South East Swindon Link July 2017

No 11 July 2017

Est. overall readership across Swindon: 100,000

South and East Swindon Edition

We're backing the bid for the new Museum and Art Gallery p10

Butterfly art

Walcot pupils spread their artistic wings page 11

Community: P3-18

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

Swindon Wide: P19-26

Services: P27-29

Puzzle: P30

Community News Director: James Phipps

Get behind the new theatre and art gallery

By Group Editor Jamie Hill Swindon Link is 'backing the bid' for the town's new theatre and art gallery.

The new iconic building earmarked for the former Wyvern Theatre car park is an opportunity for this town.

It is an opportunity to change people's perceptions of the town.

We want them to look at Swindon and see a place that is different and stands out from the crowd.

A forward thinking town that contains iconic buildings and has a rich cultural life - something that as inhabitants we all know about but is rarely something we shout about.

Personally, I love the new building's design and believe it is a piece of architecture that will put Swindon on the world map.

If any of you have visited the current museum and art gallery in Old Town you will have seen some of the amazing artwork that we have on display but that is only

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com

the tip of the iceberg with so much more in storage.

The new museum and art gallery will be something that will attract people to the town regenerating our centre and it will be the building that will feature on any future postcards of the town.

When people think of Swindon they will think of this building and not just the grey industrial estates that they currently, quite wrongly, have in their heads.

We have a detailed story about the project on page 10 as it gears up for its Heritage Lottery Bid in November. Back the bid! jamie@swindonlink.com

Closing date for August adverts and editorial: 12 July August edition published: 28 July

Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Mike Barham Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart & Rosy Presley Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

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Aiming higher: Good for people, good for business, good for Swindon

By Tom Wilkes of Spirit of Swindon Having focussed on inequality issues and Executive Pay, this month we want to highlight those who are paid at the other end of the scale. With employment numbers rising and the jobless total falling to numbers not seen since the 1970’s, why is this a concern?

While remuneration at the very top has been increasing, in some cases to excessive levels, in the middle and particularly at the lower ends it has been declining for years. The purchasing power of many professional workers has been falling and the percentage of those in employment who are using Food Banks has been rising.

Levels of debt have been increasing for the past ten years; figures show households in the UK owe an average of £13,000, which does not include mortgages.

This helps explain why poverty in Swindon remains high.

The need to raise minimum pay levels has been a concern for the UK. A statutory Minimum Wage was introduced in 1998, while The Living Wage Foundation (LWF) established a target and benchmark wage between 2005 and 2011. In 2015, the Government introduced a National Living Wage which conflated these approaches.

The LWF pay rate is now calculated annually against a basket of food to provide a decent standard of living for those in work.

Currently the LWF wage (the Real Living Wage) is £8.45/hr (£9.75 in London). The statutory National Living Wage is lower at £7.50/hr and only for those over 25. The introduction of the National Living Wage has been a challenge for some businesses to meet, especially during a difficult economic period; the higher, and voluntary, target of the LWF wage is one which some businesses believe may be too high to reach.

In the UK over 3,000 accredited employers are paying the LWF wage to over 100,000 workers.

Several of these are based in Swindon, including the telecommunications business Excalibur, and the Nationwide Building Society. These businesses – one a major national company, the other much smaller - argue that paying the LWF wage makes good business sense. The key to any business, according to Excalibur, is its people. Showing commitment to looking after your team provided the lead for their staff to do their best for Excalibur’s customers. The company’s current leader argues that ethical trading has been at the heart of their growth.

Nationwide Building Society made the decision to become a Living Wage Foundation employer to ensure that everyone working on their sites has a decent standard of living. A key driver was wanting all employees to have the time, energy and motivation to serve customers and one outcome of this is higher ratings for service than High Street competitors.

Nationally almost 6 million workers are paid less than £8.45/ hr which equates to around 21,000 people in Swindon, with more women than men figuring in both of those statistics. Those on zero hours contracts, in casual work or labelled as ‘self-employed’ further increase those numbers.

In terms of the impact on families and society it is not hard to make an ethical case for paying £8.45/ hr as a minimum; small, medium and larger enterprises have been discovering it is good for business

and for the economy as a whole.

Figures show that unemployed people in Swindon want to work (33% against a national average of 24%). When they find work, paying them a minimum of £8.45/ hr sounds like it makes good sense for everyone, and could show Swindon leading not lagging.

If you are an employer already paying £8.45/hr as a minimum – or have decided to aim for this - we would love to hear from you. This month’s one thing to do is look at the LWF website and encourage your employer to consider becoming accredited www. livingwagemovement.org Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon offer a lead to other areas in the UK. We are grateful to James Phipps and Stephen Uden in preparing this article. swindonlink.com n July 2017

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Community News

Orbital dishes up glorious food festival

Street food flavours from across the globe came to Swindon on 10 and 11 June with the Eats from the Streets pop-up foodie festival at the Orbital Shopping Park, returning to the retail centre following a successful debut last year.

The festival saw artisan vendors serve up a whole host of cuisines from around the world, including

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Russian dumplings and kebabs from Soviet Kitchen, and loaded American hot dogs and burgers.

The Rovin’ Bar also mixed up some of its signature jam jar drinks.

Jamie Turner, centre manager, said: “The Eats from the Streets concept was born out of the popup festival and street food trends.

As the popularity of both show no sign of slowing, it’s no surprise

that we’re hosting the event again this year. We’ve really enjoyed bringing new and exciting foods from across the globe to shoppers’ doorsteps, and this year’s event has been even bigger and better – with more stalls and more flavours on offer! It’s great to be able to support local traders alongside our national retailers.” www.orbitalshopping.co.uk

Community News

Balloon launched from Great Western Hospital carries message of mental health awareness overseas

Didier Bert in Barreme with the GWH balloon note

A balloon that was released into the skies above the Great Western Hospital in Swindon last year to mark World Mental Health Day has been found nearly 1,000 miles away in the south of France.

The purple balloon, which was one of dozens that soared into the atmosphere after being let go by hospital staff in October 2016, was found last week in a picturesque

village in southern France by a hiker who almost mistook it for litter on the ground.

Didier Bert was out walking in the hills of Barreme, a small province around 60 miles north of Nice, when he came across the now-deflated balloon and the attached message encouraging whoever found it to go online to learn more about the importance of mental health.

He said: “Well, at first, I simply thought it was a piece of waste on the ground, which disappointed me as the hills of Barreme are a protected nature area.

“But when I looked closer, I realised the balloon had come all the way from England, so I felt it was only right that I got in touch with the hospital to let them know that it had been found on French soil.”

Although a number of other purple balloons were found in and around Swindon in the weeks after the balloon launch, Didier’s balloon appears to have travelled the furthest with its international flight clocking up more than 750 miles.

Last October’s balloon launch kicked off the World Mental Health Day celebrations at the Swindon hospital, with staff coming together to learn more about spotting the often-hidden signs of conditions that do not always have visible symptoms.

