No 121 November 2026
GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to homes across Swindon with Est. overall print & online readership of 105,000
Swindon
LINK Your Community Magazine
South & East Edition
A focus on Care p16
swindonlink.com
Jack and The Beanstalk comes to Swindon for this year's panto p24
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 1
16/10/2026 10:36
MORE WAYS TO PLAY IN SWINDON Discover a world of fun for all ages at better.org.uk/link-centre
Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 2
16/10/2026 10:36
Editor's Note By Jamie Hill
Powerful Swindon campaign launched to highlight the loss of a loved one from knife crime By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
Swindonian Jordan Turner has launched 'The Empty Chair' campaign on the fifth anniversary of her brother Lee's fatal stabbing. Lee Turner, 33, from Park North died from a single stab wound to the chest in Gorse Hill on 10 October 2021. After a long, glorious summer The Empty Chair campaign the cold is now starting to uses each family’s actual chair really come in which means it's as a visual representation of time to start thinking ahead to the person who should still be Christmas. sitting there. Lee’s chair will As usual there's a whole form part of the campaign plethora of festivities going alongside chairs representing on in the town over the next other lives lost. few weeks in the run-up to the His sister Jordan said: "I’m season. launching a new campaign We've got everything from here in Swindon called The light switch-ons to Jack and Empty Chair. The idea came the Beanstalk. There will be from my own experience of no reason to not feel jolly in losing my brother, Lee Turner, Swindon this year. who died in Swindon on 10 It's also a time of year October 2021. when you see Swindon at its "Five years on, I found myself most generous with plenty of thinking about how easily charitable organisations across people who have lost their the town going all out to help the lives through knife crime can less fortunate, especially as the become another statistic or an cold really starts to bite. old news story. As always we implore you also "But for the families left to try out our sister publication behind, they are never old The Ink, our subscription-based news. Lee was my brother. news service, where analytical He was a son, uncle, partner and longform news gets sent and friend. He was funny, directly to your inbox and costs caring, loud, loving and a £5.99 a month. It's a labour of huge character. There is still an love for all of us here and we're empty space where he should sure you'll find it worth your be. while. "That is where The Empty Find it at theinkswindon. Chair came from. substack.com "Lee’s actual chair has
Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson Reporter: Amanda Wilkins Sales Manager: Rosy Presley Business Development: Tanya Tymofeienko Accounts Manager: Karen Hewitt-Dean Contributors: Tyler Ody, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett
ADVERTISING Call 01793 644540 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for December adverts and editorial: 13 November December edition published: 27 November Our Statistics Est. Readership of 105,000 in print & online visitors. Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £49.
Positive Media Group Limited, Suite J, Fairview House, 43 Bath Road, Swindon SN1 4AS
T: 01793 644540 Email: publisher@swindonlink.com
Lee and his sister Jordan
become part of the campaign, and it will be taken to the venue where Lee was killed. For me, that makes the chair more than just a campaign image. It represents the person who should still be here and the permanent space his death left behind." The campaign brings together bereaved families from different parts of the country, including families connected with Charlie Cosser in Surrey and Rhamero ‘Mero’ West in Greater Manchester. Every chair represents a different person and a different family. But the message is the same: They are not statistics. They are people. Jordan had previously
founded Change Lives, No to Knives after losing Lee. The non-profit organisation works on knife-crime awareness and prevention through education, community work, youth engagement and practical safety initiatives. Jordan has taken the charity’s work into schools and communities and into Parliament, including bleedcontrol awareness and training with MPs. The charity has also received awards and worked with organisations and supporters on prevention and community projects. Jordan said: "I hope The Empty Chair makes people stop for a moment and think about the families left behind."
The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority. Positive Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers.
Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Suite J, Fairview House, 43 Bath Road, Swindon SN1 4AS Printed by Warners Midlands PLC
UPCOMING FEATURE
In November it will be our annual Pets Feature. To advertise alongside please get in contact
Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 644540 swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 3
3
16/10/2026 10:36
News from SBC Gritting teams ready for winter as colder weather arrives Swindon’s gritting teams are now officially on standby to help keep the borough’s roads as safe as possible during the colder months. When icy conditions are forecast, gritting teams will treat around 210 miles of Swindon’s busiest roads. The council has eight gritting lorries and eight snow ploughs available throughout the winter, ensuring key
routes can be treated quickly when needed. Residents are encouraged to check local salt boxes ahead of severe weather and report any that need refilling. To check whether a road is on a gritting route, to find salt boxes nearby, or report an issue, visit the council’s website and search ‘gritting’.
Financial support available for residents struggling with living costs With household bills, food and energy costs continuing to put pressure on budgets, Swindon Borough Council is reminding residents of the financial support available to help them manage the cost of living. The Crisis and Resilience Fund, which runs until March 2029, provides support to lowincome households facing unexpected financial difficulties. The council has been allocated £8.3m in Government funding over three years to help residents facing financial hardship and support longer-term financial resilience. So far, 310 awards have been approved through the fund, providing £68,971 in direct financial support to residents. Support available through the fund includes crisis payments to help with essential costs, housing payments for those struggling to meet housing costs, and services to help residents manage their finances and build financial confidence.
Alongside the fund, the council’s website provides information on 20 practical ways residents can access financial support, including help with energy bills, Council Tax, food costs, benefits and debt advice. Search “Help if you’re struggling with living costs” on the council’s website for more information.
Help shape the future of council services Local people are being invited to help improve how they access information, contact the council and receive support by joining Swindon Borough Council’s new Resident Experience Design Network. The network will give people the opportunity to share their experiences of using council services, including what works well and what can make it difficult to find information, reach the right team or get the help they need. Members will be able to test ideas, review forms and processes, and help shape future changes designed to make services easier to use. The council is keen to hear from a wide range of residents, including people who contact the council in different ways, those who find digital services challenging, and residents with accessibility or communication needs. No specialist knowledge or previous experience is needed to take part. Anyone interested in getting involved can find out more and sign up at www.swindon.gov. uk/helpusimprove
More local foster carers needed to help children feel safe, supported and at home Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, loved and connected to the people and places that matter most to them. For children who are unable to live with their families, foster carers provide that stability, helping them develop relationships and create a sense of belonging. With 335 children in Swindon’s care as of May, there is a growing need for more local foster carers who can offer children a supportive home and help them stay connected to their communities. Currently, around half of children in care are living more than 20 miles from Swindon due to a shortage of local foster carers. While every placement is carefully matched to a child’s needs, being further from home can make it harder for children and young people to maintain important connections with family members, friends, 4
swindonlink.com n
schools and support networks. The importance of fostering was highlighted at Swindon’s Fostering Summit, which brought together councillors, council officers, foster carers and partners to explore how more people can be encouraged and supported to foster locally. Alongside the summit, the Through Their Eyes exhibition showcased artwork and creative contributions from children in care and foster carers, offering a powerful insight into the experiences, challenges and achievements of those involved in fostering. Many people are surprised to learn that fostering is open to people from all walks of life. Whether someone is single, married, working, retired, renting or owns their own home, they may be able to provide the stability and encouragement a child needs. Importantly, no one fosters alone.
Foster carers receive extensive support throughout their journey, including specialist training, a dedicated fostering social worker, 24-hour support, experienced foster carer mentors and peer support networks. Competitive financial allowances, respite support and access to specialist services are also available The council’s ambition is to increase the number of active foster carers in Swindon from 67 to 84 by 2029, helping more children remain close to their schools, friendships and local communities. Anyone who has ever considered fostering, even briefly, is encouraged to find out more. A simple conversation with the fostering team could be the first step towards making a lasting difference to the life of a local child. To learn more, search ‘fostering’ on the council website.
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 4
16/10/2026 10:36
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 5
16/10/2026 10:36
The day the music died - a tribute to John Holmes By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
John Holmes 1933 2026 Well-known businessman and family man John Holmes, of Holmes Music, has died at the age of 93.
In Swindon if there was one name that is synonymous with the town’s music scene it would be John Holmes, the founder of Holmes Music. Since its opening in 1963 his business Holmes Music, now based on Faringdon Road, was, and still is, the central hub for musicians across the town. An Aladdin’s cave of instruments and every other thing a musician could possibly need, any musician worth their salt would have passed through the doors of the shop at some point and come into contact with John. John will be remembered by many as the man who helped them with their every musical need and they will also remember his passion for music and how he championed as many musicians as possible. John is survived by his wife Jean, his brother Tony, sons Paul, Alan and Peter, grandchildren Kerry, Lindsey, Lauren, Freya, Tillie, Chloe and Mitchell, and his many greatgrandchildren. The shop was at the centre of the family’s life with Paul, Alan and Peter working there to this day. But it was only by chance that the shop came into being in the first place as it actually started as a driving school in Morse Street. A friend asked if John would help sell his accordion by putting it in the window of the driving school. It sold pretty quickly and this got John thinking… and so Holmes Music was born. As the business grew, a relocation to 11 Faringdon Road (now Darkroom Espresso) happened a few years later. By 1970 a larger premises was 6
swindonlink.com n
needed, so another move a few doors along to 21-23 was made. It didn’t stop there. At its peak, John’s music empire had shops in Bristol, Oxford and Cheltenham plus additional outlets in Swindon’s Brunel centre and a concession in the Debenhams department store. Alan said: “The shop became one of the top dealers for Yamaha in the UK. Dad and mum went all around the world with all the different companies like Technics and Yamaha. He was seen as one of the top music dealers in the country. “He saw so many musicians come through the shop over the years. We had customers like Andy Scott from Sweet, Julian Cope and the members of XTC, Justin Hayward and even Jamie Cullum. “He was also such a good musician himself on the organ. Most of the stuff he did musically was for charity raising thousands of pounds. “He was a workaholic, in the best way, and was rightfully proud of what he created. Music and customer service were in his blood and these things remained his driving force throughout. A lot of his customers became his friends, and he ended up outliving most of them! “Thank you to all our customers and friends for your lovely messages. It would have meant so much to dad to know that he was held in such fond memories.” John’s love of music started back when he was eight years of age when his mother bought him a little piano accordion. The young John soon became skilled enough to perform in public, both solo and in groups
such as The New Era Swingtett and the Johnnie Holmes Band. He later began playing the electronic organ, and performed for local community groups and good causes throughout the years. After leaving school, John began training as an electrician – and continued that training during a four-year stint in the RAF which included a posting to Egypt during the early stirrings of rebellion over the Suez Canal. Jean said: “He played the accordian so well. He played the accordian in Egypt with a chameleon on his shoulder. He was very popular.” In 1958, he started The Safedrive School of Motoring in Morse Street, which grew to have a fleet of seven cars, but then came the chain of events which saw the young man fulfil his true ambition when a friend asked him to display his
accordian. Back in an interview for the Swindon Advertiser in 2017, he told Barrie Hudson:“I always wanted to have a music shop, but funds weren’t there at the time. It was the driving school that helped me put the funds together to afford to go into the music business. One thing that John will be remembered for is his charity work. Alan said: “He always did so much for charity during his life. A role that I have taken on since. Any big event in Swindon we used to be at the centre of it. “He also had a great love of cars and boats but it was family that was his true love after music. He was such a good dad to us all. Music was his life though. It was his passion. “He will be missed by so many people as he touched the lives of so many.”
