South East Swindon Link January 2022

No 63 January 2022 GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to over 42,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 105,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

South & East Edition

Pic by Stuart Harrison

The Oasis gets listed p8

swindonlink.com

Enchantment came to Old Town at Christmas

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Satirical website adds to Magic Roundabout's worldwide fame

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk A satirical news site called The News Elephant is running a story saying the Magic Roundabout is based on a symbol used to summon a Duke of Hell called Astaroth.

The story - it can be seen at www.thenewselephant.co.uk/ swindons-magic-roundaboutrevealed-to-be-complicatedway-of-summoning-demons quotes an apparently fictional local historian who says: "To be honest it looks like when drawing up the design for The Magic Roundabout in 1972, Swindon Borough Council must have had a satanist embedded on their team, something that was very common in 1970s local authorities.

“On further investigation it looks like the symbol has been consistently active since that time and probably explains why the town has found it

increasingly hard to lift itself out of the economic drudgery of the demise of the railway works and why, unlike every town and city around it, has not had any successful regeneration projects for its ailing town centre apart from a refit of its Poundland in Brunel Plaza back in 2009."

The 'historian' adds: "Astaroth, the demon, has obviously been treading a fine line between making sure that he is fed consistent misery through the symbol but not making it too miserable so that the place becomes uninhabitable.”

Although no other articles on

the website seem to mention Swindon, the writer has evidently done some research into the Magic Roundabout and the town, as they include a few accurate details and name some local landmarks, parks, leisure facilities and even pubs.

The News Elephant piece is only one of countless online mentions of the Magic Roundabout over the years.

In August, for example, the Link revealed - swindonlink. com/news/magic-roundaboutman/ - that a YouTuber from the American Midwest called Innocent American had shared a video made by technology magazine Wired with his 23,200-plus followers.

Although he admired the efficiency of the roundabout, he said: "Even if it works, it's still...I'm not driving through it ever, and it makes me not want to drive even more when I come to the UK."

Looking forward to a brighter and more optimistic 2022 The last couple of years have been difficult for all of us.

As I'm writing this, 2021 is determined to leave us with a bang as we all rush around getting boosters to stem the tide of the dreaded Omicron.

It's been hard, at times, to be optimistic as this pandemic has had a stranglehold on nearly every facet of everyday life from simply popping to the

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson Reporter: Jessica Durston Sales: Dave Stewart and Rosy Presley Accounts Manager: Karen Randall Contributors: Tyler Ody, Leigh Robinson, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett

shops to even simply hanging out with friends.

But there are many reasons to be optimistic as we're in a completely different situation than we were at this time last year where we entered lockdown from January.

This is mainly because the majority of us are now jabbed and the majority of us will also be boosted by the time 2022

comes around.

Business in Swindon is bouncing back and we've seen our cultural institutions also coming back in force.

Swindonians are a strong old bunch who always look out for each other so together we can make 2022 as bright as possible.

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

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The Eco Briefing

Swindon Sixth Form Students join forces planting trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy United College Sixth Form, based at Swindon Academy, and Marlborough College Sixth Form students donned their wellies to plant 420 saplings on Wednesday 8 December, as part of the two schools’ ongoing partnership.

30 students worked together to plant the trees at Granham Hill, an area of grassland owned by Marlborough College at the edge of the town centre, with a public footpath running through it.

The trees were donated by the Woodland Trust to Swindon Academy, and the project provided an opportunity for students to combat climate change and will leave a natural area for the benefit of wildlife.

The intention is that this environmentally focused project will be passed on from year to year, with students continuing to visit and look after the health

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of the trees as they grow, using a programme of cyclical maintenance.

Ruth Robinson, Executive Principal at Swindon Academy, said: “This is an exciting, long term project which will help to maintain our close relationship with Marlborough College, bringing our students together in a practical activity, and creating a positive impact on the environment.

“We are keen to get the next phase of the project moving in Swindon. Swindon Academy is planting fruit trees in our grounds, but we’re on the lookout for a local landowner – public or private - who could offer land for planting, in particular the Penhill and Pinehurst areas around the school."

Landowners who are interested in helping should contact Swindon Academy Geography Teacher, Will

Clements, at will.clements@ swindon-academy.org Mr Clements said: "All of the students really enjoyed the afternoon. We planted a mix of rowan, oak, silver birch, maple and grey willow.

"The College gardens team will then tend to them to ensure proper growth over the next few years."

Freya Isom, 16, of Swindon Academy said: "It was such a wonderful day.

"As a young person I was definitely keen to get involved with this project and do something positive for the

environment, especially in the wake of COP26."

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique, UK-wide tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, by inviting people to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee."

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Swindon Borough Council details plans for Town Centre improvements A clear-eyed look at Swindon town centre and its journey to adapt to changing times is the subject of a new campaign being run by Swindon Borough Council.

Securing the town centre’s position as a place people choose to live in, work in and visit will require the collective effort and investment of landowners, developers, the Government and the council.

Economic conditions, investor confidence and government policy will also determine the pace of change as the country navigates a recovery from the pandemic.

The local authority is using the campaign as a means of engaging directly with local residents to answer some of their commonly asked questions about town centre regeneration, as well as tackle common misperceptions around the

council’s role and what it can – and can’t - directly influence.

Cllr Gary Sumner, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Infrastructure, Transport and Planning, said: “We often see comments from residents calling on the council to sort out the town centre, but the reality is that we are only one part of a very complicated jigsaw.

“Most of the land and buildings in the town centre are under private ownership, which means we don’t set the rents, while we don’t have any control over business rates as they are set by Central Government.

“What we can do is use our assets, powers and influence to unlock changes. This means investing in the town centre public realm, land and buildings that we do own, as well as co-ordinating the efforts

of partners across the private, public and voluntary sectors.”

Over the next four years, £100m of council-led investment will be spent on a variety of projects to improve the heart of the town.

Cllr Sumner added: “Next year, work is set to begin on the £33m Fleming Way Bus Boulevard which will create a new bus interchange, pedestrian and cycle routes to make the centre of Swindon easier to access and move around.”

The council is also working with partners to deliver six town centre regeneration schemes through the Swindon Towns Fund Board worth £19.6M in total, including a project that will help unlock new homes and offices at Kimmerfields next to the brand new Zurich office.

Plans are in place to deliver a £6.5m refurbishment of

the historic Health Hydro, while the five-year £7.6M Swindon Heritage Action Zone programme is already underway. This will see the council working with partners to restore and repair neglected public buildings and bring them back into use, improve public spaces and connections between the historic railway village and the town centre.

