South East Swindon Link January 2023 edition

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

The current climate crisis is the biggest thing that we are all facing whatever your political colours.

About 18 months ago at Swindon Link we introduced a regular column called The Eco Briefing to talk about all environmental matters.

But one of the things we wanted to do was try and make what we, at Swindon Link, do more environmentally focussed.

We were already printing on paper stock taken from sustainable Norwegian forests, with two trees planted for every tree cut down, but from this month we have taken the huge step of changing to quarter-fold newsprint - meaning that we are using not only less paper but that the paper is 100% recycled, which is a massive step in the right direction.

Obviously, we will constantly be looking to see how we can improve things even further.

This year, with Cop27 only just finishing, the environmental crisis that we’re facing has become the focus of Governments the world over. The knock-on effect being organisations like Swindon Council, on a local level, launching their Be The Change campaign.

It’s all a bit scary, to be honest, with experts saying we only have until 2025 to 2031 at best, to prevent it becoming irreversible, so there’s a real urgency.

Sometimes it all seems a bit biblical and overwhelming with floods, droughts, forest fires, and other huge weather events being in the news every day.

But we can all do our bit as every person can make a difference although we also need to continually apply pressure on corporations and politicians to ensure that they’re the catalysts for change as well.

Luckily in Swindon we have a plethora of environmentally-minded businesses, organisations and people who are doing all they can to be as carbon neutral as possible.

One thing we can all do is check out Swindon Borough Council’s Be The Change website for tips and advice. You can find it at www.swindon.gov.uk/ bethechange

You might have noticed that the magazine feels very different to our previous publications. It is now quarter-fold newsprint. There are several reasons for this.

n The paper is now 100% recycled which we believe is the right thing to do in the face of the climate crisis. It also means we no longer carry out the gloss chemical process on our pages which also has environmental benefits.

n The change has enabled us to keep our advertising rates the same in the face of the massively rising cost of living increases we’ve been seeing as a magazine. We’ve not raised our prices for more than five years and this is despite print prices going up by more than 25% in the past year. Making the change to newsprint mitigates us having to pass on costs to customers.

n The change also means we have more flexibility, enabling us to increase the number of pages of the magazine.

The reasons for the magazine’s change

The climate emergency is something that affects all of us and we should all do our bit

Briefing

Climate emergency leaves no time to waste

Whatever your circumstances and lifestyle, you can join thousands of residents across Swindon who are taking action on climate change in 2023.

From the food and products you consume, to how you travel and use energy to power and heat your home, they all have one big thing in common. They each typically involve burning fossil fuels, which create harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

But each of us has the power to make changes to their everyday behaviour, choices and purchasing decisions to live more sustainably. To get started visit footprint.wwf.org.uk or search for the ‘WWF Footprint Calculator’ online. This easy-to-use tool will help you measure and find ways to shrink your carbon footprint. Simply answer a few questions and you’ll receive a tailored list of actions.

“Don’t waste anything” is shrewd advice from natural historian David Attenborough. Yet it’s estimated that UK households throw away

a staggering 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging a year, averaging 66 items per household per week. Here are five top tips for reducing and reusing plastics:

1. Stores that sell items without plastic packaging are becoming increasingly popular – such as Swindon Pulse Wholefoods in Curtis Street and Weigh It Up in Highworth.

2. Buy and continue to use your re-useable lunch box, hot drinks cup and drinks bottle – many retailers now offer money off incentives and refill options. Search ‘Refill Swindon stations

list’ online to find details of over 70 Refill Stations across Swindon. These include everything from fountains where you can fill up your bottle, to cafes and restaurants where you can get a hot drink in a reusable cup, to retailers and supermarkets with packaging-free isles and everything in between.

3. Many brands and retailers offer refill options for popular items such as cleaning products and laundry detergents – and remember to recycle the refills if you can.

4. Remember to take your own bags to the

supermarket – they can be re-used multiple times and plastic carrier bags can be recycled at many supermarket collection points if you’re no longer able to use them.

5. Reduce use of cling film by using a plate on top of a bowl in the microwave and fridge.

Help inspire and encourage others. Let us know what things you’re doing to live more sustainably: communications@swindon. gov.uk. Visit the Be the Change site for resources to help: www.swindon.gov.uk/ bethechange

Council offering free recycling service for real Christmas trees

Swindon Borough Council will be offering a free recycling collection for real (not artificial) Christmas trees. Residents will need to request a collection via an online form, unless they have a garden waste subscription.

Garden waste subscribers should place their tree next to their green bin for

collection on their scheduled collection day between Monday, 9 January and Friday, 3 February.

Residents without a garden waste subscription must request a tree collection via the council’s website. Upon completing the form, residents will be advised of a date for collection as the Garden Waste crews

will collect trees as they operate in the area.

Trees must be put out at the front of the property, so they are clearly visible from the road. All lights and decorations must be removed, and trees must be safely lifted by two people. If the tree is very large, it must be cut into manageable pieces.

School praised for encouraging pupils to love nature

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

Mayor of Swindon Cllr Abdul Amin was invited to Lawn Primary School to open its newly renovated Forest School Area for the children to explore.

There was an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school, where the Mayor and Mayoress, helped by Cllr Lawrence Elliott, pronounced the Forest School open.

The area has natural woodland space for the pupils to explore with hedges and trees, and also a firepit area with seating and a canopy. Work to make the area safe and useable for the children was carried out by volunteers from local firm SAS Rope and Rail.

Forest School lessons include activities such as collecting natural materials, scavenger hunts, natural art, shelter building, using knots and lashing, fire lighting, tree investigation, bug hunts, climbing and balancing, woodwork (using tools to create objects such as decorative items) and team

games.

Cllr Amin said: “It is fantastic that the Lawn Primary pupils have access to this natural area.

“We have come out the other side of two years of lockdown and a lot of kids have felt the impacts of this on their mental health.

“In my opinion, having

this forest area will enrich their learning and help the children mentally as well.

“A big thank you needs to be said to all those involved – to the teaching staff and all the volunteers who helped to make this happen.”

School staff were approached earlier this year by parent Nick Underwood, who owns SAS Rope and Rail. He offered to do all the work free of charge with the help of his team, meaning the school could be use money it had put aside from a specialist grant to build a new trim trail adventure area in one of the playgrounds instead.

The work on the forest area started before the summer and was finished in the autumn by the volunteers.

Mayor of Swindon Cllr Abdul Amin performed the ribbon-cutting and praised rhe forest achool

The South Swindon Parish Council column

By Cllr Chris Watts Chair of South Swindon Parish Council

I hope this edition of the Swindon Link Magazine finds you in good health and you have had a happy Christmas and New Year.

2022 has been another very busy year for the Parish Council. We have progressed with the development of our green spaces and expanded the range of events we host within the parish.

We started the year with the launch of the South Swindon Green Trail, an eight mile circular trail that follows the boundary of the parish. The trail gives people a chance to explore areas of South Swindon you wouldn’t normally see. The development of our green spaces has continued with our tree planting initiatives at Westcott and Buckhurst. We planted the second Tiny Forest

in Swindon at Buckhurst Field in collaboration with Earthwatch, Nationwide and Vaillant UK. We also worked with The Friends of Shaftesbury Lake to run a Wildlife Discovery Day at the lake, which was well attended by residents and saw lots of children learn about the local wildlife and fauna around the lake. We hope to run the Wildlife Discovery Day again in 2023.

The council has invested a lot in our parks over the past 12 months. I am pleased to see GWR Park receive £130,000 worth of funding from the National Trust and Historic England to transform the eastern side of the park with a new blossom circle and formal gardens. I can’t wait to see these improvements rolled out over the next few months. We will celebrate the new additions with a Blossom Festival in April, run in collaboration

with the National Trust and local community groups.

It was fantastic to see our investment in partnership with local residents and organisations recognised with South Swindon being awarded the best town in the South-West in the Pennant Class of Britain in Bloom.

