South East Swindon Link February 2024

No 88 February 2024

GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to homes across Swindon with Est. overall print & online readership of 105,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

South & East Edition

Focus on Care p14

swindonlink.com

Eastcott invites you to walk in a Window Wanderland p3

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Editor's Note

By Jamie Hill

Swindon has woken up to 2024 with a bit of a waste and recycling hangover.

Over the Christmas period collections were missed or delayed for huge swathes of the town And the council is still trying to catch up as we speak.

For the populace it has been a time of real frustration, especially as they were still trying to get used to the new system. For the new Labour administration it's definitely been their first real test and it's good to note that they've been as transparent as can be despite facing mass criticism.

Council Leader Jim Robbins and Conservative Group Leader Gary Sumner gives their thoughts on page 20.

Talking about transparency, The Ink, our paid-for news subscription service specialising in long-form journalism, has started the year very well with a good few new subscribers joining. You can subscribe by scanning below.

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson Reporter: Amanda Wilkins Sales Manager: Rosy Presley Accounts Manager: Karen Randall Contributors: Tyler Ody, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett

Magical Window Wanderland returns

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Eastcott people are being urged to sign up to create a magical walking trail to light up

is welcome to take part,” said Steph Newton, cochair of Eastcott Community Organisation (ECO) a volunteer-led charity which runs Eastcott Community Centre

Eastcott Community Centre in Savernake Street from 2pm to 4pm. The centre will also be open on the evenings of the trail for residents to pick up maps and enjoy a hot drink.

the streets.

For the sixth year running, people who live in the ward will be creating displays for Eastcott Window Wanderland.

Window decorations ranging from something as simple as a candle or some lights to intricate designs in tissue paper will be on show between 6pm and 9pm from Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March.

Some of the displays in previous years have been serious works of art but organisers stress that all skill levels add to the enjoyment of seeing the streets lit up and are much appreciated.

"It's a great free event to bring the community together and everybody in Eastcott

and aims to improve life for all those living in the area.

She added: "Although the core area tends to be in the Old Town part of Eastcott, the ward includes Drove Road and the areas around Queen’s Park and Commercial Road. It would be lovely to see people in streets that haven’t taken part in the past signing up."

The theme for the event is Favourite Book, Film or TV Show, but display makers are welcome to let their imaginations run wild and create any scene they like.

People will be able to pick up materials free of charge, get inspiration and help with their designs on Sundays February 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th at

Organisers are urging window-makers to sign up online to be included in the map which, thanks to sponsorship from Richard James estate agents, will guide viewers for the event.

"Window Wanderland brings a lot of pleasure; it’s lovely to view the windows and to see so many people out and about on the walking trail,” said Steph.

“Please sign up and help make this the best year yet.”

People can sign up for free or find further information at www. windowwanderland.com/event/ eastcott-swindon-2024/ They can also follow www.facebook.com/ eastcottcommunity for Window Wanderland updates.

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News from SBC

Take photo ID to vote Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in January that his “working assumption” was that the UK General Election would take place in the second half of 2024.

By law, voters now need to show an approved form of photo ID to vote at a polling station in the UK General Election.

Accepted forms of photo ID include passports, photographic driving licences, biometric immigration documents and some concessionary travel passes.

Voters cannot use their

polling card as ID. If residents don’t have accepted photo ID, they can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC). Further information on how to obtain a VAC can be found by searching ‘voter authority certificate’ on the Government’s gov.uk website.

Voters will also need to show an approved form of photo ID to vote at a polling station in the borough council elections taking place in Swindon on Thursday, 2 May.

Have your say on a new political map for Swindon Borough Council A new pattern of wards is being developed for Swindon Borough Council.

The Local Government Boundary Commission has decided that the number of councillors in Swindon should be 57, the same as now, but wants to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements help the council work effectively.

The Commission wants to hear what residents and organisations think about their local area. A ten week consultation inviting proposals will run until 18 March.

The Commission, the independent body that draws these boundaries, wants to be sure that its proposals reflect community ties and identities.

The Commission is interested in views on which communities should be part of the same ward, what facilities people share, such as parks, leisure centres or schools and shopping areas and what issues communities face.

There will be a further round of consultation once the Commission has drawn up those proposals.

People can give their views at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/ swindon

New digital signs installed on Kingshill Road to help reduce pollution levels

If you’ve driven along Kingshill Road recently you may have noticed the new digital signs at either end of the road.

The signs form part of a wider plan to reduce emissions of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) along this busy road after higher than normal levels of NO2 were detected in 2018, resulting in it being declared an Air Quality Management Area.

In an effort to improve air quality, the council received £149,000 in grant funding from DEFRA which has paid

for the digital signs to promote active travel and encourage motorists to drive more considerately, to lessen their emissions. The DEFRA grant funding will also be used for wider engagement campaigns aimed at reducing emissions of, and harms from, important air pollutants.

Read the full Kingshill Air Quality Action Plan: https:// ow.ly/Ihoq50Qrb2I Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “Kingshill

Road has been an Air Quality Management Area for some years now so I’m really pleased we’re implementing the measures in our action plan to improve air quality for local residents.

“We hope the digital signs will make motorists not only think about their driving style, but consider leaving the car at home and switching to active travel. But we still have lots

to do, including implanting a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to prevent most HGVs from using Kingshill and establishing an Enhanced Bus Partnership to improve bus priority schemes.”

Swindon residents encouraged not to miss out on financial and wellbeing advice Two drop-in events designed to help people in Swindon who may be struggling with the cost of living will be held at Park and Central libraries in February.

People from Swindon Borough Council and other organisations such as Adult Community Learning, Multiply, Live Well Swindon and Thames Water will be on hand to offer expert advice and guidance on how to reduce debt and maximise income, and provide tips to make healthy meals on a budget.

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Warm and Safe Wiltshire and the Centre for Sustainable Energy will also help people with ways to save energy and how to get their homes insulated for free.

Citizens Advice Swindon will be attending with their Financial First Aiders (FFA) to advise people on how they can reduce their outgoings or increase their income.

These financial experts will also be out and about in Swindon this month, offering support and resources as well as answering any financial

questions residents may have.

More information on FFAs can be found at the Citizens Advice Swindon website: www. citizensadviceswindon.org.uk Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities & Joint Working, said: “There will be so much advice on offer so I would encourage people in the local area to make their way to one of the roadshows.

“We’ve teamed up with a range of local organisations and charities, so you’ll be able to get some great advice, whatever your situation is.”

The events will be held at: • Park Library in Cavendish Square, Park South, SN3 2LZ on Tuesday, 13 February from 10am to 2pm • The Central Library, Regent Circus, Swindon SN1 1QG on Wednesday, 14 February from 10am to 2pm More information will be provided on the Swindon Borough Council Facebook page. Anyone who can’t make it to one of the events can visit the Council’s dedicated Cost of Living web page at www. swindon.gov.uk/costofliving to find a list of support available.

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Lawn Manor Academy Forest School helps out the team at Christ Church

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com Pupils from Lawn Manor Academy’s Forest School picked up their tools and lent a hand to Christ Church in Old Town.

