South East Swindon Link September 2017

No 13 September 2017

Est. overall readership across Swindon: 100,000

South and East Swindon Edition

Your child's future: Our guide to Secondary School and College Open Days p14

An artists’ paradise

Richard Jefferies Museum launches its cultural programme page 21

Community: P3-18

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

Swindon Wide: P19-26

Services: P27-29

Politics: P30

Community News Director: James Phipps

Education, education, education

By Group Editor Jamie Hill First of all I would like to thank reader Lorena Alina who wrote in response to my editor's note last month entitled 'We can't ignore the young of Swindon'.

She suggested that we should involve the young in repairing the Oasis Skate Park as it would bring many benefits, forging unforgettable experiences and helping them to learn skills. It would also be a positive outcome and show these youngsters they are being listened to.

What a great idea!

The young of our town have to be one of our greatest priorities.

They are our future and will shape Swindon for years to come so getting them involved can only be a good thing.

This month we focus on education and give you a guide to the open days of Swindon's secondary schools and colleges as parents and pupils have to make the important decision of what they do next either after primary

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

school or after GCSEs. There are so many great educators in the ever-expanding Swindon and we are truly spoilt for choice.

At the same time it is vitally important that we support the schools in all of the important work they do with our children.

Cash, in these times, is always short so if we can help through fundraising or campaigning for our schools it can only be a good thing and ensures Swindon's educational wellbeing.

Teachers face a lot of scrutiny nowadays and in my opinion have a difficult job that should be rewarded and respected by all of us in the town. jamie@swindonlink.com

Closing date for October adverts and editorial: 13 September October edition published: 29 September

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

Positive Media Group Limited, Unit 3, Arclite House, Century Road, Swindon SN5 5YN T: 01793 744677 E: publisher@swindonlink.com Our Statistics Est. Readership of 100,000 in print & c.25,000 monthly online visitors.

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Spirit of Swindon: A roof over my head

By Tom Wilkes “The housing market in this country is broken, and the cause is very simple: for too long, we haven’t built enough homes”. This is how the 2016 Government Housing White Paper addressed the issue of housing supply.

There have been many articles recently in the local and national press demonstrating how difficult it has become to afford somewhere to live. For those seeking to buy a house, the good news is that average prices are approximately £15,000 lower in Swindon than the South West as a whole. Despite this, almost 41% of first time buyers in the town are priced out of the market for a flat based on three times their income.

This is not surprising as nationally real house prices have jumped 151% since 1996 while real earnings have only risen a quarter as much. This is not the same in all parts of the developed world where examples can be found of house prices to earnings being in decline since the 1970’s.

Of those unable to buy a house, simply meeting the criteria to afford to rent, including finding a guarantor, is a challenge.

Swindon has seen the number of available homes increase faster over the past three decades than almost any other town in the country. It also has a higher percentage of homes rented though social housing.

Nevertheless, the rising population and increasing number of commuters living here and working elsewhere is putting Swindon under pressure so there continues to be a lack of affordable accommodation to buy or rent.

Commonweal, a pro-independence think tank in Scotland, said this: “Housing really is central to everything. We can’t understand our society, our economy, our geography, our psychology, what unites us, what divides us, family, debt, work, and wages, without understanding the role of the home in our lives.”

Housing is a huge issue for the UK and there are numerous statistics (some conflicting) that can be easily found online. Once again the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Swindon is a useful source of housing-based statistics: www. swindonjsna.co.uk/dna/housing-market-andhousing-need.

Books such as All That is Solid by Danny Dorling, movies like I Daniel Blake directed by Ken Loach and TV programmes such as No Place like Home shown last Spring on BBC can help everyone gain a wider understanding.

Housing and the central place it occupies in the life of every person and every community has been starkly revealed through the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The blogger Richard Murphy points out how in the 1970s, over 80 per cent of Government housing subsidies were focussed on supply, principally through building homes.

Today 85 per cent of subsidies are focussed on demand with billions going to housing benefit payments or support for those taking out a mortgage for the first time.

Housing is a vital but complex area and we would very much like you to get involved in contributing to future articles on this issue.

Spirit of Swindon would like to hear from people who have experienced particular difficulties in either claiming or sustaining a home in Swindon.

We would also like to hear from people who have (sensible) suggestions about how things might be improved in the country – and particularly in Swindon. Please respond using publisher@swindonlink.com and marking your mail Spirit of Swindon. Remember that the dates for publication mean that your contributions will not feature in the next edition but a future one.

Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon offer a lead to other towns and cities in the UK. swindonlink.com n September 2017

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Community News

Fundraiser to tackle 130-mile trek for youth charity Mum of three, Mara Soto, is planning to walk 130 miles from Swindon to Brighton to raise money to support a Swindon youth charity.

Freelance journalist Mara, originally from Cuba but now living in Stratton, is no stranger to ambitious charity challenges.

In September she walked from Swindon to London to raise almost £400 to support Julie Basleigh who sadly recently died after a brave battle against cancer.

Mara, who is mother to Kimberly, 21, Cassandra, 16, and Kiyomi, 4, has also previously completed a 62 mile walk in Kampala, Uganda to raise money for a new school building.

Speaking about her latest bid, which Mara aims to undertake on October 6, she said: “Bullying is something I feel very strongly about, it has huge implications for young people and their mental health and unfortunately it seems to be on the increase. Charities such as STEP do some great work to help children who are affected.”

Charity project manager Paul Dobson explained: “Swindon 10 to 18 Project (STEP), is a local charity that has been supporting children

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and young people from across the Borough for the last 33 years. It provides therapeutic group work for young people.

“All the Project’s activities are appropriate to each individual referred and their specific abilities and interests – enabling everyone to fully access, participate in and engage with the activities we provide.

Throughout the 14-week programmes, children and young people are helped to reflect upon their current thoughts, feelings and behaviours and to discover ways to overcome and improve those behaviours. This helps them to be active and productive members of their families, peer groups, schools and wider communities, and gives them the opportunity to take those changes into later life.”

The money raised by Mara’s walking challenge will provide therapeutic and play resources that directly support the therapeutic work they provide, enhancing the experience for all those who engage with the service.

Mara plans to set off from Swindon’s Designer Outlet village and walk to Brighton Pier – and is

inviting anyone interested in taking part to join her at different stages along the route.

“I’ve already got some people who are going to accompany me along the way, including some of the young people who have benefitted from the work of STEP. It’s going to be great fun – I just love doing things like this. My friends say I’m a bit like Forrest Gump, I just keep going. I’m always looking out for the next challenge and I love to help people.”

Mara is already preparing for the walking challenge by hitting the gym and has been supported by SNES fitness who have provided her with specialist food supplements to support her fitness regime.

Mara can be contacted via email at daymara.soto@ gmail.com

Anyone interested in supporting Mara’s fundraising efforts can donate to her just giving page www.justgiving.com/Mara-Soto Stepping out: Mara Soto who plans to walk 130 miles to Brighton

Community News

Ancient beech tree felled after falling victim to fungus A long established tree, that has stood guard beside Swindon’s Town Gardens bandstand for more than 180 years, has seen its last summer.

The landmark beech, which has been clambered around by generations of children, has recently been found to have become infected by fungi – raising concerns that it might lose branches.

