South East Swindon Link November 2019

No 39 November 2019

GPS delivered door to door to 55,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 137,500

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

South & East Edition

The town centre's festive extravaganza in association with InSwindon BID pages 5 - 8

Shining a light for charity in a roundabout way Page 13 An out of this world visitor comes to Great Western Academy

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Page 21 Page 4 A round-up of fireworks events across the town

Swindon and Cricklade Page 23 Railway on track for fundraising

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A town centre for all

£26m scheme will see tunnel under the M4

A £26m highways scheme, the next stage in unlocking thousands of homes and employment land at one of Swindon’s newest housing

By Group Editor Jamie Hill developments, has been jamie@positive-media.co.uk unveiled.

The Wichelstowe Southern The Link's Heart of Swindon Access will create additional campaign has been a great access into Wichelstowe by success. The campaign to building a tunnel under the highlight the town centre and M4 motorway helping to look at what needs doing has support 4,500 new homes, a managed to get people talking new district centre and up to across the town.

2,000 jobs by freeing up 12.5 This month The Heart of hectares of land earmarked Swindon is brought to you in for new businesses. association with InSwindon Bid, The Department for Transport the organisation that runs the has allocated £22.9m of town centre as we highlight funding towards the scheme all the good works that they via Swindon and Wiltshire are doing to bring the area to Local Enterprise Partnership, life and the myriad of events planned over the festive period. with Swindon Borough Council contributing an additional £3m.

But it's not an easy job as any A requirement of the planning promotion of the town centre permission for the wider is all to the backdrop of a national crisis in the retail market Wichelstowe site, the access route will cross the M4 to the with different chains seemingly east of Junction 16 and will disappearing on a monthly form part of the eventual basis. connection between Hay Lane This is one of the reasons that we launched the campaign in the and Wharf Road, Redposts Drive to the north and Croft first place and the area will still Road to the east. need to go through quite a few The scheme will also include more drastic changes if it is to flourish.

And this can only come through us Swindonians as consumers to make sure we use the town centre The Department for Transort has allocated £22.5m to and champion it. At the same Swindon Borough Council for time we also need the political an upgrade to the White Hart will for change too, not just in regneration but also in making it roundabout, which will see the creation of a new northbound more accessible through public slip road, the widening of transport and by reducing car the southbound slip road, an parking charges.

facilities for cycling and walking through the new link providing a route across the M4. Alun Griffiths Construction Ltd has been contracted to complete the detailed design and construction of the scheme.

Work is expected to be finished in the spring of 2021.

There is expected to be very little impact on traffic along Hay Lane and Wharf Road, south of the M4, for most of the construction period as the majority of work will happen off the local highway network.

In the new year a section of the M4 will adopt a 50mph

speed limit and restrictions will be in place as lanes are narrowed on the motorway.

However, three lanes will be kept open in both directions at all times.

The carriageways will be moved, one at a time, on to a widened opposite carriageway to enable the tunnel to be built. This will involve the creation of temporary embankments on both sides of the motorway before moving the carriageways on to the embankments. The speed restrictions will be in place for approximately 10 months.

White Hart roundabout set for an overhaul

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Reporter: Claire Dukes

Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart and Rosy Presley Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography:

Elizabeth Reaney

increase in the number of lanes and the installation of traffic signals.

The improvements to the roundabout will support the forthcoming 8,000-home New Eastern Villages development to the east of the A419. The

scheme will increase capacity at the junction to accommodate the significant increase in traffic that will be generated by this important urban development.

Work is due to start this month and is expected to be finished in the spring of 2021.

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.

ADVERTISING Call 01793 320043 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for December adverts and editorial: 8 November December edition published: 23 November Our Statistics Est. Readership of 137,500 in print & c.50,000 monthly online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication.

Advertising starts from just £53.

Positive Media Group Limited, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4BJ

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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 320043 swindonlink.com n November 2019

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School funding boost The government has confirmed schools in Swindon will receive 5.08% more funding per pupil next year as part of the recent multibillion investment in primary and secondary education.

Both Swindon MPs have welcomed this new funding, saying the commitment that every secondary school pupil will receive a minimum of £5,000 next year and every primary school pupil will receive a minimum of £4,000 by 2021-22 would reassure parents.

Robert Buckland MP said: "Every child in Swindon deserves the best possible start in life.

"The funding boost next year will mean that every school in Swindon will receive a budget increase, giving teachers, parents and pupils the certainty to plan, and boost standards in our schools.”

You have spoken!

Almost 17,000 households have had their say on how often they would like local elections in Swindon.

Residents of the borough are being asked if they would like to maintain the current ‘by thirds’ election model or move to a ‘whole council’ model instead.

After the consultation has finished, councillors will consider all the feedback received and make a decision at the Extraordinary Council Meeting on 21 November.

Bargains on the way The former Toys R Us store in Stratton could soon become a Home Bargains store. The site, near the White Hart Roundabout, has been empty since April 2018.

A planning application has been submitted by TJ Morris Ltd, the parent company of Home Bargains, to take over the site.

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Britain's first astronaut opens school 6th form

By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

Britain’s first astronaut, Dr Helen Sharman, visited Swindon’s Great Western Academy to officially open the school’s 6th Form.

Dr Sharman, who has one of the school’s houses named after her, gave an insight into her unorthodox journey that led her to travel aboard the Soyuz TM-12 spacecraft and live aboard the Russian Mir space station in May 1991.

She explained: “When I was at school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I certainly never thought that I could become an astronaut, that was something that other people did.

Because I was undecided, I decided to focus on the sciences as I thought that it would give me a wide range of opportunities in the future.

And then I decided to study chemistry at university, but it could have been any of the

sciences.”

Her first jobs, with an electronics firm and subsequently with Mars confectionery were hardly the normal career trajectory for an astronaut. But her journey into space began when she heard an advert on the radio in 1989, asking for applicants to put themselves forward to be part of a new space mission.

“I knew that I had all the skills that they were looking for but I did doubt that I would be in with a chance. Astronauts are all big strong military types,

test pilots and such like. But then I thought that no-one else is going to put me forward so I just went ahead with the application. And I was amazed to have been chosen.”

Dr Sharman was selected from a field of 13,000 to take part in Project Juno, a collaboration between the Soviet Union and private British companies. After spending 18-months training at Russia’s Star City, Dr Sharman, then aged 27, headed for space in May 1991 - becoming Britain’s first astronaut.

Haydonleigh Primary School is sitting on top of the total points leaderboard while WHSmith is on top of the highest average points leaderboard. However, with more than four weeks left, it is still all to play for!

Beat the Street is delivered

by Intelligent Health and funded by the National Lottery through Sport England and Swindon Borough Council.

Last year’s winners Ferndale Primary School, who topped the total points leaderboard in 2018, were keen to get going with this year’s challenge and received a visit from Mayor Kevin Parry on launch day.

Eleven-year-old pupil Florence said: “It was a fun

way of getting fitter and meant we walked to school every day instead of using the car.”

Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “Swindon currently holds the record for the most miles travelled during a Beat the Street game and we’re determined to beat that record again this year.

“The game is off to a running start in Swindon and we are delighted to see so many people walking, running and cycling for the competition.

Swindonians are made of sterner stuff as we are on track to beat last year’s record despite the weather."

Swindon on track to hold record for Beat the Street Beat the Street, Swindon’s giant walking and cycling initiative, is off to a running start with residents travelling more than 93,000 miles within the first few weeks of the game.

Determined to beat last year’s record total of 313,000 miles travelled in the six-week challenge, more than 10,000 people have signed up for this year’s game.

Taking place until Wednesday 6 November, Beat the Street is transforming Swindon into a giant game with players tapping special sensors called Beat Boxes dotted across the town. This year, the game is bigger than ever, with more Beat Boxes, new locations and a total of 16 leaderboards, meaning there are more opportunities to win prizes.

Schools, workplaces and teams in Swindon are competing against each other to see who can journey the furthest and win hundreds of pounds worth of prizes.

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in association with Keeping you up-to-date with all the latest town centre news and events www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

Welcome...

Firstly, I’d like to introduce myself and welcome you to our new publication. I’m Di Powell, the Chief Executive Officer of inSwindon BID Company Ltd, the company that works on behalf of town centre businesses to promote Swindon as a destination for shopping, business and leisure.

InSwindon BID Company Ltd is a private, not-for-profit Ltd company funded by the businesses in Swindon town centre, who pay a small levy from their business towards the company. You can find out more about the BID at www. swindontowncentre.co.uk Using the NEW inSwindon Link we want to ensure you have everything you need to know about what’s happening in Swindon town centre. We’ll be keeping you informed of exciting events coming up and fantastic shopping deals to help you grab a bargain and ensure, as a community, we continue to #ShopLocalSwindon.

It's certainly been a busy couple of months and we're excited to welcome new businesses into the town. The Works and Polish Deli Shop have opened up in The Brunel.

Snappy Snaps has opened in Havelock Square and

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swaSURVIVOR in The Parade.

And coming this month we have the Ibis Budget Swindon opening - plenty going on.

We recognise that we have also seen store closures, however this is only what other towns and cities are facing as high street retailers continue to adapt to the changing retail landscape.

Despite the closure of these national chains, Swindon as a town is still performing well when compared against other towns in the UK. In the latest UK Vacancy report, Swindon once again came below national average for vacant units. We may be losing chains that other towns are losing, but what we thrive on is our 80+ independent retailers, a fantastic selection of business services and our culture, music

and entertainment hub.