The parish events team have worked incredibly hard this year to deliver a programme of events across the Parish. We enjoyed a wide range of performances from classic Shakespeare to a fantastic Abba tribute performance, and this was topped off with the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail in December. Thank you to all the staff and vendors who made the Light Trail so great this year!

Elsewhere our Parish Youth Service reopened the Buckhurst Youth Club in September, which has been very well attended.

The reopening of the Youth Club followed the Youth Service’s Easter Fun Day in Queen’s Park and the Buckhurst Family Fun Day in the summer.

I am delighted to say that the widescale refurbishment of Broadgreen Community Centre is nearly completed, and the Harbour Project will be moving in soon. The centre once reopened will look fantastic with more than £150,000 invested into it.

Looking ahead in to 2023, it looks set to be an equally busy year, with the Parish Council in the process of creating a new community centre in Badbury Park, the Quarry Road Tennis Courts will be refurbished thanks to funding from the Lawn Tennis Association and our Parish Green Spaces will be further improved.

I can’t wait to tell you more about these projects as the year goes on.

Labour candidate stands down

Chris Lloyd, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for North Swindon, announced his withdrawal from the role.

The candidate, who was set to contest the seat currently held by Justin Tomlinson at a future General Election, said he had found if difficult to balance work commitments with the responsibilities of being a candidate.

Free adult learning courses in January

New College will be offering a selection of free adult courses in the New Year, to over-19s who meet the eligibility criteria.

Covering subjects as diverse as maths and manicures, they will be offered at no charge to people who are below certain income thresholds, and details can be obtained by emailing Ed.Kirk-Browne@ newcollege.ac.uk or calling 07854 450009.

Primary and junior places deadline

The deadline to apply for 2023 primary and junior school places is Sunday, 15 January.

Parents of children due to start primary or junior school next year are being urged to submit their applications as soon as possible. They can do so by visiting www.swindon.gov. uk/schoolplaces.

Anybody who has questions, or needs help in filling out their application, is asked to get in touch with the team at http://ow.ly/ VbGc50BAWsy

Community left grieving by Akers Way tragedy

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

The death of a teenaged boy in a traffic collision on Akers Way plunged the community into shock and mourning.

Harry Parker, 14, was said by his father to have been able to light up a room with his presence.

He died following the incident which happened at about 8.20am on Friday, 25 November.

Swindon Police said the driver left the scene and a woman was arrested shortly afterwards.

Harry’s father, Adam, shared a post on social media, saying: “Our beautiful golden son Harry Parker was involved in a horrendous car incident

along the horrible road Akers Way. Unfortunately he lost his life far too soon.

“Harry will be missed by lots but no more than us, his family. So please at this time can we remember and honour him with lots of photos and any music you know he likes on his page.

“Harry was a cheeky chap that could light up the room with just his presence. He had

the biggest heart and loved to make people laugh.

“We are very comforted by all the support from everyone. We will be doing something to make the road safer but please bear with us at this time.”

Within hours of the incident, hundreds of floral tributes and other tributes including football shirts and scarves had been left near the scene.

Big birthday for charity helping people overcome challenges

A Swindon-based charity has celebrated 20 years of helping people with learning and physical difficulties and people recovering from mental illness.

Phoenix Enterprises marked its milestone anniversary at a gathering attended by clients, staff and VIPs including Swindon MPs Sir Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council leader Cllr David Renard, Deputy Mayor of Swindon Cllr Barbara Parry and South Swindon Labour Parliamentary candidate Heidi Alexander.

Chair Mike Bowden delivered a moving speech saluting all those present, and especially the clients, volunteers and staff down the years.

He said afterwards: “All the current team are very

proud and committed, and delighted to be part of Phoenix.

“Any charity that gets to 20 years has done something right, and it’s very important that we mark today with reference to all the staff, trustees, volunteers and service users that have been here and gone.

“This doesn’t happen overnight; this is the

culmination of of a colossal effort from a huge number of people, some of whom I never had the privilege to meet, but we are the current recipients of the baton and we’re running hard.

“It’s our job to find the people to take over from us to run hard, because we expect and want to be here in 2042.”

Some of the hundreds of tributes left at the scene in the days following the tragedy

Prestigious title for Swindon nurse

A key member of Great Western Hospital staff has received one of healthcare’s top accolades.

Michele Grange, Advanced Clinical Practitioner and virtual ward lead for GWH Swindon Community Services, has been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

The title recognises a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership, and Michele is now one of only seven Queen’s Nurses in Wiltshire.

She was presented with her award at a ceremony in London.

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI, said: “On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Michele and welcome her as a Queen’s Nurse. Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high quality health care across the country.

“We look forward to working with Michele and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.”

Duke of Kent visits

Steam

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent is the latest VIP to visit Steam to see its awardwinning displays and hear the story of Swindon’s rich industrial past as a railway town.

The Duke was welcomed by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton, and Swindon Mayor Cllr Abdul Amin.

Swindon’s Diwali restaurant wins MTM award for excellence

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

The team at the Diwali restaurant in Swindon have received the Restaurant of Excellence Award at this year’s MTM awards.

The Diwali restaurant serves Nepalese and Indian cuisine, and its chefs work from an extensive menu. It is in its seventh year since first opening in the centre of Swindon, on Faringdon Road.

The MTM awards aim to celebrate the excellence and achievement of the Asian, Black and Ethnic communities based in the South West. This year celebrated 10 years of the MTM awards, and the event was held at the Delta Bristol Marriott Hotel.

Swindon’s Diwali was shortlisted for the Restaurant of Excellence category, and went on to win the prestigious

award. The local restaurant was nominated, and voted for, by the Swindon public. The judging panel also came to the restaurant in the leadup to this year’s award, to taste the food and take in the atmosphere. They did not warn the staff ahead of time, and conducted a ‘secret shopper’ style visit.

Deependra Gurung, Diwali’s Business Manager and Co-owner said: “Our first reaction was surprise and excitement. I was nervous as I wasn’t expecting anything more than to enjoy a night out at the awards and I was just happy that we were shortlisted.

“We forgot everything we would have planned to say if we did win and were in shock when our name was called as the winning restaurant.

“Winning this award has been important to our team

because it’s recognition for our service and for our good food. We want people to know us, and to know what we’re about.

“We are local and we serve a whole host of different Nepalese and Indian dishes.

“We want people to come and enjoy our menu in the nice environment of our restaurant, and experience our good service.”

More information about Diwali can be found at www. diwaliswindon.com/swindon/ or by calling 01793 617 000.

Great Western Hospital celebrates its 20th anniversary

Staff, volunteers, and retired colleagues from the old Princess Margaret Hospital have been celebrating Swindon’s Great Western Hospital’s 20th anniversary.

Staff and volunteers from GWH have been celebrating twenty years in operation, and joined together to spell out ‘GWH’ to mark the two-decade milestone.

A spokesperson from the hospital said: “Our thanks also goes to Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Search and Rescue whose drone operators took some fantastic photos from the sky.

“Twenty years ago today, at 7am in the morning, the Great Western Hospital doors opened for the very first time.

“It had been years

of detailed planning and construction, but on 2 December 2002, the Princess Margaret Hospital waved goodbye to the very last patient as they were transported across Swindon to the new, modern hospital on the other side of town.”

Nunu Moyo, Patient Safety and Risk Matron, and Dr Tony Pickworth, Consultant, were two of the staff members supporting the transfer of patients from PMH to GWH twenty years ago. The pair say they are both still committed staff members.

On the GWH NHS Foundation Trust’s social

media streams, a video has been shared that takes a look back on the last 20 years.

Nunu and Tony reflect on some of the early planning stages in the video, and discuss how they felt working in a brand new hospital. They are also joined in the video by Chief Executive, Kevin McNamara.

The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=5Oev8O5Nd48

PM warned of Swindon financial crisis

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

Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard has written to tell Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that the borough faces a financial crisis.

The letter from the leader comes amid council warnings of hard times ahead

The Chancellor’s Autumn statement increased the amount by which councils with social care responsibilities can increase council tax without resorting to a public vote. Swindon Borough Council will be able to increase bills by up to five percent.

