No 12 August 2017
Est. overall readership across Swindon: 100,000
South and East Swindon Edition
A right Royal visit for Swindon’s Excalibur p4
The forgotten youth
As ÂŁ270 million plans are announced for The Oasis we ask that the skatepark is not left to rot page 5
Community: P3-18
Swindon Wide: P19-26
Services: P27-29
Community: P2-20
Swindon Wide: P21 - 29
VALID AUGUST ONLY
Leisure: P30-39
Politics: P30
Community News Director: James Phipps
We can't ignore the young of Swindon By Group Editor Jamie Hill We've had a busy few weeks at Swindon Link. Not only have we had a Royal visit to the offices in the form of Princess Anne but we have also had work experience pupils from schools around Swindon and the surrounding area who have proved a real inspiration to us all. One pupil, Lizzie Tylee from Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, wrote for our website a very personal account about her sister who has cerebral palsy. It was a moving piece and touched us all. Another pupil from St John's in Marlborough called George Hill wrote a piece about the neglect and dangers of the Oasis Skatepark which is in much need of repairs. It was a good news story that he brought to us as a keen member of the Swindon BMX community. Both of these students showed that young people have a voice that we need to hear and they have important things to say.
ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com
In the case of the Oasis Skatepark it has become a delapidated wreck completely ignored by anyone in power until it's got to the point of it being dangerous. It symbolises the fact that we can't ignore the young and their needs. They haven't got as loud a voice as the rest of us as they mix in different social circles and do not vote but their concerns and needs should never be ignored. That road leads to disenfranchisement. The young should be embraced and their issues should never be sidelined as they are our future and society needs to reflect that. jamie@swindonlink.com
Closing date for September adverts and editorial: 9 August September edition published: 25 August
Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Claire Dukes Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart & Rosy Presley Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com
Positive Media Group Limited, Unit 3, Arclite House, Century Road, Swindon SN5 5YN T: 01793 744677 E: publisher@swindonlink.com Our Statistics Est. Readership of 100,000 in print & c.20,000 monthly online visitors. Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £57. The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority. Positive Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers. Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Arclite House, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YN. Printed by pcp Telford
Spirit of Swindon: Pay, Motivation and Productivity By Lee Rayfield - The Bishop of Swindon Having given some attention to issues around pay at the highest and lowest levels, this month Spirit of Swindon takes a closer look at assumptions about work and pay from a different perspective. Research by respected academics has been raising questions and challenges to the assumptions our economic models have been working with over decades. These findings invite us to revise our thinking and behaviour to better reflect the evidence. In his book Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us, Daniel H Pink brings together a range of findings on the most significant elements for making work satisfying and productive. Pink draws attention to research that shows pay incentives can not only be ineffective at increasing productivity but reduce it. The key here is the nature of the work. For those doing the kind of work which does not require a great deal of creativity or original thought (the types of work that are disappearing), offering a greater reward for higher levels of productivity can be very effective. With these kind of tasks, a bonus for meeting a deadline or a target can work well for both employees
and employers. However, when the type of work involves complex or creative thinking, such as producing fresh technological solutions or original designs, financial incentives to hit a target can lead to reduced productivity. Paradoxically, the best performers who are offered the highest reward can see their productivity dented the most. Pink distinguishes between tasks which are by nature similar and repetitive in nature, and those which demand much more thinking. With the former, bonuses and monetary reward can be a motivator for success; with the latter motivation and productivity can be seriously damaged. Money, states Pink, is not the answer to motivation. If economies, and that includes our UK economy, want to have motivated and engaged workers the first task is to take money off the table as a motivator. What that means is paying people enough so that they are not demotivated and focus on the work itself. It means that raising pay at the lowest end of the scale and decreasing it for executives could result in greater productivity. Pink has more to say about what does motivate people and gives them a sense of personal
satisfaction in the workplace, namely autonomy, mastery, and purpose. All of these depend on creating a different culture and approach in organisations and businesses, and these are being shown to be transformative At https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc you will find a short animated distillation of Daniel H Pink’s findings. Why not watch it and then share it with others? Sending the animation to one of the senior leadership team, management or Board of a company, could promote discussion and some rethinking at the top level. It is good to know that people who work in Swindon are paid around the national average weekly wage. However, those who live and work in the town are paid 5% less than those who commute in. It
would be interesting to know how motivated and how much personal satisfaction Swindon workers have. Pink observes that the research reminds organisations to start by seeing staff as human beings – what truly engages and motivates them is not money unless it is too little to keep them focused on the work. This has clear implications for remuneration at all levels of a business or organisation. Pink also raises the danger which surfaces when financial reward is decoupled from purpose, one of the features of the global crash in 2007/8 whose tremors we continue to experience. Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon offer a lead to other towns and cities in the UK. swindonlink.com n August 2017
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Community News
Princess Anne helps celebrate Excalibur’s 20th anniversary Swindon IT and Communications company, Excalibur Communications was honoured by a visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to commemorate its 20th anniversary. Unveiling a plaque to mark the firm’s founding, HRH Princess Anne said: “Swindon is not a bad place at all. I have been here many times and I have seen it change dramatically over that period and technology has been at the forefront of this.” Executive Chairman James Phipps said: “We are honoured to receive Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at our premises today.” “At Excalibur we are extremely proud of the work we do within the community, and indeed the working environment we provide. But we are particularly proud that such a strong culture of giving and community involvement runs throughout the team.” Princess Anne also met the editor of the Link Magazine Jamie Hill and founder Roger Ogle who showed her the first commercial edition of the magazine which featured her during a visit to Greendown School on March 23 1987. Excalibur, based at Arclite House
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HRH Princess Anne unveils a commemorative plaque and inset meeting Link editor Jamie Hill and founder Roger Ogle
on Century Road, employs more than 60 people and operates a portfolio of more than 4,000 clients nationwide. The company has won many awards including top industry award Best Unified Comms Dealer and was listed at 55 in The Sunday Times Top 100 Employers 2017. The Mayor of Swindon Councillor Mrs. Maureen Penny, The Police &
Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire Mr Angus Macpherson, MBE, members of the Swindon Civic Community and representatives from local charities Jessie May, BIOS and the Younite Foundation were also in attendance at the event. The Princess Royal was presented with a bunch of flowers by James Phipps’ children Ruby and Isabella Phipps before she departed.
