South East Swindon Link October 2020

No 48 October 2020 GPS delivered door to door delivery to 50,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000

Swindon

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FEATURES Check out our new features section page 21

South & East Edition

Level 3 champions the town's original music scene p24

Bouncing back from Covid-19 Swindon Council leads the town's bounce back from the pandemic Page 4

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The new normal Electric bikes for neighbourhood policing team in south Swindon thanks to parish council and a specialist shop

By Kieran Hadfield

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

We're all getting a bit used to it now. This new normal.

It's now normal to wear a facemask going about our daily business.

It's now normal to have our temperature taken when going into some establishments and workplaces.

And it's also now normal to jump like a grenade has gone off if anyone coughs in our near vicinity.

But this stuff is not normal. Far from it. It's necessary but not normal. And the only way back to 'normal' where we don't have to treat people like social pariahs if they come within a certain distance of you, is to all do our bit to make sure that the spread of this disease is curtailed.

On our website we have consistently given our readers a daily report on the Swindon and national coronavirus figures given to us by Public Health England. Watching the figures is nerve-wracking as this pandemic still has such a grip on the country.

But we do realise that this will not go on forever and there will be a day when there willl be no new coronavirus cases to report and we can't wait.

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson

Two electric bikes are being bought by South Swindon Parish Council for its Neighbourhood Police teams.

The bikes will be used exclusively in the parish and especially in the Broadgreen area.

One officer explained that the alleys criss-crossing the location meant police officers in cars were at a disadvantage when chasing suspects.

In addition, the officer said an increasing number of criminals were themselves using electric bikes to evade capture.

The bikes, to be purchased from Mitchell's Bike Shop in Shrivenham Road, are set to be rolled out in the autumn and serve as part of the 'safer neighbourhood' scheme.

Mitchell's Bike Shop owner, Andrew Mitchell, explained that despite being pedal bikes, the machines provided enormous assistance, allowing the user to travel at up to 15.5mph.

This speed is what both PC Nicholas Finning and PC Ed Rogers believe will provide great benefits.

PC Finning views the agreement as 'delightful', with the bikes enabling the teams to cover a greater distance, faster and in harder to reach areas.

He explained: "This parish has a lot of uphill areas and the bikes will greatly reduce

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the time it takes to get from Point A to Point B. "This will give us the upper hand, especially in the Broadgreen area where there are lots of alleyways which make traditional methods of policing hard to pursue."

PC Rogers believes that due to the abundance of alleyways in the area, the police are at a disadvantage when they pursue criminals in cars and later on foot.

Talking about the introduction of the bikes, he said: "You get an enormous increase in mobility that will enable the police to better crack down on crime in these areas.

"Added to that, there's a

rise in criminals using electric bikes now too, to evade law enforcement - so this will also help level the playing field in that sense."

Both vice-chair of the Parish Council Janine Howarth and Central Ward parish councillor Junab Ali, who attended the handover, believe these bikes will also act as a fantastic way of increasing police visibility in the area.

They both said that being on bikes instead of in cars allowed a friendlier and more visible approach to policing, one which would strengthen the rapport between the force and the entire community.

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Coronavirus news As the country holds its breath for a second wave, Swindon Council is waving the flag to try and get the town back on its feet.

Let Swindon's bounce back from Covid-19 begin

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

The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on businesses and local economies across the world, but here in Swindon, local firms are beginning to bounce back in typically resilient fashion.

The council is working closely with the town’s innovative business sector and support partners to encourage economic recovery and growth, playing a key role in helping to support and shape the local economy. Some of this work, such as processing more than £30m in lifeline funding for businesses and implementing a fast-track licence process for businesses to be able to serve customers outdoors, has helped businesses to get back on their feet following the challenges of covid-19.

Enhanced wellbeing advice and support has also been made available, while the council has worked closely with partners, landlords and businesses to help shops, eateries and other venues to reopen safely.

As a local authority, the council is using its powers, influence and assets to drive

forward growth in the town. This includes helping to fund a £17.5m upgrade of M4 Junction 15 to tackle congestion, paving the way for Zurich’s new office to be built in the town centre, and supporting the construction of state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure in the town. There are

ambitious plans for Swindon’s Heritage Action Zone which will revitalise our unique heritage, as well as an up-and-coming tech community being formed through the TechSwindon initiative.

This work and more shows that Swindon is ready to bounce back.

Public advised to keep trying national portal as new testing site opens in Swindon A third coronavirus testing centre has opened in Swindon to boost testing capacity in the town.

The Local Testing Site (LTS) opened at Broadgreen Community Centre on 15 September following a request to the government from the borough council’s Public Health team.

It comes after the council requested consistent access to testing after being placed on the national covid-19 watchlist in August.

The new LTS will provide indoor testing capacity in the run-up to the autumn and winter months and will be available alongside the Mobile Testing Unit at the council’s Civic Annexe in Beckhampton Street and the Regional Testing 4

Site at the former Wroughton Park and Ride.

The Civic Annexe site is available as a drive-through and walk-through facility with the Broadgreen LTS solely a walk-through site. Appointments should be booked in advance.

The Wroughton Park and Ride site remains available to ‘drive-through’ visitors, again by booked appointment only.

Issues with the national online booking portal have caused problems for people trying to book appointments across the country. Despite these problems, the latest data shows that between 2 and 8 September more than 3,700 covid-19 tests were carried out at the two testing sites in Swindon with a further 793 home testing kits being sent out

to local people.

On 11 September, Swindon moved down a place on the government’s watchlist, becoming an “area of concern” following a significant reduction in the borough’s covid-19 case rate.

At the height of the recent spate of cases, Swindon’s infection case rate up to the 4 August was 46.8 per 100,000 of the population according to figures, from Public Health England. The latest figures released on Friday, show that the case rate up to 6 September had fallen to 16.7 per 100,000 of the local population, below the national average of 19.7.

Steve Maddern, Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Access

to testing has been a crucial part of our strategy in tackling covid-19 here in Swindon, so I am really pleased we have been able to secure additional testing capacity at our new facility in Broadgreen.

“We know some people have experienced difficulty booking tests and this is an issue which is reflected across the country.

However, if you have covid-19 symptoms please keep trying because new testing appointments and the option of booking home testing kits are regularly added to the online portal.

“It really is important that people do book appointments for tests because anyone that turns up without doing so will be turned away.”

Call 119 to book a test.

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SBC Swindon

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Run, cycle and swim your way into the new year for Prospect Hospice

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

A local charity has launched its first ‘Ironman Triathlon’ and is challenging the community to run 26.2 miles, cycle 100 miles and swim 2.4 miles by the end of the year to raise vital funds to care for people with a lifelimiting illness.

The Prospect Hospice Ironman Triathlon kicks off on 1 October and if you want to physically challenge yourself, you can do the whole distance in one go or spread the distance over several months as part of the hospice’s ‘Your Way’ events.

The charity’s ‘Your Way’ marathon, cycle and swim events allow participants to take part in a series of tough challenges to push themselves and raise money for the charity, which recently announced it would need to raise £2million to cover the cost of its financial losses because of covid-19. The events take place over three months, and

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you can choose to take part in just one of those events if you wish or you can register for all three as part of the Ironman triathlon.

All participants have the freedom to complete the set of distances for running, cycling and swimming in their own time and at their own pace from anywhere in the UK, and completed miles can be tracked using Strava or a similar app.

Prospect Hospice’s event and community manager, Amy Francombe, said: “Taking part in any of the events is a fantastic opportunity to test your fitness whilst raising vital funds to help support us.

"Every donation, however large or small, will allow us to continue caring for patients and their families at one of the most difficult times in their lives and ensure that the hospice also continues to strive during this global pandemic.”

To celebrate reaching these

Prospect Hospice has received a gift of 16 images from a Swindon photographer.

Kirsten Murphy gave the pictures, which make up a series called Nature's Seasons, to be permanently displayed on the walls of patients' rooms. Kirsten said: “The idea behind the pictures was to bring the outside world inside, and I’m delighted to donate these images to Prospect Hospice to offer some visual peace to those staying in the hospice who are unable to venture into the beautiful garden.”

milestones and for raising funds for Prospect Hospice, everyone who completes the Ironman triathlon will be awarded a medal in celebration of their achievement.

To find out more and register, visit www.prospect-hospice.net/ ironman n Following an overwhelming number of donations of items received over the last few weeks, Prospect Hospice

had to make the decision to temporarily pause its donation stations for the second time in early September. The charity has received thousands of donations of goods since it opened its donation stations in July. Its shops and distribution centre are now full with items to sell and the team needs time to sort these, after their period of quarantine. prospect-hospice.net

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Blanketeer call Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, Brighter Futures, has resumed accepting donations from its Brighter Futures Blanketeers.