The tree was a mere sapling in 1837, the same year that Samuel Morse invented the telegram, Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist was published in serial form and three years before The Great Western Railway reached Swindon and the company decided to build an engine building and maintenance works here.

A five-strong specialist team of arboriculturists (tree surgeons) moved into the park in August to perform the delicate process of cutting it down to size – working at dizzying heights with chainsaws, they spent the day removing branches in stages.

And by the time they were finished, the sizable trunk of the tree was surrounded by neatly felled logs.

However, the tree will not be forgotten, with some suggestion that the remaining trunk could be carved into a chair or sculpture.

A Swindon Borough Council

Antonia's on a roll

For the chop: The towering 180 year old beech tree in Swindon Town Gardens is carefully cut down to size

spokesman said: “The decision to cut down the beech tree was made after it was found to have Ganoderma bracket fungus, which is a wood decay fungi common throughout the country.

“The fungus causes decay and rot of the main structure of the tree, which is likely to result in branches falling off. Due to the tree’s proximity to the bandstand and key footpaths it posed a potential risk to the public and we were left with no choice but to remove it.

“This is a naturally occurring fungus disease and there is no reason to suspect that other trees are affected, however, we do regularly carry out inspections of all our trees to identify such issues.

“Whenever we are forced to cut down trees we always like to see the timber used wherever possible and we have received a number of requests relating to this tree, which we will consider in conjunction with ward members and the parish council.”

Swindon Hindu temple celebrates bond with armed forces

Swindon Hindu Temple and Cultural centre opened its doors to representatives from the armed forces as well as other dignitaries in their celebration of Raksha Bandhan – the bond of protection.

The event, at the temple in Cheney Manor, is one of the major festivals in the Hindu religious calendar, offerng a unique opportunity for the Armed Forces to engage with the British Hindu community in a spirit of common values, shared heritage and mutual support.

News in brief

Pradeep Bhardwaj, temple chairman said: “We have invited many uniformed officers from Army, Navy and RAF and the members of Hindu community are going to tie the Rakhis to them as the symbol of assuring our support and solidarity with them.”

Several local dignitaries including the Mayor Maureen Penny, Leader of Council councillor David Renard, Police Commissioner Angus McPherson, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Fire Services had been invited.

“British Hindus have a long history and proud tradition of contribution to UK Defence going back as far as the First World War and continuing to this day. With many Hindus currently serving as regular British Armed Forces personnel as well as so many Gurkhas and more as reservists and MOD Civil Servants, this is an opportunity to celebrate those links reaffirming commitment to developing meaningful relations between the Armed Forces and the British Hindu community.”

Antonia Sines has taken up the post of Acting Deputy Manager for Swindonbased First City Nursing, having worked her way up from care assistant just five years ago.

Having left school with no qualifications, Antonia, 26, found herself responsible for supporting herself and her young son, Harley. She worked in a fish and chip shop to supplement her benefits but was looking for a job with more prospects.

After being supported with training courses in English and maths skills, Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care and a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care, Antonia was ready to take a step up.

For more information on First City Nursing, visit www. firstcitynursing.co.uk

Alarming statistics How many smoke alarms do you have? Fire statistics reveal that one smoke alarm may not be enough to provide you with the best chance of escaping a fire in the home.

As part of their Fire Kills campaign, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) are encouraging people to fit more than one smoke alarm in their homes.

DWFRS offers free Safe & Well checks to those living within Dorset and Wiltshire and will fit free smoke alarms where required.

For more information about smoke alarms and Safe & Well checks, please visit www.dwfire. org.uk or call 0800 038 2323.

Nursery celebrates A Swindon nursery has been praised by Ofsted after achieving a “Good” rating in its latest inspection.

Twelve months ago, Trinity Day Nursery in Victoria Road, was told by inspectors it needed to improve after concerns were raised about inconsistencies in the quality of teaching. But a year on, the setting has achieved good grades across the board. swindonlink.com n September 2017

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Call Michael today on 01793 612333

Community News

Inspectors praise GWH progress to raise standards News in brief Deadline set for medical practice

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has welcomed the latest report from the Care Quality Commission following a routine inspection of its services earlier this year.

The Trust, which has been working closely with the healthcare regulator since an initial visit 18 months ago, has been given a rating of requires improvement.

While this is the same rating that was awarded following the 2015 inspection, the CQC have commended the Trust for taking “significant action” over the last two years and noted that progress was being seen across the whole organisation.

Nerissa Vaughan, Chief Executive, said that while there is still more to do, specifically around maintaining safe care during busy periods, the feedback shows the Trust to be in a much stronger position than eighteen months ago.

She said: “We’ve been on a journey of improvement for the last two years. It’s one we are still on and one the CQC recognised as being “underpinned by realistic

goals”. I’m pleased that nearly two thirds of our services are now rated as either good or outstanding and I’m delighted for our incredibly dedicated Emergency Department team, whose caring approach to patients was rated as outstanding.

“There was praise, too, for our culture of innovation, with the CQC highlighting our Cardiology department as leading the way in their field after the team implanted the country’s first four-lead pacemaker.

“We’ve also made great strides in getting some of our most essential services, such as mental health support and X-ray, operating across seven days. I’m happy this change has helped us to be rated as good for being an effective healthcare provider.

“Of course, some areas are not where they should be and I’m in no way complacent about the work that’s still ahead of us.

“However, we’re in a strong position to implement change, especially since becoming the provider of community healthcare services in Swindon, which gives

us some exciting opportunities to provide a better experience for patients when they move between hospital and home and to ensure our urgent and emergency care services are truly integrated in the wider health economy.

“We have a strong track record of making improvements – even when faced with ever-increasing demand from a rapidly growing and ageing population – and it’s this resilience that will get us to where we need to be.

“We’re constantly making changes to improve our organisation and I’m confident that any future inspection would again show us as moving in the right direction.”

The CQC carried out its inspection during five separate visits to the Great Western Hospital and the Urgent Care Centre across March and April. Inspectors visited a range of wards and departments and spoke with staff at all levels, as well as patients and members of their families, to gauge a picture of the care provided by the Trust.

For more information, visit www. cqc.org.uk.

Funding boost to ease Broadgreen migration pressures More than a quarter of a million pounds in funding has been allocated to meet the increased pressure on local services in the Broadgreen area of Swindon resulting from migration to the area.

The council has been awarded £278,700, from the Government’s Controlling Migration Fund (CMF), which aims to help ease the pressures on local services such as housing, schooling and health.

The funding has been secured to help tackle a variety of issues, one of which relates to the safety of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) in Central Swindon, particularly around housing and fire inspections following the tragic fire in Manchester Road last November.

In the wake of the fire, 1,000 properties were visited in the local

area, with almost 200 homes being fitted with smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. But Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service were unable to gain access to a large number properties.

The Government funding will pay for four Safe and Well officers, who will work with the council’s Environmental Health Team to offer safety advice to landlords and tenants as well as taking enforcement action.

The team will also offer free fire detection equipment and support to enable individuals to remain living independently in safe conditions.

Part of the funding will be used to encourage recent migrants to attend courses to improve their English language skills.

Cllr Cathy Martyn, Swindon

Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “This funding will help us build on the great work that is already taking place in Central Ward and allow us to engage even further with our migrant communities to improve their local environment and deliver crucial safety messages.