Community News
Calls for urgent repairs to be made to skatepark before News in brief someone has a nasty accident
Skatepark users at Oasis Skatepark
By George Hill Calls are being made for the skate park at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon to be repaired after a spate of vandalism before someone seriously injures themselves. The criminal damage occurred a couple of weeks ago when vandals tore away the railings from the top of the ramps. The railings are what keep skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX riders from going over the edge on the main ramps with a sixfoot drop on the other side.
Users also want the area properly maintained as it is neglected with smashed up glass potentially puncturing tyres and even harming people using the facility. Diana Kirk who runs the nearby ATBShop Skate Warehouse in Hawksworth Trading estate, said: “It’s a ticking time bomb for someone to either fall off the park as there are no safety rails there anymore, or cut themselves on one of the sharp edges caused by the barrier being ripped off. “Someone could die or become
seriously hurt from the skate park since this damage and it urgently needs repairing.” The landlords of the outdoor skatepark who were in charge of its upkeep were Morai, but their role has since been taken over by SevenCapital, who are planning to redevelop the area. BMX rider Zachary Francis-Cox, 20, from Old Walcot, said: “It definitely makes it dangerous to ride; the railing is there to stop people from falling. The landlords needs to have more consideration for the people who use it and be more concerned about their safety.” ATB has campaigned over the last three years to get the park revamped. They run an annual competition called the Urban Rider Games to put it in the public eye and even put together a petition signed by pro-skater Tony Hawk. John Watkins, director of SevenCapital, said: “The problems have been drawn to our attention that it’s not a safe to use. We have contractors and engineers on site looking into it and there will be remedial works going on over the next six to nine months.”
Green light for £270 million ‘Snow-asis’ scheme to revamp North Star Site By Ben Fitzgerald Plans have been agreed for a £270m revamp of Swindon’s North Star site by developer SevenCapital which should be complete by 2021. Under the scheme, the Oasis Leisure Centre and a one million square foot area of land will be transformed into an ambitious leisure hub which will include an indoor ski centre featuring real snow. The new look Oasis centre will also boast an IMAX cinema, bowling alley and trampoline park as well as a hotel complex and mix of bars and restaurants. The latest news signals a welcome move forward with plans to revamp the area which stalled after the original company set to develop the site, Moirai Capital Investments, ran into financial difficulties. Over the coming months, SevenCapital will be working on submitting a planning application for the scheme, which is expected to take six to nine months to complete. SevenCapital Director John Watkins explained: “Moirai has no future role in this project. We have re-financed all of Moirai’s financial
SevenCapital director John Watkins
responsibilities.” Introducing the new plans, Mr Watkins said: “This is a longawaited development for the people of Swindon and a very exciting project for Seven Capital. “Not only will it bring a host of new leisure activities and brand new restaurants to enjoy, it will also help to attract many more visitors to the area. “In recent years, Swindon has become increasingly popular with London commuters. The arrival of a multi-million pound leisure scheme will only serve to build on this and cement the town’s position as a
real hotspot. “At SevenCapital we have a track record of delivering large-scale complex regeneration projects and we are looking forward to applying our expertise to bring Swindon’s North Star to life.” The development, slated to be complete within four years, would be largely carried out by national firms but Mr Watkins said that local employment prospects could well be boosted by those firms making use of local contractors; and that once complete, the centre would provide a significant boost to the local economy.
Lydiard cleans up
Lydiard Park has been recognised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy as one of the best in the world. The Swindon Borough Council-owned park is one of 1,797 parks and green spaces to receive the Green Flag Award. This international award, now in its third decade, recognises that the park is well maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. The park is also being granted Green Heritage Site Accreditation; the English Heritage sponsored award recognises the care and upkeep of historic sites. Lydiard Park has 260 acres of lawns, woodlands and pasture. and the state rooms of the Palladian house, the Walled Garden and children’s play area are open all year round.
Phil goes extra mile First City nursing support worker, Phil Davies, has won the extra mile award for June. Phil was nominated for the award by Antonia Sines, Deputy Manager of First City in Chippenham. She said: “Phil always goes above and beyond to assist his clients to live stimulated and fulfilled lives.” Wiltshire Care Partnership, which represents and supports nursing providers added: “We loved how Phil makes his job enjoyable and meaningful in his own life, while giving care and support to his clients, allowing them to share experiences and make connections beyond client and support worker.”
TV farmer on tour
Famous farmer and steadfast Sunday evening TV favourite Adam Henson embarks on a seven date theatre tour of the UK this year, extolling the virtues of the British countryside in conjunction with his widely celebrated book ‘Like Farmer, Like Son’. Adam will be appearing at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on September 14. swindonlink.com n August 2017
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Call Michael today on 01793 612333
Community News Residents protest at plans for 62-home development in Old Town Dozens of residents turned out to protest at plans to build 62 homes on Ambrose Field - an area of land adjoining Croft Road in Old Town. Councillor Nadine Watts and Councillor Jane Milner-Barry helped organise the protest against the proposals by Taylor Wimpey. Mrs Watts said: “We share the concerns of many local residents who are also opposed to this. “We object to the proposals as building on Ambrose Field is outside the Local Plan and this land should act as a rural buffer between Old Town and Wichelstowe. We also have concerns about the increase in traffic, the access to the development from Croft Road, negative impact on wildlife, increased risk of flooding, and drainage issues. “There will be increased run-off into the River Ray and we are concerned about the possibility
News in brief Private healthcare
Residents protest over plans to build homes on Ambrose Field
of flooding on the Wichelstowe side of the river. Thames Water state that the existing water supply infrastructure currently has insufficient capacity to meet the additional demands for the proposed development. What improvements are planned and will they be adequate?” She added that the site was not earmarked for housing under the Swindon Borough Local Plan, as
agreed by Central Government. The Local Plan is the principal planning policy document for Swindon Borough, providing the development strategy to deliver sustainable growth to the year 2026. It identifies where, when, and how development will take place. Documents relating to this planning application can be found at http://pa1.swindon.gov.uk/ publicaccess
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has launched a revamped private patient facility. The Shalbourne Suite – is Swindon’s newest healthcare option with shorter waiting times, state-of-the-art facilities and world-class medical professionals. The 20 bed Shalbourne Private Health Care facility offers patients a range of services, including many not currently available on the NHS. Patients will benefit from the high quality experience they would expect from a private hospital, with private rooms and en suite facilities, an exceptional level of comfort and service and a high staff to patient ratio. For more information visit www. theshalbourne.co.uk.
You can have any colour you like... as long as it’s green!
