South Swindon Link October 2017

No 14 October 2017

Est. overall readership across Swindon: 125,000

South Swindon Edition

A meal in a million at The Chop House p25

Community: P3-18

Swindon Wide: P19-26

Safe and Hound Lifesaver Newfoundland doggy paddles to the rescue page 7 Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

Services: P27-29

Politics: P30

Community News Director: James Phipps

Exciting times at Swindon Link

By Group Editor Jamie Hill Swindon is moving fast at the moment. Everywhere you look new developments are sprouting up, new office buildings are being built, new companies are moving into the town and our communities are changing beyond recognition.

To reflect this, Swindon Link, as you can see below, has also had to move with the times and this month we are launching the new East Swindon edition of the magazine.

On top of this we have also launched a new directory service on our website which is something I’m particularly excited by.

This makes www.swindonlink.com your one-stop shop to get your community news as well as being an essential tool to find whatever service you might need from plumbers to local solicitors.

For our advertisers it is also good news as we are giving away free directory listings to anyone who books a print advert in the magazine.

Online marketing for businesses

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com

is a growth area for companies using Swindon Link at the moment and it has become a fundamental part of the marketing mix.

But print remains an essential component of almost any successful ad campaign and in fact, may be a more powerful marketing tool than ever as print pieces really stand out and have more shelf life than digital. Print advertising also lends credibility to your message and has a higher level of engagement than digital.

A good ad campaign should involve a mix of print and online and Swindon Link can offer everything you need.

We are in a fast moving world and like our town, Swindon Link is ahead of the curve. jamie@swindonlink.com

Closing date for November adverts and editorial: 11 October November edition published: 27 October

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

Positive Media Group Limited, Unit 3, Arclite House, Century Road, Swindon SN5 5YN T: 01793 744677 E: publisher@swindonlink.com Our Statistics Est. Readership of 125,000 in print & c.25,000 monthly online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £51.

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.

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

The Link expands across the whole of Swindon Swindon Link is now delivered door to door to more than half of the town's households.

From this month we are launching a third edition of Swindon Link covering the east of the town. This takes the total number of magazines distributed door to door to 50,000.

By industry standards of 2.5 readers per publication our readership can now be measured at 125,000.

The new East edition which includes Liden, Dorcan, Covingham and Stratton joins the existing North West Swindon edition and the South Swindon edition meaning we now cover every compass point of the town.

At the last count Swindon had about 90,000 households with a population of 222,000. But Swindon is growing all the time with new developments being built in the north, west, east and south.

Our role at Swindon Link is to continue to be at the centre of community life in the town. To do this, we need to grow as the town grows.

We are proud to be an important voice for communities letting people know exactly what is going on at a local level.

We will also be delivering magazines to selected stockists throughout the area to make sure we cover the pockets of the town that are not covered by door to door delivery.

For our advertisers we will still continue to provide competitive advertising prices with heavy discounts now permanently in place if a business would like to be in multiple editions.

It is a far cry from Swindon Link's humble beginnings in 1978 as a community newsletter for the newly built developments of West

Swindon.

Owner James Phipps said: "We are very proud and excited to be able to deliver Swindon Link to more than half of the town's households.

"I bought Swindon Link in 2014 with the aim of making it a publication that could benefit the entirety of the town. It is a unique publication that helps to tie communities together.

"Swindon is growing at a rate of knots and The Link is perfectly placed to help bind these new communities into town life."

On top of the increased print run with Swindon Link going out to new areas, a lot of

work has also been going on in the background on our website at www.swindonlink.com As well as the ability to read a digital version of the magazine it is a 24/7 news website in its own right keeping our readers up to date on all the goings on in the town. With breaking news, opinion pieces as well as a new business directory the website is definitely taking Swindon Link into the future.

All in all this makes Swindon Link the major media force of the town - the perfect place to get your message across and reach the biggest readership. swindonlink.com n October 2017

3

Community News

Spirit of Swindon: Changing the script around housing

By Tom Wilkes The Government has acknowledged that not enough homes are being built in the UK. Records show that 190,000 homes were constructed in 2015-16 but commentators agree that we now need at least 300,000 per year. This building shortfall has happened in each of the last ten years so the national backlog is huge.

Government data also shows that any increase in housing stock has not gone to owner occupiers but principally to the private rented sector. This has contributed to the drop in home ownership rates - now down to around 60%.

A report by the housing charity Shelter has flagged the significance of the unhealthy relationship between mortgage owners, property developers and mortgage providers. A mutual vested interest is having the effect of reducing the supply of new housing and keeping costs high. For the average family the costs of housing escalate, especially in some areas of the country, while housing developers make millions.

First time buyers face particular challenges as ‘market forces’ are used to excuse what may be regarded as greed.

As Catherine West, MP, observed in a recent lecture, each new home owner tends to be richer than the person they buy from, while each person who moves into social property tends to be poorer than the previous tenant.

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swindonlink.com n October 2017

www.woodbrooke.org.uk/listen-to-the-2017swarthmore-lecture-today So how does this play out in Swindon and how can our town rise to this national challenge?

The figures show that roughly 13,000 families claimed housing benefit in 2016, with 2,700 on the council waiting list; 450 households were in temporary accommodation by the end of March 2017 and an average of 50 households were homeless throughout the year. This mix presents many people, particularly young men, with a difficult situation when it comes to finding accommodation.

Last month Spirit of Swindon highlighted the shift of government money from building homes into subsidising rents. In our town almost £30 million is paid each year in Housing Benefit to local landlords.

Recently the Local Government Association called for Councils to have more powers and funding to resume building of affordable homes and social housing. Any lifting of borrowing restrictions would need to be part of a national strategy, along with other suggestions such as the development industry accepting lower profit margins and more public land being released.

However, it is possible for local approaches to have an impact, as is happening in other parts of the country. For example, in Bristol the ‘abolish empty office building’ strategy has

demonstrated what an enterprising solution can begin to achieve. www.aeobhousepeople.org.uk Previous articles from Spirit of Swindon have illustrated how economic inequality has gradually been poisoning the UK over the last forty years. We have drawn attention to the impact on health, culture and pay and offered links to further information which support this diagnosis.

Our articles show that, in terms of some indicators, Swindon is doing as well or better than other towns, while in others we do less well. The impact of inequality is likely to worsen unless we accept the need to address it nationally. By giving a lead as a town, we not only help ourselves but encourage others to take action.

One thing you can do this month? Follow one of the links referenced here, or continue to send in your experiences and ideas about housing, nationally and in Swindon. You could also consider becoming one of the 200 Equality Ambassadors, an initiative associated with Swindon200 - swindon200.uk/equalityambassadors.

Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon offer a lead to other towns and cities in the UK.

Community News

Charity runners paint the rainbow across Lydiard Park Prospect Hospice threw down the gauntlet for people who took part in its annual fundraising event, Run the Rainbow, at Lydiard Park on Saturday 16 September.