Over the next few years the council will also be taking forward plans for a brand new Cultural Quarter at Kimmerfields where the current bus station is located. This will include a 1,200-seat theatre, a new dance studio, a media and arts production centre and an art pavilion to display Swindon’s nationally-significant art collection.

More information can be found at: www.swindon.gov.uk/ towncentreregeneration

Additional recycling services on offer in January Households in Swindon are being reminded of some additional recycling services on offer in January. The council will be collecting real (not artificial) Christmas trees from Monday, 3 January up until Monday, 31 January 2022.

Christmas trees must be visible from the road with all decorations and lighting removed. Larger trees must be cut down into manageable pieces.

Residents can find out when the crews will be collecting Christmas trees in their area by visiting the council’s website.

Those with extra recycling that won’t fit in their recycling boxes can use sturdy containers to put additional recycling out on their January collection days.

Containers do not need council branding. However, residents are being encouraged to help the crews by grouping paper and card together in one container, and glass, metals and aerosols together in another container.

Larger pieces of cardboard must be broken down into manageable pieces and bundled neatly next to recycling boxes ready for collection.

The crews will not be collecting additional non-recyclable waste.

Cllr Kevin Parry, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery, Waste and Transport, said: “We will be offering residents additional recycling services throughout January to help them recycle as much of their waste as possible.

“If residents have excess waste or recycling that can't be stored between collections, they can book a slot for the Household Waste Recycling Centre through the council’s website.” www.swindon.gov.uk/christmaswaste 6

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Council says Listed status for Oasis dome will make reopening harder

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard says the new Grade II listed status of the Oasis will make reopening the venue more difficult.

However, campaigners for the leisure centre's iconic dome to be preserved have welcomed the decision.

The centre closed in November of last year after then-operator GLL said it could not continue to operate the facility.

Leaseholder SevenCapital recently submitted a planning application which would have entailed removing the dome and reopening the centre.

The Grade II classification was awarded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on Historic England’s advice.

The swimming pool, opened in 1976, is described by Historic England as an early example

of a newly developed building type which went on to gain huge popularity in the 1970s and 80s, marking the cultural shift from swimming for fitness to swimming for fun.

Historic England says that most of the early examples of these buildings have now been lost to redevelopment.

Cllr Renard said: "We have always been absolutely committed to a new, fit-forpurpose leisure facility on the site of the Oasis for local

residents and visitors to enjoy, but there is no doubt the listing of the dome will make that process a lot more difficult, not to mention considerably more expensive.

“Our job now is to sit down with SevenCapital to see if there is any way it can bring forward a viable and sustainable plan for a modern facility on the Oasis site, despite the constraints that have been placed around the 1970s dome."

However, the listing was greeted with delight by the Save Oasis Swindon Campaign Steering Group.

It said in a statement: "While the SOS campaign did not apply to have the Oasis listed, it has both supported and fought for its listing and welcomes the 1 December listing decision to Grade II list the Oasis Dome and pool.

"Indeed, for the record, there were several months of virtual radio silence from both SBC and SevenCapital immediately after the Oasis closure. Communication by these key stakeholders improved in recent months and some actions have been taken.

However, there remains on the table, several unresolved issues which we are keen to explore further."

The campaigners said they hoped for a new planning application with the dome included.

Men encouraged not to be shy about wanting to lose weight

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk A slimming consultant who helps just over 150 people in North Swindon to lose weight each week says men shouldn’t be shy about joining a slimming group.

Heather, who runs the Tawhill PM and Redhouse AM Slimming World groups, has been reflecting since Men’s Health Week in June, which was focusing on obesity and the dangers of carrying excess weight around the waist.

The latest data from NHS Digital shows that 68 percent of men are overweight or obese compared to 58 percent of women. Slimming World and the Men’s Health Forum are calling for men to get support to lose weight.

Heather said: “Weight problems are common among both men and women, but figures show that men typically keep weight worries to themselves for as long six 8

Michael Da Cova from Redhouse as he was, left, and as he is

years, as many just don’t like to ask for help.

“The good news, though, is that more and more men are becoming open to the idea of getting support and there are now more than 60,000 men using Slimming World groups around the country – some of them are in my groups!"

Michael Da Cova from Redhouse has lost 7st with the group in just two years, through

the covid pandemic, and dropped several clothes sizes.

He said: “Joining Slimming World has been one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Before, I thought slimming groups were just for women and not my cup of tea at all – but after trying Slimming World online, I felt I wanted to find out more about face to face groups. With support from my family, I decided I

had nothing to lose by giving it a try.

“I was pretty nervous on my first morning, but from the moment I walked into the group everyone made me feel really welcome. There were other guys there too which helped put me at ease. Now those strangers have become a whole set of new mates, willing me on to do well each week.

"We have a good laugh in group, as well as share challenges, our plans for overcoming them, ideas for getting fit and active and plenty of recipes."

Anybody who would like to lose weight and join Slimming World is welcome at the Redhouse group, which meets every Friday at 9am and 10.30am at the Community Center.

Further information can be obtained by visting www. slimmingworld.co.uk/nearestgroup-search or calling Heather on 07816 860840.

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Focus on Fostering

Amicus Foster Care Amicus Foster Care is an “Ofsted outstanding” independent fostering agency.

We support children and young people who are in the care of the local authorities, many of whom have complex needs because of trauma in their young lives.

We are a small, friendly, and responsive organisation with a strong therapeutic focus to support foster carers in their fostering role, and also the children and young people themselves.

When you foster for Amicus, you receive high-quality training to enable you to carry out your role, a dedicated

supervising social worker, and 24/7 support from staff.

We believe that activities are important and aim to create a sense of community. We have an in-house youth service with highly-trained staff to support children and young people with differing needs.

The youth service has supported our fostering families with various activities over the last year, and also worked with children and young people on a one-to-one basis to build self-esteem and independence skills.

Our Founder and Director Nas Ahmed said: “I wanted to create a fostering agency that was meaningful with services that reached right to the heart of children and young people.

Founder and Director, Nas Ahmed

"My fundamental beliefs have never changed.

Every child should have the right to experience a family setting."

Fostering is a vocation, and Amicus Foster Carers go the extra mile.

To foster for us you would need to have a spare bedroom and be over 21 years of age. The assessment process is in-depth, and can take between 4-8 months to complete.

If you have the passion, dedication, and energy to

want to make a difference to a child’s life with excellent support from high trained staff, then we would like to hear from you. For more information visit www.amicusfostercare.com or call 0117 955 5039.