Swindon is also one of the 100 towns across the UK that is set to receive £25 million of Government funding to be invested in the town. This demonstrates that Swindon is considered a town worth investing in.

For the town centre itself, we can’t believe the summer we had and I personally want to say a huge thank you to those who joined us for our summer festival - especially our Urban Beach, where thankfully the weather was on our side!

Thousands of you enjoyed many of the summer activities that took place across the town.

You showed us how much you enjoyed it as we had more than 1 million Facebook impressions over August, and we absolutely loved seeing your own pictures

Di Powell CEO InSwindon BID

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Town Centre Competition

WIN a family pantomime trip!

The Wyvern Theatre is offering a fantastic opportunity for a family of four to see Sleeping Beauty this December.

To win, simply answer the following question and send your answer to info@ inswindon.com by Friday 22nd November and the winner will be notified by email or telephone.

from the beach!

In September we held our third annual Student Down Find Lock our more: event – an exclusive shopping www.thl.org.uk event for students with plenty of offers and entertainment.

We’re delighted by the success of this event as we’re able to offer something exclusively for students. By welcoming them into our town centre they can see some of the amazing stores we have and to demonstrate that not everything has to be purchased online – it’s all about the experience! This event was its biggest yet with more than 330 students joining us.

But with the summer now firmly behind us, we’re looking ahead to Christmas which will be here before you know it.

You’ll find out everything you need to know about Christmas on the next page, where I hope you’ll be as excited as we are about our line-up of events.

On that note, I’ll leave you to continue reading about our exciting plans for the next few months, including Christmas, the fantastic offers available in our Loyalty Club and what our partners at The Brunel, The Parade and Regent Circus are up to.

Enjoy and look out for our next edition in March!

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Q: Which British soap did Panto Star Michelle Collins first appear in?

Emmerdale Hollyoaks Eastenders Coronation Street Terms and conditions apply - please visit www. swindontowncentre.co.uk

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For the latest town centre news, offers and events, visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk or call 01793 485523 swindonlink.com n November 2019

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

in association with

For the latest town centre news, offers and events, visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk or call 01793 485523 6

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

in association with

Enjoy fantastic festivities at The Brunel

W

hen you are planning your Christmas shopping don’t forget to #shoplocalSwindon.

The Brunel has a fantastic range of high street brands and independent stores with prices to match any budget.

Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for the little ones.

Bring them along to The Brunel to see Santa and his Elves? Santa will be in his grotto from 9th November until Christmas Eve. You can visit him for free!

Find him and his helful Elves on the upper level of The Plaza between Boots and M&S. Each meet and greet with Santa

includes a present and an opportunity for your little one to have their photograph taken with the star of Christmas, Santa himself.

Check out the opening

times of the Grotto at www. thebrunel.co.uk where you can also book your visit during busy times.

The Brunel and its retailers are also offering the

opportunity for your little ones to have breakfast with Santa.

Visit www.thebrunel.co.uk to find out who is participating this year.

Tickets £4 per child at participating stores.

Every Saturday at 9am starting 30th November.

The Brunel will once again be hosting the Prospect Hospice Gift Wrap. Commencing Saturday 30th November, gift wrap helpers can be found on the lower level of The Plaza, near Sainsbury’s.

Each gift will be beautifully and expertly wrapped for a donation to an amazing cause. The Brunel, the heart of shopping in Swindon this Christmas. #shoplocalSwindon

Celebrate Christmas at Regent Circus Whether you’re thinking Christmas parties with colleagues or a family night out with dinner and a film, Regent Circus has something for everyone to help you celebrate the festive season in style.

With the holidays just weeks away, why not book a table now? It’s never been easier - just visit regentcircus. com to book today.

Plus, keep an eye on our website for all things “festive”. This year we will be hosting a 12 day Digital

Advent Calendar with daily prizes! We’re looking forward to celebrating the festive season with you!

Our website is regularly updated with the latest news and offers so that we can keep you informed. Why not sign-up for our newsletter, via the website, to be the first to hear about everything we have going on!

You can also like us on Facebook @ RegentCircusSwindon and follow us on Twitter @ Regent_Circus

We elves try to stick to the four main food groups – Elf

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Feeling festive with The Parade!

The time for Christmas parties is fast approaching!

Do you have your festive outfit ready? From dresses & handbags, to tuxes & shoes, The Parade has something for everyone. Find everything you need for the party season in one place!

The Parade is also

great for picking up those all-important gifts for family and friends. From Debenhams and Superdrug to Schuh and River Island, there are plenty of options!

If you’re feeling lucky, you’ll want to keep an eye on our our Digital Advent Calendar; offering daily

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prizes from 1st to 12th December!

Visit www. theparadeswindon.co.uk, sign up to our newsletter or check out Facebook @ ParadeSwindon and Twitter @The_Parade to keep up to date with news, events and those all-important offers.

For the latest town centre news, offers and events, visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk or call 01793 485523 swindonlink.com n November 2019

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

in association with

www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

Pamper yourself – perfect if you need to get yourself set for your Christmas party Acucare – 10% off treatments.

Bon Marche – 10% off all full priced items when you spend £20.

Swindon is home to a fantastic selection of national high street stores and independent retailers. Christmas will soon be upon us so now is the time to make sure you’re signed up to the FREE Swindon Town Centre Loyalty Club. With more than 80 offers available, it’s the perfect opportunity to save some pennies as your carry out your Christmas shopping.

Here are just some of the offers currently available that will help you plan your visit to the town centre: Gift ideas – plenty of options for all your friends and family

Eskape Hair Salon – 20% off all services (new visitors) 10% off all services thereafter.

AM Gifts and Collectables – 5% discount

Knock em dead – 50% off colouring services.

Audio T – 10% off Hi-Fi & home cinema products. 5% off Sonos, Micro systems, iPod docks, TV’s/Plasma and clearance products.

House of Fraser – Skopes Suit Shirt and Tie only £99 OMG Hair and Beauty – facials £38.

Supercuts – 10% discount

Don Rogers Sports – 10% discount on gifts and collectables.

Illes Jewellery – 10% off all jewellery (full price).

Shaw Trust – Buy 1 get 1 free on books.

T4 Cameras – 10% accessories.

The Entertainer – Funko POP! From £5.

Leisure – make a night of it and enjoy Swindon after dark Abys Indian Experience – 2 for 1 on main meals.

City Mazes – 50% discount EDGE Bar and Club Room Swindon – Buy 1 get 1 free cocktail before 11pm.

MECA – 50% off all hire fees.

BOGOF over 18’s Roller Disco admission. BOGOF Chuckles Comedy Club Show Tickets.

Rudi’s – Save £4 on bottles of wine.

Thistle Express – Mates rates 10% off your booking and free breakfast.

Wyvern Theatre – The Kitchen, 10% off food.

The Fragrance Shop – 10% discount.

Please note, this is just a selection of offers currently available and that these offers were available at time of print. Please check the Swindon town centre website for all the latest offers - www.swindontowncentre. co.uk/loyaltyclub. Sign-up today, redeem those offers and hit the town.

It’s free and only takes a minute to join.

For the latest town centre news, offers and events, visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk or call 01793 485523 8

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MJA Roofing Ltd is a fast, friendly and reliable roofing company based in Purton, Swindon, Wiltshire.

We have over 30 years of experience, with all aspects of roof tiling, slating and lead work undertaken.

We provide a pragmatic, reliable & high quality service and would welcome the opportunity to quote for your requirements.

Tel: 01793 272142 or 07985 620677

Email: enquiry@mja-roofing.co.uk Website: www.mja-roofing.co.uk

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Inner flame survey Swindon-based charity Inner Flame would like 16 to 25 year olds who have suffered from anxiety to fill in a new survey.

The survey will help tailor the charity's new programme.

The survey can be completed by heading to www.intouchcrm.co.uk Inner Flame is a Wiltshire-based charity that offers free courses to develop confidence, self-worth, life-skills, and employability in 16-25s who are at a disadvantage.

Founded in 2008, they are perhaps known for their delivery of the 12-week Prince’s Trust Team Programme which gains participants a nationally recognised qualification, as well as providing opportunities for personal growth, such as the residential week away and the two-week supported work placement.

Their work is designed to support 16-25s not currently in education, employment or training who are experiencing barriers to independence or contributing to their community.

£40k sports funding Swindon Sports Forum wants members of the public to help them decide how to allocate £40,000 in 2020.

The funding is available for sports and activity organisations across the borough to help increase membership, improve the quality of coaching staff and widen inclusivity.

Call or email Chris Baker – SSF Coordinator – 07934 297795 chris@wiltssport.org SwindonSportsForum or www.swindonsportsforum. co.uk

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Slimming World celebrates golden birthday in style Excited residents turned out in force in September when Slimming World’s golden 50th birthday bus paid a visit to Swindon.

The golden double decker, which has been touring the UK and Ireland to celebrate and share Slimming World’s 50th anniversary year, has just completed its tour – and Swindon stepped aboard most recently to enjoy everything it had to offer.

As part of the events, guests were invited to watch live cookery demonstrations and sample some of Slimming World’s famous recipes. Onboard chefs served healthy dishes cooked from scratch including Vegetable Paella and Spaghetti Bolognaise in their specially-created kitchen. Also on board the bus were some of the inspirational local slimmers whose lives have changed thanks to losing weight.

Slimming World Consultant, Rebecca Martin supports

www.slimmingworld.co.uk people in Swindon to lose weight each week and was part of the special team meeting members of the public.