It was also a chance for people to put the topic of mental health up for discussion, as many sufferers often shy away from talking about their problems with others.

Veteran nurse Toni is recognised for her 53 years unbroken service to NHS in Swindon Nursing has changed a lot over the last 50 years, but one thing that has remained constant has been Toni Starr’s dedication to a career that she loves more than anything else.

The 71-year-old sister from the Special Care Baby Unit at the Great Western Hospital joined the NHS in 1964 and, more than half a century on, is still as active on the wards as ever.

Toni’s commitment to providing patients with 53 years of unbroken service was formally recognised last week when she was revealed as the latest recipient of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Star of the Month Award.

Her career began in 1964 at Poole General Hospital as a student nurse, before later joining Swindon’s Princess Margaret Hospital in 1970. Since then, Toni has built an impressive career and is instrumental in delivering the absolute best care to babies and their families in Swindon. In between her night shifts, she also found time to achieve a diploma in midwifery and a masters in theology.

Speaking about what drivers her

Toni Starr

to continue, Toni said: “Things are always developing and we know so much more now than we did when I started. Babies of even 24 weeks can survive in 2017, which was unheard of years ago.

“I’ve always been fascinated by medicine. I love to research and find out why things work in the way they do. As nurses, it’s something we’re encouraged to do nowadays. I want to go on forever.”

Former colleague Hazel Keen has never forgotten the lengths Toni went for patients and work friends alike.

She said: “She’s everything I thought the NHS would be before I

came to work here. Toni looks after her team and never asks of you any more than she would herself.

“One night, a nurse was needed to take a baby to Bristol and nobody was able to go so Toni went by herself, knowing she would be late back from her shift.

“I believe the NHS would be a greater place to work if there were more Toni Starrs in it.”

Toni’s shift on 26 May was interrupted by friends and former colleagues who had travelled in secret to the hospital to see her receive the award from Oonagh Fitzgerald, Director of Human Resources.

News in brief Fitness pilot project Fitness sessions for older people are being launched at the Haydon Centre.

Costing £2.50, the ‘Generation Gains’ sessions are designed to engage older members of the community. Starting on July 14, from 11.30am - 1.30pm, activities include badminton, short tennis, table tennis and gym. Funded by the Zurich Community Trust, the project is being evaluated

by Bath University. Contact: GenerationGains@GLL.ORG

Beating the criminals Figures released by independent charity Crimestoppers have revealed that the number of pieces of information passed to police in Wiltshire increased on the previous year by 40 per cent.

This increase highlights a growing awareness of Crimestoppers and its work in local communities, while also highlighting the significant role the public plays in the fight against crime.

Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www. crimestoppers-uk.org.

Perfect your poetry Budding poets can hone their art with a series of guided sessions by local poet Tony Hillier.

Open to both experienced writers and first timers this is an opportunity to have fun with words and share stories with others in a relaxed and nonjudgemental space.

The five weekly sessions, at Park Library in Cavendish Square, run from June 28 - 26 July from 1-3pm. Book or turn up on the day. To sign up contact Tony on 07404526340 or drop in/phone Park Library—01793463501.

Back to the classroom Former Ridgeway School students have gone back to the classroom to inspire the next generation.

Working with education charity Future First the project is part of a national scheme to harness the experience of school alumni. Ashleigh James, studying chemistry at Nottingham University, Mary Madigan who works in recruitment and Deborah Kerr, a senior executive talked to year 12 students. swindonlink.com n July 2017

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Community News

New health centre for Swindon greets first patients News in brief Buckland stays as government lawyer

The new Swindon NHS Health Centre has welcomed its first patients after opening on 12 June

Local people have started to benefit from a state-of-art Health Centre which opened on Monday 12 June on the corner of Fleming Way and Islington Street in the town centre.

The conveniently located Swindon NHS Health Centre has replaced the former Swindon Health Centre at Carfax Street and includes a pharmacy, two GP practices (the Whalebridge Practice and Carfax NHS Medical Centre), the walk-in centre, dental and podiatry, among

other NHS services.

The new health centre forms part of the Kimmerfields development and sits alongside the already constructed 850-space multi-storey car park and the assisted living residential building, delivered as part of the first phase of wider regeneration in Swindon.

The Health Centre has been developed by NHS Property Services, supported by NHS England, NHS Swindon CCG and Public Health

Swindon and Swindon Borough Council.

Replacing the current Health Centre with a new and improved facility is one of the Council’s thirty pledges.

NHS Property Services has stated that measures have been taken to minimise any disruption or confusion for patients during the transition of the move.

Further details of the move can be found at www.swindonccg.nhs.uk.

First anniversary for Swindon’s Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre

Robert Buckland MP has been asked to carry on in the role of Solicitor General by Theresa May PM. The Attorney General and Solicitor General are the Government’s Law Officers.

As chief legal advisers to the Government, it is their job to provide independent legal advice. Robert was first appointed to the role in 2014.

He is the deputy to the Attorney General and acts as an advisor to the Crown departments and the Cabinet on issues of law. He brought with him many years of experience from his career as a barrister working mainly in criminal law and his work as a part-time Crown Court Judge prior to his election as south Swindon MP.

Freshers fair for U3A The University of the 3rd Age will be holding a freshers fair to encourage new members to join the organisation.

The event will be held at St Joseph's College, Ocotal Way, Swindon on Saturday 2 September from 10am - 12.30pm.

The U3A organisation has more than 2,000 members in Swindon.

It offers a range of at least 150 engaging courses for people who are no longer in full-time employment ranging from sports, artistic pursuits, courses to stretch the mind or other simply fun activities.

Music and poetry

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland (left) and Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson (far right) join the anniversary celebrations

Swindon’s Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday 21 May. This is a big landmark for not just the Temple, on the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, and the Hindu community in this region but also for the entire town.

The event was attended by Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson, Robert Buckland MP for South

Swindon and Haydon Wick councillor Garry Perkins, also cabinet member for regeneration, who threw themselves into the fun.

The centre has been actively involved in many charitable, cultural, community and social events throughout the year and has established itself as one of the biggest charities and community organisations in South West England in such a short time.

'All Things Bright and Beautiful' - enjoy a summer's evening of music and poetry presented by local groups, Wentworth Voices and Strictly Recorders, in the beautiful and historic setting of St Mary’s Church, Lydiard Park.

The event takes place at 7.30pm, Saturday 15 July 2017. Tickets £5 available on the door.

Refreshments will be served. All proceeds for St Mary’s Church.

Open gardens event Purton Open Gardens event will be held on 8/9 July. Proceeds to Brighter Futures appeal and Jubilee Gardens.

The £5 programme covers the weekend of events, accompanied under 16s free. swindonlink.com n July 2017

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Community News

Election night: high drama as town MPs retain seats

,

,

It's a huge honour and I am determined to get back to work Robert Buckland MP

South Swindon results:

Emotional result: North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson (above) and South Swindon MP Robert Buckland (left) celebrate retaining their seats. Labour candidates Sarah Church and Mark Dempsey (below) fought a spirited campaign and secured a sizeable share of the vote.