Go-slow in Walcot
by Ben Fitzgerald Students at Nova Hreod Academy were given the chance to peer beneath the bonnet of a hydrogen fuel cell car - thanks to Swindon based car lease firm Arval. Representatives from the firm, as well as from Hungerford based Fuel Cell Systems, spent the day speaking to groups of students about the role of their respective firms as well as giving an introduction to fuel cell technology. Arval recently agreed to work in partnership with the school to boost links with the local community. Tracey Fuller, Arval’s customer engagement manager explained that the firm had supported the school by helping develop the skills the youngsters would need to enter the world of work - from providing mock interviews and work experience to team building exercises and projects.
A new ‘go-slow’ zone has been created in West Walcot. The work involved the installation of new signs on existing lamp posts and a few additional posts where necessary. Walcot Councillor, Emma Bushell, said: “It is great news that the 20mph limit has been introduced in West Walcot. The idea of a 20mph Zone was first proposed by Cllr Steve Allsopp at a public meeting in April 2016. “We are hopeful the scheme will change the behaviour of drivers in the area and make West Walcot roads safer for the community.”
Nova Hreod students Julia Aniola and Domonic McGleish are shown the new Toyota Mirai by Paul Marchment
l Council leader, Cllr David Renard, has taken delivery of Swindon Borough Council’s new trial electric vehicle. The vehicle, a Nissan E-NV200 electric demo vehicle, is being loaned to the council to establish whether electric vehicles can have future use for the local authority. SBC currently operates a vehicle fleet of circa 350 vehicles which support a wide range
of public services Approximately 150 of these vehicles are vans, with over half of these used within Property Maintenance and Repairs. As part of a review of the council’s vehicle fleet, the feasibility is being explored of incorporating alternatively fuelled vehicles - in particular electric vehicles as part of this strategy.
Swindon libraries to be kept open thanks to £357,000 grant Four parish councils share £212,000, while the Hindu Temple & Community Centre receives £20,000, and Swindon’s only Library Trust secured £112,000. Library Trust Chairman, Cllr Dale Heenan, said: “The £112,000 grant is great news for local residents and our local Libraries because it makes our ideas a reality. “As Swindon’s only Community Library Trust, we have ambitious plans for Covingham Library and
Liden Library which will see longer opening hours, professional Library staff working with volunteers, and many activities and outreach events to increase visitors and encourage more children to read for fun. “A partnership with the Open Door Centre will see the two charities running a new Community Cafe in Liden Library, and we aim to work closely with local schools and Swindon 105.5 Community Radio. “Any resident who joins the
Library Trust for £5 per month will receive benefits such as free book reservations whereas the council charges £1 per book.” Trustee Sue Tucker said: “This is a big relief. This grant sounds a lot but every pound has been allocated to building and library improvements to help cut costs and provide opportunities to raise income." To hear more about the Library Trust email dale.heenan@ gmail.com
Smashing opportunity Youth mentoring charity SMASH has put out the call for more volunteers to help support its valuable work. The organisation is looking for two new trustees to join its team of eight - an experienced finance professional to act as treasurer and an experienced safeguarding trustee – with social work or Child Protection background to advise the board on safeguarding issues, training and procedures. For more information or an informal chat about either role please contact Lyn Hartman, SMASH trustee, on 07856 018733. SMASH offers volunteers to young people aged 9 to 19 who are falling short of their potential. swindonlink.com n August 2017
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Community News
Former evacuee shares memories of a town he now calls home By Ben Fitzgerald With his gasmask in a box slung around his shoulder and carrying his worldly goods in a small briefcase, 12-year-old Terry Root arrived at Swindon railway station – confused but filled with a sense of adventure. In 1939, Terry was one of thousands of children who were evacuated from London at the outbreak of war – now 90 years old, he can remember the events 78 years ago with astonishing clarity. “I was living in London at the time and attended East Ham Grammar School. It was the last week in August 1939 when the decision was made to evacuate. “On Friday September 1 we set off for Paddington Station and travelled to somewhere called Swindon – I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to my parents. “It was all very strange to me because there were these brown and cream coloured buses and of course, as a London lad, I just assumed that all buses were red.” This was a far cry from Terry’s early childhood growing up in East Ham, London. Terry was the only child of Edith a seamstress and Sam a grocer. “East Ham at that time was quite
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a respectable area. As you can imagine, there were very few cars about, there was one car on our street, owned by an Italian man. “I remember rollerskating around the streets, being tugged along by my dog – I don’t think many parents would let their child rollerskate around the streets nowadays.” On arriving in Swindon, the 100-strong group of boys gathered in the hall of Lethbridge Primary School where they were each issued with a bar of chocolate and a blanket before setting off in a crocodile down Croft Road. “They would knock on every door they came to and ask ‘how many can you take?’ everyone was expected to play their part. We were three quarters of the way down Croft Road and the next house that we knocked, 129 Croft Road, said that they could take in three of us.” They were taken in by newly-wed Rev Shannon and his wife who took in Terry, Ainsley and Alfie. Six months later, the vicar’s wife became pregnant and Terry had to move to the home of Mr and Mrs Cave in Tismeads Crescent and then shortly afterwards to Pleydell Road to live with Mr and Mrs Nutman. The boys attended Commonweal
Former evacuee Terry Root shares his scrapbook of memories
School, Euclid St and The College but were taught by their teachers from East Ham Grammar school, apart from those who were called up to fight. The blitz in London became so bad that Terry’s parents decided to move to Swindon where they took a room in 127 Croft Road – and this meant that Terry would meet up with his parents. After the German surrender in May 1945, Terry joined the Royal Navy and sailed on the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious to Singapore. After being demobbed, Terry remained in Swindon where
he worked for Great Western Railways as a clerk until being made redundant in 1986. Although he never married, Terry has no shortage of friends – something that is apparent from the huge number of cards and letters surrounding him at his Toothill home congratulating him on his 90th birthday which he celebrated on June 13. He added: “I didn’t really think many people would be interested in my story – but there can’t be that many people left now who have had the experiences that I have had.”