They set to work revitalising a previously neglected area of the church grounds.

Eight pupils from Year 10 spent a morning at Christ Church - four pupils from the after-school forest club and four from the school’s Connect 10+ class, which provides pupils with additional learning needs the opportunity to learn outside of the traditional classroom environment.

Using skills they have developed through the forest school, they cleared an area of the churchyard and planted a mixture of 30 native British trees and shrubs, including

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hawthorn, dogwood, dogrose, crab apple and hazel.

These plants, which were donated by the Woodland Trust, will serve to repopulate a wildlife area, provide food and shelter to wildlife and provide cover to a banked area of the grounds.

Pupils also spent time litterpicking in the church grounds.

Lee Horsford, Forest School lead at Lawn Manor Academy, said: “As part of the forest school and outdoor learning, our pupils do a lot of planting in and around the school and so it was an excellent

opportunity for them to be able to apply their skills in a different situation.

"It’s also very beneficial for them to be able to meet and spend time with people from across our local community and learn more about what others do.

“The pupils really got into the community spirit and could see the improvement they were making to the area, so it was a very rewarding morning."

The Christ Church Eco Group approached Lawn Manor Academy for help after seeing stories about the Forest School in the news.

Anne Grainger, Chair of the Christ Church Eco Group, said: “We really appreciate the help and hard work from the pupils at Lawn Manor Academy."

Further information about Lawn Manor Academy can be found at www.lawnmanor.org

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Alexandra House announces closure

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

A major Wroughton events venue and hotel has announced its closure.

Financial pressures and the impact of the covid pandemic have left Alexandra House financially unviable.

Home to facilities ranging from a popular leisure club to a conference centre, it is to close at the end of February The decision was announced on 9 January on the Alexandra House website www. swindonalexandrahouse.co.uk.

A spokesperson said: "It is with regret that we announce the closure of Alexandra House, effective February 29th 2024.

"The decision to close has not been made lightly, we have thoroughly explored all possible alternatives, but despite our best efforts to rebuild post the pandemic, our operational costs have

increased significantly over the past few years and the venue is no longer financially viable to operate.

"We are committed to supporting our employees during this transition and will make every effort to help them find alternative employment.

"Additionally, we assure our customers that full refunds and necessary assistance will be

provided for booked events or leisure club memberships.

"We extend our gratitude to the local community and all patrons who have supported Alexandra House throughout the years.”

The spokesperson added that the organisation's teams were working hard to contact all customers and partners to confirm the refund process.

Clients are asked to get in

touch only if they have not heard anything by Monday 29 January. Money paid for events and leisure club memberships will be fully refunded.

The spokesperson said: "We rent the site from a private landlord who has been informed of our decision to cease operations. Alexandra House will remain closed for the foreseeable future."

The South Swindon Parish Council Column

By Neil Hopkins Chair of South Swindon Parish Council Parish Projects 2024 We have a lot of exciting projects coming up in 2024. The council has taken on Buckhurst Field in Park North on a longterm lease, which means we are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the field from now on. There are several different improvements we will be making very soon, and I will detail these below.

In Queen’s Park, the Mesothelioma Garden will be redeveloped into a space that is suitable for reflection and contemplation. Thank you to all the residents who took part in the consultation regarding this project at the end of summer 2023. I look forward to seeing the plans and for work to start soon.

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Buckhurst Field Improvements As I mentioned above, the parish council is looking to make a number of improvements to Buckhurst Field. The work is focused on the sporting provision and the play area.

Thank you to all the residents who took part in our recent consultation regarding the open space’s use, your views will help guide us in the right direction when we start our upcoming flower beds and a refreshment projects. of all the park furniture.

GWR Park Improvements Broadgreen and Badbury Park 2024 Community Centres I’m looking forward to seeing the upcoming projects in GWR The parish council has two Park come to fruition, which will fantastic community facilities add new interpretation signage available for hire, Broadgreen Community Centre and around the park, detailing the Badbury Park Community Hub. areas rich history.

In 2023, we were able to This work follows on from the reopen Broadgreen, after extensive work on the eastern extensive refurbishment work side of the park in 2022 and on the building, including a new 2023, which saw the addition of a new blossom circle, formal roof. In July, we opened the

Badbury Park Community Hub which contains the new Badbury Park Library. I’m delighted to see the hub so well used and that the library has been so well received by the local residents.

If you are interested in hiring one of our community facilities, please get in contact with the council’s Community Facilities Officer: community@ southswindon-pc.gov.uk

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New green homes planned for Tadpole Lane

By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com Hortus Living has unveiled plans for a sustainable development of 38 homes on land south of Tadpole Lane.

The proposals include a mixture of flats and houses, designed to deliver low energy demand, lower carbon emissions, promote wellbeing, and lower energy bills.

The development will use Passivhaus design principles achieving a 90% reduction in energy usage compared to conventional dwellings.

Hortus Living’s plans are centred around the concept of allotment living and will deliver generous community allotments, associated public open space, natural play areas, orchards and wildlife zones.

Hortus Living is currently carrying out a public consultation on its plans, gathering feedback to

further refine the scheme and reflect the views of the local community.

Hortus Living plans to submit a planning application to Swindon Borough Council later this month. If approved, construction on the project would begin this year. Further information on the plans can be found at hortusliving.com/ tadpolelane

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Hospital care from the comfort of home thanks to GWH

Classical music concert for children of all ages

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

Great Western Hospital is enabling patients to receive hospital-level care without the need for a hospital stay.

Through the NHS@Home Virtual Ward service, local people are supported at the place they call home, including care homes. Patients being cared for through the service are able to stay in their own home or place of care with the same high level of care, assessment, monitoring and treatment as they would receive in hospital.

Swindon Recital Series has announced the final instalment of its 'French Impressions' series of Lunchtime Concerts.

Acclaimed pianist Paul Turner has put together and will perform what is billed as a magical programme dedicated Pianist and series founder to children of all ages.

Paul Turner Debussy wrote the Children’s Corner suite for his threeWednesday 21 February An experienced recitalist, year-old daughter, writing: at 1.05pm. Adult tickets he has appeared at London’s "To my dear little Chouchou, are priced at £7 plus an leading venues and major UK with tender apologies from her administration fee of £1. festivals. He has given concerts father for what follows."

Student tickets are £3 and in Europe and South America Poulenc was inspired by his More Swindon demand accompanied children aged and worked with eminent 11 young cousins to write for air ambulance 14 and under will be admitted singers and instrumentalists.

L’Histoire de Babar, le petit without charge.

He founded the Swindon Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s éléphant, based on the Paul Turner is an Honours Recital Series 29 years ago, importance to Swindon is shown children’s book by Jean de graduate and an elected and the series is committed to in the latest statistics released by Brunhoff, initially improvising Associate of the Royal providing world-class chamber the lifesaving organisation. on the piano. Paul will take Academy of Music, where music in the Swindon area by Last year the charity was called on the roles of both pianist his many prizes and awards presenting regular concerts to 202 missions - up from 199 in and narrator in this charming culminated in the Queen’s of chamber music given by 2022 - across the Swindon area, popular story.

