South East Swindon Link April 2020 Edition

No 44 April 2020 GPS delivered door to door to 50,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

South & East Edition

Swindon Council in bid to put Mechanics' Institute back into public hands page 6

The asylum seekers giving back to the town which has taken them in

Check out our new magazine within a magazine Page 21

including Sport, Culture, Food and Drink, Home, Pets and The Trade Pages

Page 14

LINK

FEATURES

Corona Focus

Keep calm: what you can do to stay happy and healthy during self isolation.

Page 16 Carry on: Official advice on how to steer clear of the Covid-19 virus.

Plus a personal report from locked down Italy.

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Community first in these unprecedented times

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

It's all to play for as South Swindon Parish Council opens up £50k GWR playground

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

We're in unprecedented times.

As I'm writing this we've effectively gone into shutdown as a society with us all being advised to do without one of our very basic human needs - social contact.

The role of Swindon Link has always been to join communities together and I feel that at this time we need that more than ever.

You can rest assured that we've taken every step to make sure that this magazine has been delivered with every hygiene precaution adhered to.

If there is one thing I have learnt about Swindon in my half a decade of running this magazine is that it has a very strong sense of community.

At the moment just looking at social media you can see an outpouring of groups and individuals wanting to help the more vulnerable in our society.

Obviously any help will need to be given with all basic precautions taken (my hands have never been so clean!) but it is a time that we need to look out for others making sure that they are doing okay.

We also need to remember everybody who is on the frontline from carers, nurses, doctors, police, firefighters and even supermarket workers and deliverers.

If we all look out for each other this social distancing might ironically bring our community closer together.

South Swindon Parish Council has unveiled its new play facilities at GWR Park off Faringdon Road.

The new playground, which replaces the old dilapidated play park, cost £50,000 to build and features state of the art facilities including a train themed climbing frame to fit in with the heritage of the adjacent Railway Village.

Since the parish council was formed in 2018 they have carried out a programme of renovating all of the 19 playgrounds in the area.

The next playgrounds that are getting the revamp treatment are the Cambria Bridge play park and the East Wichel playground.

Parish councillor Neil Hopkins, the chair of the Leisure and Amenities Committee, said: "We are especially pleased with this park. The contractors who did the work for us believe it is the only railway themed play park in the country.

"When we took over as a parish council a lot of the playgrounds were dilapidated and there were definitely some health and safety fears.

"We have managed to create something that will benefit children of all ages and abilities. One of the focusses of all of our parks is to make sure that they are inclusive for everybody

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GWR Park

Chair of Leisure & Amenities Committee Neil Hopkins with Central and Eastcott Ward Parish Councillors.

including the disabled." n Work to refurbish Cambria Bridge Play area is currently being carried out with site fencing in place.

South Swindon Parish Council is investing £60K in the play area to create a “wowfactor” for local children with improvements to the play equipment, replacing the play area with new fencing and a new rubber wet pour safety surface, as well as removing

the unwanted basketball hoop and trim trail.

Cllr Neil Hopkins, said: “This play area upgrade is one of a rolling program of play area improvements we are making for residents. Once finished this play area will offer children living in the Town Centre and beyond a fun and attractive area to play with unwanted and old equipment removed and replaced by fresh, new equipment.”

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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 320043 swindonlink.com n April 2020

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Coronavirus: special report A glimpse of what's ahead?

Swindonian reports from inside the Italian lockdown Swindon born archaeologist Very quickly, the towns with Craig Alexander currently lives the most cases were “locked and works in the Italian town of down” – people could neither Brescia. For the past fortnight, enter nor leave without good he has been subject to the reason, on pain of hefty fines. country wide lockdown as the Further, in surrounding areas, Italian authorities struggle schools were closed; cinemas, to reduce the spread of the theatres and museums were Covid-19 coronavirus. closed; bars were closed I grew up in Swindon, more outside working hours; church specifically in the Ferndale services were switched to area in the 1960s and 1970s. video.

Since then I have lived in the One of the skills I acquired USA and, now, in Brescia, Italy. during my studies was mapBrescia is very like Swindon: making, and I have been about 200,000 people, mapping the spread of industrial past. covid-19 in the Covid-19 areas around (aka the our home using Italians, despite “coronavirus”) government their reputation as containment 'emotional', have been data. measures have So, what are remarkably stoic. now been in my observations place here as an expat in in Brescia for a fortnight, a country now “locked down” What has changed in the last by its government? few days since the national 1 The government has government announced new acted rationally – the only way quarantine measures at the to contain the virus is to restrict weekend and, on Monday, put mobility. China has shown the whole country on lockdown? that, vigorously applied, this In reality, not a lot. approach seems to work.

Around Carnevale (UK Shrove 2 Restrictions on travel Tuesday, but a much bigger outside the regione – a sort party in most of Europe) of agglomeration of counties – 24/25 February – the and unitary authorities – presence of Covid-19 became make sense. Some people apparent here. The initial initially reacted badly to the patients seem to have been travel restriction and tried to a pair of Chinese tourists in return south to their “home” Rome. Soon there were cases regions but that seems to have of covid-19 that could not be stopped. directly traced to the tourists: 3 Italians, despite their “community transmission”, as reputation as “emotional”, have the epidemiologists call it. been remarkably stoic: people 4

are not “panic-buying” toilet paper or, indeed, anything else: supply chains will function, even if subject to some degree of degradation.

4 To my surprise, Italians have responded to covid-19 with the sort of humour that I associate with Brits: there are wonderfully “dark” humour pieces circulating amongst my friends on WhatsApp! Healthy people below the age of 70 or so seem to be at little risk of death. Covid-19 will pass – we just need to behave appropriately!

The real impacts on daily life, right now, are that one goes out as little as possible, that one restricts casual social contact, and that one is sure to have 7-10 days of basic household supplies to hand.

Is this the end of the world?

Almost surely not! Is this a situation in which one needs to

take care and “be prepared”?

Almost surely yes! Take reasonable precautions – but please do not overdo it! My “emotional” Italian neighbours are, by and large, treating this outbreak sensibly. I would commend their example to all!

Craig Alexander was born in Swindon and attended Ferndale, Moredon and Hreod Burna schools before studying economics at Cambridge. He moved to the USA to undertake doctoral studies in economics at MIT. This was followed by management consultancy work with McKinsey and Accenture. About 15 years ago, Craig’s career changed direction and he returned to Cambridge for a MPhil and PhD in archaeology. He now lives in Brescia, Italy. He has current archaeological projects in Valle Camonica, Puglia and Cambridge.

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How to respond to the Covid-19 virus? NHS advice COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

coronavirus symptoms.

at home.

Stay at home if you have either:

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.

How coronavirus is spread:

- A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back - A new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly.

Because it's a new illness, experts do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person.

Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.

It's very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.

Stay at home if you have Tips for staying at home It's important to stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading.

Do: - Try to keep at least 2 metres (3 steps) from other people in your home, particularly people over 70, or those with long-term health conditions - Ask friends, family and delivery services to deliver things like food shopping and medicines but leave them

How to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus (social distancing) - Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.

- It is particularly important for people who: - Are 70 or over - Have a long-term condition - Are pregnant - Have a weakened immune system

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying

How long to stay at home:

a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.

- If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

- If you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days.

- If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms.

- If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if: - you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home - your condition gets worse - your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

immediately and wash your hands afterwards - Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus - Only travel on public transport if you need to - Work from home if you can, avoid social activities like pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas - Avoid events with groups - Use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services.

Don't: - Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

- Do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family.

- If you are at particularly high risk of getting seriously ill with coronavirus, the NHS will contact you. You'll be given specific advice about what to do. Do not contact your GP or healthcare team at this stage – wait to be contacted.

outside - Sleep alone, if possible regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds - Drink plenty of water and take paracetamol to help with your symptoms.

Don't: - Do not have visitors (ask people to leave deliveries outside) - Do not leave your home, for example to go for a walk, to school or to public places

Do: - Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds - Always wash your hands when you get home or into work - Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available -Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze - Put used tissues in the bin

Treatment for coronavirus - There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus.

- Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against

viruses. Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness.

- You'll need to stay in isolation, away from other people, until you have recovered.

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Swindon Borough Council looks to take The Mechanics' Institute back into public ownership

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

Preparations could soon be underway to bring Swindon’s historic Mechanics’ Institute into public ownership.

With approval having been granted at Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet meeting, officers at Swindon Borough Council have begun to make the preparations that are necessary to allow the authority to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), which will secure the Council’s ownership of the building.

A strict condition of the CPO process, however, is that a third party must first be in place to take over the building.

The Grade II* listed Mechanics Institute is currently owned by Forefront Estates Ltd and its eventual renovation is a key priority for the Council. It’s also the highest priority project in the Heritage Action Zone which was launched last year in partnership with Historic England.