Nearly 1,000 people participated in the event this year.

During the 5km multi-coloured extravaganza, runners, who began the race dressed in white, were doused in powder paint and ended up fashioning a rainbow of colour.

The event is always family friendly and open to anyone who wishes to take part.

The multi terrained route was

designed to accommodate all capabilities, from jogging and walking to wheelchair users.

The money raised is to enable the non-profit chairty to provide expert care for young children, as well as their families.

Alongside the generous donations, and colourful participants, the event as always was about having fun - needless to say, no one left looking (too) blue.

Prospect Hospice's winter event, Santa Fun Run, takes place Sunday 17 December. To sign up visit www. prospect-hospice.net/santafunrun

swindonlink.com n October 2017

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Community News

Loveable lifesavers take the plunge in charity open day Wagging Tails’ second event for ‘Take the Plunge’ basks in another year of action-packed success.

The total money raised is yet to be fully calculated, but thanks to the incredible efforts of the organisers, and fundraisers, it’s looking to exceed £4000 in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Provided by the Charity Newfound Friends UK, Newfoundland dogs were tasked with ‘rescuing’ the fundraisers, or ‘casualties’, from South Cerney Outdoor’s lake.

The dogs have been trained since they were puppies to perform water rescues, and Newfound Friends continue to raise money towards their training so that the dogs can continue to provide life saving skills.

These Newfoundlands have become invaluable to the lives of adults and children with disabilities, as well as the elderly.

Hilary Coates, from Wagging Tails SN, said: “We owe a great deal to the Newfound Friends UK, who offer their time free of charge to help charities raise money.”

One fundraiser said: “The dogs were amazing and their trainers were so supportive.”

30 people took the plunge last Saturday, whilst friends and family spectated the rescue missions enjoying cake and refreshments on dry land.

There was also an opportunity

Spooky things are happening at Swindon's Brunel Centre...

While Halloween falls on 31 October, spooky and frightful fun dominates this year’s October half term at The Brunel Shopping Centre in the town centre.

The eerie fun starts on the first day of half-term with free craft activities.

On Thursday 19 and Friday 20 October children of all ages will be able to make pumpkin masks, spooky spiders and much more in the craft area.

Then, on Monday 23 October, there will be cake decorating where young bakers can show off their ghoulish designs.

Tuesday 24 October will see the return of the event's popular puppet show, with a cast line up of ghosts and ghouls Each show lasts 30 minutes and will take place at

News in brief Year of Sanctuary

Somebody let the dogs out to hear from Hearing Dog recipient Ian. With his Hearing Dog, Buddy, Ian was able to demonstrate the way in which Buddy and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has improved his quality of life.

It’s definitely not the most conventional sight to see at South Cerney’s Outdoor, especially as these Newfoundland dogs look like mini bears, but these friendly giants were hard at work which successfully paid off.

Top Adult Fundraiser, Julie Andrews, raised £722.50 and was awarded the first prize bottle of champagne.

In a very short space of time, after returning from holiday, Tom Ford raised £162 which got him a large teddy bear and a tub of celebrations for Top Junior Fundraiser.

Another fundraiser added: “I wanted to say a massive thank you to Wagging Tails for organising such a wonderful event”

intervals throughout the day.

Wyvern Theatre staff will be appearing at the event 25 October for a colouring competition.

Budding artists have a chance to win a family ticket to upcoming panto Peter Pan. With balloon modelling on 26 October and face painting on 27 and 28 October, there will be something for everyone.

For those just a bit braver, how about a ghost tour of the basement of The Brunel Shopping Centre.

This is of course a family friendly event, but a word of caution: children and those easily spooked, should be accompanied by an adult.

Refugee charity ‘Swindon City of Sanctuary’ held a meeting at Los Gatos restaurant in Old Town to celebrate a year since the organisation’s launch.

Development Worker, Nicola Wood, said: “We are thoroughly excited to be hosting this year’s regional meeting for City of Sanctuary. It's fantastic to be part of a growing movement to make the UK and Ireland a safe, welcoming place for all who live here, especially for those who have had to flee from war and persecution."

In June, Swindon City of Sanctuary took a lead in organising Swindon’s biggest Refugee Week to date, with the support of local businesses and charities such as The Harbour Project.

Adver editor leaves

The editor of the Swindon Advertiser, Gary Lawrence, has left after six years at the helm.

Gary, who has worked for the Newsquest group for 28 years, was also responsible for the Adver’s sister title, the Oxford Mail.

Staff were told the news on Tuesday in an internal memo from Newsquest’s regional managing director Chris Moore.

It is thought that Deputy Editor Michelle Tomkins will take over as managing editor until a new editor is appointed.

Care this Christmas Swindon’s Christmas Care charity is offering people the chance to reach out to others over the festive period. The organisation is holding an information evening on Monday 13 November and Tuesday 21 November (7.30pm) for those wanting to find out more. Christmas Care is looking for helpers aged over 18 to help provide a caring shelter for homeless and vulnerable adults.

The charity supports people from 11am on December 24 to 10am on 28 December. www.ChristmasCareSwindon. org.uk Contact: Diane Killick - 01793 336420 or xmascare@gmail.com swindonlink.com n October 2017

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Community News Darkroom Espresso's doors are open to all from across the world

By Claire Dukes Organised by City of Sanctuary, over the last three months Darkroom Espresso has been hosting their weekly event 'We are Open'.

Supported by volunteers from The Harbour Project, which began back in 2003, both organisations support refugees and asylum seekers fleeing war from over 40 countries.

The purpose of this partnership with the cafe on Faringdon Road is to provide a warm and welcoming event in an informal social space.

Harbour Project volunteer, Jol Rose, said: "Swindon has so much culture, it just doesn't realise that it's already here.

"The event helps to find common ground with people around Swindon, to make connections. You never know who's going to show up - everyone is welcome."

You can definitely feel that connection from the moment you enter the cafe. Arguably, there's more of a buzz here than Wood Street on a Friday night.

Various games are situated across the tables, with a bottomless supply of teas circulating. Last Thurday, volunteer Marina rustled up a homemade plum and almond cake.

It's these humble contributions from volunteers and Darkroom staff, like barista Ruby, which encapsulate the inclusive vibe of this event.

We are Open certainly establishes the aims of these charities by celebrating diversity and culure, and Darkroom enables a safe space for people to experience this.

U3A freshers' fair

Born in Tehran, Hassan Noperver was originally a history teacher and taught in Iran for seven years.

His journey from Iran, at the time was unexpected which he explains is why his English is not very good.

His journey in the UK began in Gatwick to Croydon, to Cardiff and now Swindon.

He's currently looking to improve his English before applying for a job, to open more doors and potentially teach again.

When asking how he's finding Swindon, we exchange words on my notepad, and he writes: "It is small, but people are very kind.

My son goes to school, and speaks very good English."