The £156.7m 2022-23 council budget, agreed in February, includes £78m for adult services and £46.3m

for Children, families and community health services

- a total of around 80 percent.

Of the budget, 75 percent is drawn from Council Tax, 22 from business rates and the rest from Government grants.

According to the council, costs for adult, children’s and community health services are set to increase significantly, and there will also be increased costs associated with other issues including rising energy prices.

The letter to the PM says in part: “Upper tier local government is facing a financial crisis. The letters you have received from my colleagues in Kent, Hampshire and

Herefordshire relay the facts of the situation that most of us find ourselves in. However, unitary councils face the ‘double whammy’ of increased demand and reduced incomes which have not returned to prepandemic levels.

“Swindon Borough Council has comparatively low council tax and low spending compared with its peers and a strong track record over 18 years of delivering within budgets. However, we too are facing budget deficits over the next few years of a scale that has never been seen before.

“We have spent the past year looking at how far we can go in closing our future revenue budget gap and whilst we have considered

every remaining option available to us to generate savings and efficiencies, most of these are going to be very unpalatable and will impact on some of the most vulnerable in our society.”

Cllr Renard calls on the Government to provide concessions including annual increases in funding that match the growth in adults’ and children’s social care services or legislative change to reduce the demands on the service.

He also requests full funding of social care reforms, freedoms and flexibilities around Council Tax setting and charging for services, together with changes in the law to help councils such as Swindon’s to help themselves.

Councillor urges people to seek cost of living help

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

People suffering hardship amid the cost of living crisis are being urged by a senior Swindon councillor to come forward and seek help.

Cllr Cathy Martyn, the borough council’s Cabinet Member for Health Inequalities and Housing, said: “My message would be that there is help out there - there are various types of help that are available.

“The first thing I would suggest that anybody does is spend 10 minutes looking at the council’s website.”

Cllr Martyn said anybody visiting www.swindon.gov. uk and clicking on the ‘cost of living’ link would be presented with a list of 19 options.

These range from information about

checking pension and benefit entitlement to securing access to cheaper broadband.

Cllr Martyn said: “This is why it is important to go to the website and look at the checklist - it may be that they are not claiming benefits they are entitled to, and it may be that they can save money in multiple areas with their expenses.”

The councillor says visiting Citizens Advice Swindonwww.citizensadviceswindon. org.uk- might be very useful.

“Citizens Advice have had some very good results with people that they have helped,” she said.

“There have been some people who have increased the benefits they are claiming and have increased their income by £2,500.”

The website includes advice about various

Swindon organisations able to provide food either free or at low cost, and Cllr Martyn also highlighted the Household Support Fund, a Goverment-funded scheme operated by the council.

She added: “The main goal of the Household Support Fund is to help households with significant rising living costs to pay for essentials.

“There’s a new fund which is for those who have not already received the £650 Cost of Living Payment from the Government, and also

those whose expenditure is more than their income, or who have experienced an unexpected expense which affects their ability to meet the cost of energy, food or other essential bills.”

People can apply for help from the new fund if they visit the council’s website and search for ‘Household Support Fund’.

There is also help for people who have no access or limited access to the internet at home, or who are unable to access online services for some other reason.

Cllr Martyn said: “If they have no friend or relative to help, then they can call into the borough libraries or they can ring the borough on 01793 445500.”

People can also contact Citizens Advice by telephone on 0808 278 7813.

Welcome to Abbey Farm Educate Together

Our vision for Abbey Farm ET Primary is to create a school where every child is valued, nurtured, developed to the best of their ability.

An environment that is holistic in approach and enables the children to continue their education upon leaving and develop into the very best that they wish to be.

Our committed staff team strive to provide our children with the happiest and best education possible. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our school so that we can share our exciting learning environment and ethos whilst sharing our vision for Abbey Farm Educate Together.

Our community consists of more than just our children and staff: it extends to our parents and families, local residents within the Abbey Farm estate.

We believe all play an important part in partnership with us to enable the school to integrate and support both our children and the local community. Something that is growing by the day.

School Profile: Abbey Farm Educate Together Primary

Get to know the schools in your area

This issue: Abbey Farm Educate Together

Address: Diamond Crescent, Abbey Farm, Swindon, SN25 2SJ

Contact: 01793 251109

Website: abbeyfarmet.org.uk

We are a two form entry school with 60 children in each year group. In September 2022 we opened our pre-school and reception class. The school will grow by opening an additional year group each September until we are full in 2028.

What we offer:

Our pre-school and primary school offers:

- A unique ethical curriculum.

- A place where no child is an outsider.

- A well-resourced indoor and outdoor learning environment.

Our Curriculum:

We actively question whether what we do is for the children’s learning and welfare. We believe that a commitment to high academic standards is possible alongside a creative and ethical curriculum. The ‘Learn Together Curriculum’ is embedded in everything we do and integrated with the National Curriculum.

A focus on care

For some the winter period is very stressful especially when it comes to care.

Worrying about increasing costs, and making sure that your loved one is cared for is difficult at all times of year. In the latest of our ‘focus on care’ features we look into the different ways you can find support and advice for your loved one and make things as easy as possible.

Great Western Hospital feels the winter strain

Local NHS settings are currently extremely busy, including across Great Western Hospital.

To help protect urgent and emergency care services for those most in need, please consider calling NHS 111 for advice before coming to hospital – they can often direct you to a more suitable service for your needs, including the pharmacy or your GP surgery.

Children can also be seen at the Children’s Clinic that runs from Taw Hill Surgery in Swindon.

If you do need to attend hospital, you might need to wait to be seen. Lisa Penny, Matron for the Urgent Treatment Centre, said: “The Emergency Department, Urgent Treatment Centre and medical and surgical assessment areas work together as one big team and we are streaming patients between the services based on your condition, initial assessments, test results and treatment needs.

“We treat patients in order of clinical need. If you are waiting a long time, this is because we are treating patients with more critical or life-threatening conditions.

“We appreciate that waiting a long time is far from ideal, but our services are extremely busy and we need to ensure that everyone receives the care they need.”

Introducing Ridgeway Rise...

Ridgeway Rise Care Home is a purpose-built care home that offers luxury living together with exceptional Residential, Nursing, Respite and Dementia Care delivered by an experienced team. Situated in Blunsdon St Andrew, the home enjoys beautiful, sweeping views of West Swindon.

At Ridgeway Rise, the friendly, professional team ensure every day as interesting and enjoyable as possible for every resident, combining the highest level of care with a variety of fulfilling activities, designed to enhance well-being and a sense of routine. The home also boasts a wide range of exceptional features, including luxury en-suite bedrooms, chefprepared quality dining, hair

and beauty salon, cinema room and comfortably stylish living areas. Externally, Ridgeway Rise features landscaped gardens, perfect for al-fresco dining in fair weather. The home’s minibus ensures regular days out, locally and further afield, are enjoyed often.

The team at Ridgeway Rise understand a great family makes a house a home; taking great care to ensure residents retain connections to their loved ones and build relationships with family and friends, as well as enjoying the community and companionship of fellow residents and staff.

To find out more about Ridgeway Rise, visit www. ridgewayrise.co.uk or call 01793 378 872

Helping Old Friends - there for you

Helping Old Friends was born because of many hours of discussion as to how to offer a truly costefficient service to those people who for whatever reason miss out or do not qualify for services supplied by the formal sector.

It’s a service to those whose family are spread far and wide and cannot immediately be available to provide for their loved ones.

With over 25 years’ experience they have supported hundreds of people who like to remain independent in their own homes by offering companionship services to people who for whatever reason find themselves living alone and isolated.

Helping Old Friends believe that no one should be left on their own, struggling as they grow older.

You may be considering finding someone to spend some time with one of your loved ones, or you are looking for some company yourself.

Helping Old Friends can provide intermediate companionship services with the knowledge that they are providing a truly bespoke service to each person. The possibilities of the services which they can provide are broad and varied. Whether it be a social call,

Swindon retirees

accompanying to a social event or preparing a meal, do some essential maintenance, or help with writing your memoirs, they can arrange to have it all done. Nothing is too much trouble.

