South Swindon Link October 2018

No 26 October 2018

GPS delivered door to door to 50,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

Swindon's finest at Arkell's annual beer festival p18

South Edition

Picture by Claire Dukes

In conversation with Swindon artist Ken White p25 Page 17 A tour of the town's Remembering your recycling facilities loved ones with the Memory Tree at Prospect Hospice

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Page 15 Ale be there with our gallery of the Old Town Sausage and Ale Festival

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Your friendly neighbourhood website

By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald 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

Last month I waxed lyrical about our new website and how we believe it is a bit of a belter.

It really is the central community news hub for Swindon and this month I thought I would give you a bit more detail. It's our baby so forgive us for going on about it!

As always when it comes to The Link the main focus is 'News' but this website has enabled us to do so much more.

We now have a dedicated 'Lifestyle' section with pages

dedicated to 'Arts and Culture', 'Heritage', 'Family', 'Home and Garden' and even 'Weddings'.

The Business Brief is where you can go to get all of your latest biz news and features.

Swindon is an exciting place when it comes to economic growth and this is where you can keep up with the latest company goings ons.

Alongside this we've updated our Business Directory so you can find any business that you need when you need it.

The new website also has a dedicated Education section

where you can find out all you need to know about schools around Swindon.

One thing that always surprises me about the people of Swindon is how much they do for charity and with this in mind we've also introduced a dedicated 'Charity' section.

And finally we now have a special 'Sports and Leisure' section which not only deals with local activities and clubs but also fitness, travel and motoring.

To visit the new website go to www.swindonlink.com

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for November adverts and editorial: 10 October November edition published: 26 November Our Statistics Est. Readership of 125,000 in print & c.25,000 monthly online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication.

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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.

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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 October 2018

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New lunch club hosts Iva's 108th birthday celebrations

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

This month a resident from Swindon will be celebrating her 108th birthday at a new volunteer-led initiative.

Iva Evans was recently introduced to the Lunch Club at Meadowcroft Community Centre by her friend and neighbor, Linda Flood, who launched the volunteer scheme in June.

In partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), - a national charity which supports isolated and vulnerable adults - Swindon's mature residents are being offered a new weekly social space to dine and play games together.

Linda is hoping to make isolated residents, and their relatives, aware of this new club so that people like Iva - a keen bingo player and Arsenal fan - don't spend so much time alone. Iva was recently invited

by Linda as a special guest to the Lunch Club. Since her

attendance she will be hosting her 108th at the community centre.

Iva said: “I like something like this. Linda took me down, and they were all people of my age – we had a lovely time together, they were ever so nice. Elderly people, that’s what we like. Everyone spoke to you, – they were very lovely people – it’s not very often you get that these days.”

“And that’s what she misses, not being able to talk to people when she’s in the flat – it’s very lonely," added Linda.

After being made aware of many older residents living alone within the area, Linda signed up as a volunteer with RVS to found the Lunch Club.

She said: "It's growing. The lunch is necessary because it’s a lunch club, but the people come first.

"At the moment we have one married couple who’ve been coming for a few weeks, and we have another married couple coming – so you don’t

have to be on your own, because you can be lonely as a married couple if one has dementia. The husbands are doing all the washing, cooking and cleaning, and looking after their wives – it will give them a break. They need a break because that’s what one of them said to me – he said, ‘I’m fed up of cooking, I just want someone else to cook a meal for me’.

“I wouldn’t turn anybody away.”

The Lunch Club runs every Friday at Meadowcroft Community Centre from 12pm to 2pm. Iva will turn 108 on Saturday 20 October.

Heritage community backs council’s vision for Railway Village Swindon Borough Council has submitted a bid to Historic England for permission to establish a Heritage Action Zone at the Railway Village.

The initiative could see one of the town’s most significant heritage assets given a new lease of life.

If successful, councillors can hope to access funding and expertise from Historic England to promote Swindon’s history; see improvements made to assets including the GWR Park, the Community Centre and the Health Hydro; to secure a viable future for under-used and vacant listed buildings; and to launch a campaign to promote the site as a destination for tourists.

And the area encompassing the Outlet Centre and Railway Village, which includes the Mechanics’ Institute, the Carriage Works and the Health Hydro, has been chosen by the council and its partners 4

Swindon's historic railway village as a suitable candidate for Heritage Action Zone status.

The bid has the firm backing of Swindon’s heritage community.

Daniel Rose, Director of the Mechanics’ Institution Trust, said: “The Trust is pleased to be part of this exciting bid to become a Heritage Action Zone, focused around

the internationally significant Railway Village, an area much loved by local people.

“As an organisation which works on the ground in the area every day, and has responsibility for several buildings, we believe our involvement brings an important dimension to any success from the proposed

projects in the bid.

“It has been positive to be working in joint partnership with Swindon Borough Council on the creation of the application and, whether the bid is successful or not, the new relationships and joint working will not be wasted. We hope to continue efforts to focus time and energy on Swindon's most important heritage area.”

Cllr David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I am thrilled to say that the bid has been submitted and I would like to thank everybody who has been involved with putting it together.

“If we are successful, we can expect to see significant improvements made to one of our most treasured heritage assets, which will ensure it thrives for years to come.”

The council can expect to hear if the bid has been successful by November of this year.

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Outlet Village steams ahead with delivery of vintage locomotive A vintage loco - the Ditcheat Manor - has a new home at Swindon’s Designer Outlet.

The engine replaces the Hinton Manor which has been in pride of place near the food court for 11 years.

Problems with the hydraulic lifting equipment delayed the delivery by a day - but the Ditcheat Manor now stands in pride of place for visitors to admire. Great Western Railway 7800 Class No. 7821 was built in 1950, and is the sister train of Hinton Manor.

It was the second of the last batch of 10 engines of the thirty-strong class Tina Cumpstey, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Ditcheat Manor to McArthurGlen Swindon after saying a fond farewell to our much loved steam train, Hinton Manor.” Like most of the

class of lightweight 4-6-0s, it was allocated to lines in Mid Wales, but was also based at Oxley and Newton Abbott.