The volunteers make blankets for end-of-life patients, but the campaign was temporarily halted during the pandemic.

Collections will resume on 10 October and details can be obtained via 01793 604031 and by searching for the GWH Trust's Blanketeers on Facebook.

Moonrakers work A section of Whitworth Road will be closed until October 5 as part of the £2.8m improvement project at the Moonrakers junction.

Swindon Borough Council says that when complete the improvement work, which is being funded by the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Local Growth Fund, will benefit all road users, who can expect to see shorter and more reliable journey times as well as reduced queuing.

Remember jabs for pre-schoolers

Make sure children have had their pre-school vaccinations, parents and carers are being urged by NHS bosses.

Vaccine uptake in the South West is generally high but levels of the pre-school dose fall slightly short at 89.4 percent, equating to about one in eleven children missing out on the vital booster to protect against illnesses including polio, diptheria, whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella.

According to the NHS, achieving at least 90 percent vaccination coverage in local populations is vital.

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New GWH scanner part of national cancer diagnosis drive Great Western Hospital has taken delivery of a new MRI scanner.

The equipment - a MAGNETOM Sola from Siemens Healthineers - was selected as part of NHS England’s investment scheme to ensure 55,000 more people survive cancer each year.

The MRI system is more advanced than previous technologies at the hospital, and will be better able to deal with peaks in demand.

Sarah Balchin, Head of Imaging at the Great Western Hospital, said: “The covid-19 pandemic has presented the NHS with a unique set of challenges; we are incredibly pleased with the timely installation and a safe delivery with minimal disruption.

"The MAGNETOM Sola from Siemens Healthineers is a welcome addition to our radiology facilities, furthering our scope of imaging and supporting early diagnosis of

The new scanner is part of a major NHS investment in diagnostic technology

cancer, which is vital to saving more lives.

"The innovative system is also easier to use and makes it quicker to scan and construct images, reducing the need to rescan and helping us to run our services more efficiently.”

Alistair Piggot, MR Business Manager at Siemens Healthineers GB&I, said: “Cancer survival is at a record high due to better screening, detection and prevention in the NHS. "Customers receiving funding

for replacement MRI scanners are choosing the MAGNETOM Sola to help expand the capability for precision medicine within their trusts, reducing the need for repeat scans and helping to increase productivity."

Mr Piggot added that the new MRI scanner at Great Western Hospital was the result of a major NHS investment in scanning technology, and that the trust had been pleased to see the installation go smoothly in spite of the pandemic.

Rotarians mark anti-polio campaign victory The Rotary Club of Swindon North is celebrating the World Health Organisation's declaration of its Africa region being wild polio-free.

Swindon North's Rotarians have long been keen participants in the organisation's End Polio Now campaign.

Polio is a debilitating disease mainly affecting children, which can cause paralysis and death.

The campaign milestone is the result of decades of effort from Rotary clubs and volunteers around the world, who have worked tirelessly since Rotary pledged to rid the world of polio more than 30 years ago.

The Rotary Club of Swindon North has played its part by holding fundraising events, making donations and arranging awareness raising activities such as purple crocus planting.

The Rotary Club of Swindon

Rotarians worldwide have campaigned for many years to eradicate polio through vaccination

North’s President, Kathy Hobson, said: “This is a terrific landmark in the world’s battle to eradicate polio.

"Although it has been many years since polio has been present in the UK and Ireland, we are proud to have contributed to the global efforts to eliminate the disease for good.

“We remain committed to making the final, challenging steps towards making a polio free world a reality.

“If we don’t finish the job,

it is estimated that within 10 years as many as 200,000 children annually all over the world could succumb to polio, including here in the UK. "The virus can literally be a plane ride away so vaccination is so important."

The WHO certification comes four years after Nigeria, the last polio-endemic country in Africa, recorded its final case of wild polio, and now means that of the WHO’s six regions, five – or 90 percent of the population – are free of it.

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The Old Town Residents Association Column

Old Town starts to return to normal after lockdown

By Judith Randell-Sly of Old Town Residents Association

Life has started to return to some normality and it is good to see the children starting back to school and our local businesses open again, albeit with extra hygiene controls in place. Please don’t forget to support Old Town businesses at this difficult time.

The Community Gardening project now has weekly gardening sessions on a Wednesday morning from 10am in the Old Town area, concentrating on a different bed each week. The bed by the Marriot Hotel has been looking particularly good this summer, as has the one on the corner of Victoria Road and Prospect Place.

We also had a session trimming the trees in the avenue on the old railway embankment on Marlborough Road to make it safe for walkers and cyclists.

Generally the work involves tidying, weeding, deadheading and planting, but no heavy digging or lifting. A big thank you to Linda Kasmaty for organising this and for all the hard work that she does.

Please contact Linda on 07765 050470 for dates and venues if you are interested in joining our friendly group. All are welcome and you do not have to commit to coming every week.

The Town Gardens and Queens Park have looked particularly lovely this summer and it’s good to see people using the parks again. The Quarry Road gates are currently being refurbished and should be back in all their splendour in the next few weeks. Also in Quarry Road, the tennis courts could soon be refurbished by South Swindon Parish Council and will then form a valuable asset to Old Town.

The promised crossing

refuge on Croft Road, near the new Ambrose Gardens development, has been completed and is in use.

On a less optimistic note, there appears to have been an increase in the amount of litter blighting many parts of Old Town and it is up to all of us to play our part by putting our rubbish in a bin, or taking it home. A big thank you to the people who voluntarily pick up litter on a regular basis in the woods and open areas.

There is now a Facebook page called Keep Swindon Tidy where upcoming events can be posted.

It is heartening to see that the old Clifton Street School is finally being restored to its previous state by the

developer.

The OTRA committee still meets on the third Monday of the month at 7.30, via Zoom. See what we are doing and contact us via the OTRA Facebook page.

Look after our green areas to look after ourselves South Swindon Parish councillor Linda Kasmaty has been working closely with Old Town Residents Association Community gardeners to maintain and improve their six gardens.

The councillor believes that looking after green spaces and gardens has huge benefits for people, including giving them a sense of well-being.

She said: "I think many people noticed during lockdown, it was their ability to be able to access the natural world on a daily basis that helped

boost their mood. It was during this time that grass cutting of our green open spaces was reduced because many workers were furloughed, leaving grass unmown, giving habitats for many bees and butterflies, and places for others animals to live.

"When grass is mown, it does look tidy, but is not favourable to wildlife which we would like to encourage, and enable joined up spaces to flourish. We realised this June that around Pipers Way, several types of orchid flourish, despite the fact

that in most years, they have been mown before they could flower.

"Marlborough Lane embankment is an example of what we are trying to achieve, the edge, and paths through are mown, and when all flowers have set seed, the whole area will be mown, but left unmown in the spring and summer.

"We have asked residents to identify areas which could be left like this for wildlife, a term first coined by Richard Jefferies, and have had some very useful suggestions." swindonlink.com n

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Half-marathon to return next year Plans are under way for next year's Nationwide Building Society New Swindon Half Marathon after this year's fell victim to the covid crisis.

The organisers explain on the event's website that the decision to cancel was taken because of concerns over higher incidence of covid-19 in the town and Swindon's status on the Public Health England watchlist.

The organisers can be contacted on 0207 684 7185, by email at hello@ newswindonhalf.co.uk and via www.newswindonhalf.co.uk

Signal Point future

Network Rail, which regained control of the Signal Point building at Swindon Station in August, says the iconic structure has a bright future.

The organisation has announced plans to improve its look and present it as a fitting entrance to Swindon.

Packaging firm to leave Swindon

The group CEO of pharmaceutical packaging firm Wasdell, Martin Tedham, says the company will leave Swindon in a few years. His announcement followed the rejection by Swindon councillors of a planning bid by Wasdell to build a £56m science park between the A419 and Wanborough where residents had voiced strong opposition to the bid.

Major new housing proposal is greenlit Outline planning permission for 1,550 new homes to the east of Swindon has been granted.

The borough council's planning committee granted an application by Capital Land Property Group, relating to the Great Stall East, Gateway of the New Eastern Villages (NEV) development.

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Mural and banners say Swindon is back in business Swindon Bus Station has a huge new mural to welcome shoppers back to the town centre following the pandemic and lockdown. inSwindon BID, the organisation tasked with promoting the area, unveiled the unique artwork as part of its welcome back campaign, #ShineOnSwindon, which aims to support businesses.