Commendation for Excellence professional musicians. It takes including Cricklade, Highworth The concert will be given and the Peter Pears place between September and and Royal Wootton Bassett. at the Wyvern Theatre on Accompaniment Prize.

April annually.

Information about the charity can be found at New horror film coming to bring a touch of Hell to Swindon wiltshireairambulance.co.uk

By Barrie Hudson Swindon PR expert barrie@positive-media.co.uk

goes live with new YouTube channel

PR expert Fiona Scott has launched a YouTube channel about PR, the media and small businesses.

It is the latest innovation from Fiona, whose Swindon-based company Scott Media helps clients gain local, national and international media coverage.

Called ‘Reel PR with Fiona Scott’, the live monthly broadcast aims to build on Fiona’s successful podcast, ‘PR Not BS With Fiona Scott'.

Reel PR is being produced in collaboration with Swindonbased Visual PR. The next edition of Reel PR will be shown on 9 February at 3pm. To watch, or catch up with it later, people can visit www.youtube.com/@ reelprwithfionascott For more information about Fiona and Scott Media, they can visit scottmedia.uk 10

Evil Pug and Pipe Screams Productions have announced latest production Hell’s Close.

The horror anthology film will be shooting in Swindon and local surrounding areas in late 2024.

Its tagline is: "One night. One cul-de-sac. Five crime scenes!

What the HELL happened?"

The story sees Detective Inspector Rose called to Bethell’s Close on 30 October Mischief Night. He is expecting one crime scene but instead finds complete carnage, with five houses each revealing a story more baffling than the last.

Hell’s Close will encompass five segments plus a wraparound story, all of which take place on a single night.

More information, including producer roles and investment, can be obtained by emailing Pipescreamsproductions@ gmail.com

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Volunteers needed for rewarding roles at Prospect Hospice Everybody is invited to find out more about joining the more than 600 Prospect Hospice volunteers who provide vital support so that the charity can offer free end of life care and help to local people, their families and carers.

There are around 40 different volunteer roles available, including supporting the care of patients and families at the hospice and in the community, helping in its charity shops, driving patients to appointments, helping the fundraising team generate the funds the charity needs to operate and tending the gardens.

To find out more about volunteering for Prospect Hospice or to see its current volunteer vacancies, people can visit www.prospecthospice.net/volunteering, call 07884 261259 or email volunteering@prospecthospice.net

New sponsor steps in to help judo star realise Paralympic dream Ryse Energy has stepped up to sponsor Wroughton Paralympian Chris Hunt Skelley MBE. The firm, a global leader in decentralised renewable energy systems, will help Chris as he attempts to become a double medal winner at the Paralympic Games as part of Paralympics GB. The 30-year-old, who is married to fellow Paralympian Louise, trains in the Midlands is on track to qualify to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

His aim is to achieve something which has not been done in over 25 years in his sport – to get a medal in two Paralympic Games in different weight categories.

Chris won gold in his sport in Tokyo, but his weight category has now been scrapped and he is competing in the new +90 kg category.

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Return of Swindon's Race for Life to Lydiard Park All are welcome to kick start the New Year by signing up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Swindon.

The charity’s much-loved events, which raise funds for life-saving research, are returning to the town.

Every year around 36,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West.

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.

The Race for Life events are set to take place at Lydiard Park, Hook Street, Swindon, on Saturday 4 May and are open to all ages and abilities.

Mums, dads, sons, daughters, grandmas, granddads and friends can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy, a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course - and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, raises millions of pounds every year across the UK to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Ali Birkett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the South West, said: “No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for.

“Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but

to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK. “We’d love for as many people as possible across Swindon and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone. Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best. It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with fellow Race for Lifers and have fun with it."

To enter, people can visit raceforlife.org

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy's Legacy Garden expanded Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Sixth Form have been busy working on their Legacy Garden.

The class of 2023 decided to adapt and further progress the green space, located in the sixth form area.

Now the picnic bench and gravel have been placed, the area is ready to be used, and students have worked hard preparing the garden.

Come Spring, as the weather becomes brighter, the area will be filled with an array of colourful flowers for the students to enjoy.

Katharine Salmon, Head of RWBA Sixth Form, said: “The students have worked incredibly hard in creating the legacy garden, it is a great place for our current and future students to socialise and enjoy the outdoors during their down time.

"I look forward to spring when the flowers will have bloomed, and sixth formers will be able to make the most of it.”

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A focus on adult social care With an increasing elderly population as well as more and more adults needing support in Swindon it is right that we make sure our loved ones and ourselves are looked after in the best way possible.

Embrace a new career in care at Swindon Borough Council

Swindon Borough Council is looking for care workers to help out across the town. A council spokesperson tells us all about it below.

At Swindon Borough Council, we want our town to be the best it can be.

Our ambitious vision is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart.

Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great.

As part of the council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact.

It’s all for better public services, better processes and a better quality of life for everyone.

Millfield James Care for adults with learning difficulties in a home setting

Based in Swindon, Millfield James Care are ideally placed to care for adults aged 18-plus.

A home from home, MJL provide a safe environment for your loved ones to live independently and to flourish.

If you are interested in long or short term placements or to find out about stable regular work opportunities, get in touch by emailing Mjlrecruitment@ hotmail.com 14

We now have the following exciting opportunities in our care services. · Support worker (days and nights available) – Salary: £24,702 · Care Assistant (days and nights available) – Salary £23,893

Our employees are passionate about providing the best service they can to our service users, going above and beyond to ensure they feel connected to the family ethos that runs through the home.

Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

To find out more and apply visit www.jobs.swindon.gov.uk

Grandparents are not just for Christmas The festive season is over and now we need to think about and deal with the present (s) in all their forms.

For some all there is, are the long dull days of January and February, with no one to chat to, or to have a cup of tea or coffee with and no grandchildren to make that all but familiar homely noise.

Some of you who have visited elderly loved ones during this time may have noticed a deterioration in both living standards and perhaps memory or health and are concerned about how to address this. They don’t need care but would benefit from a regular visit, some practical help or just some company.

A call to Helping Old Friends could be the answer. Both Katrina and Lauren have many years of experience in setting up plans that can

provide both practical help and companionship to those in need. No matter where you are on the spectrum of requiring that help, we can advise you and provide you or your loved one with a bespoke plan that will meet your needs.

For further information please do give Katrina in Swindon a call on 01793 550895 or Lauren in

Cirencester on 01285 701801 for a friendly chat and advice.

We are also looking for younger mothers of schoolaged children who perhaps have a few spare hours during the day and would like to earn an additional income.

Very flexible routines are available to suit. Please give us a call.

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A focus on adult social care Hartford Care’s Luxury new Cotswolds Rise care home in Swindon now open Hartford Care’s newly built state-ofthe-art residential home Cotswolds Rise is now open, and for a limited time only they have a special offer where you can receive up to £250 off per week for your first 12 weeks when you move in as a permanent resident.

Cotswolds Rise, on Upper Mill, Swindon, offers dementia care, residential care, day care, respite breaks and end of life care across its 66 en suite bedrooms.