“The projects outlined in our funding bid will also deliver improved community cohesion and promote civic pride so local people take more responsibility for their neighbourhoods.”

The CMF was launched in November last year and allows local authorities in England to bid for funding totalling £100 million over four years from 2016 to 2017, to 2019 to 2020. Swindon’s funding will be split over the next two years.

Swindon’s Park Lane Medical Practice, which was placed into special measures following an inspection on April 4 this year, has been given a November 24 deadline to implement a range of improvements to lift it above its ‘inadequate’ rating.

Care Quality Commission inspectors found the practice to have the lowest possible rating ‘inadequate’ for leadership and responsiveness to people’s needs. And in the other key areas: ‘Safety, Effectiveness and Caring’ inspectors identified that it ‘requires improvement’.

The full CQC report can be downloaded from www.cqc.org. uk/location/1-2027546756/ reports

Osteoporosis date The National Osteoporosis Society's Linda Toulson will be the speaker at the next meeting of the Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group, which will take place on Friday, 8 September at 1,30pm at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon.

The entrance charge of £2.50 includes refreshments. All are welcome.

Further information from Ali on 01793 634424, email swindonosteoporosis@ googlemail.com

U3A fresher's day

SWINDON U3A is offering the chance to see the range of academic and recreational activities available at an open day on September 2 at St Joseph's College.

The event runs from 10am to 12.30pm Annual membership is only £32 which covers attendance at most of the groups.

For more information call 01793 614629.

Charity lunch club Cancer research UK ladies lunch club meets at Blunsdon House Hotel once a month followed by a guest speaker.

The club has been established over 40 years .

For more information about the next meeting, call Margaret on 01793 534228. swindonlink.com n September 2017

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Community News

Young apprentices are on a roll

Young apprentices taking part in a scheme to provide adapted sporting opportunities for older people have been given free travel – thanks to Thamesdown Transport.

The Swindon bus operator is backing five apprentices for future success by sponsoring them through the Generation Gains Programme.

“These young professionals hold great potential in an industry that is very important, not only to us as a bus operator, but also to the future wellbeing of local Swindon residents,” said Alex Chutter, general manager at Thamesdown.

“Their commitment and drive make them tremendous prospects for the future, so it seems right to offer them extra support. We’ll be following their progress very closely.”

The Generation Gains Programme is an initial two year inter

generational programme, funded by the Zurich Community Trust, with one of the three pilots in Swindon working in partnership with social enterprise Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL).

The programme will provide adapted sporting activities, aimed at reducing social isolation for older people, delivered by young people through an apprenticeship scheme.

The apprentices – who will receive qualifications in health, leisure operations and sports coaching – will learn how to set up and deliver physical activities for older isolated Swindon residents.

John Popowicz of GLL and project manager for the Generation Gains Programme said: “The apprentices will be working in the community, for the community – travelling to different locations throughout Swindon over the next two years.”

Buckland bids for surgeon sentence South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, who is also the Government’s Solicitor General, has successfully applied for an increase in the sentence given to rogue surgeon Ian Paterson.

Paterson, who carried out invasive and unnecessary breast surgery on multiple victims saw his sentence extended to 20 years from the original 15 following a referral by Mr Buckland.

Senior judges at the Court of Appeal told Paterson, who watched proceedings via video from prison, that his original sentence was "unduly lenient".

Mr Buckland said: "Throughout our lives we are told and expected to trust doctors. Paterson woefully abused that trust – he deliberately preyed on people’s worst fears and then mutilated them on the operating table.

"This is a truly sickening crime and my thoughts are with the victims and their families. I hope the

increased sentence will help bring some closure for them."

Paterson, 59, from Altrincham in Greater Manchester, was convicted by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court of 17 counts of wounding with intent and three counts of unlawful wounding against 10 private patients in May. Mr Buckland added: “I don’t think any term of imprisonment can ever be enough to fully reflect what happened to the victims in this case but I do think that a high degree of justice has been done today. He is in a state of denial but the facts speak for themselves.”

Lady Justice Hallett, sitting with Mrs Justice Carr and Mr Justice Goss, said: “Both the harm and culpability here were exceptionally high.”

Paterson’s trial heard from nine women and one man who were treated in the private sector at Little Aston and Parkway Hospitals in the West Midlands between 1997 and 2011. swindonlink.com n September 2017

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Community News

Join in the birthday celebrations with Hargroves Cycles Swindon’s Hargroves Cycles are inviting locals and cycling enthusiasts to celebrate their seventh birthday on Friday 29 September at their Penzance Drive store.

To mark the family friendly event they will be offering special in-store discounts on a range of products, as well as hosting a roller racing competition, including categories for all ages, with prizes up for grabs.

From 6pm onwards, guests are also invited to indulge in food fresh off the BBQ and an array of beverages.

The birthday bash marks seven successful years of trading.

The store opened its doors in September 2010 with only four full-time staff and now employs an amazing team of seven talented bike experts.

Along the way, they have supported the local community, clubs and charities including the recent ‘Trade in a Banger’ campaign, in aid of local charity Recycles where over 120 used bikes were donated, up cycled and then resold for the Salvation Army.

Mark Sealey, Swindon Store Manager said: “We are looking forward to our continued growth and success so we can help local cyclists do what they love.”

Guests are encouraged to RSVP via the website at www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/sbb the first 20 to rsvp will receive a free cowbell on the night.

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Community News

Beanstalk comes to Swindon to help youngsters read

A reading helper with a young reader

Beanstalk is a national children’s literacy charity that is new to the Swindon area.

Beanstalk recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to work with primary school children who are struggling with their reading, ensuring they gain the skills and confidence to reach their true potential and lead successful lives.

The reading helper volunteers work with children on a one-to-

one basis, giving them consistent support to improve their reading levels, increase overall confidence and enjoyment of reading. Having spoken to Headteachers in Swindon, Beanstalk has trained five reading helpers, who are about to go into local schools, they are now looking for about twenty more volunteers to join them.

Each Beanstalk reading helper works with three children

individually for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for a whole year. Together, they read, play and talk. With Beanstalk’s support the child’s approach to learning and enjoying reading is transformed.

Swindon area manager Amelia Shaw said: “One little girl, Jenny, walked out of our initial sessions half the height she actually was.

Gradually over time the shoulders went back, then her chin went up and then one day she smiled. That was a great day.”

“It’s a simple idea that makes a huge difference. Last year Beanstalk received a generous donation in Somerset, and now supports about 150 children there. Off the back of this success, Beanstalk is now starting in Swindon."

If you’re looking for a really rewarding volunteering experience that will change a child’s life, Beanstalk is looking for both reading helpers and for those who would like to help more generally, and particularly by spreading the word.

To find out more visit www. beanstalkcharity.org.uk/readinghelpers or call on 0845 450 0301 or email info@beanstalkcharity.org.uk

Trauma Group AGM On Friday 6 October, the Swindon Trauma Group (STG) will be holding their 8th Annual Conference at the Swindon Marriott Hotel.

Presenting at the Conference will be Doctor Richard Castle, Caroline Purvey, Justin Havens, Leon Flower, Dick Robinson, Jane Cordell, Consultant Psychiatrist Walter Busitill and army veteran Olly Church. There is also an evening dinner and special rates if attendees book in advance for those who want to stay overnight. For details visit www.SwindonTraumaGroup. org.uk or call 07505 476139.