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 6
16/10/2026 10:36
New MRI services launching in December 2026
Refer yourself to our fast diagnostic services and get it sorted. Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Devizes offer a range of diagnostic scans, whether you are funding your own treatment, referred by your private clinician or your private health insurance provider, get answers sooner and start treatment fast.
Services include: MRI
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)*
Ultrasound
X-ray
Ultrasound guided injections (USGI)
Echocardiogram / ECG
(platelet rich plasma, arthrosamid, hyluronic acid)
CT Scan*
Endoscopy Free on-site parking
*CT and CBCT services are carried out at Emersons Green Hospital and require a clinician referral.
Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Devizes Bookings: privatepatient@practiceplusgroup.com or speak to one of our friendly advisors on 01380 400 202 today. SE November 26 Master pages.indd 7
16/10/2026 10:36
The South Swindon Parish Council Column Two New Weekly Youth Activities at Broadgreen Community Centre. South Swindon Parish Council has introduced two new weekly sessions at Broadgreen Community Centre, providing young people with opportunities to get active, make friends and enjoy activities after school. Broadgreen Play Sessions and Broadgreen Youth Space take place every Thursday Slimming World
WROUGHTON Wroughton Club, Bulls Court, 15 Devizes Road, SN4 0SA Mondays 4:15 & 5:15pm
RODBOURNE CHENEY Western Community Centre, Somerset Road SN2 1NF Wednesdays 8am, 9:30am, 4pm, 5:30pm & 7pm STRATTON Stratton Churchway Bowls Club, Grange Drive, SN3 4JY Fridays at 7:30am, 9am & 10:30am
CALL KAZ ON 07728 711164
Home care with more get-up and go Contact Walfinch: 01793 380777
swindon@walfinch.com
at Broadgreen Community Centre, SN1 2AU. Both sessions are free to attend and aim to provide young people with a welcoming environment to socialise, try new activities and get involved. Broadgreen Play Sessions – Thursdays, 4:30pm – 5:30pm Broadgreen Play Sessions are designed for young people aged 11–16 and offer a range of games, sports and physical activities suitable for all abilities. Developed by the parish council's activity facilitators, the sessions encourage young people to get active, learn new games and develop their confidence through play. The sessions also make use of Broadgreen Box, a shared community equipment store containing games and sports equipment for local residents to access. The play sessions aim to encourage young people to play safely and independently. All equipment is provided, and no advance booking is required. Participants will need
parental consent to sign up and should wear suitable clothing and footwear. Broadgreen Youth Space – Thursdays, 5:30pm – 7pm Immediately following the Play Sessions, Broadgreen Youth Space opens its doors to those aged 11 and over. The new Youth Space provides somewhere for young people to spend their Thursday evenings, meet others and enjoy activities including arts and crafts, games and socialising. A key part of the new initiative is giving young people the opportunity to shape the space themselves. Youth workers are encouraging attendees to share their ideas about what activities, equipment and opportunities they would like to see, helping to create a space that reflects their interests and needs. Both sessions form part of the council's ongoing work to provide opportunities for young people and strengthen local communities. www.southswindon-pc.gov.uk Slimming World
Discover UK & European Holiday Destinations, By Coach!
NEW 2027 HOLIDAY
BROCHURE COMING SOON!
01793 821303
barnescoaches.co.uk REQUEST YOUR FREE BROCHURE TODAY!
8
swindonlink.com n
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 8
16/10/2026 10:36
Bayeux Around Britain coming to STEAM By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
Did you know last month marked the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings which took place on 14 October 1066? King Harold was killed during the battle, famously depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry as taking an arrow to the eye, but is that what really happened? Come and see a full-scale printed reproduction of the battle and immerse yourself in 70m of historical drama and the story of England’s most famous year in history from 10-19 November at STEAM, as part of Bayeux Around Britain, a British Museum partnership, supported by WorldQuant. For the first time since it was made nearly 1,000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry has actually returned to England and is on display in the British Museum until July next year. And it is a replica of this tapestry that will be on display
at STEAM. This monumental embroidery tells the dramatic story of a moment that changed England forever. No year in the country's history is more famous than 1066. It was the last time England was successfully invaded, and it is the year from which the modern monarchy dates itself. And there is no other object that is as instantly recognisable, as studied in schools and as copied by artists as the Bayeux Tapestry. One of the wonders of the medieval world, the Tapestry offers a vision of life in 11thcentury England both before and after the Conquest, from castles, warfare and ships to clothing, food and furniture. Likely commissioned by a Norman patron and made by English embroiderers, using manuscript drawings from Canterbury, the Tapestry is both a precious historical record and a remarkable work of art.
Cllr Matt Vallender Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “We’re proud that STEAM Museum has been chosen as a host venue for Bayeux Around Britain. This exhibition will give people the chance to get up close to a fullscale, 70 metre, reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry and
explore one of the most important events in English history. I’d encourage residents and visitors alike to come along and experience this unique attraction while it’s in Swindon.” Find out more and buy tickets at - www.steam-museum.org. uk/event/bayeux-aroundbritain
OPEN EVENING! Swindon Academy United College Sixth Form Thursday Thursday 12th 12th November November 6 6 -- 8pm 8pm Come to our Open Evening to: Meet students and teaching staff See our amazing facilities Explore our Scholars Programme for bright sparks aiming for Oxbridge and Russell Group universities Try your hand (and brain) at games Discover our Career Pathways Clinic and Advice
swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 9
9
16/10/2026 10:36
£30m fundraising milestone for vital organisation
Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation has now awarded more than £30 million in grants. The achievement marks a major milestone in its 51year history and reflects the generosity of local people and organisations who have helped strengthen communities across Swindon and Wiltshire for more than five decades. Joint Chief Executive Vicky Hickey said: “Passing £30 million in grantmaking is a significant milestone for us, but what really matters is what that £30 million has made possible for people and communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. “For more than 50 years, local people, businesses and partners have chosen to give through the foundation because they want to make a difference where they live. "Our role is to connect that generosity with the local charities, community organisations and voluntary groups that understand their communities and are creating change every day. “Reaching £30 million shows what local generosity can achieve, but there is still so much more to do. "The needs of our communities continue to change and we need people and organisations to continue giving alongside us so that we can respond to those needs, both now and in the years ahead." To find out more, including how to give locally or access funding and support, people can visit www.wscf.org.uk 10
swindonlink.com n
Swindon Lions Fireworks Display to take over Polo Ground By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com Swindon Lions Club will be holding its annual fireworks show on Saturday 7 November at the Polo Ground, Marlborough Road. This year The Lions welcome Atom Fireworks, who will be putting on a spectacular display. In addition to the Fireworks display, BBC Radio Wiltshire and Pudsey, there will be a funfair as well as food and drink stalls. Entry will be by tickets purchased in advance only and these can either be bought from the One Stop Shop, Guildford Avenue, Lawns or on-line at swindonlions.org/ fireworks/ The net proceeds from the fireworks display will be used by the Lions Club for a variety of charitable causes. The gates will open for the funfair from 5pm, while the
fireworks display will begin promptly at 6.45pm. Tickets are priced at £12 for adults (16 and over), £6 for children aged 5-15 and £28 for families with a maximum of two adults and three payingage children. Visitors are asked to note that children aged four and under will be admitted free and do not need paper tickets, but free online tickets are available for
them. The public are asked not to bring animals to the event. Full details, including parking arrangements and safety regulations for visitors, can be found on the website. Information about arrangements for disabled access can be obtained by emailing contact@swindonlions. org
Howarth, Pat Herring, John Firmin, Linda Kasmaty and Sam James attended to pay their respects. The awareness day was hosted by RWK Goodman as part of HASAG's 20 for 20 series. Queen’s Park councillor John Firmin said: “South Swindon Parish was pleased to host the event in Queen's Park at the Mesothelioma Garden. "First opened in 2003, it was refurbished in 2024 using a plan made by Richard Pinchon,
our Head Gardener. The garden provides a space for reflection and remembrance.” South Swindon MP Heidi Alexander said: "It was an honour to take part in an event at Queen’s Park recently to mark National Mesothelioma Awareness Day." The MP said that she often spoke proudly of Swindon's industrial heritage, but she was always aware that for some people the cost of that heritage was profound and personal.