Despite attempts by council officers to engage with Forefront Estates over possible restoration plans, the company has not been forthcoming, requiring the authority to step in.

Since January 2019, the Council’s Cabinet Member for heritage issues, Cllr Dale Heenan, formed a group made up of heritage experts at Historic England and the Mechanics’ Institution Trust, to identify a solution to the 30-year problem that is the derelict Mechanics’ building.

Together with funding and support from Theatres Trust and funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund, the group commissioned a viability study to determine a way forward for the building.

With the foundation work complete, the Council may soon be able to prepare the necessary paperwork to make a CPO, which will help 6

to enable restoration plans to proceed.

An enforcement notice was issued last autumn which allowed the Council to step in to remove the bushes and overgrown vegetation from around the building.

Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, said: “The Mechanics’ was a key personal priority for me when I took over as cabinet member 18 months ago, and I must thank my colleagues for letting me go out on a limb to get this sorted. Good news – we have nearly cracked it.

“For the first time all of the right people are at the table collaborating and we can demonstrate that there is a sustainable future for one of Swindon’s most treasured assets.

This will comprise a mixed-use facility that can accommodate a range of business, community and social functions such as weddings, proms, concerts, theatrical and other cultural uses. What’s more, there is a strategy to secure the necessary £24m for restoration.

“The Mechanics’ is a complex jigsaw – you work out which pieces have edges and join them, then slowly build up the picture. If you jump to trying to find the right pieces that fit in the centre of the picture, then you’ve made it ten times more difficult. There is a plan and we are following it.

“Thanks to the collective efforts of Historic England, the Mechanics’ Institute Trust, Theatres Trust and the Council, I am pleased to recommend to Cabinet a way forward for the Mechanics’, and that includes authorising Council officers to prepare whatever is required for a Compulsory Purchase Order.”

Cllr Heenan added: “It’s important to stress that for the next stage, we must have

a third party in place before the CPO occurs. If anyone is interested, please come forward and make yourself known.”

Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director for Historic England in the South West, said: “Through our Heritage Action Zone we have a crucial opportunity to make progress on a future for the Mechanics’ Institute.

“We know through experience that tackling historic buildings at risk takes partnership, imagination and perseverance.

We have all of those in Swindon, with the right people around the table, all committed to finding a long term solution for this remarkable Grade II* listed building.

“We will continue to work with the Council over the coming months to work up a robust plan to help bring the Mechanics Institute back to life.”

Claire Appleby, Architecture Adviser at Theatres Trust, said: “The Mechanics’ Institute is an important Grade II* listed building and a fine example of its kind, which has been on our Theatres at Risk register since 2006.

“The viability study has clearly shown an exciting opportunity for the Mechanics’

to be brought back into viable reuse for its community and to once more be standing proud at the heart of the Railway Village.

“We are delighted to have been able to be a part of the steering group for the viability study and to help fund this work through our Theatres at Risk Capacity Building Programme at what is seen to be a crucial turning point for the future of this historic building.”

A definitive viability study commissioned by the Mechanics’ Institution Trust, and undertaken by consultancy firm Fourth Street, has shown that a high-quality, multi-purpose events venue is the best option for the future use of the building.

Fourth Street has outlined a delivery programme of four and a half years. Added to this, however, will be the potential time necessary to secure ownership of the building and to raise the necessary capital funds.

The Mechanics Institute was built by the Great Western Railway in 1855 to provide a place for recreation and education for railway workers.

It included a theatre and a library, among other amenities.

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The Old Town Residents Association Column

By Claire Bouverie-Brine of Old Town Residents Association

The Local Plan was discussed again at our last meeting and once again the issue of HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) was raised.

It was acknowledged that they are needed but because of the significant effect they can have on the locality, adversely impinging on the lives of existing residents, it was felt that greater regulation was needed. Possibly limiting the number of HMOs in any one street or area, and also ensuring that regulations on parking, building standards and bin storage are stringent and enforced.

Comments have already been submitted to SBC on behalf of OTRA, as part of the Local Plan consultation, which closed on 31 January. An updated plan will be produced by SBC, and another consultation will take place, with the final plan

ready in 2021.

Mill Lane is set to close, following the recent consultation. Despite the majority of comments being objections, the closure will go ahead, due to the Highways Agency advice that it would become more dangerous as Wichelstowe continues to develop. A closure date is yet to be confirmed by SBC. The Clifton St School court hearing was abandoned because neither party attended. A rescheduled date is awaited.

Despite the challenging weather, our dedicated gardeners, led by Linda Kasmaty have continued to tend to the OTRA flower beds in Old Town, and the Spring displays look beautiful. The gardens will be entered individually for the RHS Community Gardens awards later this year. If you would like to help with the gardening projects please see the dates

advertised in the window of Earles Newsagents, or contact Linda on 07765 050470.

The Window Wanderland event organised by the Eastcott Community Organisation in late February/early March, was a huge success with over 200 amazing windows displaying colourful and imaginative images and messages. It even got a mention on BBC Points West! Caroline Davies Khan, chair of Eastcott Community Organisation, said she was extremely proud of the event and hoped it would be even bigger and better next year, subject to funding - both The National Lottery Community Fund and South Swindon Parish Council helped to fund it this year, so a huge thanks to them.

Our AGM is due to place at The Museum and Art Gallery on Thursday 14 May. Welcome drinks will be served from 6.30pm, with the meeting starting at 7pm. This meeting does depend on the current

Window Wonderland - picture by Elmar Rubio

crisis and will be confirmed in next month’s article. If you would like to come to our meetings, they are held on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm in the back bar of The Wheatsheaf pub in Newport Street. These meetings are also dependent on the current public health crisis. You can also keep up to date with our news by following us on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/ oldtownresidents/

Kingsdown School celebrates glowing Ofsted report Staff and pupils at Kingsdown School in Stratton St Margaret are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors gave their school a glowing report.

Following their two-day visit in January, the team concluded that Kingsdown School was ‘good’ overall. And they rated the school ‘good’ in four main categories - The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal

development, and leadership & management.

In their report, Ofsted inspectors found that there were many opportunities for pupils to help each other, with many pupils taking on the responsibilities of reading buddies, sports leaders, ambassadors or mentors.

School leadership was praised for having clear expectations of conduct

and attitudes that encourage pupils to work hard and to achieve. The culture of the school was praised, with Ofsted inspectors finding that staff enjoy working at the school and feel well supported by the headteacher and leaders.

They believe that the school has greatly improved and say they are proud to work there. swindonlink.com n April 2020

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Charity brew

A special edition beer launched by Thames Water and a London craft brewery will raise money for Malawi as part of World Water Day. ‘HOPS2O’, a London pale ale made by Moncada Brewery, is one of 250 small batch beers released as part of the Brewgooder Global Gathering campaign to raise money for water projects in Africa.

It was named by Grant Edwards, a Thames Water training manager based in Swindon, after more than 300 competition entries. All profits will help support more than 130 projects in Malawi Visit www.brewgooder. com/gathering

Mead Way revamp

Vital upgrades will be made to Mead Way this year thanks to £4 million of investment.

The road, which connects residential areas of North and West Swindon with major employment areas and the town centre, will be upgraded to increase capacity. This improvement scheme will reduce congestion along the road and in surrounding areas.

Work to improve the road will begin in early March and the scheme is due for completion in Autumn 2020.

See www.swindon.gov.uk/ meadway.

Clean up team An umbrella organisation for all of Swindon's many litter picking groups, called Keep Swindon Tidy, has been set up by

by Labour prospective parliamentary candidate Sarah Church.

The group has its own Facebook page, called Keep Swindon Tidy, as a place to share pictures, promote upcoming litter picks and celebrate keeping Swindon clean.

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Oak FurnitureLand fined almost £400,000 for serious health and safety breaches

The parent company of Swindon-based Oak Furnitureland has been fined nearly £400,000 for failing to protect its employees from hazardous and explosive conditions at its premises in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate.

JB Global, which owns the furniture company, pleaded guilty to significant breaches of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) following a prosecution by Swindon Borough Council.

Sitting at Aldershot Magistrates’ Court, Judge Pattinson ordered the company to pay fines totalling £398,000 and costs of £94,904.

Investigations into various health and safety breaches at the company began in 2016 following a complaint by a member of staff. After visiting the business, the council’s Health Compliance Team was alerted to the fact the company was

preparing room divider sheets, which was not a registered activity at the warehouse.

Evidence showed the preparation of the sheets was carried out in a highly explosive environment and not enough action was taken to mitigate the risks to employees.

Workers were provided with damaged or faulty facemasks and conditions were so bad, council officers served an immediate Prohibition Notice.

