazingly principled and substantive - without any suggestions at all the group very quickly decided that they wanted to use their voice to help other teens become the best version of themselves, with things like mental health and positive social action taking a strong emphasis in their planned content.

"I'm super excited to see where they take it!" www.platformproject.co.uk

Swindon Shuffle rides again

As we were going to press the Swindon Shuffle, the town's annual unsigned musical festival was on the verge of releasing their first raft of acts for the weekend that takes place from Thursday 11 July to Sunday 14 July.

The festival takes place at venues in the Old Town area of the town.

To get all the line-up releases keep an eye on their website at www.swindonshuffle.org.uk

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Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Jasmine Aras

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

"It’s like his gift" says Jasmine Aras - a mother from Wootton Bassett who is pursuing her dream of becoming an artist in memory of her son.

Jasmine Aras, 34, has debuted a brand-new exhibition which she hopes will launch her dream of becoming a professional artist, thanks to her late son.

Jasmine joined North Swindon’s Kingdom Arts Foundation to pursue her career and give back to a charitable cause after she lost her son, River, in 2014 when doctors could not detect a heartbeat when she became full-term.

River was stillborn two days later.

In 2015 Mrs Aras hosted her first solo exhibition in memory of River to mark the first anniversary since his passing, raising £1,000 for the charity Swindon SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) to thank them for the support they provided to her and her husband Muhittin Aras.

During her stay in hospital Jasmine received a box, - which was gifted to the hospital by SANDS – containing River’s handprints, footprints, a lock of his hair, a hand knitted blanket and a letter from a mother who also experienced a stillbirth.

Jasmine said: “The fact that I was able to leave the hospital with something was huge, it was so powerful.

“Six months later I then plucked up the courage to contact SANDS and went to a meeting, which felt like a really big step, but it was so wonderful because people in SANDS they would ask ‘what’s his name? What does he look like?’ and people are obviously very scared to ask that because 26

they don’t want to upset you. But everyone at SANDS understands – even if you have a really good support network you really need to meet someone who knows exactly how you feel.”

Swindon SANDS continued to support Jasmine and Muhittin when they became pregnant with their second son, Romeo – who is nearly three. Having always wanted to be an artist Jasmine now wants to kick start her dream of becoming a professional painter in memory of River, but to also push forward with this new turning point in her life.

Yesterday saw Mrs Aras debut her second solo exhibition at Kingdom Coffee House as part of her ongoing series ‘The Colour Collection’ which will be displayed over the next two months. Still wanting to give back to SANDS, 10 percent of the profits made from her paintings will be donated to the charity.

Jasmine said: “My life changed again by having another child, but I’ve kept going in River’s memory – this is my dream and I really feel like he helped me get back to that.

“The collection represents new beginnings and striping things back to a simplicity. In my bio I wrote ‘When you hit

the floor, that’s when you find your foundation’ so when I lost my son it made me re-evaluate everything in life, but it made me find my foundation in many ways in the same way this collection is about stripping all of that away and starting from the foundation, – just colour and application – and making something joyful and colourful.

“I’ve always wanted to be an artist, – I studied art all the way through school and university – and it’s something I just always assumed would happen. Of course, when you leave university life takes over as you try and get a job, so it was something that was always in the background. I was putting it off, I guess, waiting for that magical moment when someone would make me an artist then you realise that’s not going to happen. You have to do it yourself.

“After losing River, and then having my second son Romeo, it changed our lives so much and it really put me on a course where I started taking my dream of becoming an artist seriously again, and I really feel like River really gave me that gift and sparked me onwards.

“Whenever I put down a paintbrush too long, or I have doubts, I think ‘no – this is

for River, I must keep going’.

So, here I am today at my launch preparing to go to a contemporary arts festival. It’s very exciting!”

In 2018 the Kingdom Arts Foundation and Kingdom Coffee House was set up by Kingdom House Ministries’Church Leader, Chris Delni Offord. As an artist himself Chris wants to support artists living in the North Swindon area and share his experiences on how to pursue a career in art. Jasmine and fellow artists from the Kingdom Arts Foundation, - Jasmine Sara, 29, and Lisa Hardings, 36 – are now gearing up to exhibit at the Surrey Contemporary Art Fair later this month, of which Chris has been an attendee over the last few years.