At a total of 132ft across 4 walls, the piece - called The Mural Experience - can be seen from Newbridge Square and features the #ShineOnSwindon identity, as well as unique landscapes from day to night using a combination of conventional paint and spray paint. inSwindonBID, together with the borough council, is also behind a series of colourful lamp post banners supporting #ShineOnSwindon and the council's public health campaign, Swindon: It's up to all of us.

The mural is intended as a striking 'welcome back' for town centre visitors

The Mural Experience was designed and created by local artists Peter Cowdy and Dayna Baxter.

Peter has created murals and models and designed internationally, completing commissions for community groups, independent businesses, museums, local authorities and multinational companies.

Dayna is a self-taught abstract artist specialising in hard-edge geometric pattern and shape work.

Peter said: “When looking at the space and what the BID were trying to achieve across

the four walls, we devised the theme of the whole area to involve mirroring to opposites.

"Day to night, for instance, and then the wise owl and the courageous lion. We really hope people enjoy what we’ve created to support the campaign.” inSwindon BID launched the visual and digital #ShineOnSwindon campaign in June to support businesses and drive footfall.

The banner project involves a total of 28 promotional pieces displayed throughout the town centre.

Gruelling voyage in aid of veterans' welfare Military veteran Graham Stobbs, 48, chose South Cerney Outdoor Centre for the end of an epic solo kayak trip.

He embarked on the 322mile journey on 19 August, departing from Rye Harbour and beginning a voyage which took him along the south coast and was set to include a Channel crossing.

Quarantine restrictions saw the Channel crossing cancelled but Graham battled on against the odds, facing two named storms and increasingly dangerous weather as he travelled along the coast.

Graham’s determination to complete the challenge was born of his desire to raise money for his own charity, The Veterans Hub Swindon, together with Walking with the Wounded and The Veterans Hub Weymouth, three charities dedicated to supporting the continued wellbeing of veterans.

He said: “The trip along

Graham faced life-threatening storms during his jorney in aid of good causes

the south coast was one of the most frightening and dangerous things I’ve ever done.

"I have a newfound respect for the sea, and the challenge has pushed the boundaries of my mental wellbeing, endurance and physical capability.

"Mental health and PTSD is a real challenge for veterans that commonly goes unrecognised for many years

after service, and the funds are desperately needed, so I’m determined to do my bit to help those who have given so much for their country.

"This is also part of my own healing process and I hope to encourage others to reach out about their own difficulties and seek help like I did. " His JustGiving page is justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/221-mile-kayak

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Total Wipeout veteran 'Skippy John' restarts fitness classes skipping in schools.

"After working for a company for a few years I went solo, with Skipping Instructor John Burn schools asking me to coach the is ready to offer his full-day children." skipping sessions to primary Prior to Covid-19, his oneschools across the UK and man operation saw John hosting Ireland. full-day skipping classes at Originally a circuit training primary schools, teaching basic and aerobics Instructor in techniques as well as the fun South Marston, Skippy John tricks such as 'The Pretzel', - a nickname given to him by 'double unders' and 'crossovers'.

Richard Hammond during his John's aim is to help children Total Wipeout appearance become fitter by engaging in a has been involved in the world great form of exercise. of skipping for over 10 years.

Speaking of the fitness He said: "I've always been into fitness and I saw an advert benefits, he said: "It's a great all-round exercise because looking for children's fitness you work on stamina, speed, Instructors. flexibility, co-ordination and "I'd already done children's football coaching so I thought I'd agility.

"There's also elements of look into it. team-work and co-operation "Turns out it was for a with partner and Double Dutch children's skipping Instructor, skipping." and as I used skipping a lot in my circuit training, I thought, why This fitness mission, he believes, is now more important than ever, not. as many children in lockdown "I gained a qualification from struggled to get enough the BRSA, the British Rope exercise.

Skipping Association, to teach

By Kieran Hadfield

John Burn acquired his nickname courtesy of Total Wipeout and Richard Hammond

With schools starting to reopen across the UK and Ireland, John is re-opening his books, seeing this time as the perfect opportunity to start giving kids the exercise they need.

He said: “Skipping is perfect for post-lockdown exercise as it is non-contact, allowing children to get the exercise they need whilst staying safe."

In line with coronavirus

safety procedures, John will be extensively cleaning his skipping ropes during sessions and applying social distancing measures.

To further push his fitness goals, he will also be selling his new solar ropes at the end of his sessions. These skipping ropes glow a fluorescent colour when outside.

To find out more information visit www.skipping4life.co.uk

Covid-free care home thanks staff

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Moormead Nursing Home in Wroughton has spoken about its gratitude to its dedicated staff helping the home avoid coronavirus.

The family run care home, of Moormead Road, accommodates 21 residents and provides 24 hour nursing care to people with complex medical needs, the elderly who require extra support in later life and to people wanting respite or short term care.

Jacqui Sharp, of Moormead Nursing Home, said: "We closed our home to visitors and non-essential services 10 days prior to the country going into lockdown back in March.

"Friends and family absolutely supported our decision; the main priority for us all was to keep the virus out and all our loved ones safe.

"As the pandemic escalated and spread throughout other care homes across the country – we held our breath – how sad it was to see the daily figures growing, this was an exceptionally desperate time

for all those affected.

"Thankfully over the past month or so families have been able to resume visits to loved ones albeit from their cars or in the garden, following all the strict guidelines necessary to make this a safe visit for all it has proved to be a success.

"We all know how crucial it is to follow the Governments strict guidelines to keep us all safe and we are so proud of our staff because that is just what they did and continue to do. Thanks to their dedication, diligence and personal sacrifices, to date, we have kept the virus out of our residents' home here at Moormead.

"Our staff excel themselves and for that we are all grateful." www.moormeadnursinghome.co.uk

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Coronavirus fund grant helps Swindon’s hydrotherapy pool stay afloat

By Kieran Hadfield

A Coronavirus grant has helped the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool keep its head above water and get ready to reopen after its revenue dried up during lockdown.

The pool has been awarded £15,000 from the Wiltshire Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund. The fund has now raised more than £1.1 million and distributed more than £750,000 to almost 200 groups.

The Jefferies Avenue pool, which has been open since 1979, was forced to close on March 20 but trustee Stan Roper said attendance had already been falling since the end of February as more people became nervous about Covid.

“We were thinking we would just be closed for a month, but

it went on and on and things started to become really desperate financially,” he said.

The pool is usually busy most days of the week with swimmers from clubs and schools, as well as those who use it for health reasons.

Swimmers recovering from severe injuries and operations or those suffering from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, arthritis and spina bifida are regulars.

“People with physical needs are able to exercise in the warm water without the concern about getting cold, this in turn increases blood flow to the affected area and gives much needed pain relief and also aids recovery,” said Mr Roper.

“People who have little to no able body movement get the feeling of 'normality' or freedom for the time they are in the water and out of their wheelchair. Some people recover from operations, others

from sore muscles. Either way all this helps with their physical and mental well-being.”

Despite the pool being closed, the running costs have still mounted up and as the months have worn on the pool’s cash reserves have dwindled. “The pool is heated at 34 degrees Centigrade and if it gets too cold, the bacteria builds up and the whole system needs clearing out. It has to be done by a pool engineer and the cost would be quite colossal,” said Mr Roper.

He said the grant, together with £7,000 from Swindon Borough Council, has been a vital lifeline. “If we hadn’t had the very generous grant from the Wiltshire Community Foundation, we would still have been able to open but we’d have been very, very near the bottom of the bucket as regards our resources,” he said.

Mr Roper further added: “We have set up an hourly calendar

so people can book slots. We will be letting ten in at a time for three hours each day. That’s only 30 people and financially we really need 18 to 20 people an hour so that’s going to be difficult, but at least we are open.”

To find out more visit thamesdownhydrotherapypool. com.

Wiltshire Community Foundation interim co-chief executive Fiona Oliver said: “We are delighted to be able to help keep running what is a vital resource for so many people.

"The hydrotherapy pool has been making life a little better for a great many people for more than 40 years and we want it to stay around for many more yet.”

To donate to the Wiltshire and Swindon Coronavirus Response Fund or to find out how to apply for a grant, go to wiltshirecf.org.uk

Family fundraiser for organisations who help boy in his battle against cancer A North Swindon man and his mother-in-law-to-be braved a head shave for a quartet of good causes.

For Oliver Mackrill and Leanne Partridge, the motivation could not have been more personal.

Earlier this year, Leanne's five-year-old son, Matthew, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia for which he is being treated with chemotheray.

Matthew's treatment, Mr Mackrill said, has so far been successful.

