South East Swindon Link

No 60 October 2021 GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to over 40,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 100,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

South & East Edition

It's time to Be The Change for future generations p4

swindonlink.com

Buswell and Nyberg at The Castle Inn during this year's Swindon Shuffle

Swindon is alive to the sound of music p24

Swindon artist and author turns Chitty Chitty Bang Bang electric p8 SE October Master pages.indd 1

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Swindon Fencing Club says 'En Garde'

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

Swindon Fencing Club is encouraging new members and primary schools to give the sport a try after starting sessions back up this September.

Swindon Link visited the local fencing club for its first training session after its annual August break.

Fencing in Swindon has been going on since 1970 and the Swindon Fencing Club is now in its 51st year. Even after being established for this amount of time, the club still remains one of Swindon's best-kept secrets.

Club members meet every Tuesday evening at The Deanery CE Academy off Peglars Way, near Wichelstowe. Fencing sessions run all year round, excluding August and the end of December.

Junior foil sessions run from 6 - 7pm, with junior epee and sabre at 7.10 - 8.10pm and

adult sessions from 8.20 9.30pm.

Club President and teacher Neil Bromley also runs fourweek fencing courses for primary schools, free of charge. He said that this has helped him to recruit for the club's junior sessions. A lot of pupils have been signing up to the club after enjoying the experience so much at school.

Neil said: “We’re conscious that lockdown has prevented a lot of children from getting out and doing sport and we know obesity levels are creeping up, so that is why we want to promote our junior sessions and our four-week primary school courses.

“What could be better than pretending you're Princess Leia or Captain Jack Sparrow when duelling with swords? It’s not costing the school anything or the children attending.”

Children are recommended to start the junior classes at the club when they are at

least eight years old. This is to ensure they have the strength and understanding for the combat element of the sport.

The club teaches epee, foil and sabre fencing.

The club takes membership payment either on the door each week or in advance on a standing order basis. On the door, children pay £8 and adults £10. Paying on a monthly basis would cost £20 for children and £25 for

adults.

Swindon Fencing Club provide electric sword setups, chestguards, gloves and anything else a beginner might need.

One-to-one fencing sessions from Neil are also available for those looking for a more independent training experience.

Neil Bromley can be reached at neilg.bromley@ntlworld.com More information can be found at swindonfencing.org.uk

It's time for all of us to start living again There's definitely the whiff of change in the air.

For 18 months it's as if the world has been holding its breath just waiting for us all to start living again.

As a business, it's been pretty hard and we've made a few changes as we pivoted to muddle through the new pandemic-caused reality.

Although we're still a long way from pre-pandemic business, it's all heading in the right direction mainly thanks to the

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson Reporter: Jessica Durston

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

Calyx

hugely successful vaccine rollout.

The phone is ringing and our inboxes are starting to get full again as the organisations of Swindon start to come alive to do what they do.

Three events over the past few weeks definitely caught our attention as proof that Swindon is ready to start living normal life again. They were Live at Lydiard, The My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival and the Swindon Shuffle.

All three showed off the talent that

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Swindon has to offer especially when it comes to live music, and their popularity proved how much we as a town have missed these cultural events that bring us all together.

So here's to us all starting to live again, supporting our local businesses and finally getting out and about to enjoy the buzz.

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

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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 644540 swindonlink.com n October 2021

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The Eco Briefing

Be the Change: reduce your energy use - and your bills The energy price cap has increased for the 15 million customers it protects.

That’s why reducing the amount of energy we use at home has never been more important. Not only will this help to decrease bills, but it will also reduce our impact on the environment.

Here are eight easy things you can do to help reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint: 1. Turn the thermostat down by one degree and you could save £80 a year. If you have health concerns, are elderly or have small children in the

house, don't go below 18 degrees.

2. Put on another layer before you turn the heating on. Remember, lots of thinner layers keep you warmer than one big one.

3. Make sure your furniture isn't right up against your radiators as this will block the heat.

4. Close the curtains when it's getting dark and tuck them in behind the radiator. This keeps heat in the room.

5. If there's a room you don't use much, turn down the radiators in there and close the door so you don't waste energy heating it. (But don't turn those radiators off completely or the room may get damp over

time.)

6. Turn the heating completely off overnight and when no-one is in the house. You can use your central heating timer to do this for you automatically.

7. Stay warm at night with a hot water bottle. This is a much cheaper alternative to an electric blanket.

8. If you have night storage heaters, find out how to use them properly so you don’t waste money.

Free energy-saving advice is available from the national Government-endorsed Simple Energy Advice service on 0800 444202.

The Be the Change campaign website has lots of tips and resources to help you better

understand the environmental impact of your day-to-day lifestyle and the ways you can make positive changes www.swindon.gov.uk/ bethechange As part of the ongoing campaign, two Electric Vehicle Discovery Days have been scheduled for October.

One will take place on Friday, 8 October between 1pm and 6pm at the Orbital Shopping Park in North Swindon, and the other on Saturday, 23 October between 10am and 3pm at Lydiard Park.

The free events are intended to give people an insight into electric vehicles and the ways in which they benefit the environment.

MP backs campaign to restore historic pond South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has backed a neighbourhood campaign to restore a pond dating back more than a century.

The pond, near The Prinnels in West Swindon, may have originally been a so-called dew pond, created and lined with clay as a watering place for livestock, and associated with the nearby farmhouse which still survives.

However, in recent years it has become overgrown with willow and other vegetation, and people living nearby are campaigning to have it returned to its former state.

Swindon Borough Council is investigating what can be done and when, as the pond is thought to be home to a number of scarce species of plants and animals.

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South Swindon MP Mr Buckland, third from right, with some of those involved in the project

one of the joys of West Swindon is the green open spaces. The fact that the teams here and the residents have got together to restore this much-loved open space speaks volumes for the life and health of our community in West Swindon.

"I'm proud to represent them."

One of the leading figures in the campaign, Jane Wilcox, said: "It's quite

a big pond and it's going to cost a lot of money to get it done.

"No-one really knows it's here unless they know it's here. Everybody in the neighbourhood is on board. The object of the project is to get it fully restored.

"It's thriving in spite of how it looks. Can you imagine how it's going to be when it's restored? It's going to be fantastic!"

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Green campaigner says welcoming wildflowers can save our planet

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk A veteran Swindon environmentalist says wildflowers in gardens and other spaces should be encouraged.

Glynis Hales, who lives in Freshbrook and presents the Birds and Bees radio programme on Swindon 105.5, insists the plants are vital to the soil, the air, wildlife and the environment as a whole.