She says: “It was great to get out into the community and show the people of Swindon what Slimming World is all about. I absolutely love what I do and it’s amazing to welcome people into my group and see them transform their whole lives before my very eyes.

“I am excited to be relaunching the Old Town Friday and Saturday morning groups in November – and I can’t wait to help even more people achieve their dreams!

Having been a Consultant for over 2 years in Upper Stratton I love watching people walk through the doors and as the weeks go by their confidence blooms. Many go from nervous and shy new members who are very uncomfortable with the way they look, to confident, healthy and happy individuals with a new lease of life and a twinkle in their eye. They learn to remove feelings of guilt around food, and instead feel empowered by all the Free Food they can enjoy on Slimming World’s healthy eating plan called Food Optimising."

The story of the disappeared pubs of Swindon After four years of detailed research, local author John Stooke has completed his mammoth anthology called Last Orders of more than 120 pubs that have disappeared from urban Swindon since 1700 and also the disappeared breweries that served them.

Additionally it includes an exhaustive investigation into the legend of Old Town’s underground tunnel network.

The book is being sold for £10 with £3 of every sale going to Swindon Women’s Refuge.

Natasha Moyles of Swindon Women’s Aid said “We are delighted to have been chosen as the beneficiary in this case.

Initiatives such as John’s, enable us to continue to help even more victims of domestic abuse within Swindon”.

As well as a charity vehicle, the 400 page analysis will become an important contribution to local researched heritage records.

This looks to be a great Christmas present for ‘him’ and can be purchased (and dedicated by the author if required) at these venues: - 16 to 17 November at the Designer Outlet Village.

- November 23 at West Swindon Centre; - December 2 at Brunel Centre Craft Fayre; or alternatively on any day at the Central Library main desk or the STEAM Museum shop.

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Old Town Festival announces a VE Day theme for 2020 As the Old Town Festival returns for its 29th year in June 2020, it will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe during the Second World War with a VE Day Theme.

VE Day, which stands for Victory in Europe Day, commemorates the day when fighting against Nazi Germany came to an end in Europe. Next year sees the 75th anniversary as the first VE Day was celebrated on 8 May 1945.

Thomas Craigie, Chair of the Old Town Festival Committee said; “I’m really excited to take the reins as Chair of the Old Town Festival Committee as we start planning our 2020 Festival. This is an event which attracts thousands of people from right across our region to celebrate the very best of our community. The event is run by volunteers and we would love your support to make next year

even bigger and better as we incorporate a VE Day theme for the Festival. So save the dates, and get in contact if you can lend a hand.”

The 2019 Festival attracted over 17,000 visitors from the local area. The festival kicked off in style with the Parade through Wood Street, the Lawns family fun day and culminated in the Bowl Concert.

The Old Town Festival also raises funds for its Charity of the Year – this summer it was Wiltshire Search and Rescue.

Almost £1,400 was raised for the charity by festival goers and during the fringe events, helping the charity with its vital work. The application process for the selection of the Festival’s 2020 Charity of the Year will start in the next few months Get in touch at swindonoldtownfestival@gmail.com

or via the Facebook Page at fb/OldTownFestivalSwindon

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Also Stockists Of

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Greenbridge roundabout shines for good causes The lighting display at the Greenbridge roundabout was lit up in glorious technicolour throughout October in support of a number of charities.

From 1 October until 13 October, the lights on the roundabout shone orange and blue to raise awareness of MND North Wilts, a charity which supports people with motor neurone disease.

Between 14 and 18 October the lights were pink and blue in support of Baby Loss Awareness and from 19 October to the end of the month the lighting display turned red to raise awareness of Dyslexia for the Go Red campaign. Go Red is a community of passionate individuals and organisations that campaign to promote literacy and a greater understanding of dyslexia.

On 4 November, the lights will be turned orange for CRPS Awareness (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), then

from 11 to 18 November, the final display will be for Breast Cancer Awareness week, when the lights will be turned pink.

During last year’s Remembrance period, the Council used the lights on the Greenbridge roundabout to create a red and green poppy effect as a shimmering tribute to the fallen.

And in February the lights were transformed into a twinkling rainbow to help Swindon and Wiltshire Pride celebrate LGBT History Month.

A second rainbow display also took place in August to mark the week in which this year’s Swindon and Wiltshire Pride event was held.

The display has been made possible due to Affleck Electrical agreeing to waive the cost of programming the lights.

Councillor Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to help

charities and good causes raise awareness in this way, and I would like to thank Affleck Electrical for facilitating it.

“I think the lighting displays are brilliantly eye-catching and they make the roundabout look very impressive indeed.”

Breast Cancer Now fundraiser Eunice Salmon said: “The supporters of Breast Cancer Now Swindon are honoured and excited that Affleck and Swindon Borough Council

are turning the Greenbridge Roundabout pink once again.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness month but the November date is of more significance to us.

"Not only will we be celebrating smashing the £1m target set by the group’s founder, Shirley Garman, we will be honouring her achievements and fondly remembering her, 10 years on from her death.”

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall extends Engineers to tackle Rodbourne congestion patronage of Wiltshire Air Ambulance HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is to continue her patronage of Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust.

The Duchess has been Patron of Wiltshire Air Ambulance since July 2009.

In December 2018 The Duchess officially opened the charity’s new airbase at Semington, near Melksham, where she met guests including former patients whose lives were saved, celebrity ambassadors as well as pilots, paramedics, trustees and charity staff.

Chairman of trustees Chris Lear, said: “We are delighted that she has extended her patronage.

“The Duchess first visited in December 2008 when it shared a helicopter with Wiltshire Police at its base in Devizes and the following year she became our Patron.

“Our progression to being a stand-alone air ambulance with

our own helicopter culminated with the move to our new airbase at Semington and we were honoured that The Duchess officially opened it.

“Our charity is well supported by the public, businesses, schools and grant making trusts and we are really pleased to have the continued backing of The Duchess.“ At the official opening of the charity’s airbase The Duchess said she greeted the charity’s Bell 429 helicopter with a “cheery wave” every time it flew over her home and adding that “Wiltshire is particularly lucky to have a very, very special air ambulance.”

On extending her patronage HRH said: “I am proud to be Patron of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust.

It provides a vital emergency service to the people of Wiltshire and can make the difference between life and death.”

Traffic engineers are looking at ways of reducing congestion in Rodbourne, following feedback from local residents.

The council is looking to introduce a range of shortterm and long-term measures to ease congestion in the local area following a number of meetings with local residents and councillors.

A feasibility study is currently being commissioned which will look at the impact of introducing a new dedicated left turning from Rodbourne Road on to Great Western Way at the Bruce Street Bridges junction.

It is hoped the proposed new lane will make it easier

for traffic travelling from Rodbourne to join up with Great Western Way, reducing queues along Rodbourne Road.

The study will be completed over the coming months and will assess the impact on traffic and the effect on local traders and residents. An Urban Traffic Management Control system is also being developed following funding from the Swindon and Local Enterprise Partnership and is due to be delivered in 2021.

This will use specialist technology including real time passenger information and further highway signage to manage traffic flows on the town’s road network. swindonlink.com n November 2019

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Boobs, Balls or Bums? Let’s Talk About Cancer Every two minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer and 38% of those cases are preventable. That’s a lot of lives turned upside down and a lot of questions left unanswered.

A talk has been organised by Old Town Surgery containing expert advice and discussions on screening and coping with the condition at Nationwide Building Society, Pipers Way, Swindon on Tuesday 5 November at 6pm.

The evening will include Ms Anushka Chaudhry, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Rupert Beck, Consultant Urological Surgeon and Hannah Hollis from Cancer Research UK. Anushka will provide advice on breast screening and breast cancer with useful discussions on coping with this condition.

Rupert will speak about coping with some of the issues that affect men specifically such as bladder and prostate problems, erectile dysfunction

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and any other urological issues the audience want to discuss.

Hannah promises to provide expert advice on cancer screening and why it’s important to take part in the national screening programme.

Dr Heaton, lead GP at the Old Town Surgery said: “We’re seeking ways in which we can provide our patients and carers with information on health care issues that affect them or someone close to them – we want to encourage people to come along on the evening and (hopefully) gain a better understanding of these cancers and how patients should be more informed about examining themselves."

If you’re a patient of Old Town Surgery, an employee or member of Nationwide Building Society and would like to attend the event please contact the surgery via 01793 616057 or Elaine Sullivan on 07890 963889.

War games at sewage works More than 100 soldiers have been taking part in a major urban warfare exercise at Swindon Sewage Works.

Exercise Iron Viper, at the Thames Water site in Barnfield Road, involves the Royal Logistic Corps with support from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Army Medical Corps.

The army chose the site, which serves 200,000 people in Swindon and surrounding areas, because it provides a mix of real-world industrial, urban and rural buildings and locations from which to hone its skills. The two-week exercise, which ended on October 3, did not impact on the day-to-day operation of the sewage works which recently underwent a £17 million upgrade to meet new treatment standards, a move which has also boosted the quality of water discharged into the nearby River Ray. Michael Sheppard, site manager at Swindon Sewage

Works, said: “Having the Royal Logistic Corps on site has really livened up the last couple of weeks. It’s interesting to see how quickly they can deploy equipment to set up a fully operational site with a headquarters and communications hub in just a couple of days, as well as the ingenious ways they camouflage their vehicles and assets.”

Exercise Iron Viper tests the army’s ability and readiness to supply troops on a fictional frontline with everything they need, from ammunition and food, to fuel and vehicles – although no real ammo is used.