Hassan then laughs as he explains how his son, Amir, is teaching him to speak English with the help of YouTube.

What's so increible about the charities' work, and We are Open, is that there is a real sense of community which has been created in Swindon.

It marks the importance of local communities working together and

supporting people, like Hassan and Amir, to improve their quality of life and make them feel welcome.

Inspired by Open Cafes in Germany volunteer Annie Vickers, from the Harbour Project, explained how two German tourists were staying at a nearby hotel in Swindon, heard the buzz and popped into Darkroom.

Annie said: "They began socialising with the volunteers and people from all different places, and left with a really positive view of Swindon."

The owner of Darkroom, Will Davies, reflected on how obvious the decsion was to host the event.

He concluded: "As a business owner, with all this space, I felt as though I had an obligation.

"If we can have gigs, meetings and a cycling club here we can have this too.

"It's so nice to watch it grow."

Jol added: "It's really starting to happen, what with so many people coming from elsewhere. And we really have to thank Will - he made this all happen."

Project breathes new life into empty shops After many years standing empty, two shops on the corner of Faringdon Road and Catherine Street, Swindon, are about to see a new lease of life providing eight homes and two retail units.

Forward Swindon Limited, the Council’s regeneration agency, has awarded a £600,000 contract to Swindon-based SAS Build Limited. The contract was won by competitive tender and will see a complete renovation and conversion of the building.

Cllr Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “The refurbishment of these two properties are just a small part of our plans to improve the link between the Great Western Works railway heritage quarter with the town centre.

The regeneration will see two selfcontained shops of 1087sq.ft and 1420 sq.ft for lease and eight new

News in brief

homes for sale.

The homes will be a mix of studios and 2-bedroom apartments including one duplex apartment. All will be finished to a high standard internally and externally the building will receive a sympathetic treatment to reflect the period of the building. This will really help improve the look of this area of town and improve the retail choice.”

SAS Build will start on site early September and the build is scheduled for completion early in 2018.

Commenting on the award of the contract SAS Build Limited’s Managing Director Nick Underwood said: “SAS Build Ltd., is excited to be involved in such an important project for the town and are looking forward to working with Forward Swindon on the development.

As a resident of Swindon I have driven past the building

Last month, Swindon U3A held its annual Freshers’ Fair at St Joseph’s College. It was an opportunity for existing members to renew their memberships and look at the range of new courses on offer.

More than 250 prospective members turned up to look at the huge range of activities on offer, from foreign language learning, dancing and painting to walking and even debating.

U3A is a registered charity run by volunteers and are always looking to recruit additional help. Contact U3A at office@ swindonu3a.org.uk

Mindful conference

Swindon Mindful Employer Network is holding its 2017 conference at the Swindon Marriott on Monday 9 October.

Speakers at the event include former Global Vice-President of HR for Unilever Geoff McDonald, top international organisational psychologist Professor Sir Cary Cooper and Olympian and business coach Doctor David Hemery CBE. Frances Mayes of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council said: “I have been heartened by the enthusiasm shown by local employers for this network which indicates the high level of interest in mental wellbeing in the workplace.

For more information see www. swindonmind.org/swindonmindful-employers-network

Free lectures offered

An artists' impression of how the Faringdon Road site could look

many times and have admired its period features, we now have the opportunity to bring them back to their original condition for all to enjoy in the future.”

The flats are to be fitted with quality kitchens and bathrooms and will be finished to a high standard overall. Forward Swindon is in the process of appointing a sales agent for the residential properties.

Students interested in a career in engineering, technology and aviation can take advantage of free lectures at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham.

The programme of talks covers a diverse range of subjects, including an examination of The Rosetta Mission – Landing on a Comet; aircraft crash investigations; a look at unmanned aviation support as well as a base visit to RAF Brize Norton.

Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (also free entrance). For further details, please contact the Defence Academy and Swindon Royal Aeronautical Society by email raeswindon@gmail.com or phone: 07740 136609. swindonlink.com n October 2017

9

Community News

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

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swindonlink.com n October 2017

By Claire Dukes Battle lines are forming against controversial plans for a housing development on Ambrose Fields.

And now South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has entered the fray, launching a harsh rebuke against Taylor Wimpey’s CEO to reconsider plans to build 62 homes on the site.

A heated public meeting was held

by Cllr Nadine Watts on Monday 11 September, with campaigners against the plans calling on the government to rewrite the rule book so that developers can’t build on greenfield sites.

In a strongly worded open letter, to the CEO of Taylor Wimpey, Mr Buckland writes: “This may be just another pin in a map in the hundreds of developments that you explore each year, but for us this is our home, our local area and a development that will have a serious and long lasting negative impact on our town.”

The letter, jointly signed by parish councillor Nick Burns-Howell, Cllr Claire Ellis and Robert Buckland QC MP echoes concerns raised at a heated public meeting at Croft Road Sports Centre Monday night.

The concerns were raised by residents, and local councillors, as developers are submitting applications on land that falls outside the framework of Swindon’s local plan, which has cross-party support.

Cllr Nadine Watts said: “What’s the point in having a local plan if you’re not going to stick to it?”

And she has offered her support in organising two petitions.

The first will be directed at Swindon’s planning committee to address developers way around the local plan.

The second, is a call for a change in the law.

Cllr Nick Burns-Howell said: “I agree this is a broader issue. There is a need to build houses, but they have to be in the right location.”

Frustrations have been ignited

by many factors including environmental hazards, increased traffic in the area and the moral and ethical implications of this proposed development.

Mr Buckland’s open letter states: “You outline the principles of your approach to land and planning as proposing developments ‘suited to their surroundings and not harmful to the local environment’ and ‘welcomed by local people’.

“We would suggest that this development directly contravenes your own principles.”

Residents also expressed concern over the Wichelstowe development, which remains incomplete.

Cllr Jim Robbins explained that the recession had slowed building work down, causing a three year delay to building work.

Since the local plan’s publication in 2012, 5,750 houses are set to be built in Wichelstowe by 2026.

Due to the delay of the development, a 20% buffer has been implemented on the current local plan which has enabled Taylor Wimpy to submit plans for Ambrose Fields.

Local resident, Fiona Murphy said: “I’m concerned the buildings will not be safe. The land is flooded.

Where will all the water go?”

Another local resident, David Finney, added: “It undermines local democracy. Taylor Wimpey is ignoring the local plan and is pushing the development for their own profits.”

The earliest this planning application will go to the planning committee is 10 October.

In a media statement by Taylor Wimpey, they said: “Since our proposals were first released, Taylor Wimpey has ensured we have delivered a range of opportunities for local people to have their say on our plans.

“If residents do have any questions, please contact our community engagement officer by email at: michelle.thurgood@ corkscrewcommunications.com”.

Community News

Commonweal School celebrates ninetieth birthday with reunion Since the school opened in 1927 thousands of Swindonians have passed through the door of Commonweal, the town’s oldest secondary school.