She said: "What I'm trying to get through to people is that the wildflower is doing a lot. We've lost, some say, 97 percent of our wildflower meadows since the 1930s.

"There are various studies, although it's a bit of a new science. Everyone is putting trees in to sequester the carbon, to take it out of the air.

"The thing with trees is that they do, but they put the carbon in their trunks - that's why they get so big.

Glynis Hales in her naturefriendly Freshbrook garden

"When wildflowers sequester carbon, they sequester it into the soil, so when you have wildfires they will burn all those trees and release that carbon, but if you've got wildflowers, yes, they will be burned off, but you can very quickly re-seed and they will start sequestering the carbon that year - whereas if you plant trees it's going to take a while before they start doing their job.

"We need both, of course,

but I think more emphasis, especially as we're in a race against time, needs to be on the wildflowers and what they're doing."

Glynis, in common with the authors of many studies, believes modern farming methods have disrupted a great deal of the natural balance. She said: "Nature has been doing this for millions and millions and millions of years.

Homo sapiens have only been on the planet for 250,000

years.

"We've only been farming, possibly, for about 10,000 years. So we don't know what we're doing. We've got no idea.

"For example, people use pesticides but the pesticides get rid of everything, the good guys and the bad guys.

The problem is that you then need to keep on using these pesticides because other pests come along and start eating your plants!

"If you just leave it to nature, the natural pesticides are wasps, lacewings, earwigs and all these other insects.

"Yes, you're going to lose a bit of your cabbages or whatever, but we're not doing without at the moment and I think we should allow that."

Glynis would like to see more public land given over to the natural growth of wildflowers, and more people allow at least part of their own garden to be natural.

Swindon leisure centre partners with BBC for charitable campaign

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk Charitable social enterprise, Better has partnered with BBC Radio Wiltshire on the new campaign 'Kit Out the Nation.'

'Better' operates leisure centres across Swindon on behalf of Swindon Borough Council.

Its charity initiative with BBC Wiltshire aims to provide good quality, used sports clothing and equipment to children and young people in need.

Donations of second hand kit can be made directly at collection points in the Link Centre on Whitehill Way. These donated items will then be distributed to local schools and to the children who will benefit most.

The Kit Out the Nation initiative is also promoting recycling.

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Good condition equipment and clothing that would likely otherwise go to landfill will get an extended life.

Data from Sport England published earlier this year, shows levels of physical activity are falling. 100,000 fewer children met the recommended level of activity in 2020 than in 2019.

More information on the Kit Out the Nation appeal can be found at www.better.org.uk/ kit-out-the-nation

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Swindon artist and author turns Chitty Chitty Bang Bang electric

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk When the estate of James Bond creator Ian Fleming wanted an illustrator to help update the image of the author's other world-famous fictional character, they called in Swindon author and artist Steve Antony.

Steve, whose work includes the Mr Panda series, The Queen's Hat and other favourites familiar to countless children and parents across the globe, has given the public a new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, complete with a carefullyresearched electric motor.

"I've always felt I've got a bit of an affinity with Chitty, ever since reading the book as a child," he said.

"It just captivated me. The whole idea of a car having a personality and being able to fly and taking you on all sorts of adventures - that stayed with me.

Steve Antony with copies of You Can! and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

"All of the cars that I've had in my adult life, I've named all of them and I've imagined that they've had personalities.

To be given this job was just amazing."

Not long before he was approached with the offer, Steve wandered into an antique bookshop during a visit to London and picked up a copy of one of the three original Ian Fleming volumes.

It was on his desk when his agent relayed the message from the Fleming estate.

"I looked at the email and I looked at the book, and it was surreal. I had to read the email more than once for it to sink in!"

Another of Steve's recent projects involves a completely new book, due for an October release.

You Can!, written by Alexandra Strick, is based on

the thoughts, hopes and wishes of a group of real-life young people.

Steve's illustrations include a series of double-page spreads in which the story of each can be followed from babyhood to the age of 18.

He said: "I read the text, and to me it seemed like a really positive manifesto, and immediately I thought to myself, 'Wow, this is something every classroom needs.'

"It's such an incredibly positive and inclusive book.

It was a really challenging book to illustrate because it's not a story as such. I had to take their thoughts and their comments and somehow visualise them and create a visual narrative, so the way that I approached it was by creating 14 characters, all diverse characters, of different abilities, identities, ethnicities, and this book follows them from birth. As you turn the page they get one year older."

Planning permission secured for 1,550 homes in Swindon

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk Capital Land Strategic Planning has secured permission for 1,550 new homes at the New Eastern Villages site.

With the finalisation of the S106 agreement outline, planning permission has been granted for the new homes on land at Great Stall East, just south of the A420 to the east of Swindon.

The planning application for the development, which was submitted by Capital Land Strategic Planning, will also deliver a new primary and secondary school, a site for a Park and Ride as well as a sports hub.

The Capital Land team received a resolution to grant last August and finalised the S106 agreement a year later, receiving planning permission at the end of last month.

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The team progressed immediately on to the next stage of the planning process, working up detailed designs and beginning planning work to discharge conditions.

CEO Jeremy Francis said: "It has been a big challenge and the team has navigated it outstandingly.”

The land at Great Stall East forms part of the wider New Eastern Villages (NEV), which will deliver of 8,000 homes,

new schools, employment spaces and community and leisure facilities.

It will be located to the east of the A419 and is estimated to span 724 hectares, with its eastern boundary reaching the point at which the River Cole meets the A420.

The development is promised to include community facilities, a local centre, open green space and allotments along with walking/cycling

infrastructure for a more sustainable community.

Swindon Borough Council has received funding to upgrade neighbouring highway networks, with the majority of these works underway.

These works will upgrade nearby junctions to ensure they can cope with future traffic levels associated with the NEV and the general population growth of the area.

Cllr Gary Sumner, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Infrastructure, Transport and Planning, said: “Each element of the NEV has been carefully designed to provide a series of linked villages, rather than the traditional urban extensions of the past and will be delivered in a phased way.

"We are delivering sustainable communities with green open space, recreational facilities, brand new schools and employment land."

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Call to secure school places in good time Swindon Borough Council recommends parents complete applications to primary, junior and secondary schools earlier to avoid oversubscription.

This year, the council said, it was able to give 96 per cent of applicants their first choice primary school and 87 per cent their first preference secondary school, but early applications are still urged.

Parents can find out about the application process, deadlines and schedules by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/ schoolplaces

Zero tolerance for flytipping in Swindon Swindon Borough Council handed out 37 Fixed Penalty Notices for flytipping between May and 2 September.

