South Swindon Link December 2017

NEW: Swindon Life p19

The Service Sector p27 No 16 December 2017

The Puzzle Page p31

Est. overall readership across Swindon: 125,000

South Swindon Edition

Christmas Shopping Guide p20

Santa's Little Helper Year 6 Lawn Primary School pupil Katie Phillips wins Christmas Card competition page 14

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

Swindon gears up for Christmas

Students given insight into army life

By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

You can't escape it. It's everywhere. It's on the radio.

It's on telly. It's every time you go into a shop.

I'm of course, talking about Christmas.

Every year Swindon goes festive mad with our town centre and Old Town as well as all the shopping centres. bedecked with lights echoing to ringing tills as shoppers go mad before the big day. Check out our Christmas shopping guide on page 31.

It is also a time for charity and giving to the less fortunate in our town with organisations like Christmas Cares needing your help to make sure that people aren't left out in the cold over these freezing months.

December also marks panto season with the town's flagship theatre going all out with Adam Woodyat, Ian Beale from Eastenders, headlining as Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Expect a big crocodile, a host of pirates and Tinkerbell!

I love a good panto myself, and before you say 'Oh no, you don't' - I really do.

Happy Christmas!

Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Claire Dukes Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart & Rosy Presley Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

The New College annual Funky Fusion performance takes place on 30 November.

And Sergeant Mark Denman offered a helping hand to Level 2 students in preparation for their dance spectacular.

This year there is a key theme surrounding World War I. The idea came about after students were invited to watch a performance of ‘Five Soldiers’ by Rosie Kay Dance Company at the Army Reserve Centre in Swindon.

Dance Lecturer Sam Prewett said: “The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as they were also studying a piece ‘Young Men’ by the Ballet Boys, choreographed by Iven Perez.”

Sergeant Mark Denman

demonstrated how to hold a dummy rifle and the art of carrying a 16kg Bergen – 10 of which the Army Reserve Centre are loaning to New College for the show.

The students had fun practising movements, while also gaining an insight into the positives of Army life.

This helped the dancers understand some of the processes involved when serving in the Army, providing great inspiration for their choreography.

Sergeant Mark Denman commented, “I think the piece that the students are working on is awesome, it’s really positive to see.

"There are a lot of misconceptions about how the Army conducts its training; many think it’s all about shouting, but that’s not the case.

"The Army tries to coach and mentor its soldiers through training.”

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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 744677 swindonlink.com n December 2017

3

Proud foster parents share positive experiences

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

A Wroughton couple are proudly approaching the anniversary of their first year as full-time foster carers for two biological sisters – one of which has learning difficulties, and a baby girl they have cared for since birth.

Sue, 61, and her husband Mike, 58, are now urging more people to consider a career as a foster carer to help tackle a nationwide shortage, which includes a current shortfall of 480 carers across the South West of England and more than 7,000 throughout the UK. Maddie*,6, and Jessica*,2, are biological sisters and were placed in foster care with Sue and Mike earlier this year.

Maddie has learning difficulties as a result of a chromosome disorder, and Sue and Mike’s support in the last months has helped alleviate her stress and agitation.

Over the summer, Maddie

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Sue and Mike with their foster daughter Kyla

and Jessica enjoyed their first family holiday at the seaside, picnics in their local park, and went trampolining. The girls have settled into home life, which is having a positive effect on their time at school.

Sue and Mike also foster Kyla*, aged 1, who was placed with the couple a few days after being born on a ‘parent and child’ scheme through independent fostering agency Five Rivers Child Care.

Sue has worked with children for her entire career. She has worked in various schools and nurseries, taught in further

education, and latterly managed children’s nurseries.

Sue said: “I felt passionate about helping young and vulnerable children, and wanted to be able provide a home where they could feel safe and secure. I spoke with my daughter and she told me that it would be a waste if I didn’t foster – she felt I had so much to offer. However, it was important that Mike was on board too.”

Sue and Mike, who have four biological children and four grandchildren between them, have embraced the challenges

of their new roles. Now a foster family of five, Maddie and Jessica refer to their foster carers as Grandma and Grandad.

“Foster care demands your time and commitment 24/7.

There are true rewards in spending time at home with the girls, and seeing them flourish."

For more information about fostering contact Five Rivers on 0345 266 0272, email carer. enquiries@five-rivers.org or visit www.five-rivers.org *Names have been changed to protect the identity of the foster children

Sammi's slimmers shine!

The super slimmers group in Rodbourne have lost 3150.5lbs in weight since January this year.

All together the members of the Rodbourne Methodist Church Slimming World group are now 225 stones lighter than they were when Sammi Lamb took over the group in January – that’s 22.5 stones lost each month.

The 65 members follow Slimming World’s eating plan which encourages slimmers to fill up on foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish, pulses and fruit and veg.

The Rodbourne consultant, Sammi Lamb said: “Reaching this amazing weight loss as a group just proves the huge change that every single member has made to their lives, some people who’ve lost big amounts of weight have probably even saved their lives.

“It’s brilliant to celebrate

together as well because that’s how we’ve been losing weight – together. Every week we support and encourage each other and share tips and recipes, and on top of that we have a lot of fun.

Swindon has the highest rates of obesity and excess weight in adults in the South West with 71% of Swindon adults in 2016 considered overweight.

For more information, call Sammi on 07846162375.

swindonlink.com n December 2017

5

Veale: I'm staying

Liden Primary School pupils sock it to bullies Youngsters and staff at Liden Primary School threw themselves into the spirit of anti-bullying week by sporting mis-matched socks.

The odd socks day event, on Monday 13 November

highlighted the messages of inclusivity and embracing difference that are part and parcel of anti-bullying week.

Anti-Bullying Week shines a spotlight on bullying and encourages all children,

teachers and parents to take action against bullying throughout the year.

The theme this year is 'All Different, All Equal' with the aim to encourage children to celebrate their differences.

New voice banking software helps patients hold on to their speech New technology which helps people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) to continue to communicate by creating their own synthetic voice is being offered at Great Western Hospital.

MND is a rare, progressive condition which can affect the muscles of the mouth, throat and tongue, leading to problems with speech and voice.

The hospital’s speech and language team has introduced a dedicated laptop with specialised software to enable patients to bank their own voice before it deteriorates.

It allows a person with MND to record hundreds of phrases with their own voice, while they are still able to do so, with the recordings then converted to create a personal synthetic voice which can be used to generate an infinite number of

Following speculation in the media in the wake of the investigation into Sir Edward Heath’s alleged child abuse, Chief Constable Mike Veale has denied that he will be resigning.