Perhaps you were one of them?

Were you a student, a parent, a governor, or a member of staff?

If so, you were probably invited to Commonweal school Saturday 23 September from 2pm to 6pm to celebrate the school’s ninetieth birthday.

One of the event organisers, Sue Hammond, said: “It was an opportunity to revisit some of your old haunts, take a look at what has changed and reminisce with some of your contemporaries.”

Students were on hand to guide visitors around the school where they met up with old classmates, wallowed in nostalgia and marvelled at the developments of recent years.

Commonweal’s Head teacher, Robert Linnegar, said: “Over the years we have expanded with the needs for demand. Commonweal means, ‘for the common good,’ and that is just what we do, embracing

Commonweal head Robert Linnegar

and encouraging our students to be the very best they can be.

“Our school is an ambitious, restless and inclusive community, that is passionate about learning.

We aim to develop character, compassion and service.

“We want young people to look back on a joyful school experience which has inspired and challenged them, given them wide opportunities and prepared them for the ups and downs of life."

For the open day reunion, there was also an archive of displays, tours of the school and, of course, tea and cake.

swindonlink.com n October 2017

13

Community News

Firefighters help boost youngsters' self esteem A week-long firefighting course for young people and adults with Down’s syndrome reached a dramatic crescendo on Friday with a Pass Out Parade and demonstration by those taking part.

With a wail of sirens and blue lights flashing, the team of youngsters were put through their paces in front of an audience of family and friends – and had the opportunity to show off some of the skills they had learned.

It is the ninth time that Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has worked with Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group to run the skills course known as Salamander.

Over the week, a group of 17 young people and adults – aged between 12 and 30 – are supported by local firefighters, a police officer and paramedics to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

The Salamander programme encourages participants to work as a team by learning firefighting skills such as using hoses, pumping appliances and hydrants; abseiling; ladder climbing; search and rescue; casualty care; road traffic collision rescue skills and water rescue.

At the end of the course, which is

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being held at Swindon fire station, the group put on a display of their new skills for family, friends and senior Fire & Rescue Service officers.

Watch Manager Mark Evans, who organises the course, said: “This is always an incredibly rewarding week, not just for the young people and their families, but also for the instructors from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Wiltshire

Police and South Western Ambulance Service.

For some participants, it is their first time on the course; for others, it is a repeat visit – in both cases, we see the young people grow in confidence throughout the week.”

He added: “The final presentation on the Friday is so much fun, the

group love showing off their new skills to their families, and the parents get so much joy from seeing what their children have achieved during this time.”

Community News

Take a look at Oxford Brookes

It's your chance to find out more about how Oxford Brookes University can help you develop your career prospects.

Get inspired about creating your future by talking to academics, application experts and the friendly team of Student Ambassadors at the Oxford Brookes autumn undergraduate open days.

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swindonlink.com n October 2017

Swindon open days: Adult Nursing and Operating Department Practice l Saturday 14 October l Saturday 11 November If you can't make it, you can visit Oxford Brookes any time by booking a campus tour.

For further information about Oxford Brookes, log on to their website at www.brookes.ac.uk

19

IN ASSOCIATION WITH with in association

association with association with inregeneration Future ofinSwindon's economic rests on lottery bid The bid for a new Museum and Art Gallery is now at full throttle with more than 3,000 active supporters backing the project as the deadline for the first submission for Heritage Lottery Funding draws closer.

Due to be submitted at the end of November, a successful bid will be the first step in transforming Swindon’s town centre.

However, the community continues to play a central role in the project and the submission, with plans continually growing and being adapted according to feedback received from the public.

Director of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust, Rod Hebden, explained: “Getting out and about and meeting as many people as we can is a key priority for me. As well as attending events, such as Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, the

Swindon and Cricklade Railway Steam and Vintage weekend, and Swindon Open Studios, we’ve also been into businesses across the town. As I keep presenting our plans to different individuals and groups, people have been suggesting brilliant new ways that the new museum and art gallery can help people in Swindon.

“At the core of this project is our belief that Swindon’s rich heritage can inspire a brighter future for the town, using these lessons from its past.

The role of the new museum and gallery is to celebrate Swindon’s heritage and to inspire its future. Our ambition should be built on that great heritage, not constrained by the current town centre. It’s hard to think of another town where there is such a huge gap between the negative perceptions of the place and the reality of what it really has to offer. This clear gap shows the enormous potential for Swindon’s transformation. The first step is to create a leading futurefacing facility which presents Swindonians as the visionary people we know them to be. Then, most importantly, the building must become an open, democratic platform for Swindon’s communities to innovate and to address our own town’s needs, and seize the opportunities we have.

“Unfortunately, our town

in association with

centre ranks as one of the lowest in the country for urban green space.

Back in Brunel’s time the railway men knew the value of nature and green spaces, and the GWR park was a thriving part of their town.

Our roof-top gardens and the public realm in front of the building can help address this need for urban green space. Even better, we have already begun to explore whether TWIGS Community Gardens, the local mental health charity, could use our rooftop gardens for their therapeutic work, and whether they could use the museum café to support people returning to work full time.

That idea then grew further, when we

spoke with the Richard Jefferies Museum, and realised that we could work with them to design the gardens so that they told the story of the Swindonian nature writer, who was founding father of environmentalism in Britain.

“If we are successful, this is exactly the sort of partnership work we will be continuing to build with Swindon communities and organisations. The museum and art gallery project has huge potential for Swindon, and I am determined to involve Swindon people throughout its design.”

To keep up to date with the latest from the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust, visit www. swindonmuseum.org.uk or like their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ backthebidswindon.

The proposed design for Swindon's new museum and art gallery. Inset Rod Hebden, the man at the helm.

swindonlink.com n October 2017

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Swindon Wide

Build your own green home

Call Michael today on 01793 612333

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swindonlink.com n October 2017

If you have ever dreamed of building your own energy efficient home, the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) can help.

The Big Green Home Show takes place from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October and gives visitors the chance to find out how to build an energy efficient, healthy home.

The show offers a packed three days of live demonstrations, free seminars and case studies along with an unrivalled line up of experts on hand to share their advice, and builds on the topics covered on the NSBRC Eco Workshops that run throughout the year.

Over 220 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and technologies. There are also guided tours of the NSBRC’s fantastic educational zones, featuring a life size 'Renovation House' and 'New Build Journey'. " For 2017 there is a strong empasis on creating a healthier living environment for you and

your family and the show reviews the best construction methods to use through live demonstrations and a line-up of seminars covering everything you need to get started from planning news to budgeting, plot finding and building regulations.

The NSBRC's own team of impartial experts along with eco-consultants, architects, project managers and planners will be ready to meet for one-on-one sessions throughout the show. Offering free advice, they will happily talk through your ideas with you, no matter how big or small, and offer their expert opinions and guidance on even the trickiest of questions.