The fines were part of the council's ongoing zerotolerance policy toward fly-tipping, which costs the borough's taxpayers £200,000 per year in clearing and enforcement.

The council has also deployed mobile CCTV to help catch offenders, and members of the public are asked to report incidents and share information via www.swindon. gov.uk/flytipping

Swindon UTC open day announced Swindon's University Technical College will hold its first open event of the year on Saturday, 2 October from 10am to 1pm.

Visitors are promised the chance to find out more about studying at an engineering and digital technologies school.

Principal Jon Oliver will give talks about the UTC and its work at 10.15am and then again at 12.15pm.

Places can be booked by searching for 'UTC Swindon' at www.eventbrite.co.uk, which also has further details.

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New Swindon choir promises friendly welcome to all

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk Anybody who loves to sing and has always wondered what it’s like to sing in a choir can now find out.

The new no-audition Swindon Good Afternoon Choir runs on Thursdays from 1pm to 3pm at Freshbrook Church, and a warm welcome is promised to anybody who goes along to find out more.

Bath-based music man Grenville Jones started his Good Afternoon Choirs 12 years ago and Swindon is one of eight new ones.

He said: "Come along and meet the Swindon Good Afternoon Choir on a Thursday afternoon from 1pm at Freshbrook Church. There’s no charge for attending the first rehearsal, and bring a friend.

“Choirs are great for meeting new friends and enjoying the best hobby in the world!”

John Sandford, who leads the

Choir leader John Sandford has years of experience

Swindon choir, lives in Bath and is a choral music director with over 30 years of experience running choirs for children and adults.

He holds a Certificate of Teaching from the Royal School of Music, specialising in voice training, and loves to work with individuals and groups to improve their singing technique and vocal health. He is also a member of the Association of British Choral Directors and has taken part in workshops led by

leading composers such as John Rutter, Eric Whitacre and Bob Chilcott.

The choirs sing popular melodies in harmony and each choir raises money for a local charity selected by the members.

In 2019, prior to Lockdown, the Good Afternoon Choirs raised over £22,000 for local deserving charities.

Choir rehearsals are in four terms of 10 weeks each, and members pay £50 per term.

This covers all room and piano hire, music, admin and the musician fees.

There is no obligation to join at the start of a term - people are invited to simply come along to any rehearsal and pick up a membership form should they wish to join the choir - their fee will then be worked out for the remainder of that term.

Further information can be found at www. goodafternoonchoir.org

Free fire service visit that could save your life

Firefighters are urging the public to take advantage of a free home safety visiting service.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service's Safe & Well scheme is intended to help keep communities safe in their homes.

Visits can be requested via www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-andwell-visits/ and by calling free on 0800 038 2323.

Topics covered include: - Using electricity safely - Cooking safely - Making an escape plan - What to do if there is a fire - Keeping children safe - Good practice – night time routine and other relevant points relevant to you - Identifying and discussing any further support you may need if necessary A service spokesperson said: "During the coronavirus pandemic we are still able to offer support to you in your home, albeit with a slightly

different approach to help prevent the inadvertent spread of the virus.

"Your safety is really important to us, so to help us before we visit your home we will telephone you to provide you with home fire safety advice and to identify if any additional equipment may be required, such as smoke, heat or CO alarms.

"We will then arrange to visit you at a convenient time

to install any equipment and briefly look around your home to identify any fire risks.

"To help us keep you safe we will wear appropriate PPE whilst in your home and will ask you to remain at a safe distance away from us, as well as wear a face covering, if possible."

The fire service website www.dwfire.org.uk - has free downloadable leaflets covering a range of fire safety issues.

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Brighter Futures and Swindon Rotary Club to host Christmas charity run The 'Santa vs Rudolph Run' will be held at Lydiard Park on Sunday 5 December.

Members of the public can register at www. swindonsanta.org.uk.

Fundraising for the event will go to Brighter Futures and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The event page is at www. brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.

Registration for the run will start at 8.30am and the main event will start at 11am. The distances are 3k, 5k, 10k which participants can either run, jog or walk. Families, dogs and pushchairs are also welcome.

Swindon Borough Council to provide smarter street lighting across borough Towards the end of the summer, Swindon Borough Council said lanterns on more than 17,800 lighting columns had been upgraded to more energy efficient LEDs. SSE Enterprise Contracting continued to upgrade lanterns mainly in the Central, Eastcott, Lydiard & Freshbrook, Old Town, Walcot & Park North, Western and Mannington areas of Swindon.

Lighting columns that have reached the end of their service life were replaced in the Old Town, Walcot & Park North areas over the same period.

A council spokesperson said: "A continued thank you goes out to residents who have accommodated requests to move vehicles to give our contractor the space either side of a column to accommodate the vehicle required to remove and replace the column."

In the coming weeks, lantern upgrades and column replacements are planned for the main/larger roads in West and Central Swindon.

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Swindon Air Rifle League encourages newcomers

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk Swindon Link visited Swindon Air Rifle League members from the Brown Jack A and B team.

People of all abilities are welcome to come along to the meets which take place weekly at the North Swindon Club off Cheney Manor Road. Members need to have the strength to hold a rifle so it's for 12-year-olds and above.

Members are lent rifles and shooting gear, if they wish to use them.

People with disabilities are welcomed and accomodated with different shooting styles.

Membership for the year costs £15 for over 18s and £5 for under 18s. An extra cost of £2 for every practice helps to cover the free use of the equipment and the pellets and scorecards supplied.

Mark Dobson, the Brown

Members of the Brown Jack A abd B shooting teams

Jack club and A team captain said: "We like to try and make our practice and competition sessions fun.

“We’re friendly and easygoing. I think of everyone here as my Brown Jack family and I think that is what other people will find by joining not only us, but any club that is part of the Swindon & District Air Rifle League."

Safety training is available on first visit and the handling of the rifle and correct stance will be explained. Members shoot from either side of a screen partition at their scorecard,

held at a distance of around 6.2 metres.

The Swindon and District Air Rifle League and Brown Jack Shooting Club have public social media pages. Members of the public can join the private and public groups and keep up to date with competition outcomes and team victories.

Brown Jack Bs team member Ken Goodchild has been known to write a match report that he posts to their Facebook page.

Local air rifle clubs within Swindon can be found at www. swindon177.co.uk/

First phase of Fleming Way rejuvenation underway

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

The renovations of Fleming Way have started with the demolition of a car park, to help pave the way for a £33m scheme to improve Swindon town centre.