A newly built home, it benefits from an abundance of natural light in its spacious rooms, along with several lounges, dining rooms, a lifestyle kitchen, a salon and a shop.

It also has a fully accessible and enclosed landscaped garden, with patio areas and sun terraces.

Designed with sustainability in mind, Cotswolds Rise has many significant renewable energy elements including solar panels, heat pumps and battery storage systems.

The home hosts a community coffee

morning on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month between 10.30am and noon.

A spokesperson said: "Join us for complimentary coffee and cake, socialise with residents and team members and meet with new friends from the local community. Our coffee mornings are ideal for older people looking for company and

social interaction, those with care needs or perhaps those caring for a loved one and want to chat with people who understand.

Everyone welcome!"

To book an appointment to view Cotswolds Rise, or for more information about the home, please call 0800 324924, or email: enquiries@ hartfordcare.co.uk.

Healthcare Homes Group go the extra mile to make you feel at home Ladymead Care Home

Kingsmead Care Home

Ladymead Care Home is located in a beautiful rural area of Wroughton. The home is only a short drive from Swindon town centre and there is easy access to local transport.

Ladymead is a purpose-built home providing residential and nursing care to the elderly.

It is a very friendly and happy home with an extended family feel. The staff pride themselves on making the home attractive and comfortable and they work according to the residents’ needs and routines.

The home has TV lounges and a quiet sitting room where residents can relax in quiet contemplation, or enjoy the company of others.

Kingsmead Care Home is located in the Old Town area of Swindon.

The home has a selection of lounges and communal areas, where activities are often held, and a quiet sitting room.

The meal experience is excellent at Kingsmead, with our chef and catering team working hard to create meals that are both nutritious and tasty, using fresh seasonal ingredients.

The home offers a very stable environment for residents with many of the staff long-standing, so they have been able to build up great relationships with the residents and families over time. The care home manager is a registered nurse and has heavy involvement with residents and the day-to-day running of the home.

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New Principal and CEO at New College Swindon

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

New College Swindon (NCS) has announced Leah Palmer as its new Principal and CEO. The college says 2024 brings a huge amount of change.

After a busy Autumn term, it has kicked off a raft of new initiatives, implemented by the new senior leadership team.

As Principal and CEO Leah will ensure NCS has a clear direction to provide aspirational excellence, an inclusive culture, an ambitious curriculum offer and a ‘learner first’ ethos. She is committed to achieving an offer for students that will provide a truly transformative learning experience.

With Leah now permanently at the helm, she is excited to move the college forward.

She said: “At NCS our focus

New Principal and CEO Leah Palmer

is on careers not courses and we will create an ambitious approach to developing all our learners with the knowledge and behaviours and wider employability skills required for successful future careers.

"We will do this through the excellent infrastructure of support offered through our highly qualified and dedicated staff, impressive facilities, and by working with local employers and other

stakeholders on innovative initiatives such as our Careers Extra programme to help meet the needs of our local community.”

Having held senior leadership roles at Ofsted Outstanding rated colleges, Leah brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Her experience and passion for further education align with the college's commitment to deliver better lives through

learning.

She added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be leading New College Swindon on our journey to excellence as the new Principal and CEO. "I have worked in further education for 35 years and fully understand the powerful impact education has on the lives of those who want to develop and invest in their future.

"I myself am a product of further education (FE) so I am testament to the impact that FE and its dedicated staff has on future careers”.

Matt Butcher, Chief Commercial Strategy Officer at the college, said the new Principal and CEO had a deep understanding of the sector.

Mr Butcher also praised her student-centred approach to education.

Major change at troubled school

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe is to be handed over to another multi-academy trust.

In addition, every school in the Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust (DBAT) is to be similarly transferred and the trust itself cease to operate.

Early last November, Ofsted inspectors branded the school 'Inadequate' following an inspection carried out on 12 and 13 September.

The Chief Inspector said of Swindon's newest secondary school: "This school requires special measures because it is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement in the school."

Parents have been contacted

by Nigel Daniel, DBAT Chair of Trustees.

He said: "In September 2023, the Deanery received a Special Measures judgement from Ofsted. This led to a Termination Warning Notice being issued to DBAT from the Department for Education (DfE) which advised that they were minded to re-broker the Deanery to another multiacademy trust."

The Kingfisher CE Academy primary school will transfer with the Deanery to the new trust, protecting the campus model that the schools work within.

Mr Daniel added that as a result of inevitable changes to the financing of the trust as a result of the plan, the Trustees had decided that all DBAT schools would be transferred to other multi-academy trusts and to cease the operation of DBAT. This decision, he said, had not been taken lightly but rather with children at the heart of it, and that the aim was for a smooth transition. swindonlink.com n February 2024

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Interview: Author Richard M Mattick has ventured into fiction for the first time with proceeds going to local good causes

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The name of Richard M Mattick - usually known as Dick - is familiar to many Swindon people thanks to his role as Swindon Town FC historian and his decades as a teacher at Churchfields School, which is now Lawn Manor Academy.

He has served as a magistrate and a union official and is the author of several non-fiction books about Town, but mystery tale A Death in Church is his first novel.

Like many a book published in the last two years or so, it is a happy by-product of an unhappy and dismal time which began at the start of the decade.

Dick said: "In a way it was therapy, because during covid you couldn't go to church, couldn't go to football, couldn't go to cricket.

"We were sat at home, we were watching television, and most of it was adverts about how to organise your funeral or have you got this or that disease!

"Imagination helps when you're writing books, I think, but it doesn't help when you're watching adverts like that...

"So I wrote the book. I thought, 'In this world that I go into, nothing can happen without my say-so. I'm in charge.'

"I've always been a great lover of murder mysteries."

Dick especially favours 'old school' whodunits featuring crime-solvers faced with perplexing conundrums, preferring them to certain more modern offerings whose protagonists spend more time analysing their own motivatiuons than trying to find out who committed the crime.

He is a great fan of an ongojng series of vintage mysteries revived and 18

republished by the British Library.

Dick also enjoys mystery stories with interesting settings, and part of the inspiration for his novel, which is set in 1953, came from a South Coast hotel he once visited.

Something that sets A Death in Church apart from many a novel and non-fiction work produced during lockdown, however, is that the proceeds are going to local good causes.

Beneficiaries so far include the Open Door Centre, which helps adults with learning disabilities, and Big Breakfast, which provides warming, nutritious meals for those who need them.

Priced at £10, A Death in Church is available from Bert's Books in Old Town, Holmes Music in Faringdon Road and the Swindon Town FC shop, and can also be obtained directly from the author via dicmatcoate1@outlook.com.

Dick is a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town, and the channeling of the book's proceeds to good causes has been aided by the

organisation.

The cover images are the work of a talented young photographer, Alex Milton, who is the winner of a Rotary competition.

Rotary's ethos of helping others ties in with the personal ethos which has seen Dick serve and help the community in one way or another for much of his life.

Born in Swindon, Dick spent much of his childhood living in Newport Street.