It’s also been an opportunity to perfect the art of urban camouflage.

Rather than using traditional ‘camo netting’, the soldiers have used whatever might be available in a city setting, from pallets to disguise armoured vehicles to covering communication tents with tarpaulins and tyres.

swindonlink.com n November 2019

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About:

School profile: The Deanery CE Academy Welcome to The Deanery "This is the most amazing venture and one that I believe is going to be truly transformational for Swindon.

We have been blessed with the most incredible support already from Swindon Borough Council, Bristol Diocese, our local MPs, our local Bishops, local churches, local schools, the national Church of England Education Office and St Mary Redcliffe and Temple school in Bristol to name but a few.

We have built an exceptional school, with the most amazing facilities, inspirational staff and incredible students.

I believe that we have a duty to enable all our students to flourish when they are at school, to enable them to live life in all its fullness - this is the foundation of our ethos and will form a significant part of our dialogue in all aspects of school life."

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Get to know the schools in your area.

This issue: The Deanery CE Academy Address: Peglars Way, Swindon SN1 7DA Contact: 01793 236611 Website: www.dcea.org.uk

Latest news Last month we hosted our first Harvest Service in our amazing theatre with some specially invited guests from Uganda.

The service had a real family feel to it with lots of our parents and carers joining us for the event. We contributed to the Swindon Food Collective as part of our commitment to the community and we were overwhelmed with gifts of food for those less fortunate than us.

This was followed on the same day by the Diana Anti-Bullying charity leading training for some of our students and students from other secondary schools in Swindon. We are committed to working in partnership with organizations such as this and other schools to help change the culture of schools, and helping young people build the resilience and confidence to address bullying when and if it happens to them or their friends.

This brand new secondary school was built to deliver something distinctive in education in Swindon. We are a school run by Christians to help to raise standards at Secondary level across the town.

We will eventually be a school of 1470 students but we have started with a pioneering group of just 122 students.

The Principal, Linda Culling has been at the forefront of designing both the physical building and also the culture that will sit behind it. We run our school based on our ‘Alive’ model which is centred on the theme of ‘Hope’.

We want to ensure that our students leave The Deanery as adults feeling that they can persevere, listen and explore, but also that they value justice, honesty and achievement and will all contribute something positive to the world.

The school has amazing facilities in sport, including a wonderful Sport England standard All Weather Pitch and Sport England standard sports hall complete with viewing gallery. We have a professional standard theatre which seats 440 people and a lecture theatre that seats 105. In addition we have really high class science facilities and art and technical suites. Beyond this though we have a really dedicated group of teachers and support staff guiding our students on this incredible journey.

Plans for 2020/2021

We are looking forward to welcoming our next cohort of students in September 2020 and as the deadline of the end of October 2019 loomed, the excitement built.

We have been incredibly lucky to have welcomed over 1500 people through our doors in our Open Evenings and a further 300 through our doors in our recent Open Mornings, which have run every Friday throughout late September and October. We are expecting a high level of applications for the school and are planning the recruitment of new teachers for the new academic year with anticipation.

We are really excited to develop our links within the Community in increasing the use of our lettings spaces, the wonderful Cornerstone Café and our truly amazing theatre. These will completely set the school apart from others in Swindon and create a vibrant and exciting hub for Wichelstowe and the wider parts of Swindon. There are not many schools where you can come and participate in a Pilate’s class, followed by a barista coffee, whilst the young people are hard at work the other side of the safeguarding line!

We would also like to create some really strong partnerships with significant employers in Swindon, both to help us grow our lovely young people to adulthood, and support their own goals in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Keep an eye on our website for more information on the amazing events which we are hosting and be sure to follow us on Twitter: @deaneryacademy and @eduprincipal.

18/10/2019 13:26

Pets and Nature

Care home run by Swindon Borough Council praised by inspectors

By Tyler Ody reporter@positive-media.co.uk

A Council-run care home has been rated ‘Good’ in all categories following a recent inspection.

Whitbourne House in Park South, which cares for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, was visited by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) just a few weeks ago.

The latest ‘Good’ rating means that both of the Council’s residential care homes now have a ‘Good’ rating, following a similar inspection at Fessey House earlier this year.

During the visit inspectors found that residents received good care from skilled and knowledgeable members of staff and that the home was well led by the manager.

The Commission rated the home ‘Good’ across the board and made particular mention of the levels of independence that the residents were able to enjoy and how they were

supported in “the least restrictive way possible”.

Inspectors said: “People told us staff were caring. Staff consistently enabled people to receive good care from staff who knew them well.”

They also noted that “people were supported to maintain good health and to meet their nutritional needs” and that residents “had access to activities to prevent social isolation”.

During an inspection in October last year, the CQC rated the home ‘Requires Improvement’, and this year’s inspection was carried out to see if progress had been made. Inspectors were happy to report that significant improvements had been implemented.

Councillor Brian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “I am delighted with the results of the latest CQC report and I would like to thank everybody at Whitbourne

House who has worked so hard to make the home a safe and caring environment for the residents.

“The inspectors praised different aspects of the service and I am particularly proud to hear that the residents are consistently treated with dignity and respect and that staff are able to tailor their care to the individual needs of the residents. I have every confidence that we will continue to deliver high standards of care at Whitbourne House.”

Sharron Black, In-House Provider Operational Manager at Whitbourne House, said: “We are extremely proud of our service here at Whitbourne House and staff are delighted to have achieved such a positive inspection.

“It has been an enjoyable journey that enabled us to transform the lives of our residents, freshen up the environment and empower our staff to unlock their huge potential for the benefit of people using our service.”

• Wednesday 6 November • Wednesday 11 December • Wednesday 13 November • Wednesday 18 December

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swindonlink.com n November 2019

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The Business Brief

'There’s been huge support' - vintage clothing store opens in Old Town

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

"There isn’t anything else like it" says the thrifty owner of a new vintage store which is open for business in Old Town.

Ellen Wray, 27, has started a new business venture with the opening of Kapada Vintage in Old Town, Devizes Road.

The shop, which opened last month, has moved into a unit formerly occupied by Blaylocks. Miss Wray says the vintage clothing store, which was originally set up as an online boutique in 2016, will offer shoppers in Swindon something very unique.

"I’ve always wanted to open a shop," she said. "I feel like that’s always been at the back of my mind – and it was just finding the right unit and when this came up I thought, ‘This would be perfect’. It’s in an old building, so it’s got lots of character and I think that’s

what drew me to it.

"There isn’t anything else like it [in Old Town] and I think it’s the same for Swindon. You go to other cities and there’s lots of cool independent shops but there isn’t any really here – or as many – for clothing."

The Fashion (Design Technology) graduate says that since she announced she would be opening the store local businesses have been very supportive.

She said: "There are so many other independent businesses here and just when I announced the opening loads messaged saying, ‘Good luck’ and ‘Let me know if you need anything’ – there’s been huge support which is really nice. I think it’s great that they’re all independent and not chains – it makes them a bit more special."

Miss Wray says she has always been a lover of vintage fashion and believes in the

modern market there has been growing demand for second-hand clothing as an eco-friendly alternative which is more unique in style. "I think that’s always been my thing with wanting to sell vintage," she explained.

"You get something that’s a lot better quality I think than on the high street, and probably cheaper than a lot of the high street shops. And I think it’s nice because it has a story and no one else is going to be wearing it. With vintage stuff that I’ve

worn people have always asked, ‘Where did you get that from?’ and it’s that typical response that, ‘It’s vintage’.

“Hopefully it will entice more people to buy vintage and hopefully it will bring more people to Old Town and then they’ll explore all the other bars and restaurants. At the moment people will come here to drink but not necessarily think to go to Old Town to shop – hopefully now they will.” www.kapadavintage.co.uk 66 Devizes Road, Swindon

Business West Chambers of Commerce and the wider British Chambers Network have launched a new campaign to celebrate, support and develop the most important part of any business – its people.

Business West and Chambers across the UK will be working with government, academics, business communities and employees, to make the UK a more productive, attractive and modern place to work – at a time of critical levels of skills shortages and weak productivity.

Business West research shows that 40 percent of firms in the West of England have experienced difficulties finding the right person for the role.

The skills shortages identified

by Business West in the West of England risks putting a brake on business competitiveness, growth opportunities and productivity, so addressing the

issue is crucial.

Spokesperson Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West, said: “At the heart of every great business is great people. Finding, retaining and training talent is a core issue for firms of all sizes and sectors. Chambers understand how important it is for businesses to have access to a flexible and skilled talent pool, so getting the training and development system right in this country is absolutely crucial.

“The Chamber Network is made up of a diverse and innovative collection of local businesses, and there are so many great career opportunities in the West of England. This campaign is all about bringing together business, government and employees to ensure local and national economies are attractive and productive places to work.”

Campaign launches to support U.S burger chain Five Guys to open in Swindon local business community

By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk

Swindon will soon be welcoming its first Five Guys to the Swindon Designer Outlet.

The American burger chain has submitted an application to Swindon Borough Council’s planning department for permission to carry out necessary works to the restaurant - formerly occupied

by Ed's Easy Diner.

The application states: "Five Guys is the ingoing new tenant, and the submitted application proposals form the relevant works necessary to the restaurant unit and seating area to facilitate their occupation."

Following the closure of Ed's Easy Diner earlier this month, it was broadly speculated that Five Guys would be moving in.