Foster with Swindon Borough Council and change a child's life In the UK, a child in need of a safe home comes into care every 20 minutes, and in Swindon alone, there has consistently been between 305-310 children and young people in the care of the Council over the last 18 months.

Foster carers play a vitally important role in the lives of these vulnerable young people in Swindon, providing the support and guidance they need at a critical point in their lives.

Sadly, however, the number of foster carers available to support these children is reducing and more placements are urgently needed.

Eddie and Eileen are two foster carers in Swindon who have been fostering for over 10 years. They said: “We are passionate about fostering.

"We believe children or young people are vulnerable and deserve safe and secure environments so they can grow and develop. We like to see our young people strive and learn new skills.

"Sometimes they come from backgrounds where they are anxious or worried and by

giving them the opportunity to rest and know they have somebody looking out for them and advocating for them, you can see the difference within months.

“Fostering is about being together, celebrating the successes and being there for children when times are tough.

"Fostering a child isn’t always easy, but the rewards of seeing a child grow, develop and smile is what makes it worth it for many of our carers. You’ll receive extensive training and be supported by a team and other foster carers in Swindon.

"If you think you could change the life of a child in Swindon, visit our website: www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering to find out more, or get in touch with our friendly team: fosteringrecruitment@swindon. gov.uk" swindonlink.com n January 2022

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Mead Way reopens after series of delays A major Swindon traffic artery is open once more after extensive work to increase its capacity.

The multi-million pound Mead Way scheme, which got underway just before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, was beset by a number of issues which caused major delays and prevented the completion of the second phase of the project.

Swindon Borough Council said that, following work by utility companies to divert cables, pipes and ducts over the last couple of months, contractor Britannia Construction Ltd was able to lay the new surface. Stonehill Green has also reopened.

Care provider again rated outstanding Swindon-based First City Nursing Services has maintainined its Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - the regulatory body that inspects health and care services.

Only four percent of community care providers are awarded an Outstanding rating and First City is amongst the largest providers to have been awarded this top grading twice.

Council running rough sleeping survey Swindon Borough Council wants people to complete a survey for the next Reducing Rough Sleeping Strategy.

The data will help the council to formulate a crucial aspect of policy for the years 202227. All are welcome to take part.

The survey, which runs until 31 January, can be found at www.swindon. gov.uk/info/20019/ consultations_engagement_ and_surveys/1223/reducing_ rough_sleeper_strategy_ review_consultation 10

Festival of Tomorrow organisers announce its return

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Swindon people will once again be able to see the latest in science and technology and be asked to imagine what kind of future we want to create.

The Festival of Tomorrow will return in February, and the organisers promise an actionpacked exploration of the wonders of science, technology and research plus an incredible array of activities for all the family.

Festival director Rod Hebden said: "In 2021 we responded to the challenge of lockdown restrictions by going virtual, and we were blown away by the enthusiasm of the 2,000 families and over 5,000 school pupils who joined in from home.

"We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to an even bigger and better event in February, with an exciting mix of in-person, online and blended activities to

reach even more people across the town.”

The organisers plan to bring the excitement of the event to people across Swindon, with an inspiring virtual schools’ programme, town centre activities and online content all culminating in a two-day Festival held at The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe.

While the full programme is still under wraps, visitors are promised the very latest discoveries and advances

of real scientists, engineers and researchers, covering everything from the future of space and robotics to Smart Cities and the latest innovations in the fight to tackle climate change.

Organisations which have so far signed up to take part include Swindon-based UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Intel, the UK Space Agency, The James Dyson Foundation and the Science Museum Group.

VIPs gathered for Pride of Swindon launch Mayor of Swindon Garry Perkins officially launched the Pride of Swindon Awards 2022.

The awards, first made in 2008, recognise people and teams whose work makes their community a better place.

Supporters include Swindon Link.

Cllr Perkins announced the opening of nominations during a ceremony at the Civic Offices attended by VIPs, sponsors and supporters.

Guests were introduced

by Swindon 105.5 radio station manager and Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire Shirley Ludford, who has been a key figure in the awards throughout their history.

She said: "We've had all sorts of stories. We've had small children inspiring other children, we've had people with disabilities showing that disability is not a barrier, we've had people in business going that extra mile, we've

Mayor of Swindon Garry Perkins and borough council leader David Renard, front, pictured at the launch

had inspiring stories in sport, in education, in health, and stories of people who've served their community for years and years but never looked for recognition."

Swindon Link editor Jamie Hill said: "We have supported Pride of Swindon for the last few years and we absolutely love it.

"One of the things we love about Swindon is all the altruistic, selfless people going

out there and helping others.

"This is one of the reasons we love these awards - they are a way of saying 'thank you' to these people and these organisations that do it because they are lovely people."

Nominations can be made via www.swindon.gov.uk/ prideofswindonawards or using paper forms available at Shopmobility in the Sanford House car park and at Swindon 105.5 in Liden.

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Swindon amateur dramatics company return to Arts Centre for new year comedy Swindon's am-dram Phoenix Players group will give a performance of 'Ding Dong'

by Marc Camoletti and Tudor Gates this January.

The show will run from 26-29 January at the Arts Centre.

Performances will start at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at £12 with concessions at £10.

Tickets can be reserved via Pauline on 07517 698083 or by e-mailing bookings@ phoenix-players.com.

Whitehorse Badminton Club looking to recruit new members Swindon's Whitehorse Badminton club is inviting new members to join both its junior and adult sessions.

The club currently has just over 50 members but is looking for more people to join - especially women.

The adult sessions run twice weekly and junior sessions run once weekly.

More information can be found at www.whitehorsebc. com/

National Self-Build & Renovation Show to return for 2022 The National Self-Build & Renovation Show will return from 28 to 30 January.

The weekend will offer three days of master classes, case studies, seminars and a line up of experts on hand to share advice.

Led by the NSBRC’s own independent experts, the show aims to help individuals get the answers that sales teams might not tell them.

The venue for the event is located near Junction 16 of the M4, and free parking will be available.

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Old Town Bowl to rock out once again as festival reveals 2022 date Popular all-day charity festival My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad will be returning to the Old Town Bowl in Swindon on Saturday 16 July.

The My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival will be held from midday until 10pm and early bird tickets are now on sale on their website.

This follows the inaugural festival which was held in August in tribute to David Young, the former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar, who died in early June at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle against cancer.

The August festival, which raised £12,633 for Prospect Hospice, will once again be supporting the charity.

The line-up of the August event included Kova Me Badd, The Boys from County Hell, and Gaz Brookfield and The Company of Thieves.

The line-up of the 2022 event will be revealed in the next few

Gaz Brookfield at the festival earlier this year

months.