His loved ones have so far raised more than £5,500 for four organisations which have helped him.

They are CLIC Sargent, local charity The Calm Trust, Oxford Children's Hospital and the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

Mr Mackrill said: "The four are the ones that have helped us as a family throughout everything the most.

"They have been the best support and have gone above and beyond."

On their fundraising page - www.sponsorme.co.uk/ hackerbecky/matthewsfight-2020.aspx - the family explain the role each organisation has played.

Children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent has assigned a specialist helper who assists with paperwork and regularly checks in with the family, while The Calm Trust has given the family the opportunity to have a holiday.

The Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group has provided support and advice, and the family describe Kamran's Ward at Oxford Children's Hospital as their second home.

The family are full of praise for the skill and compassion of the hospital's staff.

The fundraising page includes links to the websites of the four good causes, where the public are invited to find out about

Oliver Mackrill and Leanne Partridge with Matthew

their work and the help they need.

Matthew is an Oakhurst Primary School pupil, and the family reveals on the fundraising page that on 25 September the school will ask staff and pupils to wear gold or yellow in his honour.

Mr Mackrill recalled the suddenness wth which the symptoms came on: "One night he went to bed feeling perfectly fine within himself.

"There were no illnesses. The next morning he woke with a large lump on his neck - it was the size of a couple of golf balls."

Because of the pandemic, Matthew could not initially see a doctor face-to-face, but a GP who saw a picture of him recommended that he be taken to hospital.

The initial diagnosis was a bad case of glandular fever, but the next day Matthew was very unwell.

Mr Mackrill said: "He was very weak and tired, he had a temperature and he was very, very poorly.

"Then it transpired that he had leukaemia, and the following day arragements were being made for him to be transferred to Oxford." swindonlink.com n

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New Eastern Villages receive major boost thanks to Government funding for new link road

By Kieran Hadfield

Funding is now in place for a key link road, which will form an important part of Swindon’s New Eastern Villages (NEV).

The new road, which will be known as the Southern Connector Road (SCR), will join up the NEV development with Commonhead roundabout, near the Great Western Hospital.

Funding for the two-way single carriageway has now been finalised after Homes England confirmed funding of £19m from its Housing Infrastructure Fund towards the £31m scheme.

A further £11.6m has been allocated from the Local Growth Fund (LGF) and Department for Transport (DfT).

The scheme will not require any additional borrowing from the Council.

A planning application and accompanying Environmental Impact Assessment was approved by the council’s planning committee in December last year.

So far, 370 homes and a primary school have received outline planning permission in the NEV, while a further 6,430 homes, a secondary school and five primary schools have gained a resolution to grant permission from the council’s planning committee.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “Ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place before the New Eastern

Villages development is built is crucial and I am delighted we have final sign-off on the significant funding from Homes England for this really important link road.

“The SCR will have a dedicated cycle route running alongside and this will create a sustainable connection to the wider cycle networks within Swindon.

“We are investing £72.5m into the road network around the NEV and most of that funding has been secured from the government which is a great vote of confidence not just in the council, but also in Swindon’s future.”

To prevent rat-running, the proposed SCR junction with Wanborough Road will be designed to prevent southbound traffic on the SCR turning left towards

Wanborough. It will also prevent traffic from Wanborough turning right onto the SCR. The need for traffic calming in surrounding villages will continue to be assessed as development proposals come forward.

The road will be designed to avoid known areas of high archaeological interest.

Measures will also be put in place to safeguard wildlife, particularly endangered species. As part of the road crosses a flood zone, drainage is an important element of the design. The Environment Agency is a key partner in helping to develop flood mitigation measures.

Work to build the SCR is due to start in Spring 2021 and is due to be completed in Summer 2022.

Sophie White, Homes

East Wichel play area improvements have begun

Work has begun on improving a play area at East Wichel.

The South Swindon Parish Council project will include not just new equipment but solutions to drainage problems.

New features will include steel climbing frames, ladders, swings, a refurbished sandpit, equipment suitable for children with disabilities and a new 14 swindonlink.com n October 2020 SE October Master pages.indd 14

surface.

The work at East Wichel, costing more than £80,000, is part of a wider parish policy of improving play facilities.

Parish councillor Jane MilnerBarry said: "Renovating play areas is the nicest thing about being a parish councillor!

"This one had been there for about eight years, but it was

put in before the drainage problems became apparent.

"It was built in a very wet field so it has always had a terrible problem with flooding in the winter.

"There are so many young families in the area and they really need a good play area, which I hope they are going to have."

England’s Director of Infrastructure Grants, said: “We are committed to working with ambitious local authority partners seeking to meet their local housing needs through delivery of key infrastructure.

“Our multimillion-pound funding will resolve much needed improvements to the local road network around Swindon, whilst unlocking critical housing sites and allowing the council to deliver its vision for new homes.”

The Housing Infrastructure Fund is administered and monitored by the Government’s housing agency, Homes England. The programme helps to deliver up to 300,000 new homes across England by providing local authorities grant funding for infrastructure, to unlock homes in areas of greatest housing demand.

Fellow parish councillor Nadine Watts said: "The play area was poorly designed by the borough council when first built and it flooded during winter.

"East Wichel children deserve much better and that is why South Swindon Parish Council are doing this refurbishment."

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Campaiging to let the grass grow and help save the world An environmental group called Cake and Conservation is launching an information campaign to show how easy it can be for everyone to make a difference.

The campaign - called Did You Know? - will involve regular snippets of information covering everything from the environmental impact of peatbased compost to the fact that a certain species of butterfly only survives because of a certain species of ant.

Veteran Swindon environmental campaigner Gkynis Hales is a member of the group.

She said: "I've been doing conservation and trying to raise people's awareness of wildlife problems, climate change etcetera for years, and actually I've had enough!

"I've had enough of the climate change deniers, of the people who want the verges mown, the people who don't want wind power - I've had

enough because they're wrong.

"We've been giving them space and time for too long, and kow-towing to whatever it is they want to do.

"The people who complain about the verges not being mowed probably also turn around the next minute and say, 'You don't see as many butterflies as you used to.

"Or, 'I can't remember the last time I saw a hedgehog. '"They don't put the two things together - and that's the Did You Know?

"We want to put out little bits of information to everybody."

Among the things Glynis would like to see is grass in parks allowed to grow long in parks and become a haven for wildlife and a thing of beauty for human visitors.

Another member of the group is borough council cabinet member for climate change Keith Williams.

While not agreeing with Glynis about all environmental

Councillor Keith Williams and Glynis Hales

issues, he is firmly behind the campaign.

He said: "My feeling is that the majority of people want to do the right thing but they don't necessarily have access to the relevant information.

"I'm a firm believer that as a society you can't expect people to go back to the Stone Age. What you have to do is find sustainable ways of delivering the lifestyle we aspire to.

"We shouldn't leave this planet any worse than when we arrived on it 70 or 80

years beforehand."

The daily pieces of information will be shared in various locations over the coming months as the campaign develops.

These include the Facebook page for Glynis' regular Swindon 105.5 radio programme The Birds and the Bees - www.facebook.com/ thebirdsandthebees1055 - and the Bee Roadzz Swindon Facebook presence, www.facebook.com/ Beeroadzzswindon

Lottery cash for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust helps secure future Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has received £249,400 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The money is intended to ensure the continuation of work preserving and enhancing the natural environment across the county.

This, the trust says, will include supporting more than 35 existing nature reserves and a contribution towards the new Willows Care Farm, for which fundraising was interrupted by the pandemic.

The care farm will provide nature-based activities for children and young people with special needs and adults facing mental ill-health and other challenges Debbie Bentley, Trust and Grants Officer at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said: “Thanks to the National Lottery and its players we can now start to look at the future for nature and wildlife in Wiltshire.

"Environmental charities are one of those that have been

significantly impacted by covid-19 and we are sincerely appreciative of the support we have received.

"I think there’s one thing a lot of people will now agree on, and that is the importance of our outdoor spaces both to nature and to our own wellbeing.

"We’re grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting us at this crucial time – it’s a lifeline to us and others who are passionate about sustaining heritage for the benefit of all.”

The funding, made possible

by National Lottery players, was awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund.

A total of £50m was made available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector.

The UK-wide fund was devised to address both

Langford Lakes at Salisbury is one of the trust's sites

immediate emergency actions and help organisations to start thinking about recovery.

Since lockdown began, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has been working to ensure all its nature reserves remain open, free and safe to visit for staff, volunteers and visitors.

