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Swindon’s arts and culture sector to take centre stage thanks

By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

An exciting £1.3m two-year programme of arts and cultural activity was launched in Swindon at the County Ground. It comes after the Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund committed £600,000 to the programme, which will establish Swindon as a festival town, unlock new opportunities and spaces for arts and culture, and map out progression pathways for people keen to develop their own creativity.

A new not-for-profit organisation, Swindon Culture Collective CIC, has been established to lead the programme and support the network of arts and cultural organisations previously known as the Magic Swindon Network.

Meanwhile, Swindon Borough Council, one of the project’s partners, has appointed Kate Wyatt into a new role of Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events, in recognition of the important role it has in the future development of the borough, while also directing the council’s support of the project with strategic input.

Swindon Culture Collective will bring together the town’s rich and vibrant community of cultural organisations and grassroots activity, increasing collaboration and visibility of everything the town has to

offer. It aims to increase arts and cultural participation and inclusion, and celebrate the town’s creative and cultural life.

The programme was developed by a network of over 100 local artists and organisations, including Swindon Borough Council.

Arts Council England’s investment is supported by further pledges of £770,000 in cash and in-kind contributions from local partners New Elements, Prime Theatre, Swindon Music Centre, South Swindon Parish Council, Gel Studios and Network Rail amongst others, and including £312,000 from Swindon Borough Council from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Dr Rod Hebden, Director of Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said: “This bid was the culmination of a huge amount of work by artists and cultural organisations across Swindon, who came together not only to identify the challenges and strengths of the cultural sector in Swindon, but also with the confidence and determination that working together we can achieve much more.

“I want to thank the Arts Council for their support, along with every single person who has been working with us so far and those who will help to get the work done over the next two years.”

Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s Area Director for the South West, said: “We're

proud to award £600,000 to Swindon Culture Collective, marking a pivotal moment in the town’s cultural journey.

"This investment reflects the shared ambition of local artists, organisations and communities to build an inclusive, creative offer and I’m especially pleased to see the council appoint a new Head of Culture, sure to galvanise the local sector and further establish Swindon as one of the country’s leading centres for innovation and inclusion. It’s thanks to public funding we’re able to support bold, strategic projects like this — helping to transform public spaces, improve wellbeing, develop local talent, and open up accessible opportunities.”

Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “This is an exciting day for Swindon. We have a thriving and impressive art community in the town, with

a breadth of talent, artforms and events that never fails to inspire me.

“I’m grateful to our partners in Arts Council England for recognising Swindon’s excellence and committing such significant funding to a truly brilliant programme. The work was and will continue to be shaped by Swindon’s arts community. We hope it will help bring our existing arts offer to new audiences and increase residents’ engagement.

“As a council we are committed to the life-enhancing power of art, and we also recognise the important role the cultural industries can play in regeneration and economic growth. We have therefore appointed our first ever Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events, Kate Wyatt, to lead our work on making Swindon a thriving cultural hub. I look forward to working with Kate and our partners as we embark on this important journey.”

News from SBC

Multi-million pound regeneration of town centre gateway ready for opening

A major multi-million pound public transport interchange which has transformed the main gateway into Swindon town centre is almost ready to be opened to the public.

On 15 August, dignitaries, councillors, representatives from bus operators and local businesses were given a tour of Fleming Way ahead of bus services going live at the end of the month.

Funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (£25m), the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund (£3m) and Swindon Borough Council (£5m), the £33m investment in Fleming Way has created a brand-new bus interchange to replace the current dilapidated bus station.

Visitors arriving into the town centre by train, bus or bike will now enjoy a vastlyimproved public realm, with 186 trees

and more than 23,000 plants and bushes planted.

There are new bus shelters with more space to allow those in wheelchairs better access, wireless phone charging, digital screens (with Real Time Information for departures) and solar panels.

More than 30 local and regional bus routes will use the new facility, with National Express routes using a new dedicated pick-up and drop-off point.