JB Global was prosecuted for failing to prevent/control exposure of employees to solvents and wood dust under DSEAR as well as failing to to carry out risk assessments and of failing to prevent exposure to substances hazardous to health under COSHH. Two further charges were brought against the company for failing to ensure the safety of its employees, while a further charge of failing to ensure the safety of agency staff or contractors was also levied against the firm.

A JB Global spokesperson said: “Around 4 years ago, in order to support the rapid growth of the business, a small workshop where parts of our shop fittings were produced was opened. Regrettably at this time certain health and safety aspects were not fully understood. We fully accept we could and should have done better. We have worked with the council and look forward to a close working relationship with them moving forward.

“We are now a very different business and since 2018 there have been substantial changes including a new CEO and senior management team.

We have developed from a young business into a national retailer, with health and safety a priority at all levels. This case related solely to past health and safety and was unconnected to the manufacture of our products. Our customers can be assured these issues have never affected the quality of our furniture."

Teenage pals set for 24 hour challenge Two Swindon youngsters took part in a gruelling 24-hour cycle ride to raise money for charity.

17-year old Nick Travers, and his friend Jess Ferguson, 16, peddled stationary bikes at The Brunel Centre (outside Buzz Gym) from noon on Saturday 14 March all the way through until noon the next day, Sunday 15 March - relocating overnight into the 24-hour gym.

The duo decided to undertake the challenge in an attempt to raise money for Swindon Wheels for All – a charity that gives people with disabilities access to cycling.

Nick explained their motivation for the challenge: “We’ve seen the work that Swindon Wheels for All do in helping people with

disabilities access cycling and it is fantastic.

Our goal is to raise enough money for them to be able to buy at least two more of the adapted tricycles that they use so that more people can benefit from this great project.”

Nick, who works in the promotions team at Buzz Gym in The Brunel and Jess, who is also a lifeguard, have also organised a raffle to help

with the fundraising and are very grateful to the businesses that have supported them in donating prizes. Jess said: “It’s not an easy economic climate for anyone at the moment so we’ve had to work really hard to find good prizes for the raffle.

"We’re really grateful to those businesses who are generously supporting us: Buzz Gym, Wagamama, Carluccios, Go Gym Stuff, Clifton Photographic, Brenda’s Cakes and Shoes, Ridgeway Leisure Centre and Chickks Hair Salon.”

To donate to Nick and Jess’s challenge see: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/jess-nickcycle For more information about Swindon Wheels see: www. cycling.org.uk/locations/ swindon-wheels-for-all

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Plans unveiled to make Wood Street safer for pedestrians at weekends

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@positive-media.co.uk

Wood Street in Old Town is to be closed to traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Swindon Borough Council is trialling a new Experimental Traffic Regulation Order which will come into force on Monday, 30 March and will be in place for 18 months.

The Order will see Wood Street closed to through traffic – from the junction with High Street to the junction with Albert Street – on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 7pm until 6am.

The change comes as the Council attempts to make Wood Street, a favourite nighttime drinking and meeting spot, safer for people who enjoy Old Town’s weekend nightlife.

Currently, pedestrians leaving

pubs and clubs are at risk of coming into conflict with through traffic, parked cars can prevent emergency service vehicles accessing Wood Street, and people often get out of taxis into oncoming traffic due to the rank being on the north side of the road.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “We take public safety very seriously and this Traffic Regulation Order is intended to make sure people can enjoy themselves on Wood Street at weekends without having to worry about passing cars.

“We have been working closely with Wiltshire Police and we are both confident that this Order will make a positive difference to the already popular nightlife in Old Town.”

Wiltshire Police’s Supt Adrian Burt said: “We fully support

the trial of this new Traffic Regulation Order in Wood Street. This area of Old Town is hugely popular, especially during the weekends and it is important that the public feel safe when they are out and about.

“The trial of this new order will hopefully improve public safety and reduce the risk of any road related incidents in the area. We will continue to have a visible presence in Wood Street during Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and will maintain a close working relationship with Swindon Borough Council as they monitor the impact of this order.”

Taxis and emergency service vehicles will still be able to use Wood Street, and local residents will still be able to use it to access their properties.

Other changes include the relocation of the taxi rank from

the north to the south side of the street and the introduction of ‘no waiting’ and ‘no loading at any time’ regulations on the north side.

After the first six months of the Order being in place, officers at the Council will review feedback and in consultation with councillors will agree any modifications that need to be made.

Anyone wishing to make comment on the proposals will be able to do so during the first six months via the Council’s website. Any comments received will be used to inform the future of this trial.

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MP appeals to save vital charity service South Swindon MP Robert Buckland is appealing for help to keep the town's Hop Skip and Jump centre open.

The foundation that runs five facilities across the UK, which provide respite care to children and young adults with disabilities and complex special needs has collapsed.

The charity's trustees and joint administrators are working on restructuring the charity. Robert says the centre based in West Swindon, which opened in 2011, provides an essential service to families and young people.

Police election bid

Labour and Cooperative Swindon Borough Councillor Junab Ali has been selected to stand as the Labour candidate in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections to be held in May. As a Labour and Cooperative candidate, Councillor Ali plans to promote cooperative ideas for policing.

Councillor Ali said: “I am very pleased to have been selected to stand as the Labour and Cooperative Police and Crime Commissioner nominee, and to be able to promote cooperative values and principles when elected."

Celebrating 12 years Swindon 105.5 celebrated 12 years on air with a recent get together.

The charity funded community radio station took to the airwaves on 15 March 2008.

In June 2014, Swindon 105.5 received an MBE for community organisations.

Shirley Ludford, Station Manager of Swindon 105.5, said: "We have been proud to serve Swindon for 12 years and have seen thousands of people come through our doors in that time."

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Sharing Swindon’s Story with local teachers and school children The Sharing Swindon’s Story project, coordinated by the Mechanics’ Institution Trust in partnership with Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre and Swindon Local Studies, has turned out its final product – a Schools Resource Pack to teach our local history in primary and secondary schools.

This pack can guide teachers to a collection of teaching ideas and materials which will make Swindon’s heritage more widely accessible to pupils for years to come. The pack can be downloaded at swindonstory.uk/schools-pack Project manager Hannah Parry said: “This extends the learning and enthusiasm of the young people who took part in the project to benefit school children across Swindon for years to come. It will help teachers shape lessons, in a range of subjects, using information gathered by the young people involved.”

Sharing Swindon’s Story was

a heritage youth project that ran from 2018 to 2019. It involved 35 young people and was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Police & Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire & Swindon.

The youngsters spent time researching the community and cultural history related to ‘New Swindon’ and the Great Western Railway and shared this through the arts and media.

The project culminated in two murals supported by Artsite which have been fastened to the hoardings of the Mechanics’

Institution, a theatre production supported by Prime theatre, a short documentary on the life of Swindon Railway Workers supported by Viewpoint Community Media and a website which brings together the stories they discovered through interviews with elders and archive research, supported by Oikos. The heritage they researched and shared includes the Mechanics’ Institution, the Medical Fund Society, the Milton Road Baths, Trip Week, The Children’s Fete and much more.

Swindon colleges launch merger consultation Swindon College and New College Swindon have launched a public consultation, into their proposed merger.

During the public consultation, students from both colleges, parents, staff, local employers, stakeholders and the wider community are invited and encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposal.

The merger would bring together Swindon’s two colleges, with complementary specialisms and strengths, to create a single institution offering comprehensive academic, technical and professional education and training at all levels.

The merged college will move to a single “Swindon curriculum” aligned to learners’ aspirations, skills needs and employment opportunities, and be instrumental in tackling local and regional skills shortages and improving opportunities for progression to Higher Education. It will be committed

to the development of the new Institute of Technology at the Swindon College North Star campus.

In a joint statement, Rob Beale, Chair of Governors at Swindon College and Charlotte Mannion, Chair of Governing Body at New College Swindon said: “Our vision for the future of Swindon College and New College is for world class and sustainable further and higher education for our region.

"Building on our combined strengths and specialisms will create a vibrant, highperforming and sustainable institution, a beacon of academic and technical excellence with a strong regional presence. We believe that our future lies together and will lead to success that will feed growth and achievement in our local economy, our businesses and our communities.”

The process of due diligence is ongoing and the intention is

for the colleges to merge on 31st July 2020.

Students starting or continuing on courses in September 2020 will continue to study and enrol on existing programmes post-merger. The intention is for them to be based on one of the two campuses but with the additional benefit of being able to access resources and facilities on both throughout their studies.

The consultation period runs from 12th March until 16th April 2020.