7821 was withdrawn in

November 1965 and was sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales before being rescued in

1980 and put to work in the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, before moving to the Llangollen Railway and the West Somerset Railway.

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Summer may be gone but Old Town is still blooming

By Old Town Residents Association publisher@swindonlink.com

The Old Town Residents Association provide the updates in Old Town.

Before the Royal Horticultural Society 'Britain in Bloom' judge, Richard Beale, came to look round our gardens Friday 17 August, we got a team together for last minute weeding and tidying up. When he arrived, Richard was taken on a tour of the gardens starting at the bed near the Marriott Hotel, then he was led through the avenue of trees over the Evelyn Street embankment - planted as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations - and onto Newport Street. Richard was impressed when he saw the change to the area in Station Approach which was a piece of scruffy grass before we took it over.

We walked along Devizes Road, taking in the grasses as

we rounded the corner, along to Swindon Museum and Art Gallery. From there we walked down to the bed on Victoria Hill beside Mr Cod where the effects of the drought are most clearly in evidence.

The general consensus was we’ve made a good start - we’ll know our results on 4 October when they will be announced.

Moving forward we’ll take more cuttings of drought tolerant perennials to replenish beds, make signs indicating we are looking after the beds and maintain them more regularly.

Our next big tidy up event when we’ll be gardening and litter picking, is Sunday 7 October from 10am to 2pm, we’re hoping some local residents will come along to help. We’re meeting at the corner of Newport St and Devizes Road. If you can, please bring gloves and some tools. For more information contact Linda on 07765050470.

Commonweal to host event as part of national social science festival Commonweal School in Old Town will be hosting a free event on 9 November for sixth form students as part of the ESRC festival of Social Science.

The UK’s biggest celebration of social science returns this November as the Economic and Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Science will highlight the impact of social science research on people's lives, with more than 300 free

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events across the country.

The Festival, now in its sixteenth year, will run from 3 – 10 November and involve public debates, conferences, workshops, film screenings and virtual exhibitions. These events allow social scientists to engage with the public and increase awareness of the contributions the social sciences make to the wellbeing and the economy of the UK. The event at Commonweal School on Friday 9 November will look at how the world has evolved in the last twenty years, how the changing society has affected the nature of crime and how young people are coping with the challenges of an ever changing world.

This event is an opportunity for Post-16 students to explore the role of social science in a changing world and is designed to complement the study of A-level Sociology, Psychology, Government & Politics and Law.

Lottie O'Brien, Joint Head of Social Science at Commonweal said: "We aim to broaden knowledge and understanding, present new ideas and raise aspirations through a series of engaging and informative lectures. The speakers will explore issues such as mental health, immigration and criminology. There will be opportunities to discuss the ideas presented, as well as ask questions of academics.

"We are really excited to host an event as part of the ESRC festival of Social Science.

It is a great chance to give young people in the Swindon area and beyond a chance to understand more about the world and to be inspired by professionals in the field of social science. We hope the event broadens horizons and raises aspirations."

In 2017, events were held in 57 towns with involvement from 1,348 social science researchers and a total attendance of 37,400 people.

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Circus Vegas brings all the glamour of the big top The glamour and glitz of the big top came to town with the arrival of Circus Vegas in Westcott Recreation Ground in Swindon.

Visitors were treated to a host of entertaining acts, from gravity defying acrobats to death defying stunt motorbike riders, from slapdash clowns to iron chested strongmen.

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Trauma Group's 9th annual conference

Bookings are now being taken to attend Swindon Trauma Group's 9th Annual Conference on October 5 at the Marriott Hotel in Swindon.

The event at the hotel's Uffington Suite, runs from 9am to 5.30pm.

The cost of attending, including refreshments, buffet lunch, doughnuts in the afternoon and free parking is £35 per attendee or £20 for STG members.

The Swindon Trauma Conference will focus on the 100th Anniversary of the 1st World War and 100 years of RAF Psychiatry.

Presentations include 'How classical music can reduce anxiety and stress and lift mood to post trauma growth.'

For further details call (07505) 476139 or see www.SwindonTraumaGroup. org.uk

Shoebox needs you!

Swindon's Shoebox Theatre is looking for volunteers to join their team.

Helpers are needed to run front-of-house, help to build sets for community projects and lend a hand with the general running of the theatre.

If you are aged 18 or older, have a passion for theatre and feel that you could help contact the theatre by emailing: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk

Choral society event Swindon Choral Society will be performing Haydn's Mass in Time of War and Eternal Light at Malmesbury Abbey on Saturday October 13.

The performance will be directed by Robin Nelson, with professional soloists, orchestra and organist.

Doors open at 7.30pm Tickets £18.

For details see www. swindonchoral.org.uk 8

Wiltshire Police crack down on knife crime Wiltshire Police have launched a knife amnesty as part of Operation Sceptre - the national knife crime prevention initiative.

Special amnesty bins are available at six locations across the county: Swindon's Gablecross Police Station, Marlborough Police Station, Melksham Police Station, Chippenham's Monkton Park, Trowbridge Police Station and the Temporary Police Station at the rear of Five Rivers Leisure Centre in Salisbury.

The knife amnesty gives people the chance to dispose of knives and weapons by simply taking them to one of the specified police stations and dropping them into an amnesty bin.

Those handing in knives and weapons during the amnesty will not face prosecution for possession of a knife or weapon and can remain anonymous.

Of the 43 forces across England & Wales, Wiltshire had the 29th highest number of serious knife crimes reported.

However, for possession offences Wiltshire ranked 34th of 43 - only Gloucestershire was ranked lower within the South West.

Between August 2017 and July 2018, there were a total of 800 offences in Wiltshire, where a knife or blade was used, a reduction of 3% on the previous year.

Assistant Chief Constable Gavin Williams said: “Most people in Wiltshire or even in the country don’t carry a knife; it should not be considered the ‘norm’.

"A very small minority choose to leave the house with a knife or blade, but the reality is they themselves are more likely to get injured.