New segregated cycle lanes have also been added, connecting the town’s two main cycle routes and allowing cyclists to travel to, or through, the town centre.

Once all bus services move to Fleming Way, the current bus station, located just off Manchester Road, will be demolished.

The improvements to the road and wider public realm have already been

Public invited to share feedback on draft Local Plan

Local people are being encouraged to help shape Swindon’s future by providing feedback on Swindon Borough Council’s draft Local Plan during a six-week consultation period running from 1 September to 13 October.

The consultation, known as Regulation 18, marks an important step in reviewing the Local Plan, which sets out the strategic vision for development across the borough over the next 20 years and beyond.

The draft plan outlines how Swindon will meet the Government’s new housing target of 1,205 homes per year, which equates to 24,100 new homes in the borough by 2043. While many of these homes will be delivered through existing strategic sites such as the New Eastern Villages, the plan identifies the need for approximately 7,000 additional new homes. To address this, new site allocations have been proposed, along with a buffer of supplementary locations to ensure flexibility.

Key features of the draft Local Plan include:

referenced by global banking giant Zurich as a reason for why it committed to keeping its headquarters in Swindon, located in Unity Place next to Fleming Way.

It is also why other landowners, such as FI Real Estate Management, have invested £8.5m in its nearby Newbridge Square offices.

• A focus on sustainable housing in Swindon town centre, supporting the council’s Heart of Swindon vision.

• Seeking 30 per cent affordable housing on developments of more than 10 homes.

• Provision for accessible and specialist housing to meet the needs of Swindon’s growing and diverse population.

• Plans for new employment land, infrastructure, and community facilities to support development.

By law, local plans must be reviewed every five years, and public engagement is a vital part of the process before the plan is submitted to an independent Planning Inspector for examination.

Residents, businesses, community groups and other interested stakeholders are invited to review the draft and share their views to help shape Swindon’s future. Full details, including how to attend one of the engagement sessions, can be found on letstalk. swindon.gov.uk/

New accessible bungalows in Walcot welcome first residents

Three new accessible bungalows in Ashley Close, Walcot, have been officially opened as the first residents prepare to move in. The milestone was marked by a visit from Cllr Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, who joined contractors for a walk-through of the development and to hand over keys to one family of new residents, Amber and Claire.

Built on previously unused council-owned land, the three new three-bedroom homes have been purpose-built to support individuals with mobility needs or those requiring live-in care. Designed to promote independence and safety, the properties support the council’s mission to build a fairer, greener and better Swindon through

the development of accessible housing enabling residents to live independently.

Each bungalow features level access at entrances, step-free interiors, wider doorways and fully adapted wet rooms. There is also off-road parking and private outdoor spaces. The homes have been equipped with solar panels, air source heat pumps and modern ventilation systems.

The properties in Walcot have been partfunded through a combination of Section 106 developer contributions and Right to Buy receipts and built by local builder, R J Leighfield & Sons Ltd. The homes have been allocated via the council’s housing register, with particular consideration to those families with complex physical health

needs, who require a property that is fully adapted and can meet their needs both now and in the future.

Amber, who will be moving in with Claire and their young children, said: "Our son was diagnosed at 11 months old with a condition called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It’s a muscle-wasting condition, progressive, with no cure currently.

"He was struggling with the stairs, struggling with getting in and out of the bath, with all aspects of mobility life, and this bungalow has basically taken so much stress away from us, to help our son live the best life he can possibly have, and to help us as parents do that. We are forever grateful to the council for helping us, and most importantly, helping our son."

Cllr Chris Watts, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, Mayor of Swindon Cllr Fay Howard and South Swindon MP Heidi Alexander cut the ribbon for Fleming Way

Love Island, Heathrow fires and Swindon's issues - a year with South Swindon MP Heidi Alexander

By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

It was within days of being elected as the new Labour South Swindon MP in July last year that Heidi Alexander was given a position in the Ministry of Justice by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. And then in November she was actually given a Cabinet position as the Secretary of State for Transport. Link Editor Jamie Hill sits down with her to talk about her whirlwind first year.