Parish Councillors and MP attend Mesothelioma Awareness Day By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com
South Swindon Parish Councillors joined residents, representatives and support organisations at Queen's Park for Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and other organs, is sometimes referred to as the Swindon Disease because of its prevalence among former Railway Works workers who handled asbestos. The awareness event took place at the Mesothelioma Memorial Garden, with a large number of people gathered to remember those affected by mesothelioma, raise awareness of the disease, and show their support for families and communities impacted by it. Queen's Park is managed and maintained by South Swindon Parish Council. Parish Councillors Janine
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 10
16/10/2026 10:36
LYFE POWER + PILATES
PADEL X PILATES
SUN 8TH NOV | 10:30 - 12:30
Round one sold out. Round two is here. Stretch it with LYFE Pilates, smash it on our courts.
£20 per ticket @padel_nova
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 11
Padel Nova, Rivermead Drive, Westlea, Swindon, SN5 7EX
BOOK NOW! Limited spaces
16/10/2026 10:37
Vygon Christmas Fayre returns to Swindon
Next phase of Wichelstowe development reaches significant milestone
Work could soon start on the next phase of Wichelstowe, Get into the festive spirit and Swindon’s landmark new join Vygon UK for an evening housing development, which that celebrates everything continues to deliver thousands great about our local of much-needed new homes. community. A total of 616 homes will be Vygon UK is delighted to built after Swindon Borough welcome residents, local Council’s Cabinet agreed businesses and community to authorise the transfer groups to its Christmas Fayre of the next phase of land on Thursday 3 December at to the developer. This will the Pierre Simonet Building in frame construction and energy pleased my Cabinet colleagues see the completion of the Swindon. Visitors can enjoy generation features such as agreed to authorise the Canalside and Wichel Fields festive shopping, seasonal photovoltaic panels. Every transfer of land for this next developments located in refreshments and unique gifts home will also have an electric phase of the development as it Middle Wichel as well as The from local traders, all while car charging point available as represents another significant Orchards development in West supporting three fantastic standard. The developed areas step forward for Wichelstowe. causes: Swindon Foodbank, The Wichel. will continue to provide homes “These new homes, together The new homes will range Scouts and STEPS. for Wichelstowe’s wildlife, with with improved infrastructure, With free entry, free parking from one-bedroom apartments this phase seeing hundreds of green spaces and affordable up to five-bedroom detached and a warm community swift bricks, bat boxes and housing, will help meet local properties. Of these, 94 atmosphere, it’s a wonderful hedgehog highways provided demand while continuing homes will be offered to new opportunity to come together, and hundreds of street trees to build the vibrant and support local organisations and residents as either shared planted. sustainable community that has start the festive season in style. ownership or affordable rent The approval will also trigger been taking shape over recent through an affordable housing Visit www.vygon.co.uk for the start of work to design the years. provider. more information final phase of Wichelstowe “With the final phase now This phase will also see the which will be known as The moving into the design stage, Swindon school marks completion of the primary road Meadows. we remain firmly focused on first year of performing network through Wichelstowe The Wichelstowe delivering one of the UK’s with Wichel Way connecting arts partnership development is being built leading urban extensions right the site from East to West. An by Barratt Homes Bristol and here in Swindon.” A Swindon primary school is expansion of the canal network David Wilson Redrow South Russell Glimstead, Barratt celebrating a successful first is also planned, with the phase West in partnership with Redrow Regional Managing year of working with Revolution including the connection under Swindon Borough Council Director for the West region Performing Arts (RPA). Mill Lane. which will deliver 3,000 new and Wichelstowe LLP Board The partnership gives The open spaces around homes along with new schools Chair, added: “This is a pupils the opportunity to the site will continue to be and community facilities. crucial next step which sees build confidence and express improved with new footpaths The 250-hectare site on the the completion of the new themselves through singing, installed and the next phase of southern edge of Swindon will communities which have been dancing and drama. the boardwalk extending South include extensive open spaces, taking shape over the initial RPA began delivering weekly to pick up connections into the nature conservation areas, six years of the Wichelstowe sessions at Gorse Hill Primary new housing parcels. playing pitches and allotments. partnership. School in October 2025 and Sustainability remains a Cllr Matty Courtliff, Swindon “We’re excited to deliver around 20 children now attend key focus with homes built Borough Council’s Cabinet this phase and also to look the hour-long class each week. to the latest standards, Member for Housing and ahead and start planning the Founder Fi Da Silva-Adams including modern building Property, said: “I am really development in The Meadows.” has watched the group grow techniques such as timber in confidence over the last 12 months, culminating in the Swindon-based UKSBS shortlisted for two national awards children performing alongside UK Shared Business Services has been recognised in the of areas, including leadership, other RPA groups at Swindon's (UKSBS), the Swindon-based categories 'Payroll Team of resilience, service excellence, Wyvern Theatre in July. shared services organisation the Year', for the Fusion Payroll sustainability and teamwork. “We have some little ones and local employer, has Team and 'Shared Services Tim Knight, Chief Operating who wouldn't sing in front of been shortlisted for two Centre of the Year'. Officer, said: "Being shortlisted their friends at first, so we'd awards at this year's Future The Future Vision Awards in two categories is a brilliant find ways to make it feel less Vision Awards, hosted by the celebrate the people, teams achievement and a reflection daunting while still giving Shared Services Forum, the and shared service centres of the hard work and them their moment in the membership body for shared making a real difference dedication shown by colleagues spotlight,” said Fi. “Over time services across the UK. across the sector. across UKSBS every day." we've watched that confidence The organisation, They recognise achievement grow.” headquartered in Swindon, and innovation across a range 12 swindonlink.com n November 2026 SE November 26 Master pages.indd 12
16/10/2026 10:37
High quality, person-centred care services in the comfort of your own home. Continuity of care with regular Care Professionals Less rushed support with minimum one hour visits Set, scheduled visits at exact times Care based around individual needs and routines Friendly, trained and compassionate teams Stress-free consultation and set up process We fit in with you... not the other way around!
Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wroughton, Chiseldon, Highworth, Blunsdon, Cricklade, Shrivenham, Watchfield, Faringdon, Wantage, Grove
We are changing the way society cares for older adults, by revolutionising the home care industry Personal Care Dementia Care Clinical Care Companionship Specialist Care Live-in Care Scan here Nail Care to enquire Swindon & Vale of White Horse www.homeinstead.co.uk/office/swindon 01793 232585
“Making Life Better”
Is your pet slowing down? It might be more than old age. Cold, wet weather can make joint pain and stiffness more noticeable. Changes in movement, reluctance to jump or shorter walks could be signs of arthritis. We can help you manage all stages of arthritis with:
✓ Nutritional supplements ✓ Laser therapy ✓ Pain & inflammation management ✓ Physiotherapy ✓ PRP & stem cell therapy ✓ Protective joint implants
Talk to our team about arthritis support.
01793 526780 thameswoodvets.co.uk
Scan the QR code to book!
Purton Road | Greenbridge Road | Royal Wootton Bassett
swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 13
13
16/10/2026 10:37
Welcome to Bridlewood Primary School! "A place for learning, sharing, caring and growing together"
At Bridlewood Primary School, we are proud to offer a warm and welcoming environment where children are at the heart of everything we do. Our pupils are known for being happy, polite, and well-behaved, and they thrive in a setting that fosters a genuine love of learning.
School Profile: Bridlewood Primary School and Nursery Address: Chartwell Road, Swindon SN25 2EX Website: www.bridlewoodprimaryschool.org.uk Email: admin@bridlewood.org.uk Contact: 01793 706830
What We Offer: • A happy, caring and supportive school • • • •
environment A rich, topic-based curriculum that inspires curiosity and independence A strong focus on personal development and core values A close-knit school community where everyone is known and valued Active involvement of parents, carers and the wider community
Our Curriculum: We aim to engage every learner through a curriculum that is both creative and challenging. Our topic-based approach encourages children to explore, ask questions, and develop confidence in their learning. We believe in: • Valuing effort as well as •
•
• •
•
achievement Encouraging independence and teamwork Supporting children to take risks and learn from mistakes Promoting curiosity and active learning Providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of ability Respecting others’ values and beliefs
We are a popular school with a dedicated team of staff who work tirelessly to support and inspire every child. Our ethos is built on the strong core values of respect, responsibility, and honesty, which guide our approach to teaching, learning, and relationships. 14
swindonlink.com n
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 14
16/10/2026 10:37
THERON LIGHTWEIGHT
Scooter Exclusively supplied to the UK market by Urathon
90760
Range
Carbon
Only 16kg
9.4 miles per battery
Max weight 150kg
NEW & in Stock! The lightweight, folding Theron Power Scooter is now in stock (carbon only) at our UK warehouse. Order yours today for immediate delivery. Discover effortless mobility with this lightweight folding scooter, combining sleek modern design with a full carbon-fibre easy-fold frame weighing just 16kg.
NEW colour options!
Exceptionally portable and simple to store, the Theron is ideal for everyday use and travel.
Introducing our beautiful, new colour options British Racing Green and Electric Blue - available to order now and ready for delivery in November.
Comfort features include padded upholstery and fold-up, removable armrests, while clear, easy-touse controls offer horn, speed adjustment and indicators for confident riding. Quiet 180w motors provide smooth performance and a range of up to 9.4 miles per battery.
Available for delivery November 2026
90770 Green
90771 Blue
Place your order today to ensure you’re the first to own the Theron Power Scooter in one of these exciting new colours.
Order yours today!
Order yours today!