Swindon Link was directed to the Swindon Designer Outlet's

PR agency who said: "We can confirm that Ed’s Diner has permanently closed at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, with immediate effect." No comment was offered to confirm whether or not Five Guys would be opening in the Outlet. www.mcarthurglen.com

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Pets and Nature See the exotic new arrivals at Studley Grange!

A taste of Australia has arrived at the zoo at Studley Grange Butterfly World & Farm Park, in the form of 3 young Emu. The zoo keepers travelled to south Devon to collect the latest additions to the zoo, and they certainly created some inquisitive looks, smiles and even laughter from fellow drivers as they drove up the M5 with 3 very nosey Emu staring out the back of the Land Rover.

The Emus, named Sydney, Emily and Emma, who are 4 months old are settling in well, and exploring their new surroundings.

Emus are the second largest bird (by height), reaching 6ft tall when fully grown.

They are unable to fly but can run up to speeds just over 30mph, and are able to run long distances too, using their wings to steer when running at top speed. Emus will eat grass and leaves as well as

insects, but are also attracted to anything shiny and are very capable of pecking ear-rings out of people’s ears if they stand too close to them.

As well as the excitement of the Emus arrival, staff at

Studley Grange have been busy organising the handover of the onsite Wyevale Garden Centre back to Studley Grange Limited.

Studley Grange Garden Centre, as it will now be

called, will be an independent, family run garden centre offering a large variety of plants, from UK growers, as well as plants grown on site by the horticultural team. This will reduce plant air miles, (benefiting the environment) support the south west economy, and provide customers will healthy plants that will thrive in local gardens/soil conditions.

Studley Grange Limited incorporating Studley Grange Garden Centre, Butterfly World & Farm Park, the Soft Play area and Craft Village is the perfect place to visit for a great day out for all the family. Just off J16 of M4, open 7 days a week, free parking for customers, with both a Garden Restaurant and Butterfly Café where you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes, snacks and cakes. www.studleygrange.co.uk Tel; 01793 852 400

Ease the pressure on pets during the firework season Firework season now stretches months rather than days and can be a scary time for pets.

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for noise phobia instead creating a desensitisation plan which is carried out over a longer period is the best way to help them combat their fear.

But for those pets who become anxious and worried when hearing fireworks here are a few things that may help in the meantime; Planning ahead is key (we know it’s not always possible with fireworks on general sale!) but it's important to keep calm and where possible maintain a routine.

One of the most important things is to ensure your pet's microchip details are up to date.

Keep pets indoors - Try to walk dogs before it gets dark or ensure they are

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kept on a lead in case they are spooked - Try to allow cats out during the day and keep them in at night, providing extra litter trays where possible Provide a safe place ‘den’ - Create a safe place for your pet, this could be a crate with their bed in and a blanket covering the top, under a table with the sides covered or somewhere they have previously hidden (behind a sofa).

Allow them to come and go as they please.

- For small furries, provide extra bedding for them to burrow or hide in Mask the sound - Keep the radio or TV on especially if pets are at home alone to try and muffle the sound of fireworks Stay calm and ignore the fireworks - One of the best things for you to do is ignore the fireworks and stay calm. Try

not to reassure your pet by cuddling or holding them as this can reinforce the fear.

Where possible try to continue your routine as normal.

Anti-anxiety products - The best option is to contact your vet.

They will be able to recommend specially formulated natural products available to help reduce anxiety. Most of these can be purchased without the need for a vet examination.

- Where required stronger medication can be prescribed by your vet after an examination.

During October and November our nursing team are on hand offering free firework advice clinics and discounts on all calming products. Simply contact your nearest clinics or click online www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

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One step to go for ten new incubators for GWH's Special Care Baby Unit A staggering £221,652 has been raised so far for the Brighter Futures Incubator Appeal, purchasing nine state-of-the-art incubators for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s tiniest patients spending time on the Special Care Baby Unit.

In March 2018, Brighter Futures, together with local charity New Life, launched an appeal to raise £175,000 for five Dräger Babyleo incubators.

By Christmas last year, they had smashed that target and were well on the way to being able to purchase more than five.

The team kept on going, and the money didn’t stop coming in.

Now, nearly 18 months later, the charity are asking for one final push to help them hit a target which will see double the amount of incubators purchased than what they initially set out to achieve.

Every year, 450 babies need additional support in the first

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few days, weeks and months of their lives.

These babies, who often weigh less than a bag of sugar and fit in the palm of your hand, are sometimes born prematurely, have difficulty breathing or need additional care to improve their wellbeing following birth.

They rely on everything that modern technology can offer to help them grow and prepare to go home.

The Dräger Babyleo incubators respond to the changing demands of the little patients from delivery to discharge, creating a seamless healing micro-environment.

And, with one last push, the last of ten old incubators could soon be replaced.

To make a donation, or to fundraise for the Incubator Appeal, please visit www. brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk/ fundraising/better-birthsprojects/special-care-babyincubator-appeal/

A knock-out win for Swindon group in housebuilder's £1M giveaway

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

A Swindon group has scooped a £100,000 cash award as part of a leading housebuilder’s hugely successful charity campaign supporting under-18s.

Persimmon Homes has handed out more than £1,000,000 in cash prizes to organisations across the UK as a part of its Building Futures campaign.

Scrappers Boxing Gym, managed by Swindon Children’s Scrapstore plans to use the money to improve its facilities and provide free sessions for disadvantaged people and groups.

Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group and Prime Theatre also received £5,000 from Persimmon Homes.

Olivia McCann, spokeswoman for Scrappers Boxing Gym said: “Thank you for this amazing amount of money – it

will make a difference to so many children’s lives.

“We currently offer free sessions for young people with disabilities and mental health issues. We’d like to introduce sessions for people who are partially sighted and many more.

“We’d also like to invest in a minibus so we can travel to areas where a lot of children aren’t able to get to our gym – we can pick them up and bring them to the gym to use our services."

Swindon Lions Fireworks and Funfair Saturday 2nd November 2019 Polo Ground, Marlborough Road

Gates open at 5.00pm, Firework Display 6.45pm Edwards Funfair; BBC Wiltshire; Pudsey and Singer Phoebe Maddison

Admission on the gate: Adults £9.00, Children £5.00 Special Offer on Advance Tickets Adults £7.00, Children £4.00 Advance tickets available from: 20 at The Kings, Wood Street; Magnum Wine Shop, Wood Street; Nationwide Building Society, Regent Street; One Stop, 44 Guildford Avenue, Lawns; Visitor Information Centre, Central Library, Regent Circus Also our website: www.swindonlions.org

FREE Park and Ride

Use Nationwide Car Park, Pipers Way SN3 1TA Follow road signs.

Allow 30 minutes to reach the Polo Ground.

No parking on Polo Ground or Downs View Road

Net proceeds go to charity - every penny counts

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The Politics Page

Support vulnerable families is a key focus of the council Protecting vulnerable children is one of the key focuses of the council and is an area that is close to the hearts of all councillors in our role as corporate parents.

So I was delighted to find out recently that the council has been chosen as one of 15 areas across the country to take part in a government early intervention initiative, which aims to help vulnerable children and their parents to stay together at home and prevent children from being taken away from their birth families.

It means we will receive a share of £84m in funding from the Government as we adopt

a ‘Family Safeguarding’ model that has successfully been introduced by Hertfordshire County Council.

Hertfordshire’s model created teams of mental health practitioners, domestic abuse and substance abuse workers and adult and children’s social workers to work with families so that all of their needs are met.

This also allows social workers to confidently identify where families can stay together in the home safely, without putting children or partners at risk. Hertfordshire significantly reduced the time children spent in care, saw a drop in hospital admissions for adults in the

family, as well as a fall in the number of cases allocated to the council’s safeguarding team.

Our Children’s Services team will now work closely with Hertfordshire to improve outcomes for families and

children in Swindon. News of the successful bid came just two months after our Children’s Services department received an overall rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted.

This was a fantastic outcome as it was an improvement on our previous rating and a wonderful endorsement of the incredible amount of hard work that has taken place across the team, overseen by my cabinet colleague, Cllr Mary Martin. But we will not stop there as we are committed to improving our services even further for the vulnerable children in our care.

Swindon Borough Council Leader David Renard

£60m council 'gamble' on Eastern Villages Infrastructure

At a time when Council services are declining and Council Tax is rising, Swindon’s Conservative administration have agreed to borrow £60m of Council-Taxpayers money to pay for new infrastructure as part of the Eastern Villages Development.

The £60m borrowing is meant to enable road schemes like the new road connecting the Commonhead Roundabout with the Eastern Villages, as well as improved junctions at the White Hart Junction and the Covingham Drive-Dorcan Way Roundabout.

In all previous housing

developments in Swindon, housebuilders who stand to gain profit from housing sales pay for the necessary infrastructure for their developments. However the Conservative administration have decided that Swindon

taxpayers pay for the infrastructure and hope the housebuilders pay the money back later.

This decision will have massive implications on the Council’s budget with annual debt charges expected to increase by £12m by 2028/29. This is the equivalent of more than a 10% increase on residents’ Council Taxes.

Given local services are being cut back and CouncilTaxes are increasing, Labour believe now is not the time for taxpayers to pay for things private housebuilders

usually pay for. The Conservatives are forcing Council-Taxpayers to take all of the risk of the Eastern Villages development, with housebuilders taking all the profit. We support building infrastructure early for the Eastern Villages.

But the answer isn’t to saddle Swindon residents with £60m worth of debt, but to work with the housebuilders to get them to deliver the infrastructure early so that they are building desirable communities.