“I think the word to describe my first year is probably intense.

“I didn't expect to be asked to be a Minister within three or four days of being elected as the MP for Swindon South, and then I certainly didn't ask, or expect to be asked to be in the Cabinet at the very end of November.

“But it's been really good, and, you know, I've got a fantastic team here in Swindon. We've been able to crack on and take action on lots of the issues that local people are raising.

“I get very little time for myself, if truth be known. I work about a 70 hour a week at the moment and it’s usually seven days a week.”

Heidi splits her time between Swindon and Westminster and speaks of the relief she feels when she gets on the GWR train from Paddington back to Swindon on a Thursday evening.

From Monday to Thursday she is in Westminster and then back in Swindon for the rest.

"One of the hard things is that you're often not in one place for any considerable length of time, and so, you know, some tasks actually really require you to sort of sit down, think hard about something, and you really want a couple of hours to do that.

“I often find that I'm

squeezing in 40 minutes here and another 50 minutes there. And so I find that quite challenging, because I'm quite used to being able to sort of sit down and really focus on something.

“And often what you will find is that what you thought you were going to do on a day often gets moved around because events happen.

“Like for instance if there's a massive fire at a substation on the outskirts of Heathrow, it means everything that you thought you were going to be doing, you don't end up doing, because you've got to be on the phone to the Chief Executive of Heathrow and Number 10 and you are going to be out doing a media interview.”

Leading such a busy life doesn’t leave Heidi that much time to completely relax so she grabs it where she can.

“To completely unwind I watch really rubbish TV, if I'm being honest.

“Um, so, uh, The Link have an exclusive here. I'm gutted that Love Island has come to an end because at nine o'clock, you could be guaranteed that I would have found an hour to watch Love Island, which my husband can't stand.

“When I'm in Swindon, I like to try and get a little bit of fresh air, so a walk down the old railway track to the H&W for a drink by the side of the canal. My husband does quite a lot of running and I've discovered that if I go out with him on my bike, we'd go at about the same pace.”

It‘s when we start to talk about constituency issues that Heidi gets really animated. As an MP there is a constant amount of work to do that has been brought up by her constituents.

She said: “A huge number of people actually get in touch with me about housing-related issues, and I think that Swindon

has a little bit of a hidden housing crisis.

“If I'm honest, it breaks my heart that there are mums with babies that are being put up in the most appalling temporary accommodations, some having to live in hotel rooms without a kitchen.

“And so we desperately need to build more genuinely affordable homes in the town because we've seen a lot of homes being built in recent years, but a lot of them are out of reach for ordinary people, and so I'm really pleased, actually, that the Government has set aside 39 billion pounds to invest in affordable housing in future years.

“Another issue is crime and antisocial behaviour.

“There are also specific issues in parts of the town that I've tried to help people with.

“Leaseholders who live in various blocks of flats and housing estates have been really struggling with managing agents, so I've been helping leaseholders at a block of flats called Paramount down on Princes Street with the managing Agent, First Port, and also, the residents over at Firefly Avenue, just next to the Outlet Centre, who've had real difficulties with RMG, and a similar thing down in Badbury Park, with Remus.

“We've also had a number of people contacting me about problems with flooding across

Swindon.

“And so I've pulled together a number of site visits to involve Thames Water, the Environment Agency, and Swindon Borough Council, just to make sure that everyone is doing everything they can."

Despite being a Cabinet Member, Heidi sees her main job as looking after the welfare of her constituents and quite often goes knocking on doors at the weekend to ensure she keeps her feet on the ground to represent the people and not just be stuck in the Westminster bubble.

She said: “I try and still knock on doors once a week at least. You might think that it's going to be the big political issues of the day, but for a lot of people, I think it's the smaller things like road safety.