The Parade multi-storey car park behind the H&M store, which has been closed to the public for a number of months, is being removed as part of the Fleming Way Bus Boulevard scheme.

The council says the disused car park is being demolished so that the site can be included in the wider plans for the new bus interchange, providing the bus stops for some of Swindon’s rural bus services.

Local demolition specialist Lawson Group have been appointed to carry out the demolition work which began on 20 September and will last

An artist's impression

approximately two months.

With the work ongoing pedestrians are now unable to access the walkway alongside the car park on Fleming Way. However, they are still able to walk along Fleming Way at the upper level.

The Bus Boulevard scheme aims to see Fleming Way completely transformed to include a new public open space on the north side with a green central area to increase biodiversity.

The scheme will also feature improved pedestrian and cycle routes and the removal of the current Fleming Way underpass.

The borough council is currently in the process of procuring a main contractor for the Bus Boulevard scheme.

Members of the public can receive updates on the Fleming Way Bus Boulevard scheme by signing up the project’s e-newsletter at www.swindon. gov.uk/newsletter

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The Old Town Residents Association Column

A big loss for culture in Swindon

By Judith Randell-Sly of Old Town Residents Association

During the summer we enjoyed music and drama at the Bowl in the town gardens and now eagerly await the renovation works to bring this iconic structure back to a full and useful life.

South Swindon Parish have done an amazing job so far in revitalising the Town Gardens and are also working on Queen’s Park.

The OTRA gardens group is still going strong, but could always do with more recruits.

We now meet on a Monday afternoon from 2.00 pm.

Please contact Linda Kasmaty for further details if you would like to join us for a sociable and productive couple of hours. lindakasmaty@hotmail.com Swindon has never had a

reputation as a town of culture, probably because it has no large theatre or concert venue, but we all know that the arts are alive and generally thriving in our communities and the civic art collection has long been renowned for its rich and varied selection of works by well-known modern artists. It came as a huge blow, then, that the museum and art gallery are to remain closed to facilitate the sale of Apsley House, their current home. It is no surprise that the building is in need of urgent repairs and refurbishment, as very little has been done in recent years.

However one would expect that, before the closure goes ahead, a new venue would be found to house and display the collections. But, it seems, this is not the case. All the paintings and museum artefacts will

be packed up and stored at the Civic Offices. The council officers hope that some items might then be displayed at other venues in the borough.

This, surely, is a recipe for disaster, as such artefacts need controlled lighting and humidity levels to assist their preservation, which they are unlikely to get and some are likely to be damaged, lost or mislaid if they do not have a permanent home.

We are told that the council hope to build a cultural quarter

in the new Kimmerfields development in the town centre and this could contain a new art gallery. However, such plans are by no means certain and even if they come to fruition it will be a number of years before a gallery would be open to the public. What will happen to the collection in the meantime? These pictures belong to the people of Swindon and they should have access to them. www.facebook.com/ oldtownresidents

The South Swindon Parish Council Column

The heritage and culture of South Swindon

By Chris Watts - Chair of South Swindon Parish Council

Swindon Events Season I write this article with our Summer Events Calendar just reaching completion. Events are a fantastic way to bring the Swindon community together and promote cultural activities. As custodians of Swindon’s historic parks - the Town Gardens, GWR Park and Queen’s Park - we see it as our duty to foster more events for the town.

Since late June we have hosted a great number of events in our parks, particularly in the Town Gardens. Popular events have included The Vintage Picnic in the Park Dance Event, the Pride Festival, Theatre at the Bowl, Sunday afternoon concerts in the Town Gardens, the My Dad is Bigger 14

Than Your Dad Music Concert and Great West Fest, to name a few.

We are now planning our programme of events for next summer, which looks set to be even better. Interested in booking an event of your own?

Contact our Events Manager at comms@southswindon-pc. gov.uk

Learning About Our Heritage In the summer the Parish Council was thrilled to welcome Joseph Ingleby to Queens Park, to celebrate the installation of a new plaque at his sculpture, the Turtle Storm.

The Turtle Storm is a piece of Swindon’s heritage, having arrived in the town in 1995, and we are proud to tell people more about this great

From left: Artist Joseph Ingleby with daughter Greta, parish councillors Neil Hopkins, Linda Kasmaty and Dave Griffiths and parish councillor chair Chris Watts

sculpture.

The plaque at the Turtle Storm is part of a wider parish council effort to do more to explain the heritage we maintain in our parks. As well as the new plaque at Turtle Storm, we have just added new signage explaining to people about the history of the Human Sundial in GWR Park and the Fishing for the Moon Garden which we recently refurbished.

We are also planning to create information boards in our parks to give residents more information about their history.

We hope these new information points will be valued by residents and help you learn more about your parks.

Cllr Chris Watts Chair, South Swindon Parish Council

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Day of music and performance to be held in aid of Prospect Hospice Tim Whiting of Swindon, has put together a charity show for Prospect Hospice, in memory of his late wife Riny, with the support of many people and businesses in Swindon.

He received sponsorship from the Piano Gallery in Faringdon.

The 'Songs From the Heart' event will be held at The Deanery CE Academy on Peglars Way, Wichelstowe and it will be in aid of Prospect Hospice. There will be two shows taking place; one at 2.30pm and at 6.30pm.

Headlining act is Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Dennis DeMille. He will be supported by the 16-piece local big band, 41 Degrees. The bill also includes three local choirs, Songbirds, Guys and Dolls, and students from the Ridgeway School faculty of Creative and Performing Arts.

Performers from the Judith Hockaday School of Dance will also feature on the line-up.

Tim said: "It is going to be a

cracking show and we are keen to sell out and make as much money as possible for Prospect.

"The Prospect at Home Team provided superb help and support to my wife Riny, myself and my son Danny during the time Riny was at home with cancer. Due to their support, Riny was able to die, peacefully, at home in October 2018.

"Since Riny died I have benefited enormously from the support of Prospect’s Bereavement support team. I received one to one counselling and took part in group counselling sessions."

Tickets are priced at £5.

All performers and helpers are involved on a voluntary basis.

Former track and field athlete David Hemery CBE and will be attending the matinee performance as a special guest.

Tickets can be found on www. ticketsource.co.uk/

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Our Vision At Haydonleigh, our united vision was created by our pupils, parents and staff alike.

Our school is committed to working in partnership to ensure every child achieves their best.

Welcome to Haydonleigh!

School Profile: Haydonleigh Primary

We provide a secure and happy environment where the work is varied and challenging and every child and adult is valued.