In a statement Mr Veale said: “I have been with Wiltshire Police for coming up to 13 years and my commitment to the force I lead and the communities we serve is as strong today as it ever has been. The suggestion that I am about to quit the force is simply not true. I remain fully committed to Wiltshire Police and I am exceptionally proud to serve as its Chief Constable.”

Be in the running!

Registration is open for the Mad March Hare. The annual 10k and 5k charity run, which is gearing up for its 11th anniversary event on March 25 at Lydiard Park raises money for the Breast Cancer Now charity.

The Mad March Hare was inspired by Irene Hare, a member of Swindon Twin Peaks Power Walking group and a keen fundraiser for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Irene lost her life to breast cancer in 2006, aged 46.

To take part log on to www. madmarchhare.org.uk

Call for governors words and sentences.

Speech and Language Therapist Lucie Spurway, who specialises in neurological conditions, said: “Losing our voice can often feel like we’re losing our identity, so we try to offer this to our MND patients as early as possible, if it is appropriate for them.

“The voice banking technology means that a patient can record words before communicating becomes

difficult and, as the synthesised voice is based on their real voice, it can help to retain their sense of identity."

Dr Graham Lennox, Consultant Neurologist, added: “We’re very pleased to be able to offer such a high quality service at the Great Western Hospital and we’re very lucky to have such enthusiastic and expert staff like Lucie supporting our patients.”

Uplands Special Secondary School is looking to appoint new governors to help shape the future of the school.

The school is particularly interested in appointing volunteers from the business community because of the skills, experience and objectivity they can bring to the role.

Anyone interested should contact Heather Large, clerk to the governors on h.m.large@btopenworld.com or 07746 359827.

swindonlink.com n December 2017

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Eastern Villages is go - after 2,380 home development gets green light

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Taylor Wimpey has been given the go-ahead by a unanimous vote from Swindon’s Planning Committee to build 2,380 homes to the north of Swindon.

The scheme, to the north of the A420, also includes two primary schools, restaurants, pubs and communal green space.

At the evening’s Swindon Borough Council planning meeting, committee members agreed to follow officers’ recommendation to grant outline planning permission for the scheme.

Taylor Wimpey plans to expand South Marston Village eastwards with 500 new homes.

As part of the developer’s ‘New Eastern Villages’ project, 1,880 homes are planned as part of a new village at Rowborough.

Across the whole development, 23% of the homes will be affordable housing.

Planners have agreed to allow builders to use Old Vicarage

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Lane and Thornhill Road as access for work vehicles whilst building takes place.

The planning application also includes a new access road East of the A420, and a roundabout at Thornhill Road.

At the meeting South Marston's Parish Council Chair, Colin McEwen, said:

"Negotiations have not been easy at times, but the Parish Council fully supports this application."

Although the vote was strongly in favour of the development, council members raised concerns over the funding for the infrastructure, and contribution of more traffic

throughout Swindon. As part of the proposal, the planning has outlined an application for the Island Bridge structure to "secure links throughout the New Eastern Villages" with other routes "designed to promote pedestrian and cyclist permeability" throughout the entire development.

Sign up to join a gaggle of Santas

Seeing red: Santa look-alikes flood Lydiard Park at last year's event

It’s that time of year again - when a gaggle of Santas transform Lydiard Park into a sea of scarlet. There is still time to sign up for the 6th annual 5km Santa Fun Run which will be held on Sunday 3 December.

Those taking part in the event, organised by the Swindon Phoenix Rotary Club, can walk,

run or jog the route and dogs are also welcome (festive attire optional) The run raises funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Swindon Downs Syndrome Group. Parking at Lydiard Park is free on the day of the run.

Entry is £15 for adults, £7 for youths, £5 for children and infants are free. The ticket

price includes a Santa suit for everyone taking part. Outfits and race numbers are issued between 9.30am and 10.30am on the day of the race at the registration point in Lydiard Park. A Zumba warm up will take place at 10.45am before the race gets underway at 11am. To enter log on to www. swindonsanta.org.uk

Do something different this Christmas

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Christmas Care is looking for volunteers over the Christmas season.

Would you like to be a part of something which will put smiles on faces, gives you a glow and new friends, and makes you part of a very special team?

Christmas Care are a notfor-profit charity first founded in 1988. The organisation provide food, warmth and hospitality for the homeless and vulnerable over the Christmas period.

Christmas Care is looking

for adults over 18 to help provide a caring, hospitable shelter for homeless and vulnerable adults, from 11am 24 December to 10am 28 December.

Applications are now available for which volunteers can apply for either kitchen or general positions.

Beforehand there will also be two donations days: 16 December and 23 December, between 10am and 3pm.

Children under 16 can take part in donation days, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

The donations can be delivered to Buckhurst Community Centre, Walcot, Swindon SN3 3BS (The Dome) on Saturday 16 December and Saturday 23 December between 10am and 3pm.

For further details, visit www.christmascareswindon. org.uk or @ChristmasCareSwindon

You can help by donating any of the following items: • Adult clothing and shoes in good condition, new underwear and socks, sleeping bags, toiletries and towels • Tinned food – meat, fish, beans, tomatoes, other veg, rice pudding etc • Dried food – rice, pasta, breakfast cereals, biscuits, tea, coffee, sugar, drinking chocolate etc • Perishable and frozen food (closer to Christmas) – bacon, sausages, eggs, cheese, fresh veg • Books and board games • Monetary donations are always very welcome – cheques should be made payable to Christmas Care

Fight against flu

Pain free flu vaccinations are being offered to toddlers in Swindon and Wiltshire.

Nasal spray vaccinations are being offered to all two and three year olds and children of all ages with a health condition that puts them at greater risk of contracting the virus are also eligible for the flu vaccine.

Flu can cause fever, stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints, and extreme tiredness.

Serious complications of flu include a painful ear infection, acute bronchitis and pneumonia.

Scout post launch Scouts across Swindon will be taking part in the annual Scout Christmas Post.

The seventh Swindon Scout Group will be selling stamps at Asda Walmart on the Orbital Retail Park on Friday 1 December – 7pm to 8pm, Sunday 3 December – 10am to 4pm, Friday 8 December – 7pm to 8pm and Sunday 10 December – 10am to 4pm.

Stamps will also be available from the Uplands School Charity Shop in Redhouse and from Justin Tomlinson MP’s constituency office located in the Customer Services Hub from 1 November.