Labour group leader Jim Grant

True grit! Council prepares to keep roads rolling this winter A team of eight drivers and gritting lorries are on standby should Swindon be hit by freezing temperatures over the coming months.

More than 500 tonnes of salt has been delivered to the council’s Waterside depot in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, taking the road salt stockpile to over 1,300 tonnes.

The salt, which has been put aside by the council is enough to treat the town’s priority routes more than 50 times.

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Additional salt is on provisional order should Swindon experience snow or prolonged cold spells with further stocks available should they be needed.

Last year, the council treated the priority routes 28 times using approximately 950 tonnes of salt.

The council’s gritting team will be on alert 24 hours a day to grit the priority routes, which cover 208 miles of the borough’s 520-mile road

network. They will also be on hand to plough the routes in the event of heavy snowfall.

The council’s drivers have been out training over the past few weeks going over their routes and making sure they are as prepared as possible in the event of severe weather.

The council has emergency planning procedures in place and staff in many service areas will also be placed on standby in the event of severe weather.

Councillor Maureen Penny,

Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and the Environment, said: “Our gritting team have only just finished their winter training so are as prepared as they can be for any cold weather that might come our way in the months ahead.

“Last year, they did a tremendous job keeping our priority routes clear and we will need them again this winter should the weather take a turn for the worse."

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Your essential guide to Bonfire Night Send us your amazing firework pictures! Email us via publisher@swindonlink.com

Fantastic Fireworks at Longleat

Light Up Lansdown

Calne Bonfire & Fireworks

When: Friday 1 November and Saturday 2 November, at 6.30pm

When: Friday 1 November from 5pm to 9pm

When: Friday 1 November from 6pm to 9pm

Address: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

Address: Bath Racecourse, Lansdown, BA1 9BU

Address: Beversbrook Sports Facility, SN11 9FL

Tickets: Included with a Day Ticket

Tickets: £4 - £15

Tickets: £5 - £21

www.longleat.co.uk

www.bath-racecourse.co.uk

www.calne.gov.uk

Swindon Lions Club

Swindon Cricket Club

Lydiard Park

When: Saturday 2 November from 5pm to 7.30pm

When: Saturday 2 November from 5pm to 10pm

When: Saturday 2 November from 5pm

Address: Swindon Polo Grounds, Marlborough Rd, SN3 1NR

Address: Swindon Cricket Club, County Ground SN1 2EE

Address: Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA

Tickets: £5.10 – £34.07

Tickets: £5

Tickets: £4 - £8

www.swindonlions.org

www.swindoncricketclub.co.uk

www.swindoncricketclub.co.uk

The Fox & Hounds

Red Oaks Primary School

Westlea Primary School

When: Sunday 3 November from 4pm to 9pm

When: Tuesday 5 November, from 5.30pm

When: Tuesday 5 November, from 5.30pm

Address: Markham Road, Wroughton, SN4 9JT

Address: Redhouse Way, Blunsdon St Andrew, SN25 2AN

Address: Langstone Way, SN5 7BT

Tickets: £5.98 – £24.30

Tickets: £3 - £5

Tickets: £4 - £18. All net proceeds go to Friends of Westlea Charity

www.foxandhoundswroughton.co.uk

www.redoaks.org

www.westleaprimary.co.uk

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Swindon and Cricklade Railway to raise £100,000 for renovations on new phase of their train line

By Tyler Ody reporter@positive-media.co.uk

Swindon and Cricklade are proud to announce their 'Return to Cricklade' appeal.

Currently the Swindon and Cricklade Railway terminates just over one mile from the outskirts of Cricklade and the plan is to join the railway to the town. There will be 4 phases in total including new bridges, culverts, crossings and repairs.

In phase One they aim to lay 600 yards of track up to Farfield Lane cutting. The renovations are to lay a new track at North Meadow Crossing.

The restorations for phase one will cost £100.000 to be used for the following: - Base Ballast - £70,000 - Boundary Fencing £10,000 - Lineside Clearance and Drainage - £15,000 - Trackbed preparation and

grading - £5,000 A tonne of ballast will cost them £25, so every donation large or small will help them lay another yard of track.

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway currently offers a round-trip passenger journey of approximately four and a half miles. Trains run between Hayes Knoll and Taw Valley Halt, accessible from Mouldon Hill Country Park.

The Swindon and Cricklade Railway are looking for

donations and there are 4 ways to donate.

1) Via the "BigGive" www. thebiggive.org.uk/s/campaign 2) Use an appeal envelope found on site at the Railway.

3) Make a one off donation to our bank account.

4) Become a regular supporter of the campaign and have your name immortalised on a plaque to be installed at Cricklade Station.

For more information visit swindon-cricklade-railway.org

About the Swindon and Cricklade Railway The Swindon & Cricklade Railway is a heritage railway, that operates on a short section of the old Midland and South Western Junction Railway line between Swindon and Cricklade.

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway Preservation Society was formed by a group of enthusiasts in November 1978 to reconstruct and preserve a section of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway that ran from Andover, Hampshire, to Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

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The volunteer-operated railway has reopened three stations: Hayes Knoll, Taw Valley Halt and Blunsdon, the headquarters of the line. Hayes Knoll features a restored signalbox that is operational during special events and a running/ restoration shed. The length of the restored line is a little under 2.5 miles (4.0 km).

The line extends north to South Meadow Lane (a few hundred yards from the site of a proposed Farfield Lane halt) near Cricklade, and

south to Taw Valley Halt on the outskirts of Swindon, near Mouldon Hill Country Park. A

southern terminus, Mouldon Hill, is proposed within the park.

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There's no reason to ditch the bike, just because it's raining!

By Becky Cox: Swindon Cycle Campaign “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”

So, the colder and darker months are settling in now, but that’s no reason to put your bike away. Here’s why I enjoy cycling in the winter: It’s a great chance to warm up on cold mornings without getting sweaty (unlike in the warmer months) Getting to work feeling invigorated and ready for the day (Mondays excluded - I don’t think it’s possible to feel like this on a Monday) I don’t need to get up early to de-ice the car When it’s raining it feels particularly satisfying cycling past queues of static traffic I like wrapping up all snug and warm in big jackets, scarfs and gloves I enjoy eating chocolate and

cycling makes me feel less guilty about eating excess amounts Yes, you might need a few extra items but the nights drawing in shouldn’t be a reason to stop cycling.

To get set for winter, the key items you’ll need for your bike are a good set of mudguards (unless you particularly enjoy getting skid marks up your bum and grit in your eyes) and a good set of front and rear lights.

Having some wide-ish tyres with a good amount of grip and puncture resistance is always useful too; be extra careful at this time of year on drain covers, tactile paving and leafy surfaces, as my husband discovered recently in a rather painful way.

I tend to cycle year-round in my work clothes and it’s rare that I need to bring a change with me, other than in the occasional monsoon-like downpour (which is surprisingly

rare). Basically, you need a decent waterproof jacket and some waterproof trousers. I just use my normal walking jacket and £10 waterproof trousers I picked up a few years ago.

It’s good if the jacket is a bright colour but it’s up to you whether you want to join the ‘hi-viz’ brigade… I tend to find it’s more about cycling in a prominent position and ensuring your bike is lit well; a careless driver will claim they didn’t see you even if you are wearing hi-

viz from head to toe and lit up like a Christmas tree. A pair of gloves will also help keep the wind chill off.

I’ll leave tips for riding on frostier days for a later column, as mostly it’s just the darkness and occasional shower to tackle for now. So why not give it a go this winter? Ward off those extra winter pounds, and remember, you don’t need to commit to cycling every day, unless you really want to of course! Happy winter cycling!

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTHS AHEAD In the community

Book now...

AWARD-WINNING COMEDIAN BRINGS NEW SHOW TO SWINDON

Nominated for Best Show at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2017 and 2018, Ahir Shah is on tour again with his new stand-up show Dots. He'll be bringing his tour to Swindon Arts Centre Saturday 2 November.

Featuring Shah’s signature blend of philosophical inquiry, personal examination, and sweet gags, Dots is a stand-up show about the necessity, utility, and absence of certainty. Topics include Mexico, culture, politics, cigarettes, depression, adulthood, funerals, religion, children, love, and dead German sociologists. It is considerably funnier than it sounds.

As seen on Have I Got News For You, Live At The Apollo, and The Mash Report.

For further information visit www.swindontheatres.com

THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN

Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year.

Prepare yourself for 40 backto-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert at the Wyvern Theatre 15 Nov. Tickets £32.00 www.swindontheatres.com

PIZZA SHOP HEROES

The "deeply moving" Pizza Shop Heroes comes to Swindon Arts Centre 23 Nov. Newly awarded Theatre of Sanctuary status, this dynamic, emerging company stars four former child refugees from Afghanistan, Eritrea and Albania.

Tickets from £5 - £11.50 www.swindontheatres.com

GETTING HARDCORE AT THE VICTORIA Palm Reader - one of the hottest bands on the UK's hardcore circuit today and fresh from 2000 Trees 2019 will be headlining The Victoria 29 November. Support comes from We Never Learned to Live and Homeland. Doors open at 8.30pm.

Tickets from £7.50 www.thevicswindon.com

Venues

Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ

Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907

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Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Email: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 - www.swindontheatres.co.uk

l Competition: Win free tickets to Bowood House's Classic Ibiza in July 2020!

To win two tickets to Classic Ibiza answer a question online and email your response to competitions@positive-media. co.uk. The competition runs from 22 November to 29 November.