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Community News

Students across Swindon celebrate exam results Students across Swindon had a nail-biting time of it this summer as they waited for exam results to come out.

With GCSE and A Level results coming out in mid August within a week of each other, lots of students opened their results with trepidation.

At the time of going to press only the A Level results had been revealed.

16-18 year old students at New College, which has the largest number of A Level learners in Swindon and Wiltshire, celebrated an overall pass rate of 96% with 1,368 successful exam entries.

14 students achieved 3 A grades or more and 32 subjects had a 100% pass rate.

For professional and vocational programmes, 205 New College students of all ages have taken BTEC Extended Diploma with 39% gaining distinctions. The BTEC

Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A levels and a distinction is equivalent to top A-level grades.

New College Principal, Graham Taylor, added: “These results really

are a testament to the talent and hard work of our learners as well as the dedication, commitment and support given from our teaching and support staff.”

UTC Swindon gained an average grade of Distinction+ for technical qualifications and a C+ average grade for A-level subjects.

Jon Oliver, Principal at UTC Swindon, said: “We are very proud of all of the students – hard work and determination throughout the year has resulted in them achieving a great set of results.

"We are delighted to see so many of them securing fantastic engineering apprenticeships and university places.

"We wish them the best of luck in the future.”

Your guide to secondary school and college open days Abbey Park School & Sixth Form Redhouse Way, Redhouse www.abbeyparkschool.org.uk Open Evening - Tuesday 19 September to Wedneday 20 September - 5.30pm to 8pm Open Morning Tours Wednesday 11 October -to Thursday 12 October - 9.30am

Great Western Academy Tadpole Garden Village www.gwacademy.co.uk Now taking applications for September 2018 Year 6 Open Evening - Tuesday 26 September - 6.30pm to 8pm Sixth Form Open Evening Tuesday 17 October - 6.30pm to 8pm

Lydiard Park Academy Grange Park Way, Grange Park www.lydiardparkacademy.org.uk Open Days and Tour Wednesday 4 October to Thursday 5 October - 9.30am to 11am Open Evenings - Tuesday 12 September to Wednesday 13 September - 5.30pm to 8pm

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Lime Kiln www.rwba.org.uk Open Evening Main School Wednesday 13 September - 6pm to 8pm Open Evening Sixth Form Wednesday 11 October - 6pm to 8.30pm

Bradon Forest School The Peak, Purton www.bradonforest.org Open Day - Saturday 16 September - 9.30am to 11am Open Evening - Thursday 21 September - 6pm to 8pm Open Morning Tours - Monday to Friday 2 to 6 October - 9.15am to 10.30am

Highworth Warneford School Shrivenham Road, Highworth, www.warneford.swindon.sch.uk Open Days and Open Afternoons - Monday 25 September to Friday 13 October To book your visit contact Mrs Lewis (Admissions Officer) 01793 767083 or llewis@warneford.sch.uk

New College New College Drive www.newcollege.ac.uk Open Day - Saturday 7 October 10am to 2pm

St Joseph's Catholic College Ocotal Way www.stjosephscollege.net

The Commonweal School The Mall www.commonweal.co.uk Open Evening - Wednesday 13 September - 6pm to 8pm Open Days - Tuesday 3 October - 9.15am - Wednesday 4 October - 1pm - Contact Mrs Liz Daryan 01793 612727 or ldaryan@commonweal.co.uk

Kingsdown School Hyde Road, Stratton St Margaret www.kingsdownschool.co.uk Open Days - Wednesday 20 September to Thursday 21 September - Wednesday 4 October to Thursday 5 October Open Evening - Wednesday 27 September To book call 01793 822284

Nova Hreod Academy Akers Way www.novahreodacademy.org.uk

The Dorcan Academy St Paul's Drive www.dorcan.co.uk Open Evening - Thursday 28 September - 6.30pm to 8pm Open Days - October - 9.20am 10.20am - 11.45 by appointment

Lawn Manor Academy Salcombe Grove www.lawnmanor.org Now taking applications for September 2018

Contact Mrs Hitchen on 01793 525231 to arrange tour

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To book an Open Tour contact 01793 427732 or visit www.lawnmanor.org

A range of college courses on offer for students, as well as evening classes for all ages

Open Evening - Wednesday 4 October - 6pm onwards Including a talk from the principal and tour of facilities

Swindon Academy Beech Avenue www.swindon-academy.org

Open Evening - Thursday 14 September - 6pm to 7pm Presentation by Darren Barton, Principal - 7pm to 8pm teacher meet and greet

Open Evening - Wednesday 20 September - 6pm

The Ridgeway School and Sixth Form College Inverary Rd, Wroughton www.ridgewayschool.com Open Evening - Thursday 14 September - 6pm to 8pm Open Day - Wednesday 13, Wedneday 20, Wednesday 27 9am to 10.30am

Swindon College North Star Avenue www.swindon.ac.uk Open Evening - Thursday 12 October - 5pm to 7pm College courses - looking to study at university level - study part time- training to help your career

To Register for Taster Sessions visit www.swindon-academy.org

Community News

The Big Green Home Show The BIG Green Home Show takes place from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October helping you build an energy efficient, healthy home.

Produced by the team at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC), the UK’s only visitor centre for self builders and home improvers, it explores both the environmental and economic benefits of building a green home.

The show offers a packed three days of live demonstrations, free seminars and case studies along with an unrivalled line up of

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experts to share their advice, and builds on the topics covered in the NSBRC Eco Workshops that run throughout the year.

For 2017 there is an emphasis on creating a healthier home for you and your family and the show reviews the best construction methods to use through live demonstrations and a line-up of seminars covering everything you need to get started from planning news to budgeting, plot finding and building regulations.

Over 220 exhibitors will be

showcasing their latest products and technologies. There are also guided tours of the NSBRC’s fantastic educational zones, featuring a life size 'Renovation House' and 'New Build Journey'. " The NSBRC's own team of experts along with eco-consultants, architects, project managers and planners will be ready to meet for one-on-one sessions throughout.

Tickets cost £12 per adult on the door. Link readers can claim FREE tickets by booking in advance through www.nsbrc.co.uk/the-biggreen-home-show and selecting booking code: Link Magazine.

Community News

Link editor gets set to run Birmingham Marathon for ICP Support

Link editor Jamie Hill is planning to run the Birmingham Marathon on October 15 in aid of ICP Support. Every week at www. theocelot.co.uk he’s been chronicling his journey.

If you want to know the reason I’m doing this marathon you don’t need to look any further than the picture above.

This is my daughter Amy Florence Hill who was born prematurely on February 12, 2013 at a tender weight of five pounds.