Contact us today to place your order
Tel: 01249 760581 | sales@urathon.com | www.urathon.com
Urathon - Theron - A4 advert.indd 1
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 15
16/09/2026 16:07
16/10/2026 10:37
A focus on care With a rapidly increasing population who need care in Swindon it is vital that we are aware of the genuinely good care facilities in the town and its surrounding area. When you need care it becomes all about the quality of life and ensuring that you are in the right hands for your needs. According to Swindon Borough Council, adult social care in the town is improving. In a recent report the council’s adult care provision missed out on a 'good' rating by a single point following the council’s first inspection under the new Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulatory framework. If you would like to help out, the council is currently recruiting for support workers (days and nights) and care assistants. Find out more at www.jobs.swindon.gov.uk
Ridgeway Rise: exceptional care in an established home Ridgeway Rise Care Home is a purposebuilt care home that offers luxury living together with exceptional Residential, Nursing, Respite and Dementia Care delivered by an experienced team. Situated in Blunsdon St Andrew, the home enjoys beautiful, sweeping views of West Swindon. Providing accommodation for up to 73 residents, with each attractively decorated bedroom featuring an en-suite wet room, while all décor and furniture have been carefully selected to provide a welcoming and homely feel. At Ridgeway Rise, the friendly, professional team ensure every day is as interesting and enjoyable as possible for every resident, combining the highest level of care with a variety of fulfilling activities, designed to enhance well-being and a sense of routine. A private minibus ensures regular days out, locally and further afield, are enjoyed often.
The home also boasts a wide range of exceptional features, including luxury en-suite bedrooms, chef-prepared quality dining, hair and beauty salon, cinema room and comfortably stylish living areas. Externally, Ridgeway Rise features landscaped gardens, perfect for al-fresco dining in fair weather. Ridgeway Rise Home Manager, Bella Balaci, said: “We understand that choosing to move to a care home can be daunting decision, which is why at Ridgeway Rise Care Home, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our doors are always open, and we extend a heartfelt welcome to prospective residents and their families to explore our care home, meet our team, and find out whether Ridgeway Rise is right for them. “We believe in looking after more than just the care needs of our residents, and prioritise enhancing wellbeing – encouraging both active body and mind.
“We are truly proud to be a real home-from-home for our residents. We believe that a great family is what makes a house a home: prioritising connections with loved ones, a true community, and companionship with fellow residents.” Ridgeway Rise boasts the highest review score of 10 from highly revered review site carehome.co.uk, testament to the care home’s dedication to providing the highest quality of life for each and every resident. To find out more about Ridgeway Rise, visit www.ridgewayrise.com or call 01793 987730.
The right care for your loved ones with Healthcare Homes Transforming lives with
At Healthcare Homes, we’re proud to provide the highest level of bespoke care across our services: Residential homes, nursing homes, homecare, livein care and specialist services. Founded in 2005, our mission has always been to deliver exceptional care where dignity is respected, talents and interests nurtured, and physical, emotional and social wellbeing supported. We are proudly recognised in industry awards across our homes. Our hard work and dedication is also recognised by independent review sites. We feature in the top 20 of care home UK providers by independent review site carehome.co.uk Throughout our homes, we take great pride in providing tailored care to each and every person we support. We do this by working closely with those in need of care, their families and friends. Together, we create unique care plans to ensure we deliver the most beneficial care and support, whilst honouring our residents' aspirations, wants, likes and dislikes. We believe it’s our dedication to delivering the most individualised, 16 swindonlink.com n November 2026 SE November 26 Master pages.indd 16
personal care to all our residents that makes us stand out, and ensures our residents enjoy living their lives to their fullest potential. We have two care homes in and around Swindon. Ladymead Care Home is located in a beautiful rural area of Wroughton. The home is only a short drive from Swindon centre and there is easy access to local transport. Ladymead is a purpose-built home providing residential and nursing care to the elderly. It is a very friendly and happy home with an extended family feel. Kingsmead Care Home is located in the Old Town area of Swindon. The home has a selection of lounges, a quiet sitting room, and communal areas where activities are often held. The meal experience is excellent at Kingsmead, with our chef and catering team working hard to create meals that are both nutritious and tasty, using fresh seasonal ingredients. The care home manager is a registered nurse and has heavy involvement with residents and the day-to-day running of the home. Call 01793 387330 or visit healthcarehomes.co.uk
Dressability
Swindon residents living with disabilities, mobility challenges or long-term health conditions are being encouraged to discover the support offered by local charity Dressability. The charity provides clothing adaptations and alterations designed to help people dress more easily, comfortably, and independently. Dressability supports adults and children by adapting clothing to help solve everyday challenges: from replacing buttons and zips with easier-to-manage magnetic or Velcro fastenings, altering garments for postural or limb differences to adapting clothing for wheelchair users. Solutions like these make a vast difference to daily life and confidence. Clients are welcome to visit their fully accessible office in West Swindon or alternatively they offer home visits. As a registered charity, the service is generously subsidised to ensure alterations are affordable for all who need them. Visit the website at www.dressability.org.uk or call on 01793 512878. Bradbury House, Westmead Drive, Swindon SN5 7ER (9am-3pm Mon-Fri)
16/10/2026 10:37
A focus on care Third Age Moves: Helping people move forward with care and consideration At Third Age Moves, we understand that later life transitions can feel overwhelming. That’s why our service is built around patience, dignity and genuine human care. We don’t simply move belongings - we support older and vulnerable people through every stage of downsizing, organising and relocating, always at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful. Many clients come to us not for a full move, but for help sorting a lifetime of possessions, making decisions, or restoring calm and order at home. We offer steady, practical assistance: decluttering rooms, organising paperwork, preparing a property for safer living, or coordinating every detail of a relocation. For some, the greatest relief is knowing they can hand the whole process to us. Our team provides continuity, kindness and clear communication from start to finish. Contact Olivia or James: 01793 201100 - enquiries@thirdagemoves.co.uk
Great care starts with great relationships
When it comes to care at home, it's not just about the support someone receives – it's about who is there to provide it. At Home Instead Swindon & Vale of White Horse, we believe that great care is built on trust, familiarity and meaningful relationships. That's why continuity of care is at the heart of everything we do. We know how important it is to see a familiar face. Someone who remembers how you like your cup of tea, knows your favourite stories, understands your routines and notices when something isn't right. Our Care Professionals are carefully matched with clients based on their personalities, interests and individual needs. With visits lasting a minimum of one hour, there's time to do more than simply complete tasks. For families, that familiarity brings reassurance. For clients, it brings comfort, independence and a sense of belonging. Proudly rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, we're passionate about providing care that feels personal, never rushed or unfamiliar. Call 01793 232585.
New MRI service at Practice Plus Devizes Surgical Centre is proud to launch its new MRI service from December 2026, bringing advanced diagnostic imaging closer to home and helping patients access answers without unnecessary delays. Whether you are self-funding your treatment or covered by a Private Medical Insurance provider, you can refer yourself directly to our private diagnostic services. When something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s persistent joint pain, a sports injury, back pain or unexplained symptoms, obtaining a clear diagnosis is often the first step towards effective treatment. The introduction of MRI at Devizes Surgical Centre gives patients convenient access to this highly effective diagnostic tool, with an average waiting-time for appointments of just one to two weeks, designed to fit around work, family commitments and busy lifestyles. Fast access to imaging can provide reassurance, reduce uncertainty and support quicker treatment decisions. A simple scan could give you the answers you need. Fast. MRI scans are particularly
valuable for investigating orthopaedic, musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions. They provide detailed images of muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints without the use of radiation, helping clinicians identify the cause of symptoms and recommend the most appropriate care. Other imaging services include Ultrasound and *X-ray. Additional access to a wider range of diagnostic imaging, including *CT and *CBCT scans are available at Practice Plus Group Hospitals Emersons Green in Bristol and Shepton Mallet in Somerset. Together, these services provide fast access to expert diagnostic imaging, helping patients move quickly towards diagnosis, treatment and peace of mind. *Require a referral from a GMCregistered clinician or approved nonmedical referrer (NMR). For more information, contact our friendly private bookings team on 01380 400 202. Free on-site parking and disabled access are also available.
Urathon partnership with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation Wiltshire-based mobility equipment specialist Urathon has teamed up with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation in a new two-year partnership supporting local community projects. Based in Calne, Urathon designs and manufactures specialist medical equipment, aids for daily living and mobility products. The partnership will support foundation initiatives including its Memory Café for people living with dementia and the Staying Connected group, which helps combat loneliness and isolation. Urathon also plans to support disability awareness events and activities such as wheelchair football. The partnership builds on Urathon’s wider commitment to supporting its local community. “As a company rooted here in Wiltshire, Swindon Town is very much our local team, and we have been incredibly impressed by the work of the Community Foundation,” said Urathon Managing Director Lucy Carson.
Compassionate care when dealing with loss
For many, the period immediately after a funeral can be more difficult than the funeral itself.
At Pearce Funeral Services, they understand that losing a loved one can turn your world upside down leaving those of us behind lost, bewildered and overwhelmed by grief.