Cards will be delivered on 16/17 December. visit www. swindonnorthscouts.org.uk

Ready for the freeze

Twelve hundred tonnes of salt is being held in reserve ready for winter. The salt is enough to treat the town’s priority routes 30 times.

The dedicated team of 16 drivers and eight gritting lorries will be on stand-by 24 hours a day to grit the priority routes which cover 200 miles of the borough’s 520+ mile road network. www. wiltshireandswindonprepared. org.uk

swindonlink.com n December 2017

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Lawn Manor is latest school to join Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust

Our family service caring for you

John Pearce (left), Belinda, Tracy and David.

Here for you when needed most

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Our Fully Guaranteed Prepaid Funeral Plans start from £3,350* For extra peace of mind, a complimentary, professionally written Will can be provided (if required).

The option of paying by monthly instalments is also available.

To receive a £75 discount on these fees please contact us, quoting the reference ‘Link1’ Town Office 1 Groundwell Road, Swindon SN1 2LT

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01793 832072 www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk info@pearcefuneralservices.co.uk * for the option of burial a contribution of £1250 will be made towards third party costs. Valid until 31st March 2018

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swindonlink.com n December 2017

The Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust (RWBAT) opened in May 2017 after receiving agreement from the Secretary of State to operate as an Mutli Academy Trust.

RWBA is a National Support School and leads the North Wiltshire Teaching School Alliance and Challenge Partners Hub of 31 schools.

The first new school in the Trust is Lawn Manor Academy which opened in September 2017.

George Croxford, CEO of RWBAT, said: "Together the schools will strengthen each other and building capacity.

We have already begun to share good practice to maximize the potential of each person within our community.

As a trust we are absolutely committed to continuous improvement and by working with staff, parents and pupils across the schools we can

achieve more together."

Newly appointed Heads of House at Lawn Manor have been to visit RWBA and participated in the Harvest Festival in the hope that Lawn Manor Academy (LMA) will be able to establish strong links with its own community.

LMA Headteacher, Sandra Muir, said: “The staff, pupils and parents have really embraced the ‘Lawn Manor Way’ and I am really proud to be part of the RWBAT. By working together we are ensuring the high expectations and aspirations that will ensure each pupil leaves Lawn Manor with the best possible examination results. Our vision at Lawn Manor is ‘Inspiring and Creating Futures for All’."

Transplant patient returns to volunteer on GWH ward where he recieved life-changing operation A transplant patient who received treatment on the Neptune Ward at the Great Western Hospital last year has returned as a regular volunteer.

Mike McGarvie, 62, a Swindon resident originally from South Africa, received a liver transplant in the summer of 2016 and was transferred to recover on the Neptune Ward at GWH. Staff on the ward were thrilled to see Mike return in full health, ready to volunteer for his first shift last month.

Mike said: “I am trying my very best to give back what the NHS gave me; I was treated in three hospitals and had amazing service across the board. The transplant was the biggest success.

“I wanted to thank all of the staff who have treated me here, as well as my friends and family who have been so

supportive.

“People are surprised by the amount of volunteers.

“We help out so that the nurses and sisters don’t have to worry about the softer aspects of care like making cups of tea.”

Mike has offered to volunteer for two days a week and has already put his name down to come in on bank holidays,

Mike McGarvie and Indra Robson

including giving his time on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Each volunteer’s role is different, but many will be on the wards supporting patients, liaising with healthcare staff and assisting with meals.

Dr Moby Joseph, Consultant on Neptune Ward, said: “We are so chuffed to see him back

here, fully recovered and willing to help out.”

The process to become a volunteer is as rigorous as for an employee, with interviews, references and background checks before they are trained at the hospital.

The Voluntary Services team at GWH work hard to help over 350 people of all ages and backgrounds to volunteer at the hospital.

Indra Robson, Volunteer Mentor said: “We get some volunteers who want to become doctors and others like Mike, who return after treatment to give something back.

“Mike was welcomed with open arms by everyone on Neptune Ward; it was marvellous, everyone knew him and they were delighted to have him back.

“He is a prime example of what a difference volunteers make at the hospital.”

Vintage machines put to work to repair museum

They've still got it: A vintage steamroller and stone crusher were put to good use

Vintage machinery was dusted off and brought back into use to carry out some maintenance work at the Richard Jefferies Museum Workers made use of a huge

iron stone crusher which made short work of lumps of rock and brick.

The resulting rubble formed the basis of a road surface which was flattened into shape

by a hefty steam roller.

The Richard Jefferies Museum, on Marlborough Road, hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year, from writing and

poetry classes to orienteering and art exhibitions. For more information about what's coming up at the museum call 01793 979224. www. richardjefferies.org/activities swindonlink.com n December 2017

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Maria scoops dance award

All smiles: Maria Howse who has been recognised for her talents

A dance teacher from Swindon has scooped a top award in recognition of her talents.

Maria Howse, who is a professional examiner and teacher, has been awarded the Carl Alan Award at an event in Blackpool.

Maria, 49, who runs Cadley Dance Studios, was nominated

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by her peers and was one of three teachers shortlisted for the award.

As a dance teacher, Maria has been helping students learn ballroom, Latin and freestyle dance for more than 25 years.

For information about Cadley Dance log on to www. cadleydance.co.uk

CMS SupaTrak cycles for SN Dogs

A Swindon charity that looks after and rehomes stray and needy dogs is set to benefit from the substantial and strenuous fund-raising efforts of local company CMS SupaTrak.

Staff from the West Swindon firm have raised £1,152.66 for Swindon’s Needy (SN) Dogs after several of the team took part in Cycle Heroes 2017, a charity bike ride that has become an annual feature in the waste and logistics industry calendar, of which CMS SupaTrak are a leading business.

Jason Airey, MD of CMS, said: “My own dog came to us via SN Dogs and he’s made such a difference to our family. Other members of staff at CMS have also adopted their dogs from them so SN Dogs has become an important organisation for us."

Clare Fantini-Stephens of SN Dogs added: “At this time of the year funds get short so this money has come at a very good time and will be used mainly for vets fees for the dogs currently in our care and those about to arrive."

(no partner required)

swindonlink.com n December 2017

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Vet group helps local charities Swindon's Vets4Pets has donated more than 380 hours to support a number of Wiltshire charities.

Colleagues from Vets4Pets Support Office lent 64 pairs of helping hands to seven local good causes, including Swindon Women’s Aid, South Marston Parish Council and Uplands Educational Trust.