This is available online at either www.swindon.ac.uk or www.newcollege.ac.uk Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing merger@swindon.ac.uk or merger@newcollege.ac.uk A joint public consultation event will be held at Swindon College on Thursday 2nd April at 6pm. A summary of the consultation and its outcome will be published on the college websites in May 2020.

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Police hub opens doors in community centre

It's gate news!

The gates at the Goddard Avenue entrance to the Town Gardens have been put back in place after being restored by South Swindon Parish Council as part of their program of restoring all the Town Garden gates.

The pedestrian gate was originally installed in the late 19th century and the parish council has restored the gates in its original venetian red colour.

Police officers are set to make use of Broadgreen Community Centre as a local base.

The move, thanks to South Swindon Parish Council, will help bring policing closer to the local community - helping to reduce crime, address local community concerns and foster a closer working relationship with other organisations in the area.

Police sergeant James Neighbour explained: “It helps

to put the police at the heart of the community. We need to be in the neighbourhood. We are grateful to the parish council for allowing us to make use of the centre.”

Colleague PC Chelsea Holmes added that officers will make use of the Broadgreen Community Centre ‘touchdown point’ on a 24/7 basis - as a hub from which to operate foot patrols and engage with the local community.

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swindonlink.com n April 2020

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Youngsters raise ÂŁ400 for Thamesdown therapy pool

Youngsters from Commonweal School took part in a sponsored swimathon to raise funds for Thamesdown Hydrotherapy pool - which provides vital exercise opportunities for some of the pupils at the school.

The fundraiser boosted the coffers by ÂŁ400 which will be used to support the valuable therapy. Pool Manager Neil Montgomery was presented with the cheque by the six

students who set themselves individual swimming challenges as part of the fundraising bid.

Thamesdown Hydrotherapy pool is used on a weekly basis by students from years 7,8 and 9 from the Commonweal PI (Physically Impared) Unit.

This facility offers them a heated pool where they can do exercises and enjoy time out of their wheelchairs with their peers in a relaxed atmosphere.

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From war to litter-picking - the refugees giving back to Swindon

The Harbour Project, the Swindon organisation that helps asylum seekers and refugees in the town, has started a scheme for its users to take part in community projects.

By Dana Jaf publisher@swindonlink.com It is a very cold morning in February.

Ghandi wears his most beloved jacket, picks up his bag and leaves home.

His name might be reminiscent of the great Indian statesman Mahatma Ghandi but Ghandi, 50 years of age, is from Iraq.

He has run from war and found refuge in Swindon.

Ghandi, who speaks very little English, leaves home everyday to take free English classes at the Harbour Project, an organization which offers a range of services to asylum seekers in Swindon. But today, Ghandi is not going to learn English but is going to take part in a litter pick activity arranged by the Harbour.

“Harbour is like home to me.

I have run away from Iraq in fear for my life. I have left everything back there including my business. I am a stranger here. But Harbour is my new home,” says Ghandi while wearing the green duty shirt provided by Harbour’s volunteers. I am now ready to go and clean Swindon."

Ghandi is one of the asylum seekers who are sent to Swindon by the Home Office before they get a final answer on their asylum claim. The Home Office has an announced target period of six months to finalize each asylum case, but cases can often take longer.

At 11am everyday, asylum seekers from around the town go to Harbour to help with English, filling documents in or just simply for company.

Ghandi is not alone in his feelings about Harbour. The Project has a good reputation as it supports all of the asylum seekers in Swindon and has an average of 60 visitors per day.

Moses Morris, an asylum seeker from Uganda, is one of the frequent faces at Harbour.

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“If one does not have the kind of support Harbour offers, it can get very lonely. Harbour is my new home. I have made many friends here from all around the world. They each have their own different stories,” Morris says.

Like Ghandi, Morris was also running a small business in his home country before leaving due to threats on his life.

His dream is to start his own business again in the UK. “I want to start my own business in the fashion industry in the UK. That will be my way of paying back and contributing to the society that has helped me,” Morris says.

Morris and Ghandi were among 80 asylum seekers and volunteers who took part in the litter pick project.

Ensuela Lula was also there.

She is a young asylum seeker from Albania who is now living in Swindon. She says she is happy that she is safe in the UK and can’t ask for more but her dream is to continue her studies. She is now taking classes at New College.

“I am here to live and be protected. But I have found more than that. Harbour has become my family now. I talk to them about all my problems and they are extremely helpful.

Anytime I have a problem in my life, I go and talk to Nan or one of the staff,” Lula says.

Nan is the Harbour Project manager. She comes from an immigrant background herself.

“Curry is a big dish in this country now,” jokes Nan, “Things have changed for the better. From my experience, when I was younger, things have changed considerably.

Initially, when people started coming to this country, there was an initial fear. But as people settled and educated here, there is a lot more integration and understanding."

Nan says that their main

role is to help asylum seekers integrate into Swindon life. She counts the many services that Harbour offers from English classes to a hot meal once a week to the Steps2Work program that helps asylum seekers with gaining employment skills.

“What we provide here is based on what people tell us they need. We teach English and Maths, different levels. We have a football project and we offer counselling sessions and we have free shop on Fridays where people bring donations and asylum seekers can take what they need,” Nan said.

Nan says that many Swindonians want to volunteer.

“We've been lucky, we have 85 now and it is increasing."

It was Kristin , one of these 85 volunteers, who came up with the litter pick initiative idea.

Kristin was part of Amnesty International’s PR team before leaving to start her own freelance work to support humanitarian causes at a local level. She says she found in Harbour the kind of local organization with tangible benefit to the community that she was looking for. She had the idea of a shared activity between the asylum seekers and the community to create stronger bonds between them.

“Many people in the town may have heard about Harbour but they do not see them. So it was important to

do this and come out with this positive project. It was so heartwarming to see members of the community and residents in that area taking part in the initiative and picking litter alongside the asylum seekers.”

Kristin urges everyone to support Harbour. She said: “The great thing about volunteering at Harbour is that there are many ways to do it.

“There are ladies from the mosque, for example, who make new carpet for asylum seekers’ homes. Sometimes having a cup of coffee with a visitor is all there is. Also, people can support through donations."

After an hour of picking litter, Ghandi takes off the green shirt and puts his special jacket back on. “I am in love with this,” Ghandi points to his jacket.

“This has saved my life twice.

During my escape from Iraq I faced lots of hardship and I was wearing this jacket when I returned from death twice. I will always keep this with me.”

Ghandi will be wearing his lucky jacket and going to his English classes at Harbour every day. He, like hundreds of asylum seekers in Swindon, are looking for some cheerful news.

“This jacket saved my life twice, I hope it gives me a new life here as well,” said Ghandi smiling.

You can donate at harbourproject.charitycheckout. co.uk

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Swindon Surgeon completes 132 life-changing operations in Nepal for ENT charity

By Tom Padfield publisher@swindonlink.com

Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon from Swindon’s BMI The Ridgeway Hospital, Mr Angus Waddell, has returned from a trip to Nepal where he delivered life-changing operations to Nepali people with ear conditions.

Accompanied by Mr Jonathan Blanshard, fellow ENT Surgeon from BMI The Hampshire Clinic and several international surgeons and specialists, the team undertook a two-week Ear Camp in Nepal where they carried out a total of 132 operations over the 8 days of surgery, including 30 under general anaesthesia.

The Ear Camps are part of the team’s volunteer work for BRINOS, The Britain Nepal Otology Service. The camps were established 32 years ago after huge gap in service provision for deaf people in

Nepal was identified, with only one Ear and Eye surgeon to cover all the entirety of Nepal.

To remedy this huge demand need, where as much as 10% of the population have issues with their ears, the charity began hosting Ear Camps to deliver primary ear care and train Nepalese doctors. These have been run in Nepal twiceyearly since 1989.

Mr Waddell became involved with BRINOS almost 15 years ago, leading a team of Ontology experts to provide the local community with much needed treatment.

Over this time, they have also helped build a hospital, develop rural clinics and trained both surgeons and audiologists to provide ongoing support for those in need of ENT services. www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/ health-matters/consultant-qa/ nepal-ear-camp

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How to stay active during the Covid-19 lockdown With the prevailing government advice being, for those who are able, to work from home and restrict opportunities to mingle with other people it has never been more important to turn our attention to ways of keeping fit during this virus lockdown.

And this is an especially important consideration for the more senior members of our society, as they face the prospect of a 12-week period of self isolation.

Exercise is vital to maintain mobility, maintain a healthy immune system and for mental as well as physical health.

According to the NHS website, “there’s strong evidence that people who are active have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and dementia.”

Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving and your heart pumping faster - and it can include

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anything from a gentle stroll or gardening to yoga. The appropriate intensity of exercise for you depends on your overall health - if in doubt, seek medical advice.