“We hope this will give people a chance to safely dispose of knives they no

longer use, and think about the knives or weapons they may have in the house.

“They may not know a knife is illegal or haven’t considered the risk of an ornamental knife or weapon they own.

“I would also like to appeal to parents across the county to talk to their children. We know that some young people carry knives for what they consider to be protection, but it is placing them and those around them in danger.

“Even one knife off the streets is one less that can be used to harm or threaten our communities.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "Knife crime wrecks lives - not only the life of the victim but their families and friends.

There are many people directly and indirectly linked to just one incident - not just the victim and perpetrator."

Eastcott Community Organisation celebrates £10k grant Eastcott Community Organisation, the group of volunteers managing Savernake Street Social Hall, are celebrating this month, after being awarded a grant from the Wiltshire Community Foundation.

The grant, of £5,000 a year for 2 years, will help towards the community group’s running costs - to strengthen capacity to organise and promote activity at Savernake Street Social Hall, and to explore what else the community would like to see.

Caroline Davies-Khan, Chair of Eastcott Community Organisation is delighted with the award and says ‘’This is a huge boost for us, and we are very grateful to the Wiltshire Community Foundation for supporting what we do. '' The Wiltshire Community Foundation runs several grants programmes and tells us : ‘’The Wiltshire Community Foundation Main Grant

Programme supports projects which will make a sustained impact to people's lives in Wiltshire and Swindon. By supporting projects like this one, the Foundation recognises the great work that community groups do, and helps their activities to be accessible to residents regardless of their financial situation.

Organisations can receive up to

£5,000 a year and funding up to £15,000 for 3 years is also available.’’

Further information is available from www.wiltshirecf. org.uk For more information about the events and activities at Savernake Street Social Hall please contact eastcottcommunity@yahoo. co.uk

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School funding in Council seeks solutions to Rodbourne traffic problems Swindon Borough Council is considering a number the spotlight of solutions to help alleviate congestion in the

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has welcomed the news that the UK is spending more on statefunded primary and secondary education per pupil, than France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia and Canada.

The findings are published in the 2018 edition of The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Mr Buckland said: “I was extremely concerned back in April to learn that inaccurate information had been provided to parents in Swindon by the National Education Union about school funding.

“From September, education providers in Swindon will receive a total of over £161 million core funding, plus an additional £9.1 million of Pupil Premium support to assist children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"There is more money going into our schools than ever before.

“I was delighted to learn last month that overall Swindon had exceeded the national GCSE pass rate for A-E marks. The national rate of passes was 97.6 per cent, but here in Swindon, the pass rate was 97.9 per cent."

Raise the rafters!

Swindon's Jessie May charity is appealing for volunteers to raise their voices to support their vital work.

The organisation's nurses provide respite care and emotional support to families with a terminally ill child.

The charity is arranging for singing groups to perform at the Clifton Down Shopping Centre in Bristol.

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Rodbourne area.

Cabinet approval is to be sought to undertake measures suggested at a meeting of the full council back in April. Since then, some have already been implemented, such as the creation of two new lanes on Kemble Drive.

This work involved creating one new lane for through traffic and one for those wanting to access the North Car Park at the Swindon Designer Outlet.

The traffic management and transport planning team will review this arrangement and look to make further improvements.

Other suggestions include the removal of the Church Place bus gate at weekends to allow traffic to access Bristol Street Car Park.

Cllr Fionuala Foley, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and the Environment, said: “We are aware of the problems faced by the people of Rodbourne at weekends and when events are held at Steam, and we are determined to solve them.

“Our highways team is working closely with the Outlet Centre and the Steam museum and a number of solutions have already been implemented which look like they could have a positive effect in the long term.

“I want the people of Rodbourne to know that we hear your concerns and are committed to finding solutions that work for everyone.”

At a future date, the council intends to look into making Rodbourne Road ‘northbound only’ on days when there are special events at the Designer Outlet or the Steam Museum. Initial consultation on this proposal has already taken place and wider public interaction will be undertaken before any trial is agreed.

The item was discussed at the cabinet meeting on 5 September 2018.

Swindon health care staff shortlisted for special award Swindon Borough Council, working in partnership with Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Great Western Hospital, has been shortlisted for its excellence in caring for elderly people in this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards.

The Integrated Discharge Planning and Reablement programme is jointly delivered by the Council and Great Western Hospital.

Reablement focuses on providing personal care for elderly or frail people in their own homes while they recover from illness or injury.

It helps ensure that hospital beds are available for those who needs them and it contributes towards patients’ wellbeing.

Cllr Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “I am thrilled that we have been shortlisted for this award.

“It is a testament to the hard work that we, together with our partners, do every day to ensure that some of the most vulnerable people in society are suitably cared for.

“I give my congratulations to everybody involved and wish them the best of luck.”

Staff have been invited to

present their entry to a panel of judges on Wednesday, 10 October in central London to explain the reasons why they should win.

All finalists will find out if they have won a HSJ Award on Wednesday, 21 November at InterContinental O2 in London.

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Countdown begins for High Sheriff's concert on Swindon's hidden jewels This month, 6 October, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Nicky Alberry, will be hosting a concert celebrating Swindon's performing arts.

The Uncelebrated Journey throws a spotlight on Swindon’s finest talent and celebrates the ‘hidden jewels’ of the Town’s performing arts community.

The evening promises an exciting and unique programme of music, song, drama, dance and film featuring performers and groups including Swindon Symphony Orchestra, Ten in a Bar, Janice Thompson Trust, South Asian Performing Arts Centre (SAPAC), The Wessex Choir and Swindon Dance.

The poetry and writing of Alfred Williams, Swindon’s celebrated Hammerman Poet, will weave a story through the performance illustrating his and the town’s unique journey from a quiet rural place to today’s thriving and buoyant town.

The performance is the

Photograph by Thom Hobbs

brainchild of Nicky Alberry, the High Sherriff of Wiltshire, and will, as well as celebrating the town's talent, raise funds for the charities she supports.