Pearce Funeral Services remain on hand to support families through this difficult time and are part of the SAIF Care network. SAIF Care is a UK-wide bereavement service that offers free counselling to family members who are aged 18 or over. For more details about Pearce Funeral Services and all that they can offer visit pearcefuneralservices. co.uk
swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 17
17
16/10/2026 10:37
� Pearce Funeral Services Our Family Service, Caring for You Pearce Funeral Services �
vice to
d how w we d one's o serving as the n grew up unity ence has Pearce
every g to the he same touch We tailor ishes, n only ptions, or ne's life. rything we do. ear and ns funeral shes will from
to going own. We ar care that ve. This reflecting es, you y visiting
are. Beyond ort local ur Westlea
Our FamilyPearce Service, Caring for You Funeral Services � Our Family Service, Caring for You
A A
t Pearce Funeral Services, we pride ourselves on offering a personal, compassionate, and professional service to every family we meet. As a family-run Service, we understand how t Pearce Funeral Services, we pride every person is a unique individual and how we ourselves on offering a personal, need to uniquely reflect you and your lovedservice one's to compassionate, and professional wishes. John Pearce has been committed to serving every family we meet. bereaved families since 1990. Growing up as the As a family-run Service, we understand how son of a vicar in the 1970's & 1980' s, John grew up every person is a unique individual and how we in a need family to serving theyour community to dedicated uniquely reflect you and loved one's withwishes. empathy and commitment, this experience has John Pearce has been committed to serving shaped everything wesince do as1990. a team here atup Pearce bereaved families Growing as the Funeral Services. son of a vicar in the 1970's & 1980's, John grew up Our servicededicated is truly to personal, every in a family serving treating the community withasempathy and commitment, experience family individual, from the firstthis meeting to thehas everything do be as aguided team here at Pearce day shaped of the funeral, youwewill by the same Funeral Services. person, ensuring continuity and a personal touch that is often in larger We tailor Our lost service is trulyorganizations. personal, treating every everyfamily aspect our service to the meet your wishes, as of individual, from first meeting to the day of theinvolves funeral, arranging you will bea guided by the same whether that cremation only person, ensuringfuneral, continuity and a personal touchor service, traditional eco-friendly options, thatalternatives is often lost reflecting in larger organizations. We tailor unique your loved one's life. every aspect ofisour service your wishes, Transparency at the hearttoofmeet everything we do. whether that involves arranging a cremation only offering clear and or We are upfront with ourfuneral, pricing,eco-friendly service, traditional options, honest information so you can make decisions unique alternatives reflecting your loved one's life. without added stress. We also offer prepaid funeral Transparency the heart everything we do. plans, providing peaceisofatmind that of your wishes will offering We are upfront with our pricing, be honoured, and the financial burden liftedclear fromand honest information so you can make decisions yourwithout family added when the time stress. Wecomes. also offer prepaid funeral Our entire teampeace shares commitment to going plans, providing of amind that your wishes will the extra mile, treating family as our own. We be honoured, and theevery financial burden lifted from are proud to have received over 800 five-star your family when the time comes. reviews, Our a reflection of the dedication and care entire team shares a commitment to that going goesthe intoextra looking every family weasserve. ThisWe mile, after treating every family our own. has resulted winning several awards, reflecting are proudintous have received over 800 five-star howreviews, you canaentrust us with loved ones, youthat reflection of theyour dedication and care can goes read into our reviews and see ourfamily awards visiting looking after every weby serve. This www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk. has resulted in us winning several awards, reflecting how you can is entrust us withtoyour ones, you Community also central wholoved we are. Beyond can read andwe seeactively our awards by visiting our work withour thereviews bereaved, support local www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk. causes, from providing a drop off point at our Westlea Community is also central to who we are. Beyond our work with the bereaved, we actively support local causes, from providing a drop off point at our Westlea
We are members of both. Both the NAFD and SAIF require members to adhere to strict codes of practice, ensuring dignity and respect for families and their loved ones and the members highest ofofprofessional standards regarding We are both. and professional conduct andtoprocedures. Bothpremises the NAFD and SAIF require members Membership also involves regular inspections adhere to strict codes of practice, ensuring dignity of premises, procedures and service. and our respect for families and their loved ones and the highest of professional regarding Our inspections have standards always resulted in both premises and professional conduct and NAFD and SAIF recognising andprocedures. commending us Membership alsostandards involves regular inspections of area of on the high we maintain in every our premises, procedures our service to you. and service. Our We inspections have always bothnational, fully support currentresulted calls forinfull, NAFD and SAIF regulation recognisingofand us independent thecommending funeral sector, on the high standards we maintain in minimum every area required of ensuring these standards are the our service to you. of any funeral director that a family entrusts with We fully current calls for full, national, their support loved one. independent regulation of the funeral sector, Awards ensuring these standards are the minimum required of any director family entrusts withthe Wefuneral are also proudthat to ahave been awarded theirfollowing loved one.awards in recent years, reflecting our caring and compassionate ethos. Awards Family 2026,the for Swindon We are also Run proudFuneral to have Director been awarded service providing support following the funeral following awards in recent years, reflecting ourWiltshire service, with professionally trained and qualified Funeral Director Of The Year 2025, for caring and compassionate ethos. staff. Most Compassionate Funeral Director of the Year Family Run Funeral Director 2026, for Swindon service providing support following funeral You can be sure of our care ofthe you and your 2024, for Wiltshire service, trainedusand Funeral Director Of The Year 2025, for Wiltshire loved with one professionally when you entrust at qualified Pearce Funeral Planner Of The Year Awards, finalist, 2018, staff. Funeral Services. Most2019, Compassionate Funeral Director of the Year 2020 You can be sure of our care of you and your 2024, for Wiltshire Professional Bodies and Inspections Verified reviews loved one when you entrust us at Pearce Funeral Planner Of The Year Awards, finalist, 2018, Although currently in England and Wales, the We are a family run service who aim to build Funeral Services. 2020 Funeral Industry is not formally regulated, there 2019,relationships with the community and the families Professional Bodies and Inspections Verified reviews are two major professional associations which we serve, and we are humbled to say we have over Although currently can in England Wales, We are runreviews, service who aim to buildverified. funeral directors join andand adhere to the their 800,a family five-star independently Funeral Industry is associations not formally regulated, there relationships with the community and the families standards. These are the National We are always more than happy to discuss any are two major professional associations which we serve, and we are humbled to say we have over Association Of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and or queries about our services and we are funeral directors join And and adhere to theirFuneral 800,questions five-star reviews, independently verified. The Society Ofcan Allied Independent here as Our Family Service Caring For You. standards. These associations are the National We are always more than happy to discuss any Directors (SAIF). Association Of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and questions or queries about our services and we are The Society Of Allied And Independent Funeral here as Our Family Service Caring For You. Directors (SAIF).
Why entrust us with your loved one? Why entrust us with your loved one?
premises for Swindon Caring Hearts for the homeless to sponsoring community events. Our involvement in the local area is a way for us to give back and support the people who place their trust in us. premises for Swindon Caring Hearts for the homeless Whether you need usevents. in yourOur time of need or to sponsoring community involvement in are weforare to back help and yousupport create theplanning local areaahead, is a way us here to give a the fitting andwho personal goodbye. people place their trust inYou us. can meet us at our West Swindon premises, Road, Whether you need us in Rivenhall your time of need or Westlea, or at ahead, our chapel ofhere rest to onhelp Ermin youStreet, create are planning we are Stratton Margaret. a fittingStand personalAlternatively, goodbye. You we cancan meetmeet us atin the of your premises, own home. Wherever we meet, ourcomfort West Swindon Rivenhall Road, you can beorconfident in the empathy, and Westlea, at our chapel of care, rest on Ermin Street, professionalism you will receive from us atin Stratton St Margaret. Alternatively, we all canofmeet Pearce Funeral hours a day, 365 days a the comfort of Services-24 your own home. Wherever we meet, year. you need us,care, we are here for you Whenever can be confident in the empathy, andyou professionalism will receive from all of us at when needed the you most. Pearce hours days a After theFuneral serviceServices-24 we offer you anda day, your365 family year. Whenever you need us, we are here for you bereavement via SaifCare, a dedicated when neededsupport the most. After the service we offer you and your family bereavement support via SaifCare, a dedicated
Why entrust us with your loved one?
service providing support following the funeral premises for Swindon Caring Hearts for the homeless to sponsoring community events. Our involvement in service, with professionally trained and qualified the local area is a way for us to give back and support staff. the people who place their trust in us. You can be sure of our care of you and your Whether you need us in your time of need or loved one when you entrust us at Pearce are planning ahead, we are here to help you create Funeral Services. a fitting and personal goodbye. You can meet us at our West Swindon premises, Rivenhall Road, Professional Bodies and Inspections • Independent family run funeral directors in Swindon Westlea, or at our• chapel of rest on Ermin Street, Independent family run funeral directors in Swindon Although currently in England and Wales, the Stratton St Margaret. Alternatively, we canwho meet treat in • Compassionate staff every funeral as personal Industry is not formally regulated, there Funeral • Compassionate staff we who treat every funeral as personal the comfort of your own home. Wherever meet, • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days yearassociations which are two major professional you can be confident in the care, empathy, and 7 days a week, 365 days a ayear • Available 24 hours a day, funeral directors can join adhere to their professionalism• you will 3receive from all of us at and more than 800 five starand Over 5 years experience reviews Pearce Funeral Services-24 365 daysand a more • Over 3 5hours yearsa day, experience than 800 star reviews standards. Thesefive associations are the National year. Whenever youRegistered need us, wewith are here for you Association Of Funeral Directors The National Association of Funeral Directors and (NAFD) and Registered with The National Association of Funeral Directors and when needed the most. TheDirectors, Society Ofgiving Allied And Independent The Society of llied & Independent Funeral you peace of mind. Funeral The Society of llied & Independent Funeral Directors, giving you peace of mind. After the service we offer you and your family Directors (SAIF). bereavement support via SaifCare, a dedicated
Pearce Funeral Services Pearce Funeral Services
Our Caringfor forYou You Our Family Family Service, Service, Caring
01793 01793832 832 072 072 9292Ermin ErminStreet Street Stratton St Stratton StMargaret Margaret Swindon, Swindon,SN3 SN34NN 4NN
We are m Both the adhere to and respe the highe premises Members our premi Our inspe NAFD an on the hig our servic We fully independe ensuring t of any fun their loved
Awards
We are al following caring an Family R Funeral D Most Com 2024, for Funeral P 2019, 202
Verified
We are a relationsh we serve, 800, fiveWe are al questions here as O
01793422 422422 422 01793
Papermakers House Papermakers House Rivenhall Road Rivenhall Road Westlea,West West Swindon, SNS 7B0 Westlea, Swindon, SNS 7B0 rcet eralservi�es.co.uk eralservi�es.co.uk rcet
Pearce Funeral Service
earcefuneralservices.co.uk earcefuneralservices.co.uk
Good Funeral Guide since Good Funeral Guide since 20112011 in in r high standards of service. r high standards of service.