Each of the 64 colleagues worked hard helping with a variety of tasks to support the local organisations, from landscaping and paving slabs, to helping with Halloween activities and painting.

“Our new premises in the Isambard building not only provides a better working environment for our teams, but also offers the opportunity to get involved with a wonderful new community.

“To celebrate our one-year anniversary in Swindon, we wanted to immerse ourselves into the community."

Involve Swindon worked with Vets4Pets to facilitate the

Community Day, helping to organise the volunteer work for each of the seven projects.

Uplands Educational Trust, Empower the Gambia, Hreod Burna Urban Forest, Buckhurst Park Community Centre, Swindon Women’s Aid, South Marston Parish Council and Hop, Skip & Jump, are the organisations the Vets4Pets teams offered their time and help to throughout the day.

Karen Jacklin, volunteer at Swindon Women’s Aid, added: “The Vets4Pets team coming down was a great help and a brilliant way for everyone to meet and learn about different people in the local community.”

Thamesdown Rotary are planting for polio As part of the world-wide End Polio Now campaign, Swindon Thamesdown Rotary have been planting crocuses.

Last month the Rotarians planted bulbs at Wroughton Junior's, Chiseldon Primary School and TWIGS. Rotarian Chris Ockwell explained: "Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are still battling polio. After a child has had a polio vaccine, their finger is marked on a purple dye pad. This is the unique part of the story because this is why we are planting purple crocuses."

Thamesdown Rotary President, David Dukes, added: "It's one way we can help spread the word for this important campaign.

"It's wonderful for these groups to come together."

TWIGS (Therapeutic Work In Gardening in Swindon), are the latest organisation to get involved.

On planting the crocuses, Garden Coordinator, Jackie

Jackson, said: "We're so happy to support this campaign.

"It's also great for TWIGS to continue to raise awareness towards well-being and mental health."

New homes at Badbury Park Katie wins the AMS Christmas card competition

Katie Phillips, year 6 of Lawn Primary School has won the competition to design a Christmas card for AMS Accountancy Ltd. She said: "I thought I would come last! I designed a picture with the sleigh because it is very important to Santa."

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Katie won a £25 Amazon voucher and AMS donated £250 to the school.

Barbara French, Head of Marketing at AMS said: "We are very grateful to the school for taking part every year, our clients love receiving these unique cards."

Redrow Homes has released a collection of new homes as work starts on the latest phase of the Badbury Park development near Swindon next to Coate Water.

The housebuilder is to release 122 homes over the next stage of construction with a further 59 to follow that.

The first of these two, three and four-bedroom homes are due to be completed in the Spring of 2018.

The site will also include a local retail centre, a primary school and areas designated as public open space such as recreational and ecological areas.

Sabrina Abolghasemi, Redrow sales manager for Badbury Park, said: “We are expecting these properties to get snapped up quickly.

“Badbury Park offers a rare combination of countryside idyll with the convenience of town."

Snowasis scheme is given go-ahead by planners

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Plans to revamp Swindon’s iconic Oasis Leisure Centre have taken a huge leap forward after councillors agreed to grant outline planning permission to transform it into a leisure hub complete with indoor ski centre, cinema, indoor crazy golf, skate park and hotel as well as a range of shops and restaurants.

Under the £270m project developer Seven Capital also hopes to provide parking on the 30 acre site for up to 1,600 cars to meet demand for the site - due to open its doors to the public by 2021.

One member of the public wrote in support of the application, citing how it might bring in investment and encourage people to participate in sport and four objections were raised including the effect on local businesses, the loss of skate facilities and that there was a covenant for existing sports facilities on the site to be retained. Officers also received an internet petition signed by about 800 people and a paper petition with 400

names campaigning against the loss of skate and speedway facilities.

F1 Real Estate Management, who manage the Brunel Shopping Centre, highlighted concerns that the new facility would compete for trade.

However, officers concluded that the newly revamped Oasis site would draw in ‘day-trip’ visitors who would not otherwise visit the town and also would not have sufficient retail space to compete strongly against the town centre shops.

The latest news signals a welcome move forward with plans to revamp the area which stalled after the original company set to develop the site, Moirai Capital Investments, ran into financial difficulties.

Speaking about the scheme to the Link Magazine in July, SevenCapital Director John Watkins said: “This is a longawaited development for the people of Swindon and an exciting project for Seven Capital.

"Not only will it bring a host of new leisure activities and restaurants to enjoy, it will also help to attract many more visitors to the area.

A CGI rendering by SevenCapital of what the ski slope and complex will look like

SevenCapital has a strong track record of delivering large-scale complex regeneration projects and we are looking forward to applying our expertise to bring this site to life.”

Work will mainly be carried out by national firms but Mr Watkins said that local employment prospects could well be boosted by making use of local contractors.

It's time to nominate for Pride of Swindon 2018

Some of the winners at last year's Pride of Swindon event

Nominations are now open to vote for those people who have gone the extra mile to make a difference in their community.

Now in its tenth year, the event aims to honour unsung heroes in the town and pay tribute to their efforts.

A team of invited judges will choose10

winning individuals and six teams based on submitted nominations.

Last year's winners included individuals who have been key to running local clubs and societies, charity stalwarts, and young people who have gone to extraordinary lengths to help others less fortunate than themselves. And winning team nominations

included conservation volunteers, a theatre group, social work teams and representatives from a group that provides save havens for refugees.

See the mayor’s page at the Swindon Borough Council’s website www.swindon. gov.uk for more details and a nomination form. swindonlink.com n December 2017

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Swindon

Remembers The Poppy Ball Thamesdown Rotary Club hosted the fourth annual Wiltshire Poppy Ball at Steam Museum.

The evening supports The Royal British Legion as well as charities selected by the hosting Rotary Club. This year Thamesdown Rotary chose Swindon Poppy Appeal, The Royal Marines Charity, Jessie May,

and Treehouse - Bereavement Support.

A spectacular performance by Her Majesty's Royal Marines CTCRM finished off the night's celebrations, shortly after two dance performances by Wilkes Academy and a charity raffle.

Thamesdown Rotary President, David Dukes, led a two minute silence, and thanked guests for their generous donations, followed by a commemorative speech from Swindon's Mayor Cllr Maureen Penny.

Bridal Boutique

Sales consultant Charlotte Boswell handmade 300 poppies to craft the boutique’s

remembrance wedding dress.

Taking 14 hours to make and a further 4 hours to display in the Boutique’s window, Charlotte explained: “This is something very close to my heart.

“I just wanted to create something humble as a mark of respect for the armed forces."