North Swindon results:

Robert Buckland (Con): 24,809 Andy Bentley (Green): 858 Sarah Church (Lab): 22,345 Mark Dempsey (Labour): 21,096 Martin Costello (UKIP): 1,291 Steve Halden (UKIP): 1,564 Talis Kimberley-Fairbourn Justin Tomlinson (Con): 29,431 (Green): 747 Liz Webster (Lib Dem): 1,962 Stan Pajak (Lib Dem): 2,079 Justin Tomlinson retains his Robert Buckland retains his seat seat.

MPs pledge to serve town Swindon’s Tory MPs have pledged to continue working hard for the people of Swindon in the wake of the General Election.

Voters gave their support to both Robert Buckland MP (Swindon South) and Justin Tomlinson MP (Swindon North) as they went to the polls.

However, the South Swindon seat was heavily contested, with Labour candidate Sarah Church securing 22,345 votes, just 2,464 fewer than Mr Buckland. Mr Buckland’s majority was cut from 5,785 in 2015.

Reflecting on the result, Mr Buckland said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been re-elected by my fellow local residents, achieving the highest number of votes and the largest share of the vote for any candidate in the history of the constituency. I was also happy to see that every single part of North Swindon put

me ahead of the other candidates.

It is a huge honour and I am determined to get back work to as a visible, approachable and effective MP.” He added that the non Conservative vote had coalesced around the Labour party.

The North Swindon result, announced at 12.36pm, was more clear cut, where Justin Tomlinson MP achieved an 8,335 majority against Labour candidate Mark Dempsey, polling 29,431 against 21,096.

Justin Tomlinson MP for North Swindon: “I’m delighted to have been given an opportunity to continue representing my fellow local residents. I’m thrilled to have secured a record result of over 29,000 votes.

“We were cautiously optimistic in that campaign and I’m delighted that for the second election in a row. I was the first Conservative

MP elected on the night.”

The hard fought campaign was acknowledged to have been centered largely on the leadership qualities of the Conservative and Labour parties as opposed to the strengths of local candidates.

South Swindon Labour Candidate Sarah Church said: “It was very close. To be honest, the result was not a surprise because Swindon is a bit of a microcosm of the national picture and the result really reflected that. I was happy that Jeremy Corbyn defied expectations.

“The turnout was great. I got about the same number of votes that Robert Buckland did when he was elected. I think we saw the UKIP vote being split roughly equally between Labour and the Conservatives.

“I'm going to continue to keep campaigning for the proper running of public services, especially school funding and the NHS.” swindonlink.com n July 2017

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Community News

Swindon urged to 'back the bid' at launch event The Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust has launched its ‘Back the Bid’ campaign to create an iconic new building next to the Wyvern Theatre.

Before an invited audience at the current Bath Road museum and art gallery, director Dr Rod Hebden said that the time had come for Swindon to step into the spotlight.

“Swindon really is a very cool place for many reasons, but hasn’t had the recognition it deserves.

“As the town gets behind the bid to win heritage lottery funding for a brand new museum and art gallery, that’s all about to change.

“This new museum and art gallery will allow us to shout about how fantastic Swindon is from the rooftops. This building will be absolutely iconic, and people near and far will come to recognise it as an important Swindon landmark.”

He explained that the proposed £22 million building was: “a stunning piece of architecture” that would express the importance of the many treasures showcased within, from fossils and Roman remains to examples of Swindon’s industry and innovation.

“Its leading edge design will incorporate many intelligent and sustainable features. It will collect rainwater for use inside, use solar panels to generate electricity, provide shade from the sun and be

l Like the bid's facebook page – www.facebook.com/ backthebidswindon l Follow the bid on twitter – www.twitter.com/ backthebidswin l See plans and updates at swindonmuseum.org.uk and let them know what you think l Sign up for an e-bulletin at swindonmuseum.org.uk l Look out for roadshows in and around Swindon Dr Rod Hebden at the launch of the Back the Bid event

cheap and efficient to run. It will also be fully accessible to everyone.

“The new purpose-built museum and art gallery will extend the possibilities for Swindon and its people. It will be a memorable place to meet up, have fun and learn about all sorts of things – science, technology, history, art and a lot more. It will allow us to borrow art and artefacts from others, and to lend some of our collections out. It won’t be a stuffy set of rooms, but an interactive space where people can enjoy themselves and will want to return to.”

Dr Hebden said that Swindon’s vibrant culture and heritage has

never been properly showcased and that many people in the town and further afield are unaware of the quality of artefacts and works art in its collections. Supporters include Swindon residents, education professionals, artists, employers and heritage specialists.

The Back the Bid campaign marks the start of a series of events and opportunities for the people of Swindon to show their support. l The scheme has been previously criticised by campaigners who would rather the Museum and Art Gallery is situated in the GWR Carriage Works. Read about film maker Martin Parry's alternative vision at www.Swindonlink.com

Questions and answers l Why do we want to build a new museum and art gallery?

Our town has been building one of the most exceptional collections of contemporary art and ceramics in the country, ever since 1943, when local businessman “Jimmy” Bomford loaned – and later gifted – 21 works of contemporary British Art to the people of Swindon, Our museum is also home to an excellent archaeological collection that reflects its rich history from prehistory to the modern day, including many modern finds. The current museum and art gallery in Old Town is no longer fit for purpose. It only has enough space to show a small proportion of the fantastic artefacts and works of art, and is inaccessible to most people who have difficulty walking or use wheelchairs. This just isn’t acceptable. l Where is the new museum and

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How to get involved

art gallery going to be built?

It will be built on the site of the car park that used to stand next to the Wyvern Theatre.

It will be an iconic new building that provides a link between Old Town and the centre of town, which is currently undergoing regeneration. We know from the experiences of towns and cities elsewhere that when a visitor centre is built in the centre of a town, the surrounding area gets a significant economic boost.

The museum and art gallery will attract more footfall, which will make the area attractive for high-quality independent shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as creative industries and cultural entrepreneurs. It will create a dynamic heart that can be enjoyed by local people and by visitors alike. This revival of the town will also encourage future investment

in other heritage assets and re-position Swindon as a thriving cultural concern – a place where people will love to live, work and visit. l How will it be financed?

The capital project of £22.5 million will be financed through a number of sources: Swindon Borough Council has committed £5 million, as well as the land that the new building will occupy. Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) has committed £1.35 million. The Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust will be making an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in November 2017.

That application is currently being prepared.