She was a strong girl and despite a low birth weight of just 5 pounds didn’t need any help from the special baby unit for breathing

My wife, Rachel, suffers from something called Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Pregnancy (also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy or ICP) which basically means her liver stops functioning properly during pregnancy. This type of liver damage may occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

The risks associated with ICP include an increased risk of premature birth and, before the advent of modern obstetric and new born care, a risk of still births. despite the low birth weight. This For those who suffer with the is unlike her older brother George, disease it usually manifests itself now 15, who was born a few weeks with itching. earlier than Amy and needed to Without the help of ICP Support be in the unit for the first three in helping Rachel and I deal with months of his life. He weighed 3lb this, there’s a chance that our three 3oz when he was born at 30 weeks children might not be here today and three days. and I will be forever grateful for The middle sister Annabel, born their help. in 2007, was also born prematurely The charity helped us get the at 32 weeks and five days but treatment that Rachel sorely although smaller than Amy was needed. They were there every step also strong enough to not need to of the way. go into care.

But like every charity it can only In my mind, there is one reason survive by money that is used to that we are lucky now to have three provide the support and to help beautiful healthy children and that with the much-needed research is the charity ICP Support. into the condition.

And that is why I’m doing this marathon. I want to give something back to the people who helped us. I want to help others who are going through what we went through.

Anyone who’s been following my monthly rants in the Running for My Life blog on The Ocelot website since the start of the year will know I’ve been finding it difficult.

When I volunteered to do it last October I was an overweight smoker whose idea of a marathon was a Snickers.

At the start of the year I weighed 18 stone 4 pounds. I’ve lost nearly two stone since then and plan to lose another stone before the big day – the total amount of three stone is the equivalent of the Easyjet luggage allowance.

Smoking, the bane of my life, proved a big challenge. I actually fell off the wagon in March and my training completely dried up but I haven’t smoked a cigarette since then.

At the time of writing this I’ve run 15 miles, I’ve still got a long way to go and it’s daunting but I know I can do it.

You can sponsor me at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/jameshill36

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH with in association

in association with association with impressive Save the in dates for Swindon's boozy line-up

By Claire Dukes Extra tickets on sale for Swindon's Gin Festival Equipped with over 100 different gins, the UK’s largest gin festival is making it’s first ever trip to Swindon’s STEAM Museum.

Over the course of Friday 29 September and Saturday 30 September, locals and gin lovers are invited to mingle amongst gin distillers and get involved in some masterclasses. Guests also have the chance to meet the industry’s experts and try free samples.

Aside from a huge selection of popular and unique gins on offer (some you’ll only find here), the event will also include food, live music, and a gin cocktail bar.

Ticket holders will be greeted with a Gin Festival Copa Balloon Glass and ‘The Gin Book’ which will guide them through this spirited session.

The bars will be operating on a £5 per token system which will equate to a single measure of gin, garnish and a Fever-Tree mixer.

This event is strictly over 18's only (you may be asked for id).

For further information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.ginfestival.com

in association with

Swindon's favourite Beer Festival returns.

Swindon CAMRA Beer Festival is returning to STEAM for its 31st event.

From Thursday 26 October to Saturday 28 October the festival will be bringing over 100 beers. There will also be a range of ciders and perries.

The full programme will be released later in the month, and tickets for Friday’s session will be available from Friday 22 September.

For all other festival tickets visitors can pay on the door.

Ticket holders will receive a free tankard and a full list of the festival’s programme upon arrival.

In addition, CAMRA members will receive £2 worth of beer tokens by producing their current membership card.

The Gin Festival has been a running success since 2013.

Cure what Ales you this September

Old Town’s Sausage and Ale Trail is back for its 4th year Sunday 24 September.

From 12pm to 5pm, the Old Town Business Association presents an afternoon of discovering and supporting local businesses, as well as sampling some of Swindon’s wide-ranging cuisines.

The full-line up is yet to be released but anticipates some absolute bangers, including local musical talent, and many of Old Town’s usual suspects. Last year’s stalls included Helen Browning’s Chop House, The Core, Gustoso, and Dotty’s Café.

Last year saw over 2,200 visitors for CAMRA's Beer Festival

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Swindon Wide

Swindon is open for the arts

Fancy two weeks in India next April?

Swindon's Open Studios is an annual event organised by local volunteers from the artistic community.

The event will be taking place Saturday 9 September to Sunday 10 September, and Saturday 16 September to Sunday 17 September.

Many artists will be opening their studios – which include spare rooms, garages, and sheds.

Painter David Robinson, who lives in Gorse Hill, is taking part for the fourth time.

David said: "The local area features heavily in my work, and it is great when visitors recognise a composition and connect with a painting."

The Richard Jefferies Museum, Eastcott Studios, The Beehive and Swindon Central Library are among the many other places taking part.

Borough Councillor and SOS committee member Jane MilnerBarry said: "It’s amazing how many people in Swindon are involved in the visual arts, music, poetry, creative writing, theatre and dance as well as all kinds of crafts.

"Swindon Open Studios has

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David Robinson at his home and studio in Gorse Hill

become one highlight of the cultural calendar."

There is also the Old Town Art Trail, which runs from 21 August to 18 September.

The Open Studios brochure was published on 1 August and copies are available at the Central Library, the Arts Centre on Devizes Road, and the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

All the event information is also online on the Open Studios website, www.swindonopenstudios.org.uk

Are you looking for a ‘Younique’ adventure holiday in 2018?

Could two weeks in India be exactly what you have been waiting for?

Swindon based travel organisation ‘Younique Travel Adventures’ have spaces on their next group trip to India in April 2018.

For only £1,850 per person you could be standing in front of the Taj Mahal, white water rafting down the River Ganges, on jeep safari spotting elephants, trekking through the Himalayan Foothills and meet the most incredible people and communities. All you need to do to secure your place is pay a £200 deposit, the remaining payments

are split up into nice affordable instalments.

There are only 10 spaces remaining so get in touch asap. To find out more about what’s included in this trip of a lifetime email Fiona. simpson@yoproject.co.uk or go to www.ytauk.com This trip is suitable for anyone over the age of 18.

Jackie Hollister a teaching assistant from Swindon had this to say about her recent trip with YTA: “I will remember this trip for ever.

Fantastic action packed trip. Would definitely go again and amazing value for money. Would recommend this trip to anyone who likes to keep active on their holidays!”

Swindon Wide

Richard Jefferies Museum launches events programme Poems were read, folk music was played and shadow puppetry was on display at the launch of the Richard Jefferies Museum’s 40-page programme of future events – attended by Swindon Mayor Maureen Penny.

Museum organisers Mike Pringle and Hilda Sheehan launched the programme with readings by some of the poets who will be at the Poetry Swindon Festival - which this year will have Radio 4 poet-inresidence Daljit Nagra taking residency in Swindon for the whole event week (5-9 October).

Later in the afternoon, visitors were entertained by contemporary folk trio, Ed Hanfrey and the Bellflowers.

And there was also an opportunity to see Jaime Bullock’s shadow puppet theatre show in the attic of the historic house.

Meanwhile, Joanne Hirsch’s Hilarious Hat Challenge, which has been raising money for Sail 4 Cancer throughout July, celebrated the end of its month with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

A Royal exclusive courtesy of Swindon Heritage magazine The Swindon Heritage Magazine Column with Graham Carter Swindon Heritage is set for an exclusive in its next edition: some never-seen-before pictures of the birth of a king!

King George V, to be precise.

But because this is Swindon, and our ‘royalty’ was not flesh and blood but locomotives, the king in question is the flagship of the GWR’s King Class engines, built in 1927.