Keep your eyes peeled: to enter visit www.facebook.com/ SwindonLink l Arkell’s Outdoor Christmas Food & Craft Market will be returning for its fifth year Saturday 7 December from 10am to 3pm. The day will include Father Christmas and his Grotto, reindeer, mulled wines and Arkell’s own specially brewed seasonal Sir Noel Ale, Bratwurst, crepes, pizzas, hot chocolates and Bavarian band Oompah The Songbirds. Tickets £5. l Frames of Mind is a monthly exhibition hosted by Baristocats, offering a gridshaped display for each artist to submit a series of works.

From 4 November to 30 November the cafe will be holding its third exhibition with local conceptual painter Beatrice Mar presenting her exhibit 'When sharks feed on sandcastles' and it will be all new works. l After securing airplay on BBC Wiltshire, Swindon fourpiece Daydream Runaways shine a spotlight on the closure of Swindon’s Honda factory and the shockwaves felt by their community with their latest single 'Closing the Line' released last month.

Confirm date, time & price with venue

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Christmas a less than a month away, and we're at the tail end of 2019. This festive season we've already got some family-friendly events on the horizon to get you into the Christmas spirit.

Santa's Grotto

Big-Light Switch On

Festival of Christmas Eating, drinking and panto stars

Meet Santa and his elves!

With JLS's Aston Merrygold

When: 9 November - 24 December

When: 16 November from 5pm - 6pm

Where: Upper level of The Plaza, The Brunel

Where: Wharf Green with special guests

Where: Swindon town centre

www.thebrunel.co.uk

www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

www.swindontowncentre.co.uk

Prospect Hospice Gift Wrap

Threshold's Big SleepOut

When: 16 November - 31 December

Christmas Pantomime

Expert wrapping for a donation to a good cause

Threshold Housing Link's annual charity sleep out

Sleeping Beauty at the Wyvern Theatre with Michelle Collins and Christ Jarvis

When: From 30 November

When: 6 - 7 December from 8pm - 7.30am

When: 7 December - 5 January

Where: Lower level of The Plaza, The Brunel

Where: Supermarine Sports Club

Where: Wyvern Theatre

www.thebrunel.co.uk

www.thl.org.uk

www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Swindon Town: 'Hopefully this is just a small blip for town'

By Alfie Howlett publisher@swindonlink.com

Injuries and squad depth have cost Swindon in recent weeks and as a result their promoting push has slightly stalled.

While there have been positives in recent weeks at SN1, there have also been some negatives involved in the equation.

Swindon had a brilliant start to the season, however injuries have hindered Richie Wellens and his team's progress in the autumn period.

The lowest point came on 28 September when Swindon took on Newport at the County Ground. Firstly Town captain Dion Conroy was badly injured early on in a 50\50 challenge.

This left a massive hole in Town's defence and to make it worse Conroy is unexpected to be able to feature for the rest of the season.

This is a massive blow for Town as Conroy was our best

ball playing centre back and was key to our system. Also during that game Swindon's cracks began to appear. Most notably the lack of physicality from some of the players. As a result Town fell tamely to a 2-0 defeat. This should be a concern for manager Richie Wellens as his team will require a physical edge to their play if they're to succeed in League Two. If teams ruffle Swindon's feathers by being physical (the majority do) Swindon struggle to play with their usual free attacking play. Therefore they shall have to think of a plan b for when these scenarios occur to make sure they can maybe nick a draw when they are having an off day.

Injuries have mainly hit our defence with full back Rob Hunt being the only regular feature in the Town back line.

However free agent Gabriel Zakuani has slotted into the

Swindon defence with ease.

Zakuani was released from Gillingham last season and the 33 year old veteran has given Swindon a different edge when it comes to their defending.

Zakuani is a typical no nonsense old school defender.

He wins aerial duels and if the ball requires being booted into row z he shall do it. This has come as a boost for Town as they have lacked a defender with the qualities of Zakuani in recent seasons. Zakuani could be key this season with his know how and depth of experience.

In my opinion holding midfielder Anthony Grant has been Swindon's best player in recent weeks.

Grant, who's on loan from Shrewsbury, has become a fans' favourite with his tough tackling and his simplicity in possession. Grant has given Swindon an extra dimension in midfield and definitely made

Swindon better defensively.

However the main talking point in recent weeks has been Swindon's bench. Swindon have had to look for cover in the free agent market as their bench is not strong enough.

For example, centre back Tom Broadbent should be playing for Swindon however he is always warming the bench.

Richie Wellens has put this down to a lack of confidence however Broadbent will never gain confidence if he doesn't play.

The difference between the bench and the first team is too big to be honest and having a good bench is key for a good season.

Due to the lack of firepower on the bench Swindon's first eleven never get a rest so hence the amount of injuries.

Hopefully this is just a small blip for Swindon. They say the test of true champions is how they respond. swindonlink.com n November 2019

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Swindon Lives WITH: Maria Hopkins

In her own words, domestic abuse survivor Maria Hopkins shares her harrowing experience of domestic violence to raise awareness and encourage victims to seek help.

My name's Maria, I’m 23 and I live in Swindon with my two young children.

When I was 15 and in year 10 at school, I met a boy called Ricky. We were good friends at first and a few months later it became more of a relationship.

We got on well and it was fine, he was just how you would expect a boyfriend to be, considerate and thoughtful.

I had no concerns. In 2014, I gave birth to our daughter.

About a year later, I noticed his behaviour started to slip.

He wasn’t violent and he didn’t smoke, drink or take drugs, and we didn’t argue, but his tone towards me in everyday conversations started to change. He almost had to have a say on everything and became really jealous.

In 2016, we had our son, but Ricky’s behaviour went rapidly downhill the following year.

When our daughter was born he was really excited, like a typical doting dad. But he was different this time. The only way I can describe it is like a switch had been flicked. The first time he hit me I was really shocked, I never expected that from him. Over time, I became accustomed to it, it almost became normal life to me.

On July 15 this year, long after we had split up, Ricky turned up unannounced at my house. He thought I had a new boyfriend and asked to see my phone, but I refused. He became aggressive so I locked him out the house. But he kicked the door in and attacked me, smashing my head against the TV unit so hard it left a dent in the wood.

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He then stamped on my head several times before taking my sister’s phone from her so she couldn’t call the police. I was unconscious so I can’t remember exactly what happened but my sister managed to get outside and call for help.

I ended up in John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with a broken jaw and a fractured spine. I had to have multiple operations following the attack which included having a permanent metal plate fitted to my jaw. I could only eat with a syringe for weeks after and my jaw will never be straight again.

I never really felt

done. When the Judge was reading out details of the surgery I had required, Ricky looked proud that someone had needed surgery as a result of his actions, and proud of the damage he had caused. That was when the anger set in and the realisation that he, of all people, had done that to me. I wanted to go to court because I wanted closure. When he was given his prison sentence, and he walked out of the court, that was it. It was all over and I

angry towards Ricky about what happened because I was just so focused on recovering from the surgery that I hadn’t given him a second thought.

The next time I saw him was when I went to court to see him sentenced. That is the first time I felt angry towards him because he was smirking and he almost looked proud of what he had

could focus on moving on.

I’m now in a new relationship which I never thought would happen. If you told me I would meet someone while I was in my hospital bed I would have laughed. What I have been through has definitely affected me, it’s made me more wary, and I worry a lot about how things I say and do are

perceived.

I’ve spoken to my daughter about what has happened. She is young but she understands.

I was advised to talk to her, because the last thing I would want is for her to find out about her daddy from someone at school. My son is too young but I will speak to him when he gets a bit older. I don’t want them to grow up with the burden on their shoulders of who their dad is and what he has done to their mum. If they can be told at a young age, they can start to process it and understand that it’s not who they are and his actions do not define them.

I know that so many people think it is impossible to escape an abusive relationship, especially those who have children, but it is so important to prioritise their wellbeing as well as your own. The police have been so helpful to me, the Detective Constable assigned to my case has kept me well informed throughout the whole court process, which has been really helpful. I’d urge anyone to report information to the police if they are in an abusive relationship.

I also want to point out that anyone could find themselves in an abusive relationship.

Domestic abuse does not have a particular ‘look’. It can happen to any relationship behind closed doors, so it’s especially important for everyone to be vigilant and look out for friends and family.

It is a huge thing for me to tell my story – if I can help one other person in a similar position to me then it will be worth it.

Maria Hopkins. *Ricky Wilding was sentenced on September 12 to six years and eight months imprisonment after pleading guilty to GBH

18/10/2019 13:26

A poetry column by Maurice Spillane I wrote in a recent article that my friend, Paul Waites, composed a poem for my birthday.

I said it was so good I entered it into a competition. He didn’t win but poetry judging is obtuse – and I’m a bad loser!

I asked him how long it took to write. “Not long,” he replied, “but months to compose in my head.”

Poets shouldn’t be allowed to drive cars or operate machinery.

Their heads get scrambled when they’re composing. What I love about Paul’s poem is that it races, an outpouring while running around a supermarket, observing, judgemental.

The full poem is on my web page.

Here are a few disjointed lines from “Y’re Mans for Tea”: So, we’ll start at the beginning, the starter.

Scallops or Asparagus, Asparagus or Scallops?

Push the boat out? Nautical it is.

‘Excuse me, scallops? Aisle 29?

No, that’s fine – I’ll find it’ ‘Cracked, black peppered, Bulgarian crab claws? Certainly madam, Aisle 23’ Right. On. On. Scallops.