He attended Lethbridge Road School, where he passed the 11-plus exam and went on to what was then the new Park Grammar School, where he successfully sat O and A-Levels.

"I had a gap year, which I think was one of the best decisions I ever made, because it got me used to working regular hours. I worked at what is now the Defence Academy. It was the Royal Military College of Science then.

"I had applied for a job somewhere in Old Town, I think working for some Government branch, and the chap said, 'You're too well qualified

LINK PEOPLE for this job.' He got me an interview at Shrivenham.

"I was a clerical assistant but the guy who ran the stationery store was a clerical officer, but he was off sick for a year, so basically I ran the stationery store on my own.

"I had to sign the Official Secrets Act because I had access to secret and top secret files. They were all empty at the time!"

Later came a degree in Politics and Economics under the auspices of London University at Oxford Polytechnic, which is now Oxford Brookes University.

Post-graduate studies at Barking saw Dick qualify as a teacher. He went on to spend the whole of his career at Churchfields before retiring some years ago.

"The head there was an inspirational guy, Ralph Owen.

He told me something which I think has been one of the guiding rules of my life.

"He said, 'The only people who never make mistakes are the people who never do anything,' so I like to pride myself on making lots of mistakes!"

Former pupils still reminisce fondly about him. Dick not only taught history but also wrote for the drama club, helped with the football and cricket teams and ran after-school sessions for pupils who wanted to study law but would otherwise not have had an opportunity.

After retirement, he became enthusiastically involved with Rotary.

"What attracts me is that it's non-partisan. You've got people there of different religions or no religion, you've got people there of different parties, and by and large they all work together for good. You accept people for what they're doing. I would say that what keeps Rotary together is that they all want to help."

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Business Profile - Ridgeway Health & Wellness Business Type - Provider of expert Chiropractic treatment Established - 1995 Location - 1 High Street, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9JX Telephone number - 01793 814567 Website - ridgewayhealthandwellness.co.uk

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk There is no shortage of satisfied Ridgeway Health and Wellness clients, and many are not shy about making their feelings known in online reviews.

One, for example, wrote: "Mark and the team are brilliant. I’ve been with them for a couple of years and my back has never felt better.

"The pain I used to suffer in my lower back and hips has long gone and my posture is much better. Highly recommended."

Another said: "Been with them for two years. Was having very bad pain from neck to my shoulders but the team quickly identified the issue and helped me get back to normal."

Mark is Dr Mark Blokland, who began the practice in 1995.

Ridgeway Health and Wellness offers Chiropractic a form of alternative medicine based on joint adjustment whose many devotees say it can relieve painful spinal and other issues - along with services including corporate wellness programmes, nutritional supplements and

Mediloop Therapy, a non-invasive natural therapy based around the release of electromagnetic pulses into the body.

Dr Blokland said: "Here at Ridgeway Health and Wellness, we advocate Chiropractic care as a mainstay of an all-round healthy lifestyle.

"You don’t have to be in pain to benefit, indeed regular chiropractic adjustments should be similar to dental check ups and taking your car in for a service.

"Don’t wait to have a problem to get a check-up.

"While spinal health is not measured through pain alone and you don’t have to be in pain to benefit from Chiropractic care, a side effect of Chiropractic adjustments is pain relief.

"A natural, drug free, noninvasive pain relief."

Chiropractors say that subluxations - partial dislocations - of joints, notably those of the spine, interfere

with the normal function of the body.

Dr Blokland explained: "If your spine is misaligned this can cause issues with the nerves in the body, causing things like headaches, neck pain, back pain, leg pain, sciatica and arm pain to name but a few.

"As well as aches from where a joint may be fixated.

"Chiropractic care can help relieve the pain and discomfort of these by aligning your spine, reducing any nerve impingement and freeing up fixated vertebrae."

Expertise and compassion

Dr Mark Blokland is the founder of Ridgeway Health & Wellness and leads a team of experts in Chiropractic.

He holds a BSc and is a Doctor of Chiropractic and a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractors, and has more than 30 years of experience in the profession.

Fellow Doctors of Chiropractic on the Ridgeway Health and Wellness team include one of his daughters, Poppy. His other daughter, Harriett, is currently in an advanced stage of her studies to be a Chiropractor, and works with the team as a Chiropractic Assistant.

The family-run clinic's mission is a simple one to provide high-quality Chiropractic care to the families of Swindon and the surrounding area, with the aim of bettering their spinal wellbeing and overall health.

Clients are promised treatment tailored entirely to their needs, as each client's needs are unique. swindonlink.com n February 2024

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LINK POLITICS Learning the lessons of Christmas recycling collection issues A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins It has been a challenging but exciting month.

We have spent time reaching out to residents on our Swindon Plan, and it has been great to get such considered feedback and feel some real positivity around what the council is trying to do, but the experience since Christmas has also reinforced our sense that we have to be delivering on the basics as well as driving forward the organisation.

Since Christmas, there have been repeated delays in some people having their waste and recycling collected and I want to apologise for the inconvenience caused. The challenges have come about because the new vehicles that were brought in to run the new system couldn’t cope with the amount of waste we were dealing with over Christmas.

We are currently going

through a lessons-learned exercise to understand what caused the problem and how best to deal with it, and to make sure that we don’t have similar issues next Christmas.

At the time of writing, we think that the vehicles will be able to cope with the usual amounts of recycling but we will need contingency plans for when the service is stretched such as Christmas with extra waste and the summer holidays when staff take leave. As Labour councillors, we didn’t design the new system or choose the vehicles or blue bags as these decisions were taken by the Conservative councillors when they ran the council, but

we were responsible for the implementation of the new system, so I’m happy to take responsibility for that and apologise where it has been an issue for people.

I am pleased that the new system has delivered some positives in that we have already seen a bigger than expected collection of food waste, which is really driving our recycling rate up and cutting the amount that we are putting into landfill.

Putting waste into landfill costs us over £100 a ton, so we are starting to deliver costs savings. I want to reassure residents that we will be making sure we use some of the money saved to ensure that the system consistently works properly going forward.

I’m hugely grateful to all residents who have fed into the Let’s Talk Swindon sessions as we develop the Swindon plan taking our missions forward, as well as to the council staff and partner organisations who also

contributed their opinions.

The sessions have really helped us develop a set of clear, costed targets for each of the missions for the next three years.

I was really clear when we started this engagement process that I wanted it to be meaningful consultation and that we needed to change and develop the plan as people fed in their ideas.

There is still a lot of work for us to do in terms of collating the feedback and updating the plan, making sure that it reflects the comments and feedback we have been given, and then the really hard work of delivering the plan will start.

There is also the small matter of another round of local elections coming where we will be working to convince you that we have made a really constructive start to our time in office, and hoping to persuade you to continue to support us to build the better Swindon that we all want to see.

knew based on Black Friday data this year that it was likely to be a pressure point).

Labour say lessons will be learnt, but perhaps the first lesson is not to blame others for something you have taken on to manage for residents.

The bin staff are a great, hardworking team and I imagine the last thing they needed was to have to learn new routes, with new equipment and additional waste, at this time of year.