Royal Wootton Bassett The Royal Wootton Bassett Branch of the Royal British Legion opened The Field of Remembrance with a remarkable display to honour the Service men and women who bravely served. This year, the service paid special tribute to those who recently lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Remembrance Cenotaph Swindon has restored its World War One memorial, which was unveiled at the Council’s Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

Cllr Gary Perkins, said: "I’m delighted we finally have this important memorial fully restored... and can give the men listed and their families the recognition they deserve for the sacrifices made for our town during World War One." 16

swindonlink.com n December 2017

Mr Brunel

A cloak of a thousand poppies took pride of place on the Isambard Brunel statue

for Remembrance Sunday.

In collaboration with InSwindon BID, Swindon Stitch and Bitch, a local knitting and crochet group, created the cloak to raise funds and awareness for the Royal British Legion.

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Swindon Life Celebrating town living

The 12 Bands of Christmas The Vic - 16 December Christmas isn't just about shopping. It's also about communities getting together and just being a bit groovy.

Jim Blair from Hip Route - one of the bands getting festive at The Vic's annual 12 Bands of Christmas

On Saturday 16 December, Swindon's live music community will be doing just that with the annual 12 Bands Of Xmas held at The Victoria in Old Town.

2017 marks the 12th year of the event where some of the best local groups come together and celebrate by playing a bunch of covers you wouldn't normally associate with their band's style. It definitely makes for a bit of topnotch entertainment.

The bands confirmed so far are:SN Dubstation YVES Thirteen Silver Dollars The Harlers Wyldest Martyrials Raze-Rebuild Plummie Racket & The Dicemen Matthew Bryant Kid Calico and the Astral Ponies Hip Route It all kicks off at 8pm and tickets only ÂŁ7 are now on sale via The Victoria and Swindon Central Library.

Keep up to date with the line-up at www.thevicswindon.com swindonlink.com n December 2017

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d d d d d d dd dd d d It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! d d dd dd d d dd dd dd dd Prospect to the Brunel Centre e e e gift-wrapping e e e e e e e returns e e d d dd dd d d d d d d d d de d e ee ee e e e d ee d e e e d dd dde d d d dd dd de d d d d d d d d ed d e e e ee ee e e e e e e e e e e d d d d d dde dd d ee ee ee e d e e d e e e e e e e e e e ee e d d d d d ed d e ee ee ee e e de de d d d d dd d d dd d dd d d d e e e de e de e at the Designer Outlet village e e e e dHostdof attractions d d d d d de e e ee e ee e ee ed e d d d e e d dd d d d dde d d d d d e e ee e e d d d e d d de e e e d d dde d d d de de e e e ee e e ee e e d e e e d dd d d d d d d d d e e e e e ee e e d d d ed e d e d d d d d d d e e e e e e d e ee d d de e e d d d d d d d d e d e e d de d e ed ed ed e d d de de e d d d d e e ed d ed d d d d d ded d d e e e d d e de e de ee ee e e e e e e e din the town d dfestive de d d centre eBrewinged d e Christmas attractions up some fun e e d d e e d e e e e e e e e e e ed ed d d d d d d e e e e e e ee e e e e e e e e e e e Prospect gift-wrapping returns to The Brunel Shopping Centre The ever-popular charity gift-wrap service, which has so far raised almost £12,000 for Prospect Hospice, will return to The Brunel Shopping centre again this year.

The stall offers shoppers the opportunity to have their purchases gift-wrapped for them, in exchange for a donation to the charity.

The Prospect Hospice supply all the wrapping paper and gift-wrapping materials and an army of hardworking volunteers wrap all the presents.

This will be the fourth year that The Brunel and Prospect Hospice will be

working together to provide this festive service.

Jane Stewart, Marketing Manager of The Brunel said: “We’re delighted that the charity gift wrap service has raised so much money for Prospect Hospice and we’re confident that it will be very popular with shoppers again this year.

The suggested donation is £2.00 per present and every penny of the donations received go straight to the hospice.”

Hollie Ricketts, Community Fundraiser at Prospect Hospice said: “We greatly appreciate people coming down to the Brunel and having their gifts wrapped in return for a donation to the Hospice.

It is always a brilliant fundraiser for us, we are very thankful to the local community, our volunteers and to The Brunel who support this event each year”.

The stall will be opening at various times from Saturday 2 December up until 4.15pm Christmas Eve. Up until Christmas Eve, children will be able to visit Santa for free, with every child receiving a free present from Father Christmas. The grotto is situated on the upper level of The Brunel Plaza between Boots and Marks & Spencer.

Details of all Christmas activities will be publicised on the centre’s website, www.thebrunel.co.uk.

person from Saturday 2 December.

Entry to Santa’s Grotto is £5 per child and tickets can be purchased at www. bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/swindon

bookings can be made in person at the centre’s Guest Services or via email enquiries@swindondesigneroutlet.com.

Swindon’s McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is throwing itself into the festive season this year with a range of seasonal activities.

PinkBox Christmas Village McArthurGlen Swindon is welcoming back the PinkBox Christmas Village, The PinkBox team will be offering bespoke hampers and a dedicated custom wrapping service.

Reindeer Families visiting the centre can get up close to the magical reindeer that power Santa’s enchanted sleigh on the big day. The reindeer can be found on Train Street on the walk leading to the main entrance of the Outlet.

Santa’s Grotto Santa and his elves will be inviting families to visit the centre’s grotto to share their Christmas wish lists in

Breakfast with Santa From the 18 - 22 December, McArthurGlen Swindon will be hosting Santa for breakfast at Giraffe.

Children will be able to choose a breakfast and drink and meet Santa to receive an early Christmas present.

Tickets cost £10 per child and

Arkells Brewery are getting ready to host their annual Christmas food and craft market. The event, on December 9, includes a range of food stalls and local crafts.

There will also be a chance to see Father Christmas and his reindeer from 10am -2pm.

The festive fun, at Arkell’s Brewery in Stratton, will start at 10am and continue to 3pm.

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Christmas Wish List Writing Station The centre’s letter writing station, supported by Cross Pens, will be located outside their store. All wish lists can be posted in the Christmas letter box, ensuring they get from Swindon to the North Pole in time for the big day.

Visit www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/ swindon-designer-outlet/en

• Saturday 9 December Christmas Artisan Market, Wharf Green • Saturday 16 December Meet the Grinch, The Parade • Every weekend in December

Salvation Army Carols • Saturday 2nd December Pinkertons Motorcycle Club, The Parade • Funfair throughout December, Wharf Green.