Family Service, Caring for SE November 26 Master pages.indd 18
16/10/2026 10:37
BUSINESS PROFILE
Business Profile - Ridgeway Rise Care Home Business Type - Purpose-built care home and nursing home Address - 40 Richardson Road, Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon SN25 4DS Telephone - 01793 987730 Website - www.ridgewayrise.com By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk According to the team at Ridgeway Rise everything they do is people-centred. "We're a home that has a real emphasis on being a home," a spokesperson explained. "It is our residents' home and we have the privilege of caring for them. "We say everything we do is person-centred. It's not as though we have a cookie cutter approach and everyone has to do the same thing. We take a lot of time in helping residents settle into their new home - and also help their families, because it's a really big decision to make which can be a very difficult time. "We really get to know that person as an individual." Residents range from people who simply need the comfort, companionship and varied programme of activities a wellrun care home can offer, to people with more acute needs, such a those with dementia or who are approaching the end of their life. All are promised dignity, kindness and the opportunity to pursue hobbies and interests. "We really encourage people to continue with hobbies, or perhaps to pick up ones that
have lapsed for a number of reasons, but what we also do is present them with new things that they perhaps would not have tried or never even considered doing. "Inside the home we have a hair and beauty salon. A hairdresser comes in. We have cinema. We've got beautiful landscaped gardens, so if you're a little bit green-
fingered and still want to be doing gardening, everything we do is accessible to everyone." Other features of life at Ridgeway Rise range from live entertainment to music therapy and animal therapy, both of which can stimulate reassuring memories. "We really try to maintain
A care home where helping residents are seen as a privilege and not just duty
links with our local community, and that's really important because a lot of people will have had those links before they moved in with us. "We're always out and about in the community, we're always taking our residents out, be it to the local age-related group, a local cafe for a cuppa and a cake, going to a garden centre, going to the pub - all of those
The personnel at Ridgeway Rise includes not just a team of carers and qualified nurses who are on duty at all times but other team members ranging from skilled chefs to maintenance, housekeeping and laundry teams. A spokesperson said: "Our team are the kindest, most passionate, most caring individuals. "We have a really talented and experienced awardwinning team, and they are there to support our residents. That support means different things for every single resident because we do this personcentred care. Our home manager has been working at this home for five years, and I think that really demonstrates how committed our team is." The spokesperson readily things that a person has done summed up the overall ethos of before they moved into the home. the home in caring for residents "Quite often it's difficult for and making sure their needs family members to facilitate are met as well as providing that, but when somebody moves a warm and inviting homely into our home we're able to setting with the best care and reignite it and bring back all an enriched lifestyle: "It's a real those happy moments." privilege." swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 19
19
16/10/2026 10:37
LINK PEOPLE
Interview: Grant Kauffman was recently appointed Director of Swindon Hub in The Parade, a community-run community space for all which offers a variety of events and attractions, a cafe and volunteering opportunities
By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com "Swindon Hub started and exists for the community in Swindon, for everyone," said Grant Kauffman, the new director of the Hub, which first opened its doors some five years ago. "That's something we're aiming towards. I don't think we're there yet but I do think that the organisation at the moment is for people of various backgrounds, various interests, various situations of need. "Everything from the very hard, sad situations where it's necessary to have certain suicide prevention and support clinics all the way up to table tennis and everything in between - writing classes, Tai Chi. "There's a whole lot there, and it's really about seeing what the community needs, how can we give back to the community. "There are life skills development classes that we offer. "I think that partnering is essential. If we can support and walk alongside other organisations who have the best interests of the community in mind, and helping people, we can achieve more together instead of just as an isolated charity on our own." Grant is originally from South Africa and December will see the eighth anniversary of his arrival in the UK. "I came over with my wife and my three daughters. I come from an education background. "I was in education for probably 20, 25 years at various levels, initially as a teacher and then a head teacher or principal, and then principal at a private university in Johannesberg. "I came here into a head teacher role at a small private 20
swindonlink.com n
school, a Christian school called Maranatha Christian School. "From there I was doing some consulting, some research. Another organisation called Christian Education Europe, was one of my clients. "Then I moved into a large charity called Barnabas Aid. I was National Director there for a couple of years. "I felt I was ready to move into a new season. I think a good shelf life for somebody in a CEO or director role is probably about five years, and it's nice to move into a new challenge. "After taking some really enjoyable time off I was alerted to this role. "It intrigued me. I'm a Christian and the foundation of my faith, and also something I really enjoy, is caring for people. "What really spoke to me is the fact that you have a lot of people at the Swindon Hub that walk through the doors who are marginalised. There are societal taboos that still exist.
"I feel like I could be used to make a difference with the volunteer team, who are great, and the staff and trustees. "After meeting with them I felt like this was potentially something where I could use my skills to make a tangible difference in this community and in Swindon at large, with the networking opportunities and bringing others on board. "I think the key is setting realistic objectives and underpromising whilst still having the intention to deliver to a high level. "My attitude is aspirational. Not for myself - I think I'm at that period in my career when I'm less concerned about building my career and more about adding value in what I'm doing. "I don't have all the skills, so I rely heavily on the team and inspiring people around me to do great things and to grow people." Grant leads a team which includes two staff and 80 volunteers. "Our volunteers and staff are
our most valuable resource. "We're blessed to have the building and all of the things that we have in there, but to have people that give back like that is fantastic. "We couldn't operate without our volunteers. A lot of them started when they were people who needed support and still do, or came in for one of those community events - one of our trustees came in for writing classes - and felt they were really passionate about the Hub and wanted to give back. "That's a wonderful thing to highlight and see that, with an organisation like this, run almost entirely on volunteers, it works! That's a really exciting thing. "I would love to see it taken to the next level of where people become aware of us and we can make a greater impact." Grant has been impressed by recent efforts to revitalise the town centre, where Swindon Hub is based, such as The Big Town Centre Clean-Up. "I think it's exciting to see that the foot traffic is increasing in areas like the Brunel and The Parade, and we'd like to be a part of that in providing a space where people can come in, have a cup of coffee and understand that just in doing that they're actually giving back to people who are less fortunate. "Everyone is welcome; we would really like to put Swindon Hub on the map. "It's an opportunity to engage in a warm, safe environment, with people from all backgrounds, and to give back to the community, help to grow the community in Swindon, to build a positive culture of acceptance and care for one another in tangible ways. "It's a great purpose to have." Swindon Hub is at 36 The Parade, and details of its events and opportunities are at swindonhub.org.uk
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 20
16/10/2026 10:37
LINK POLITICS Progress on Swindon's Going for Growth agenda A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Gary Sumner Having returned refreshed from the Conservative Party Conference, there was a clear direction from the party’s Leader, Kemi Badenoch, on how we can deliver on the values that matter to residents: creating a stronger economy, ensuring fairness, rewarding hard work and focusing on quality services. One of the many policies Kemi Badenoch announced was to halve the employer national insurance for young people, in order to support more businesses, employ young people, helping to tackle Labour’s NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) crisis. Like the national Conservative Party, my administration believes these priorities closely
align with the vital work we are taking forward locally. A significant focus has been on economic growth and job creation. In more recent weeks, I have continued to strengthen relationships with businesses, neighbouring authorities, Government and regional partners to ensure Swindon is well placed to secure future investment and influence key decisions affecting the town. We recently had a welcome boost for the town centre with the opening of Thames Water's new offices in Swindon town
centre, bringing approximately 450 employees into the area and supporting wider regeneration efforts alongside the transformation of Fleming Way. This reflects the growing confidence in the regeneration of our town. We will continue working with employers, including those within Swindon's growing drone sector.. Supporting this ambition, this administration has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing devolution discussions across the Thames Valley region, by working with Government and local partners to unlock additional investment and economic opportunities for the region. Alongside boosting economic growth, we continue to focus on local communities and their priorities remaining at the heart of Council decisionmaking.
This includes protecting our vulnerable residents, investing in CCTV to tackle anti-social behaviour and celebrating what is already great about Swindon. That is why my Cabinet recently approved a new approach to consultation and engagement, in order to strengthen how the Council works collaboratively with residents, businesses and stakeholders. In this vein, I have also recently written to the Government, urging ministers to protect councillors’ ability to refer planning applications to Planning Committees. Looking ahead, the Council will focus on developing its next Council Plan, ensuring local priorities can be delivered within a sustainable budget, ensuring Swindon remains a place people are proud to call home.