No matter what your needs are, they’ll always be there to lend an ear, offer advice, or just help you find a way to enjoy life again. Your family can breathe easy knowing that their loved one has a companion.

They specialise in helping people maintain their independence and quality of life by providing companionship, care and support. Having a companion by the side of a family loved one can make all the difference to the family as well as to the person themselves. Helping Old Friends aims to change people’s lives for the better. www.helpingoldfriends.co.uk

Health at your fingertips

At a time when healthcare is a concern to many in our community, The Ridgeway Hospital offers rapid access to a wide range of services for patients with an urgent need.

In June 2022 they were rated as Good by the CQC, an independent regulator who described the Hospital as having effective, well led services, acknowledging their philosophy to provide the high quality, safe and compassionate care that their patients need and expect.

To be able to meet demand and keep waiting lists to a minimum, they are constantly extending and upgrading their facilities. Most recently they are celebrating their refurbished endoscopy suite which has just received accreditation from the Joint Advisory Group (JAG).

Clinics are available daily for patients to book themselves into without referral, getting first class expert advice without delay. You can also self-refer yourself to see physiotherapists who can help you manage a range of musculoskeletal issues that are preventing you from living an active lifestyle.

For ease book online, or for advice and support call our helpline which is available until 8pm most evenings.

circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/theridgeway-hospital

invited to grand opening of new retirement living development

McCarthy Stone is inviting local retirees to celebrate the Official Opening of its new Retirement Living Plus development, Gilbert Place in Swindon, on Thursday 26 January.

Those who come along from noon will be joined by Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Abdul Amin, the McCarthy Stone team, and Gilbert Place homeowners to celebrate the Official Opening of the development, which is located on Lowry Way.

Guests will be able to enjoy a glass of fizz,

listen to some top-class entertainment and enjoy an assortment of nibbles freshly prepared from the on-site bistro.

Attendees are required to book an appointment in advance by calling 0800 153 3076.

Gilbert Place comprises a host of stunning one and two-bedroom apartments for the over 70s. The development boasts a stylish communal lounge as well as its own on-site bistro style restaurant, serving freshly prepared, seasonal meals every day.

Gilbert Place also secure entry systems and 24hour emergency call points are accessible for all homeowners. For added peace of mind and for those who may need additional support, Gilbert Place has an on-site Estate Manager, and an experienced team will also be on hand day and night and can provide tailored domestic support packages designed around the individual.

For those who want to

purchase outright, prices start from £240,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £330,000 for a two-bedroom. Rental options are also available. To book a place at the Official Opening, please call 0800 153 307 or visit www.mccarthyandstone. co.uk/gilbert-place

Swindon accountancy firm sponsors local Irish dance school

PPS Chartered Accountants, based in Swindon has announced its sponsorship of The Farrell School of Irish Dance.

The Farrell School of Irish Dance offers Irish step dance classes for adults and children aged four and over in Swindon and further afield.

The school says it hopes to spread the good-natured fun of Irish dancing, while keeping people fit and helping them to make new friends along the way.

The school will be competing at the World Irish Dancing Championships next year, and will be vouching for the highest honours. The international competition will take place from the 2-9 April 2023 at Killarney, Ireland.

PPS Chartered Accountants says it is proud to be a part of this large-scale event.

Sally Holland, Partner, PPS Chartered Accountants added: “We’re delighted to be supporting a fantastic group of girls at such a prestigious event. As a company, we are committed to supporting fantastic events such as these. It’s hugely important to us as an organisation to give something back to well deserving causes.”

The World Irish Dancing Championships take place every year and are described as a culmination of the finest and most talented Irish step dancers from around the globe.

Apart from recognising the passion and skill of thousands of dancers, the competition also aims to

raise awareness and uphold the tradition of Irish step dance.

The Farrell School of Irish Dance says it is hoping to take more than 30 of its dancers to the World Championships next year.

The sponsorship from PPS Chartered Accountants is said to be helping to take the school a long way towards doing so. The funds will be used to subsidise the transport costs required to travel from Swindon to Killarney, as well as for two events that the school will organise in preparation for the 2023 World Irish Dancing Championships.

Funds will also be used to host the school’s everpopular Irish Night, which is expected to sell over 200

tickets to the local people of Swindon.

As well as raising more money for the World Championships, the event will endeavour to keep Irish traditions alive in Swindon. The school will also host a live competition in the run-up to the international championships - with over 100 dancers up and down the country expected to attend.

The founder and principal teacher at the dance school, Clare Farrell, says she is thrilled to be going to the World Championships.

Clare said: “We are beyond thankful to PPS Chartered Accountants for supporting us in making it to the 2023 World Irish Dancing Championships.

Our dancers work hard, push themselves out of their comfort zones and always find ways to improve and better themselves.

“So a trip like this is the icing on the cake and they know just to walk on the World’s stage is an achievement in itself. Win, lose or draw, not many dancers can say they’ve danced at the world championships and they will create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.”

For more information regarding PPS Chartered Accountants, individuals can call 01793 488544, send a Facebook message to @ PPSacc or visit its website at www.ppsacc.co.uk

Santa opens Purton Community Uniform Recycling Shop

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

More than 40 children and their parents attended the official festive opening of the Purton Community Uniform Recycling Shop.

Father Christmas himself performed the opening ceremony at the shop, which is based at Purton Village Hall.

There was a ribbon-cutting, and every child in attendance was given a small gift bag to take home.

During the morning more than 100 items of clothing were taken at no charge to those who needed them, together with toys and children’s toiletries.

The team behind the uniform recycling scheme estimate that it has saved

families in Purton over £3,000 since the project started.

A spokesperson for the team said: “A big thank you needs to go out to Charlotte Young and Jacqueline Littler for all their hard work in setting up the project, and to Purton Parish Council for allowing us to use the village hall rooms free of charge and for funding the cost of the rails and a steamer.”

Couple would rather lose home than beloved cat

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

A couple from Swindon have spoken of their anguish at being unable to find accommodation when they give up their home for health reasons.

June and Dave Pegram, both 75, have lived in their upstairs former council maisonette for more than 30 years, but are having to sell up because Mr Pegram’s asthma and digestive ailments make the stairs progressively more difficult.

They are selling their property and must move by the end of the year, but have been unable to secure a new home which will also accommodate their rescue

cat, Crumpet.

The couple have tried various options, and say they were led to believe during a property inspection by a Swindon Borough Council official that the council’s sheltered housing facilities accepted pets - only to be told later that they did not.

The council has been approached for comment.

Mr Pegram, a retired warehouse worker who served with the RAF for 12 years, said: “We’re mortified, to be honestdevastated.

“I got diagnosed with asthma some little while ago and I’m just getting over a gall bladder operation. There’s also

talk about having a hiatus hernia operation.

“We need a home that’s more accessible. We don’t mind a first floor flat because if there is a lift we can cope.”

Retired accounts worker

Mrs Pegram said: “A private rental property would be way out of our league. Talking to our estate agency, they said that unless you’re on at least £32,000 a year the landlords won’t contemplate it.”

Dave and June Pegram refuse to be parted from cat Crumpet, below

Beloved shopkeeper Rose Earle reveals her plans for future

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

At Christmas an era spanning more than 40 years will draw to its end in Old Town.

For the woman at the heart of it, a new era will begin.

MI Earle in Newport Street, usually known simply as Earle’s, has long been a beloved part of the colletive consciousness of Old Town, and so has Rose Earle.

Generations of people have come to the shop for newspapers and magazines, sweets, basic provisions, stationery, greetings cards and countless other items.

The business has weathered an ever-changing retail landscape which has seen small shops finding themselves competing with supermarkets and hypermarkets. Not all have managed the transitions as successfully as MI Earle.

Rose, 72, a former schoolteacher who joined late husband Myles at the shop three years after he founded it in the 1970s, is not planning a sedate retirement.