Get to know the schools in your area

We set the children and ourselves high standards to enable every child to develop his or her potential to the full and become confident learners.

Website: www.haydonleighschool.co.uk/

This issue: Haydonleigh Primary School Address: Haydon Court Drive, Swindon, SN25 1JP Contact: 01793 700 443

All parents are very welcome at Haydonleigh, and we see home and school working together as very important for your child.

School Values Respect Responsibility Enthusiasm Unity Creativity ‘I am talented together, I am amazing!’ underpins our philosophy.

We believe in nurturing our individual skills and working together to enable everyone to meet their full potential.

High expectations in learning and behaviour are maintained throughout our school.

We believe that learning should be active, so our staff and governors work hard to ensure each child is offered a varied and exciting curriculum, whatever their ability.

We pride ourselves on providing our children with a stimulating education. The school was visited by Ofsted on 19 January 2019 and was judged to be “good”.

Our Facilities

"Create the best future for your child"

Haydonleigh Primary serves the local community as a dynamic and exciting place to be.

We are a three-form entry school with a capacity of 630 children, made up of 90 pupils in each year group.

Our school has amazing facilities including a dance studio, theatre, pastoral room, award-winning kitchen and a purpose built Early Years Foundation Stage “nest.”

Our large grounds boast playfields, a wooded wildlife area, large outdoor gazebo classrooms, a number of trim trails, a kitchen garden, a London bus library and a role-play caravan.

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Estate agents Perry Bishop welcomes new member of its Swindon sales team Darron Bailey who, alongside Paul Dearing, has been appointed at Perry Bishop to look after sales and lettings in Swindon and surrounding villages on behalf of the award-winning estate agents.

Darron started his journey in property in 1988 and since then has helped hundreds of families and individuals on the move in Swindon, Oxford and across Devon.

He grew up in Wiltshire and now lives in Covingham. Darron says he is delighted to be joining Perry Bishop, an awardwinning estate agency who say their reputation has been built on providing exceptional customer care.

He said: “There have been a great many changes in the way properties are marketed since I first became an estate agent in the late 1980s. However, one thing remains the same – estate agency is all about people and

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delivering the best possible moving experience. I never forget that.”

Darron has two grown-up children and when he is not valuing and selling and letting properties, he enjoys cycling across the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

Those who are interested in selling or letting their property can contact Darron for property advice and a free valuation.

Darron's contact information: Telephone: 01793 686305 Email address: darronbailey@perrybishop. co.uk

New community hub, arts space and café for town centre A new community hub, arts space and cafe called Swindon Hub is opening its doors in the town centre.

The hub aims to be a meeting and event space for community groups and small businesses to hire.

It was planned to open at the start of October but organisers opened the doors for a special viewing and Big Clean-up Party event in September.

The new cultural hub is situated in the heart of the town centre, making use of the empty River Island shop in The Parade.

An inclusive social enterprise powered by volunteers, the Hub is supported by more than 20 community groups.

The team behind the Hub say their aim is for the building to be a welcoming, accessible, affordable and sustainable place for everyone in Swindon.

The project hopes to support the regeneration of Swindon’s town centre, targeting the problem of empty shops and

the need for a community space where groups and individuals can interact, exchange ideas, and share resources in a sustainable, low cost venue.

The Hub team say they have a strong environmental ethos and that the Hub will be run in a sustainable and ethical way with involvement from local environmental organisations and upcycled furniture provided by Renew Men’s Shed.

As well as providing a social space where people can meet, eat, learn and create, the Hub provides spaces where small businesses and community and cultural organisations can be based, run events and share ideas and resources. The arts space will host a programme of exhibitions, workshops and events.

Volunteer Jol Rose said: “There is so much energy and potential in Swindon - the Hub will be a place where people can connect and make things happen.” www.swindonhub.org.uk

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The Politics Page Swindon is such a welcoming place Swindon Council Leader David Renard's monthly column

The ACRS will welcome up to 5,000 people in the first year, up to a total of 20,000 over the coming years, leading the way in the global response to the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The scheme will provide vulnerable refugees from Afghanistan and those put at risk by recent events in Afghanistan with a route to safety.

I am extremely proud that Swindon has continued to support a number of asylum and refugee programmes over the years.

You may not be aware, but Swindon is one of only five places in the South West that regularly support and house refugees throughout the year.

In fact, we currently have around 300 households in Swindon under this programme including some historic Afghan cases.

We also continue to support the Unaccompanied Children

Asylum Seeker Programme and at present look after 30 children who arrived on our shores without any family members Much of our work to support refugees and those seeking asylum is aided by the fantastic work of local charity The Harbour Project. They are always looking for volunteers and are working tirelessly to support those who have been affected by the events in Afghanistan.

If you can spare a few minutes please have a look at their website harbourproject. org.uk to see for yourself the great work they do on a daily basis and to see how you can lend your support.

Work starts on next phase of landmark Wichelstowe development Work is about to start on the next phase of Swindon’s landmark new housing development, set to deliver 3,000 much-needed new homes over the next 20 years.

The first foundations for almost 500 new homes at Wichelstowe will now be laid, along with new infrastructure and landscaped areas, following Swindon Borough Council’s recent cabinet decision to transfer the next parcel of land.

Work is due to complete shortly on the first phase, Canalside, where many of the new homes are now occupied and just a handful of apartments remain for sale.

Construction will now get under way on 478 new homes, made up of 182 homes at Wichel Fields, just to the East of Canalside, and 296 homes at the Orchards, to the north of the development.

The new homes will be

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released for sale this winter and people are invited to register their interest in advance at www.barratthomes. co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk One of the largest local authority joint venture agreements in the country, the Wichelstowe development is being built by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in partnership with Swindon Borough Council. In addition to the 3,000 homes, the 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include new schools and community facilities, extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments. A new £26m underpass is currently being constructed underneath the nearby M4 motorway which will create a new access route into the major new development.

Work will also now start on a new roundabout at Mill Lane,

giving access to the new homes to the East and connecting the new area with the wider Wichelstowe development and surrounding road network. Two new sections of primary streets will also be built, extending the strategic road network through the site.

The roundabout work will require a temporary road closure this autumn along the stretch of Mill Lane between the M4 crossing and Waitrose.

Access to Waitrose and the existing housing will be maintained from the north and advance notice of the closures will be provided.

Wichelstowe project director Daniel Pavely said: “With the community really taking shape here at Canalside, Wichelstowe, we’re really excited to be able to start work on the next phase of this landmark development. We’ll be building a wide range of high quality, contemporary new

homes in a variety of sizes and styles helping to encourage a balanced, mixed community.