As well as the music there will be plenty of activities for all the family, and food and drink from a variety of locally based vendors, including a licensed bar.

Co-organiser Ed Dyer said: “We were humbled by the response to the event in 2021 and totally stunned by the amount of money raised for Prospect Hospice, which has made the decision whether to run the event again an easy one!

"We are really excited to once again be able to put

together a music festival in the heart of Old Town and to have the opportunity to make it bigger and better than before.”

The festival is now looking for local sponsorship.

Any businesses who are interested in supporting the community event should email festival@ mydadsbiggerthanyourdad. co.uk Limited Early Bird Tickets are available now from the website www. mydadsbiggerthanyourdad. co.uk

Swindon tattoo studio to offer drawing classes in the new year

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk Swindon tattoo and piercing studio The Trinity Collective has announced it will host four figure drawing sessions for members of the public inJanuary.

The figure drawing sessions are set to begin on 5 January and run each Wednesday for the remainder of the month.

Attendees are invited to bring an easel and any art supplies they may wish to use. Those who do not own an easel or art supplies will be catered for by The Trinity Collective.

All four sessions will cost £20 in total and there are five places available for booking.

The Trinity Collective's Ant Eagles says his figure drawing sessions aim to build or help people to remember their confidence to be able to create a mark on a piece of paper and work up to their artistic

goals.

He says he wants to help people to desensitize themselves from that inner voice that says 'that's no good' or 'I'm rubbish'.

Every exercise in each session will be a building block towards a final piece or level that the attendees have as a goal in their minds.

Ant added: "A masterpiece isn't painted in one session straight off the bat, it's built through tones, layers and experiments. The version of that beautiful finished piece that people have in their minds is attainable, I'm just going to hopefully be demonstrating some little techniques and building blocks to show people how to get there."

Those interested can send the studio a message via Facebook regarding registration and arrange a bank transfer or debit payment.

The Trinity Collective team will

not be able to issue refunds as the payments will fund the drawing sessions and all the materials for everyone in the group.

If an individual cannot attend one of the four sessions, they can gift the class to someone, so the space can be filled.

The Trinity Collective's Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/ trinitytattoocollective

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The Old Town Residents Association Column

The rewards of being a volunteer in Old Town

By Judith Randell-Sly of Old Town Residents Association

Another year begins with reintroduced restrictions because of yet another covid variant.

It is now two years since we first heard of covid, not realising how much it would impact our daily lives, nor for how long we would be living with it.

Fortunately the Old Town Residents' gardening group have been able to carry on meeting for most of this time as they meet outside and use their own tools.

This group has not just been about working, but about making new friends, having a chat and a laugh and above all seeing the difference that we can make within our community. As we have moved through autumn and into winter

we have planted bulbs for the spring and summer, weeded, cut plants back and generally tidied up. Having done all that we have gone a little further afield and undertaken a few other jobs for projects awaiting volunteers.

We spent a cold, foggy and rather muddy afternoon at the tiny forest by the Wichelstowe play area, weeding around the trees, planted earlier in the year, so that the trees are not competing with the weeds for space, light and nutrients.

Another week we cleared a bed by the Cambria Bridge play park and spread wild flower seeds.

We also planted bulbs at the Croft play area with reception children from Croft school to brighten the area up in the spring.

South Swindon Parish Council

is keen to encourage more local groups of volunteers and will be holding a volunteers event in March to get the project going. Volunteering need not mean giving up a great deal of time, or doing something every week, but it does mean taking an interest in your local environment, meeting new and often interesting people and doing something useful. The Old Town residents’ gardeners originally met once a month and only started meeting weekly during ‘lock down’ when we could meet others outside. There are currently six people who meet on a weekly basis, but at least another six who come occasionally.

It was interesting to read that the RHS, who organise the Britain in Bloom competition, are now urging groups to

be more sustainable in the choice of plants and to think about using more wildlife friendly plants, as well as growing more of the plants from seeds or cuttings at home.

This year there will be less emphasis on beautiful blooms, especially annuals, and more on sustainability. The Old Town group wants to try to compost more of its garden waste, but already grows many of the plants used and chooses ones that are wildlife friendly and suited to their location, especially as we cannot water most of the beds during a prolonged dry period.

If you are interested in volunteering in your locality then please contact lindakasmaty@hotmail.com for more details. www.facebook.com/ oldtownresidents

Swindon ranked fifth best town in UK for independent businesses to set up shop According to new index data from business experts at Bionic, Swindon has ranked fifth in a list of the best towns in which to set up an independent business.

Bionic says there has been a massive growth in small businesses across the UK over the past five years.

More than 800,000 new business registrations have been made since 2018/19 - but this 3.5% increase in growth slowed down due to the pandemic, with lockdowns beginning at the start of 2020.

As the end of 2021 drew in with companies working their way towards a new normal, business experts at Bionic wanted to help local UK businesses get a running start to their 2022.

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independent economy, where small businesses can thrive and Swindon takes fifth place.

Southampton takes top spot with an index score of 74.4, Swindon places in the middle with 63.6, and Edinburgh takes the tenth spot with an index

score of 58.9 out of 100.

The data also showed that Swindon had 454 active businesses per 10,000 population and new business start ups, analysed at 13.2%.

Swindon is also said to be among the UK cities with the

cheapest value for office floor space, with the renting of a business space costing hopeful business owners an average of £100 per square metre.

More information about Bionic can be found on its website at bionic.co.uk

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Established in 1977, Eastrop Infant School was full from the day of opening and has served generations of children ever since.

With strong links to Southfield Junior School, we work closely to ensure that our children’s transition is smooth, right from nursery, through infants and onto juniors. We are also linked to St. Michael’s Church and the wider community.

Our children leave our school with confidence, values and an understanding of the wider world in which we live. Our school offers wrap around care for children aged 2-11, with our Early Birds Breakfast Club starting at 7.45am and our Shooting Stars After School Club available until 6.00pm daily.

Our children enjoy a wide range of games and activities together with healthy snacks and drinks. Both clubs are operated by our own staff members, ensuring the highest levels of care for our children.

Southfield Junior School is a 2-form entry junior academy for children aged between 7 and 11. We work closely with Eastrop Infant School to provide a seamless transition for our children, from Nursery through to aged 11, including breakfast and after school clubs.

The vast majority of our Year 6 children move onto Highworth Warneford School and we support this with transition days, helping to ensure that children leave our school with confidence, values and an understanding of the wider world in which we live.