The blue bags were initially available from libraries but now we will need to order online at www.swindon.gov.uk/ xfp/form/1107 One of my councillors, Dan Adams, proposed a motion to council on 18 January, which was to allow at least 48 hours for residents to report missed bin collections (it’s currently 24 hours) and I sincerely hope this

is one that Labour can support.

It’s a reasonable request given the current problems, where collections are often waiting for many days.

Finally, on flooding: Many residents and businesses experienced flooding in Storm Henk and the Government announced financial support which local authorities will administer in terms of applications.

Wiltshire have already been promoting this for a week at the time of writing and I’ve contacted the Chief Executive at SBC to ask why we haven’t as there is a limited time for applications.

There were also grants for flooding following Storm Babet which closed on 15 January but again not a word on the SBC website so residents and businesses will miss out.

Recycling collection crisis and response to flooding A column by borough council Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Sumner

The news has continued locally on the bin woes and you will have seen various statements and videos from Chris Watts (the Cabinet Member responsible).

There have been incorrect claims that they had to start food waste by the start of across the board, and they 2024 (this was changed by the recommended the purchase Government to 2026) and that of the new fleet based on that the new recycling lorries are data. not fit for purpose.

So, they have the fleet that Following a meeting with the they recommended, and we Corporate Director responsible accepted their advice. for the Waste Services he The current problems have confirmed to me that before been a matter of a poor ordering the new fleet (whilst choice of timing to roll out the the Conservative Group was in new collections in the weeks control of the council) advice leading up to Christmas and was given to us by the same not putting in additional officers and directors telling us resource for cardboard (they what the recycling figures were 20 swindonlink.com n February 2024 SE February Master pages.indd 20

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Delight as return of much-loved Swindon Festival of Literature announced

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The return of Swindon Festival of Literature has been announced for 6 to 12 May. Last year saw veteran festival organiser Matt Holland, who has headed the team in charge since the event began 30 years ago, announce that he would be stepping down.

The move prompted a wave of gratitude for his hard work over the years but also a great deal of sadness.

The festival has for many years been a key jewel in the crown of the local cultural

and myself.

"You see, positive new factors have come into play which mean that, in ’24, it looks like I’ll still be at the helm, in the festival engine room, even scrubbing the decks, with good help from a kindly crew.

"So, happily, and with the promise of terrific authors, artists, performers, workshops, and events on board, this Festival ship sails on in the sometimes choppy but always culture-cool waters of Swindon."

The announcement on the festival website - www. swindonfestivalofliterature.

Festival organiser Matt Holland

calendar, and has attracted world famous authors and thinkers over the years and decades.

However, Mr Holland said in a new announcement: "Apropos of my statement in May ‘23, saying that I would not be organising a festival in 2024, please note that circumstances have changed, as has my mind, for which, though pleased, I apologise, for misleading you,

FEATURES

Swindon Community Poet Tony Hiller at last year's Dawn Chorus (picture: Calyx)

Festival Finale (12th May); a series of fascinating Author Talks and Presentations at the Arts Centre, in Waterstones Bookshop, in Bert’s Bookshop, and at Swindon Central Library; a selection of Artswords Writing Workshops; a Poetry in the Park Day and Poetry Performance/Reading event (8th May); a second Flash Fiction Slam; a new Film night; intriguing Story-walks and Story-telling events; a make-your-own Book Binding Course (11th May); and a brimful Children & Families

Activities Day at Lower Shaw Farm (12th May).

"On Bank Holiday Monday 6th May, the Festival is particularly excited to be supporting and helping to promote a brand-new oneday all-day circus and outdoor arts festival in Lawn Woods, especially for Swindon. Full details to follow!"

People with author requests, performance suggestions or literature-linked ideas are invited to get in touch via swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm. co.uk

co.uk - revealed that in partnership with Artswords and a number of other supportive organisations in Swindon, the team was looking forward to presenting a series of wideranging Swindon-centred literature and arts events.

The message continued: "These are likely to include LitFest standing dishes such as the ever-popular Dawn Chorus (6th May) and fabulous

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Another scene from last year's Dawn Chorus (picture: Calyx)

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Taste a cloud, race a hydrogen fuel-cell car, delve into the science of health, meet a giant robot snail, take in a comedy night or enjoy an explosive family show. Whatever your age and interests, there’s loads to discover at Swindon’s biggest ever Festival of Tomorrow this February.

The Festival brings artists, entertainers, and creative organisations together with engineers, scientists and researchers from leading institutions – and most importantly, you! Get up close with the science, ideas and innovations that will help shape our future with an exciting programme of interactive events and experiences for all the family.

FESTIVAL OF TOMORROW ABOUT TOWN Free Activities at Steam – Museum of the Great Western Railway Don’t miss the chance to meet Luma – a 9m long giant inflatable robotic snail who loves an audience. Luma will be in residence at Steam – 22

WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER AT T HE

Museum of the Great Western Railway from Monday 12 – Sunday 18 February, as part of a programme of free, drop-in activities throughout the half-term week: Get up close and hands on with live giant snails and other amazing animals with Zoolab on Monday 12 February. Join Dr Sarah Bearchell on Tuesday 13 February for Amazing Air! an interactive show, where everyone joins in the multisensory experiments to gather proof that air really is there!

At the Cloud Factory on Wednesday 14 February everyone can touch, see, hear, smell and taste clouds as they are made from dry ice!

Join Fun Science on Thursday 15 February for amazing, hair raising live demonstrations and experiments.

Have a go at building a robot racer, or making your own snail slime to take home on Friday 16, or take part in some relaxed crafty activities with all resources provided throughout the week.

Embark on a journey of marvels with the Super Sonic Science Professor on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February!

Behold the electrifying dance of lightning, soar on a magic carpet, see the world from inside a bubble, and witness the mesmerizing eruption of a bubble volcano. Unmissable enchantment awaits!

Free Activities at the Designer

Outlet You’re invited to take a look at the Mechanical Bloom lab as Neon Dance presents this nature-themed robotic exhibition and installation in collaboration with Bristol Robotics Lab from Sunday 11 – Thursday 12 February. Meet and interact with our robots and share your own ideas on what you think the robots should do!

Join the University of Bristol’s Trustworthy Autonomous Systems researchers on Wednesday 14 February to try out some robotic demos and talk to them about their work.

Ask the engineers, roboticists and sociologists anything, as they take you through some surprising robotics.

See if you can spot all 12 different Augmented Reality, space-themed models hidden around Swindon's Designer Outlet. Find the Swindon's Space Trail boards, scan the QR code with your phone, and see the models come to life!

Plus watch out for our team of guerrilla street theatre scientists who will be enlisting your help in their experiments. Expect wonder, awe - and some silliness!

For adults and teens Explore the science of light and sound and meet theatre professionals using them to create atmosphere at Curtain Up! The drama of sound and light at the Wyvern Theatre on

Monday 12 February.

Join local comic Sam Michael and Robin Ince, star of BBC Radio 4’s Infinite Monkey Cage, for a comedy night with a scientific element at RAU Cultural Heritage Institute on Thursday 15 February.