The trust has also had to cope with increased vandalism and fly-tipping across its sites. Trust staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that essential activities continue to happen, from keeping reserves open to making wellbeing and

education programmes adapt to more remote delivery.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing.

"All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis."

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The Business Page

Nationwide celebrates 50th anniversary

By Kieran Hadfield September marked the 50th anniversary of the Nationwide Building Society, with the Co-operative Permanent Building Society, as it was formerly known, rebranding half a century ago in September 1970.

Speaking on the anniversary, Sara Kinsey, Head of Historical Archives at Nationwide Building Society said: “As a building society we have been serving our members for generations – and this week we celebrate 50 years since we changed our name to Nationwide. The world has changed immensely since then but, despite those changes, we continue to do our best to support local communities right across the country, including here in

Swindon.”

Indeed, economically speaking, Britain half a century ago was enormously different to what we find ourselves in the Britain of today, with the average house price at £4,452, and the average earnings at around £5,300.

Presently, Nationwide commit themselves to offering support in a plethora of ways, with customers able to manage their finances in a branch, via the mobile app, on the telephone, internet and post.

With around 18,000 employees, a host of call centres and its head office in Swindon, Nationwide is continuing to support its customers in this uncertain time during the pandemic.

Nearly £200m in pandemic grants for businesses and self-employed Swindon and Wiltshire businesses and self-employed people have received £199m in grants to support them through the pandemic according to new Government figures.

The data, relating to all seven parliamentary constituencies in the town and across the county, shows businesses as having received £118m and the selfemployed £81m.

The funding does not need to be paid back, and businesses have also secured £364m in coronavirus loans.

This week has also seen the Government-owned British Business Bank issue the 75,000th loan through its Start Up Loans programme.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “The Start Up Loans programme was set up by the governmentowned British Business Bank to give funding and support to entrepreneurs who might 18 swindonlink.com n October 2020 SE October Master pages.indd 18

otherwise struggle to access it, making a real difference to tens of thousands of entrepreneurs across the country.

“Our plan to build back better will level up every region and sector of the UK economy, backing makers, doers and innovators regardless of background.

“As well as finance, every loan recipient is offered a support package, including access to a free expert business mentor for 12 months to help them with every aspect of setting up a business.”

Of the seven constituencies grouped together in the grants announcement, North Swindon has received the most money - £13.3m - for self employed people.

It has also received just over £14m in business grants.

For South Swindon, the figures are respectively £10.8m and just over £124.8m.

Kier awarded major new contract with Openreach to build ultrafast broadband in the south west Kier will help to build ultrareliable ‘Full Fibre’ broadband to thousands of homes and businesses in Wiltshire.

Kier, a leading provider of construction and infrastructure services, has been awarded a major new contract by Openreach to build new broadband infrastructure in Swindon and other areas of Wiltshire. This award will support Openreach’s £12 billion project to deliver ultrafast, ultrareliable ‘Full Fibre’ broadband to millions of homes and businesses throughout the UK. Over the next 18 months, Kier will survey, plan and construct a new network to premises in Swindon as well as Royal Wootton Bassett and Highworth. The contract award follows a competitive tender process and will see Kier supporting Openreach’s ambition to build ‘Full Fibre’ infrastructure to 20 million premises throughout the UK

by the mid-to-late 2020s – delivering significant economic, social and environmental benefits for urban communities.

Kier is one of nine partners who will be helping to expand Openreach’s full fibre network to a further two million premises across the UK. Barry McNicholas, General Managing Director of Kier Utilities & Rail, stated: “The need for reliable and fast broadband speeds has never been greater and we are delighted to have secured this new work with Openreach and support their ambitious plans of bringing full fibre broadband to millions of homes and businesses.

“Our experience within the market means we are wellplaced to support the build and delivery of these networks in Swindon and Wiltshire and working collaboratively with Openreach, we look forward to delivering this vital new infrastructure.”

18/09/2020 12:48

The Big Interview: When restoring dignity is the most important service of all

Sharon Tombs, right, pictured during a lottery grant celebration with, from left, senior fundraiser Emma Walker and volunteers Judy Farmer and Rose Bond

Sharon Tombs is manager of Dressability, a Westmead-based charity which alters clothes to make them usable by people with disabilities and movement issues.

"As far as we know," said Sharon Tombs, "we're the only organisation of its type in the UK. "We offer clothing adaptations and alterations to anyone with a disability and anyone over 65.

"It's a heavily-subsidised service, mainly funded by grants and trusts in the UK." Clients bring garments for ateration, which is usually done for between £5 and £15, but measures are in place to ensure nobody goes without the help they need.

Describing what Dressability does takes only a few words, but the impact of its work is life-changing.

Sharon said: "Recently there was a gentleman that had had a stroke and was confined to a wheelchair. He was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace but his wife wasn't able to put on and take off his jacket.

"So our dressmakers removed the back of the jacket and created a back opening so she could put it on and off easily during the event."

The alterations are both ingenious and unobtrusive, and the clientele ranges from senior citizens who aren't as limber as they once were to young people with disabilities.

"At the moment," Sharon said, "the dressmakers are working on lots of school uniforms for children who have various disabilities.

"We're putting magnets into school shirts - that would be for a child who has difficulty doing buttons up. It enables kids who are at school to appear just like everybody else - to fit in.

"That is what they want, especially at senior school.

"The most common alteration we do would be for people with strokes. The most important thing of all is being able to use the toilet independently.

"I think that ensuring somebody retains their dignity by being able to use the toilet independently is probably the most valuable thing we offer.

"It's probably the least popular conversation but the most valuable thing, whether it's changing a zip or using velcro and

magnets so a person can undo their trousers with one hand.

"Self-esteem and dignity are what we are seeking for our clients.

"We have referrals from health professionals, you can self-refer, and we're quite proactive. We do talks for other organisations and make them aware of our service."

Before coming to Dressability seven years ago, Sharon worked as a parent support advisor for Swindon Borough Council, teaching parentng skills in the community, but was made redundant.

"I spent most of my life doing accounts-type jobs, and then when I was 40-odd I decided to do an HNC in Health and Social Care.

"I've been sewing since I was six. This job came up and it combined all three areas of my skills - health and social care, accounts and sewing - and I took it on.

"It's a rewarding thing to do."

During the months of lockdown, the Dressability team remained active but had to adapt - and gve a valuable service to vulnerable people in the process.

"When we were forced in March to stop working on our core business, we had to decide what we could do while everyone was working at home.

"We had several inquiries about PPE and we ended up working on a huge amount of PPE for three or four months.

"We've made covid testing sleeves for GWH, full-length waterproof gowns for Prospect, we've delivered hundreds of masks to Prospect and local care homes.

"Masks were sent to care homes all over the country. We also sent them to Women's Aid, the night shelter and the Salvation Army. GP surgeries all around Swindon have had them.

"All that work was done at home and all delivered free of charge within the community.

"We are able to change people's lives and make their lives easier. We are able to give back dignity to people who otherwise wouldn't experience it." www.dressability.org.uk swindonlink.com n

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Council leader's column

Swindon is bouncing back from the pandemic Swindon Council leader David Renard

administered promptly on behalf of the government, the wellbeing advice and support provided to local firms and residents and the systems we have brought in to help our hospitality businesses get back and up and running.

But there is also major work taking place behind the scenes to benefit the wider local economy.

During lockdown the council worked tirelessly with Highways England and our colleagues at Swindon and Wiltshire

Local Enterprise Partnership to get the M4 Junction 15 improvement scheme up and running. We also used that period to finalise our £25m bid to the Government’s Towns Fund, which will help to revitalise important parts of our town centre such as the Health Hydro.

If you look across Fleming Way, enabling works have already started on Zurich’s new state-of-the-art office building, which will secure the future of one of our major employers,

and we are anxiously awaiting news from the government on whether our bid for £25m in funding for the new Bus Boulevard has been successful.

Add in our five-year plan for the Swindon Heritage Action Zone, our continued investment in Brunel’s former Carriage Works, not to mention the tens of millions of pounds we are investing in upgrading our wider road network, and you begin to paint a picture of a town which is an attractive place for investors and very much open for business.

But don’t take my word for it.

Andrew Carter, the Chief Executive of independent think tank Centre for Cities, thinks so too. He said: “Swindon Council’s encouragement of town centre visitors and support for businesses puts the area in a strong position to move forward and protect jobs.”

Swindon is very much bouncing back.

A Wiltshire Community Foundation Grant helps Olive Tree Cafe to reopen A café which provides confidence-boosting work experience for young people with mental health issues is ready to open again with help from a coronavirus fund grant.

The Olive Tree Café in Cheney Manor is part of The Recovery Tree charity, which also operates the TWIGS gardens.