The general guidance is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every

week - ideally you should aim to do something most days, for a period of more than 10 minutes. For example, 30 minutes a day for five days a week. Daily chores like shopping, cooking or housework do not count towards your 150 minutes because the effort is not hard enough to raise your heart rate, although they do help break up sedentary time.

The good news is that it is never too late to get started.

Walking - it’s worth remembering that self isolation does not mean you are a prisoner in your home. As long as you attempt to keep a distance from other people, there is nothing stopping you going out for a walk. Walking works the cardiovascular system and burns calories. To get your heart rate up, walk faster than a stroll. Picking up the pace can increase the intensity of your workouts. Add short bursts of speed or walk up an occasional steep hill.

Nordic walking: a full-body exercise where you walk with walking poles. It’s easy on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Yoga - whilst communal yoga classes might be out, if you have access to the internet, there are some excellent free online yoga classes out there.

All you need is a mat and some space to put it! One of the best is Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube where you will find excellent yoga sequences suitable for all abilities.

Tai chi - This ancient Chinese art promotes mental and physical wellbeing. Movements are generally slow and controlled. This means you won't improve your cardiovascular fitness or get a calorie-burning workout, but it does improve strength, flexibility and balance. For more information see www.taichiunion.com Pilates focuses on rebalancing the body and improving posture through slow, controlled movements and exercises.

Regular practice can help you improve muscle strength and your overall sense of wellbeing. It can be helpful for people who can't jump around too much. Log on to the following website which includes everything you need to know about getting started in pilates, including free pilates video workouts. www.nhs.uk/ live-well/exercise/guide-topilates/ For more great exercise ideas, including sitting, strength, flexibility and balance exercises see: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/ exercise/easy-low-impactexercises/

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Thousands of young people flock to Swindon Science Festival Organisers of the inaugural Swindon Science Festival have declared it a runaway success, with thousands of youngsters passing through the doors of STEAM over the course of the event at the end of February.

“I don’t think a lot of kids growing up here in Swindon realise that they can work in the space industry.” said Festival organiser Rod Hebden.

“A lot of great things that Swindon has are not visible; they are not shouted about. The role of the science festival was to inspire young people and present them with options and I think we achieved just that.”

Oxford University, The James Dyson Foundation and Intel were among the top name exhibitors that dazzled Swindon’s youngsters with their hands-on demonstrations and real-life science experiments.

However, the free to attend festival was not just a fun day out according to Ian Larrard, Director of Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative at Business West – the event’s main sponsors.

“The Science Festival provided a platform to

help raise aspirations and awareness of STEM career pathways amongst young people to help support the local economy,” adding “getting young people engaged and excited by science, technology and engineering is a first step toward furthering the STEM agenda here in Swindon.”

The success of the Festival comes as Government has identified Swindon as one of 12 towns and cities across the

Local groups - apply for a grant with Stratton St Margaret Parish Council Stratton St Margaret Parish Council supports local groups through its grants scheme.

If you would like to apply for a grant, please download the form from strattonstmargaret. gov.uk and submit it either by post or electronically to the Council. Please remember, grants are only considered in June and September every year. Applications should be received by 1 May for the June deadline and 1 August for the September deadline.

Organisations will be considered for grant aid where they meet the following criteria: 1. The organisation is based, or has a local branch, in Stratton St Margaret.

2. The work of the organisation directly benefits a number of residents of Stratton St Margaret.

3. The organisation has a

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written constitution with clearly defined aims and objectives.

4. The organisation has a clear financial need. Account will be taken of how much money the organisation has 5. The organisation has its own bank account with at least two authorised signatories.

6. The organisation is nonparty political and non-profit making. Individuals will not be funded.

7. Retrospective applications will not be considered.

8. Applications should be linked to a specific project but consideration will also be given to grant applications for revenue funding.

9. Grant applications that require matching funding as evidence of local/community support to lever in additional grants from other funding sources will also be considered.

UK that will become home to an Institute of Technology.

Due to open their doors in 2021, Institutes of Technology will offer a distinct, technical educational offering at further and higher levels (levels 4-7), working in partnership with local employers to meet their skills requirements.

Whilst there has been no confirmation from the organisers on the festival returning in 2021, the level of interest generated this time

around demonstrates the huge appetite among Swindon’s young people for continuing the event.

Police recruitment opens Wiltshire Police is launching a new recruitment drive with a strong diversity focus aimed at increasing the numbers of police officers who are female or from a black, asian or minority ethnic background.

The force is publishing its first Positive Action Plan to support the workforce changes it is seeking and employs a dedicated Positive Action Team who work with underrepresented communities, ensuring candidates can compete on level terms with everyone else. Of the 1,000 police officers currently employed in Wiltshire, 36% are female and 2% ethnic minority.

“We want our police force to look more representative of the communities we serve,” said Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills. "That means hiring the best talent, reflecting our

diverse communities."

Applicants must be prepared for the realities of modern day policing – it is demanding, physical work with seven day shifts and no two days the same.

In June, the first students in Wiltshire begin the new threeyear Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, working in partnership with the University of South Wales.

All candidates must have Level 2 qualifications to apply – functional Maths and English at GCSE or equivalent and one A-Level. However, if you do not have an A-Level Level 3 or equivalent, relevant experience will be considered.

Log on to www.wiltshire.police. uk/Officers.

Wiltshire is accepting 300 applications this month and plans a further campaign later in the year. swindonlink.com n April 2020 17 20/03/2020 13:11

The Business Brief Aspirations of Swindon children to be displayed on poster billboard

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

The hopes and dreams of Swindon school children will be displayed on a poster billboard on Newport Street in Old Town as part of an aspirational campaign to get youngsters to Dream Big about their future home and career.

Mortgage specialists South West Mortgages are asking children between the ages of eight and twelve about their dream jobs and dream homes.

The business based on Commercial Road and now Old Town too, is asking parents to submit their children's aspirations online.

Six children will be chosen from all the entries to front the campaign, showcasing a crosssection of childhood ambition.

During a photoshoot they'll be dressed for their dream job, with the kind of place they'd like to live as a backdrop.

As well as towering above all their friends from a three metre-tall billboard, campaign organisers will be arranging for the children to spend an

'experience day' in their dream job, learning more about the career they want to pursue.

David Dobbin, Managing Director of South West Mortgages explained: "I have two sons and their aspirations change as they become influenced by the world they see around them.

"I want to showcase the great stories of some of the children of Swindon to inspire other children to dream about what their futures could hold.”

David established South West Mortgages 19 years ago to offer house-hunters and homeowners renewing their mortgage arrangements better access to help and advice – helping adults fulfil their own home-life and career ambitions.

The abundance of good jobs and affordable accommodation are still a big draw for young professionals.

House prices are relatively cheaper compared to neighbouring Bristol, Bath and Oxford, and the town benefits from a good mix of housing

stock – from new-builds and conversion apartments to historic railway terraces, smart town houses, and post-war semis with good-sized gardens which are still a big draw for young professionals.

A recent piece of research commissioned by Nationwide Building Society for marketing board Switch on to Swindon found that the town was a

big draw for 'aspirational homeowners'. According to the research they are attracted to a lively town surrounded by beautiful countryside, within easy reach of cities like Bristol, Bath, and London.

Parents can submit their child’s entry in the the Dream Big campaign at www. dreambigswindon.com before 10 April.

Two Wiltshire winners in South West small business awards

By Tom Padfield publisher@swindonlink.com

Two successful small businesses from Wiltshire were chosen as among the ‘best in the West’ at the FSB South West small business awards final in March - an event where the county had four other nominations on the shortlist.

The South West area finals of the FSB ‘Celebrating Small Business Awards 2020’ took place at Somerset County Cricket Ground and winners in a range of categories included everything from the producer of sleeping bags for babies to a biscuit manufacturer and a cats’ cafe.

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SMEs from as far apart as the Forest of Dean and the Isles of Scilly were on the shortlist with two Wiltshire-based small businesses emerging victorious and claiming category winner prizes.

Indian cookery school Pure Punjabi Ltd from Salisbury, won the prized Family Business of the Year Award trophy while Swindon’s Excalibur Communications won the allnew Wellbeing Award for their enthusiastic commitment to support their staff.

Excalibur’s Henrietta Boucher said she was extremely grateful to the FSB for their trophy as it recognised the company was totally committed

to improving wellbeing for their employees.

“I think it is great to win this award,” she said. “So much is being said about wellness in the workplace at the moment and the managers and staff at Excalibur have worked really hard to achieve an ambition of making it an even better place to work.”

Surinder Hothi-Bellamy, from Pure Punjabi said she was also thrilled to be taking the award back to her three children in the family business.