This is a ‘one off’ opportunity to see some of Swindon’s talented performers in action in this unique show on stage at the Wyvern Theatre. www.swindontheatres.co.uk

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How our waste is helping to fuel the fires of industry When we hurl the unwanted remains of last night’s pizza in the bin, how many of us stop to think about the journey that slice of congealed Sloppy Giuseppe will take as it joins the falling-apart flip flop, the used nappy and the rotting aubergine? Ben Fitzgerald was invited to take a close-up look at Swindon's Solid Recovered Fuel plant to see how Swindon's domestic waste is put to good use.

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Our waste collection system is one of the miracles of civilisation.

During a visit to Swindon's Solid Recovered Fuel plant, it was eye-opening to see the detritus of life whizzing past on a conveyor belt - much of which could easily have been sorted at source.

At the facility, which began operating in 2013, a small but dedicated team works in shifts 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to deal with the 86,000 tonnes of rubbish that is delivered by council waste collectors every year.

The only such facility in Wiltshire, it transforms bags of rubbish into huge bales of dry combustible material that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuel. The blocks are then shipped out to Western European destinations, including Latvia, Portugal and Cyprus where they are used to fuel concrete plants. The bales are burned at extremely high temperatures - which brings emissions into line with European Union regulations.

At the start of the process, collected bags of rubbish are lifted by a mechanical grabber onto a conveyor belt where the rubbish runs past two different types of magnet - one for

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Council seeks your opinions

Sean Magee, from Public Power Solutions Ltd removing items containing ferrous metals and another for removing other types of metal such as aluminium. These metals have to be cleaned and sorted before they can be sold for scrap. It is then fed through a crusher and larger items are sieved out of the rubbish to be cycled back around the system before being loaded into what is effectively a large tumble dryer - removing most of the moisture (household waste is made up of an average of 47 per cent moisture) to increase its calorific value. And at the

end of the process the dried waste is bailed in plastic wrap and loaded on lorries ready for export. The process takes half an hour from start to finish - with only four per cent of household waste destined for landfill.

Sean Magee, from Public Power Solutions Ltd explained: “It never ceases to amaze me what people put in their bins.

"If they put in the wrong things, it can slow down the whole process.

"One of the most difficult things we have to deal with is engine blocks which people just put in the rubbish without thinking. And the old VHS tapes, which unravel and can get tangled around the machinery and of course tin cans.”

He added that if people considered what they throw away on a daily basis, making more effort to sort at source, the entire process would be much more efficient.

Swindon Borough Council is seeking views of residents help shape their draft waste strategy - which will be presented to cabinet on December 5.

The council is hoping to meet EU legal targets which call for the UK to recycle at least half of household waste by 2020, 55 per cent by 2025 and 60 per cent by 2030.

Swindon’s recycling rate has fallen by 10 per cent over the last five years to 38 per cent and the draft Waste Strategy will set out how the council plans to address this.

One of the proposals involves temporarily using the council’s solid recovered fuel plant (SRF) to turn Swindon’s plastics into fuel for export. The plant, which is located at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Cheney Manor industrial Estate, is the only one in the UK to turn household waste into fuel and help reduce landfill. It currently deals with all of Swindon’s black bin waste with only 4 per cent being sent to landfill.

This measure would involve residents putting their plastic into their black bins or blue bags which could also encourage recycling of other materials aside from plastic because there would be less room in the domestic bins. When plastic recycling becomes more environmentally-friendly and cost effective, the reintroduction of a plastic collection service would be considered.

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All the sizzle of the Old Town sausage and ale trail The irresistible smell of sizzling sausages drew in the crowds for the annual Sausage and Ale Trail.

The event, hosted by the Old Town Business Association saw vendors selling ale from stalls arrange along the length of

Wood Street In addition to sausages, a range of food stalls also offered vegan and vegetarian options.

The event also boasted two music stages and three outdoor bars.

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Applications for Swinge 2019 are open

Unidentified donated objects to go under the spotlight Swindon Museum and Art Gallery staff are taking part in a review of objects that have been donated by members of the public over the years.

As part of the Heritage Lottery Funded project ‘Swindon’s Archaeology in

Swindon Fringe Fest 2019 is open for applications to showcase Swindon's performing arts.

The yearly event delivers unique and original performances ranging from comedy and drama, musical performances and magic shows.

Fringe Festival have been watching many of you over Social Media and want you to get involved.

There is a broad spectrum of new shows, creative ideas and fantastic audience responses

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coming from previous Swindon Fringe performers.

This year's 2018 Fringe Fest saw the remarkable winners including best performer Ewerton Martins (El Diablo of the Cards) and best performance of the swinge winners Nathan and Ida’s Hot Dog Stand.

Fringe Fest also hosted the best musical act performed

by Da Fuchaman and the Fire Blaze Ban. For further information visit www.swindonfringefestival.com

Context’, they will assess the numerous donated objects in their stores to see if they are suitable to include in the museum collections or if they could be used for other purposes, such as for handling and education.

They will be sharing their research on social media where members of the public can find out more about the objects, see photographs and follow the project’s progress.

The project has spent the last two years focussing on SM&AG’s archaeology collections and as the project ends, is focusing on the trickier and more obscure parts of the collection. The learning from this pilot study may be used in the future to look at how best to use other groups of ‘abandoned’ objects at the museum. If you think you may have left one of the objects with the museum and want to collect it please email svincent@swindon.gov.ukor call 01793 466556.

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Charity gives families a creative outlet to pay tribute to loved ones

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Prospect Hospice has launched an innovative new project which allows families to donate a special tribute in memory of their loved ones.

Last month Prospect Hospice unveiled their latest funding initiative - the Memory Tree.

Located in the charity's Remembrance Garden, Wroughton, Prospect Hospice are offering families the opportunity to hang a uniquely designed leaf, with their loved one's name inscribed on it, as a memorial tribute.

The hospice has grown this idea from their original paving stone scheme where people could inscribe tributes on the pavement in the garden - the Bluebell Walk.

With the pavement now full the charity's fundraising team have developed a new

innovative idea to still allow families to create a lasting memory - with the leaf placed on the hospice's Memory Tree.