Community News
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Community News
GWH shares innovative expertise in dementia care One of Spain’s most influential doctors visited Swindon this week to witness the Great Western Hospital’s innovative approach to dementia care. Dr Ana Urrutia arrived at GWH on Thursday 13 July to meet the staff providing specialist care to vulnerable patients and to learn more about Jupiter Ward, the hospital’s state-of-the-art dementia-friendly environment. The short tour of GWH formed part of the geriatrician’s wider travels across Europe, in which she aims to bring the very best examples of dementia care from across the continent back to her native country. Spain is one of the few countries that still uses controversial methods of physical restraint when treating people with a mental health
impairment, such as dementia. Dr Urrutia has long been an advocate of providing patients with the kind of compassionate, personcentred care that is standard practice at GWH and at other similar hospitals across the UK and Europe. The insight gained in Swindon will support Dr Urrutia’s long-term hopes of introducing legislation in Spain that will overrule the use of either chemical or mechanical restraint. Wendy Johnson, Head of Mental Health, said: “It was a real honour for us to be singled out as a hospital that is leading the way in dementia care. For the past few years, we have worked incredibly hard to ensure that we can fully meet the needs of dementia patients and offer them the care
and support needed to make their stay in hospital as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. “As people live longer, more and more of our elderly friends and relatives are developing dementia, which is why it is so important for us to be able to offer care that’s personal to them in an environment that not only makes them feel safe and secure, but also calm and relaxed.” Following a £100,000 transformation project in 2014, Jupiter Ward, one of GWH’s dedicated older person’s wards, is now completely dementia-friendly. The old floor tiles, which often caused dementia patients to fall as they mistook the light reflected on the surface for pools of water, have been replaced with a new, nonshiny, wood-effect surface.
Other changes include the installation of special clocks that say whether it is day or night, bedside nursing stations which allow staff to respond to patients quicker and the introduction of coloured plates at meal times, which help patients finish their meals as some forms of dementia can cause a person to overlook pale food, such as potatoes and bread, when served on white plates. All bays are colour coordinated too, with each one named after an animal or object of the same colour, to help patients remember where they are staying. Specially trained dementia champions are also based on the ward to provide support, assistance and training to other members of staff. For more information visit www.gwh.nhs.uk
Medical practice ‘inadequate’ Swindon’s Park Lane Medical Practice could be closed by September if it does not improve. The practice has been placed into special measures following a Care Quality Commission report which gave an ‘inadequate’ overall rating following an inspection on April 4. Park Lane, which looks after about 6,600 patients, was judged as ‘requires improvement’ for: Safety, Effectiveness and Caring. And it was given an inadequate rating for: Responsiveness to people’s needs and Leadership. Inspectors found that blank prescription forms and pads were securely stored but that they could not provide evidence that they recorded the serial numbers when they were delivered or tracked their uses so they would know if any had gone missing. The report adds: “There were cupboards in the patients’ waiting
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area that were used to store needles, syringes and other medical supplies. We were told these cupboards were locked at night but open during the day which meant they were not secure while patients were in the waiting room.” Areas of good practice were noted around staff training, nurse feedback, safeguarding arrangements and being in line with national targets for all clinical indicators. Dr Humaira Ramzan, the Registered Manager at Park Lane Practice said: “Following our initial CQC inspection in January 2016, and against the backdrop of limited funding and an NHS recruitment crisis, we have undertaken extensive improvements within the practice with a particular investment in the recruitment of Nurse Practitioners and another GP to improve appointment capacity.”
NHS heroes honoured with awards NHS staff have been honoured for their efforts after one of the busiest winters they have seen. For the eighth consecutive year, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust hosted its Staff Excellence Awards in tribute to the men and women who go above and beyond for patients every day. Nine awards were handed out at the event at Swindon’s Steam Museum, with the winners and finalists, along with their colleagues and friends, treated to a welldeserved night of Oscars-style glitz and glamour. Nerissa Vaughan, Chief Executive,
personally thanked the 400-strong crowd at the celebration. She said: “We’ve just come out of our toughest winter and we wouldn’t have got through it without the help of every one of you in this room.” Among the nine accolades presented on the night was the coveted Patients’ Choice Award. With all nominations coming direct from patients and their families, this year’s winner was Specialist Sleep Nurse, Samantha Backway. Sam, who celebrated her 30th anniversary as a nurse earlier this year.
Community News
Small business plan gives Carriage Works new lease of life Swindon’s historic Carriage Works could soon have a new lease of life - with newly appointed building contractors Sienna starting work to transform the West Shed site into a venue for growing businesses. The ambitious project, managed by Forward Swindon, will see the 9,845 square foot site used by around 180 office workers who will begin to move in after development work is complete in November 2017. Paul Chamberlain, Director of New Development Partnerships said: “We know the demand is there, as we’ve been inundated with enquiries both from potential tenants and operators. “We’re excited to see the start of works and will be unveiling plans for the wider site in due course.” He added that the site would have excellent communications, with ready access to London Street, just a few minutes’ walk to the railway station. Planning permission has already been granted to create a mezzanine floor, meeting rooms and office facilities. Forward Swindon has invited tenders from suitable operators to
Representatives of Forward Swindon and Sienna outside the Carriage Works create a business incubation centre that will attract and nurture small and growing businesses. The interior of the Carriage Works, set to become a venue for growing businesses Councillor Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, added: “FSL and the council have created a
strong vision for the Carriage Works and we’re now seeing the fruits of this vision. “The redevelopment will bring life back to these historic buildings, support local business and regenerate the wider area.” The start of the Carriage Works development coincides with
the launch of a new Swindon and Wiltshire local enterprise partnership fund. The fund has been secured by the SWLEP from the European Regional Development Fund to support the creation of new businesses for start-ups and small businesses.
Great Western Wedding Show is coming to Steam Museum
The two day Great Western Wedding Show, organised by The Whitewed Directory, is set to take place on 13 and 14 January 2018 after the huge success of the first show, in February 2016. The event will take place in the Steam Museum, and will feature over 60 exhibitors: a shopping area, catwalk shows, live music, inspiration zones, beauty consultations, and various workshops. There will be a popup café serving hot drinks and refreshments, plus a Prosecco Bar, sponsored by Chiseldon House on the first day, and DoubleTree by Hilton on the second day.