“Running a shop like this,” she said, “is a lifestyle choice because of the commitment that’s required to make it a success.

“But things that you really like and have always liked doing have to be put on the back burner.

“I’ll start, first of all, on a personal level by giving my house some TLC - the house that I have lived in for 40 years - and make it more comfortable and welcoming to all those people whose friendships have been on the

back burner for 40 years!”

Rose plans to enhance not just her home but her garden, but more important to her are plans involving family, notably her eight-year-old twin granddaughters and a sister in Australia.

She also plans to do a lot more walking.

Rose said: “When I came to Swindon to teach in 1972, it was the local area that fascinated me.”

Plans include a Ridgeway walk in aid of brain cancer research, something close to Rose’s heart following the death last year of 25-yearold Harry Martin, who used to work at the shop, from a particularly aggressive form of the illness.

During her time in Newport Street, Rose has taken part in community projects ranging from having a perilous nearby junction turned into a roundabout to collecting aid for refugees.

Rose first came to Swindon in 1972, and spent three years teaching Geography at the old Park School.

She recalled: “Park school was remarkable. You have got to remember that on that estate there were potential brain surgeons, lawyers and all sorts of people.

“All it required was for us to enable them, to give them a vision.”

Rose came to work in the shop in 1981 after becoming a mother, and has worked there ever since.

Over the decades she has seen many changes in the area and in the way people shop, but some things never change.

“I have learned that this is just the best place to live and work.

“When you start a business you’re full of ideas. You work, then you decide what’s good.”

In spite of the rise of

supermarkets, Rose says small specialist retailers have made a resurgence.

Rose’s huge selection of traditional sweets is an especially popular draw, as is her approach to explaining quantities.

The traditional measure of a ‘quarter’, she tells people, is enough to last a pleasant walk around Coate Water, for example.

“You have to look at what people want. They want a choice, they want quality, they want a good price and they want knowledgeable staff.

“So you put all these things that are good into your small shop, and also think about the comfort that people get by finding the kinds of things that they enjoyed as children. And they still come in paper bags!” Rose is looking forward to the future but has enjoyed the past.

“I’ve had a ball - an absolute ball!”

The Politics Pages

Preparing for challenge of New Year economic todal wave

A column by Swindon Borough Leader David Renard

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Swindon Link readers a very happy new year.

The past 12 months have been tumultuous to say the least with the terrible war in Ukraine, the economic challenges the country is still enduring and, of course, the cost of living crisis which is affecting each and every one of us in different ways.

Looking ahead to 2023, the waters are likely to remain incredibly choppy and here at the council we will be facing our very own tidal wave. That metaphor may seem dramatic to some of you, but the savings the council has to make in the next financial year are quite simply unprecedented.

As I type, our financial

officers are forecasting that we will need to find £38.6m in savings to balance the books, which is the single-biggest budget gap for a single year that we have ever seen.

Inflation, fuelled by events in Ukraine, has increased our costs by £26m alone as our contracts and social care placements have rocketed, while wages have also increased to help our staff cope with the rising cost of living.

Demand for social care services cost the council £124m a year – that is 80 per cent of the budget and includes mental health services, placements to keep children safe and support for residents with learning disabilities.

We expect to receive details of the Government’s local authority settlement

in the next couple of weeks and I have already written to the Prime Minister urging him to help local councils at this most difficult of times.

But the likelihood is that councillors on both sides of the Chamber will be left having to make some incredibly difficult decisions when the budget is brought before Full Council in February.

Our officers are working extremely hard behind the scenes to come up with a range of proposals to bridge the huge budget gap and we will have a better idea of where we stand in a few weeks’ time.

We will also be looking at how we deliver services differently. For example, we have just recently agreed to use our five core libraries as Customer Services hubs so people can access digital support and receive

guidance on applying for blue badges, renewing bus passes, requesting home repairs and receiving help with parking fines and permits.

A few years ago we closed a budget gap of £30m over a two-and-a-half year period and we have continued to deliver huge savings year on year, despite seeing demand for social care continuing to rise.

But I can assure you that we will work tirelessly to meet this latest challenge head on so we continue to support our most vulnerable residents as best we can.

Labour leader Jim Robbins pledges better future for Swindon

It is usual at this time of year to pause, take stock and think about making plans for the next year.

That is certainly what the Swindon Labour Group have been doing in light of the December revelation that there is a budget gap of £38m at the council.

We have a revenue budget of around £160m, so we will need to cut around a quarter of our expenditure in 2023.

Whilst the high inflation rate is a big reason for the gap, the financial mismanagement of the local Conservatives who have racked up a £350m debt in Swindon with very little to show for it except costly monthly repayments and the

crashing of the economy by the national Conservatives as they lurched through three Prime Ministers and unleashed failed economic strategies on the country have also had a huge impact.

The services that Swindon residents rely on to protect their families and improve their lives are now all at risk

The Conservative leader of the council has said that all services are on the table for cuts as we try to find a way to balance the budget.

The Labour Group have a plan. We want to change the direction of the council. For too long, the Conservatives have focused on development and helping developers.

We have all been sat in traffic as major roadworks overrun and cost the Swindon taxpayer millions.

Labour wants to refocus on supporting Swindon’s people and getting them though the cost-of-living crisis.

We will target your money at helping fight inequality in the town, supporting small local businesses and the local economy and protecting the services that you value the most.

We will be a listening council who ensure we take decisions with residents instead of forcing decisions on to people.

We want to make sure residents are included in the decisions about cuts so that we can protect the most

needed services and make savings in areas that we don’t need to prioritise such as costly roadworks projects.

Whilst it will undoubtedly be tough to remove so much money from our budgets, we are certain that Swindon will weather this latest storm and that we can still build a fairer, healthier and more prosperous town that works in partnership with residents.

With big local elections coming in May, there is plenty for us to look forward to.

The Politics Pages

Parliamentary candidate wants to serve town where she grew up

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

South Swindon Labour parliamentary candidate Heidi Alexander is a former Shadow Health Secretary who was MP for Lewisham East for eight years from 2010.

She is also a Swindonian and wants to represent the town she has returned to.

“The thing that motivated me to get into politics,” she said, “and the point at which I was first interested in politics, was when I was at university.

“Having had a very normal upbringing in Swindon - my dad was a self-employed electrician and my mum helped my dad run his little business but was also a dinner lady at the local school - going to a university like Durham you meet a lot of people who have had a lot of privilege in their lives, been fortunate enough to be educated at public schools.

“I suddenly realised that I had quite a different world view and some different life experiences to those people, and I became quite interested in who the people were that were taking decisions on our behalf in Government.

“One of the things that motivated me to join the

Labour Party was that I believe everyone in life, irrespective of their background, the size of their parents’ bank balance, the colour of their skin, their religion, should have the same opportunities in life.

“I think that talent and potential in this country is evenly spread, but I don’t think opportunity is, and I think that at the heart of what the Labour Party is about is changing that.”

Born at the old Princess Margaret Hospital, the future MP attended Churchfields School and New College before studying Geography at Durham.

Initially working for Parcelforce, Heidi became a researcher for Labour MP Joan Ruddock before securing her own seat and rising through the ranks.

Afte leaving Parliamnt

in 2018, she served as Deputy Mayor of London for Transport until last year, but after covid she began reflecting on what she wanted to do in the future.

Heidi recalled: “One of the things that I really missed when I was working as the Deputy Mayor for Transport was the sense of mission that you get from being an elected representative for a particular area, and the ability you have in that position to try and bring about change, to build a team and a movement of people that want to see things improved.

“I missed knocking on doors and talking to people - it’s been good to get back to that. Also, last year and earlier this year I was very angry with the way our politics nationally was being conducted.

“I was particularly angry about the complete absence of honesty, integrity and decency that existed in the Boris Johnson Government, and I found myself screaming at the television on a number of occasions!

“Once again in my life, I thought to myself, ‘It’s very easy to moan about ityou’ve had the experience and you’ve got the skills to make a difference here.’

“I actually felt that it was incumbent on me, actually, to put myself forward for Parliament again.