Review: The Unbinding at Shoebox Theatre

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Let's be clear: I do not tolerate horror well, at all.

As soon as The Unbinding began the audience were introduced to four women cloaked in The Ringstyle gowns, and immediately I thought “oh god” and contemplated making a run for the exit.

I was delighted to find that The Unbinding was not so much terrifying, just more… disturbing.

And, for good reason.

The Unbinding, created by Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, follows the story of four women. Accused of witchcraft, they are persecuted and imprisoned by contorted accusations and prejudice.

Throughout the performance there was also a consistent and underlying current of allegorical representations, which I could not ignore.

Based on real life stories of women believed to be witches not only are the group faced with betrayal and situations beyond their control, they are also embodiments of how women throughout time have been typecast and disregarded by society.

As a result, The Unbinding is inherently thought-provoking and sophisticated.

Luke Marquez, Director of Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, explained: “By researching and working with historical accounts

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of witch trials through Europe, we have created a piece that explores a world where those who dare to stand out from the crowd are treated with hatred and suspicion.”

Supporting the four bold performances was Gary Bamford’s eerie and ominous compositions.

Striking and morbid, the music paralleled the women’s unjust and often traumatising experiences.

On cue with Bamford’s score was a powerful and fierce use of both lighting and cutting of scenes (some of which viewers may find quite distressing).

Luke added: “Due to its content, the show may be uncomfortable watching for some. But after what thousands of women and men went through doing the witch trials we wanted to stay true to their experiences and also explore the folklore that surrounded their persecution.”

Despite the often sinister occurrences within the narrative, The Unbinding is not all doom and gloom. Engaging with timeless motifs, the women, played

by Rebecca Martin, Daniella Faircloth, Louise Catherwood and Hannah Marquez, depict female relationships through strength, unity and bravery.

For their next set of trials and tribulations, Wrong Shoes Theatre Company are preparing to take The Unbinding to Edinburgh’s fringe next year. It's a must-see.

Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD In the community l Millbrook Christmas Fete takes place at Millbrook Primary School in Worsley Road in Freshbrook on Friday 8 December from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. The fete will include a Lego raffle, decorations, cakes, hot chocolate, games, cards, Christmas Stocking, a tombola, a raffle, crafts, face painting, a nail bar and Santa's Grotto.

Book now...

PETER PAN AT THE WYVERN THEATRE

Set sail with your shipmates and head for Neverland this Christmas where you’ll be hooked on the swashbuckling pantomime adventure - Peter Pan. Featuring magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, an abundance of comedy and stunning flying sequences, it’s the perfect treat for the festive season and outstanding entertainment for all the family! And veteran Eastender Adam Woodyat will be swapping Ian Beale for Captain Hook but it's not the first time he's come to Swindon. Adam made his pantomime debut in Mother Goose at the Wyvern Theatre in 1989 and starred as the Wicked Queen’s loveable, bumbling Henchman to critical and audience acclaim in Swindon’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 2015.

You can catch Peter Pan from Saturday December 2 to Sunday December 31.

Tickets £21.50 from www.swindontheatres.co.uk

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Following a sold out performance last Christmas, European Arts Company return to tell this classic yuletide tale at Swindon Arts Centre on Tuesday 5 December at 7.30pm. So join Tiny Tim, Scrooge and a load of ghosts for this festive tale.

Tickets at £17.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

DICK WHITTINGTON

New College welcomes you to their annual fun-filled and traditional pantomime Dick Whittington at The Phoenix Theatre on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December at 7.30pm. With plenty of laughter and sing-a-long songs, you are sure to be entertained. Tickets from www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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

SANTA CLAUS AND THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS JOURNEY

Swindon Arts Centre will be hosting this lovely festive tale from 14 to 24 December. t’s Christmas Eve, and Santa is delivering presents to all the world's good boys and girls.

Hiding in the back are two naughty elves Charlie and Kara who have snuck on-board for the ride! Times vary. www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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 Haydon Artists Society are hosting their autumn exhibition at North Swindon library. The local art group, who meet on Thursday evenings, hold two exhibitions a year to showcase their work. Haydon Artists Society meet every Thursday at the North Swindon library from 7-9 pm. www.haydonartists.co.uk l A Nativity Festival will be held at St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze with Nativity scenes from around the world and those created by local schools.

It takes place from 3 December to 11 December from 10am to 3pm and is free entry. l Roves Farm will be holding Nativities with real animals and have a Santa's Grotto over the Christmas period. Visit rovesfarm.co.uk for timings. l Christmas at Steam Museum will be held on the weekend of 2 and 3 December. Enjoy a Christmas wonderland of over 40 artisan market stalls set amidst the famous locomotives.

The stalls range from hand crafted silver jewellery, photographic prints, glass artworks and home furnishings, to tree decorations, wooden toys and games, chutneys and luxury confectionery. www.steam-museum.org.uk swindonlink.com n December 2017

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Review: Casa De Pico Tapas Bar

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

152a High St, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 7AB People tend to shy away from tapas, potentially for fear of leaving hungry. This is simply not the case at Casa De Pico.

The menu offers a wide variety of Spanish cuisine from meats, cheeses, vegetarian platters and seafood.

Tucked away on Bassett's High Street, you could almost miss this little gem. But once inside, you become immersed within its vibrant and authentic dining experience.

Swindon Link recently visited Casa De Pico for lunch, and as per tapas protocol selected

three dishes each to share.

The dishes are brought to the table as they come, which incorporates a really relaxed atmosphere whilst grazing and socialising as the other dishes are prepared.

Our host, turned chef and then waiter, was incredibly accommodating and made us feel most welcome. As a result Casa De Pico feels more like a friend's dining room, rather than a restaurant.

Although small in size, Casa De Pico has a huge personality.

Throughout the interior are various artworks from Spanish artist Fabian Perez, as well as the cultural aesthetic of orange

and red walls, which exhibit many Spanish tropes. This place really gives its customers a taste of Spain.

This independent restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy sharing and socialising in an artisan environment, who don't mind a bit of personality on the side of their meal. It is perfect for small groups, or parties, and accomodates larger ones in the garden room.

Link Editor, Jamie Hill, said: "It's just so welcoming and relaxed.

"The food was wonderful.

Having eaten a lot of tapas whilst travelling in Spain, this is as close as it gets."