Proud of Swindon and planning for its future By borough council Labour & Co-operative Group Leader Cllr Jim Robbins Swindon has always been a town that gets things done. From the railway works to today’s science, engineering and advanced manufacturing, we have a record of making things happen. That is the spirit behind the Labour & Co-operative Party’s plan for the town. Practical action on the things that matter day-to-day, alongside real ambition for where Swindon goes next. Last month, our councillors put forward five motions to Full Council, all with one unifying theme – improving Swindon: • Tackling the causes of fly-tipping hotspots, with a supervised community skip pilot (Cllr Princia Fernandes). • A joint protocol with Wiltshire Police so that
obstructive vehicles stop forcing prams and wheelchairs into the road (Cllr Stanka Wilson). • A public list of Swindon’s nature reserves and clarity on who looks after them (Cllr Stanka Wilson). • A review of HMO limits and a look at an Article 4 Direction, to keep neighbourhoods balanced (Cllr Paul Dixon). • Year-round care for our Cenotaph, not just in the run-up to Remembrance (Cllr Mike Davies). None of these are glamorous. All of them are about clear
responsibility, evidence and follow-through, so residents know who is accountable and can see results. We will keep pressing for them and working on similar issues facing the town. But pride in place is not only about the street outside your front door. It is also about confidence in the town’s future. That is why we are continuing to make the case for a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Thames Valley. A combined authority would bring decisions and investment into Swindon. It would join up transport, skills, housing and economic development across our area, where people actually live, work and travel. It would let Swindon play a full part in the Government’s plans for growth, rather than watching from the sidelines. Swindon has the location,
the skills and the businesses to be a driving force in that partnership. Our growing advanced manufacturing sector, being led by Drone companies and defence investment, show this. We saw the Budget and the Government’s new Devolution White Paper released last month. This new emphasis on the regions is going to continue, investment money is being pumped into the Mayoral Authorities and at the moment we are in danger of being left behind. We will continue to push for a fair deal for Swindon, at the heart of the Thames Valley, and the powers to make the most of it. Fix the basics, back our neighbourhoods and think big for the town. That is our plan, and I’m confident Swindon can prosper from it. swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 21
21
16/10/2026 10:37
Option 1 DEV - Classic Arkells
Festival
R FATHMEAS T CHRIS
FAI RG R ROU
IDE
S
ND
BE
ER
OD FO RT COU
MUSIC
REINDEER
Saturday 5th December 10.00am to 2.00pm ARKELL’S BREWERY, STRATTON, SWINDON
S ULT N AD DRE EE 00 IL FR £4. 50 CH 's GO £1. DER 3 UN
5 & 6 December 2026 10am to 5pm
Enjoy live performances & browse over 50 artisan market stalls set amidst famous GWR locomotives. Santa’s Storytime* completes the festive magic.*For an extra charge. Book your tickets online: www.steam-museum.org.uk STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY 22
swindonlink.com n
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 22
16/10/2026 10:37
Christmas in Swindon Festive fun at Arkell’s Brewery this December Arkell’s Brewery is inviting families to enjoy festive fun at its Christmas Festival on Saturday 5 December, from 10am to 2pm. Children can meet Father Christmas, see the reindeer and enjoy a fairground ride, while live music adds to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can tuck into a tempting choice of food on the day, including bratwurst, pizza, crêpes, and Greek food, as well as browse stalls selling local produce such as bread, chutneys, and meats. Arkell’s beer will be available from the mobile bar, with bottled beers also available to buy to take home. The festival offers an opportunity for the local community to come together and enjoy some seasonal fun
in the unique surroundings of Arkell’s historic brewery in Stratton, Swindon. Alex Arkell, head brewer, said: “There’s something special about Christmas at the brewery. We love seeing families enjoying themselves and getting into the festive spirit and look forward to welcoming everyone during the countdown to Christmas.” Admission is free, although charges apply for food and drink, visits to Father Christmas and fairground rides.
Are you Team Santa or Team Rudolph? Get ready to kick off the festive season with one of Swindon's most popular Christmas events! Join Brighter Futures & Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix on Sunday 6 December at Lydiard Park, Swindon, for the Santa vs Rudolph Run 2026. Whether you're a seasoned runner, an enthusiastic jogger, or simply want to enjoy a festive walk with family and friends, this fun-filled event is open to everyone. Choose your side, pull on your festive gear and run, jog, walk, or dance your way around either our 3km or 5km route as Team Santa goes head-tohead with Team Rudolph. Fancy dress is encouraged, festive spirit is essential, and fun is guaranteed! Every step you take will help support the Brighter Futures
Meadows Cancer Appeal, funding enhancements that make a difference to patients receiving systemic anti-cancer treatment at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Every participant will automatically receive a personal fundraising page when they register, making it easy to ask friends, family and colleagues for sponsorship. Our suggested fundraising target is £50 per person, but every pound raised will make a real difference. Register today: register. enthuse.com/ps/event/ SantaVsRudolphRun2026
Steam Into Christmas: a festive adventure for the whole family Santa needs your help! Oh deer! Santa’s reindeer have escaped and are hiding somewhere around Didcot Railway Centre. With Christmas Eve fast approaching, it’s up to you and your little helpers to find them. Grab your festive map and set off across 22 acres of railway history, searching for the runaway
reindeer along the way. Children receive their own passport and stocking, collecting a small gift at each reindeer station they find. Then it’s all aboard for the grand finale: a visit to Santa’s giant toy workshop, where every child can meet Santa and choose their own present. With unlimited train rides,
historic steam locomotives to explore and festive refreshments along the way, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Dates: Every weekend in December, plus the days in the run up to Christmas Prices: From £5.50 Book now at www. didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
Full STEAM ahead for a Christmas extravaganza Christmas at STEAM returns on 5 and 6 December Don’t miss out as this annual Christmas extravaganza returns to STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway for another year. Visitors will have the chance to buy festive treats and discover unique gift ideas as they step into a wonderland of over 50 artisan market stalls set amidst STEAM's fabulous story-telling displays and famous GWR locomotives. Find that unique gift at one of the specially selected market stalls. From hand crafted silver jewellery,
photographic prints, glass artworks and home furnishings to Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, traditional games, chutneys and luxury confectionery. Live entertainment will add to the festive atmosphere in the stunning Great Western Hall. Children can enjoy Santa's Storytime, which includes a gift and a magical 20-minute story session in the beautifully decorated Hawksworth Hall. Festive admission for Christmas at STEAM is priced at £4.00 for adults and £1.50 for children (3-15 years). Under-threes go free. Tickets include both entry to
the event and the museum. Santa’s Storytime Sessions cost £11.50 per child in addition to event. To find out more and book tickets visit www.steammuseum.org.uk
Visit Santa at Studley Grange
Visitors to Studley Grange will be able to spend some time with Santa Claus from 29 November to 24 December. They will be able to have breakfast or tea with him or visit him and the animals at the Farm Park. For more information and to book visit www.studleygrange.co.uk swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 23
23
16/10/2026 10:37
Jack and the Beanstalk cast have GIANT fun at Roves Farm By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
Fee-fi-fo-fum… the Wyvern Theatre’s 2026 Panto cast have arrived in Swindon! The Wyvern Theatre has climbed up the beanstalk, and welcomed their ‘Giant’ 2026 Panto cast to Swindon for the official launch of Jack and the Beanstalk and it was all the fun of the farm as cast members gathered at the local, family-run Roves Farm for a photoshoot and day full of pantomime mischief. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Wiltshire - sparking an epic journey countryside, the cast, including to the land of giants. Expect this year’s stars Richie dazzling sets, show-stopping Anderson, Jamie Leahey, songs, plenty of audience Finlay McKillop, Mia Jae, participation, and more panto Rachael Kendall Brown and magic than you can shake some Richard Foster King, embraced magic beans at! everything the farm had to Starring BBC Radio 2’s Richie offer as they donned their Anderson, Britain’s Got Talent’s colourful costumes. Jamie Leahey and Swindon’s No visit would be complete favourite panto dame David without meeting the animals, Ashley. and the cast managed to This year’s pantomime get up close to Roves Farm’s promises to be bigger, bolder newest and tiniest arrival, a and funnier than ever. Whether one-day-old calf! Meanwhile, you’re a panto regular or Jamie Leahey and Chuck the brand new to the tradition, this Chicken were particularly keen is the festive treat you won’t to make some new feathered want to miss. Book your tickets friends, paying a visit to the now for this ‘moo-vellous’ chickens and getting into the family-friendly panto which will full farmyard spirit. leave everyone aged 4 to 104 The cast and some feeling full of ‘beans’! unsuspecting members of the Jack and the Beanstalk is public then hopped aboard produced by Imagine Theatre a tractor for a scenic ride and proudly sponsored by around the farm, taking in the national pantomime sponsor sights and enjoying plenty of Stagecoach. Find out more laughs along the way. The day about Stagecoach here: www. then continued with a ribbonstagecoach.co.uk cutting as the cast officially opened the brand-new Puddle Tickets are available at Duck Play Barn. Adding to trafalgartickets.com/swindonthe excitement, the cast also theatres/en-GB/event/ climbed aboard the iconic pantomime/jack-and-thegreen Barnes Coach for their beanstalk-tickets journey to and from the farm, travelling in true Swindon style Jack and The Beanstalk| for their giant day out! Wyvern Theatre| 5 December This Christmas, join brave 2026 – Sun 3 January 2027| young Jack as he swaps his cow swindontheatres.co.uk for a handful of magic beans 24 swindonlink.com n November 2026 SE November 26 Master pages.indd 24
16/10/2026 10:37
Swindon Wildcats celebrate 40 years of hockey greatness By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com The Swindon Wildcats celebrated their 40th anniversary with one of the biggest and most rapturouslyreceived weekends in club history. Fans were treated to two days - 16 and 17 October packed full of hockey, Wildcats legends, memories and plenty of celebrations. Supporters had the chance to reunite with some of the biggest names to have pulled on a Swindon jersey, before their Legends team took to the ice against the current Wildcats 26/27 roster. Friday 16 October was devoted to the Legends
Fanfest, as the Wildcats took on the Leeds Knights.