Tickets cost ÂŁ12 per adult on the door. Link readers can claim FREE tickets by booking in advance through www.nsbrc.co.uk/the-biggreen-home-show and selecting booking code: Link Magazine.

Swindon Wide

Community gathers in colourful celebration of Ganesha's birthday Swindon’s Hindu community took part in a colourful three-day celebration to honour the elephantheaded God Ganesha’s birthday.

The Ganesh Utsav festival, at the Swindon Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre, was first held in Swindon last year and was attended by more than 2,500 people.

Ganesha is worshipped as the God of wisdom and is seen as an obstacle remover. He is honoured at the start of every ritual and ceremony as he’s considered the God of beginnings.

This year’s event began with the installation of an eco-friendly idol imported from India after a procession with the fusion of Maharashtra Mandal London’s Dhol Beats UK and Swindon Temple Dhol team. Hundreds of people of all ages and faiths danced to the tune of Indian Dhol and celebrated the welcome of God Ganesha.

Women and girls dressed in brightly coloured sarees, with men and boys wearing kurtas and wearing saffron caps.

Observations included the chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts such as Ganapati Upanishad, prayers and fasting.

The second day of the festival was even more colourful, with an Indian Food Festival in the morning attended by more than 1,000 people and featured more than 25 Indian food delicacies from all the corners of India like: Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Tamilnadu, Bihar, New Delhi, Orissa, West Bengal and Rajasthan with donations from sales going towards the temple’s refurbishment.

There was also a cultural event in the evening with breathtaking dance performances by children and a spellbinding flute performance.

The festival ended with immersion of the idol into water before it was then used to plant a tree to signify nature as a form of God. The festival is celebrated each year in August or September in most parts of India, United Kingdom and in many countries across the world.

Mr Pradeep Bhardwaj, chairman of Swindon Hindu Temple Trust, congratulated Mr Ashish Channawar and Ganesh Utsav team on another year of majestic celebration.

More information about Swindon Hindu Temple at www.

SwindonHinduTemple.com

Donkeys are star attraction at Studley Grange Studley Grange Butterfly World & Farm Park have stepped in to provide a home for two abandoned donkeys.

Staff at Studley Grange offered to help out colleagues at The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon – and after taking a course in donkey care and preparing a suitable paddock, they have taken delivery of two new charges.

Matrix, a seven year old donkey was found in an animal shelter and Rabbit, another donkey, who is three, was found wandering the streets.

Staff at Studley Grange were keen to provide a home for these donkeys, but as education is an important part of the attraction’s remit, it was essential that staff understood why these donkeys needed re-homing www.studleygrange.co.uk

30 years for Prime youth theatre Swindon’s cultural gems are often hidden from view, but its only professional theatre company is now opening its doors with free and subsidised opportunities for young actors, writers and technicians to join its weekly workshops and productions.

Prime Theatre, previously known as Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People, is Arts Council supported and based at the Wyvern Theatre.

Prime is currently celebrating 30 years of award-winning work in schools and communities and has plenty of exciting opportunities for children and young people.

Regular activities at the Wyvern explore acting and performance.

From script work to devising; puppetry to circus; improvisation to full scale productions; there is something for everyone. The company also runs groups who specialise in playwriting and stage technology, giving Swindon’s young people the opportunity to work with theatre professionals from all different disciplines.

Unlike many youth theatres Prime is open to everyone, no audition necessary and a grant fund welcomes those who wouldn't

otherwise be able to afford the already cheap membership fees.

Members of Prime Youth Theatre also work alongside famous professionals including Sherlock and Dr Who star Mark Gatiss who appeared in one of their recent productions, as well as Horrible Histories creator Terry Deary who writes regularly for the company.

Prime is also welcoming a new Associate Director, Emma Barr.

Emma is a Canadian Drama lead and director who has just moved to Swindon after working in London and studying at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. “I’m very excited to get to know Swindon through its young people. Anyone joining us in youth theatre can expect to develop confidence and communication.” said Emma Barr.

Prime Youth Theatre makes several shows a year and often works with the writing group to develop scripts.

Members also enjoy regular sharings, theatre trips and a fun social environment to make new friends while gaining new skills.

For more information and how to join, visit www.primetheatre.co.uk or call 01793 614864 swindonlink.com n October 2017

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Swindon Wide DRAMA & MUSICALS Sunday 1 October 8pm Jerry Sadowitz Comedian, Magician, Psychopath!

With his unique combination of comedy, absolute hatred and card tricks, every moment is guaranteed to make you feel better about yourself as he bangs on about some pish or other. Last week it was something about cutting up eyeballs for baby boxes? This week it could be about the situation in Sandi Toksvig. One thing’s for sure...

Whatever he says, it will be ripped off. Except the card tricks...You have to be bloody good to do them. £21 Swindon Arts Centre Tuesday 3 October 7.30pm Islands in the Stream - the music of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Celebrating the Queen & King of country, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers…

Leave your 9 to 5 worries at the door and get ready for a night in the company of Country Music Royalty!

This thigh-slapping stage show brings together the beloved glamour and personality of Dolly, along with Kenny’s charisma and energy with hit after hit including: Jolene, Ruby, 9 to 5, Lucille, Here You Come Again, The Gambler, I Will Always Love You, Coward of the Country, plus the smash hit Islands in the Stream. £23 (£25.50) Wyvern Theatre

Wednesday 4 October 7.30pm Lulu Following on from her smash hit 2016 tour Lulu returns with her biggest tour yet!

There is one overriding influence in the life of this acclaimed singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, Grammy and Novello Award nominee, and that is, it has always been ‘All About the Music’.

Lulu delivers a show packed full of her hits, new songs and songs that have influenced and guided her throughout her incredible career. £38 (VIP seats £75) Wyvern Theatre

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WHAT’S ON Thursday 5 October 7.30pm A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen “For me. For, for your own sake. For the children. You have no idea what this could do to us”.

Nora, a wife, mother and silly little spendthrift, has kept a secret from her husband, Torvald, for years now. As the truth is forced out into the open the cracks in their happy marriage begin to show.

Initially condemned as a profeminist work, Ibsen’s nineteenth century masterpiece A Doll's House has now been newly adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens and, with Resident Director, Anna Friend’s interpretation, is now presented in a way that is instantly relatable to a modern audience and highlights just how relevant the once controversial themes of the play still are today. £13 (conc £2 off) Swindon Arts Centre

Friday 6 October 8pm Jimmy Carr - The Best Of..

Jimmy is gathering a selection of his very best jokes along with brand new material for the ultimate comedy show.