The charity has been awarded three grants totalling more than £10,000 from the Wiltshire Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund to cover the cost of staying in touch with 80 volunteers who have been unable to work at the café while it was closed 20 swindonlink.com n October 2020 SE October Master pages.indd 20

during the pandemic.

The grants also paid for home gardening kits for TWIGS volunteers, craft sessions, portable toilets for the café when it reopened for takeaways and training ahead of its welcoming back customers to eat in.

Trustee Gillian Barber said being able to stay in touch with the volunteers and hold craft sessions for them at the café, had eased the anxiety caused by the lockdown.

She added: “It has been very difficult for the volunteers who have been unable to come in and join us, which is why we have been running the craft sessions every Monday to have

them in to make something and see their friends.

“The grants have made a terrific, positive impact on the lives of lots of young volunteers who have been on their own for

seven months or who haven’t been able to see their friends.

"It helped them to survive until we were in a position to be able to invite them back to work in the café.”

18/09/2020 12:48

Words by Jamie Hill

Swindon Borough Council Leader David Renard's monthly column Like most towns and cities across the country we are battling our way through an unprecedented recession.

But here in Swindon there are undoubted grounds for optimism.

For our part the council is proactively doing everything it can to shape the future of the borough through its role as the planning authority, by using its powers and influence to shape regeneration and making funding bids to Central Government to invest in muchneeded infrastructure which will future-proof our growth in the years to come.

Sometimes it is easy to forget how much is going on behind the scenes, which is why we have packaged up all this positive work into a campaign, which tells the story of how Swindon is well placed to bounce back from the economic shock that has been served up by the covid-19 pandemic.

Our ‘Swindon’s Bouncing Back’ campaign will highlight businesses who have benefitted from the £30m in lifeline funding the council

LINK

FEATURES

Words by Jamie Hill

Families enjoy summer fun with SMAG A team of superhero families recruited from every corner of Swindon have spent the summer completing challenges to help save the world with art.

At the start of the summer, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, based on Bath Road, launched its free Art on Tour Summer Programme, designed to support families across Swindon with creative activities at home.

A team of families was invited to become Families-in-Residence, completing secret art missions armed with only enthusiasm and paint-brushes.

These secret art agents received art resource boxes from partners Swindon Children’s Scrapstore, alongside weekly online resources and support. In return, they have helped test the gallery’s huge range of free learning and activity resources inspired by Swindon’s collection

of modern British art.

Another team of families joined the Summer Club for art adventurers, completing weekly art adventures from surrealist drawing to outdoor art.

Swindon residents have also been getting creative with the gallery’s Creative Sparks social media campaign.

A daily creative idea published on social media inspired artistic responses from collage to crochet. The project was supported by the gallery’s Young Photographer, Rose Russell, who provided a photo each day to inspire participants.

The Summer Programme is part of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery’s Art on Tour project. Supported by Swindon Borough Council, Art on Tour aims to bring Swindon’s impressive art collection to a wider audience across the town.

The Art on Tour programme was

established to provide inspiring art engagement and outreach to Swindon schools and communities. The gallery hopes to be able to offer the outreach programme again very soon, but over recent months the project has turned its attention to supporting communities, schools and families online.

Mags Parker, Learning Officer for Art on Tour, said: “We have been so pleased with the numbers of families joining us on our summer art adventures and we are immensely proud of all our families.

They have produced some incredible artwork and helped us to develop our resources and engagement programme for the future. The Summer Programme has brought so much creativity and joy at a difficult time, and we look forward to developing our work with families across Swindon over the next year.”

Children taking part in Swindon Museum and Art Gallery's summer activities

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LINK

FOOD & DRINK Words by Barrie Hudson

M

ore than half a million meals were claimed in Swindon and Wiltshire under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

Newly-released figures put the total at 530,000, and the meals were among more than 100m claimed across the UK under the scheme, which ran throughout August.

A total of 84,700 eateries throughout the country signed up, including 673 in Swindon and Wiltshire and 6,671 across the South West, and nearly £2.7m was claimed in discounts across the county.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has hailed the success of the scheme, which was designed to support the hospitality industry after a challenging few months because of coronavirus.

Eating out really did help out The Chancellor said: “From the get-go our mission has been to protect jobs, and to do this we needed to be creative, brave and try things that no government has ever done before.

The scheme is credited by the Government with protecting 1.8 million jobs across the country, with restaurant bookings significantly up on the previous year.

“Today’s figures continue to show Eat Out to Help Out has been a success.

Data from online reservation service OpenTable shows bookings increased by an average of 52 percent on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the whole of August, compared to the same days in 2019.

“I want to thank everyone, from restaurant owners to waiters, chefs and diners, for embracing it and helping drive our economic recovery.

“The scheme is just one part of our Plan for Jobs and we will continue to protect, support and create jobs to ensure we come back stronger as a nation.”

On average, each registered restaurant in the county claimed 788 discounted meals – 61 a day for the 13 eligible days.

Plan for Jobs is a £30bn strategy to create, protect and support jobs as the country bounces back from coronavirus.

The Government says it will continue to support the hospitality industry with a temporary discount to VAT, from 20 percent to five percent, until 12 January 2021.

Review: The Goddard Arms, High Street, Old Town

W

ith some restaurants extending their Eat Out To Help Out schemes during September, my colleagues and I decided to take advantage and grab lunch at The Goddard Arms.

Review by Kieran Hadfield

Situated on Old Town's High-Street, Goddard's has been around for over 300 years, previously being used as an old coaching Inn for horse-drawn coaches. This prior function has evident perks for the pub, with an extremely spacious layout providing a well-suited socially-distant dining experience.

After being guided through the oneway system and making use of the hand sanitation zones, the staff placed us by the window, looking out on the beer garden. With ordering now at the bar and limited movement around the place, there was a distinct calmer and quieter atmosphere in Goddard's than usual.

However, what Goddard's may have lacked in atmosphere, they certainly made up for in the incredibly quick service. The waiting staff were extremely attentive and ensured our ordered soft drinks arrived quickly. With the food on our table, we all remarked at how neat the presentation was, feeling that it 22

positively enhanced our experience prior to eating.

One colleague had the breaded scampi, served with triple-cooked chunky chips and mushy peas, accompanied with a tartare sauce. A traditional classic done well, he felt extremely satisfied with the scampi. The soft texture of the mushy peas merged well with the crispy chip exterior creating a delightful blend.

In contrast to this array of textures, one colleague chose a more simplistic dish- a southern-fried chicken wrap with grated mozzarella and cheddar, served with skinny chips. Although it may be lacking in spice and textures, she felt this meal was perfect for her palate. Our boss chose the 10oz horseshoe gammon steak, smothered with maple-flavour mustard and an apple glaze, served with a fried egg on top. This also came with the triple cooked chunky chips and tomatoes.

As a gammon lover, high expectations were placed on this meal. Fortunately these expectations were met, with the crispy edge working in harmony with the glazing to create an extremely succulent flavour. Partnered with the crispy chips that mopped up the fried egg, he thoroughly enjoyed his lunch.

For myself, I chose the 8oz rump steak (medium rare), accompanied with the

chunky chips, onion rings, mushrooms and tomatoes. The steak came as desired and was not too chewy, providing a nice balance of juice and thickness.

I too thoroughly enjoyed the golden, crispy chunky chips, especially with the mayonnaise that came with it. I also surprisingly enjoyed the mushrooms. As someone who does not like these very much, it was a pleasant experience eating these. These mushrooms were not soggy and kept in line with the main textures of the dish. The only minor critique of my meal would be that there were not more onion rings to go with it.

Weighing up our meal at The Goddard Arms, we felt that despite the quieter ambiance, no doubt due to COVID, the pub delivered a very good dining experience. The portion size was suitable and the food in general was fantastic. www.classicinns.co.uk/goddardarms telephone: 01793 619090.

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LINK

Rick Stein's Marlborough restaurant reopens

The High Street restaurant, specialising in fish and seafood, faced permanent closure amid the pandemic's financial pressures, but thanks to the landlord offering a rent reduction it was saved.

Its official reopening took place on Friday, 4 September.

The Marlborough restaurant is one of several owned by the chef and businessman, and he is delighted to retain a presence in the town.

He said: "I'm fond of saying it's like a lovely English market town. It's got lovely architecture, it's got a great high street - it's one of those showpieces to me of what English life is like.

"Really, I was a bit seduced when we saw this site originally because it was such a lovely place to have a restaurant.

"I suppose we opened in a time of great optimism, and because of covid things

by Barrie Hudson

C

elebrated chef Rick Stein has spoken of his relief that his Marlborough restaurant has been reprieved.