A number of Wildcats legends from across the club’s 40-year history were in attendance, giving supporters the opportunity to catch up with some familiar faces, share
old memories and enjoy a drink together before the game got underway. There were also pre-game interviews with some of the returning players as they looked back on their time in
Anniversary merchandise available to purchase, giving supporters the chance to take home something to remember the historic weekend. Then, at 6:30pm, it was time for the game, with the
Swindon and some of their favourite memories from wearing the Wildcats jersey. The following day brought the main event, as Wildcats came together to celebrate 40 years before their Legends took to the ice against the current Wildcats team. The celebrations began before the game, with supporters invited to join the club for an evening of food, drinks, music and plenty of Wildcats memories. It was an opportunity to catch up with Legends from across the different eras of the club, chat with current players and celebrate four decades of Wildcats hockey together. There was also special 40th
Wildcats Legends team bringing together some of the biggest names from across the
club’s 40-year history, with players representing different generations of Wildcats hockey returning to the ice once again. The Legends roster included Jamie Thompson, Daryl Lipsey, Scott Koberinski, Steve Nell, Ian Richards, Mick Stafford, Richie Howe, Bryan Larkin, Gary Dickie, Lee Brathwaite, Joel Petkoff, Wayne Fiddes, Dean Skinns, Jan Kostal, Tomasz Malasinski, Aaron Nell, Jonas Hoog, Lee Richardson, Sam Bullas, Stevie Whitfield and Sam Godfrey. They went head-to-head with the current Swindon Wildcats 26/27 team, bringing the past and present together on the same ice for a brilliant celebration of the club’s history. It was an opportunity for fans old and new, alongside current players and Legends, to celebrate 40 years of the Swindon Wildcats.
swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 25
25
16/10/2026 10:37
LINK
POETRY
The magic to be found in a box of books Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon
When children of close friends were heading to university back in the day, I put together a box of books. The mix was different as each young adult had new alignments. A personal note explained the choice; some books at hand and the search for the not-so-obvious through bookfinder.com; post-it notes on pages as coloured decorations. I envisaged a shelf in their room, a living ornament, an
opportunity to reach up, take a moment of reflection in a poem, a short story, a favourite chapter. Nothing was prescribed; they could nurture their own escape. Then - surprise - I received my own box of books from Midge, the widow of an Irishman, Cathal McCormack, who’d lived in Swindon for decades and recently died. He’d an eclectic collection but the box I received was
SWINDON’S GIANT PANTOMIME ADVENTURE
a coterie of old Irish writers: O’Connor, O’Flaherty, Synge, Yeats, O’Casey, O’Brien and so on, some unknown outside Ireland.
town, common heritage, common tongue, a solid link to a love of books of
They are relevant as I’ve been studying the period of those writers for a piece of work. Cathal contributed several I’d missed.
Irish authors I know in words and some I’ve met along the road, a deeper link than normally seen.
What a shame that we never met, never knew we both existed in little Swindon. I know we’d have got on, enjoyed our reverie through Irish literature, outdone each other with stories, become good friends. I name him in this poem, A Box of Books:
We’ve common friends, and yet, this poem is testimony to a gap that will not now close: the should’vebeen. www.mauricespillane.co.uk
I met a man I’ve never known nor never now can meet beneath the folds of a brown box. Two emigrants in Swindon
Pulpit Pub Open Mic, Wednesday 25 November 7:30pm.
BBC RADIO 2’S
RICHIE ANDERSON
BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT’S
SWINDON’S FAVOURITE DAME
JAMIE LEAHEY DAVID ASHLEY MIA JAE FINLAY McKILLOP
National Pantomime Sponsor
BOOK NOW: swindontheatres.co.uk
26
swindonlink.com n
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 26
16/10/2026 10:37
Rotary Cyclothon raises almost £5,000 Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign. On Sunday 26 July the Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown held its first Cyclothon at Moredon Sporting Hub, raising almost £5,000 for Limitless Swindon’s inclusive cycling project. Limitless Swindon supports hundreds of disabled people each week, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the freedom, independence and fun of cycling in a safe and inclusive environment. The Cyclothon took place on Moredon Sporting Hub’s 1.2km traffic-free, tarmac track, with adapted cycles available for disabled cyclists and for those who did not have a bike of their own. The event was a natural fit for the Hub, reflecting its commitment to making cycling accessible to everyone.
Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer
His words not mine. Ian Holloway’s Swindon might’ve enjoyed a brief flutter of early season exuberance, but they’ve quickly been sucked back into their 2026 spiral. This leaves Holloway, as described, a dead man walking amongst the zombies and ghosts of STFC. It’s all very fitting for the spooky Halloween season. In truth, Town’s gaffer probably would’ve succumbed to an earlier exit at most clubs after last season's collapse. But in vain his past achievements allowed him to fight another day. Even on reflection it was the right decision, with Holloway averaging around a 50% win ratio in his long STFC tenure, only matched by the likes of Di Canio. The problem is in football you’re only as good as your last game. In the past 23
Limitless Swindon operates a fleet of more than 100 adapted cycles and standard bicycles, all based at the Hub’s enclosed, traffic-free track. Public cycling sessions for disabled adults take place three times a week, alongside
daily by groups of disabled children from local schools. However, they are expensive to purchase and maintain, and many of the current fleet are now approaching 20 years old. After years of heavy use,
a SEND family session every Saturday. The adapted fleet includes wheelchair-carrying trikes, handcycles, recumbent trikes and tandem trikes. These specialist cycles are also used
several are reaching the point where they will need to be repaired or replaced. The money raised through the Cyclothon will therefore make a real and lasting difference, helping Limitless Swindon
Dead Man Walking league fixtures stretching back from October’s onegoal defeat to Crewe, Town averaged 1.09 points per game. Bottom half of the table form. The dead man walking wasn’t shot down with a silver bullet; he took numerous blows. In fairness, injuries haven’t helped. Town haven’t been afforded the chance to pick a settled team, which their structure relies on. But for a manager who’s best known for his motivation, the performances have been uninspiring. I said last time out, Town are one big away win from turning the corner, unfortunately they’re now travelling backwards at home. This leaves Holloway at the end of the road. Change might inspire a snapshot of enthusiasm. Town’s full strength eleven, when fit, certainly are a top half team,
so there are resources there. New managers are notoriously the quickest and easiest fit. But Swindon themselves are a directionless football club led by uninspiring leadership. Any fresh ambition will quickly be eaten by away by a club rotting into the basement division. Put this to Clem Morfuni, and he’d likely explain the positive progression which has been made under his ownership. And while there are elements to be championed, a lot are simply just a case of doing the basics. Yes, that’s progression on the previous. However, championing the instalment of a big screen, which can only be seen with binoculars, is not something to boast about. Morfuni had a golden opportunity when arriving at Swindon, almost viewed as the Messiah, he could do no wrong.
LINK
CYCLING
maintain and renew its ageing fleet and ensuring that disabled people can continue to enjoy accessible cycling for years to come. The fundraising success is already having an impact, with Limitless Swindon having purchased another wheelchaircarrying trike for its fleet. A huge thank you goes to everyone who rode, donated, sponsored or supported the Cyclothon. Their generosity and enthusiasm turned the Rotary Club’s first Cyclothon into a fantastic fundraising achievement - and one that will directly benefit disabled cyclists across the local community. With such a positive first event, the Rotary Club is already looking forward to making next year’s Cyclothon even bigger and better.
LINK FOOTBALL Over four years later, he hasn’t gone above and beyond apart from not being Lee Power. I don’t see this changing anytime soon. So, as fans we’re trapped in an unhappy marriage. One which never will feel complete, but for the most dedicated keeps them coming back. It’s a relationship which a lot of football fans suffer from. Ian Holloway and Swindon’s 2026 are just another victim. Sure, change could untangle the knots, but Town will continue the same path which has no direction in sight. In trying to tie this together I’ve failed to end on a positive note, but I think that’s a fair reflection of how every Swindon fan feels right now. In fact, sometimes I can begin to understand why people spend their Saturdays in different ways! swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 27
27
16/10/2026 10:38
LINK
TRADE PAGES
959423
Domestic & Commercial Heating Gas Oil LPG Air Conditioning Breakdown, servicing & installation •
•
•
07711 154466 • www.accu-gas.co.uk
DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS We repair: - Washer Dryers - Tumble Dryers - Dishwashers - Fridge Freezers - Ovens - Extractor Hoods - Washing Machines - Cookers
N EV chargers N Landlords Certificate (EICR) N Extra sockets and lights N Shower and cooker installation N Fuse board replacement N Complete re-wiring
NO JOB TOO SMALL
Fast, Reliable and 20 + Friendly Services. y expe ears Fixed Labour Fee. rienc e TEL: 07950 181701 Email: domesticapplianceworld@gmail.com
28
swindonlink.com n
info@jselectricalswindon.co.uk
www.jselectricalswindon.co.uk
November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 28
16/10/2026 10:38
LINK
TRADE PAGES
Rightio Plumbing & Heating 01793 461 786 We work all over Swindon including South Leaze, Dorcan, Broome Manor, Covingham, Badbury and all surrounding areas.
COMPETITIVE RATES Fast Response Rightio engineer pictured. Your local engineer may vary.
12 Month
OAP Discount
Guarantee on labour!
Available upon request at time of booking
Excludes blockages
Subject to eligibility
All Work Guaranteed Flexible Appointment Times
OUR SERVICES Boiler Breakdowns
Boiler Servicing
Radiators & Pipes
Tanks & Cylinders Toilets & Taps Leaks & Bursts Showers
Clearing Blockages
Same-Day Emergency Response
Pipework Replacement
Subject to engineer availability
Gas Safe Certified 650921
Nationwide Coverage • Local Engineers • Trusted Across the UK
swindonlink.com n November 2026
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 29
29
16/10/2026 10:38
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 30
16/10/2026 10:38
E NEEAVW AILABL
MTD
SERVIC
Because not all dentists are scary.
C H A RT E R E D A C C O U N TA N T S
ANCE ASSIST
Fast, reliable and accurate accountancy
We make sure you feel calm, informed & in control. From the first hello to your final appointment.
We offer a full range of services for business and personal clients across Wiltshire and Nationwide business services include:
Bookkeeping & Accounting, Business Planning Business Start Up, Corporate Tax Planning Payroll, VAT Returns, MTD Reporting personal services:
Rental Accounts, Personal Tax & Capital Gains Tax Returns
www.sdknee.com tel: 01793 430000
Give us a call on 01793 384 155 or visit swindondentalimplants.co.uk
email: office@sdknee.com
S.D.Knee Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers 10 Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4BA
ONLIN
E PROM JOINING O CO DE:
JOINF
AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
REE
youfitclubs.co.uk 01793 817 012
swindon@youfitclubs.co.uk
Holiday Inn Swindon, Marlborough Road, SN3 6AQ
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 31
*Terms Apply
16/10/2026 10:38
SE November 26 Master pages.indd 32
16/10/2026 10:38