A man who has devoted his life to crafting perfect jokes and has left a trail of laughter in his wake, Jimmy Carr’s new tour will distil everything we love to laugh at and be shocked by, into one incredible, unparalleled night of entertainment. Now all that experience is being put to good use - you can see all the greatest material from his extraordinary career in one show. £30 Swindon Oasis Leisure Centre Friday 6 October 7.30pm Samswara Tabla and Sitar Duo Samswara - Jon Sterckx (tabla) and Ricky Romain (sitar) have been thrilling and entertaining audiences throughout the UK since 2001. During this time they have developed a reputation amongst Indian music lovers nationally for their on stage rapport & spontaneous and playful musical dialogues. The many positive responses from audiences highlight their engaging and dynamic performances that begin with slow, meditative melodies unfolding into complex exciting rhythmical interplay. £15 Swindon Arts Centre

Swindon Wide

SWINDON 5 - 7 October 7.30pm Private Lives - Noel Coward London Classic Theatre present a major new touring production of Noël Coward’s sparkling comedy.

In Private Lives, strong passions and stronger personalities set the stage for a classic battle of the sexes.

Full of razor-sharp wit and quick-fire dialogue, Private Lives is Noël Coward’s most popular and enduring stage comedy. £19 Wyvern Theatre Saturday 7 October 8pm Luisa Omielan - Am I Right Ladies?

Comedy phenomenon Luisa Omielan is bringing her smash hit show Am I Right Ladies!? to Swindon.

Her first show What Would Beyonce Do?! was hailed as ‘one of the biggest stand up hits of the last decade’ (The Guardian) and was launched on BBC3 as a stand up special and this is the follow up! £16.50 Swindon Arts Centre Sunday 8 October7.30pm Shane Filan Love Always Hot off the back of announcing his new album Love Always, Shane Filan has announced his major indoor UK Tour – Love Always taking in some of the UK’s best loved venues, including The Wyvern Theatre on Sun 8 October.

Shane will be supported by Guy Sebastian. Australia’s first ever Idol winner in 2003, Guy’s decade and a half long career has seen 42 Platinum and three Gold certifications, and sold three million in combined sales with a string of arena tours. £30-52 Swindon Wyvern Theatre Sunday 8 October 8pm Jan Ravens Difficult Woman Jan Ravens (‘A consummate impressionist’, Times ), is set to delight audiences with her spot-on impressions and political stamp on the world as she takes to the road with her brand-new tour, mixing the current political climate with her own personal journey as a ‘Difficult Woman'. £16.50 Swindon Arts Centre 8pm Monday 9 October 7.30pm An Evening With Adam Henson Adam Henson is perhaps the best-known farmer in the UK, presenting his own section on BBC TV’s Countryfile to around 7 million viewers every Sunday evening. Join Adam as he shares stories about his farming life, his TV career together with his thoughts on British Agriculture. £23.50 Wyvern Theatre

Sunday 15 October 7.30pm Sofie Hagen Dead Baby Frog Sofie Hagen is unquestionably one of the most talked-about comics of the moment. A modern legend in her native Denmark, she burst onto the British scene by winning Best Newcomer at Edinburgh Festival 2015; her 2016 follow-up, ‘Shimmer Shatter’, was a second total sellout.

Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards - Best Newcomer 2015 Chortle - Best Newcomer 2014 £13.50 Swindon Arts Centre

FILM Wednesday 4 October 7.45pm Swindon Film Society - Clash Set entirely in an 8m police truck, a number of detainees from different political and social backgrounds are brought together by their inevitable fate, during the turmoil that followed the ousting of former president Morsi from power.

For ticket prices and membership information visit the website: www. swindonfilm.org.uk Egypt | Drama | Cert.15 | 98 mins £9 Swindon Arts Centre Wednesday 18 October 7.45pm Swindon Film Society - The Ghost and Mrs Muir An exceptional showcase in celebration of our Society’s 70th anniversary!

A gentle romantic fantasy about a widow who moves into a reportedly haunted cottage on the English seaside.

USA | Comedy / Drama | 104 mins £9 Swindon Arts Centre VENUES Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 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 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 Confirm date, time & price with venue

swindonlink.com n October 2017

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Swindon Wide Carters Rest pub is refurbed and ready to go Wroughton real ale pub, Carters Rest, has re-opened following a major £140,000 investment.

Enlisting in the assistance of pub company Punch, the re-work has included full redecoration throughout, upgraded toilets, a new back bar fitting, and the introduction of a fireplace.

Pub manager, Josh Lea, said: “Carters Rest is a proper traditional pub. I’ve had many happy years working here and getting to know all the locals and I’m really looking forward to making sure it stays at the heart of the community.”

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Publican Development and Training Manager for Punch, Jason Cousins, added: “Carters Rest is a warm and welcoming village pub and this investment has significantly improved the facilities without detracting from any of its character."

The Great Western Brick (GWB) Show at Steam Museum

By Claire Dukes Just to clarify, as I definitely miscommunicated this to our deputy editor, this is not some sort of brick-laying convention, it’s a lego show!

You can bring your children along if you insist, but lego-loving adults of all ages have been packing out the show for the last 15 years and will have another opportunity to do so October 7 to October 8.

The show has been increasingly growing in popularity, and every year there is always a new exhibition. At the moment the latest surprise is being kept under wraps until closer to the event, but to give you an idea last year hosted GWB show’s first Robot Wars.

This definitely isn’t the amateur level of lego-making I constructed as a child, the GWB show has become renowned for its impressive displays of models from books, TV and

films made by the Brickish Association.

Other models include intricate designs of railways, spacecrafts, famous landmarks and much more.

Also attending the event will be Fairy Bricks, a charity who’s aim is to provide lego for children in hospital. As always, the charity will be bringing along their own mosaic design.

For further updates visit GWB’s Facebook page: @GreatWesternBrickShow

Swindon Wide

Restaurant review: Helen Browning's Chop House

By Claire Dukes After our Night of the Ocelot in August, the Postiive Media Group team needed a little bit of TLC and we knew Helen Browning’s Chop House would sort us out.

If you haven’t been to the Chop House, the poster shot from outside doesn’t look too dissimilar to something you’d see on the cover of Country Life.

From the moment you walk in the restaurant it’s rustic and homely, with a cosy amount of wooden furniture displayed around the room accompanied by charming farm-life pictures on the walls.

There was plenty of space Friday lunchtime, so we shuffled ourselves into a corner table which provided a view down Wood Street. There was also plenty of choice, so we sat fixated on the menu and proceeded to drool.

Whilst not making quick and snappy decisions, our wonderfully bubbly waitress insisted she bring over some cans of Crawford Press, assuring us that this would put

a hop back in our step. And, she was right. Both the rhubarb and apple spring water potions were incredibly refreshing.

From the moment I thought about lunch I knew I wanted (and needed) something slutty.

So I went for The Chop House Beef Burger, and it did its job beautifully.

Unlike most burger joints Helen had tapped into my need for something juicy and filling, but not so I was left feeling like a heart attack was about to call. The house burger was fresh tasting, not marinated in salt, and left my clothes without dreaded grease drips.