Linda Heap, Prospect Hospice's Administration Manager, said: “Because the path has started to fill up, we had to look at how we can still have something on site so that people can still create that lasting tribute and be able to support the work of the hospice.

"It's one way that people can create a lasting memory, and something that people can come and visit all year round.

"Each leaf is uniquely designed – we had a blacksmith come and look at the various types of trees and leaves in the area and with that he created unique designs for the leaf plaques.

"This is open to anybody, – anybody that wants to create a memorial piece - who may have not had the opportunity

to do so."

The iron tree can hold up to 700 leaves, which have been made in either copper (a one off donation of £180, or *£15 per month) or stainless steel (a one off donation of £120, or *£10 per month).

Linda added: "To purchase a leaf you can either pay a one-off payment, or monthly direct debit over a year. After a year they decide if they want to keep donating with the leaf hung on the tree or they can take it home.

“It’s that balance of generating support for the work we do, which we need, but equally supporting people on that part of the journey after losing someone – that family support is still there afterwards.

“Hopefully someone will see this as a great benefit to them.”

For further information visit www.prospect-hospice.net

New College opens its doors to prospective students on Saturday 6 October New College Swindon is opening its doors to potential new students for its School Leavers’ Open Day. The College will be offering potential students aged 16-18 and their parents the opportunity to take a closer look at the College and talk to lecturers and current learners about the different courses and activities on offer.

Amanda Walton, New College’s Head of Marketing and Customer Services said: “At New College we offer the full student package, with around 40 A Levels to choose from, fantastic facilities and a high standard of teaching. New College consistently achieves good results and we’re a popular post-16 for many young people around Swindon, Wiltshire and neighbouring counties. We’re really proud of the range of courses and activities on offer to students this year - we currently offer

over 140 different academic and vocational courses, providing each student with a personalised learning plan that will best help them to achieve their goals.

"We also offer an excellent range of extracurricular courses and initiatives that students can take to help boost their CV, prepare them for university and work, as well as developing their skills.”

The Open Day will be held at New College, Queens Drive, Swindon, between 10am – 2pm on Saturday 6 October.

To pre-register online and find out more information please visit: www.newcollege.ac.uk/ whats-on/open-day-2018 swindonlink.com n October 2018

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Cheers! Arkell's brew up a storm for charity beer festival

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Arkell's Brewery hopped to it last month as they opened their gates to the community for their charity beer festival, offering visitors more than 40 cask beers to taste.

Arkell's Brewery, which was established in 1843, was founded by John Arkell and has remained a familyrun business to this day. To celebrate 175 years in the industry, the brewery hosted a charity beer festival over the weekend in aid of Prospect Hospice and The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.

Speaking of the anniversary Arkell's director, James Arkell, said: "It’s very very exciting – what an amazing yardstick to get to after all these years, and as a family too. We’ve got three or four generations still with us working as well – we haven’t moved anywhere."

Coinciding with their

Nicky Alberry with Alex, George and James Arkell

anniversary, Arkell's are also celebrating a summer of success after recieving 13 awards for their craft beer.

Awards came from competitions including The Taste of the West, The Great Taste Awards and The International Beer Challenge.

Speaking at the event Managing Director, George Arkell, said: " There’s more to today than just trying a few different beers – it’s being part of the community and being here for the long term."

The Dorcan Academy sees a bright future ahead after Ofsted report The Dorcan Academy is revelling in the school's progress after receiving positive feedback in a recent Ofsted report.

This summer there was another significant improvement in examination results and The Academy has been recognised

by Ofsted to be “securing improved outcomes” for students.

A spokesperson for the school said: "The Open Evening on 4 October is open to parents and future students from 6pm to 8.30pm and all the staff will be there to show how The Dorcan Academy delivers exceptional opportunities to students by providing a broad choice of curriculum and learning both during lessons and in a wide range of activities provided outside of school hours. Students are also taught 'Skills for life' where they are encouraged to 18

grow both academically and in character so that they are prepared for the challenges life brings.

"This is a truly inclusive academy, small and caring, where the staff focus is on rewarding hard work, commitment and perseverance, regardless of ability or background. The Dorcan Academy also offers excellent sporting facilities including all weather pitches, a netball dome and a swimming pool.

"Further improvements to facilities are already in place and more are planned for the near future. This really is an Academy of Opportunity at the heart of the community.

"Come and visit and see why so many parents and students are now choosing to join our journey to outstanding.

Daytime tours can also be booked by telephoning 01793 525231."

To mark the anniversary Alex Arkell, head brewer, created the brewery's latest beer Pioneer New Zealand IPA. He personally selected the hops when visiting farms in New Zealand.

Of the event he said: "It’s a local business – all the events, and things we do, makes us really proud to be local. It’s all locals who have come here to visit us today, and it’s been a local brewery for 175 years and we are still very proud to be.”

Nicky Alberry, The High Sheriff of Wiltshire, also attended the event. She said: "They’re just the most fantastic firm, the most fantastic family, – the values of the business, the work they do in the community – and they produce good beer. That sounds like a magic combination. It’s great to be here and drink a few beers as well.”

In April the brewery announced plans for a new pub in Tadpole Village - Arkell's will be applying for planning at the end of October. Plans discussed so far for the site include outside and indoor areas, a pizza menu, and rooms for the community to use.

James said: “We’re very excited – it’s lovely down there.

It’s a big project for us.”

George added: "It’s very important to keep looking over the horizon – if you stay still, things can get a little boring.

We’re always keen to try out new things. It’s great fun.”

No paws at the start of Wildcats season Swindon Wildcats kicked off the new season in style with a large crowd enjoying the season launch where they were able to meet the team.

Head Coach Aaron Nell has put together the team for the forthcoming campaign. With two cups to defend and a team eager to make their mark on league and playoff glory it promises to be an exciting season at the Wildcats.

The opening weekend in September saw the team take on local rivals the Bracknell Bees which saw the Wildcats open with two wins from two games.