FOOD & DRINK

have been depressed. But what was really great for us was that the landlord realised times were tough and people wanted to continue together.

"People regard landlords as being sort of like the evil persona, probably, but it's just basically business.

"If you can talk to your landlord and say, 'This is how it is for us,' they might respond, saying, 'We don't want to lose you,' which is essentially what the landlord said."

The landlord whose decision was so crucial has asked to remain anonymous.

The public, Mr Stein believes, are hungry in more ways than one when it comes to eating out.

He said: "We all spent a lot of time in lockdown thinking about stuff, and basically I think most people realise that we all need to help each other. 'What are the ways we can help the hospitality industry?' And it's by going out to eat.

"I've got restaurants in Australia, and what happened there happened three weeks, four weeks before it happened

here.

"People are very willing to go back to restaurants as long as social distancing and all the other safety things are in order.

"I think they all realise we need each other.

"It's so nice to be back. I was driving here off the motorway and feeling relief that I could still come here because it's such a lovely place - and also, the restaurant is so attractive."

The restaurant can be contacted via www.rickstein.com/restaurants/rick-steinmarlborough/ Steve at The Village Inn

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CULTURE

Don't stop the Music!

Words by Jamie Hill Level 3 and The Victoria in Swindon have received lottery funding in order to be able to support and develop new and original musicians in the town.

- Professional advice and mentoring through an extended network of experienced staff - sound engineering, stage management, promotion

The venues will be able to offer participating artists and bands:

- Help with preparing to put on original shows in Swindon over the course of the next 10 months

- Free rehearsal space with PA (just bring your instruments)

- Help and advice on all aspects of show performance and promotion

- To be part of a weekend showcase of original Swindon music in 2021 Violet Mclaren, who runs the venues, said: “We hope that this will go some way to revitalising the original grassroots music scene in Swindon after this period of closure. We are looking for as broad a range of genres as possible. Email thevicswindon@gmail.com to be part of Swindon’s grassroots music future.”

Poetry: The helping hands of the medics

Poetry column with Maurice Spillane of Poetry Swindon

When I was young there were three people who were revered – priest, schoolmaster and doctor. The first lost his way, the second lost his awe, but the doctor, ah, even to this day the doctor holds allure.

The poem this month, “Faith,” is about a surgery doctor who is retiring this month and whom I hold in high esteem. My moment was eleven years ago. I’d been for a check-up. The following Monday he phoned and said I had a high prostate count and he had booked an appointment next day at GWH. “Sorry,” I said, “I’m in a big project overseas and it’s difficult . . .”

“Maurice, get on a flight,” he retorted, 24

gave me reasons why, most of which went over my head as I was in statistical shock.

If he said it was urgent, that was good enough. I was treated by the NHS and cured. In that one key conversation, my reverence kicked in, absolute faith in my doctor. I know we say thanks, but it never seems enough. Here’s another attempt at thanks for all those nurses and doctors in our Swindon surgeries:

I can’t imagine a doctor without hands.

The fingers engaging as he reviews the screen, teases a question, says nothing, asks another, swivels his chair to look beyond the theme.

“Let’s have a look.” Those hands again, sweeping, as if the body is a minefield, the finger-spread a grim detector, then washing of hands, the truth revealed.

Back to the keyboard, the keys click faster

already in action like a revered swat, the solution unpeeled, the handshake firm.

It’s all ok then, even when it’s not.

No poetry in Swindon this month. In the meantime, if you have a poem, why not enter it in the National Poetry Competition: poetrysociety.org.uk/competitions/ national-poetry-competition www.mauricespillane.com

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New cinema for Marlborough

Robert Hiscox and Orlando Harris are the two-person team behind the project, whose aim is to give the town its first cinema since the previous one closed more than 40 years ago.

CULTURE

The new venue will be called the Parade Cinema.

by Barrie Hudson

A

n independent cinema showing everything from blockbusters to old classics should be up and running in Marlborough by next July.

LINK

For Mr Hiscox, the cinema is part of a Marlborough he hopes to see develop.

He said: "It's very exciting for me. Marlborough is getting more restaurants; I want it to have more art galleries and I want people to go to the cinema! We're still fundraising but it's under way."

They acquired the former United Reformed Chapel in The Parade, together with its adjoining manse.

The plan is for the former chapel to become a 112-seat auditorium, while the other building will be turned into a bar and cafĂŠ with a seating area - later to become a restaurant with a capacity of 48.

Filmgoers can look forward to a broad selection of offerings. Mr Hiscox said blockbusters would be shown, but there would also be space for classics - and he would like to see the cinema cater for genre devotees.

Care will be taken to ensure the cinema complies with whatever covid-related regulations are in place.

Mr Hiscox believes people still want to visit the centre of Marlborough even though many do a great deal of their shopping online.

"For example," he added, "if people want to have a French film club."

The cinema's website is www.theparadecinema.com

Poster campaign for a litter-free town Two Swindon environmental groups are teaming up to gather a gallery of posters encouraging people to keep the town tidy.

Sarah Church, founder of Keep Swindon Tidy, and Ben Bell, founder of Plastic Free Swindon, came up with the idea of inviting children - and adults - to contribute designs.

Sarah said: "Since the lockdown eased, we've noticed that not everyone is making use of bins or taking their rubbish home, including disposable face masks which are ending up discarded on the pavements in some areas.

"We want to get as many people as possible involved in making a difference, so please send us your Keep Swindon Tidy poster design for our gallery."

Entries are welcome to address any litter theme, including avoiding single use plastic, wearing reusable masks, taking litter home and using bins. Messages can be relevant to particular areas or the whole

of Swindon.

The gallery is open on the Plastic Free Swindon website at plasticfreeswindon. org and entries can be emailed to Plastic Free Swindon, whose website is plasticfreeswindon.org/activities/ keepswindontidy/posters/ Sarah added: "We aim to keep building the gallery for the next six months. This means there is no closing date planned yet!"

The two organisations stress that the gallery is about co-operation rather than

competition, so all entries will be displayed with the name and age of the artist on the gallery page.

Sarah said: "As the gallery grows, the posters will be available for other residents, community groups and schools to download, print off and display to encourage us all to do our bit to keep our neighbourhoods looking lovely.

"We're so looking forward to seeing the inspiring and imaginative designs that Swindon's budding artists can send in!

Draw the change that you want to see in the world!" swindonlink.com n

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HOME

Skylark Meadow in Blunsdon

A new housing development in Blunsdon was unveiled in September.

Newland Homes, the developer behind the Broad Blunsdon Heights scheme, has returned to the location with Skylark Meadow.

Skylark Meadow consists of 37 three, four and five-bedroom homes, and the developer says it reflects the unique character of Broad Blunsdon on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Erica Povey, Field Sales Manager for Newland Homes, said: “Skylark Meadow is a very different design aesthetic to Broad Blunsdon Heights, as we believe that each handpicked location warrants its own palette of materials and finishes.

"Skylark Meadow is designed to reflect the character of its surroundings, so you’ll see glorious golden-coloured stone and architecture synonymous with the

Cotswolds, plus beautiful brickwork, stone and render detailing.

“Don’t be fooled by the classic design, though; these houses exceed Building Regulation requirements, having significantly enhanced renewable power with solar PV panels to detached homes.

"Homes are also wired with provision for an electric car charging point.”

There is also pre-installed superfast fibre broadband, described as a major benefit for home workers.

Prices start at £400,000, and those looking to purchase will benefit from a Stamp Duty holiday on homes up to the value of £500,000 and the Help to Buy incentive which is available on all newbuild properties up to £600,000.

The scheme involves lending buyers up to 20 percent of the cost of their new home through an equity loan from the

Government, which is interest-free for the first five years.

Both schemes have a limited time window, as the Stamp Duty holiday ends in March and the eligibility criteria for Help to Buy is changing from spring.

Visits can be booked at 01793 278101 and further details can be found at www. newlandhomes.co.uk/blunsdon

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MOTORING

Suzuki Swift Sport : A hybrid quick off the mark

Every time you get into a Suzuki you know you are getting a good deal.

Latest from their stable is the Swift Sport 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid, a tremendous ride even if it is a bit more expensive than the usual. Suzuki has always had a good reputation for dependability and the Swift Sport is no different.

This one comes in at just over £21,500 so it’s not cheap, but here you have got a great car which will do more than 130mph and give you more than 50 miles to the gallon.

If you are looking for faults then ok this Swift is not ideal for four people on a long journey and there’s not much room in the boot either. But there are more plusses than minuses and I’d have one like a shot.