Managing director, Natalie Lovett of The Whitewed Directory said: “This time around, we wanted to take the show to a larger scale, building on and overtaking what we achieved previously. A large event like this enables us to be creative with our offering, and cherry pick the very best elements from other events.” A live feed of the event on social media will be available. For more details about the Great Western Wedding Show, contact Natalie Lovett at The Whitewed Directory on 01793 238921 or visit their website at www.whitewed. directory/ swindonlink.com n August 2017
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Community News
Teachers’ contribution honoured It’s been a good year for Nythe Inspirational teachers and standout schools have been recognised as beacons of excellence at a special awards ceremony. The Swindon Education Excellence Awards 2017 were organised by Swindon Borough Council to recognise the contribution of staff and education providers throughout the borough. The awards, sponsored by Zurich Municipal and held at The Marriott Hotel in Old Town, saw 43 Excellence Awards and 10 Healthy Schools Awards presented to proud school staff. The Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and School Attainment, Cllr Fionuala Foley, and David Jones, National Education Manager for Zurich Municipal were on hand to give out the prizes. Wroughton Junior School Choir entertained the award winners and dignitaries with their outstanding singing before the awards ceremony got underway. The awards were split into a number of categories with eight individual teachers receiving Teacher Excellence Awards
including: Amanda Thoburn (Holy Family Catholic Primary School), Laura Burchall and Tania Maggott (both from Lawn Manor Academy), Jaspreet Bansal and Ruth Farrow (both from Dorcan Academy), Lisa Murray (Grange Infant Community School), and Christine Mueller and Katrina Baxter (from Stratton Education Centre). A host of schools were highlighted in recognition of pupil progress, good practice within schools, school achievement and school support. There was also a category for headteachers who have made a special contribution to education in Swindon. Retiring headteachers Keith Defter (The Commonweal School), John Saunders (Highworth Warneford School) and Jane Wheatley (St Leonards CE Primary School) were all recognised as was Mags Clark the headteacher of Crowdy’s Hill School and Helen James, headteacher of the Marlborough House Adolescent Unit Laura McMahon of Dorcan Academy scooped The TeachFirst Teacher of the Year Award and eight teachers from Nova Hreod Academy shared the Celebrating Success Award.
Sally Clarke head teacher of Nythe Primary School reflects on a highly successful year It has been an extremely successful 12 months for Nythe Primary School. In September 2016 we were graded as a ‘Good’ School by Ofsted and have been presented with a Swindon Achievement Award for gaining the highest SATs results for Year 6 in reading, writing and maths combined in the Swindon Borough. Alongside the academic success of our pupils we have also enjoyed many improvements to our premises such as our new outdoor stage, our new trim trail tunnel and our ball sports board. In terms of our curriculum development we now have enough iPads for whole class teaching, we have had weekly woodland learning lessons across this year, African drumming for all pupils in Year 1 and 2 and ukulele lessons for pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5. Next year, our whole school curriculum will have a shared focus upon global learning and
we will continue to develop our ‘mastery’ approach to learning. We are enjoying increased partnership work with our local community and we have an excellent PTA called FONS (Friends of Nythe School) who organise fun events for the whole school and raise a huge amount of money to benefit our pupils. The weekly newsletter is brimming with information and includes celebrations of learning from each class. You can find our newsletters on our website. We have some spaces for September 2017 so please do get in touch if you would like to find out more about our successful and happy school. Our Open Day is on 17 October from 4-5pm – please do come along.
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Community News
School buzzing after celebrity visit Wildlife campaigner Chris Packham paid a visit to Robert Le Kyng Primary School, where he shared his passion for preserving our natural world. The Springwatch presenter was also visiting the school to present awards to two pupils, eight-yearolds Hannah and Megan, who were winner and runner-up in a story competition. The event was organised by Camping in the Forest, which runs 16 campsites in secluded forest locations in the UK, with the support of the Bumble Bee preservation trust. Chris spoke of his early fascination with wildlife. “I was lucky because my parents let me keep a load of different pets. These were not the normal sort of pets that you might get from a pet shop, but things like lizards, snakes, owls, foxes and badgers. I wouldn’t recommend it now, these animals are very difficult to keep.I love to see things out in the wild now.” He said he had a particular fondness for birds, especially Sparrow Hawks and Peregrine Falcons. And he also admitted loving grass snakes, despite their
habit of defensively defecating on themselves when they feel threatened. Presenting awards to Hannah and Megan, he said: “We are very worried about bees, we should have 22 types of bumble bee but we only have eight now. We are keen to get young people thinking about these issues and that is why I’m keen to support Camping in the Forest who launched this story competition. I think that Hannah and Megan did a fantastic job and learned a lot about bees and how to look after them. I liked the way Hannah introduced the idea of pollination, honey production and food consumption. And both of them had handwriting that is a lot better than mine!”
Learn skills for life at Swindon College Maths and English are essential skills for many professions and in everyday life. You can study either of these subjects from September at Swindon College, with classes during the day time or, as an evening class. The college offers the NEW 9-1 curriculum with Maths at GCSE Foundation (levels 1 to 5) and, where appropriate GCSE Higher (levels 4 to 9), in an adult and supportive class where you can look at those old school topics in a fresh way. Also on offer are qualifications in Functional Skills Maths at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 where the emphasis is on everyday applied maths and problem solving.
Barnes coaches half page advert to go here
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For those wanting to improve their English language skills, the college now offers the NEW 9-1 curriculum in GCSE English Language (levels 1 to 9): including Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Additionally the college offers Functional Skills English at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2. In all classes you will find a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where people understand your reason for study. Want to improve your Maths or English for work, a course you want to get onto, a change of career, help the kids with their homework, or just because …..? Contact Swindon College Student Services 01793 491591.
Community News
Medical equipment presented to school thanks to fundraising drive A life-saving defibrillator has been presented to Churchfields Academy by Janet’s Puppy Skool. The donation is one of five machines bought from the proceeds of a fundraising day on June 25 which raised more than £2,000. Among the other schools to benefit from the equipment which can help restart a heart in the event of cardiac arrest are Dorcan Academy, Tadpole Farm, Swindon Academy and Liden. On hand to help out was Janet’s well trained Bouvier des Flandres, Mack.
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Community News
Get your skates on for Roller Derby
GWH celebrates play area revamp
Roller Derby mayhem is coming to the Oasis - book your tickets!
Tickets are now on sale for the next Roller Derby event at the Oasis Leisure Centre. The double header event, on Sunday August 13 at 11am will see Wiltshire take on Bridgend and also the ‘My Mom’ team. Roller Derby is a fast moving contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating at speed counter-clockwise around a track.
Gameplay consists of a series of short match ups, called jams, in which both teams designate a jammer who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. Roller derby is played by approximately 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide. Under 16s free, Adults Adv £6, Door £8. Book your tickets from www.wiltshirerollerderby.co.uk
Children at the Great Western Hospital have been given a chance to have some fun in the fresh air thanks to a new revamped play area. The original playpark, in a quadrangle next to the children’s ward, was beginning to show its age, but thanks to an enormous community fundraising effort, the new ocean-themed zone is up and running in its place. The hospital play area is designed to have a “less clinical feel” to make children feel more at home. A soft rubber flooring has been installed to keep the courtyard safer and child-friendly. Senior Health Care Specialist Claire Park said: “Opportunities for outdoor play, have been shown to
help children’s recovery.” Teresa Harding, Women’s and Children’s Divisional Director, said: “A lengthy stay in hospital can be particularly upsetting for children as it means missing out on valuable social time with school friends and family members but, with this new playground, we can hopefully keep their spirits high and help them to stay positive until they’re able to return home.” The project came about from Brighter Futures’ successful ‘Space for Play’ Appeal. This resulted in funding from various organisations and local people such as Pinewood and Oaktree School, community groups, and Tesco, raising £100,000 for the cause of the playground.