We are delighted that our partnership with Eastrop Infant School enables us to offer wrap around care for children aged 2-11, with our Early Birds Breakfast Club starting at 7.45am and our Shooting Stars After School Club available until 6.00pm daily.

The teachers go above and beyond and are amazing at what they do.

The behaviours and values are adhered to by the children and they have a positive feeling and attitude towards the school.”

01793 763772

admin@eastrop-inf.swindon.sch.uk www.eastropinfantschool.org.uk

Thanks for all you do to make the school a safe and fun learning environment for our children!

We will miss it when our child moves on to High School later this year.”

01793 762210

admin@southfield-jun.swindon.sch.uk www.southfieldjuniorsch.co.uk

Eastrop Infant and Southfield Junior Schools are the founding members of Grove Learning Trust.

Together, we have formed a special partnership in which we make the best use of our resources so that the children receive an excellent and seamless education throughout their primary years.

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The Business Brief

Former Honda worker found a new leash on life after deciding to start her own business A lifelong dog lover has used her redundancy from Honda as a springboard to her dream career.

Karen Webb had always dreamed of running her own dog grooming salon, and decided that her departure from Honda was the perfect cue to launch her new business.

In February 2019 Honda confirmed the closure of its Swindon plant, and although Karen, 46, was initially shocked she immediately began making plans for The Mutts Cuts Grooming Salon.

She enrolled in college at weekends to become qualified and volunteered at a local dog groomer's around her Honda shifts.

Karen said: "I was shocked and quite sad really when I heard the news about Honda.

But I saw it as a new beginning and the chance to set up my own business.

Karen Webb with another happy client

“I just love dogs, and being a dog owner myself, it’s the perfect career for me.

“I could have saved my redundancy money or spent it on something like holidays or a car, but I wanted to invest it for our future.”

Karen’s new business meant husband Justin's 'man cave' had to be sacrificed but he was

completely supportive.

She said: "Justin understands my passion for dogs and saw the investment potential in the business."

The Mutts Cuts Grooming Salon in Haydon Wick is now officially open and bookings are flooding in. Karen puts her popularity down to the fact that she treats her furry

clientele as she would want her own dog, Dudley, treated.

“My Dudley is my fur baby, so I understand what it means to be a dog owner,” said Karen. “Dogs are part of the family, so I will always treat my clients as I would treat my own dog.

“I believe this means I provide a superior service.

“I’m extremely pleased with how it has started. I can see the business growing but no matter how busy we get, I will always provide the same caring, patient, quality and friendly service.”

The salon offers services such as full groom, nail clip, bath, de-shed and blow dry, and all equipment is thoroughly sterilised between uses.

The Mutts Cuts Grooming Salon website is themuttscutsgroomingsalon. co.uk and its Facebook page is @themuttscutsgroomingsalon

New Head of Conveyancing at leading Wiltshire law firm Awdry Bailey & Douglas has wealth of property law expertise

Law firm Awdry Bailey & Douglas has appointed Yasmine Machin as its new Head of Conveyancing.

The Wiltshire company says it prides itself on personal development and acknowledging success, and that this is clearly demonstrated in the appointment of Yasmine, who has worked for ABD since August 2020.

Yasmine is a highly experienced Licensed Conveyancer, having qualified in 2013 and worked at Gloucester Land Registry for ten years immediately prior to qualification.

She also has a Masters in Law from the College of Law and a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of property law.

One of her key strengths, the firm says, lies in being able to spot potential issues and deal

Yasmine Machin is described by her firm as a highly experienced Licensed Conveyancer

with them before they become problems that would delay a transaction.

Alistair Everett, Managing Partner at Awdry Bailey and Douglas, said: “We interviewed excellent candidates for this position, but since joining us Yasmine has clearly demonstrated that she

always places clients’ needs at the heart of everything she does, whilst also being a keen leader, and as such, is a perfect fit for this role.

"Not only is Yasmine now the Head of Conveyancing, but she is also part of the Management team and we are already benefiting from her extensive

knowledge and expertise. We are delighted to be able to promote from within the firm for this role.

"Acknowledging success and personal development aren’t just buzzwords to us, they are key values that provide the foundation for our future success.”

Yasmine said: “This is a very exciting time to be leading such a very talented team of experienced conveyancers.

When joining the firm in August 2020, it was abundantly clear that the whole team are passionate about providing a truly personal service.

"That’s something I am proud to be a part of and I look forward to working alongside everyone to continue to deliver a high quality service, that truly makes a difference to people's lives.”

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The Politics Page

Covid precautions, vaccines and entering the New Year safely...

Swindon Council Leader David Renard's monthly column

As a council, 2021was another challenging year as we continued to support residents through the pandemic while delivering the services that people rely on.

My thoughts in particular over the festive season will be with those who have lost loved ones to covid-19. It is a stark reminder of how we all need to follow the public health guidance and keep each other and our family members safe.

The Omicron variant is rapidly spreading across the country so it is important that over the coming weeks and months

Consultation on the council’s budget and council tax Setting for 2022 & 2023

Swindon Borough Council’s annual budget consultation event will be held on Thursday, 6 January at 10am via Microsoft

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we do all we can to protect ourselves and others from covid-19. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our NHS colleagues and the fantastic vaccine volunteers.

If you are planning to meet friends please take a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) before you leave home and get a confirmatory PCR test if you get a positive result. If you come into contact with someone who tests positive for covid-19, you should also take daily LFTs for seven days and self-isolate if you get a positive result. If you display any covid-19 symptoms, you should get a PCR test as soon as possible and self-isolate until

you have a negative result. If that result is positive, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.

Masks are also required in most indoor settings, unless you’re exempt or when eating or drinking.

You may need an NHS covid pass to attend certain large gatherings. You should download the NHS app and log in to get yours if you are fully vaccinated. You can also get the pass with proof of a negative LFT, which can be gained on the app. Alternatively, you can contact your GP. Vaccines remain the best form of protection. Those aged 18 and over, with a second vaccine

Teams. This meeting with senior council members and officers will discuss the council’s budget proposals for 2022 & 2023 and is an opportunity to inform the council of the business community’s views before it makes important decisions regarding its Budget.

Under Section 65 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the council has a duty to consult with representatives of non-domestic ratepayers about its proposals for expenditure.

In particular, the council must seek views about its proposed budget and council tax Levels

dose over three months ago, can now book booster vaccines via the NHS website or by calling 119.

As we head into the new year, it is always a good time to set some goals and with covid-19 still very much with us, I am sure keeping ourselves fit and healthy will be a top priority for 2022.

In the new year the council will be launching the free Active Swindon Challenge app, through the App Store or Google Play, to help give local people that little bit of extra motivation to get active while also doing their bit to help the environment. for the forthcoming year (2022 & 2023).