The Swift Sport is one of 10 Suzuki models on the market and now each of them has a hybrid version on offer as the company keeps up with other companies in the electrification market.

It’s difficult to tell that there is any hybrid assistance but the car has a 48V electric starter/generator and battery instead of the 12V system 26

Leigh Robinson: Motoring writer

seen in Suzuki’s other models and the company guarantees to cut emissions and improve the fuel economy, hence the 50 miles to the gallon.

But with all the extra kit on board this means the car weighs in at one tonne.

The Swift Sport has a firm suspension and the chassis allows you to zoom through the corners and makes the car easy to handle. The battery is located under the front seats so there’s no reduction in interior space, and there is a six speed gearbox making the Swift Sport a good mover, despite only having a 1.4 litre engine.

The Sport has the dual exhaust pipes and the wheels are the 17 inch variety.

There are six different colours and no extra cost.

It is packed with safety and driver assistance features as standard, including systems to help avoid or reduce damage from collisions, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and road traffic sign recognition. On the performance front the Swift Sport has a six speed manual gearbox; maximum speed is 130mph and the 0-62mph acceleration is 9.1 seconds.

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PETS & NATURE

Words by Kieran Hadfield

Six glorious Autumn walks outside Swindon Want to know where to go walking in Wiltshire this Autumn? There are lots of options to choose from. Autumn in Wiltshire means crisp days, trees blushing red and orange and early-morning mists hanging over the fields. You'll probably need a raincoat and good walking boots, but don't let that put you off - this is a spectacular time of year to discover our beautiful countryside. Spend a day strolling through Wiltshire's woods and fields, admiring the bright Autumn colours, and then relax into the evening next to the fire in one of our cosy and welcoming pubs. Here are six Autumnal Wiltshire walks to get you started.

Savernake Forest, near Marlborough Covering a 2,750-acre area near Marlborough, Savernake Forest is a lovely place to explore at any time of year.

In the Autumn, the trees show off their colourful finery, inviting you to walk through a magical landscape of red, brown and orange leaves. Even on the greyest of days, the patter of rain amongst the trees creates a soothing and serene atmosphere.

There are many tracks and paths to choose from through the forest, so you can adapt this walk to be either a short stroll or a longer exploration.

The Kennet and Avon Canal An early morning walk along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal makes for a refreshing and invigorating start to the day. Especially on an autumnal morning, with mist hanging above the water and mingling with woodsmoke from the moored canal boats. The Kennet and Avon Canal

crosses Wiltshire from East to West, offering many opportunities for walking along its length. You could begin at Great Bedwyn and walk a four-hour loop, incorporating Crofton Beam Engines. Or try the stretch of canal at Caen Hill Locks

by Devizes to see the inspired engineering that lifts the canal over a hill. For a very gentle autumnal stroll, walk the section from Bradford on Avon to the aqueduct at Avoncliff.

Stourhead The National Trust's landscape gardens at Stourhead in South Wiltshire are renowned for their spectacular Autumn colours. Every year, the gardens put on a stunning display of colour as the trees are burnished with rusty hues, reflected in the central lake.

The National Trust recommend a 5.5 mile Stourhead King Alfred's Tower walk which takes you through beautiful woodlands to an 18th century folly, with plenty of opportunities to admire the fine autumnal colours. You will need to book in advance to access the Stourhead estate.

Cotswold Water Park Serene lakes and woodland shores make Cotswold Water Park a stunning location for a walk throughout the year. In the Autumn, you're also likely to see lots of wildlife, as many passage birds migrate

through the park in the Autumn months.

Have a look at the park's guide to birds to look out for in the Autumn. There are many lakeside walks to choose from across the 40 square miles of the Cotswold Water Park, and as this is a very flat area many of these walks are ideal for younger children.

The Devenish, near Salisbury The Devenish is a Wiltshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Salisbury, offering incredible views over the Woodford Valley. The trees here are very pretty in the Autumn. You can incorporate the nature reserve into a circular walk to Old Sarum (the site of the original Salisbury Cathedral) which also offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Westonbirt, the National Arboretum Just over the Wiltshire border in Gloucestershire, Westonbirt Arboretum is an incredible tree garden. This beautiful location blazes with colour every Autumn as the thousands of trees here change to reds and russets, ochres and brown. Looping around the whole of the Arboretum will take you on a walk of about 4 or 5 miles - but there are many paths to choose from to create a walk of the perfect length for you. swindonlink.com n

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LINK SPORT & LEISURE Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

Welcome return

Highway Code changes set to improve cycling safety

to the League fray after long lay-off

After months without a ball being that Pitman could become a key kicked at the County Ground, member of Swindon's team.

Swindon have finally returned to Sheffield United loanee striker League One action.

Tyler Smith could also be another The League Two champions key player. kicked off their campaign at The promising young striker was home to Rochdale, and with their one of the first recruits made 3-1 victory ensured that a streak in the summer as he penned a of seven opening day wins would season-long loan deal. continue - a streak only currently Smith has previously spent time being beaten by Pep Guardiola's out on loan with other League Manchester City.

One clubs and many are hoping Despite living that the 21-yearthrough these old could enjoy his Pitman has over uncertain and best spell yet in a 100 goals to his unprecedented times, Swindon shirt. name as well as it would be fair The young striker two promotions to say that Richie with Bournemouth possesses good pace Wellens and his as well as good coaching team have finishing. assembled a reasonably good Jack Payne could also become league one squad - a squad in a key player for Swindon in the my opinion capable of reaching attacking midfielder role. the top half of League One. Payne was the first signing of The departures of Eoin Doyle to the summer after joining from Bolton as well as Keshi Anderson Lincoln City on a two-year deal. and Jerry Yates to League One The 25-year-old has played in rivals Blackpool saw 44 goals all three levels below the Premier taken out of last season's league- League and consistently chipped winning squad. in with goals and assists.

However, Swindon have Featuring in an attacking team found more than adequate like Swindon, I believe that Payne replacements in Brett Pitman, could be a valuable asset to the Tyler Smith and Jack Payne.

Robins.

Brett Pitman comes to Swindon As I conclude this piece I'd just with a pedigree of scoring goals like to thank midfielder Michael at this level.

Doughty for his time at the club.

Pitman has over 100 goals to his Doughty left the club in midname as well as two promotions September due to personal with Bournemouth. reasons.

He should fulfil the role of The midfield maestro was a vital former striker Eoin Doyle, getting part of last season's title-winning in the right places and finishing squad and will be sorely missed. off attacking moves from Town.

Doughts could see and execute However, given the fact that passes better than anyone, and Pitman only featured 11 times for across his three spells at the club Pompey last season it could take racked up 93 appearances, 23 some time for the striker to be goals and 25 assists. match fit.

His departure will leave a But if given the time and hole both on and off the pitch. confidence, there is no doubt Farewell!

28

Becky Cox: Swindon Cycle Campaign

Would you like it if drivers gave you a bit more wiggle room when you’re cycling?

Well, back in July the Government launched a long overdue consultation on proposed Highway Code changes, to update it and make it work better for the most vulnerable of road users, specifically pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders.

Or maybe if passing a row of parked vehicles wasn’t like playing a game of Russian roulette with car doors?

This is a big opportunity for positive change and to really make getting from A to B safer and easier for everyone, and help us all make local journeys without the reliance on private cars.

There are 10 key changes to the Highway Code proposed, including clearer guidance on overtaking cyclists (Rule 163), advice on the use of the Dutch Reach to prevent cardooring, and clarification that groups of cyclists can cycle two abreast (Rule 66).

Other proposals include improving safety at junctions by making it clearer who has right of way, and introducing a hierarchy of responsibility for different road users.

Cycling UK has produced a short film which shows why a simple rule change on priority at junctions is needed, bringing Britain in line with rules common across Europe.

Whether you're cycling, driving or walking whoever is going straight ahead has right of way.

You can view it at www. youtube.com/watch?v=nCUcDOcRIE&feature=youtu.be The new hierarchy would mean that people in charge of the largest vehicles, with the potential to cause the most harm in a collision, would bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.

This means a lorry driver would have a greater responsibility to those driving a car or motorcycle, and likewise people cycling would have a greater responsibility than pedestrians.

Cycling UK have created a quick and easy way to respond to the consultation.

It literally took me two minutes!

The consultation ends on 27 October.

Visit www.cyclinguk.org/ highwaycode to have your say.

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n GAS & ELECTRIC n PLUMBING n FOR THE HOME

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01793 421802 www.abacuscleaningservices.co.uk swindonlink.com n October 2020 29

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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

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