As well as starting on the main road connections, we’re really looking forward to developing the open space, conservation areas and protections and enhancements for wildlife.”

As well as the new homes, which will range from onebedroom apartments to fivebedroom family homes, the next phase of the development will include work on the public, open space and conservation areas.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Infrastructure, Transport and Planning, said: “We are very proud of this flagship new development now growing at Wichelstowe delivering much-needed new homes for the people of Swindon for generations to come."

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Words by Jessica Durston

I have lived in Swindon now for 31 years and I have always been struck by what a welcoming place it is.

The town’s unique location and excellent job opportunities have seen our population grow significantly in recent decades and many of those people who moved to Swindon in search of work have stayed and brought up their own families here.

Like me, many residents soon realised that Swindon is a great place to live but that it also has a strong and diverse community where people look out for one another.

This was particularly evident last year when, in the throes of the covid-19 pandemic, people across the Borough came together to show their caring side and to rally round to help those who needed their support the most.

But we also extend a caring and welcoming hand to people from outside our communities each and every year.

I am sure you will have watched with horror at the events unfolding in Afghanistan over the past few weeks.

I have been contacted by many residents to ask if there is anything we can do as a council to support those who have been forced to flee from the Taliban.

I would like to assure all Swindon Link readers that we are doing everything we can and we have already put forward a motion declaring our intention to do everything possible to help those affected.

At the time of writing, I have responded to the Government to pledge our support to the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), which will see us find homes for Afghan families who need somewhere to stay.

LINK

Louie Spence revealed as star of Swindon Pantomime

FEATURES

Words by Jessica Durston

Louie Spence will appear on the Wyvern Theatre Stage as The Spirit of the Beans in the pantomime Jack and Beantalk from 4 December - 2 January.

A spokesperson for the theatre said: "Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in this giant pantomime adventure.

Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams!

"Expect laughs, music, special effects, magic beans and bundles of audience participation at Wiltshire’s biggest Christmas show."

Tickets for the performance are available at www.swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/panto-swindonpantomime There will be a relaxed performance on Friday, 10 December at 1pm. Sign language interpreted performances will take place on Friday, 10 and Saturday, 11 December at 1pm.

An audio-described performance will take place on Thursday, 23 December at 1pm.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the 2020 pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Wyvern Theatre had to be postponed until 2021.

The Wyvern Theatre says those with tickets for 2020 will have the same seats as previously booked for a rescheduled date. A full list of the rescheduled dates can be found on the website.

The theatre has issued the following advice for members of the public who have paid for their tickets before 20 August 2020: • Holding onto your tickets is the best way to support us.

• Tickets will be honoured at the original price even if prices subsequently increase.

• A £5 panto voucher will be emailed to paid ticket holders to redeem against ice-cream, drinks, sweets or merchandise.

• Your existing tickets will remain valid for the new date.

Members of the public can join the social media conversation with #SwinPanto.

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LINK PETS & NATURE

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FOOD & DRINK

The Gin to My Tonic Festival to hit Steam museum

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk The Gin to My Tonic festival in partnership with Fever Tree will run from 15 - 16 October.

The festival brings together over 100 different gins from across the UK and beyond.

Each gin stocked behind the bars is said to have been selected based on craftsmanship and flavour and to strive for an enjoyable drinking experience.

Those looking for something other than gin can try an array of vodkas, rums, whiskies and bourbon.

Tickets are available for Friday 6.30pm-11pm, Saturday 12 noon-4.30pm and 6.30pm-11pm.

Each ticket is priced at £16 and can be purchased at thegintomytonic.com/event/ gin-festival-swindon The event is strictly for those aged 18 and over.

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Ticket prices cover the following: · Gin Explorer Guide · Gin Copa Glass · Glass Bag & Pen · Stainless Steel Straw · Access to over 100 Gins with 35ml Measures · Access to Vodkas, Rums, Whiskies and Bourbon. · Gin Exclusives

· Delicious Fever-Tree Mixers (including Lemonade) · Gin Sampling from the Exhibiting Distilleries · Access to Hot & Cold Food · Live Entertainment A spokesperson for the event said: "We pride ourselves on our relationship with distilleries, and are therefore delighted

to be able to bring together a range of established and emerging craft gins in person to enrich your gin experience.

You’ll also be able to pick their brains, discover even more about everybody’s favourite juniper-based tipple, and even take home a bottle should you wish.

"What’s more, we believe gin should be served correctly which is why we offer 35ml serves (as opposed to the average 25ml) as standard!

"The bar will operate on a token system with each token costing £5 for a 35ml measure of gin, garnish and appropriate mixer. Cash and card payments are accepted.

There will also be live music to get you into the party spirit!

"Love gin? Then join us for something truly special!"

Queries can be sent to The Gin To My Tonic Festival at enquiries@thegintomytonic.com

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Swindon listed as one of Arts Council England's priority places for commitment

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk Plans to create a new Cultural Quarter in Swindon town centre have received a huge boost today after Arts Council England declared the town one of its 11 Priority Places in the South West.

This means Arts Council England will work closely with the council and those involved with the arts and culture locally to develop new opportunities for increased investment, both from the Arts Council and other partners.

Swindon was selected following an independent assessment process and because of its ambition to drive positive change through culture.

Priority place status recognises the need for increased development time from the Arts Council to grow cultural investment

in the area, and is intended to give more people the opportunity to enjoy excellent cultural experiences in their communities and neighbourhoods.

A vision to build a 1,200seat theatre, new dance studio, media and arts production centre and art pavilion to display Swindon’s nationallysignificant art collection, was revealed earlier this year as part of wider proposals to

rejuvenate Swindon’s town centre post-COVID-19.

Councillor David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “We are thrilled to be named as one of Arts Council England’s Priority Places as it will build on our hard work, supported by our partners, to promote Swindon’s fantastic arts and cultural offer.

“We have bold and ambitious plans to create an £80m Cultural Quarter in the heart

LINK CULTURE of our town centre and we look forward to working even more closely with the Arts Council so they can lend their considerable expertise in helping us deliver this exciting project. This is a major achievement for Swindon and will really put our plans in the spotlight and help us improve our chances of attracting significant funding to support our arts and cultural activity.”