Ocelot editor, Jamie, went down a similar avenue and was oddly gracious when tucking into a generous helping of ribs. It was actually quite impressive to watch.

Jamie said: “They lived up to their name as ‘the best ribs in town’. Absolutely delicious with a wonderful bbq, tangy sauce. I’m still salivating thinking about them right now. A little bit of heaven.”

Ben however, our deputy editor, did a complete U turn and opted for one of Helen’s Superbowls.

Ben said: “One of the chop house’s constantly evolving super salads – which changes ingredients with season and availability.

“Having over indulged in some craft lager fuelled antics the previous evening and feeling a little weakened as a result, I felt the need to indulge in a bit of foodie self love.

“Served in a bowl, this colourful mix of (if I’m remembering correctly) butternut squash, lettuce, roasted peppers, beetroot, couscous, various scrummy seed things and a generous helping of shredded seasoned pork, was just what the doctor ordered.

“The whole myriad of wonderful grub was a total treat. I shall order again. And again.”

Needless to say, team Link was revived and ready for our day trip out around Swindon. Helen, you’re a life saver, thank you!

Baked potatoes with a cheesy kale filling Baking potatoes aren’t, as some people believe, a type – the name refers to the size.

Floury potatoes give the fluffiest insides when baked, but all varieties work for this comforting, low-effort meal.

Heat the oven to 190°C/Gas 5. Put the potatoes in a baking dish and prick them a few times with a sharp knife.

Rub the skins all over with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake for 1–1½ hours, depending on size, until the insides are tender and 4 baking potatoes (250–300g each) the outsides crisp. olive oil Meanwhile, boil the kale for 4 2 good handfuls (about 50g) curly minutes in salted water. Refresh kale leaves, stripped from their in cold water, drain well, chop and stems set aside. When the potatoes are ready, remove them from the oven 150g mature cheddar, grated salt and black pepper and leave until just cool enough

to handle. Slice off the tops (serve them with the potatoes), and use a teaspoon to scoop out most of the insides, being careful not to break the skin.

Put the flesh in a bowl and mash with the kale and three quarters of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon the mixture back into the skins, scatter over the remaining cheese and return to the oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling. www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

Swindon's friendliest festival on the horizon

our own Stephen Daniels with his first collection.

THURSDAY 20:00: We have three resident poets: Daljit Nagra, Tania Herschman and Jacqui Saphra.

These are top quality poets and not to be missed.

FRIDAY 20:00: Nine Arches Press discovered three voices that have a great future in UK poetry. Be inspired.

SATURDAY 21:30 until late: Keith James will be introducing the Songs of Leonard Cohen. If you are a fan you have to be there.

SUNDAY 20:00 until late: We’ll be celebrating the power of Poets

Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane

Swindon Poetry Festival is on from Thursday 5 to Sunday 9 October.

It’ll be big and embracing, and yet again the “friendliest” festival in Britain. This is hidden Swindon making its mark so please join us.

It’s a big programme so here are events I recommend if you’re new to poetry or haven’t heard a poem since school. I know that first step can be a bit daunting so when you

arrive, ask for me and I will make sure you’re looked after: THURSDAY 10am “Poems Aloud” at Artsite, Number Nine Gallery, Theatre Square: We always get a good audience for this opening event. Bring along a few poems if you fancy joining in. Admission is free.

The following events are at Richard Jefferies Museum where we have a really big tent, all beautifully decked out.

THURSDAY 17:30: We’ve three new stars to UK poetry including

in Performance with several very good poets.

On Saturday and Sunday we have events during the day for children and several Open Mic sessions.

You can see the full programme at richardjefferies.org/poetry-swindon Two lines from “Look We have Coming to Dinner” by Daljit Nagra sum it up: we raise our charged glasses over unparasol’d tables East, babbling our lingoes, flecked by the chalk of Britannia!

Maurice Spillane www.poetryswindon.org swindonlink.com n October 2017

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Swindon Wide

UK Space Agency's Libby Jackson is a rising star programme for Tim’s mission.

She now manages the Human Spaceflight and Microgravity Programme.

Libby is an increasingly familiar face on TV, most recently appearing as an expert interviewer on the BBC2 programme Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? - having previously shared her expertise on Stargazing Live, Blue Peter and The Big Think.

She agreed to clear some space in her diary to talk to the Link Magazine about her stratospheric career trajectory, her passion for space travel and what the future might hold.

“I have always been fascinated by space, ever since I was a child. I was born in 1981 - three weeks before the first space shuttle launch - but the thing that really caught my imagination as a youngster was the Apollo programme. I would spend hours finding out everything I could about the race to the moon.”

Libby, who grew up in Bromley, Kent, said: “I devoured everything to do with space and I even went to space camp as a child. I was lucky to have supportive parents and I went to a great school.

“No one has ever said to me that I can’t do something. I was always told by my parents and teachers that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

It was this self belief that led Libby to secure a key opportunity

LIbby Jackson of the UK Space Agency

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that shaped her future career.

“It has always been my dream to work in human spaceflight and when I was 17 I decided to write to NASA to see if I could visit. I didn’t tell my parents at the time - I suppose it is the sort of thing you do as a naive teenager, but much to my amazement, I got a reply.”

Libby spent two weeks at Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas where she had the opportunity to shadow a flight director and gain first hand experience of working at the cutting edge of human spaceflight.

“It was a pivotal moment for me - I’ve always loved everything to do with spaceflight but it was this placement that convinced me that I wanted to become a flight director and to work towards that goal; I never wanted to be an astronaut it was this side of things that really ignited my passion.”

After graduating with a BSc in Physics from Imperial College and a Master’s degree in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University, Libby worked for Airbus Defence and Space in satellite operations.

And in 2007, Libby headed to Munich and the Columbus Control Centre, working as a flight controller and as an instructor of astronauts and other flight controllers. In 2010 she joined the team of Columbus Flight Directors, leading flight operations in Europe’s Mission Control and looking after the crew and science experiments in the Columbus module.

With increasing use of robotic technology, will we always need humans in space?

“Robots are great and

,

Tucked away in a nondescript office block in North Star Avenue, Swindon is the unlikely headquarters of the UK Space Agency - no glittering silver structure, rather a somewhat uninspiring brick faced office building.

However, behind this modest facade is a Government department, which juggles an annual budget of £350 million and employs about 130 people, drawn from a range of scientific, communications and engineering backgrounds. Together the organisation is responsible for making key strategic decisions about the future of the country's civil space programme - from human spaceflight to satellite technology.

Among the talented people employed at the agency is Libby Jackson, who joined in 2014 as part of the team that supported UK astronaut Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station and acted as a spokesperson for the mission. She also managed the UK Space Agency education and outreach

can do many things faster and more efficiently than humans.

But there are some areas where humans are irreplaceable. A well trained human can make informed decisions which draw together their experience and training in a way that computers are unable to match. I think that for the foreseeable future humans will continue to travel into space.”