Broad beans and serrano ham with aubergine

Iberian pork lion fillet

Mini hake fillets fried in Estrella batter

Marco Pierre White's Christmas Dinner Guide The thought of cooking Christmas dinner fills most of us with dread. No need to panic, I’ve got a few essential tips for cooking the finest roast potatoes and timing the turkey perfectly.

The perfect roast potatoes For my potatoes, I cook with clarified butter, which is very simple to make. Slowly heat 7oz/200g of chopped, unsalted butter in a pan.

Discard the surface liquid (milk solids and water). The remaining golden liquid is clarified butter. Nine mediumsized potatoes will serve six people.

An hour before you plan to serve, put the chopped potatoes in a saucepan of unsalted cold water. Place on a high heat, bring to the boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Meanwhile, put the clarified butter/fat into the roasting tin for the potatoes. I also sprinkle in a chicken stock cube – this provides seasoning so there is no need for salt.

Heat the fat in the oven at 190C/gas mark 5.

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At the first sign of cracks in the potatoes’ edges, remove them from the heat and drain.

Remove the roasting tin from the oven and carefully place the hot potatoes into the fat.

Baste them well with clarified butter or your turkey baste and return to your oven.

Timing the turkey perfectly Turkey size matters. A massive one won’t cook evenly. I buy one that weighs about 4.5kg, which will feed six with plenty to spare. Don’t stuff the bird – cook the stuffing separately.

It slows down the cooking, so by the time the inner meat is cooked, the white meat on the outside will be overcooked and dry.

Morning: Remove the turkey

from the fridge as it will need several hours to reach room temperature – a cold bird takes longer to cook.

11.30am: Set the oven to 190C/gas mark 5, allowing it half an hour to reach that temperature. Baste your turkey.

12 noon: Place the turkey in the oven, uncovered.

12.45pm: When the turkey is golden brown, remove it from the oven and cover it in tinfoil (to prevent it from browning further). Return it to the oven and continue to cook at 170C/gas mark 3. In total, the turkey should take between 90 minutes and two hours to cook.

1pm: Chop three onions in

half, remove the outer layer of skin and place the halved onions into the roasting tin with the turkey. The onions will caramelise, adding sweetness and colour into the roasting juices.

1.30pm: Check the turkey.

Remove it from the oven and insert a skewer into the thickest part of the bird – the breast behind the thigh. The temperature of the skewer represents the temperature inside the turkey; if it’s only slightly warm, it obviously needs longer. Return it to the oven.

2pm: By now your turkey should be ready. Lift it from the oven and quickly wrap it in tinfoil. During this rest period, the temperature remains high and will continue to cook.

Finish off your trimmings, then carve, and lastly, enjoy. Want more of Marco this Christmas?

Why not try his Swindon restaurant? Bardolino Swindon has festivities with a twist, such as its turkey and pigs in blankets pizza. The three course feast is £21.95.

Visit www.mpwrestaurants. co.uk/christmas

Swindon Lives

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IN CONVERSATION WITH: Colleen Kelly

hen Colleen Kelly found herself spoon feeding her 9-monthold baby and her fiancĂŠ at the same time, she thought she was living in a nightmare.

The mother-of-two had just qualified as a carer and the couple had bought a house that they planned to transform into a family home.

But when Andrew failed to arrive home for tea after a motorbike accident, Colleen drove from hospital to hospital searching for him, until she reached Frenchay Hospital and was told to say her goodbyes.

Andrew, 44, went from being a hard working scaffolder and hands-on dad, to relying entirely on Colleen for his care having forgotten the past 10 years of his life.

Colleen Kelly, 31, from Swindon, will join just two other finalists chosen from across the UK to be in the running for the title of Carer of the Year at the national brain injury awards ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association.

The accolade will be presented at a ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Friday 8 December.

In September 2012, Andrew Cuthbertson was left fighting for his life after his accident. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, but he had three other injuries that could have killed him.

"I was numb," Colleen said. "I got to see him before his operation. He had a brain injury, he had broken his back, he had severe nerve damage in his neck. The list of his injuries was endless. I went back to the waiting room and passed out."

Andrew remained in a coma for around

eight weeks and spent a year in hospital, where Colleen visited him daily, desperately teaching him thumbs up to show signs of recovery.

Just a month after Andrew's accident, Colleen's mother was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer and subsequently lost her home. As well as visiting Andrew and looking after her children, Colleen moved her mum into their home so she could be cared for.

The house the couple had just bought was in disrepair and need major renovations. So once Colleen had put her children to bed at a friend or relative's house, she spent her evenings stripping paint and ripping up floorboards, before sleeping on the sofa.

Colleen soon realised the house would never be suitable for Andrew's needs and they were forced to move. In the past six years the family has had to move home four times.

When Andrew was finally able to return home, his sons found themselves living with a different man.

"His memories are gone," said Colleen.

"The ten years prior to Andrew's accident are a complete blur to him. But that's when we got together and had our children and made all our

memories."

Colleen had to explain to her children why their father could no longer play with them, or remember the conversations they had just minutes before.

"Our children thought they were going to get their old dad back," she said. "He had come home but he was different. He doesn't like a lot of noise, he becomes confused and anxious.

"I had to put my feelings on the back foot to help our kids come to terms with it.

Mine and Andrew's relationship has never been the same since the accident. You quickly get used to going from a partner to a carer."

Colleen has also been forced to give up her dreams of marrying Andrew, as he does not have the capacity to remember committing himself to his wedding vows.

Throughout all the upheaval, Colleen and Andrew have been supported by Headway Swindon - a charity that provides brain injury survivors and their loved ones with support.

Service Development Manager, Sonia de Blaquiere, nominated Colleen for the Carer of the Year Award.

"Colleen has worked tirelessly to support her family without a second thought for herself," she said.

"She has put aside her own loss, devastation and dream of getting married to care for her family. She is a wonderful woman and no-one deserves this award more than her."

Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers. Colleen will discover if she is to be named Carer of the Year at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel, in London, on Friday 8, December. Awards for Achiever and Volunteer will also be presented, alongside the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award. swindonlink.com n December 2017

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Festival of Winter Walks is an inspirational step

The cold crisp days of winter are a magical time to go walking, with transformed scenery and spectacular early sunsets. Getting out into the great outdoors for a while is a wonderful way to escape the demands of the festive season for a few hours too. Luckily, the Ramblers’ annual Festival of Winter Walks is back, from 23 December to 7 January, with a selection of free walks in Wiltshire to help with some winter walking inspiration.

The festival is now in its 30th year and includes short, festivethemed strolls topped off with a sociable drink to more strenuous stretches to help boost your energy levels.