The four other Wiltshirebased firms shortlisted for one of the 12 trophies on offer were Blue Bee Solutions (Salisbury), Hartifull (Sparcells),

Key Property Associates Ltd (Chippenham) and Saffron Indian Takeaway (Salisbury).

Lee Nathan, FSB Regional Chairman for the South West, said the diversity and strength of the region’s small business community was perfectly illustrated at the awards “It was a fantastic day which showed the amazing range of small businesses we have in the South West. More people than ever entered our awards this time and we would urge all the small businesses in the South West to follow their example and take part next year to make it an even bigger and better celebration of the small business community.”

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By Ben Fitzgerald

Swindon Lives WITH: Elwyn Carter

Elwyn Carter is an absolute rarity - a dedicated employee who has worked 50 years for the same company. Lean and fit looking, it’s a surprise to learn that he is 67 and retired from British Telecom this month - with a head full of great memories and hundreds of friends wishing him well with the next chapter of his life.

When he left Commonweal School in 1970, as a fresh-faced youngster, Elwyn was one of just seven new apprentices to be taken on by the GPO from a field of hundreds of applicants.

“Some youngsters are under the impression that it is much harder to get a job nowadays, but back then it was very difficult. There were a lot of people going for those apprentice jobs - I count myself to be very lucky to have been taken on.

“I think that the work that I did for my dad really helped me out. Back in those days, when everyone rented their TV sets, my dad repaired televisions for a living.

I would spend my Saturdays helping him out - I was working with electronics from a very young age.

And I was also a keen radio ham at the 20

time. So when I had my interview, I think they could see that I was going to be a great fit! There were very few people of my age with such a good understanding of electronics. I’ve got my dad to thank for that.”

Elwyn joined as a trainee technician apprentice and spent three years learning the ropes - and gaining wider experience of other roles within the organisation.

“I worked very long hours and would often put in a 50 or 60 hour week- but when you are doing something that you love to do, it doesn’t really feel like work.

“People ask me why I have stayed in the same job for so long - and I tell them that every day was different. I’m not the sort of person who would be happy sitting in an office, I like to get out there and meet people. I’ve met people from all walks of life and some of them are more like friends now than customers.”

And the generous hampers and dozens of cards that line the room are testament to this. Elwyn was promoted to technical officer in 1979 and admits that over his 50 years of service to the company he has

been in almost every company building in Wiltshire - from the former Princess Margaret Hospital to WHSmiths head office. It’s not only Elwyn’s dedicated customer service that makes him stand out, it’s his insistence on always wearing a suit when visiting clients.

“I always like to look my best - it’s surprising how differently people treat you when you dress smartly.

I would even carry my tools in a leather briefcase. I think it helps people remember you when you have made the effort to create a good first impression.

“Over the years that I have worked for the GPO, which became British Telecom in 1980 I have had to keep up with all the technical changes - it’s amazing to think how things have changed beyond all recognition since I started in 1970.

But the good thing about BT is that they have invested in me all the way, allowing me to go to college and update my understanding every step of the way.

“It’s funny to think that when I began, my first vehicle was a green Morris Minor - it seems like ancient history now!”

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FEATURES

Live at Lydiard!

Sean Kingston, Artful Dodger and Roman Kemp among stars taking to the stage at new Lydiard Park festival Lydiard Park is set to play host to a new festival - with Sean Kingston, Artful Dodger and Roman Kemp among the 40 acts taking part.

American rapper Sean is best known for his 2007 hit Beautiful Girls. Fellow headliner, Artful Dodger is a garage act who worked with Craig David on the 1999 hit Re-Rewind. Also drawing in the crowds will be Roman Kemp - a Capital Radio DJ who finished third in the 2019 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Live at Lydiard will take place on August 8 and will feature a main stage, dance tent, and three stages.

For booking and more information log on to https://liveatlydiard.seetickets.com/ event/live-at-lydiard/lydiard-countrypark/1466653 Tickets cost £35.

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LINK PETS & NATURE

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LINK HOME

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CULTURE Classic Ibiza partners with Wiltshire Sight for Bowood Concert This summer’s Classic Ibiza at Bowood House on Saturday 25 July will be supporting local charity Wiltshire Sight that helps people with and at risk of sight loss in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Classic Ibiza begins with a ‘Chill-out DJ set’ by former Pacha Ibiza and Ministry of Sound resident, Jose Luis. The Urban Soul Orchestra then take to the stage with Goldierocks for the ‘Sundowner set'. The rhythm builds further during Goldierocks’ ‘House DJ set’, which is packed full of stone-cold dance anthems. The concert then reaches a crescendo during the ‘Dance set,’ when the orchestra and vocalists return to the stage as night falls and the grounds of Bowood turn into an alfresco nightclub with accompanying lazers. www.classicibiza.co.uk

It's all about Puppettry

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n Saturday, 25 July Marlborough will open up to a world of puppetry for an extra special festival.

The Marlborough Puppet Festival will start with Phoenix Brass leading a parade with some extra special performers through the High Street followed by performances for all ages at venues throughout the town.

The first ever Puppetry Festival was held three years ago, in July 2017, to mark the 70th anniversary of when Bob Pelham, in 1947, started the world-renowned Pelham Puppets in Marlborough. It proved to be very successful attracting thousands of people.

For 2020, there will be a whole new range of puppetry performances to experience, explore and enjoy.

The festival is supported by Marlborough Town Council,

Marlborough & District Rotary Club, the Merriman Partnership and more and it is now looking for both local and national sponsors to bring it to life.

If you would like to sponsor, perform or volunteer visit www.worldofpuppets. co.uk

Lechlade Festival organisers pull the plug on event Lechlade Festival organisers have announced the postponement of this year’s event.

Festival Director Jennie Turner-Maskell issued a statement to festival goers and traders communicating heartfelt sadness at having to make the decision.

“As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to develop both in the UK and globally, the health and wellbeing of our festival-goers, traders, performers, volunteers and team is our number one priority.

"It is with the greatest regret that we have taken the decision to postpone Lechlade Festival 2020. This was to be our 10th anniversary year, with plans for a new arena and new attractions. We are all deeply saddened at having to take this decision given the preparation that goes into the festival from all involved. We can confirm that the 10th Lechlade Festival will defer for one year until 28th – 30th May 2021. We will be throwing our energies into planning an even more fantastic event next year.”

Attendees who have already purchased tickets have the option to transfer tickets to the new date or receive a full refund.

“Please bear with us whilst we process 22 swindonlink.com n April 2020 SE April Master pages.indd 22

enquiries”, said Jennie “We are only a very small team and will be working hard to process responses as efficiently as possible. We are hoping our loyal festival-goers will continue to support the festival and transfer tickets to next year’s event.”

The team have provisionally announced the same line-up for next year, with support already from headliners Alexandra Burke and The Boomtown Rats.

Full information can be found on the festival website at www.lechladefestival. co.uk

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Organiser Matt Holland writes: Organisers of the Swindon Spring Festival take seriously the present Coronavirus situation, their responsibilities to Festival followers and the public at large, and the importance of heeding Government advice.

In the light of all this, plans for the Festival are proceeding as follows.

The Festival programme, in hardcopy and on our website, will be launched as planned at midday on Thursday 26th March but . . . this year’s Festival programme will be launched in the open air, in a field, with a backdrop of birch tree and birdsong, at Lower Shaw Farm.

Festival banners will mark the spot from where, for two hours, from noon to 2pm on Thursday 26th March, people can simply come along and get a programme, or even a bundle to share with neighbours and friends, from a table in the middle of a field, far from the madding crowd.

The likelihood that many of the authors may now not appear live is a real one.

However, it is likely that, during May, at their allotted times and dates as advertised in the programme, a number of kind authors will do online talks and q&as, for us, Watch the Festival website, Facebook, and twitter accounts for details of these virtual Festival events as they emerge.

If anyone needs to know more, at any time, please contact the Festival at www.swindonspringfest@ lowershawfarm.co.uk or call 01793 771080.

J

CULTURE

ohn Cleese's new play Bang Bang! was due to take place at The Wyvern Theatre from 24 March to 28 March but it's been suspended due to the coronvirus crisis. At the moment the theatre is in talks to have the play rescheduled. Visit www. swindontheatres.co.uk to get the latest information and keep checking back to see what is decided. In the meantime we chatted to the Python himself about the new play.

John Cleese: Bang Bang!!

y

Swindon Spring Festival will go ahead - virtually!

LINK

Let’s talk farce – why did you decide to adapt the classic French farce Monsieur Chasse by Georges Feydeau for your stage writing debut?

I’ve always loved farce. When Farce is constructed well and cleverly It is the most perfect thing to watch and I think the French farces of the 1900’s just got this very right!