In the home opener goals from Max Birbraer (2), Floyd Taylor, Aaron Nell and Luc Johnson led the Cats to a 5-2 win. On the Sunday, the boys travelled down the M4 to Bracknell where Sam Bullas led the way with an overtime winner.

As we head into October

the campaign in defending the Autumn Cup will be well underway, having already played games with Hull, Sheffield and Telford.

With the excitement surrounding the start of the season, the community side of the club will be back in full swing with packed out learn to play sessions on Friday and the Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey academy also returning.

If you haven’t been part of a Saturday night at the Better Link Centre, now would be the perfect time.

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Swindon Life Celebrating town living

Have you written a song that could take you places?

Swindon recording studio announces new songwriting competition - 'For the Song'.

Earthworm Recording Studio want to unearth a genuinely brilliant new song, give it the treatment it deserves and put together a professional package including a single, video and showcase performance for the winner.

Upon submission the song will be presented to a panel of judges who work within the music industry. The winning entry will benefit from first

class musical, and promotional, support in launching the song.

The Judges: •Jon Buckett (Music producer, arranger and musician) •Gaz Brookfield (Acoustic Magazine's Songwriter of the Year) •Lee Alder (Songwriter & Film music composer) •Marland Music Management (Veteran music management and promoters).

The deadline for 2018 is Wednesday 31 October.

Get things moving by visiting www.earstudio.co.uk and follow the link to "For the Song."

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

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD In the community l Make a 'Beastly Brew' with Prospect Hospice. The charity will be hosting a series of coffee mornings across Swindon throughout October half term - all proceeds will be donated to your local hospice.

Visit www.prospect-hospice. net/Events

Book now...

YOU ME AT SIX PERFORM EXCLUSIVE SET WITH ALBUM SIGNING Preparing for the release of their fifth album, You Me At Six will be performing an exclusive acoustic set at Marlborough Sound Knowledge this month.

You Me At Six have announced a week-long run of UK in-store performances and signings, beginning October 4, to mark the celebrations of their forthcoming new album, ‘VI’, due for release this October 5. This month they will be at Marlborough Sound Knowledge October 7.

Starting out in 2004 the band have become one of Britain's most popular contemporary rock bands with tracks including Bite My Tongue, Take on the World, Lived a Lie, and 3AM. For further information and to book tickets visit www.songkick.com

PAUL FOOT GETS IMAGE CONSCIOUS

After sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, critically acclaimed comedian Paul Foot is bringing his new show Image Conscious to Swindon Arts Centre 4 October. He said: "Have you ever considered the unique predicament of the soft-shell crab? Well I have."

Tickets are £16.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

LOOKING FOR SOME HOT STUFF? The "chuffing brilliant" stage production of The Full Monty is coming to the Wyvern Theatre 29 October to 3 November. From Oscarwinning writer Simon Beaufoy, the production has gone on to win the UK Theatre Award recieving rave reviews.

Tickets from £27.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

"YOU MUST SEE THIS SHOW"

Ventoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France - restaged at Swindon Arts Centre 6 October. It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani – whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seen.

Tickets are £16.50 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

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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 Incredible Edible Swindon will be hosting BBC 4's radio show Gardeners' Question Time at New College's Phoenix Theatre, 2 October. Guests will be able to watch the live recording of the show which includes a Q&A with the gardening experts. Tickets are £4.50 - visit www.eventbrite. com/e/bbc-radio-4sgardeners-question-time l The Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival have announced their autumn concert, taking place Saturday 17 November at the Sacred Heart RC Church.

The theme will be St.Cecilia, the patron Saint of musicians, whose feast day is 22 November. l Swindon & Wiltshire Pride are hosting a fundraiser at Level III on Saturday 24 November. The event, UV White Party, takes place from 9pm to 3am, includes a free shot on arrival and offers on selected drinks throughout the night. There will also be an adult ball pit and photo booth.

Tickets £5. l Music in Mind will be coming to Darkroom Espresso 12 October. The evening will have live music from Chaney, Fabien Darcy and Basement Club - all proceeds will go to mental health charity Mind.

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Sophie Grigson demonstrates her flair at Outlet food event Celebrity chef Sophie Grigson was at Swindon’s Designer Outlet to share inspirational cooking ideas and culinary delights using local ingredients.

The weekend-long event was also a chance for visitors to sample a range of mouthwatering street food dishes.

Poetry by Maurice Spillane: Looking forward to the festival Poetry Swindon Festival: 3-8 October 2018 Do you know that this festival is considered to be the “friendliest poetry festival” in the UK? We’ve had visitors from the UK, USA and the Continent over the years and they have written enthusiastically about Swindon on social media.

It’s a great festival for Swindon folk to enjoy as well.

If it’s your first visit, make sure you search me out and in return I’ll make sure you’re well looked after. How’s that?

You can see the full Programme at www. poetryswindon.org/poetryfestival-2018 Booking is advisable.

All events are held in a magnificent tent palace that we erect in the grounds of the Richard Jefferies Museum. The museum is beside the Sun Inn on the Marlborough Road near Coate Water. The post code is SN3 6AA. I hope this helps you to pick one event at least that will appeal to you.

Easy Listening Poetry can be a bit daunting if the last time you heard a reading was in school, or at a wedding or a funeral and that was it. Poetry doesn’t have to be serious and remote. It can be a lot of fun and here’s a few tasters that I recommend: Wednesday 3 October at 7:30 What if you woke up one morning and realised that your life was actually a computer game? Your Dad just died, your Uncle's married your Mum and is hell bent on world domination. Our own Edward Daly takes Hamlet to a new level with retro imagination, spoken word and comic songs.

We even have a trailer on the website. It’s an absolute hoot!

Friday 5 October at 3.30pm, two really amusing poets, Susan Taylor and Simon Williams, celebrate English weather and romantic love.

I know, it’s ridiculous, but it works!

Open Mic This is for everyone: firsttime readers, budding poets, published poets. Bring along

a poem and read it yourself.

Or, just settle back with a drink and enjoy the fun.