The trustees have donated more than £250,000 and further funding will be made by private donors and local fundraising and sponsorship.

l Email – info@ swindonmuseum.org.uk l Visit the museum and art gallery to see some of the works in Swindon's wonderful collections. l Call in to the museum and art gallery on Bath Road, Old Town, to see the model of the iconic building. l Sign and return a supporter’s postcard l Become a Friend of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery – email friendsofsmag@gmail.com l Ask SMAG to visit your organisation or club or place of work to tell you more – email info@swindonmuseum.org.uk l Contact the trust to find out more about sponsorship and giving: info@swindonmuseum. org.uk

Community News

Putting on a display: children from Oaktree Primary School have created their own artistic display

Oaktree youngsters put their creative talents on show Youngsters from Oaktree Nursery and Primary School threw themselves into a three-day art project to brighten up the outside of their school.

The youngsters, drawn from different years, took turns to help out community artists Gordon and Toni Dickinson of ‘No Added Sugar’ create an original display on a wall near the school entrance.

Toni explained: “We have been involved in a number of projects at

this school over the years and it’s wonderful to be invited back.”

Among the pieces that the couple have created at the school are a series of decorated discs which help to brighten up the school fence, a large mural stretching the length of the school hall with painted shapes echoing changing seasons and an iron sculpture reflecting the average child - based on measurements of a number of children in the school.

“We normally decide what we should create after a discussion with school leaders. This time, we are asking children to individually paint a series of butterflies, choosing the colours themselves.”

She explained that they were to be placed on a background scene of tall grasses and wild flowers created by the children.

Head teacher Sue Rees said: “We have been working with Gordon and Toni at this school for 16 years.

The children really enjoy working with them to create inspiring works of art. It adds another dimension to the children’s learning and gives them a chance to work collaboratively on something and achieve together.”

Year 4 pupil Lillie, 8, said: “I really enjoyed taking part, it was really relaxing.

And Oliver, 9, agreed, adding: ”It was nice because there was no right or wrong way to do it.“

swindonlink.com n July 2017

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Community News

Pirate Festival hooks them in Swindon Town Centre came alive for the first weekend of June – with the launch of a three-day Pirate Festival.

The town centre’s retail partners – The Brunel, inSwindon BID Company, Regent Circus and The Parade - came together to celebrate the launch of the next instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film, Dead Men Tell No Tales, with a themed series of events.

Among the events taking place over the weekend were craft sessions, live music, face painting, balloon modelling, treasure hunts, competitions and actors dressed as pirate characters to entertain the crowds.

Arrrr you ready for this? Pirates invaded the Brunel Centre

Council consulting on plans to attract £2billion to economy Ambitious plans to attract almost £2 billion to the value of Swindon’s economy have been shared with people in the town.

Swindon is already one of the UK’s fastest growing towns and the refreshed Swindon Economic Strategy sets out a vision to build on this over the next 10 years.

Swindon Borough Council is asking members of the public to give their feedback on the strategy during a four-week consultation with business owners and residents to influence the future of Swindon’s economy.

The new draft Economic Strategy for Swindon sets out the ambition to grow Swindon’s economy, create

jobs, attract investment and create a prosperous town for local people and communities. Swindon will also be promoted as a key location for people to work and live.

The strategy has been refreshed from the original document agreed in 2013 in response to the changing national economic landscape.

Swindon is ranked as the UK’s seventh most investable town or city, and the Economic Strategy aims to grow the town’s economy from its current value of £6.6 billion to £8.4 billion by 2026 – an increase of 27 per cent.

The strategy also sets out to build on Swindon’s strong growth in population, with the borough’s

population set to grow by 25 per cent to 250,000 in the next decade.

Key points in the Economic Strategy include creating opportunities for young people and developing employer engagement with a focus on schools and colleges. Further to this, the strategy also sets out plans for Swindon to build upon its national reputation as a centre for advanced engineering and technology by engaging in inward investment and promotional activity. The plans include an assessment of potential locations for the automotive supply chain and delivering an advanced technology park.

It is anticipated the town centre

will attract investment of £0.5 billion over the next 10 years. The strategy also sets out an ambition to create 20,000 new jobs and the building of an extra 22,000 homes to support the forecast growth.

The Economic Strategy links to the Council priorities: to improve infrastructure and housing to support a growing, low carbon economy; to offer education opportunities which lead to the right skills and the right jobs in the right places; and to ensure clean and safe streets and improve our public spaces and local culture. The draft Economic Strategy and an online survey are available at www. swindon.gov.uk/economicstrategy

Characters come to life for Comic-Con! Visitors to Swindon’s Comic-Con event entered a parallel universe of sci-fi and fantasy fun.

The event featured special appearances from TV show and film celebrities.

And many of them threw themselves into the spirit of the

day by dressing as comic characters and fantasy film stars.

Manga inspired characters rubbed shoulders with wookies from Star Wars, members of the Ghostbusters team and superheroes.

Among the stars appearing at the event were Harry Potter actor Chris

Rankin as well as Hannah Spearritt and Andrew Lee Potts from Primal.

Also present were Oliver actor Mark Lester and Allo Allo actor Kim Hartman who played Private Helga Geerhart and Richard Gibson otherwise known as officer Herr Otto Flick. swindonlink.com n July 2017

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Community News

Museum opens doors to welcome running group Help at hand for Members of Swindon Shin Splints running group have a new home at the Richard Jefferies Museum.

From now on, the group’s Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon runs will start and end at the museum.

Shin Splints organiser, Stephen Goulding, said: “We have been running from the Sun next door for six years, and they have done us proud, but we always felt we were imposing on the customers, leaving our stuff there.

“The museum gives us a place we can think of as our home. When we tried it out, the runners were unanimous, with all of them saying how much they loved the place.”

As a community-run organisation, Shin Splints is not an official club, just a group of local people who welcome anyone who wants to run, from absolute beginners to Swindon Half-marathon winners, and there are no fees to pay.

Mike Pringle, Manager of the Richard Jefferies Museum said: “ The ‘Splinters’ are all voluntary, just like us, so to have them at the museum at times when the place would otherwise be closed is a fantastic win-win situation. And it’s another group of people who

drink problems

will start finding out more about Richard Jefferies and Swindon’s amazing history.”

Shin Splints runs from the museum, at Coate Water, on Saturdays at 9am and Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm. To join in, simply turn up half an hour earlier than those times.

For more information contact Shin Splints Organiser Stephen Goulding on 07534997795 or Richard Jefferies Museum Manager Mike Pringle on 07768 917466.

The Richard Jefferies Museum is situated on the edge of Coate Water

Country Park.

It was originally a farm house where Victorian author and naturalist Richard Jefferies was born and raised. The Museum is now a centre for local community engagement and the arts, and has three floors containing memorabilia, displays, archive material and the works of Richard Jefferies.

The Museum is set in beautiful gardens and old farm-buildings that are in the process of being restored. The Museum is owned by Swindon Borough Council and run by volunteers.

Dealing with someone else’s drink problem can be frightening and confusing.

Challenging their unacceptable behaviour can be exhausting and stressful, and may make the situation worse. For the families and friends this can be a lonely and isolating experience, compounded by shame and secrecy.

Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is affected by someone else’s drinking.

Al-Anon hold regular meetings at Park South Community Centre in Swindon, on Wednesday mornings from 10.15am to noon and Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Anyone is very welcome to attend if they are - or have been - affected by someone else’s drinking. Al-Anon meetings offer a place of safety, where anonymity is protected and everything said remains confidential.

No membership fees are required, Al-Anon is self-supporting through its members own voluntary contributions.

Contact the confidential National Helpline 020 7403 0888 or www.al-anon.org.uk

Debbie Clark from the Jessie May charity is presented with £4000 by CALM

Children's hospice given £4k boost Representatives of the CALM charity have handed over a cheque for £4,000 to the Jessie May Children’s Hospice to help support the expansion of its service into Swindon and Wiltshire.

CALM (Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Movement) is a parent support group that was set up in 1984 and is run on a voluntary basis to support families that have a child receiving treatment at Swindon's Great Western Hospital.

Charity chairman, Richard Crowley, said: “While CALM is able to offer lots of support, like grants to families, social events, day trips, convalescent holidays and peer support, we're not able to provide hospice care. The committee were aware that some of the families

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we support may also benefit from the Hospice at Home service, particularly children with some of the most aggressive forms of cancer.

“The committee agreed that we would support Jessie May, to help the charity establish its services in Swindon and Wiltshire. In October I was invited to a launch event to mark the expansion of Jessie May Children's Hospice at Home into Swindon and Wiltshire. As a parent whose son has survived leukaemia I was emotionally moved by what I saw and heard on that evening.”

The cheque was presented by a group of families associated with CALM to Debbie Clark from Jessie May during one of the group’s regular coffee mornings at Lower Shaw Farm.

Community News

Highworth Warneford welcomes Prior Park Prep fencers win in fun loving primary pupils Wales

Tutor Ellen Lovatt (left) with the Pop-Up card makers at Highworth Warneford School

More than 100 year 6 students from twenty-two primary schools descended on Highworth Warneford School to experience a taste of secondary school life on 30 and 31 May. As part of Highworth Warneford's EXTEND transition project, the pupils participated in four of the six available fun sessions, and also had the opportunity to make friends ahead of the new school year in September as eight current year 10 students were involved in leading

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morning ice-breaker sessions and assisting the tutors.

Activities offered: attending a Café Francais, participating in the musical mayhem, creating pop-up cards or felt puppets, joining in their own version of MasterChef (making biscuits) or playing a variety of ball games in the Sports Hall. Judging from the smiles and laughter, a fun time was had by all, and moving up to secondary school is not quite as daunting as it may have seemed the week before.

Prior Park Prep Fencers Ed and Charlie have won the Leon Paul Junior Series in Wales last weekend, following their win at the Independent Association of Prep Schools National Fencing Championships earlier this month.

The Leon Paul Junior Series (LPJS) offers a mainstream introduction to competitive fencing for UK youngsters and provided the opportunity for 16 U17 boys and girls to compete in the disciplines of foil, sabre and epée, at the Welsh Institute for Sport in Cardiff; a national series of competitors that Ed and Charlie regularly attend.

Competing in the U13 boys foil and epee, Charlie and Ed entered the LPJS competition seeded first and second respectively after the poule rounds. The pair then fought their way through their rounds, only to meet each other again in the final.

Evenly matched, Ed and Charlie were neck and neck after two periods in the final, but in the third period Ed finally clinched it,. Delighted, the pair received their gold and silver medals at a presentation in the arena on the day. Ed and Charlie are now first

L-R: Ed and Charlie with their Gold and Silver Fencing medals

and second respectively in both LPJS epee and foil series for U13.

Fencing team captain Ed, a Year 8 pupil said: "It was brilliant to win, especially given all the work we put in. I’m sorry I had to knock Charlie out, but he didn't make it easy for me."

Charlie, who is in Year 7 said: "I really enjoyed the competition and came so close. I’m sad Ed knocked me out but I'm pleased he won. I'm happy to have won silver and can't wait for next year."

Prior Park Prep Fencing Coach, Neil Bromley said: "I'm incredibly proud of Ed and Charlie achieving these medals, they should be very proud of themselves for not only the win, but the work that they have put in and how they have conducted themselves as true sportsmen, supporting each other at the same time as competing."

Community News

Hundreds of runners put in the legwork for Lethbridge 10k race More than 400 people tied up their trainers to take part in the annual Lethbridge 10k run. The event, which raised more than ÂŁ3,000 for Lethbridge Primary School funds, was once again a sell out.

Runners set off from Croft Sports Centre, in humid conditions, to follow a route along the Old Town railway path, before powering back over the finish line near the Marriott Hotel - cheered on by enthusiastic supporters.

The overall winner Nic Bailey completed the course in a blistering time of 35 minutes 53 seconds and the first woman home, Kate Jacobs, completed the course with an impressive time of 38 minutes 34 seconds.

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Community News

Double dose of chilli on the way as two festivals head to town Lydiard Park will play host to the The Cheese and Chilli Festival as it returns to Swindon in 2017.

The event on 5 and 6 August will see a bewildering array of cheese and chillies from around the world brought to one place.

The festival promises something for everyone (even if you’re not keen on cheese or chilli!) with free activities for children and adults to take part in as well as fun rides and games. The festival features live music, motorbike displays, quad and mountain bike stunt shows from

Visitors to Swindon Town Centre will be feeling the heat, when the Swindon Chilli Fiesta returns for the 4th year in a row.

The free event is being organised

by Chilli Fest UK and inSwindon’s BID, and will take place at Wharf Green, from 10.30am - 5.30pm on Saturday, July 29.

Some of the best chilli producers from across the UK will be there to offer the best of British chilli and will be exhibiting chilli jams, chilli dips, chilli chutney, chilli chocolate and chilli beverages.

For the less adventurous amongst

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us, there are some flavoursome but mild cooking sauces available, but if you’re feeling brave, there will be extreme sauces and dips to try and take home. There’s even a range of chilli cocktails, beers and cider, which are not for the fainthearted!

Visitors can expect a day of chilli madness with lots of goodies to eat, drink, taste and buy!

For more asbestos mouthed visitors, the event will also be holding a Clash of the Titans Chilli Eating Contest – where contestants will take on some of the hottest chillies in the world.

Jez Avery, a falconry display, magic shows, Punch and Judy, a chilli eating competition, real ale and real cider bars, a craft tent, sand art, balloon modelling, wine tastings, cookery demonstrations, not to mention all the amazing produce and crafts for sale at the show.

Dogs are very welcome at the shows, as long as they are kept on leads. Adults from £5 in advance, £7 on the door.

Seniors from £3 in advance, £4 on the door www.cheeseandchillifestival.com

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH with in association

in association with

in association with

Host of acts lined up to take part in association with Old inTown Festival This year’s Old Town Festival, running from July 8 - 15, will play host to an impressive line-up of acts.