To attend, email committeeservices@swindon. gov.uk and you will be provided with a Teams meeting invitation, the agenda and relevant background papers for the meeting.

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on. vided ation,

Swindon firefighters create stark warning about drink-driving

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Firefighters at Stratton Fire Station are again supporting the Christmas road safety campaign with a dramatic visual display.

This year’s road traffic collision reconstruction, at the fire station in Highworth Road, involves a car and a motorbike provided by Grist Environmental with a banner saying: “Don’t get smashed – don’t drink and drive”.

Watch Manager Mark Evans, from Green Watch Stratton, said previous displays had always been well received.

He added: “The fire station is right on the B4006, which is a busy thoroughfare with links to the A419, the M4 and bordering counties north of Wiltshire.

"As such, a lot of people go past every day, so we use the opportunity to raise awareness

of the consequences of road traffic collisions during this festive season.

“December is a very busy month for many families, but we are asking drivers to take that valuable minute to reflect on whether they are safe to drive.

"Particular risk factors can be tiredness, still having alcohol in your system after drinking

the night before, and your car not being winter-ready – for example, the tyres not being properly inflated, or windscreens and windows too dirty to see through clearly.”

While the main safety messages apply to everyone using the roads, the display focuses on motorcycles as riders make up more than a quarter of all British road

deaths.

In addition, figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association show an increase of 148 percent in the number of powered two-wheelers bought between May 2020 and May 2021.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service runs Biker Down Wiltshire, which is a free course available to motorcyclists and motorcycle clubs in Wiltshire and Swindon. Whether a person rides with a group of friends or on their own, there may be a time when they are the first to reach a fallen biker. Injured motorcyclists need to be dealt with in a specific manner as it can be easy to cause them further injury, particularly by removing a crash helmet unnecessarily, or in the wrong way.

Further information can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/ biker-down

Death of popular veteran Swindon shoe-repairer Dave Parfitt

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk The death of a muchloved businessman familiar to generations has been announced.

Dave Parfitt, 63, ran the Cobblers Corner shop near Swindon Bus Station, and was an expert shoe-repairer and key-cutter.

He opened his shop in 1987, but by that time he already had more than 10 years of experience in the profession.

He had gained his expertise while working at a shoe shop.

Customers quickly came to appreciate not only Mr Parfitt's professional abilities but also his cheeriness and kindness, and the small shop became a local landmark familiar to thousands of people.

Mr Parfitt once said that his greatest pleasures during his decades in business were seeing customers leave his shop with satisfied smiles on their faces - and having them come

back again and again as the years passed because they were so impressed by his work.

When he marked the 30th anniversary of Cobblers Corner he revealed that an overwhelming majority of his clients were regulars, and

that he had seen some clients' children grow up and become customers themselves.

Mr Parfitt's funeral was announced as taking place on 17 December at Kingsdown Crematorium, with all welcome to attend what his loved

ones promised would be a celebration of his life.

People were also invited to gather near the shop where Mr Parfitt spent so many years helping his customers, with the cortege set to pause there on its journey. swindonlink.com n January 2022

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New College higher education students celebrate graduation

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

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degree and is now completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status at Coventry University, whilst employed in a school.

She said: “I feel incredibly proud as I never thought this would happen. I am the first person to graduate in my family. My advice to others considering HE would be to enjoy every minute of your degree; don’t be afraid to ask for advice and just go for it!”

A spokesperson for New College said: "The challenges of the pandemic have made both study and graduating even more of an accomplishment for

these cohorts of students and they have shown great resilience, commitment and perseverance in striving to reach their goals."

Ricardo Castro graduated with a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care and is employed as an Assistant Practitioner working in operating theatres at GWH. He said: “I have truly enjoyed my journey with fantastic support from my tutors and fellow students and the very programme itself. I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved. It has transformed me and opened up new future opportunities.”

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Words by Barrie Hudson

Many congratulations were in order as Swindon's New College hosted graduation ceremonies for over 130 of its Higher Education students at the Queens Drive Campus.

The classes of 2020 and 2021 and their families had the opportunity to attend one of four ceremonies in person and have their achievements recognised.

Students graduated from a wide range of degree, foundation degree and Higher National Certificate and Diploma programmes offered by the College and partner universities such as the University of Gloucestershire, Oxford Brookes University and Bath Spa University.

Subjects included Education, Health and Social Care, Graphic Design, Engineering, Business, Computing, Performing Arts and Public Services.

Lori-Ann MacFarlane graduated with a BA (Hons) Education and Lifelong Learning

Katarzyna Szafraniec graduated with a HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (Construction) and is employed as a Project Manager for a housing association.

She said: “I had wanted to complete this course for years and get more experience in the construction industry and progress in my career as a surveyor. The experience of studying and meeting new people motivates you in other areas of your life.”

Carole Kitching, Principal and CEO of New College Swindon, added: “We are absolutely honoured and delighted to help celebrate the success of our Higher Education graduates, who have achieved so well despite the difficult circumstances. This is a special occasion for them and their families as they graduate. We have no doubt that they will go on to experience exciting and fulfilling careers. We wish them every future success in their careers.”

LINK

FEATURES

Words by Barrie Hudson

Shedding a wonderful Christmas light on Town Gardens The Enchanted Gardens Light Trail in Swindon's Town Gardens delighted visitors throughout December.

The array of lights which turned the park into a multicoloured wonderland were in place throughout the month.

The trail was organised by South Swindon Parish Council, and supported Brighter Futures, the Great Western Hospital charity.

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Louie and cast full of beans CULTURE at the Wyvern panto LINK

By Barrie Hudson Not a box goes unticked by this year's Wyvern Christmas panto Jack and the Beanstalk.

Show-stealing performance by a much-loved person from the telly? Check.

Outrageously-dressed Dame?

Check.

Musical numbers at the drop of a hat? Check.

Villain with villainous beard?

Check.

Amusing pantomime cow with a talent for dancing? Check.

Audience participation?

Check.

Daft jokes for the kids? Check.

Slightly risque jokes for the grown-ups that sail safely over the kids' heads? Check.

Louie Spence - dancer, choreographer and star of more TV programmes than you could shake a stick at - stars as the Spirit of the Beans,

the cheery and reassuring supernatural entity who leaps, skips and pirouettes through this version of the perennial panto tale.

He is supported by an equally excellent cast led by Zack Guest as likeable and energetic beanstalk-botherer Jack.