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Community News
Display celebrates Joyce’s life
To celebrate the life of well known artist, Joyce Murgatroyd, who sadly passed away this year age 100, a selection of her paintings, prints, and medals shall be put on display at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery. Joyce was known as Honorary President of the Swindon Artists’ Society, a prominent member of the Swindon Society, and member of Rodbourne Cheney Residents’ Association, which cemented her as a woman who made her mark on Swindon. Local Historian Bob Townsend,
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long-time friend of Joyce’s son David, and member of the Swindon Society said “Joyce began a long association with the Swindon Society and delivered many talks with great enthusiasm and entertainment. It is wonderful to hear that some of her work has been given to Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in her memory and that she will be forever remembered in Swindon”. A number of her poems and certificates have also been donated to the Local Studies Collection, based at Swindon Central Library.
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IN ASSOCIATION WITH with in association
in association with in association with Swindon artists to showcase work at this year’s Open Studios More than 50 local Swindon artists will be flinging open the doors of their studios to take part in the annual Swindon Open Studios event this year. The popular event, running in the first two weekends of September, is a chance for artists to showcase their work. A brochure with full details of participating artists will be available at the start of this month and the open weekends will take place on September 9/10 and the following weekend 16/17. Swindon Open Studios is organised by a committee of volunteers who are passionate about art and keen to publicise the artwork being produced in Swindon. The first Open Studios was in 2003, then 2004, 2006, and since 2008, there has been one every September. Among those taking part in this year’s event is aviation specialist David Bent who works from a custom built studio next to his home. David has been awarded the Honorary Companionship of the Royal Aeronautical Society for his work and in 2006, had the honour of being the artist in residence for the world famous Red Arrows display team. Town centre venues include those who use Artsite - an artist run community arts centre with 13 studios. Artists exhibiting in the Post Modern and The Number Nine Gallery include Vicky Silver,
Martin King, Valerie Gibbons, Sally Taylor, Paula Sullivan and Samantha Silverton. Also Jo McAree at Eastcott Studios with Philip Robinson and Maria Thatcher. Lynette Thomas will be in the Beehive pub, and Kate Parsons and Ed Frankis just up the hill in Swindon Road. Artists showing their work at the central library this year include Dona Bradley, Olivia Frost, Carmen B Norris and Lizzie Selley. Artists in Old Town include Caroline Day, The Waddell family, Mammy Wagon, Cheryl Willis, Alex Coppock-Bunce, Terry Humphries, Susan Carr, Ken White, Hannah Dosanjh, Sue Pready, Noriko McFarlane, Andrew Tucker, Samantha Silverton, David Bent, Tim Carroll, Mollie Gratland, Anthea Hilson, Carolann Wakefield, and from the Swindon Evangelical Church: Hazel Nicholls, Don Elliott and Clare Saunders. From North and East Swindon Every Cloud Arts and Crafts at Stanton Farmhouse, Deborah Battaglia, Bee Operanto, Linda Read, Anna Stowe, Sasha Stowe, Christine Tipper, Benoit Philippe, Mary Parsons, Ruth Wintle, Marilyn Trew, Lisa Lane will be represented. And exhibiting in Cricklade will be artists David Robinson, Naomi Cantillon, Susan Carr, Terry Humphries, Lorenz Freiberg, Twigs, Jacquie Primrose, Ann Parker-Griffiths and Great Western Embroiderers.
in association with
Aviation artist David Bent meets a Red Arrows pilot at this year’s RIAT
Amaryllis Bloom by Caroline Day, left, The Guardian by Vicky Silver, above, and below Glass Candy Fusion by Mary Mathews.
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Swindon Wide
Voice star Lewis hits a high note
by Ellie Hales and Shani Patel Singing talent, Lewis Blissett, 13, wowed the judges in The Voice Kids. Viewers have been following his progress in the ITV show and saw him progress to the semi-finals where he sang Who’s Lovin’ You in front of judges Danny Jones, Pixie Lott and Will.i.am. Unfortunately, the competition was so tough that he did not make it through to the next round, having done incredibly well to make it so far. In the future Lewis plans to be a recording artist but he knows that it is a tough gig, but would love to go
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on tour and release albums. Currently, Lewis is learning the guitar, which could maybe lead to him playing it when he performs. According to Ali Sutcliffe, Lewis’ music teacher, he is “someone who never stops singing”. Lewis said that he “didn’t realise that the judges turned around as he was too focused on the song” and he described the whole experience as “surreal”. The recording was made several months ago but Lewis has been sworn to secrecy and refused to reveal the result ahead of the show being aired.
Swindon Wide
Spicy Moroccan beef and vegetable stew Ras el hanout is a complex North African spice mix. If you can’t get hold of it, mix a large pinch each of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, chilli or cayenne and black pepper. Serve this stew with couscous or bread to soak up the juices. 3 tbsp olive, sunflower or vegetable oil 450g beef braising steak, cut into 4 similar-sized pieces 1 large onion, sliced 2 garlic cloves 2cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated 1 rounded tbsp ras el hanout (or see above for alternative)
800g mixed root veg, peeled and chopped into large chunks 1 large glass of red wine 400ml beef stock 1 cinnamon stick 1 x 400g can chickpeas, 100g pitted prunes handful of chopped parsley and/or coriander seeds from 1 pomegranate (optional) salt and black pepper
Heat a tablespoon of the oil in a heavybased pot or casserole and fry the beef over a medium–high heat, turning it over so it browns on both sides. Remove to a plate.
