Animal brain specialist at Swindon vet surgery

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

Eastcott Veterinary Referrals has grown its neurology department with the appointment of a new consultant.

Consultant in neurology and neurosurgery Marcos Raposo Galván has joined following the completion of a three-year ECVN residency programme.

The appointment will enable Eastcott to treat more patients amid growing demand for its neurology services.

Marcos said: “I’m pleased to have joined such a highly regarded and knowledgeable team at Eastcott, and to have the opportunity to continue my professional development alongside such skilled veterinary specialists.

“During my training, I developed a special interest in inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disease and treatment of CNS neoplasm, like radiotherapy, and this is an area I will be specialising in within my new role.

“My goal is to continue improving my neurosurgery knowledge and develop more complex techniques, like hypophysectomy and other complex approaches, for the benefit of our patients.”

Niki Burton, hospital director at Eastcott Veterinary Referrals, said: “As a team, we are thrilled to welcome Marcos to Eastcott as we continue to invest in highly skilled specialists.” She added that his skills would be very valuable.

MP praises campaigners after golf course plans are rejected

Swindon Borough Council’s Planning Committee has rejected a bid to build on Broome Manor Golf Course.

The decision prompted South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland to praise the efforts of local residents and local ward councillor Jenny Jeffries in rallying opposition to the plan.

Sir Robert himself, pictured with Cllr Jeffries, opposed the proposals by leaseholder Twigmarket Ltd, which would have resulted in the loss of three holes on the complex’s nine-hole course.

He said: “I was extremely concerned that instead of improving and expanding upon this site, this proposed development would have resulted in the loss of a much needed and wellused golfing facility here in Swindon.

“The nine-hole course is a very useful entry point for junior golfers taking up the sport, as well as recreational use for more senior residents, the less able, and those who have limits on their time, particularly during the winter months. Especially as the complex is the only facility for golf in Swindon.

“I was concerned that the loss of the nine-hole golfing option would have an extremely detrimental effect on a large user group and does not promote inclusion.

“It is also vital that we maintain the green buffer zone of Broome Manor and Coate Water for the benefit of future generations of Swindon residents.”

Cllr Jeffries thanked the local people who shared their views with her.

Haydon Wick Parish Council wins gold at local council awards

Haydon Wick Parish Council has received the highest accolade of Quality Gold award as part of the Local Council Award Scheme.

The award represents a significant achievement, as Haydon Wick is the first parish council in Swindon to be accredited at the Quality Gold level. The award recognises that the council achieves good practice in governance, community engagement and council improvement.

It will be celebrated and presented at the Annual Council Meeting in March.

New College to offer job seekers courses to help with employability

New College will be running a number of employability courses designed to help people who are unemployed and looking to return to work.

They will run across Feb and March 2023.

The courses will be available to anyone aged 19 years and over, who has been a resident in the UK/ EU for over three years.

These courses are also free to those claiming benefits or who fall into the ‘low earner bracket’.

Individuals who are interested in attending are asked to see the eligibility criteria before applying.

All courses will run at New College’s Adult Learning Centre site in Swindon town centre on Fleet Street.

More details about the eligibility criteria can be found via 01793 511 665 or emailing ALC@ newcollege.ac.uk

Big Dog Art Trail ‘Swinpups’ ready to go walkies to local schools

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

The Big Dog Art Trail team say a parade of Swinpups are getting ready to travel to classrooms across Swindon for the UK’s first balloon dog art trail this Summer. Schools, colleges, and children’s nurseries are being invited to adopt and design their own 80 centimetre-tall balloon dog sculpture, as part of Swindon’s Big Dog Art Trail’s learning programme. Once decorated, the mini Swinpups will feature on the free art trail through some of Swindon’s most iconic and historic places, alongside around 30 giant Swindog sculptures, which will be painted by a mixture of professional and up-andcoming artists. The Swinpups will then be returned to their ‘forever homes’ for schools and communities to continue to enjoy.

The Big Dog Art Trail is being brought to town by global art trail producer Wild in Art and the Wiltshire children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

As well as receiving a Swinpup sculpture to decorate and keep forever, participating schools and communities will also receive advice to help them fundraise a target amount of £500 for Julia’s House to help the charity continue its life-changing care in the local community.

This creative learning adventure for children and young people is being supported by Swindon Borough Council - the trail’s official Learning Programme Partner. The council recently announced its support for The Big Dog Art Trail, allocating grant funds of £80,000.

Running from 15 July - 3

September 2023, The Big Dog Art Trail is expected to attract thousands of visitors from outside Swindon and encourage local residents to rediscover the town, and provide a welcome boost for local businesses.

The team say the major art trail will end with a grand farewell finale where all of the sculptures will be brought together under one roof, followed by a charity auction.

To apply for a Swinpup, people must complete an application form by Friday 10 February online at www. bigdogarttrail.co.uk/pups

Wyvern Theatre announce this year’s Summer Youth Project

Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre’s Summer Youth Project performance will be the Wizard of Oz this year.

Applications are now open and those aged nine to 21, interested in getting involved, can apply before Saturday 8 April.

The Summer Youth Project team say it is the perfect way for young individuals to get a taste for the world of musical theatre. This year’s project will yet again allow 200 young people to produce and perform five full-scale performances with the help of a professional creative team and live band.

The Wyvern Theatre say they are looking for enthusiastic, committed, and talented young people to take part in this all-singing, all-dancing, musical extravaganza.

Auditions will be open to anyone aged 9-21 and technical opportunities available for ages 1626. They will be held on Sunday 23 April at the Wyvern Theatre.

Those interested in the Summer Youth Project but too old to participate can also join in as a chaperone. The SYP team say they are always looking for licensed chaperones, or those with a DBS certificate who would like to become a chaperone, to help with the Summer Youth Project.

Those interested in taking part or becoming a chaperone can visit: swindontheatres.co.uk/ Online/swindonyouthproject

The project will run from Sunday 6 - Saturday 19 August. Successful participants must be available for all these dates. The performance dates for the show will be Thursday 17, Friday 18 and Saturday 19 August.

Tickets will be on sale for these shows and will be available to book online at swindontheatres.co.uk or via the theatre’s central ticket line on 0343 310 0040.