I have said before that Fawlty Towers was like 12 short farces which is why I think they worked so well, but in theatre you have even more scope. There is so much that goes on at one time you can’t pick it up with just one camera, If you try to shoot a wide shot for television it’s too wide, but if you’re sitting in an audience you can see the whole stage and you can see ‘him’ and ‘her’ at the same time and all the interactions and the action without some editor choosing what you’re going to see. Farce in the theatre is, I think, the thing that makes me happiest.

SO what in your mind makes the ultimate farce?

I think the key elements of a farce are the structure of the plot. If I was to give advice to young people who are interested in farce, what I would say is get the story right - before you start writing the dialogue.

When Connie (Booth) and I were writing Fawlty Towers, we didn’t write any lines of dialogue for about 2 and a half weeks. We just sat trying to figure out what made the plot work. A lot of writers almost come up with a straight plot and then they have to write lots of a jokes, because the situation itself is not very funny - but if you can write funny situations then writing the dialogue is easy because you just have to act out that situation.

Can you tell us a little bit about your comedy and stage writing process?

really original comes from the unconscious - you don’t have control. This means that you have to understand how the creative process works, you have to get in a state of mind where you can keep focus on what you’re doing - without it being a furrowedbrow, studying-late-into-the-night intensity.

Why the people who commission scripts often get it wrong so much, is that they don’t give writers enough time. So they are immediately saying ‘I want something Wednesday week’ and the reality is if you want something Wednesday week I don’t have time to think of anything original. You need to have the space and time for your mind to work through the creative process, naturally to come up with something really original and funny.

Why should people come and see Bang Bang!?

Well you know what they say about buying property don’t you, there’s three things… location, location, location. And the only reason, the only reason, anyone should come to Bang Bang! is to laugh, to laugh and to laugh.

Can you sum up the show in one sentence?

Well I lecture on creativity and I’m absolutely convinced that everything that’s

No. (Laughs) well… I wrote it! swindonlink.com n April 2020

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LINK PETS & NATURE

Stray cat struts 160 miles from Wales to Swindon

Harri the cat, who turned up in a bedraggled state at Thameswood Vets, somehow travelled 160 miles from its home in Carmarthen, Wales.

A staff member explained: “We had a little black cat brought in to us by a gentleman who was working on a local building site here in Swindon. The cat had been spotted and assumed to be a stray, looking for scraps.

A scan of Harri's microchip revealed that he had travelled 160 miles from his

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HOME

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home in Camarthen in Wales.

Harri’s owner, Susan Happs, said “We last saw him on New Year’s day. We wondered whether he’d perhaps got caught by a fox. We were shocked and delighted, and completely bemused as to how he ended up in Swindon!”

Thameswood Vets said: “The Happs family and Harri are delighted to be reunited, and he’s back living his best life with his friend Mim, their female cat. We would all like to thank the

Old BREWERY LANE

bedroom homes, all of which have en suite bath/shower rooms and parking. All are built and finished to a very high standard and specification, with great attention to detail.

ome-buyers have given the latest phase of Old Town’s stylish Old Brewery Lane development a huge thumbs up, Alex Hudson, sales valuer at as scores of visitors attended the Richard James, said the response first open weekend. has been very positive. He said: “This development offers a very Rupert Mark Homes and Richard rare opportunity to buy a brand James estate agents unveiled new high-spec apartment in Old Phase 2 of the Old Brewery Town, one of Swindon’s most Lane development on Saturday highly sought-after areas. and Sunday. Old Brewery Lane is a secure, gated development “It’s set well away from any main of just 37 apartments set road, and yet you are inf Old between Britannia Place and Town, with restaurants, craft beer Devizes Road. There are 16 one pubs, independent shops and bedroom apartments, some of a gym and supermarket just a which have parking, and 21 two minute’s walk away.

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gentleman that brought him in to us and enabled us to reunite him with his loving family.

“Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure and can be done at any age, taking less than five minutes to complete. The microchip is smaller than a grain of rice and usually sits between the pet’s shoulderblades for life. They can be read by anyone who has access to a scanner, including vets, police and the dog warden.”

“We’ve had young couples looking to buy their first homes, parents who want to buy an apartment for their children, people who want to downsize, and those who are investing in buy to let properties. We’ve had some great compliments and a lot of interest because people appreciate opportunities like these don’t come up often.”

Prices start at £139,950 and Help to Buy is available on all plots. There is a 999 year lease on each apartment and every home is covered by the 10-year Build Zone warranty.

For more information call selling agents Richard James on 01793 520 720. incentivised.com

20/03/2020 13:11

Review:

The Sun at Coate If you are looking for unpretentious, well cooked pub grub, you could do a lot worse than making a bee-line for the Sun Inn at Coate.

It's a great place for an informal lunch time meeting - and comfort food.

I opted for hunters chicken - chicken breast smothered in cheese and barbeque sauce - subtle it wasn't - a wonderful slab of protein and chips bursting with flavour. It was the perfect antidote to the grim weather. Editor Jamie went for faggots. Here's his verdict: "As far as eating something that’ll fill you to the brim and then some, you can’t go wrong with

LINK

FOOD & DRINK

faggots. In case you didn’t know faggots are meatballs from minced off-cuts and offal (traditionally pig’s heart, liver, and fatty belly meat!) - it doesn’t sound that appetizing but if done right they are gorgeous.

"You don’t see these traditional British bits of gloriousness on menus much so I jumped at the chance.

"The Sun’s faggots were not an exception.

Paradise on the palate for any meat eater The Sun had cooked them perfectly with thick gravy and lovely mash."

Highly recommended!

See www.suninn-swindon.co.uk

LINK

Suzuki Jimny: an authentic off-roader

I

f you can get your hands on the Suzuki Jimny then get the cash out of your Post Office account now and buy it.

MOTORING

Leigh Robinson: Motoring writer

Not only is it one of the best 4x4s around but because of European regulations the company is only allowed to bring so many into Europe or Suzuki will get penalised across their range. That means if you’ve got one then it’s a great investment for the future.

There are three versions which cost from £15,200 through to £18,700, with automatic or manual gearboxes. The new model is powered by a new 1.5-litre fourcylinder petrol engine with an output of 101PS and this is now of lightweight construction for improved fuel efficiency.

There was recent media speculation that the Jimny might be scrapped in Europe but Suzuki have confirmed that the model will remain on sale in the UK in limited numbers throughout this year.

At the launch in late 2018, Suzuki said the higher CO2 emissions levels of the Jimny could adversely affect its whole range CO2 average in Europe. A target was set across its range of vehicles according to EU legislation.

The new Jimny has won prizes by the armful and I’m not surprised because it’s a great motor.

This tiny SUV from Japan has

Twenty years have passed since the third-generation model made its debut in 1998 and the Jimny has now evolved to its fourth generation.

The new Jimny is one of the few authentic off-roaders equipped with a rigid axle for both front and rear.

The front axle housing is constructed of more robust high tensile steel and the rear axle housing is larger diameter with 30 per cent higher flexural strength for greater durability. been around for 50 years of which three million have been produced with satisfied customers from around the world. Ever since the first Jimny made its debut in 1970, it has been a masterpiece of Suzuki’s 4WD technology. It is the one and only authentic off-roader that still retains its off-road performance desired by professionals.

Jimny features a part-time 4WD system with low range transfer gear, which can be easily switched from 2H (2WD-high gear), 4H (4WDhigh gear) and 4L (4WD-low gear) modes by a manually operated shift lever directly connected to the transfer gear. Miles per gallon are around 35. swindonlink.com n April 2020

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LINK

SPORT

Wildcats News

Swindon Wildcats have announced a slew of returning faces for next season.

First up is Neil Liddiard.

'Lidds' has signed a one year contract extension to remain a part of the Wildcats for the 2020/21 National League Season. The 41-year-old defenceman, who joined from Guildford Flames in 2015, will be entering his sixth season with the team.

Next up is Tyler Plews who has also signed a contract extension to remain in Swindon for another season.

The Scottish D man joins head coach Aaron Nell, Tomasz Malasinski, Sam Bullas, Chris Jones and Stevie Whitfield for the 20/21 campaign starting in September.

Then we have Renny Marr who has signed a new contract Becky Cox: Swindon Cycle Campaign

26

For years Swindon Cycle Campaign has been pushing to get a safe, traffic-free cycle path to link Swindon with outlying towns such as Highworth and Royal Wootton Bassett.

The benefits of creating such links could be numerous, particularly in terms of reducing the demand for car travel and increasing safety.

Whilst councillors have typically been supportive of creating such links, they have always been viewed as ‘nice to haves’ rather than important parts of the local transport network.