A series of pictures has been discovered, showing King George V in Swindon Railway Works, and it has emerged that they are the oldest surviving images of what most local railwaymen knew simply as ‘The King’.

They are part of the DixonAttwell Collection, a large set of images, documents and ephemera relating to a Swindon family, which provides a fascinating insight into life in the town in the 20th century.

This will eventually lead to a book, exhibition, talks and more, later this year, thanks to a project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and involving Swindon Heritage, staff from the Local

Studies department of the Central Library and the man who donated the collection, Mike Attwell.

In the meantime, the King George V photographs are an unexpected bonus from the project.

They came to light when Mike was sorting items in the collection, which was built up over many years by his parents and grandparents.

“We originally found some prints showing what we took to be the engine being refitted in the 1950s,” said Mike. “But then I was searching through a pile of early photograph wallets and found the original negatives and yellowing prints in a Kodak sleeve.

“They were taken by my grandfather, Jack Dixon, who worked in AE Shop, part of A Shop, which at the time was the biggest covered workshop in the whole of Europe.”

After some detective work, Mike was able to show that the sleeves dated from the late 1920s, and he realised that the photographs actually showed The King in the Works, newly completed.

“One photograph even shows the engine with a ‘wet paint’ notice

on it, so not only are they the oldest pictures of the engine, but the oldest possible!”

Swindon Heritage showed the pictures to railway historian and former STEAM curator Tim Bryan, who confirmed the theory.

An air brake, fitted to the side of the engine for its famous trip to the United States, soon after it was completed, can be seen in one of the photographs, proving its age.

“The image is very interesting and it is taken in A Shop,” said Tim, “not far from the traverser that the engine stands on in one of the other pictures.

“I think it was taken just prior to a famous picture of the engine with North Star, which the company photographer took.”

King George V, which is now part of the National Railway Museum Collection, but is currently at STEAM, is considered to be the crowning glory of Swindon’s railway heritage. It is easily recognised by the commemorative bell in front of its boiler, which recalls its visit

to the Fair of the Iron Horse, a railway pageant that celebrated the centenary of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1927.

The absence of the bell in Jack Dixon’s photographs is further evidence that they were taken before the locomotive’s transAtlantic trip.

It stole the show, even impressing the car manufacturer, Henry Ford, who was present and asked for a ride on the footplate.

The trip is currently being celebrated in a special exhibition at STEAM, called Going to America, which runs until the end of the year.

The new Autumn 2017 edition of Swindon Heritage is due to go on sale in early September. swindonlink.com n September 2017

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Swindon Wide MUSIC Saturday 2 September 7.30pm Purple Rain - a celebration of Prince Purple Rain are a world class live celebration of the music, life and legacy of Prince.

This full 8 piece live band delivers a non-stop, hit packed show spanning more than two hours!

Complete with backing vocals, horn section, keys and of course Jimi Love as the unsurpassed Prince. £24.50 Wyvern Theatre Wednesday 6 September 7.30pm Floralyn George When Light Falls Asleep Floralyn George is a Singer/ Songwriter, Harpist and model based in the UK. Born into a family of musicians, she has been singing and playing the harp for more than 10 years. Her Debut EP “When light falls asleep” is a signature of her unique sound intertwining the exceptional range and dynamics of her voice with an enchanting tone of her harp playing a diverse range of pop-rock, electro, dance and ambient. £11 (conc £9) Swindon Arts Centre Wednesday 6 September 7.30pm The Greatest Love Of All The Whitney Houston Show Showtime Australia presents the critically-acclaimed live concert honouring the talent, music and memory of Whitney Houston.

Featuring the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids accompanied by a fabulous 6-piece live band and dancers, this is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the world’s most revered singers.

The two-hour production will fill you with joy, nostalgia and wonderment as you are taken on a heartfelt musical journey through Houston’s greatest hits. £31 (friends £28) Wyvern Theatre Friday 8 September 7.30pm Arrival The Hits of ABBA Over four decades after Swedish pop legends ABBA swept to stardom, their music remains as popular as ever and the magic of the era is being brought to stages across the country courtesy of Arrival – the international, multi award-winning show that has sold out in over 20 different countries worldwide since 1995.

The winning formula of fantastic hits, harmonies, authentic costumes and first class vocals and musicians, recreates the true feel and thrill of a live ABBA show. Come and celebrate the music of one of the most iconic bands of all time. £24 (friends £21) Wyvern Theatre

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WHAT’S ON Saturday 9 September 7.30pm Genesis Connected Genesis Connected is a tribute show celebrating the music of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics. £20 (friends £17) Wyvern Theatre

DRAMA & MUSICALS Friday 1 September 7.30pm An evening with Johnny Kingdom This one-time gravedigger and wildlife enthusiast has enchanted huge audiences on the BBC and ITV with his unique approach to filming the animals and birds on Exmoor and across the wider country.

In conversation with producer David Parker, Johnny will show clips from his archive and talk about how he managed to film some of his most memorable encounters with the cream of Britain’s wildlife and some of the scrapes he got into whilst doing it. There will also be a chance to quiz Johnny about all aspects of his filming and his wild life on Exmoor. £16.50 Swindon Arts Centre Saturday 2 September 8pm Mrs Barbara Nice Raffle Join the Edinburgh Fringe’s favourite housewife Barbara Nice for an evening of proper good fun. Entrance price includes a complimentary raffle ticket!

Catch Barbara Nice as she sets out to be all-conquering after her fourpart BBC Radio 2 sitcom broadcast in March 2017.

With her enviable track record of garnering five star reviews and sell-out shows, Barbara will put a smile on your face and a spring in your step with this new show about chance and luck. £14.50 Swindon Arts Centre

Tuesday 5 September 7.30pm Russian State Opera Madama Butterfly After sold-out performances of Madama Butterfly and Carmen last year, Russian State Opera is back to delight you with exquisite production, its beautiful set, and costumes which intensifies the emotion in a heart-breaking story.

This touching tale of innocent love crushed between two utterly different cultures resonates as strongly as ever in today’s world. £32 - 38 Wyvern Theatre

Swindon Wide

SWINDON Thursday 7 September 7.30pm Murder By Gaslight Murder by Gaslight is a ghoulish audience with two of the most infamous poisoners in British history - William Palmer and Harvey Crippen. Acclaimed actor Jonathan Goodwin plays both William Palmer and Hawley Crippen in this original stage drama, and is joined by Amy Bullock, who plays Mrs Crippen.

The play is written by Jonathan Goodwin and directed with ghoulish aplomb by Gary Archer.

Brought to you by Don’t Go Into The Cellar! Theatre - the British Empire’s leading practitioners of macabre Victoriana! £12.50 (friends £7.50 conc 10.50) Swindon Arts Centre

Thursday 7 September 7.30pm Derek Acorah Whispers From Heaven Derek Acorah is one of the foremost names in the world of psychic phenomena, as well as a celebrity, author and performer like no other.