Libby is keen to support equal opportunities in science and engineering and has recently written A Galaxy of Her Own Amazing Stories of Women in Space which will be published by Penguin books on November 16. The publication examines 50 stories of inspirational women, from scientists to astronauts, who have played a key role in the development of human space flight - from Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century to the women behind the Apollo missions.

“In this book, you will see that the people who do well in this field are those who don’t let anyone define them, who have done much to change the culture. Here in the Space Agency, we have an even split of men and women - people are employed on the basis of their skills and ability.”

The Agency space science programme supports world-class science in the UK, keeping the UK at the forefront of discovery, and providing economic benefits in stimulating technological innovation that supports industrial growth.

The UK Space Agency space science programme supported 19 space missions in 2016-17, including missions in the design, build and operational phases, and also post-operation data calibration, validation and archiving.

I have always been fascinated by space... ever since I was a child.

,

SERVICE SECTOR

Service Sector - Your guide to local services

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SERVICE SECTOR

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October 2017

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Politics

Talking politics Last month, I ran the Swindon Half Marathon alongside my colleague, Alex Williams to raise money for a local charity which I have worked closely with for a number of years, Dressability.

The charity was formed in 1998 and is one of only two independent clothing services in the UK which caters specifically for the needs of disabled people.

Dressability works with other local voluntary organisations, disability support groups, social workers and healthcare professionals to provide clothing for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and the elderly. You can find out more by visiting their website www.dressability.org.uk Despite the persistent rain and

wind, we were able to run the race in just over 2 hours and 20 minutes – a new personal best!

I would personally like to thank everybody who braved the conditions and came out and not only made the atmosphere amazing, but kept me going by providing me with green jelly babies along the 13.1 mile course.

The Half Marathon was great for our town, the parts of Swindon we know and love. But equally as important, those running the Half Marathon helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

I recently attended a meeting with North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson and Bradley Simmons,

Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard Many readers will be aware that some utility companies are either putting up or about to put up electricity prices by 12.5% and we will all have noticed that the nights are arriving earlier and the temperatures dropping.

That’s why this is the perfect time for the council to launch its autumn drive to help residents look at switching opportunities and drive down their bills using Swindon Energy Matters.

Energy bills are a challenge for everyone, but some people may not realise that switching energy supplier could save up to £616 a year, with the chance of getting cashback of up £30 for an on-line switch, or £22 for switching via the helpline.

The Swindon Energy Matters campaign has been developed by our energy efficiency team and Swindon Money Matters to help people seize control of their energy bills, whether they have a credit or pre-payment (Pay As You Go) meter.

We know that plenty of Swindon residents are paying more for their energy than necessary because they don't switch energy provider. Out of the 10,500 or so council homes, a high proportion of these Council tenants are on ‘pay as you go’ tariffs.

This means they could be spending more on their energy than they really need to and it's likely the same applies to other Swindon residents.

There are deals out there for ‘pay as you go’ customers, and even better savings could be achieved by changing to a credit meter.

The campaign is focussed on all Swindon residents, whether they are in council accommodation, own their own homes or rent privately, and we want to really help households get better value for their fuel.

Visit www.swindon.gov.uk/ swindonenergymatters or call 0800 093 3218.

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swindonlink.com n October 2017

Regional Director at OFSTED. You may recall that Mr Simmons was the author of the Ofsted letter that was highly critical of education in Swindon last year.

The need for there to be a process in Swindon by which local educational providers can be challenged and specific improvements proposed was clear and it was welcome that the Lead Member for Children’s Services and School Attainment, Coun Fionula Foley, secured £600,000 in funding over the next three years from the Council to set up the Swindon Challenge Boards, which bring together all key stakeholders in education including the Regional Schools’

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson As I write this, summer is drawing to a close and I reflect on some of the highlights that the past summer months have presented.

Firstly, I have been happy to continue to my support for the National Citizen Service programme where young people aged 15-17 take part in a four week course over the summer holidays. The scheme aims to teach essential life skills and works to foster links and understanding between young people from different backgrounds.

One of the key focuses is on charity and community work, which is where I usually offer advice to the students and support their various events.

This year I particularly enjoyed an event at the Redhouse Community Centre where the students had organised a fun-filled evening with a cake sale, raffle and live entertainment in aid of the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, a fantastic cause which provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. It’s great to see young people getting so enthused about charity work and I will continue to support the principle of NCS. Another annual highlight for me is the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group’s completion of the Salamander Project. The project is a five day long course in which the participants work with local firefighters, police officers and paramedics to develop their self-esteem, build skills and have fun.

They work as a team and learn firefighting skills such as abseiling, ladder climbing, search & rescue, first aid, road traffic collision, rescue skills, water rescue, and how to use real operational equipment.

I’m not supposed to have favourite visits, but seeing the youngsters from the Down’s Syndrome Group transforming into members of the emergency services and enjoying every minute of it, is certainly something I look forward to every year. If you do want to keep updated with the work that I do as your local MP and what I am up to, please subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter via my website: www. justintomlinson.com.

Commissioner, headteachers, the teaching schools, governors, local businesses and senior council leaders with the aim of improving educational outcomes in all our schools. Ofsted also has an observer on the board.

I was pleased to learn that the provisional KS2 results in Swindon show a high improvement rate.

Reading, writing, and maths have improved by 15 per cent, whilst we are still awaiting provisional results for phonics.

A good start has been made, however, there is further work to be done, particularly in our secondary schools. I will continue to regularly visit schools here in South Swindon and support the work of the Challenge Boards.

Cllr Steve Allsopp, Swindon Labour Group Deputy Leader Recently the responsiveness of police to local crimes has come under a great deal of scrutiny.

Some residents have said the police have actually asked victims of crime to investigate criminality against them and others have said the police simply won’t investigate some crimes. This feedback from residents has come alongside a 9% increase in recorded crime across Swindon and Wiltshire in the 12 months up to March 2017. In particular there have been spikes in burglary and vehicle crime. This compares with a national trend of reductions in crime over the previous two decades.

I appreciate Wiltshire Police are doing all they can to reduce crimes in the town (nationally there has been a reduction of 20,000 police officers since 2010), but it is clear that government cutbacks have left the police force without the necessary resources to tackle the scale of the crime in the town.

Some people who support the government have chosen to defend the government’s cuts to the police. However, despite our political differences, I choose to support the Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson, who has called on more police investment. This is why Labour proposed in the General Election to reverse this trend of police budget cuts and invest enough in the police to afford 10,000 new police officers.

Such an increase would have had a significant impact on the police’s presence on our streets. For residents concerned about the lack of police presence on our streets to prevent crime, I would suggest writing to our two MPs to lobby for more investment in our police force. Labour locally stands ready to put aside party differences and support our two Conservative MPs in this endeavour in order to achieve the best outcome for Swindon.

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