Thursday 4 October at 1.30pm, Sam Loveless is the poet’s DJ and he’s great at it.

Monday 7 October at 10am A final wrap of poems with coffee and croissants.

Really Good Poets I know and like these poets so I can recommend their readings without any preamble. But here’s a preamble anyway!

Thursday 4 October at 8.30pm three of Swindon’s favourite poets make the big time with recent publications: Josephine Corcoran, Stephen Payne and Louisa Campbell.

Friday 5 October at 7.30pm I could sit and listen to Kim Moore in total rapture for hours. I love her poetry. Her accent, her lilting voice, the quality of her poetry – you just get sucked in. And she’s joined by Wayne HollowaySmith from Wiltshire and the wonderful Clare Shaw.

Saturday 6 October at 5pm Carrie Etter is an American poet, a great friend to

Swindon, and slowly becoming Saxonised. She teaches Creative Writing at Bath Spa University. Carrie has a new collection and will be reading with Sandeep Parmar who is an up and coming poet. I’m looking forward to this and I expect great work.

Workshops We have two-hour workshops every morning for poets, and it doesn’t matter what stage you are at in your development. If you want to be a poet, or want to improve your poetry you should attend at least one, and you’ll come away kicking your heels. They book out quickly.

Sunday 7 October at 3.30pm Poetry Primers is a series for emerging poets run by The Poetry School and Nine Arches Press. It’s now on Volume 3.

Three new poets will showcase their work. It could be you next year!

Other events This is a taster to get you engaged but do have a look at the programme and book at least one event. Poetry Swindon needs you! swindonlink.com n October 2018

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Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Ken White

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

I have known the name 'Ken White' since I can remember.

There's no question that he's an integral part of Swindon's art scene, and this is evident by the murals you can still see around the town today.

As one of England's most renowned artists, - for his murals in particular - I was delighted to be invited to his studio before he opened it to the public as part of Swindon Open Studios 2018.

A Swindon man thoughand-through, Ken's visionary talents have made a creative impact on the town's heritage, identity and culture - his house and studio are packed with paintings, canvases, posters and newspaper clippings from since he discovered painting at 15. At 75 he admitted that he still gets overwhelmed by the amount of people who come to see his collections. He humbly explained that “I’m not good at these things - I can’t mingle, I like one-to-one.”

Ken's work has been seen all over England, Europe, NYC and even the skies - when Virgin Atlantic launched in 1984 he was commissioned

by Richard Branson for the 'Scarlet Lady' emblem which featured on the aircraft. "I

Swindon Open Studios 2018

By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

became a painter over the weekend," he said. After that he worked on a retainer for Branson for 20 years. Other well-known works include Golden Lion Bridge (Swindon), Castle Mural (London), Highworth Pool (Highworth), Town House Studios (London), and various Virgin airport lounges and Megastores.

Up until recently he would regularly sell and exhibit his work at London's Panter & Hall gallery.

Unfortunately some of Ken's murals in Swindon can no longer be seen, like the one that used to be in the Brunel Centre with Diana Dors and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. He said: “That’s the thing about this town, they keep knocking the best buildings down – even the Locarno, that looks like it’s going to go.

“I used to go there, - I saw The Hollies. It was a really good place. There was a great big bar and lots of events – I used to go there on a lot of Saturdays with groups.

[Laughs] I don’t go out as much now though!"

Focusing now primarily on his own independent projects, Ken still burrows away in his studio. “I come in here, shut the door and put the music on," he explained. Whilst preparing for Open Studios Ken shuffled

In a bid to recognise the variety of working artists in Swindon, Swindon Open Studios is an annual event where artists open their studios for the public to visit.

This year the event took place in September - participating artists included Ken White, David Bent, James Osborn,

through canvas after canvas to show me some of his more recent art works, which are still very much influenced by his time working as a hotter of rivets on the GWR. "I wouldn’t want to live anywhere like Bath, or Marlborough," Ken explained.

"Swindon’s like a workingclass town to me, which I like.

It’s what my paintings are influenced by, when I worked at the railways.”

Another of Ken's latest projects is buying paintings at auctions and painting over them. He explained that the different textures can provide

Carolyn Day and Chris Waddell.

Committee member, and artist, Carolyn Day said: "This isn’t an exhibition – it’s about seeing people’s studios and actually seeing where the magic happens and seeing where the art work is produced."

The Mayor of Swindon, Junab

a new lease of life to create something new. “I bought one which had dead chickens on it – it was awful. I painted over it, and Panter & Hall sold it straight away.”

Asking what advice he has for Swindon's young creatives today, he told me: “You have to be focused and driven – painting's all I ever did and thought about. It’s the same with Ray ['Gilbert' O’Sullivan] - all he focused on was his music. That’s how you get there: just keep on going. Painting’s the only thing I’ve ever liked since I was at school.”

Ali, attended the launch event.

He said: "Having events like this showcases what a great pool of talent we have in Swindon.

"Swindon’s got so much talent to give – all the people in Swindon need to come together to appreciate that."

Visit www. swindonopenstudios.org swindonlink.com n October 2018

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The Business Brief Dreambox founders lift the lid on their three-year journey

Beth Garrett set up fledgling company Dreambox “almost by accident” with her builder husband Chris when injury forced them to take a step back and rethink everything...

It’s daunting but also very exciting

Dreambox founders Chris and Beth Garret ©Calyx Picture Agency

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Through a combination of self-belief, hard graft and spotting a gap in the market, the company has established a firm foothold in the three years since it was founded.

Dreambox produces a range of tasteful handcrafted furniture, toy boxes and teepees which are almost guaranteed to light up any child’s bedroom.

And they must be doing something right because a steady flow of orders has seen the firm take on four new members of staff at its Cheney Manor Road base in addition to Chris and Beth.

Beth, who was training to be a barrister at the time, explained that the company grew from 26

difficult circumstances: “Chris had to take some time off work because he had to have an operation on his shoulder - at that point he started thinking that he was getting too old to be carrying around heavy pieces of plasterboard. It set us thinking about what else we could do.”