“I’ve done the job before, I know how to get things done, and it was evident to me that our politics really needs to be shaken up.

“When I was an MP previously, the best compliment that anyone ever gave me was to say to me, ‘You’re not like the others, you’re not like the rest of them.’

“I will always do what I say I’m going to do. I won’t promise things that I know I can’t deliver or that I can’t be guaranteed to deliver.

“What I would also say is that if you think about some of the changes that happened under the last Labour Government, I think life did improve for a lot of people during that time.”

Swindon Greens announce candidates

Swindon residents Andy Bentley and Rod Hebden have been selected as the prospective Parliamentary candidates for the Green Party in Swindon.

Andy Bentley, who will stand in North Swindon, was the Greens’ Parliamentary candidate for the same constituency in the 2017 and

2019 general elections.

He is Chair of Trustees for the Hreod Burna Urban Forest charity, which grows and manages a community woodland in Pinehurst and Gorse Hill, and also chairs of Swindon Humanists.

Rod Hebden, who will stand in South Swindon, has been a Green candidate in

a number of borough council elections.

He also recently received the Outstanding Contribution to Swindon and Wiltshire Tech award for the Festival of Tomorrow, which he organises. He is currently helping to lead the Save our Museum and Art Gallery campaign.

Andy said: “The Green Party vision is to transform the country to tackle injustice, inequality, and the climate crisis.”

Rod said: “Having raised a family and grown a business in Swindon, I know the value of community and enterprise and the importance of having a plan.”

Heidi Alexander

Nepalese Association of Wiltshire receives community award for the third time

The Nepalese Association of Wiltshire (NAW) have won the MTM Peaches Golding Community Group Award again this year.

The award was given to the Association by local organisation Mast: The Magazine, for its social service, and for the encouragement and support of Asian, African and minority communities.

In a special ceremony organized at Marriott Hotel, the officials present - including President Gyan Prasad Gurung, Secretary Bhuwani Prasad Gurung, Durgasih Gurung, Gopal Gurung, Siri Gurung, Unnati Gurung, and Ayusha Gurung - received the MTM award on behalf of the Association.

The Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Abdul Amin, local councillors, and community leaders from

across the UK were also in attendance.

The award ceremony was attended by UK dignitaries, and the German Mayor of Salzgitter, Frank Klingebiel. Salzgitter is Swindon’s twin town.

This year also marked the tenth anniversary of the MTM awards.

Mr Gurung said: “I am honoured with the Nepalese Association of Wiltshire’s hat-trick of awards, and I am grateful to the entire working committee and to the local community.”

Enchanted Gardens Light Trail Returns to Town Gardens

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

The Enchanted Gardens Light Trail 2022 is as big a hit with visitors as last yea’s inaugural event.

Running until New Year’s Eve at the Town Gardens, the trail is open from 5pm to 7pm Mondays to Thursdays and from 5pm to 7.30pm on other days, with bookable time slots for entry.

Organiser South Swindon Parish Council is partnering with Prospect Hospice, Great Western Hospital charity Brighter Futures and independent makers and traders group ShopSmall Swindon.

Visitors can wander the roughly 1.5km trail, which features spectacular displays, an interactive keyboard of light, a lantern trail with lanterns designed by Swindon school pupils and a virtual pond, complete with koi, which people can ‘paddle’ through.

The bandstand area has seating and several stalls selling a variety of refreshments including mulled wine.

Parish council chair Cllr Chris Watts said the aim was to make this year’s trail even better than last year’s, and praised the specialist firm, Luminism, which created and installed the displays.

Tickets cost £11 for adults and £6 for ages 5-17, with free entry for children aged under four and carers when with an adult. They can be booked via www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Swindon/ Town-Gardens/Enchanted-GardensLight-Trail-2022/36156261/

Words by Jessica Durston

What's On: New Year, New Events

80s Live! Revives the sights, sounds and fashion of the Eighties, Live at Meca

Music lovers, it’s time to head down the Altanta Highway for a night of throwback classic hits as the 80s Live! concert show comes to Meca, Swindon, on Saturday, 18 February.

More than two dozen back-to-back chart toppers from the likes of Wham!, Culture Club, Rick Astley, Madonna, Duran Duran, Soft Cell, A-Ha, Tears for Fears, The Human League and The Weather Girls are crammed into the non-stop evening of live music.

Backcombed to perfection, The 80s Live! cast revive the fashion and dance moves from the decade that taste forgot. A blitz of dayglo, sequins, corset belts, vinyl, legwarmers, sunglasses, elbow-length gloves, harem pants and bling awaits. Blending pop and soft rock, the show features hit songs Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Edge of Heaven, Tainted Love, Love

Words by Jessica Durston

Cirque - The Greatest Show at the Wyvern Theatre

The circus spectacular will visit the Wyvern Theatre on Tuesday 24 January and Wednesday 25 January 2023.

Both performances will start at 7.30pm.

Company director for the family circus show, James Taylor, said: “It’s a smash-hit circus musical, guaranteed fun for all the family. It takes you on a truly wondrous journey as a monochrome life bursts joyously into kaleidoscopic colour.

“From The Greatest Showman to Moulin Rouge, Hairspray to Rocketman the Musical, there’s something for everyone, all brought to the stage in unique, spellbinding style.”

The show will include performances from singers, aerialists, contortionists, trapeze artists and dancers.

Tickets are on sale online at swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/ tickets-cirque-the-greatest-show-swindon-2023 or call 0343 310 0040.

Ticket prices range from £20 - £33.

LINK CULTURE

Shack, Living on a Prayer, The Final Countdown, Don’t You Want Me Baby, Relax, Never Gonna Give You Up, It’s Raining Men, Rio and many more.

With a sensational cast and live band, this is just what the doctor ordered.

Book your seats at: www.mecaswindon.co.uk 01793 251111

The Rolling Clones at the Victoria

The Rolling Clones will be bringing all the classic hits from the Rolling Stones to Swindon’s Victoria.

In 2023, the Rolling Clones will be embarking on their 25th anniversary tour, entitled ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together.’

The show will take place at the Swindon venue on Saturday 21 January 2023, at 8pm.

A spokesperson for the show said: “‘Mick’, ‘Keith’, ‘Bill’, ‘Charlie’ and ‘Ronnie’ will be joined by a three-piece brass section, piano and a wailing siren of a female backing vocalist. “This show is going to be BIG! Want satisfaction? Then Let’s Spend the Night Together.”

Tickets are priced at £10, and can be booked online at www.seetickets.com/event/the-rolling-clones/thevic/2406281.

Swindon resident tells the story of his successful podcast production company

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

Swindon businessman Neil Cowling spoke to Swindon Link about his own personal success story with his lucrative podcast production company, Fresh Air Production.

Neil founded the awardwinning company back in 2003. Fresh Air works with businesses of all sizes and offers a number of different services. The company can produce anything from a simple podcast (eg. two people sitting in a room talking) to a whole in-depth documentary series.

The Fresh Air Production team pride themselves ‘upon appyling broadcast quality production to podcasts. Their aim is to help businesses stand out from the crowd within an increasingly crowded market’.

Fresh Air’s producers are able to join in at any stage in the client’s podcast creation process. The team say the early idea generation and strategy stage is both the hardest and the most enjoyable, as they feel they can be the most creative; helping a business set a tone of voice and tell a story.

Neil said: “Some clients come to us and say they already know what they want, but want it done professionally. We also have businesses that come to us with no clear idea of what they want. This can be more fun because we get to be more creative.

“Also some of the stuff we create is really niche. Our clients may want to target

and make content for an incredibly small and specific demographic. Businesses are not always looking to be top of the iTunes chart or mass-market but for that particular group that are valuable to them, it will make a huge difference.”

The Fresh Air founder splits his time between working in his office in London and his Swindon office in Old Town.

Prior to creating Fresh Air Production, he worked for radio stations and did freelance projects, producing aural media.