The priority places in the South West are: • Swindon • Gloucester • Gosport • Isles of Scilly • Isle of Wight • New Forest • North Devon • North Somerset (with a focus on Weston-superMare) • Portsmouth • Rushmoor • South Somerset (with a focus on Yeovil)

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LINK

Swindon post-covid crowds come CULTURE out in thousands for live music Swindon has been rocking out to live music festivals over the past month with packed crowds at Live at Lydiard, My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, and Swindon Shuffle. Live at Lydiard was held on Saturday 21 August and Lydiard Park crowds were wowed by headline acts Ann-Marie and Dizzee Rascal. Then on Saturday 29 August, a packed crowd streamed into The Bowl at Old Town Gardens for My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival, which was in aid of Prospect Hospice and in tribute to local music legend Dave Young. Headline acts included The Boys From County Hell, Kova Me Badd and Gaz Brookfield and The Company of Thieves. From Thursday 9 September to Sunday 12 September, the pubs of Old Town including The Vic, The Tuppenny, The Hop, The Beehive, Baristocats and The Castle, were all packed out for the annual Swindon Shuffle Festival which was also in aid of Prospect Hospice.

Gaz Brookfield & The Company of Thieves at My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival (pic by Jennifer Berry)

Revellers enjoying Live at Lydiard (pic by Angelos Shiapani)

Kova Me Badd at My Dad's Bigger Than Your Dad Festival (pic by Jennifer Berry)

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The crowds enjoying Live at Lydiard (pic by Angelos Shiapani)

Slagerij at The Vic during this year's Swindon Shuffle (picture by Chris Clark)

Thought Crimes at The Beehive during the Swindon Shuffle

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Swindon vet offers tips on exercising with pets Tim Charlesworth, Head of Surgery at Eastcott Veterinary Referrals, which is part of Linnaeus, is an avid sports enthusiast and runner, and says exercising with dogs can bring enormous physical and mental benefits to both pet owners and their animals He said: “As well as helping to maintain a healthy weight, running can also do wonders for your dog’s wellbeing. The sights, sounds and smells that they discover on a run, as well as the change of scenery, all help to provide mental stimulation, reducing anxiety and alleviating boredom.”

As part of Eastcott’s sponsorship of the Swindon Half-Marathon in September, Tim has put together hints and tips that can help dog owners get ready to go out running: Consider your dog’s breed The first thing to consider is the breed. Some breeds such as Huskies, gundogs, Dalmatians, Golden Retrievers and Collies can make great long-distance runners but others aren’t so well suited.

Breeds like Greyhounds and Salukis are more natural sprinters, so are better suited to much shorter distances.

Any dogs with breathing

problems should not be used for running and this includes breeds such as Pugs, Frenchies and Shih-Tzus. The lack of airflow through over-crowded nasal chambers in these breeds means they find it very difficult to lose excess heat by panting effectively.

Over-exercising these breeds, therefore, has a very high risk of causing heat-stroke and should be avoided.

Also, consider your dog’s age and the condition of their health. Younger dogs shouldn’t be given excessive exercise.

Their bones are still growing and if put under too much stress, they may experience complications later in life.

Start off slowly Just like you, dogs need to train and build up their tolerance. Try walking for five minutes, then jogging for two, then go back to walking for five minutes and so on. As your dog gets used to jogging, increase your jogging time.

Keep doing this until you can both comfortably jog the whole route. Make sure your dog doesn’t get too tired and take a break if they need it.

Keeping your dog cool and hydrated Dogs can’t handle heat and humidity as well as humans

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PETS & NATURE

can. During periods of hot weather, it’s best to exercise early in the morning or late in the evening. You might have to avoid running completely if it gets too hot.

Take water and offer it to your dog regularly. It’s important for both you and your dog to both stay hydrated while exercising, so always carry water on long runs. Dogs will suffer more quickly from dehydration than exhaustion when exercising.

Watch your dog for signs that they’ve had enough, such as excessive panting or lagging behind you. Dogs may run to please their owner, even when they want to stop.

Get used to your dog’s normal behaviour when they’re running. If they show signs of struggling, such as excessive foaming at the mouth, shaking their head or pulling to the side, stop straight away and find a shaded place. Soak their coat in water and give them some water to drink.

Choosing a route If you’re running on tarmac, dogs could be prone to impact injuries, plus it can be very abrasive. Grass and dirt trails are good, as are sand, woodchip and crushed gravel.

Running over grass will be better for both you and your dog’s joints but beware of unseen hazards like rabbit holes.

Only allow your dog to run off its lead where it’s safe and legal, and only if they have a reliable recall amid

distractions.

Suitable equipment It’s important to ensure that whatever you use doesn’t restrict any part of your dog’s natural movement when running. A standard lead and collar mean the dog may be pulling on its neck. Some harnesses may restrict shoulder movement, so be sure to do your research on the best options for your companion. Special running harnesses are available and can attach to a waist band via a slightly elasticated lead which can be useful when your dog stops to sniff at a tree and you don’t!

Perhaps also consider a small folding dog bowl. These are lightweight and can be attached to a running belt and are perfect for those much-needed water breaks.

After your run Just like you, make sure your running companion has lots of opportunities for taking on water after a run. Clean their paws and check for any cuts or scrapes. Unattended injuries can lead to infections.

If you feed your dog after exercising, make sure they don’t gulp it down too quickly.

Running shouldn’t be their only exercise – remember playtime and walkies, too.

More information about Eastcott Referrals can be found at www. eastcottreferrals.co.uk or by searching for Eastcott Veterinary Referrals on social media. swindonlink.com n October 2021

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MOTORING

Honda CR-V : One of the most dependable crossovers on the market

The Honda CR-V has just celebrated its 25th birthday and in the process has become the world’s best selling SUV. Not bad for a car which was built in Swindon a few years ago but now where sadly there is no production at all.

Experts say a new Honda CR-V can last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles on the road which means a lifespan of between 16 and 20 years, making the CR-V one of the most dependable crossovers in the market.

The latest evolution now of the CR-V is a hybrid and after two years it is doing rather well in the market place. The customers like it, the experts rate it and while it is expensive at around £36,000 it is an excellent car.

The two litre engine

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POETRY

Leigh Robinson: Motoring writer

works in line with two electric motors giving you a top speed of 112mph and a 0-60mph in nine seconds.

And being a hybrid you get more than 50 miles to the gallon.

The 2.0 i-MMD hybrid is the only engine option for the new CR-V and it is pretty lively. Should you require a 4x4 there is one available emissions are between 120 and 126 CO2 g/km.

There is a massive amount of space. Take the rear seats down then you get almost 1,700 litres of space and your fuel tank is

57 litres.