Chris said: “They [Surrey Contemporary Art Fair]kindly gave the girls, through me, a 50% discount – so instead of paying £1,200 for a stand they’re splitting it between them, otherwise they couldn’t afford it. So, they’ll be taking a six-metre stand with them, and for the first time ever they’re going to try and sell their art which they’ve never done before.

“I am trying to encourage them to spread their wings to work and network with other people.”

Jasmine added: “The art foundation has really started me going again. I realised this is exactly what I needed: a community of artists and support – especially from Chris.

“I really want to thank Chris, and the Kingdom Arts Foundation, for helping emerging artists in the local area.” www.jasminearas.com www.kingdomcoffeehouse.co.uk

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12

13

17

14

14

21 Good; 25 Very Good; 29 Excellent.

15

16

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

18 19 21

22

22

23

25

24

28

29

27

28

30

29

7

33

ACROSS

DOWN

1.

6.

8.

9.

10.

12.

14.

17.

18.

20.

24.

25.

26.

29.

30.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

19.

21.

22.

23.

24.

27.

28.

Entreated (8) Renown (4) Organ of sight (3) Bony framework (8) Long story (4) Marine growth (5) Poison (5) Pile (4) Set free (8) Debilitated (8) Propel lightly (4) Light purple colour (5) Competitor (5) Order to stop (4) Obtaining of money by coercion (8) 31. Pull behind (3) 32. Sort (4) 33. Next day (8)

A B

S

D O G

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

31

32

E A T

SUDOKU

26

23

30

13

Manufacture (4) Bound about (6) Ceremony (6) Gainsay (4) Rankle (6) Grub (6) Shoulder wrap (5) Man-made waterway (5) Bodily organ (5) Annoy (3) Of birth (5) Irish county (5) Dry (of wines) (3) Fourscore (6) Martial art (6) Deprive of weapons (6) Spendthrift (6) Small amphibian (4) Game played on horseback (4)

1 2 3 7 3 5

6 7 9 6 8 3

2 1 7 5 3 4 2 8 9 3 1 4 8 7 2 5 9 1 6

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

SOLUTIONS

Meath; 19 Sec; 21 QUICK Eighty; 22 Karate; 23 CROSSWORD Disarm; 24 Waster; 27 Across – 1 Implored; Newt; 28 Polo.

6 Fame; 8 Eye; 9 Skeleton; 10 Saga; 12 NONAGRAM Coral; 14 Venom; 17 abase; abased; Heap; 18 Liberate; 20 abate; abated; abed; Weakened; 24 Waft; abet; abode; adobe; 25 Lilac; 26 Rival; 29 baaed; bade; badge; Whoa; 30 Exaction; base; based; bast; 31 Tow; 32 Type; 33 baste; basted; bate; Tomorrow. bated; bats; bead; beast; beat; begad; Down – 2 Make; 3 begat; begot; best; Lollop; 4 Ritual; 5 beta; boast; boasted; Deny; 6 Fester; 7 boat; boated; bode; Maggot; 11 Shawl; bodega; bodge; 12 Canal; 13 Liver; debag; debt; 14 Vex; 15 Natal; 16 sabot; sabotage; SABOTAGED; stab; tabes.

11

11

MAGIC SQUARE ware; avid; ring; edge.

11

3 5 2 1 7 6 4 9 8

10

10

DRAGGED IN A VIEWER

1 9 8 2 4 3 5 6 7

9

20

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

Target scores:

7

6 7 4 8 9 5 1 2 3

6

8

5 8 9 6 3 1 2 7 4

5

2 4 1 7 8 9 3 5 6

4

7 6 3 4 5 2 9 8 1

3

9 3 6 5 1 7 8 4 2

2

7

MAGIC SQUARE

4 2 5 3 6 8 7 1 9

1

NONAGRAM

8 1 7 9 2 4 6 3 5

QUICK CROSSWORD

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