The week-long event kicks off on the Saturday at 1pm at the Town Gardens Bowl with a free choir festival and an evening of fun at the Commonweal Performing Arts Marquee on the Lawns where a 60s night and hog roast will be held.

There will also be a prize for the best 60s outfit. Tickets for the event cost £10.

On Sunday, a festival parade - showcasing a wide range of different groups - will wind its way from the Lawns through Wood Street on to Devizes Road and back along Newport Street. The parade will set off at 10.30am. Taking part will be fairy tale princesses, street theatre by Commonweal School pupils and a demonstration of Ceroc jive dancing.

This will be followed by a host of different activities taking place on the Lawn including community acts, a dog show, re-enactments by the Colleage of Chivalry and the Wessex School of Arms as well as a wealth of stalls and food outlets.

The day’s activities will draw to a close with a choral evensong at Christ Church.

On Tuesday, the Baker Street Pub will host an evening of music by the Jazz Defenders starting at 8pm and on Wednesday at 8pm the Castle Pub will host a light-hearted Conspiracy Theory Question Time debate. Visitors will also have the chance to visit Christ Church to take a tour of the bell tower and have a go at playing the organ.

On Thursday, pianist Paul Turner

will hold a recital (tickets £5) from 1pm - 2pm and on Friday three highlights from this year’s fringe festival will be performing in the Commonweal C6 auditorium tickets cost £15 for all three of the shows.

The Old Town Bowl will host a range of bands performing from midday on Saturday and there will also be a number of singers

showcasing their talents at the bandstand in the town gardens.

The Plough Ale and Cider House in Devizes Road will also be hosting a free jazz performance by the Chris Jones Guitar Trio.

Tickets for the event, sponsored in part by Positive Media Group, can be purchased from Ray’s Ice Cream in Devizes Road or from Heather on 07799 068898.

s s er rs ange r r tu e ac Off cted f nu er sele a M mm off Su 30% p -u

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Swindon Wide

Dizzy DJ from Cricklade reaches semi-final of Britain's Got Talent

DJ Dizzy Twilight aka Christine Tew from Cricklade

For many people, retirement is a chance to relax and slow their lives down a notch. It appears Cricklade pensioner Christine Tew doesn't agree with that notion, as she reached the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent this year with her incredible DJ'ing skills.

Christine, also known as DJ DIzzy Twilight, had the crowds inside the London Palladium dancing like an early 90s rave scene when she appeared before the judges during

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her semi-final, unfortunately missing out on progressing through due to not quite winning over Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.

However, that hasn't dampened the experience for Dizzy, who has been inundated with requests for interviews and performances since her appearance on BGT. Christine said: "I loved the whole experience, the BGT team behind the scenes treated all the performers so well, and I can't

believe I got to do what I love in front of so many people.

The best part has been my grandson's reaction to seeing me in a spaceship! He's only eight, so he was amazed."

Asked if this was her idea of retiring quietly, Dizzy laughed and said: "I've always had a passion for music and this was just my natural

outlet to pursue full time once I retired.

I am part of the Cricklade Choir alongside my DJ'ing, and that's been a very different experience.

Maybe one day we can team the two together and put on something like the electric proms!"

Swindon Wide The Misfits

The Final Touchdown

Reaching for the skies Swindon artist David Bent has just finished his latest work 'The Circus' as part of his Red Arrow series. Jamie Hill went to his studio to have a chat about his work.

David Bent has always been interested in aeroplanes.

As a child growing up in Dover he remembers his dad pointing out every type of aircraft flying overhead and by the age of five he could name every plane that flew overhead.

He is now one of the foremost aviation artists in the world and creates his work from his custombuilt studio next to his home in Old Town.

He's even been awarded Honorary Companionship of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the society's highest distinction for those whose professional achievements are not exclusively in aerospace but who have made a substantial contribution to the aerospace profession.

It was awarded "in recognition of his exceptional contribution in transforming aviation art with iconic paintings, bringing aviation, technology and art together to a completely new audience while, at the same time, promoting aerospace far and wide."

Since 2006 he has been the artist in residence for the Red Arrows and has just completed the sixth and final painting in his 'Arrows' cycle.

It is called 'The Circus' and is a celebration of all the backroom staff who make the Arrows happen.

David, 67, said: "Everybody loves the Red Arrows but they're probably not aware of the backroom team or 'The Circus' as it's called. There's the 'Smoke Team' or 'Dye Team' as well

as everybody else who is involved.

This latest painting is a celebration of them.

"I started this painting back at the beginning of February. Obviously I haven't been doing it full time but I'm now finishing it at the start of June."

David has had an interesting life from being at the forefront of computer graphics in the early 80s to chucking it all in to go and live in Peru.

It was in the early nineties that he started to follow his artistic career full-time, even meeting his wife Carole during an art class in a small village in rural Essex.

The couple moved to Swindon in 1995 but it wasn't until 2002 that David's love of aeroplanes would be piqued again.

He said: "I went to RIAT (The Royal International Air Tattoo) in 2002 and kind of fell in love. I took a load of pictures whilst I was there but at quite an unusual angle taking each shot front-on to the plane.

"When I returned home, I was looking through the images and started to put them together in a collage and this is where I formed my 'Aerobots'.

"So the next year I decided I would try to sell some of my work and I hired a pitch and bought a small B&Q tent and the rest, as they say, is history.

"We've been displaying there every year ever since."

David's work which takes in genres from expressionism to

Timeless

abstract art always involves more than you can see at first glance.

His wife Carole said: "What I love about David's work is that there's always something new to see every time you look at it. There's always new bits to discover. His paintings say so much and are so detailed.

They are also very accessible and a joy to look at."

In the last few years David has been embraced in the aviation industry as its foremost artist. He has designed several of the covers for the RIAT programmes. His work has taken him out to different air shows around the world.

"I've really got RIAT to thank for a lot of this. If they hadn't appreciated what I was doing I would never have got the art in

front of the right people."

But it's not just his aviation art that he is known for. His 'Movement' shows aspects of refugee surges around the country including the Balkans. The eight powerful paintings were created as a Millennium project back in 2000 and were met with universal praise. He is still looking for a home for them to be more permanently displayed.

He has also been a leading figure in the annual Swindon Open Studios.

For more information about his work visit davidbentstudio.com This year's RIAT takes place from 14 to 17 July at RAF Fairford.

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Swindon Wide MUSIC

WHAT’S ON DRAMA & MUSICALS

Tuesday 11th to Wednesday 12th, Saturday 1st, 7pm Julie Scott's Academy - Let Us 4.45pm & 7.30pm Entertain You. A variety show full Make Music Swindon - From Small Screen to Silver Screen. This of song and dance from musical theatre to street, jazz to lyrical, year Swindon schools and Make there’s something for everyone. £13, Music Swindon will deliver songs £2 off conc. Wyvern from the movies and TV. £7. £2 off conc. Wyvern Friday 30th June to Saturday 1st, 7.30pm Thursday 13th, 7.30pm Gatecrash Youth Theatre The Elvis Years.