Presented by Neon Dance, Last and First Men will take place at Swindon Dance on Friday 9 February; a stunning live contemporary dance performance set to the rich visuals of the late Jóhann Jóhannsson’s science fiction film Last and First Men with narration from Tilda Swinton.

Take in a Sofa Screening of the engrossing, intelligent sci-fi thriller, Moon at Create Studios on Friday 16 February.

FESTIVAL FINALE - AT THE DEANERY CE ACADEMY, WICHELSTOWN – 16 & 17 FEBRUARY Don’t miss the Festival Finale event at the Deanery CE Academy on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 February.

Organisers are urging families to register early to secure their FREE admission passes for entry to the four FREE interactive discovery zones packed with amazing demos, intriguing exhibits, hands-on activities, challenges and free workshops.

For tickets plus even more events, activities and the latest updates, check out the festival website www.

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T T HE FESTIVAL OF TOMORROW?

festivaloftommorrow.com FREE INTERACTIVE DISCOVERY ZONES HIGHLIGHTS: Future You Zone – supported

by Catalent Discover the innovations that are unlocking the secrets of human health, with hands-on activities and demos - including a virtual anatomy table!

Future Realities Zone – supported by Intel UK Get up close and personal with the tech that is shaping our future. Pilot a drone, programme a robot vehicle or try out the latest e-sports gaming gear Space for the Future Zone Explore the universe with a planetarium show, discover what life might look like on other planets, or make some space-inspired art.

Our World Zone Meet the organisations who are helping to care for our environment and meeting the challenges of climate change.

Race a hydrogen fuel cell car and see if you can top the leaderboard in Loughborough University’s wind tunnel challenge!

FESTIVAL FINALE TALKS AND SHOWS PROGRAMME If that’s not enough excitement this year’s programme of inspiring talks and spectacular family shows are sure to get you fired up!

What’s more, tickets for under 18s are free for all talks

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and shows (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult ticketholder).

Top picks for families: Exploding Custard An inspirational show presented by award-winning science communicator Ian Russell. Totally fascinating for all ages, it is a spectacular, lively, and light-hearted sharing of more experiments than you’ll be able to remember, using everyday materials and familiar household objects. Do try these at home!

The Royal Institution Presents: Energy Live!

What is energy? Where does it come from? And where does it go? Join the highly acclaimed Royal Institution for an exciting, and demo packed, journey through the stores of energy we use every day.

This explosive family show jam packed with fire-based demonstrations will leave you feeling fully charged!

Amazing Animals Festival favourites Braintastic!

Science return with their brand new interactive experiences which showcases the supersmart abilities of the world’s most incredible animals.

Featuring puzzles and tests for the whole audience to join in and challenge your own intelligence against amazing animals.

Dr Ken’s Circus Science Show Roll up, roll up. It's time for

some entertaining circus science experiments. Juggling Scientist Dr Ken explores the scientific principles behind skilful circus tricks and dangerous stunts.

Hold on to your seats as he eats fire, cracks whips and juggles five beanbags - all in the name of science.

Hunt the Higgs Ever wanted to be a particle physicist and run the infamous Large Hadron Collider? In this unique, fast-paced, hugely interactive and comedic experience, you can! Come solve puzzles, pass challenges, and collaborate with your fellow audience members to hunt down the infamous Higgs Boson for yourself! (Bring your smart phone/device for maximum participation!)

For adults and teens Drones for good in Ukraine Join Mark Horton, television presenter and Professor of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage at the Royal Agricultural University, and a panel of scientists to discover how teams in the UK and the Sumi University in Ukraine are using drones to help grow food for Ukraine and the rest of Europe in the midst of the ongoing war.

The art of science Join Festival Director, Dr Rod Hebden, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser - CEO, UK Research and Innovation, Phil Gibby - Regional Director, Arts Council England and

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Roger Highfield - Science Director, Science Museum Group as they explore why we continue to create a divide between science and the arts, ask whether it really matters and, if so, what can we do to bring them together to benefit everyone.

Here come the Robots Join BBC Radio science journalist, Roland Pease, and a panel of leading experts from the world-famous Bristol Robotics Lab, part of the University of Bristol, to hear the latest research and applications of robotic swarms, and have your say on the ethics of robotics and AI! Big Health, Tiny Science!

Scientists at the new Rosalind Franklin Institute near Oxford aim to understand our health at the scale of the molecules we are made of – they like call it atomic pathology. Learn about the powerful microscopes that allow them to see deep into our cells and examine the protein machines that keep us alive, and discover how these techniques may transform medicine in the future.

Creativity and Curiosity: Illuminating Cosmological Perspectives Join visual artists Ione Parkin and Gillian McFarland and Prof Amaury Triaud as they share insights into an international art-science project working in connection with astrophysicists, cosmologists, and planetary scientists. swindonlink.com n February 2024 23 19/01/2024 10:34

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CULTURE The organisers of all-day music extravaganza the My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival have revealed the first acts on the line up for their fourth outing.

The festival will be held at The Old Town Bowl on Saturday 20 July.

First to be announced is the return of local legend Gaz Brookfield, along with his band The Company of Thieves.

Gaz is about to embark on ‘The Almost all Village Halls’ tour, after allowing himself a quick breather following a successful run of dates promoting his most recent album, Morning Walking Club.

The album, Gaz’s ninth, was released in August 2023 and was this week named 37th Best Selling Album of 2023 after going straight in at #1 in the Official UK Folk Album Charts, #3 in the Official UK

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First Line Up Announcement for My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival 2024 Indie Breaker Charts, #6 in the Official UK Download Charts, #10 in the Official UK Indie Album Charts, and even #37 in the Official UK Album Sales Charts.

Co-organiser Ed Dyer said: “It’s our absolute pleasure to be welcoming Gaz and the band back to The Bowl, especially after his recent success, and pleased he’s been able to squeeze us in around his busy touring schedule.”

In its first three years My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival has raised over £32,000 for Prospect Hospice in tribute to Dave Young, the former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar who died in early June 2021 at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle against cancer.

Dave’s last band, Calne’s legendary punk covers outfit, The Chaos Brothers, are also

joining Gaz on the day, along with the Swindon based bluesy THUD, whose debut performance was at MDBTYD 2021.

Ed added: “This is only the start of things to come for MDBTYD 2024. We can’t wait to show everyone who else we have in the pipeline!”

MDBTYD Festival will again see plenty of activities for all the family, including the return of the popular indie market, as well as food and drink from a variety of locally based

vendors.

Prospect Hospice, based in Wroughton, provides palliative and end of life care for people across the region and has to raise the majority of its costs through fundraising.

Festival tickets are available via the website mydadsbiggerthanyourdad. co.uk For information about Gaz Brookfield’s upcoming ‘The Almost all Village Halls’ tour, visit gazbrookfield.com or check out his social media pages.

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Thoughts on Seamus Heaney and other poets of genius Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

We haven’t had a living poet dominate the Englishspeaking sector since Seamus Heaney’s death left a huge gap 10 years ago.