Matt Rixon, whose biography in the programme reveals a long list of theatre and TV

credits plus the fact that he is the son of actor Matthew Kelly, puts in an excellent turn as Jack's mother, Dame Trott.

It is Dame Trott who delivers perhaps the funniest line in the show, involving lettuce and lavatory paper.

You'll have to buy a ticket if you want to hear it.

Millie O'Connell takes the role of Queen Fussybutt, making her a glamorous monarch with a

slight - but only slight - touch of Miranda Richardson's Queenie from Blackadder.

There isn't a single weak link, and the fact that everybody on stage is clearly having a great time ensures the audience feels the same.

This pantomime, coming as it does at a time of widespread uncertainty and anxiety, is as good a shot in the arm as any vaccination.

Audience members of all ages were clearly delighted by the show, and didn't need asking twice to take part in the singing, especially perennial favourite' I Am the Music Man'.

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Wyvern Theatre runs until Sunday, 2 January.

Further information about the pantomime, including booking details and ticket prices, can be found at swindontheatres. co.uk

Finding poems you know you'll love stanza of a poem I really enjoy, “Time on Earth” and appropriate as we look up at the amazing carpet of stars on dark evenings:

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

Poet David Cooke

I’ve been following and recommending www. thehighwindowpress.com for some time. The editor, David Cooke, is based in Swindon and his parents come from the West of Ireland. Now that’s a good pedigree!

Add to that, he’s a cracking poet, translator and reviewer.

His regular emails have introduced me to new poets, including many in translation which, in my view, adds a dimension, a twist and a 24

surprise to the way we see poetry. If you’re looking for a New Year treat for yourself or anyone who likes poetry, look no further than adding your email to David’s list.

I love this first stanza from David’s poem “Shadow Boxing.”

The closest my dad ever got to poetry was when he savoured some word like pugilist, or the tip-toe springiness

he sensed in bob and weave, his unalloyed delight in the flytings and eyeball to eyeball hype that went with big fight weigh-ins.

Introduce me to a poet and if I like the work I’m hooked.

In the Winter Edition of High Windows, I enjoyed an interview with the American poet, Tess Taylor, and that sent me off reading her work again. Here’s the first

Nights under these stars, you try to identify old constellations.

Cassiopeia, Andromeda, the mythic forms— you half forget their stories.

But on warm nights, seeing them, your throat also fills with shapes of hymns someone’s holdfast tunes to which your words are also blurred or blurring.

For a good night out, tickets are available now for Henry Normal at The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham, 24-28 February. www.mauricespillane.com

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Helping your pet to stay fit and trim

LINK PETS & NATURE

A column by Thameswood Vets

No one wants to eat celery and our dogs don't have to either.

Many factors can affect our pets' weight, including our love for them and the pleasure we get from giving them a tasty treat.

But did you know over 83 percent of people don't weigh their pet’s food allowance?

Simple yet effective changes can fit perfectly in to a busy lifestyle to help keep our pets in great condition.

So what can we do to help pets have a healthier and more active life?

Choosing the right diet for your pet is the best starting place.

There are many different

options including: · Accurately weighing out their current food · Changing to a ‘light’ diet · Changing to a specific weight control diet Exercise is an easy way to aid your pet’s weight loss but you need to ensure that you gradually increase their exercise over a time period. Ways to increase exercise can include: · Extending your morning or evening walk by five minutes, increasing this over time · Get your pet to work for their dinner using feeding cubes or games · Try different activities such as agility or hydrotherapy

· If walking is difficult or time restricted, look at booking a dog walker or pet crèche How to monitor and track progress?

We always recommend coming to see our trained nurses for advice before any lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. At this point your nurse will be able to accurately measure areas such as the waist and chest and provide

SEAT Arona: Buyers promised strong blend of quality and style Leigh Robinson: Motoring writer

SEAT has just sold its millionth car in the UK, not bad for a company which sold its first car here back in 1985.

Sales have passed 50,000 this year. They have a range of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains, and six models to choose from, so UK customers can easily find a SEAT to suit their needs.

Top of my list is the Arona SUV, both refined and smooth plus equally as good as anything in the

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competition.

The 2021 facelift model has tremendous style, great quality inside and out and excellent economy.

As a small SUV it can not be bettered as a family vehicle.

It first went on sale four years ago, with prices starting around £20,000 and going up to £26,500.

The power comes from a 1.0 TSI petrol engine in either 94bhp or 108bhp with a 1.5 TSI petrol unit producing 148bhp.

The lower-powered 1.0

TSI version has a fivespeed manual gearbox as standard, while the 108bhp variant can be had with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox.

The 1.5 TSI is only available with the sevenspeed DSG transmission.

All cars are front-wheel drive and sadly there is no 4x4 model.

The Arona offers a range of six trims - the SE, SE Technology, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence and the top of the range the Xcellence Lux.

a ‘body condition score’.

This gives you something to compare to during your pet’s journey. From there fortnightly or monthly weigh-ins will help you see your progress.

How to start?

Firstly, don't worry, you are not alone!

Secondly contact your closest clinic to book in for your pet’s free Belly Buster clinic.

During January we have no joining fee, and at your pet’s initial visit our specially trained nurses will create a bespoke six-month plan for your pet based on your current lifestyle and their fitness levels. thameswoodvets.co.uk

LINK

MOTORING The kit includes roof rails, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, air con, Bluetooth and alloy wheels included even on the entrylevel SE model.

The SE Tech has rear parking sensors and the Connectivity Pack that adds sat-nav and wireless phone charging as well.

The Xcellence Lux model includes wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone connectivity and automatic selfparking.

For safety there is autonomous emergency braking, blindspot monitoring, multi collision braking and hill hold control.

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BBC Countryfile gathering was festive but muddy fun

LINK

EVENTS

By Barrie Hudson Thousands of people braved muddy conditions to visit the BBC Countryfile Christmas in the Park celebration at Malmesbury's Charlton Park Estate.

Matt Baker and other members of the Countryfile team led what was billed as a three-day Christmas extravaganza.

He was joined by fellow presenters Ellie Harrison, Adam Henson, Sean Fletcher, Anita Rani, Steve Brown, John Craven, Joe Crowley, Tom Heap, Charlotte Smith and

From left: Tom Heap, Anita Rani, Charlotte Smith, Matt Baker, John Craven, Adam Henson, Ellie Harrison

regaling show-goers with stories from their years on the farm in a talk titled 'Winter on the Farm' and 'How The

Tom Heap delivers a presentation to a rapt audience

Margherita Taylor.

The attractions on offer ranged from music and chances to meet presenters to craft and cookery demonstrations.