Road expansion seems to always be prioritised: projects which increase capacity to allow a few more private vehicles to pass through junctions during the peak hours, doing nothing to

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

Fingers crossed that Town will claim the League Two title with Swindon for a further two seasons after putting pen to paper until the end of the 21/22 NIHL season. Renny initially joined the Wildcats at the start of the 2017/18 NIHL Season and at the end of this deal will have completed his fifth season with the team.

Finally there's Floyd Taylor who will once again be lacing up his skates for the Wildcats and the popular youngster will be entering his 9th season with the organisation.

For further team news visit swindonwildcats.com

Should road expansion projects be favoured over alternatives? facilitate travel by sustainable modes such as by foot, bike and public transport.

I despair at seeing the latest Highways Newsletter from Swindon Borough Council announcing further road ‘improvements’ at Mannington roundabout, Moonrakers and Mead Way. These costly road expansions are at the expense of increasing access opportunities for the most vulnerable groups of people, who often have no access to a private vehicle. According to the 2011 Census around 1/6th of people in Swindon fall into this category.

We’ll see whether the Swindon to Royal Wootton Bassett cycle link (which has match funding from Highways England) actually appears in the next couple of years … I hope so!

At the time of writing all game as well as covering the professional football in the distance and starting Town's UK has been postponed due pressing game. With the to the Coronavirus. With the midfielder developing into an future of football unclear I all round complete footballer will focus on Swindon's recent it's no wonder his is the first fortunes. Since I last wrote, name on the team sheet. things have remained positive The second player to impress at the County Ground with the has been a bit of an unsung only blot on the landscape hero this season. Goalkeeper being the defeat to local rivals Steven Benda has been very Forest Green Rovers. consistent in 2019/20 and In the handful of games really has offered Town's that have taken place since I defence some much needed last wrote two solidity. The young players have German shot In the handful of consistently stopper on loan games that have impressed. from Swansea taken place since I last wrote, two Midfield maestro City has become a players have Michael Doughty fan favourite this consistently has become season. Benda's impressed. the first name performances on the team sheet have been superb recently thanks to some superb this season and his good performances. Doughty's form shot stopping has really has dramatically improved bailed Town out of jail on since the turn of the year many occasions. Benda and it feels as if we are has even been rumoured now witnessing the best of to be attracting the eye of Swindon's 2018/19 leading champions league winners goal scorer. Doughty has Liverpool among other Premier played in a deeper role this league clubs. season compared to the lethal With the future of football number ten he was last season. let alone Swindon Town This deeper role in midfield unclear we can only hope is meaning that Doughty there is light at the end of can dictate the tempo of the tunnel. That light being the match as well as having Swindon Town surviving this more possession. This season crisis and eventually securing Doughty's excellent passing promotion from League range has often brought others Two. With Euro 2020 being into play resulting in chances delayed until the summer or goals. Michael has also of 2021 it gives football shrugged off the luxury player across all European leagues tag this season. In his new role a chance if possible to play in midfield along side Anthony the postponed football in Grant he's often required the summer months. Fingers to track back and offer crossed this will be the defensive cover. However eventual scenario meaning Doughty has shown he is more that Swindon will receive the than capable of displaying chance to rightfully claim the a physical element to his League Two title.

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LINK

n FOR THE HOME

TRADE PAGES

Landscape Bark

GROW YOUR OWN FRUIT

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£7.99 each or 4 for ONLY £28.00

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IN DEPTH SELECTION OF PLANTS

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Buy 3 get 4th FREE

Garden Ornaments

Large Range of Pots

Toomers Super Premium Dog & Cat Food Range - Double Loyalty Points in April

NEW Veggie Dog Treats

WHITE VAN MAN SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35

HUGE RANGE OF HORSE & ANIMAL FEEDS Smallholder Range of Feeds including Poultry, Pig, Goat & Sheep

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• • • • •

Full house removal House clearance Disposal of unwanted items Any distance long/short Fully insured

NEW: Licensed to remove fridges

Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436

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LINK

TRADE PAGES Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting

Reliable Local Company Established 2003 FULL Installation and Design of Bathrooms and Kitchens including: • Tiling & Plastering • Painting • Plumbing • Flooring • Electrics & Gas Contact us for a quote:

01793 877677 www.enlan.co.uk

n FOR THE HOME

Semi-retired Plumber SURESTOP SWITCH installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member

Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802 www.abacuscleaningservices.co.uk

• Felt Roofing • Liquid Plastics • Single-Ply • Slate and Tiling • Fascias and Guttering • General Repairs • Free Estimates Over 40 years experience in the industry

Call Nick on 07973 872266

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LINK

OME

TRADE PAGES

n FOR THE HOME n GAS & ELECTRIC

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD

Tel 01793 940096 Email info@dgds.co.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

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.

ACP

Home Improvements & Building Services • • • • • • • •

General building maintenance Garage conversions Bathrooms and Kitchens Carpentry • Wall & floor tiling Plastering/Plaster boarding/Coving UPVC doors, windows & repairs Fascias, soffits, guttering Patios and fencing Insurance work undertaken For a prompt professional service contact Andy: 07969 350160 / 01793 610286 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk

PLANS DRAWN Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.

From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and advice given.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered

www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

Call Bob on 07778 324228

David Hawkins Fully Qualified

Tree Surgeon ALL TYPES OF TREE WORK COMPLETED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD

STUMP REMOVAL Using NEW state-of-the-art equipment

Hedge Cutting • Tree Planting Fruit Tree Pruning Fully insured Free estimates 25 years experience

01793 828055 07967 594707 david.hawkins100@hotmail.co.uk

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered

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Reliable Local Company • Re-Wires, Alterations & Additions • Inspections, Testing & Certificates • Consumer Units Replaced • LED Lighting Installations • Emergency Lighting • Fix Wire Testing

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• Extra Sockets/lights Extra Sockets/lights • • Fuse Board Upgrade • Fuse Board Upgrade

• • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and Complete Rewires • • Complete Rewires No job too small!

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Connected Connected Electrical Electrical && Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 or Tel: 07824 314080 or 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

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

18 19 21

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U S

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Q E R

9 4 7

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ACROSS

DOWN

1.

6.

8.

9.

10.

12.

14.

17.

18.

20.

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25.

26.

29.

30.

31.

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2.

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Strange (8) Oil reservoir (4) Nocturnal bird (3) News report (8) Evil giant (4) Urge (3,2) Jollification (inf.) (5) Light blue colour (4) Wind instrument (8) Ocean (8) Scottish hillside (4) Classical language (5) Beach (5) Very short skirt (4) Marching (8) New (prefix) (3) Organ of flight (4) Put in columns (8)

S

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

31

32

T E

SUDOKU

26

23

30

13

Wrestling contest (4) Compel (6) Shooting star (6) Lengthy (4) Not so fast (6) Of the sea (6) Customary (5) Praise highly (5) Ben ----- (5) Front of a ship (3) Worship (5) Command (5) Hostelry (3) South Pacific island (6) Unwell (6) Angelic being (6) Nuptial (6) Blemish (4) Tangle (4)

1 8 2 3

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

SOLUTIONS

16 Order; 19 Inn; 21 Tahiti; 22 Ailing; 23 Cherub; 24 Bridal; 27 Spot; 28 Knot.

13

QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 1 Abnormal; 6 Sump; 8 Owl; 9 Bulletin; 10 Ogre; 12 Egg on; 14 Beano; 17 Saxe; 18 Recorder; 20 Atlantic; 24 Brae; 25 Latin; 26 Shore; 29 Mini; 30 Parading; 31 Neo; 32 Wing; 33 Tabulate.

11

NONAGRAM erst; esse; ester; queer; queerest; quest; quester; request; reset; rest; rete; reuse; ruse; russet; seer; SEQUESTER; sere; steer; stere; suer; suet; sure; surest; teres; terse; tree; tress; true; user.

12

MAGIC SQUARE omen; mice; echo; neon.

11

11

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

Down – 2 Bout; 3 Oblige; 4 Meteor; 5 Long; 6 Slower; 7 Marine; 11 Usual; 12 Exalt; 13 Nevis; 14 Bow; 15 Adore;

10

15 Good; 17 Very Good; 20 Excellent.

6 3 8 1 9 7 4 2 5

10

HENCE ONE COIN MEMO

4 7 1 5 6 2 8 9 3

8

9

20

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

Target scores:

7

9 2 5 4 8 3 7 6 1

7

6

2 9 7 8 5 1 3 4 6

5

3 8 6 2 4 9 5 1 7

4

5 1 4 3 7 6 9 8 2

3

1 4 2 9 3 5 6 7 8

2

MAGIC SQUARE

8 6 3 7 2 4 1 5 9

1

NONAGRAM

7 5 9 6 1 8 2 3 4

QUICK CROSSWORD

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