Spring Awakening. Delve into the An outstanding angst, oppression and sexuality of musical production teenagers in early 1900’s Germany which brings to through Frank Wedekind’s tale. the stage the £5. New College incredible and compelling story Wednesday 28th June to Saturday 1st, of the ‘king of rock 7.30pm and roll’ - Elvis Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Presley.

Based on the Oscar-winning movie, £24.50. £1.50 off Chocolate Theatre are bringing to conc. Friends £3 off. Wyvern town, the hit musical. £17. Arts Centre Friday 14th, 7.30pm

Stand By Me - A Celebration of Ben E King & The Drifters. The phenomenal musical history of one of the biggest selling bands of all time. £28.50. Wyvern Tuesday 18th, 7pm Swindon Young Musicians Gala Concert. Classes from local primary schools will play a range of instruments from Recorders to African Drums and Violins to Ukuleles in the first concert of its kind in the area. Free Entry. Wyvern Friday 21st, 7.30pm Viva Neil Diamond. To celebrate the icon’s 50 year recording career, the UK’s very own ‘voice of Neil’ Bob Drury (The Neil Diamond Story) takes to the road. £16. Arts Centre Friday 21st, 7.30pm

The ELO Experience. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Out Of The Blue album release in 1977. £25.50. Friends £3 off. Wyvern Saturday 29th, 8pm The Overtones. A consistently popular attraction at major events including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert, the Festival of Remembrance and British Summer Time. £24.50. Wyvern

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Tuesday 4th to Thursday 6th, 7pm (2pm on 6th) Wilkes Academy welcome you to an exciting evening of musical theatre, commercial dance and variety. £15.50, £5 off conc. Wyvern Friday 7th to Saturday 8th, 7.30pm That Face. Quirky Bird Theatre presents Polly Stenham’s searing debut. £13, £2 off conc. Arts Centre Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th, 7.30pm (2.30pm on 15th & 16th)

Fiddler on the Roof will transport you back to 1905 and the village of Anatevka in Imperial Russia. £16. £2 off conc. U16s £8. Arts Centre Sunday 16th, 6pm Tanwood Performing Arts establishment present a variety of performances set to submerge you in a world of pure imagination. £16. £5 off conc. Wyvern Tuesday 25th to Wednesday 26th, 7pm Stage Starz - A Night at the Circus. Over 100 students will be showcasing their talents in Dance and Musical Theatre. £13.50. £2 off conc. Wyvern Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th, 7.30pm A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Directed by Anna Friend, this well-loved tale of magic and mischief will be transformed into a Gatecrash Theatre classic. £14. £2 off conc. Wyvern

Swindon Wide

SWINDON FAMILY Saturday 8th (1pm & 4pm) to Sunday 9th (10am & 1pm) Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom.

From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-winning television animation live on stage. £17-£19. Friends & Children £2 off.

Wyvern Friday 14th, 6.30pm

Wind in the Willows - Lydiard Park Open Air Theatre. Pack your picnics and join the boat-loving Ratty, the sensible yet curious Mole, wise old Badger and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. £14.50. Children £10.50.

Lydiard Park

DANCE Monday 10th, 7pm Lydiard Park Academy - Tributes.

After months of rehearsals, they look forward to entertaining you all with tribute dances to many respected artists and groups. £9. U16s £3 off.

Wyvern Monday 17th, 7pm

Rivermead Nature Reserve Family Fun Day Saturday 1st, 10am to 4pm A fun event for families and lovers of the environment in West Swindon. Activities at the site off the River Ray Parkway, close to Shaw Forest Park, include guided walks, minibeast trail and reptiles display. Refreshments available.

Booking is required for admittance.

Please email Gordon Shaw: gordy.grs65@hotmail.com

St Mary's Conservation Project Concert Saturday 15th, 7.30pm Tickets £5 available on the door, all proceeds to St Mary's Church Conservation Project.

An evening of music and poetry presented by Strictly Recorders and Wentworth Voices.

Wanborough Farmers' Market

Saturday 15th, 9am On sale will be vegetables, meat, cold pressed rapeseed oil, honey and preserves, cakes and pies, milk from JoJo's dairy at Lotmead Farm, herbs and other plants, and fairly traded goods.

For more information call Sue or David Birley on 01793 790438 or email: sbirley@gn.apc.org VENUES

Rhythm of the Dance. This incredible live show creates a new era in Irish entertainment, featuring world champion dancers, a traditional Irish band, the handsome Young Irish Tenors and an array of the most talented, gifted cast who keep audiences wowed all over the world. £27.50. £2 off conc. Friends £3 off. Wyvern Friday 21st to Saturday 22nd, 7pm (1pm on 22nd) Kirsty Farrow Dance Academy - Decades. A celebration of 10 successful years of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre classes at the academy. £15.50. £2 off conc.

Wyvern Sunday 23rd, 7.30pm Swindon Dance Summer Gala Performance. Performances by children, young people and adults who participate in weekly classes at Swindon Dance. £15. U16s £9.

Wyvern

Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 The Bohemian Balcony, Jennings Street, Swindon SN2 2BD. Tel: 07874 366256 Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907 Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Email: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

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Swindon Wide

Stratton Festival returns for 2017

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council is holding their popular Stratton Festival on Saturday 22 July, taking place on the back field behind Grange Leisure.

The festival, now in its fifth year, will be free for all to attend, kicking off at midday. Throughout the day there will be various attractions including a dog show

by Drove Vets, live music, dance performances, craft stalls, beer and cider tent, Zumba sessions, circus performers, balloon modelling, face painting, football tournaments and much more.

Stratton Festival’s main objective is to bring the community together and to celebrate all that’s great about living in the area. This popular event brings over 5,000 people together every year, helping to raise money and awareness for local community groups and charities. The children activities

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this year include Twistina and Twistopher, a couple who specialise in balloon modelling, circus acts and face painter. Also, George Scarott’s Fun Fair will be making a special appearance with a bungee run.

As in previous years, food is a huge part of the Stratton Festival and the events team have worked their magic with local suppliers to provide an array of foods from burgers, noodles, curries, fudge stand, ice creams and a waffle company.

The main stage is full from 12pm with Swindon Majorettes opening the show and ending with live music from Kova Me Badd.

If any charities, musicians, community groups, volunteers or local businesses would like to get involved with the event, email Jo or Emily via: events@strattonstmargaret.gov.uk.

... and Stratton will once again Stroll in the summer sun this July The infamous ‘Stratton Stroll’ is back for 2017 on 29 July, and it's all for the Stratton Parish Council chairman's charity.

Attendees will be treated to six stages of live music throughout the Stratton area, as the Wheatsheaf, New Inn, Grange Bar, Kingsdown, Crown and Rat Trap pubs all play host to some of the best musical talent in the local area.