Add the remaining oil to the pot, turn the heat right down and add the onion. Fry gently, stirring often, for 10 minutes to soften without colouring. Add the garlic, ginger and ras el hanout and cook, stirring, for a couple more minutes. Return the beef and add the vegetables and wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and bubble for a couple of minutes. Then add the stock and cinnamon stick, cover and simmer gently for an hour. Stir in the chickpeas and prunes, re-cover the pot and simmer for a further 15 minutes, until the meat is totally tender. Sprinkle over the herbs and pomegranate seeds if using. www.riverford.co.uk/recipes
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Swindon Wide MUSIC
Friday 4 August 7.30pm Showaddywaddy Formed in the 1970’s in Leicester from several local bands, they have sold more than 20 million records and have toured all corners of the world extensively. Their live show is dynamic and uplifting featuring all of their biggest hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts of Europe, including Under The Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll, When, Blue Moon, Pretty Little Angel Eyes and many, many more. £23 Wyvern
WHAT’S ON
Saturday 19 August 9pm Shepherds Pie Shepherds Pie are a cover band like no other - 5 talented musicians playing the best Classic Rock tracks covering the last 40 years. From AC/ DC to ZZ Top. Drawing from a list of over 40 songs every gig is different to the last. The Shepherds Pie experience is a truly powerful show with blistering guitar breaks, thundering drums and lung-busting vocals. Loud and Proud we are Shepherds Pie and if you love Rock then youll love them! £3 (adv) £5 (door) The Victoria
DRAMA & MUSICALS 1-3 August 7pm Punk Rock by Simon Stephens School. The best years of your life. Not. Exams are hard enough. Adding spots, sex and peer pressure means something’s bound to blow. Prime Youth Theatre and a live band present a hilarious and hard-hitting trip to teenage life. Audiences will sit amongst the action on the Wyvern stage. £15.50. £5 off conc. Wyvern
Tuesday 1 August 7pm The Scullions present Othello Saturday 12 August 8.30pm Othello is in love. His dear wife The Killerz Desdemona follows him to Cyprus The Killerz are one of only a few where he must lead his militia to tribute acts to The Killers in the victory. But unbeknown to him, world and prides itself on its overall jealousy is in the air. A web of lies likeness to the chart topping band. is being spun around him that must £6 (adv) £8 (door) The Victoria only end in chaos. Re-imagined in the early years of World War II, Iago leads you through his plotting and scheming as a troubled Othello becomes clouded by his own doubts and suspicions. Questions of race, trust and betrayal drive The Scullions to new intensities in this exciting and claustrophobic Thursday 31 August 7.30pm adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic The Carpenters Story tragedy. The award-winning Carpenters £7 £5 conc. Shoebox Theatre Story celebrates the music of one 14 - 18 August 9am - 4pm of the most successful pop duos Theatre Skills Summer School in music history, Richard & Karen Ages 11-13 Carpenter. In these creatively inspiring 5-day Acclaimed international star Claire Summer Schools students will Furley remains unsurpassed in her develop skills and learn from uncanny representation of Karen industry professionals in Acting, Carpenter. Her stunning vocal Comedy, Stage Combat and harmonies, combined with state of Puppetry! the art video projection and lavish The courses are challenging, musical arrangements, will take you educational and enjoyable - with a on an incredible journey through focus on building confidence and the uniqueness that truly was The exploring technique in a fun and Carpenters. accessible way. There is no audition Featuring all the timeless hits to join and no previous experience including (They Long To Be) Close is needed to take part, just To You, We’ve Only Just Begun, commitment and enthusiasm! Superstar, Yesterday Once More, Top At the end of the week students will of the World, Please Mr Postman perform to an invited audience of and many more! parents, guardians and friends. £27 Wyvern £125 Shoebox Theatre
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Swindon Wide
SWINDON FAMILY
21-25 August 9am - 4pm Theatre Skills Summer School Ages 14-16 In these creatively inspiring 5-day Summer Schools students will develop skills and learn from industry professionals in Acting, Comedy, Stage Combat and Puppetry! Our courses are challenging, educational and enjoyable - with a focus on building confidence and exploring technique in a fun and accessible way. There is no audition to join and no previous experience is needed to take part, just commitment and enthusiasm! £125 Shoebox Theatre
Wednesday 2 August 11am The Little Pony Party Let’s party, pony style! Invite the little ones to our ponypalooza party. Gallop over to The Place for ponyriffic fun. Enjoy a DJ, party games and a colourful lunchbox for every pony. £15 (adults free) Wyvern Thursday 3 &10 August 11am The Great Jaydini Summer Magic Show This Summer, enter the funny and magical world of The Great Jaydini, a talented and professional magician whose unique style puts together a blend of comedy and magic suitable for ages 4+. £11 (adults free) Wyvern Wednesday 9 August 11am The Little Builders Party Round up your little ninjas and samurais to party Ninjago style. Enjoy a DJ, party games, builder’s lunchbox and of course, plenty of brick building! £15 (adults free) Wyvern VENUES Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 The Bohemian Balcony, Jennings Street, Swindon SN2 2BD. Tel: 07874 366256 Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649
24 - 26 August 7.30pm, 4pm Friday, 2.30pm Saturday Summer Holiday Summer Youth Project 2017 Based on the 1963 film starring Cliff Richard, Summer Holiday tells the story of four London Bus mechanics who strike up a deal with London Transport. Don and his friends transform a double-decker bus into a holiday caravan and journey through Paris, the Alps, Italy and then Greece, along the way picking up three young girls in a clappedout Morris Minor and a young American pop star on the run from her domineering mother. Summer Holiday is the ultimate party musical and provides a real taste of Great British nostalgia. £14-16 (friends £1 off) Wyvern
The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907 Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Email: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue
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Swindon Wide
Record crowds have RIAT good time!
Crowds flocked to the Royal International Air Tattoo to see the spectacular displays
A series of spectacular flypasts and jaw-dropping displays ensured the USAF’s 70th anniversary was celebrated in style at a sold out Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. The three-day airshow attracted a record crowd of 160,000 people who enjoyed thrilling flying demonstrations by some of the world’s leading pilots. Among the aerial highlights were the USAF Thunderbirds, whose highly-choreographed pre-flight routines were as entertaining as their flying display. Flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, the team was joined on the Friday by nine Red Arrows’ Hawks
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for a colourful joint flypast to launch the airshow. Joining the Thunderbirds to celebrate the USAF anniversary were vintage American warbirds including a B-17 and P-51D Mustang, a state-of-the-art F-22 Raptor and a dramatic flypast by a number of UK and European based USAF aircraft. On the Sunday, visitors were treated to a surprise flypast by a stealth B-2 Spirit bomber that was taking part in an epic 23-hour transatlantic “Global Power” training flight from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The aircraft was escorted by two F-15 fighters.