A pioneer for spiritualism and mediumship on television, he is arguably the world’s most renowned spirit medium, having demonstrated to many hundreds of thousands of people in theatres throughout the UK. Where Derek goes, others follow. £21.50 Wyvern Theatre Saturday 9 September 8pm Yianni Agisilaou The Simpsons Taught Me Everything I Know Following critically acclaimed, total sell-out runs at Edinburgh, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth Comedy Festivals, Yianni Agisilaou brings his love letter to the world’s greatest TV show to Swindon Arts Centre. £14.50 Swindon Arts Centre Monday 11 September 7.30pm Great Expectations A strange meeting in a churchyard sets in motion a chain of events that will shower a young man with money, break his troubled heart and lead him deep into a labyrinth of deception and discovery. TS Theatre presents the dark-hearted classic Great Expectations, a story about transformation, loss and ultimately - forgiveness. £14 (conc £12) Wyvern Theatre

Thursday 14 September 7.30pm An Evening With Adam Henson Adam Henson is perhaps the best-known farmer in the UK, presenting his own section on BBC TV’s Countryfile to around 7 million viewers every Sunday evening.

Join Adam as he shares stories about his farming life, his TV career, and the running of the Cotswold Farm Park, together with his thoughts on British Agriculture, plus a chance to ask your own questions.

There will also be a book signing after the show £23.50 (friends £21.50) (friends £17) Wyvern Theatre Saturday 16 September 7.30pm Masterclass: Approaches to Theatre Directing In this one-day workshop led

by Aaron Parsons, you will gain a practical insight into Theatre Directing.

This masterclass is suitable for everyone, from the beginner just starting out, to the more experienced director looking to reinvigorate their practice. £30 Shoebox Theatre Saturday 16 September 7.30pm An Audience with Katie Price Television personality and glamour model, Katie Price will be talking about her life stories in this very special evening at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre. Katie will also be performing her new single I Got U. A limited number of VIP tickets are available and include a meet and greet and photo opportunity with Katie before the show. £26.50 (VIP £57) Wyvern Theatre VENUES Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907 Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Email: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

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Swindon Wide

Swindon half marathon The New Swindon Half Marathon has a brand new route for this year when it takes place on Sunday 3 September.

The route takes runners past Swindon’s landmarks. The predominately flat and fast course makes it ideal for beginners and elites.

Starting and finishing in the town centre, the new course is largely very flat, and brings runners through the various highlights of the town including the Magic

Roundabout, the County Ground, the Oasis, the Railways, the McArther Glenn Outlet Village as well as Old Town, before a downhill finish into the town centre, where it'll be finishing under the big screen of Wharf Green.

Thousands of runners are due to take part with a huge number doing it for charity including South Swindon MP Robert Buckland who is raising money for Dressability.

For more details visit www. newswindonhalf.co.uk

A love letter to The Simpsons comes to Swindon Arts Centre Following critically acclaimed, total sell-out runs at Edinburgh, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth Comedy Festivals, Yianni Agisilaou will be coming to Swindon Arts Centre on Saturday 9 September with his hit show The Simpsons Taught Me Everything I Know.

A love letter to the world’s greatest TV show, Yianni shares stories, facts, impersonations and more to form a hilarious and cromulent look at a lifetime spent quoting, referencing and learning from the Simpsons, how the show

has 'embiggened' his life, and how he almost became the actual real life replacement voice for Mr Burns and Smithers.

Whether you’re a Simpsons geek, an everyday fan, or (somehow) a total Simpsons novice, it’ll be fun-diddly-un!

DOHn’t miss it!

Yianni is in high demand as a headliner worldwide and a favourite at the Edinburgh and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, where he's won (among other things) the Raw Comedy Best Act

Award, Amused Moose Laughter Award and Three Weeks Editor's Award, and is the creator of the cult 'Comedy Against Humanity'.

He's been seen on Comedy Central's The World Stands Up and was recently the support act on Micky Flanagan's stadiumfilling 'Out Out' tour.

Us lot at Swindon Link therefore, like Krusty the Clown, heartily endorse this product or event.

For tickets visit the website at www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Delicious galettes with chard and Gruyere Melted cheese, an egg and fresh 4 eggs greens housed in a nutty flavoured 125g Gruyère or Cheddar, grated salt & black pepper gluten-free buckwheat pancake.

For the galettes: 100g buckwheat flour good pinch of salt 1 egg 300ml milk 50g butter, melted sunflower oil, for oiling the pan

To make the galette batter, sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl.

Make a well in the centre and add the egg, then whisk, adding the milk a little at a time, until you have a smooth batter.

Meanwhile, blanch and squeeze the chard leaves then roughly chop.

Stir the melted butter into the For the filling: 400g chard, leaves stripped from batter. Heat a lightly oiled non-stick frying pan over a medium-high their stalks

A stairwell to poetry heaven Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane

On page 21 of this magazine there’s an article on the Poetry Swindon Festival.

Hilda Sheehan makes the Festival happen every year. The rest of us are acolytes, bag carriers - fans of course as Hilda is a great poet, a captivating poet.

I was in Dublin Airport a while back when Ryanair shepherded

heat. Put a quarter of the batter into the pan, rolling it around to cover the surface of the pan. Cook funtil golden on the underside, then carefully flip the galette over.

Crack an egg into the centre.

Scatter a quarter of the chopped chard and grated cheese over the whole galette and season with salt and pepper. When the underside is cooked to golden brown, use a spatula then your fingertips to lift then fold the edges of the galette into the centre to form a square. www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

took over and smiling faces boarded the plane. I could’ve been us into the stairwell while they the poet-laureate of stairwells but deplaned the incoming flight. I was Ryanair never got back. reading and chuckling away when Here is one of Hilda’s poems, “The someone further down the stairwell Parting” said: “That book is amusing you.

What are you reading?”

He was an old bloke.

I told him I was reading When my Not a bloke looking young for his Sister Went To Hollywood, poems age,

by Hilda Sheehan. “Go on,” he said, or one to hide lovers in the village “read one for us.” away from a kitchen wife, I did and they loved it. So we or make up stories down the local interacted about the context and pub to a crowd of mates. the imagery and all the feelings He was alone; that Hilda’s poetry can release. I you don’t dress in green crimplene read several more before Ryanair trousers with off-white grubby

shirt for anyone else.

His parting of coarse grey hair was the first thing that struck me; how it split him right down the middle: two parts, symmetrical (half sad, half sad).

I’d a vision of him as a boy, his mother combing him in two, expecting he would stay like that.

• Open Mic - Monday 11 September, 6pm at Richard Jefferies Museum • Poetry Swindon Festival at Richard Jefferies Museum – 5 to 9 October www.poetryswindon.org swindonlink.com n September 2017

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Swindon Wide

Bohemian Balcolny closure a blow for town arts scene

Above supporters at the opening in March, and right Dan Rivers, the driving force behind the project

Swindon’s Bohemian Balcony has closed just months after its official launch on March 1.

The Balcony, sited at the Palladium Cinema building on Jennings Street in Rodbourne, has been used as a bingo hall and printing house before local teacher Dan Rivers struck a deal with the building’s owners to renovate and use the space for the creative arts once more.

However, a lack of funding has forced the closure of the site -

which is being widely seen as a blow for Swindon’s arts scene.

Swindon playwright Matt Fox said: "It's a crying shame that the Bohemian Balcony has closed as it was becoming one of the cornerstones of Swindon's burgeoning fringe theatre scene.

Along with the Shoebox Theatre, the Balcony was giving new and exciting artists a place to try things out, get feedback and try again.