He explained: “I started out doing work experience at BBC Wiltshire. I worked for six months unpaid. I thought it was magical watching the presenters and seeing how a radio show was put together. I knew that radio and audio was what I wanted to do from then on. Podcasting didn’t exist at this point – this was around 1995. After this I went off to university and did some radio work – the breakfast show host at my university at the time happened to be Stephen Merchant!

“I then returned to BBC Wiltshire after university, and then moved on to work for BBC London and Radio 5 Live.”

After working for the BBC and doing freelance work for around 10 years, Neil set up Fresh Air Production.

So why podcasts? Neil explained what attracts him to the aural medium.

He said: “What I love about audio over visual is that you can do it all

yourself. The beauty of audio is that you can have an idea and all you need are words and sound, to create pictures in people’s heads. You can create something that is intimate and special to listen to.”

The Fresh Air founder said the change really came for him in 2016, when podcasts started to take off in the UK. The National Trust came in as the company’s first big client.

Neil added: “We pitched ideas to them and persuaded them that they should make a podcast. We then got another job off the back of this with the Houses of Parliament, and with Historic England. Our business then really started to take off. Even now, we’re still riding the wave as the medium is still new for a lot of people.”

When asked why podcasts have become increasingly popular from 2016 onwards, Neil said: “They’re really popular because they are really in-depth. The average listening time for a podcast is around 26 minutes. That is locked off time where people are focusing on what they’re listening to. Most people are not scrolling on their phones, reading, or watching a video while listening, they’re driving, or at the gym, or in bed. They’re a way for people to absorb themselves

in a topic.”

Following the new-found success with these two major clients, Neil decided to concentrate squarely on podcasts for brands. Fresh Air focused its attention on helping businesses tell their stories, and engage their consumers, by using and utilising aural media.

Fresh Air’s production prowess was recognised in 2019 at the UK Audio Production Awards. The business won Audio Production Company of the Year. The judges were said to have described Fresh Air as a company ‘combining creative flair and commercial nous.’

Over the years, Fresh Air’s list of high-profile clients has continued to grow. The company have worked with Audible, BMW, Sky, Universal, WWF, BBC, Avon, Barclays, the National Grid, Legal & General and more.

Aside from Neil, the Fresh Air team is made up of around 24 other producers. The team make around 80 podcasts at any given time. More information can be found at www. freshairproduction.co.uk

LINK POETRY

Reflecting

on a modern miracle

its gift of sight

Ireland.

The doctor said he couldn’t do a general anaesthetic as he was on his break.

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

The writer, Maeve Binchy, was renowned for her literary soirées.

Her guests were allowed 10 minutes to talk about their ailments and that was it, a motto I share –enough already about dodgy hips and knees.

So, here’s my few minutes’ worth.

I had an operation recently to remove my

cataracts. It was cosmetic, but not in the same category as botox.

Ten minutes and no pain, which was important.

I don’t do pain. I even insisted years ago on a general anaesthetic for a vasectomy.

This was after I’d gone to a back-street clinic in a doctor’s bedroom when birth-control was illegal in

I joined him for lunch. The morning after the eye operation I pulled back the bedroom curtains on a gorgeous day and saw clear edges to fence posts, birds in the orchard, colour in the flower bed.

I shouted to my wife: “I can see. I can see. It’s a miracle.” It being 6am, she missed the biblical bit.

Since a child I’ve been fascinated by Antoin Raftery, the last wandering poet in Ireland.

He was struck blind at seven years and lived by reciting and singing poems like this one, translated here:

and

I am Raftery the poet, Full of hope and love, With eyes without light, Calm without anguish. Going back in my travels With the light of my heart Weary and tired

To the end of my journey. Look at me now

And my back to the wall, Playing music To empty pockets.

How lucky are we?

Our generation won’t have milky eyes and white sticks like my parents’ generation

So Happy New Year to everyone, and especially Dr Avadhanam and those nursing wonders in the NHS.

www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Theatregoers are invited to join The Scottish Detective, David Swindle, for a chilling, thrilling, night at Meca, Swindon, on 16 March. 18 plus advised.

True crime fans, and those with a curious mind, will be able to investigate high-profile cases that have shocked the nation in this all-seated event.

Show producer James Taylor of Entertainers, responsible for bringing this intriguing evening to the stage, said: “It’s the circumstances and the detective’s perspective on what really went on, the early warning signs and the clues behind The Makings of a Murderer!”

What makes a serial killer tick, the tell-tale signs and what really goes on behind the scenes will be revealed during the evening.

It is an opportunity to learn about the most notorious British serial killers of all time - including Tobin, Jack the Ripper, Harold Shipman, Peter Sutcliffe and ‘Killer Couples’ – Fred and Rose West and The Moors Murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.

With more than 34 years as a senior detective, David shares his unique insights into The Makings of a Murderer.

Tickets from: www.mecaswindon.co.uk 01793 251111

Treat for true crime fans - Detective who brought Peter Tobin to justice hosts the Makings Of A Murderer stage show

Swindon’s Festival of Tomorrow will get up

close

and personal this year

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

This year, Swindon’s awardwinning Festival of Tomorrow is going to get a bit personal.

Thanks to new sponsor, Catalent, the festival will feature a new ‘Future You’ zone, exploring health and our bodies.

Families won’t want to miss BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ brand new show, Rude Science, which promises a funny, cheeky, thoroughly disgusting but utterly scientific journey through the human body from head to bottom. Expect zits, burps, farts, snot, scabs, pee, vomit, snot, blood, sweat and tears, all brought to life with stunts, rockets, fart machines, sneeze machines and enormous bottoms. There’s actually no such thing as rude science – just science you haven’t made friends with yet.

The now annual festival will bring activities to people across Swindon, with an inspiring programme for Swindon schools, plus free half-term family activities and workshops all culminating in a two-day hybrid event at The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe

on the 17 and 18 February.

Visitors can also delve into the latest science of sport, when regular Swindon 105.5 presenters Ayaan and Josh lead a panel exploring how science and tech enhance performance. Expect panellist announcements from elite athletes and teams from international sports and the sports tech of the future.

The festival will be getting even more creative this year, thanks to a grant from the Arts Council England, which will see artists and Swindon arts organisations joining scientists and researchers, to find creative new ways to help people explore the science, technology and discoveries that will shape the future.

Festival Director, Dr Rod Hebden said: “Scientists and innovators are naturally creative, and the arts provide a powerful lens to see the world and its possibilities in new ways. We’re excited to bring together a fantastic programme of activities across the town, which will give everyone a chance to explore and celebrate these links between science,

technology and the arts.”

Swindon families will enjoy their festival favourites like planetarium shows and partners including Business West, Gel Studios, The James Dyson Foundation and UK Space Agency. The popular event is set to bring an exciting array of action-packed shows, thought provoking talks and free hands-on activities for all ages.

CULTURE

With organisations including Intel, Oxford University and the Science Museum Group already signed up to share talks, shows and free handson activities, everyone is invited to explore the latest discoveries and technologies which will help shape our future.

For the latest updates, visit www.festivaloftomorrow.com

Proud heritage of railway and its workers becomes Swindon brand

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

The creation of a new brand to promote the Railway Village and town centre was celebrated at a gathering in Swindon’s historic heart.

People with roles in safeguarding and telling the world about the town’s heritage and what it has to offer today were invited to the Workshed - the former Carriage Works - for the latest update on the project.

The Workshed, a business and innovation centre, is a key part of the wider Heritage Action Zone project.

Others include bringing the Mechanics’ Institution eventually back into use, the current programme of improvements at the GWR Park and a thorough review of conservation work in the Railway Village and former Railway Works.

The celebration came shortly after the start of the GWR Park improvements, a project which was itself celebrated with a gathering of organisations involved.

There were representatives of Swindon Borough Council, English Heritage, the National Trust and the Mechanics’ Institution Trust.

The works are intended to bring the park back to its historic roots as an essential recreation and leisure space for those living nearby, providing somewhere where local people can relax and enjoy flowers, blossoming trees and more of what nature has to offer.