Starting at the Kingsdown from midday, the Stroll will feature

live music from the likes of Ian O'Regan, Blind Lemon Blues, Casual Ties, The Laylow Band, Drew Bryant, Get Carter, Darren Hunt, Mike Barham, Josie and The Outlaw and many more.

Now in it's fifth year, the Stroll is always a chance for the local area to enjoy the sunshine, music and great beer.

For more information and updates on this year's music, visit: strattonstmargeret.gov.uk

Fieldview Festival to return to Wiltshire in August Fieldview Festival, the popular live music and arts event, will return to Little Somerford near Chippenham from 3 – 6 August, offering the best in up-and-coming music, workshops and local produce.

Self-styled as ‘Wiltshire’s biggest little festival’, the former garden party turned 3000 capacity event has built a reputation for its strong charitable ethos and support of UK’s best independent and grassroots artists.

Now in its 11th year, Fieldview has a history of booking acts that are destined for larger stages. This year is no different, with the likes of Clean Cut Kid, Palace, Cousin Kula and

many more.

Dan Cameron, Fieldview Festival Director, explains; “We just try and programme the best quality music we can. We want to surprise people.

We don`t want to select just one genre or style; we want people to discover their new favourite band or try a workshop they would never normally come into contact with.

We’re run by volunteers and we pride ourselves on helping the environment and supporting the local economy.

Over the last 11 years we have raised over £30,000 for various local and international charities.”

For more information visit: fieldviewfestival.co.uk

Swindon Wide

guide to live music in Swindon through July There is so much happening across Swindon during July, but one of the most exciting events for us is the Swindon Shuffle, the multivenue, multi-genre, multi-beverage four day festival that has literally everything, from 12 to 16 July.

The Swindon Shuffle was conceived and founded in 2007

by Richard Craven, Phil Dyson and Paul Jellings from Songs of Praise Promotions, plus Neil Gammon from Black Lava Promotions and Tim McDonald from Yankeeboy Promotions.

Using the basis of already established city centre music festivals like the Camden Crawl, The Great Escape and the Oxford Punt, the aim was and still is to bring together the community to showcase a thriving local music scene.

The idea for the music festival, and inspiration for the festival name, started as a “shuffle� by the crowd between several music venues on one particular night to watch the performing acts, but this had expanded before even the start of the first festival to be a four day event held across many venues.

The 2017 Shuffle, taking place

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at The Victoria, The Beehive, The Tuppenny and The Castle, covers all bases from local up and coming talent like Bradley Cowtan, Misfires and Diagonal People, but also drafts in astonishing talent from neighbouring Wiltshire and Oxfordshire including Tamsin Quin, Catgod and even dragging Swindonian Dreuw back from London.

Headliners for the Saturday night at The Victoria are a particularly special prospect - hip-hop ska collective The Tribe, who have recently announced nine performances at Glastonbury amongst a host of other festival appearances, are hot property right now and will definitely provide a special night of entertainment at the flagship event of this year's Shuffle.

Also, don't miss the Swindon Shuffle Music Quiz at The Beehive on the opening Wednesday 12 July, kicking off the four day run in confusing style.

To keep your finger on the musical pulse in Swindon and further afield, pick up your copy of The Ocelot in venues at the end of each month, or head to: www.theocelot.co.uk

Service Sector - Your guide to local services

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Service Sector - Your guide to local services

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Service Sector - Your guide to local services

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Puzzles and Letters

Viewpoint Your opportunity to have your say about the issues. Send in your letter to publisher@swindonlink.com with 'Letter' in the subject.

Dear Sir/Madam, I refer to the article on page 31 of the June LINK Magazine entitled "Art meets history in latest heritage magazine."

The article is in error in that the cover picture of the Heritage magazine for June does not depict a Great Western locomotive at all.

Mr Tiley, in the article, states that he prefers LMS locomotive designs to Great Western ones; that is exactly what is on the cover. The article also refers to Sir William Stanier. The locomotive (great painting) is one of Sir William Stanier's LMS designs. It was neither designed, nor built at Swindon. It is one of the Stanier 'Black Fives', a 4-6-0 mixed traffic design, and one of the most numerous and successful locomotives ever to run in Britain.

It does have a Swindon connection in that it was designed by Mr Stanier, a former Swindon man, as is correctly pointed out.

These locomotives were designed

by Mr Stanier and his team when he was Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London Midland and

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Scottish Railway and introduced in the 1930's. They were an immediate success and were built not just by the LMS itself but also by outside locomotive builders, such as Armstrong Whitworth, for the LMS. None were built at Swindon, unlike Mr Stanier's contemporary 8F 2-8-0 freight locomotive which was built in large numbers, to Government order, for the war effort during World War II, and which were built at the workshops of all the Big Four railway companies at works such as Brighton, Crewe, Darlington, Doncaster and of course Swindon, being used both in Britain and overseas, most notably in North Africa, operated by the Royal Engineers. Towards the end of steam some Stanier locomotives were overhauled at Swindon, I saw them there myself, most notably the 2-6-0 Mogul type, such as 42975, which I distinctly remember seeing in 1964.

The 'Black Fives', so called because they were only ever painted black and were power class 5MT (mixed traffic), eventually ran to a total of 842 locomotives,

the largest single class to ever run as a class on British Railways.

(There were more Great Western 0-6-0T Pannier tanks in number, but they were of several different types.) Although mainly keeping to LMS territory and later the corresponding British Railways London Midland Region, they could nonetheless be seen all over the country, from Wick and Kyle of Lochalsh (where they held a virual monopoly on the 'Skye Line') in the far north of Scotland, to the south coast of England. They were well-liked and good performers, and lasted to the very end of steam on the main lines of this country in 1968, taking part in the very last steam run, the 'Fifteen Guinea Special'.

In some ways the Stanier LMS designs, particularly his Black Five, 8F Freight 2-8-0, 2-6-4 tank locomotives and Princess Coronation Pacifics, were a development of and carried on from Swindon practice, moving design forward when the Great Western was to some extent stagnating, albeit with a wonderful range of locomotives

that lasted until the end of steam.

GJ Churchward was the great designer of the GWR, and one of the greatest of all, and he set the standard for others to follow. He gave the GWR such a good range of standard locomotives that the two subsequent Chief Mechanical Enginees at Swindon, Collett and Hawkesworth, really only perpetuated the same designs or improved upon them a little. Not everyone, particularly Swindon devotees, would agree with that I know.

Sir William was also a gentleman. he would talk to and listen to ordinary workers, and would accept that he might not always be right.

I hope the foregoing is of interest and is accepted in the spirit in which it is intended. I have not set out to be critical, but it is one of those things that when we railway enthusiasts see something so glaringly wrong (to a railway enthusiast, most people would be none the wiser) we have to point it out.

Yours faithfully Richard Hodder, Larchmore Close Swindon