His 1995 Nobel Prize was one of many honours. I’ve been reading his “Letters” book that came out in December. It is page after page of wonderful writing.

It gave me a lift in this grey month. Seamus represented

66 percent of UK poetry book sales in his time, an astonishing statistic.

I’ve been researching the poet WB Yeats for a drama project. Yeats was awarded the 1923 Nobel Prize. He dominated the sector for decades and while I love his work, I’ve become ambivalent about the person.

He had little room for others, such as withering

his friend and sponsor, the dramatist Lady Gregory, in his Nobel speech as “a living woman sinking into the infirmity of age.” She was deeply hurt.

After Yeats’s death in 1939, the American poet, TS Eliot, got breathing room and was at the forefront into the 1960s. The English poet, WH Auden, had ups and downs during the period, but what a man. In 1939 he, a gay man, married Thomas Mann’s gay daughter, Erika, to get her out of Germany.

In the States there were big hitters in Robert Frost and many American poets such as: Rich, Crane, Stevens, Aiken, Moore. They are my “go-to” poets!

There’s still that gap. I’m in no hurry to see who of our rich pool of poets will fill it.

As Heaney wrote: Say ‘canal’ and there’s that final vowel towing silence with it, slowing time to a walking pace www.mauricespillane.co.uk LIDDINGTON VILLAGE HALL – SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2023 at 7:30PM I’ll be giving a presentation on my recent trek to Nepal and the Annapurna Circuit, with some amazing photos.

Email me if you fancy coming along: mspillane@ appligenics.com

Clothing kilo sale in Swindon this month Worth The Weight is to hold its next Swindon Kilo Sale at Steam on Sunday 4 February.

Based in Sheffield, Worth the Weight was founded in 2018 as a way of fighting fast fashion.

Since its inception, the company has travelled the length and breadth of the country with tonnes of vintage stock every weekend.

It says experts predict that 2024 will see the trend of shopping second hand increase dramatically, and that with the cost of living going up and worries about climate change, shoppers are making it their new year's resolution not only to save the environment but to save a few pounds by ditching fast fashion and opting for a preloved approach.

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their shopping habits and become part of the shopping revolution.

The Swindon event will feature nine tonnes of handpicked vintage and pre-owned stock to have a rummage through, with heavier items capped at £20.

Worth The Weight Organiser Chris Davies said: “We’re noticing a change in shopper demographic during the events, Swindon has seen families of all ages coming together to help support the sustainable clothing industry.”

The sale at Steam will run from 11am until 4pm. Entry is £3 for early bird and £2 afterwards.

Details of future events can be found at https:// www.facebook.com/ events/274979621893900/

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Become a Bikeabilty instructor Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.

In last month’s article I wrote about Bikeability cycle training which helps children and adults gain skills and confidence to make journeys by bike.

This month I hope to inspire more local people to become Bikeability instructors and help more Swindonians get cycling!

There’s currently a shortage of cycling instructors in Swindon, meaning that the Life Cycle team, who have the contract for cycle training locally, can’t deliver Bikeability to as many schools as they’d like to.

Life Cycle are actively recruiting people who are passionate about cycling to work as Bikeability instructors in Swindon primary schools Cycle instructors typically work on a freelance basis, choosing the jobs which best suit them. However, employed

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

Football fans are particularly well known for their pessimism.

Therefore, you shouldn’t be taken back by my latest column. Where to start?

After what was their best start to a season for years, Swindon find themselves scraping together the remaining points required to seal survival for the season.

Despite their plummeting trajectory, the possibility of relegation shouldn’t be entertained. Yet. What is it which keeps lower league football fans returning each Saturday? For me, and I’m sure many others, it’s the dream that one day they’ll be rewarded with something tangible. Whether that be a meteoric rise through the leagues, a memorable cup run, or a historic victory over your rivals. This dream has frequently comforted me of

roles are also available.

Instructors work throughout the year, during the school day (typically 9am–3pm), with more work being available in the school holidays and after school if desired.

You do need to be happy to work outdoors year-round, whatever the weather!

Being a strong cyclist is desirable for the role, and applications from women and people from minority ethnic background are strongly welcomed.

Applicants need not be car drivers, but being able to drive may allow more work opportunities further afield.

Free training is provided to become a Bikeability instructor via a four-day training course - which you get paid £300 to do! Two days of the course are completed remotely, via Zoom,

with the second and fourth days being on-road practical sessions with a tutor in Bristol, near the train station.

The course qualifies you as a ‘National Standard Cycle Instructor’, a qualification which is nationally recognised, so

STFC dropping like a stone late. But there’s only so many times you can dream while the likes of Barrow play Town off the pitch at The County Ground. Until eventually you wake up to reality.

Swindon appear further away from success than I can ever remember. Unfortunately, I can’t see the suffering ending anytime soon. It seems absurd that in a season where Swindon could have their lowest ever EFL finish, I fear the worst is still to come. Judging from previous transfer windows, I have little confidence in Swindon’s ability to reboot come the summer. I simply can’t see the freefall halting. While others around them are progressing, Town are regressing. In my opinion, Swindon need substantial investment to prevent their proud position in the Football League from ceasing to exist.

If Swindon truly are struggling to make ends meet, then they’re only going to find it harder next season. Town are lucky to have a remarkable fan base, their numbers are truly sensational for the level of football. This is demonstrated by the high season ticket sales and attendances in the Morfuni regime.

However, they certainly shouldn’t be taken for granted.

I believe that there is only so much more that the loyal support can take before their patience is broken. At this rate I can see season ticket sales plumet and dwindling attendances. This will see a paper-thin budget turn extinct, leaving me with good reason to be pessimistic about the future.

I have a genuine concern that the football club I’ve grown up watching are falling

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CYCLING

once qualified you can work anywhere in England.

I worked as a Bikeability instructor around 10 years ago and can testify to the great job satisfaction that comes with the role.

I loved working in a different school each week with children who were generally all very excited to be out of the classroom!

With the imminent opening of the Moredon cycle hub we hope to have more opportunities for cycle instructors to work on the planned programme of 'learn to cycle' and 'cycle confidence' training for adults and children.

To find out more and apply to become an instructor check out: www.lifecycle.org.uk/ volunteering-and-jobs/cycleinstructors-swindon

LINK FOOTBALL apart in front of my eyes.

Whenever I watch Swindon, I see connotations to a wounded animal on its last legs. They’re dying. Wherever you look it’s bleak. On the pitch I see the most threadbare squad I can remember, in the stands I hear a flat and often turgid atmosphere, and around me I see a tired stadium which hasn’t changed an inch since my first game in 2012.

In fact very recently in a game against Wrexham, after queuing for about five minutes to simply reach the toilet, I was confronted with a sign which read along the lines of how fans' money is reinvested in the club. This came after I had just watched a lacklustre defeat which saw Swindon spurn several chances. I could only laugh at what I see is a perfect anecdote to explain life as a Swindon fan. swindonlink.com n February 2024

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

• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Tap washers & ball valves • Toilet cistern repairs • Kitchen taps fitted Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

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