“It's very sad that we are now back to only one fringe theatre as

Swindon's arts scene cannot thrive until we have multiple venues that are driven by more than just the financial bottom line. Hats off however to Dan Rivers for taking on such a challenge, and for the many successes he had over the 10 months the venue was operating.

We were very pleased to use it during this year's Swindon Fringe, and I was lucky enough to make the final booking of the place for the first reading of my new play 'Fred, Ted, Jack & Harold'".

Out and about - Swindon pride celebrates diversity and community spirit Swindon’s 10th annual Pride parade was a kaleidoscope of colour as those taking part walked through Swindon’s Old Town to a backdrop of lively drumming, decked out in rainbow flags, banners and balloons.

The event’s theme this year is Celebrating Freedom and marks 50 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Also taking part were Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service, representatives from Swindon Borough Council, various trade unions and a number of businesses.

This year’s parade included a 40-mile Ride for Pride, with people cycling around Swindon and through the Wiltshire countryside and entertainment included previous X-Factor winner Sam Bailey, pop and rock band Fizz and singer Misty Lee.

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Service Sector - Your guide to local services

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Service Sector - Your guide to local services

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Service Sector - Your guide to local services

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Politics

Talking politics North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson This month I have met with GPs and representatives from the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group for an update on healthcare and GP provision across North Swindon.

Rightly this Government has invested record funding in the NHS including increasing spending by a minimum of £8 billion in real terms over the next five years, as well as £325 million for local improvement plans and £100 million to improve A&E services.

However locally, we face challenges as our town continues to expand rapidly. We have invested money in training more GPs but it can take up to 8 years for someone to fully qualify therefore we aren’t

quite seeing the benefits yet. However the CCG are confident that they will be able to expand services to meet demand locally and I will continue to support them, including lobbying Government and making representations to Ministers. Thankfully we enjoy a close working relationship, having campaigned to secure increased funding for Swindon and the £2.9 million radiotherapy unit.

Elsewhere, despite the recent appalling weather, I have been able to get out and about to enjoy two of our local charities which offer support to those with mental health conditions through the

Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard Managing Swindon’s regeneration is one of the top priorities and there have been positive developments for our future recently. This is critical to grow the economy: it will secure our future and deliver homes, jobs and services that people in the town want and expect.

Developers Seven Capital have taken control of the North Star site for a 1,000,000 sq. ft., £270million scheme, expected to open by 2021.

They are working on the planning application to be submitted by the end of this year for an indoor ski centre, IMAX cinema, bowling alley, trampoline centre and hotel, along with bars and restaurants. The development is a statement of our economic ambitions.

Also, some of you will have seen our ‘Town Centre Showcase’ event in the Central Library last month which exhibited the plans we have for the centre. These include a new museum and art gallery, a new bus station, improvements to the areas surrounding the railway station and rebuilding Aspen House, amongst other projects.

Work has started on refitting the Carriage Works and the Faringdon Road redevelopment work will start at the end of August. The Carriage Works project puts some of our heritage buildings to good use as office space for new start-up businesses and should be completed by Christmas. The Faringdon Road works look to improve the frontages of a number of shops and invite new businesses to take them on and are due for completion early January 2018.

Whilst we have a great deal planned, we need to remember much has already happened to launch Swindon’s transformation. We have the development at Regent’s Circus, the railway station forecourt upgrade and the new health centre in the town, clearing the way for the big Kimmerfields site development.

The future is looking positive and whilst some of these projects take time, I am confident it will be worth it when we look back in a few years.

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gardening and craftwork.

TWIGS celebrated their 20th anniversary last month and I joined them along with other supporters in marking this momentous occasion. The charity which is based next to the Cheney Manor Garden Centre, is now thinking about expanding the training they offer as well as starting a service for people with dementia.

The other charity is Root and Branch, located beyond Sevenhampton, who provide craft and horticulture activities for people with a mental health condition. Thankfully the sun was out so I was able to help with a bit of drilling for the garden furniture

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland I was very pleased to be re-elected as your MP with a record number of votes. Thank you to everyone who supported me and whatever your vote may have been, I will continue to work for all. In fact, this is precisely what I have been doing this summer: holding advice surgeries, residents' meetings and visiting businesses.

Living locally with my family in South Swindon and having my office on Wood Street enables me to be both visible and approachable (something all MPs should be). It also helps to fully understand the important local issues.

With the support of borough councillor Claire Ellis, parish Councillor Nicholas Burns-Howell and Swindon 105.5 manager Shirley Ludford, I helped to organise a clean up at The Bowl in the Old Town Gardens. A special thank you to all the volunteers and to Nanogreen Cleaning.

Alongside Toothill parish councillor Matt Walker, I have emphasised the need to raise funds for a new crossing warden outside Hazelwood Academy. A temporary solution has been reached through the Toothill Big Local lottery grant campaign. The safety of children is of the utmost importance, so I would urge residents to vote for this project by visiting http://bit.ly/2w0HFLk As Solicitor General, I continue to review sentences referred to me under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. In 2016 alone, my office has increased the sentences of 141 criminals, helping victims to achieve the justice they deserve.

A case that I have argued this summer is that of Ian Paterson, a surgeon who intentionally wounded his patients. In this case, I am pleased to say that Appeal Court Judges made the decision to increase Paterson’s sentence from 15 to 20 years.

I recently announced that people found guilty of encouraging terrorism, sharing terrorist propaganda and other terror related offences could see their sentences increased if victims or the public think the punishment is too soft. I am glad that the scheme – which allows victims of crime and the public to query sentences, now includes an increased range of terror-related offences.

that they were making. We are very lucky to have such charities on our door step and I will continue to do all that I can to support their volunteers.

Finally, I have been having meetings with the police to discuss a number of local issues, particularly concerning anti-social behaviour. They have said that each incident will be looked into but urge residents to continue reporting everything through 101 or 999 in an emergency. I know that there have been issues with the 101 number; I have raised this with the Chief Constable and the PPC who have assured me that they intend to bring about drastic improvements to the service. I will of course keep pushing on this.

Swindon Council's Labour Group leader Jim Grant The decision by The Government to approve on appeal the Marlborough Road development in Wroughton, like they did with the Hook Street and Ridgeway Farm developments, has shown the inadequacies of our planning system. The council has approved on some sites which are not being built on and, as a consequence, other developers are building on land we do not want developed.

The truth is that large housebuilders, not communities, are determining our planning system. These developers are buying up land, sitting on it for years, to build on them. As a consequence the homes we’ve planned aren’t being built and Government is punishing Swindon for not building by approving speculative, unplanned housebuilding.

Large housebuilders are reluctant to build because this leads to house prices dramatically increasing which provides greater profit margins. They’re not building sufficient homes for their own self-interest and as a consequence, the homes planned to be built in new estates, haven’t been.

Locally Swindon Council needs to kickstart housebuilding. The council needs to build far more social homes. We can and must do this in greater numbers. I believe the council itself should also be building private homes for local families.

Nationally, the Government has to do more. Rather than the current system where housing plans are ignored and yet speculative housebuilding is supported, we need a system where councils are empowered to force housebuilders to build on the land they own.

And if they do not build on that land, councils should have the ability get that land built through alternative means. This kind of system would not only get the homes built, it would make homes more affordable for first time buyers by holding back house price increases and stopping speculative housing developments.