Chris, a carpenter by trade, had the idea of crafting a few toy boxes to sell and within three months the fledgling company was inundated with enquiries.

“We both had careers so it was quite daunting to take that step to really make a go of Dreambox - but what it did mean was that we are able to spend more time with our three young children - Hayden, 7, Cohen, 5, and Eliana, 3.

“It’s daunting but also very

Family-owned business PedShed is celebrating its 15th birthday this year.

The company was established in 2003 by Phillip Wells who decided to branch out on his own after working for 32 years for one of the large wholesalers in the pet industry.

PetShed started with just two employees and has expanded to 16 members of staff. However it is very much a family business.

Over the years, PetShed has achieved being voted Swindon's Favourite Pet Shop in 2013 and Pet Industry Federation Award for Best Independent Retailer in the UK in 2016.

Swindon the best for renters says report

“

“

PetShed celebrates

exciting.”

Beth explained that Dreambox was looking to build on the existing product line - having already added teepees, wooden wall letters, child-sized chairs, tables and bookshelves.

“The next step for us is to produce some traditional beds - we have had quite a few requests for personalised beds so those will be launched shortly. Although it is hard work, we feel very blessed to have had such success - we are aiming for slow and steady growth to continue to build on what we have created.”

For more information about Dreambox products contact info@kids-dreambox.co.uk 01793 950906 Or visit the company website: www.kids-dreambox.co.uk

Swindon is the most affordable town in the UK for working renters. A new study reveals that workers in Swindon typically spend just 11.5% of their take-home pay on rent, compared to a national average of 22.1%.

Richard James, Swindon’s largest estate agent and Switch On to Swindon Board Member, said: “People are moving to Swindon based on its merits and ignoring outdated perceptions. Lower rents and decent jobs create more disposable income."

It's a firm favourite

Swindon based Whitewed Directory has been shortlisted for the 2018 NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year award. The Whitewed Directory of wedding service companies beat tough competition to make the regional shortlist.

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SERVICE SECTOR GARDEN AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES

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SERVICE SECTOR

BOOKKEEPING, CLEANING, DECORATOR, ELECTRICAL, GARAGE DOORS, HOME IMPROVEMENTS, PLANS DRAWN, PLUMBING, REMOVALS, RUBBISH DISPOSAL

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

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

Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

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swindonlink.com n October 2018

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SERVICE SECTOR

SKIP HIRE, TOOL & PLANT HIRE, WARDROBES, WASTE REMOVAL

Affordable luxury fitted wardrobes, measured, manufactured and fitted from only £495 Made to measure, floor to ceiling, a wide range of traditional and modern designs in various finishes For a free brochure and no obligation quote Call 01793 827188 www.mryprojects.co.uk

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The Politics Page

Tackling the challenges of moving into the digital age Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard (Con) A year ago we revealed the scale of the financial challenges facing the council and how we had to save a further £30m before 2020.

Part of that work involves using technology and digital customer services and the council’s cabinet recently endorsed a new digital strategy which will encourage more residents to access council services online.

We want residents to have

greater flexibility in how they contact the council just like they would for other services they use in their daily lives such as online shopping or banking so

we hit our target of making 85 per cent of customer transactions online by 2020.

What was encouraging is that 96 per cent of people who took part in a seven-week consultation on the digital strategy did so digitally.

A lot of work is going on behind the scenes to improve our website and it is our intention to make our services available 24/7 because we appreciate people lead busy lives and it is always not convenient for them to contact us during normal office hours.

However, we know there will be a number of people out there who are less comfortable with technology and a key part of the strategy is that resources are directed at those people who need help completing digital transactions and those who would prefer to speak to someone in customer services.

In the meantime, if you need to contact us about one of our services, and haven’t used our online services before why not visit the website first (www. swindon.gov.uk).

Focussing on council spending to boost local economy Swindon Labour Group Leader Cllr Jim Grant One of the most significant ways councils and other public bodies can have an effect on local economic growth is through their spending on goods and services. In 2017 the council spent more than £200m within the private sector. If you include other public sector bodies within Swindon that procurement spend will likely total near to a £100m.

However, of the total private sector spend on goods and

services Swindon Council currently makes, less than 40% goes to local companies.

Labour believes much more council spending in the private sector for goods and services could go towards local business, creating new jobs and prosperity in the town.

Labour-led local councils across the country are using a recent law passed in 2012 called The Social Value Act to enable them to spend more on local suppliers for goods and services.

Manchester City Council,

for example, have used this law to spend around 70% of their total outlay on goods and services going in to their local economy, creating

more than 1000 new jobs in 2017. Preston City Council have more than doubled their total spending on goods and services in the local area and have stipulated that their local suppliers have to pay their staff a living wage.

Labour believes Swindon’s diverse economy is perfect for this approach to council procurement and could enable tens of millions of pounds more to be spent in the local economy. If elected next year to run the council that is exactly what we will do.

matter how dangerous the road. I am calling on the parish council to fund the King William Street crossing person. This would be a radical

change for what originally parish councils were created for, but with the annual sum of only around £3,290 for a lollipop person it is well worth it and what parish councils who support our communities should all be about.

Parish councillor Toby Robson was shocked in his conversation with parking enforcement officers to hear that the new recording system was suffering terrible teething problems, forcing officers to use their own mobile phones to seek information or report problems.

If this was not bad enough at times due to sickness or long term absences there have been only two officers patrolling the whole of Swindon. The Eastcott ward and the town centre is beset with parking problems ranging from dangerous parking to people without permits parking in resident parking zones - forcing residents to park illegally or walk long distances to their homes. The talk of improving traffic flow is a nonsense if it is not backed up by better enforcement.

Funding crossing supervisors and teething issues for parking team Lib Dem councillor Cllr Stan Panak A combined motion at Swindon Council by Labour and Lib Dem Eastcott councillors for funding for a new lollipop crossing patrol person for Eastcott Road to get children safely across to King William Street school has failed.

The Conservative administration's stance on this is unbelievable in that any retiring lollipop person in Swindon whether through sickness, retirement or a new job will not be replaced no

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