Jo McAllister, Regional

Landscape Architect for Historic England, said: “I’ve been primarily helping on the GWR Park project, which is one of 16 projects, part of the initiative of the Historic England Heritage Action Zone, which covers the whole of the Railway Village.

“The GWR Park was a really important public park. It was created specifically for the railway workers, firstly as a cricket green in the 1840s, and then became more of a formal park in the 1870s.

“We first started to draw up a Conservation Management Plan last year, and that’s helped to inform this first phase of proposals we’re implementing now.

“Altogether Historic England has funded £100,000 for the GWR Park project, and there has been additional match funding from the National Trust.”

The special Heritage Action Zone - HAZ - project set out to create a readilyrecognisable brand inspired by Swindon’s railway history.

Created by HemingwayDesign, the organisation appointed by Swindon Borough Council, the brand will be used to promote the Railway Village and Swindon town centre as a destination and place of interest.

Swindon Borough Council leader Cllr David Renard said: “My first job, really, is to say thank you to everybody for your involvement and your contributions.

“A few years ago, we couldn’t have imagined that we would be standing here today, achieving what we’ve done.”

Cllr Renard thanked Historic England for its support and Hemingway Design for its work.

Swindon Borough Council

Heritage Action Zone

said: “The Heritage Action Zone is an initiative from Historic England, and it seeks to make the most of the railway area’s central location and historic atmosphere to play a more active role in the town centre.

“It’s heritage regeneration as a catalyst for wider social and economic growth. We have a five-year plan, with projects to enhance heritage assets, projects to enhance the spaces in which the heritage assets sit and increase connectivity between them.”

She said of the branding: “We’ll be able to use it as a tool to promote the area and to bring together all the different facilities that are operating in the former Works area and in the Railway Village - bring them together as one recognisable area with a distinctive railway character.”

Guests who marked the start of the GWR project included representatives of the borough and parish councils, English Heritage, the National Trust and the Mechanics’ Institution Trust

Project Officer Karen Phimister

Slimming World Advertorial

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The support she received during that very difficult year, and the massive success not only she herself has achieved but that she has witnessed in other members of her group, has inspired Sara to become a consultant herself. Having recently trained at Slimming

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Old Town pub and Swindon Shuffle give generously to Prospect Hospice Sahara Trek

In just a couple of months Team Link’s Sahara Trek for Prospect Hospice will see the team flying off to Marrakesh in Morocco to start their arduous journey across one of the most inhospitable landscapes on earth.

For the whole of this year Team Link, made up of Swindon Link editor Jamie Hill, Kieran McCarthy, Amy O’Reilly and Laura Johnson, have been busy fundraising.

In total they have to raise £10,640 to go on the trek, providing much-needed funds to Prospect Hospice. But thanks to the generosity of The Tuppenny on Devizes Road in Old Town and local music festival Swindon Shuffle

the team have had a massive cash injection of £600.

The money was raised by the pub and the festival team through their Swindon Shuffle Music Quiz evenings, which are held on the last Sunday of every month.

Linda Gulliford, the co-owner of The Tuppenny, said: “We are so happy to support four fabulous friends embarking on an amazing adventure to support Prospect Hospice.

“We wish them all the luck in the world in their endeavour and are looking forward to hearing of their adventures when they return.”

The team leave on 19 March for the trek which will see them crossing the Atlas Mountains as

well as The Sahara Desert. Link Editor Jamie Hill said: “We can’t thank Linda and Jamie Stapleton, the coowners of The Tuppenny, and Ed Dyer and Paul Jellings, of Swindon Shuffle, enough.

New Year requires a rethink for STFC

When Swindon sit down in the new year to discuss resolutions I hope that at the top of their list sits - be more attacking.

As I sit down to pen this latest feature Swindon are on a turgid run of form. The Robins find themselves winless in their last five games. But worse still those games have delivered just one goal. It’s fair to say that Scott Lindsey’s charges have done little to warm up the Town faithful this Winter.

Usually when a team isn’t scoring the fingers are pointed at the strikers. But in Swindon’s case their front line is not to blame. Jacob Wakeling, in his first season at SN1, has been one of the bright sparks of this Town side. And his strike partner Luke Jephcott has performed adequately. Although it must be mentioned that the Plymouth loanee has

far from hit his straps, Jephcott is a proven goal scorer which suggests that the service from midfield isn’t up to scratch.

This in my opinion is certainly the case. Although Swindon possess an array of technically talented midfielders they lack a number 10. It’s widely known that in football that the number 10 playmaker is a dying breed. With the game we love becoming increasingly tactical, number 10s have been consigned to the past.

2014 World Cup phenomenon James Rodriguez recently highlighted this, saying: “I think there are no more classic number 10s left in the world”. Despite this being the case I’ve always had the pleasure of watching good number 10s at Swindon.

Whether it be John Swift, Alex Pritchard, Michael Doughty,

or more recently Jack Payne. These players could play between the lines and unlock defensive units. Now, Swindon lack a player with the creative craft to invent opportunities to trouble the scoreline.

As a result the football is one dimensional and at times as dull as dishwater. I honestly believe if Swindon could obtain a decent number 10 in January then there’s no reason why they can’t make a late assault on the play-offs.

Normally the January transfer window is nothing but a month of distress for a Swindon supporter. It often witnesses Town’s excelling on loan players recalled to their parent club. Which leaves them playing 11 thin on the ground and the Town support wondering what might have been had their new favourite

“Their generosity and the generosity of others have given much-needed funds for Prospect Hospice, which is such a worthy cause.”

To danate visit justgiving. com/team/linksahara

FOOTBALL

players remained.

This season should see Swindon spared the heartbreak. In my opinion only one player is at risk of a recall. Which is both good and a damming reflection on Swindon’s season thus far.

Frazer Blake-Tracey has been a stalwart of the Swindon defence to date. On loan from Burton, Blake-Tracey has displayed his capabilities in a number of positions. Whether it be as a full back or a centre half the 27 year old is a valuable lieutenant in this team. However his good form could prompt a recall from his parent club as Burton themselves are in dire need of defensive reinforcements.

Let’s hope 2023 can bring good fortune to Swindon and see them turn this season around. Here’s to 2023!

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

AGONY GIRL

Dear Agony Girl,

From the pages of Swindon Link's sister publication The Ocelot comes Agony Girl in the form of nine-year-old Amy. We read her the questions and she tells us the answers. To ask Agony Girl a question yourself email us at publisher@ swindonlink.com with 'Agony Girl' in the subject line.

I hear you play for a football team and I think girls are better players to be honest.

Will you be able teach me how to play properly as I am not that good?

Tyler, Swindon

Yes. I would teach him that you have to not be afraid of the ball and if I were playing with him we would do passing and not a match straight away. I would also teach him some weird stuff I learnt from my football training.

Dear Agony Girl, I was wondering if you could help me? I’ve just discovered a breakthrough in nuclear fusion energy which could be a potential source of near-limitless clean energy. But no-one seems that excited about it. Do you think I

should announce it whilst dressed as Meghan Markle and then maybe people would pay attention? National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory director Dr Kim Budil, California It’s exciting but I don’t know who Meghan Markle is so instead you should dress up as Taylor Swift. Also you need to announce it in a way that only Taylor Swift fans know. So research the kind of codes that Taylor uses to release stuff and that would be exciting. But you would have to be very intelligent to do it so it might not work.

Dear Agony Girl,

The cost of living crisis has made it increasingly difficult to heat my home as it simply costs too much. But it’s freezing. Do you know of any cheaper ways that I could keep warm?

Margaret, Haydon Wick

Put on your dad’s jumper. Close all the windows and doors and only put the heating on five minutes. Wear leg warmers, fluffy socks on and wrap yourself in blankets.

Dear Agony Girl

My sister is living with me but she’s just had a baby and now I’m being kept up all night. I really need to get a good night’s sleep. Have you any tips?

Yours confusedly, Dave, Old Town

Throw the baby out the window. Just kidding. You should get yourself some ear defenders or put two pillows over your face to cover your ears.