On the O2 Countryfile at Christmas stage, the programme's presenters gave six live shows on each of the three days, featuring a variety of special guests.

Subjects ranged from thought-provoking environmental trends to life on the farm.

The first two days began with Countryfile farmers 26

Industry Adapts'.

The presenters talked about

filming Countryfile in the winter months and how the show battled the elements.

The stage also hosted a Christmas quiz, A Question of Christmas, with presenters challenging guests on their festive general knowledge.

The event featured a Christmas Kitchen with TV culinary stars and local chefs, hosted by celebrity chef Brian Turner.

Chef and presenter of BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, Matt Tebbutt, was on the list of culinary talent alongside TV chef and food writer, Ching He Huang MBE, food writer Xanthe Clay and BBC Masterchef Champion 2020 Thomas Frake.

The Countryfile presenters joined in to help cook sustainable Christmas feasts.

Lovers of the outdoors were

invited to join The Woodland Trust on a series of expertguided walks around Charlton Park’s arboretum, where they had the chance to learn about the various flora and fauna as well as how to tend their own gardens over the winter months.

Children were invited to take part in Kids in Woodland Trust festive workshops, including one in which they learned how

Father Christmas made sure to bring appropriate footwear

The many craft stalls sold items ranging from wooden sculpture to jewellery

to make a model reindeer from hazel sticks.

In an event called Deck The Halls, people were invited to watch modern and traditional craftspeople at work, learn how to make their own Christmas wreaths and decorations using all natural materials and see beautiful furniture being whittled by hand.

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Let’s Ride Swindon: Free local guided bike rides Since lockdown restrictions eased in April 2021, the local team of volunteer ride leaders has put on a total of 57 rides covering over 600 miles and resulting in 356 participations.

We’ve put on 20 ‘Easy Going’ Rides (traffic-free, short, social rides), 31 ‘Steady’ or ‘Steady Plus’ rides (largely traffic-free and using quiet roads) and three Challenging rides. The average distance of the rides was 8.5 miles.

We always receive great feedback at the end of a ride, making all the effort behind the scenes feel truly worthwhile.

It's also been fantastic to see how many people have rediscovered the joys of cycling by trying an electric bike.

On my most recent ride, the four e-bikers outnumbered those on ‘standard’ bicycles!

Electric bikes and their riders are welcome on all our rides.

We’ve seen an e-bike

Cycling column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign

As we welcome 2022, I thought that it was a good chance to review the past year of British Cycling’s free Guided Ride Programme in Swindon.

Let’s Ride is a national programme of fun, free and friendly led bike rides supported by Swindon Borough Council, British Cycling and HSBC. As one of the volunteer ride leaders, I have been leading a series of easy-going and steady rides throughout the year, along with my small co-pilot (two-year old son).

These have been designed as confidence-building and social rides where no special equipment is needed, or lycra required.

Some of the most popular rides in the summer saw 19 of us set off for an exploration of Swindon’s cycle paths.

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

What will the New Year bring for STFC?

The New Year brings fresh hope for many, but for Swindon it brings a lucrative FA cup tie against the champions of England at SN1. That's right, in the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in nine years, the Robins will welcome Pep Guardiola's formidable Manchester City side on 7 January. It's an evening that everyone at the club deserves.

From the possibility of not even having a club to the prospect of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling strutting their stuff at the County Ground, it's been quite the turn around. And with an occasion of such glamour comes a rather large pay check.

It should be a brilliant day for so many reasons. And maybe, just maybe, David might slay Goliath for the most famous of cup upsets.

The income from the Man City game should hugely benefit the 28

rider who started on easygoing rides progress to long challenging rides and sign up to become a ride leader herself in 2022.

I was particularly over the moon to hear of a romance that has developed between a couple who first met on one of my summer rides from Town Gardens to Lydiard Park.

It was both riders’ first time with me on a ride. They are now a happy couple and recently went on their first holiday together.

So, if you’d like to cycle more but don’t know where to start then the Let’s Ride Guided Ride Programme could be for you. All you have to do is bring your bike and pedal.

We do the rest. It's easy, free, and it's a fantastic day out for the whole family, with friends, or just on your own.

You'll meet new people, improve your fitness and get more confident on your bike.

club in the long run as well as the short term. With the January transfer window coming up it'll give Swindon a competitive edge over their rivals, as they seek to strengthen their squad.

One position in which Town must strengthen is defensively.

Currently the club has just four centre backs on the books, and with all four having picked up injuries this season a fifth would be a vital addition. When Romoney Crichlow plays in a back three, Swindon look much more solid as proven by the five clean sheets kept with him at the heart of defence. Take the Huddersfield loan man out of the team and Swindon have just one clean sheet to their name all season.

Crichlow is key to Swindon as he is the defender who is always winning the headers - without him Swindon are vulnerable and easy to play against.

However in recent weeks I feel as if Swindon's set up is behind the leaky defence. In quite a few games this season the three at the back have found themselves rather isolated at times.

Against weaker opponents Town have got away with this, but against stronger sides such as Leyton Orient, Swindon were put to the sword.

I believe that the midfield offer very little defensively, with all three centre midfielders in the five across the middle all doing very similar jobs. If Swindon are to challenge this season they must start playing a combative midfielder who can break down play and protect the defence. At times we've looked really unbalanced and bringing in a player like Jordan

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CYCLING Enjoy trouble free cycling this Winter at E-Motion E-motion Electric Vehicle Company do not just sell electric bikes - they look after them too. Individuals can book their bike in for a service at the new workshop in January, and enjoy trouble-free cycling this winter.

The E-motion team say they will also give the bikes a clean for free!

The team work on all makes, electric and standard. Tyres, helmets, lights, high-vis jackets, baskets, cleaning products and more are in stock to keep people safe on their travels. Those who cannot get to e-motion can arrange a bike collection and return, when the work is complete.

The New Year Sale starts on 4 January. www.e-motionevc.co.uk

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SPORT

Lyden could change this. But with this change it will mean one of our star midfielders will have to drop out. But if it benefits the team as a whole then it's got to be done.

However despite this slight moan I'm more than happy with where Swindon are. Sitting in the top half of league 2 with the third round of the FA cup on the horizon it's fair to say it's been a pretty good first half of the season. The question is what will the second half bring?

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TRADE PAGES

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Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748 www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk swindonlink.com n January 2022

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TRADE PAGES Fencing, Patios & Landscaping Reliable Local Company Established 2003

Our professional staff have many years’ experience in all aspects of landscaping and garden work, both installation and repairs including: Sheds, Fencing, Gates, Decking, Patios, Artificial Lawns.

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Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

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

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