Chief Executive of the Ramblers, Vanessa Griffiths, said: “Our Festival of Winter Walks offers an easy way to head out for a winter wander with friends and family.

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“And if you feel like you’ve over indulged on turkey and mince pies, it’s a great way to help you kick start those New Year fitness resolutions too. Sign up to our free online tracker, which allows you to log

your walking activity and monitor your progress – a great way to make sure you keep walking.”

All group walks during the Festival of

Winter Walks are free to attend, but if you’re inspired to keep walking, why not join the Ramblers? Your membership will give you access to hundreds of group walks every year, an online library of over 2,500 Ramblers Routes, as well as many other benefits, which also makes Ramblers gift membership the perfect Christmas present.

Vanessa added: “A foray out into the cold, fresh air is the perfect winter mood enhancer. And with such a diverse range of walks on offers, what starts out as a one-off Christmas or New Year walk could lead to life-long friendships and a serious walking habit.”

During the festival people can enjoy a range of free activities: Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/winter for details of hundreds of free group walks taking place across the country.

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Talking politics South Swindon MP Robert Buckland As we near the end of 2017, it is a good time for taking a look back over the year and looking forward to 2018.

It has been another eventful year for UK politics to say the least.

The General Election campaign resulted in my team and I visiting thousands of fellow residents in South Swindon, responding to hundreds of emails and very many direct discussions.

I built upon my work in the community as your local MP, campaigning on more investment for our roads, higher funding for our schools and highlighting my continued work on mental health and special educational needs issues.

I would like to thank the people of South Swindon for putting their trust in me and re-electing me as your MP for a third term. I was also delighted to be asked by the Prime Minister to carry on as HM Solicitor General.

Since 2010, I have fought hard to maintain and grow a strong local economy that is supportive of businesses and creates jobs.

There are now more people in work in Swindon than the national average and over 7,400 more apprenticeships have also been created.

I will also continue to push for economic regeneration in our town, working on issues such as the regeneration of Falcon House.

This former office block has

Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard You will have heard a lot in the news about the pressures winter brings to the NHS. Some older people struggle to cope in the colder weather as temperatures drop, Winter does not just have an impact on the NHS though as the Council has to make a number of preparations ahead of the likely colder weather. We help people make sure their homes are heated, grit the roads, clear snow and look after some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

One of our most important campaigns centres on flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is available to everyone. For the vulnerable in society the vaccine is free and for the rest of us you may have it available through your workplace or can ask for it at your GP surgery.

Winter also has a big effect on our roads and our gritting teams have already been hard at work making sure our key roads stay ice free. We have 1,000 tonnes of salt ready for icy conditions and our team of 16 drivers will be on standby to keep routes clear till the spring. We also have arrangements to secure additional salt supplies should we need them.

Although we have had some mild winters recently the Council is fully prepared to respond should the weather take a turn for the worse, however, there is a lot we can do as individuals to make sure we stay safe such as driving carefully when roads are icy.

If you have any elderly relatives or neighbours make sure they are okay. There is support to help older people heat their homes on our website but often isolation can lead to many people becoming ill over winter. If you have the time check in on anyone you may be concerned about please take the time to do so.

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blighted the Swindon skyline for more than a decade.. I am pleased that plans to transform the building have now been approved.

This year, I have played an active role in supporting the work of local charities and community trusts such as the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust.

Lydiard is a key asset for the people of Swindon and it was wholly appropriate that the running was placed in the hands of a community based not for profit trust.

In 2018, I will be continuing work on a local campaign to tackle loneliness following a summit I held earlier this year.

Loneliness can be felt by people of all ages, but as we get older,

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson 2017 has been the first complete year in my community office on the Orbital Shopping Park. I am the first and only MP in the country to make their constituency office available for free to local charities and voluntary organisations.

Since opening we have had nearly 200 events including; charity coffee mornings, job fairs, CPR training, primary school visits, Samaritans training and charity committee meetings and conferences.

In November we brought UK Parliament Week to the office as we hosted a number of different primary school visits, as well as groups including the Rainbows and Brownies. The aim of the week was to engage people from across the UK with Parliament. We decided to use the week to introduce youngsters to how Parliament works and how they can affect what goes on in Parliament. It was certainly rather noisy as each group got to create and pass their very own Parliamentary Bill!

I am also hosting the Scouts this month as they sort through their Christmas post; something which helps them to raise a significant amount of money each year. As an official seller of stamps, I would urge local residents to purchase Scout Stamps for all of their Christmas post which is going to Swindon and the surrounding villages. Finally, this year my office is collecting gifts for elderly people who find themselves alone and at risk of isolation this Christmas. People were so generous last year that over 70 different gifts were given to social services. Perfect ideas for gifts to donate include; Christmas mug set, covered hot water bottle, warm socks, fleece blanket or soap sets. They have to be new gifts and unfortunately cannot include any homemade items including food. If you wish to purchase Scout Stamps, drop off a gift for the elderly or even both; please do drop by my office. I hope that everybody has a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

risk factors which could lead to loneliness begin to increase and converge. The impact of loneliness can be devastating and costly to society as well as to the individual.

I will carry on working to bring together local agencies and organisations here in Swindon to help address this issue.

Improving education and ensuring young people get the best start in life is one of my priorities. I will continue to regularly visit schools and colleges here in South Swindon in 2018.

Along with North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, I will also continue to meet regularly with Bradley Simmons, Regional Director at Ofsted to monitor and discuss the continued progress being made in Swindon schools.

Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Labour Group Leader At the Conservative Party’s conference in October, the Government said they wanted a “rebirth” of council house building. In Swindon the need for more social housing has reached breaking point. Homelessness in Swindon has increased by 78% over the last five years.

On top of this, the number of homeless households with children has increased by a staggering 162%!

This is due to a perfect storm of delays in the payment of Universal Credit, leading to people falling into rent arrears, together with a housing market that is becoming unaffordable and a local Council House Building programme that is doing little to support people on low incomes.

I think this dramatic increase in homelessness across Swindon shows the government’s austerity agenda is failing the poorest in our town and is forcing them into homelessness. And unless council house building is kickstarted, I fear homelessness in Swindon is only going to increase.

We cannot afford to let down our vulnerable people and especially not children who are being forced into homelessness.

One small step we can take locally to tackle this scandal is to double the number of council houses being built in the town.

This would go some way to tackling this problem but with big businesses still not paying their fair share of tax, we can and must do more to give families and children in danger of falling in to homelessness the stability they need.

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