Swindon Wide
Steam Celebrates King George V’s 90th birthday
It is 90 years since the iconic No. 6000 King George V was built in Swindon. To celebrate the railway milestone, Swindon’s Steam Museum has three new exhibitions centred around the legendary locomotive as well as a busy summer programme of themed family activities. These exhibitions and activities are free with Steam admission and to Season Ticket holders. Steam has a great summer ticket offer too. Children aged 3-15 years can visit Steam for just £1 each when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Up to four children can visit
for the special price and under threes go free. The offer runs from 22 July through to 3 September 2017. See page 10 for your Kids for a Quid voucher. Steam’s permanent displays of gleaming locomotives and restored carriages currently include No. 3717 City of Truro, No. 7821 Ditcheat Manor and No. 4073 Caerphilly Castle; a 1934 GWR Swindon Buffet Car and an 1897 GWR Royal Carriage. To find out more about the permanent displays and for details of What’s On, see the STEAM website at www.steam-museum. org.uk or call (01793) 466637.
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Service Sector - Your guide to local services
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Service Sector - Your guide to local services
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Service Sector - Your guide to local services
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Politics
Talking politics North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson Last week I was delighted to attend Swindon College’s annual Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony. I joined vice-principal David Francis and operational manager Julia Hoskins to congratulate students and staff as part of the celebration of the success of this year’s outstanding apprentices. Among the winners were students who had completed an apprenticeship in a range of disciplines including housing, accountancy, carpentry, business administration and plumbing. In Swindon alone we have seen more than 10,000 apprenticeships created since 2010 and it is great to see local schools and colleges working to
build on that and offering young people chances to succeed. I was able to continue the praise of Swindon College in Parliament as I intervened on the Parliamentary debate on rebalancing the economy when jobs and skills were discussed. I welcomed the fall in youth unemployment across Swindon and increased takeup of apprenticeships. I was delighted that the MP who I had intervened on behalf of, Mark Harper, the Conservative MP for the Forest of Dean, had received his A-levels from Swindon College, allowing him to become the first of his family to attend university.
Elsewhere on Sunday I attended a film evening hosted by Swindon resident and amateur filmmaker Simon Sly. Simon had hired one of the screens at Cineworld in Shaw Ridge and showcased his compilation of short films, entitled The 12 Wonders Of The Short Film World, to a packed audience full of family and friends. Simon who is former maths teacher, was diagnosed with primary progressive MS eight years ago, but the world of cinema has allowed him to escape, and use his creativity to produce a variety of different short films. See Simon’s You Tube channel:
https://youtube/3lMrfpQbcUs. A big thank you to all of those who came to my Summer Activities Fair last weekend. I was delighted to see local groups such as Draycott Sports Camp, GLL Better Leisure, Wyvern Theatre, Futsal, North Swindon Library, Abbey Meads FC, Roves Farm and others join us to showcase their various different offers to keep children suitably entertained. Finally, if you are stuck for something to do on Saturday then Swindon Supermarine are facing Newport County AFC for a preseason friendly at 3pm. We enjoyed great weather at the Swindon Town friendly last Saturday, so fingers crossed it stays the same for tomorrow.
Leader of Swindon Borough Council Cllr David Renard One of the issues councillors hear about most often on the doorstep is dog fouling in the borough. Of course, most dog owners in Swindon love their pets and behave completely responsibly. But sadly that isn’t always the case, and too often we encounter cases of dog fouling, so now we feel we have to take action. Dog fouling has serious health risks for children. We have recently launched a consultation on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), to give the Council new powers to tackle dog fouling. The consultation is asking residents for their views on the PSPO which, if approved, would enable us and other partner agencies to issue Fixed Penalty Notices – FPNs -to people who let their dogs foul and then don’t clear up after their pets. The fine would be £100 with a reduction for early payments, and people who refuse to pick up after their dog will be fined and their details recorded. Repeat offenders could face prosecution. So if you’re a Swindon resident who cares about the town, take the chance to respond to the consultation by 18 September 2017 by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/ dogfoulingconsultation
South Swindon MP Robert Buckland It was with great sadness that I heard the news of the death of Lord Joffe. He will be remembered across the world for his work as a lawyer in representing Nelson Mandela and other leading political figures during the era of Apartheid in South Africa. Lord Joffe was an enthusiastic supporter of Swindon, he chose to make his home here and had a long association with our insurance industry. I looked up to him in many ways and he has been an invaluable source of advice. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts are with all of those caught up in the terror attack in Finsbury Park. I am shocked and appalled by this senseless act. After the tragic and disastrous fire at Grenfell Tower, councils have been ordered to complete urgent safety checks on all high rise blocks. I have been in contact with Mike Ash who is the Head of Housing at Swindon Borough Council, to ensure that the residents of Swindon who live in similar accommodation are safe in their homes. Our residents can be reassured that with the involvement of the Fire Authority, these checks are happening. A Public Inquiry has been ordered because it is important to ensure that the reasons for this tragedy are examined quickly and the Inquiry’s findings will be carried out.
£357,000 in transitional funding has been made available by the Borough Council to provide for the development of 11 community-led library services. This is excellent news and these new funds are in addition to the five core libraries in West Swindon, Central, North Swindon, Highworth and Parks. This will allow for the continuation of our valuable local library network. Many congratulations are due to Roy Stephen. The Queen’s Birthday Honours List gave official notification that he has been awarded the British Empire Medal. I have seen first-hand just how hard Roy works for his local community. It is people like Roy that make Swindon a great place to live, and it is right that he has been recognised. The Queen’s Speech has set out our programme for the next two years. It includes the legislation necessary to deal with the Brexit process, there will also be important reforms to our justice system and more work in dealing with domestic abuse too. This is going to be a very busy Parliamentary session! The Prime Minister asked me to carry on in the role of Solicitor General and I am honoured to be continuing in this role. I hope to make further reforms to the sentencing process so that a wider range of very lenient sentences can be challenged.
Labour Group leader Jim Grant In recent years Swindon Borough Council has failed to deliver the economic growth the town needs to create more jobs and to raise the living standards of residents. The failure to regenerate the town centre; the failure to roll out superfast broadband in North Swindon and the failure to create a snow dome at North Star are just three examples of Swindon stalling. All of these failures have been devised with private sector partners who have no connection to Swindon. If we are to develop as a town I believe we need to become much more Swindon focused when we seek to create growth. A Labour run Swindon Council would seek to involve local businesses and other public sector bodies in a growth plan. We need to encourage existing and future companies to embrace a “Swindon First” approach. For too long Swindon has created jobs which have been taken by people who live outside the town and contribute little to it. We’ve had firms locate here but their profits are spent and invested outside Swindon. We need a council which seeks to prioritise the interests of companies with a commitment to Swindon.
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