Automatic emergency braking lane-departure warning, traffic sign recognition, e-Call emergency response and lane-keeping assistance are all standard.

The CR-V range starts with the S trim, which comes with a good amount of kit including 17in wheels, auto lights and adaptive cruise control, plus all the safety features and visibility aids. Up for the next is the SE, which adds the infotainment upgrades (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 7.0in screen),

The unusual haunts of poetry Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

I often say you’ll find poetry in strange places. Here’s one.

Walking from Liddington Hill to Aldbourne, past the deserted village of Snap, you’ll come across a deserted barn, known as Lower Lodge Barn. The brickwork and timbers represent centuries of change. An ugly fence stops you from getting close, as it’s dangerous. Surely this building should be preserved rather than left to decay and collapse. It’s listed, but what’s 26

as well as the extra parking aids. Then there is the dual-zone climate control, 18in alloy wheels, privacy glass, auto wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a leathertrimmed steering wheel.

The SR with the £36,000 price tag adds leather seats, heated front seats, ambient lighting and keyless entry, while the top-of-the-range EX features 19in alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, a heated steering wheel and a head-up display and then you are up to the £40,000 mark.

the point of being listed?

I ranted on about the barn to a friend of mine, David Hughes, who is a Recorder of old buildings. It turned out he knew a great deal about the barn as he’d surveyed it. He gave me a copy of his report, admitting “...it was technical and tedious.” I’ll give him that, but I read it.

Then came the fascination.

Roundheads had stabled overnight before the battle of Newbury, builders had been several times between the Glorious Revolution

Lower Lodge Barn

and the Seven Years War, carpenters had left their initials. The language of tools and methods long gone from our vocabulary came to life.

I wanted to know more about these people.

The report inspired a long poem, “The Recorder” available on my link below.

Here’s a taster: And it’s quiet this day, the Recorder on his ladder, both hands to steady, pencil in mouth perhaps, excited by the cocktail of staggered tenoned purlins, the oak trusses calibrated on gunstock head posts, the straight and curved

raking struts and arched braces.

Poetry events are back.

I’m looking forward to Innua Ellams, Poetry in the Pub, and Colm Tóibín at the Marlborough LitFest from 30th September: https:// www.marlboroughlitfest.org/ events/ From 21 October we have Swindon’s Big Poetry Weekend – all events will be streamed this year so you can choose from a good range of poets: bigpoetryweekend.com www.mauricespillane.com

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Hayes Knoll Road – A Safer Route to Cricklade

Cycling column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign

If you’ve cycled out to Cricklade from Swindon recently you’ve probably noticed the concrete blocks across the junction at Hayes Knoll Road (near the Cricklade & Blunsdon Railway).

Access is avaliable for pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders and the changes have created a much safer and more attractive environment to enjoy. Drivers can still access the road from the Cricklade end, but not use it as a through-route. Instead, they can use the Cricklade Road (B4553).

These changes are part of a temporary trial (18 months)

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

The leaves may be falling and the darker nights may well be closing in but the football is still only getting started.

Who would've thought just a few months ago that Swindon would have a full squad and would be winning games of football? Everyone involved in the club deserves a huge amount of credit. They've got everything up and running in such a short space of time, even putting together a competitive squad.

As well as this the engagement with the fans has been top class. From pulling pints to playing cricket with the fans, chairman Clem Morfuni has done everything in order to get everyone on board. This is already showing with the crowd attendances being above 8200 for the first four league matches for the first time in 27

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to improve safety at this notoriously dangerous junction, and to provide a quieter route for people to enjoy by foot, bike, on horseback, scooter etc.

I rode down there recently - what a change! It’s always been a popular route for cycling but I’d never seen so many people enjoying the route on foot and bike.

Pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and drivers have equal rights to use the public highway. However, those who don’t have the protection of a metal box encasing them have steadily been deterred from roads due to safety concerns: motor traffic has risen around 20% in the last two decades alone.

Since the fear of traffic and personal safety are the reasons that most people cite for not cycling and walking in their local area, creating more low traffic environments is absolutely vital, not only to our health but also the health of our environment.

If, like me, you’re keen to see this temporary measure made into a permanent feature, it’s important that you feedback to Wiltshire Council regarding this scheme by 13 November.

Let’s make a positive change

A new era of 'happiness and togetherness' begins at STFC years. In addition the feeling around the club is one of happiness and togetherness.

On the pitch things are certainly beginning to take shape. For a team that had virtually no pre-season Swindon have been doing exceptionally well.

You can already see the philosophy of manager Ben Garner being implemented on the pitch.

Swindon are definitely playing some nice possession based football with midfielder Louis Reed being at the heart of it.

Every orchestra needs a conductor and Reed is just that to this Swindon team. The player dictates the tempo of this Swindon outfit and he just keeps possession ticking. In the Town system he plays a pivotal role. He might not always

catch the eye but his range of passing is key and he reminds me very much of the roles Jorginho and Luka Modric play for their clubs. The 24-yearold will certainly be a crucial part if Town are to achieve something this season.

Another player who has caught my eye is Alex Gilbert.

The Brentford loanee joined the club on transfer deadline day and he certainly has a bit of Premier league class about him.

The 19-year-old already looks right at home on this Swindon wing. Gilbert is a technical player who can dribble well and get into good positions without the ball. It's a signing that'll not only improve the team but the squad with Gilbert joining Harry Mckirdy as the other winger. Which will free up the likes of Jack Payne and Ben Gladwin to play more

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CYCLING

and set a precedent for more low-traffic routes that everyone can enjoy. It only takes two minutes to complete the quick feedback form by following the link to the website below and selecting ‘Option 3 – TRO Consultation Form’. www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ troconsultation-c70-purton

LINK

SPORT centrally.

I feel as if Swindon now have a well balanced competitive squad that could definitely push for the top half of league 2. My only concern would be the lack of a left back. Although Rob Hunt can play there he is right footed and his best position is at right back.

Ellis Iandolo has almost been converted into a left back from previous regimes. The club's longest serving player began as an attacking midfielder however now mainly operates at left back. Although superb going forward I still have one or two questions defensively.

The next part of the season will see the league table begin to take shape and perhaps we will begin to form an idea of who will finish where. A few more wins in the next matches will certainly see a side that was at the beginning fancied for relegation becoming a side talked about for promotion. How football can change. swindonlink.com n October 2021 27

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TRADE PAGES

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TRADE PAGES Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered

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Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

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WHITE VAN MAN

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Contact us for a quote:

01793 877677 www.enlan.co.uk

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TRADE PAGES 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

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

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

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

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

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