Scallops. Scallops.

Remember our fate.

Two old men, lemon sherbet smiles, observing the world as it passes by ‘Jesus, will you look at the size of the arse on that!’

‘Look at it? I’m feckin’ orbiting around it’ Right. On. On. Scallops. Scallops. Scallops.

If Paul could knock out a poem for my next few birthdays he’d have a cracking book before we pop our clogs.

This month in Swindon: • Reading Group – Monday 4 November, 7-9pm Richard Jefferies Museum • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 12 November, 7.30pm • Open Mic – Monday 18 November, 7.30pm Regent Hotel, Victoria Road www.mauricespillane.com

Our family service caring for you

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John Pearce (left), Belinda, Tracy and David.

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Fully Guaranteed Prepaid Plans from £3,495 (monthly instalments available) To receive a £75 discount on these fees, please contact us quoting reference ‘Link1’

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www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk info@pearcefuneralservices.co.uk * for the option of burial the guarantee excludes purchase of plots. Valid until 31st March 2020 swindonlink.com n November 2019

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SERVICE SECTOR

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS, BOOKKEEPING, BUILDING SERVICES, CLEANING, DECORATING, ELECTRICAL SERVICES, GARAGE DOORS, GAS & PLUMBING SERVICES

Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting

Reliable Local Company Established 2003 FULL Installation and Design of Bathrooms and Kitchens including: • Tiling & Plastering • Painting • Plumbing • Flooring • Electrics & Gas

A tailormade service crafted around our customers, from initial consultation through to bespoke planning and design stage, finishing with quality installation and warranty. We are the best choice for your next project, our customers tell us so...

FREE DESIGN AND CONSULTATION FREE PROJECT MANAGEMENT FREE WASTE REMOVAL

(INCLUDING OLD KITCHEN OR BATHROOM)

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

Contact us for a quote:

01793 877677 www.enlan.co.uk

services

• Flat roofs, epdm rubber & fibre glass • Roof repairs • New roofs • Upvc fascia, soffits and guttering

DRIVEWAYS & LANDSCAPING • New driveways and extensions • Tarmac • Block paving • Resin bond aggregate • Patios

01793 239742

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

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748 www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk

COMPLETE BUILDING ROOFING

BOOK-KEEPING Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work?

info@completebuilding-services.co.uk www.completebuilding-services.co.uk

Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

DECORATOR

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

Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802 www.abacuscleaningservices.co.uk

Call 07976 885203 or 01793 827248

www.trevorwyse.com

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered

Certified Electrician NICEIC Domestic Installers (D606759)

Reliable Local Company • Re-Wires, Alterations & Additions • Inspections, Testing & Certificates • Consumer Units Replaced • LED Lighting Installations • Emergency Lighting • Fix Wire Testing

01793 877677 office@enlan.co.uk www.enlan.co.uk

• Extra Sockets/lights Extra Sockets/lights • • Fuse Board Upgrade • Fuse Board Upgrade

• • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and Complete Rewires • • Complete Rewires No job too small!

• • No job too small!

Connected Connected Electrical Electrical && Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 or Tel: 07824 314080 or 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD

Tel 01793 940096 Email info@dgds.co.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

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

• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772 28

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SERVICE SECTOR

HEATING SERVICES, HOME IMPROVEMENTS, LANDSCAPING & GARDENING, PLANS DRAWN, REMOVALS, ROOFING, WASTE REMOVAL. WATER SOFTENERS, WINDOWS

M.P.S.

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Heating Services

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Doors & Windows Composite Doors Fascias/Soffits/Guttering

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For a prompt professional service call Andy: 07969 350160 / 01793 610286

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STUMP REMOVAL CALL 01793 522579 or MOBILE 07816 906437 Email: matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk 67416

PLANS DRAWN Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.

From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and advice given.

7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered

Call Bob on 07778 324228

Using NEW state-of-the-art equipment

Hedge Cutting • Tree Planting Fruit Tree Pruning Fully insured Free estimates 25 years experience

01793 828055 07967 594707 david.hawkins100@hotmail.co.uk

• Driveways • Patios • Block Paving • Patterned Paving • Landscaping • Fencing • Garden Designs • Tarmacking Reliable - Tidy - Prompt Check us out on Contact Leslie Coneley:

01793 239477 0800 7471826 07957 642977 classicdrivesandpatios@gmail.com www.classic-drives-and-patios.co.uk

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• Felt Roofing • Liquid Plastics • Single-Ply • Slate and Tiling • Fascias and Guttering • General Repairs • Free Estimates Over 40 years experience in the industry

Call Nick on 07973 872266

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18/10/2019 13:26

12

14

13

13

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

15

17

18 19

21

19 23

20 22

23

25

27

26

24

28

30

25

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

11.

12.

14.

15.

17.

20.

24.

25.

26.

29.

Tardy person (9) Hit high (3) Easy pace (7) Wind instrumentalist (5) Deep cut (4) Swampy ground (3) Spouse (4) Give fresh life to (5) Oriental vessel (6) Annoyed constantly (6) Scrub (5) Fairground attraction (4) Belonging to a man (3) Maple tree (4) Hickory nut (5) Irreverent (7) Barrier (3) Carriage (9)

E

I

N

There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, you should not have to guess.

5 9

31

1.

6.

8.

9.

10.

11.

13.

14.

16.

18.

19.

21.

22.

23.

27.

28.

30.

31.

A G O

SUDOKU

24

29

ACROSS

C A M

Boy (3) Iberian river (5) Restraint (4) Movement (6) Oil-yielding plant (4) Peewit (7) Drinks server (9) Mollusc (9) Long seat (5) Biological group (5) Abyssinian prince (3) Conflict (3) Small quantity (7) Lubricating (6) Scottish farm (5) Understood (4) Rotate (4) Prosecute (3)

1 9 6 4

7 6 3

6 2 7 2 1 5 4 6 8 1 7 2 9 2 7 8 3 6 9 4 8 8 5 1 9 6 2 5

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which, when placed correctly in the grid, will form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

SOLUTIONS

Bench; 12 Genus; QUICK 14 Ras; 15 War; 17 CROSSWORD Across – 1 Latecomer; Modicum; 20 Oiling; 24 Croft; 25 Knew; 26 6 Lob; 8 Dogtrot; 9 Spin; 29 Sue. Piper; 10 Gash; 11 Bog; 13 Wife; 14 NONAGRAM Renew; 16 Sampan; again; agamic; agin; 18 Nagged; 19 Scour; agio; agma; amigo; 21 Ride; 22 His; 23 among; angioma; Acer; 27 Pecan; 28 cage; coaming; coign; Impious; 30 Dam; 31 coinage; coming; Wagonette. conga; egomania; EGOMANIAC; Down – 1 Lad; 2 enigma; gain; game; Tagus; 3 Curb; 4 gamin; gamine; Motion; 5 Rape; 6 Lapwing; 7 Bartender; gean; genic; genoa; genomic; gnome; 10 Gastropod; 11 gnomic; gone; image; imago; mage; magic; manage; manga; mange; mango; mega; naga; ngaio; omega.

11

20 Good; 24 Very Good; 28 Excellent.

MAGIC SQUARE clap; lice; acer; pert.

11

10

A CLERICAL PRECEPT

9 2 7 3 4 1 8 6 5

10

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Target scores:

1 6 4 8 9 5 7 3 2

7

9

9

16

6

8 5 3 7 2 6 4 9 1

8

5

3 8 5 6 7 2 9 1 4

5

6 1 9 4 8 3 2 5 7

4

7 4 2 5 1 9 6 8 3

3

4 7 6 1 5 8 3 2 9

2

MAGIC SQUARE

5 9 8 2 3 7 1 4 6

1

NONAGRAM

2 3 1 9 6 4 5 7 8

QUICK CROSSWORD

Terms and conditions apply: visit better.org.uk/terms for details. 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

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5 join together for just £5 MONDAYS 5.15pm Liden Community Centre, Barrington Close SN3 6HF - Lisa C 07840 105363 MONDAYS 7.30pm Blunsdon Village Hall SN26 7AR - Kim 07568 089226 TUESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meadowcroft Community Centre, Addison Crescent SN2 7JX - Rebecca 07816 281940 TUESDAYS 7.30pm Swindon Rugby Club, Greenbridge Road SN3 3LA - Lisa W 07897 340665 WEDNESDAYS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill SN1 3LS - Vicky 07917 653700 WEDNESDAYS 7.30pm Coleview Community Centre, Towcester Road SN3 4AS - Lisa C 07840 105363 THURSDAYS 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Paul’s Church Centre, St Paul’s Drive SN3 5BY - Kate 07795 024352 THURSDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Polish Community Centre, Walton Close SN3 2JU - Gill 07707 031305 FRIDAYS 9.30am Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill SN1 3LS - Rebecca 07816 281940 FRIDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am Swindon Rugby Club, Greenbridge Road SN3 3LA - Lisa W 07897 340665 SATURDAYS 8.00am & 10.00am Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill SN13LS - Rebecca 07816 281940

Find out more about joining our amazing team – contact Rebecca on 07816 281940

Valuation Day opportunity with Thomas Forrester TV expert on Flog It! The Antiques Road Trip & Bargain Hunt

Bring along your Antiques & Jewellery for a FREE valuation with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services

Monday 11th November 10am to 3.30pm

Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG Valuations are by appointment only To arrange a time, please call 01635 580595 or contact us via the website

www.specialauctionservices.com

Special Auction Services

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