“I've really tried to be responsive to the things that people have been in contact with me about and let my work in the constituency be determined by the issues that people are raising.

“The part of the job that I enjoy the most is the work in the constituency. And so I always make sure that I'm making enough time to really be able to progress some of these matters, and I hope that people feel that even though I've been appointed to the Cabinet, that I've been visible and accessible to them in Swindon.”

Solid Ground Coffee is a finalist in the category of Best Partnership with Youth Justice Service at the 2025 Children and Young People Now Awards.

The youth-led mobile café is run by SMASH Youth Project and Swindon Borough Council’s Youth Justice Service.

More than just great coffee,

the van helps young people gain work skills, confidence and a brighter future. As one participant said: “I feel I have more hope… I’m grateful for the training opportunities.”

People can visit Solid Ground Coffee every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until 2pm, next to Clarence House in Euclid Street.

Swindon Trauma Group conference

The 14th annual conference of Swindon Trauma Group will be held on Friday 12 September from 9.15am to 5.30pm.

The venue will be the Kennet Suite at Doubletree by Hilton, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way SN5 8UZ. Swindon Trauma Group is devoted to helping people who have experienced trauma, and full details of its work and the help it can provide can be found at www.swindontraumagroup. org.uk

This year's conference marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with a number of special presentations.

They include one by Prof Vari M. Drennan MBE, PhD, FQNI, Professor of Health Care and Policy Research at Kingston University, London and Vice Chair, Royal College of Nursing History of Nursing Forum.

Prof Drennan will speak about the experiences of nurses awarded the Royal Red Cross, a decoration for exceptional service in military nursing.

Historian and former RAF mental nurse Anthony P Hopkins ARRC, BA (Hons), MA(History) will speak about the experiences of traumatised RAF personnel during the war who were stagmatised with the coercive label of LMF - or 'Lack of Moral Fibre'who refused to fly without a medical reason.

The term was introduced in response to the growing psychiatric casualties from the early operations of Bomber and Coastal Commands.

Another presentaton will examine the myths and realities surrounding the psychological trauma associated with the Blitz. The dress code for the conference is casual but smart, and the cost of attendance is £70 per person or £40 for Swindon Trauma Group members and past presenters at group functions.

Step back in time at STEAM Golden Age Festival

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Visitors will have a chance to sing, sway and step into the past as STEAM transforms for a celebration of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

STEAM’s Golden Age Festival, a new flagship event, takes place on Saturday and Sunday 13 and 14 September from 10am to 5pm.

Set against the museum’s historic backdrop, the festival promises an immersive journey through the glamour, music and innovation of mid-20th century Britain.

Festival highlights will include:

- Live music

- Dance classes and demonstrations including swing and jive

- Sing-along sessions with timeless classics

- Vintage and artisan stalls featuring retro fashion, crafts, and collectables

- Outdoor displays of vintage

and steam-powered vehicles

- Exhibitions of period costume and fashion

- Family-friendly activities, including making a marvellous marble run

- The opportunity to step inside an air raid shelter and discover life on the Home Front Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for

Placemaking and Planning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be transported back to a different era and experience the sights and sounds of mid-20th century Britain."

Tickets are available via the museum's website, www.steammuseum.org.uk, which also has information about other STEAM events and exhibitions.

Swindon artists eager for this year's Swindon Open Studios

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Artists across the Swindon area are waiting to give the public the chance to see behind the scenes at the places where they create.

They are taking part in this year's Swindon Open Studios, the successful annual free community art event in which artists welcome visitors.

A spokesperson said: "The fantastic variety this year is illustrated by Ken White and Carmen B Norris.

"Ken is a Swindon-born and bred artist from humble beginnings, who spent four years at Swindon's College of Art and Design.

"Carmen has a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from New Jersey City University, USA.

"That's the beauty of Swindon Open Studios (SOS) – people who love all things colourful and creative can connect with artists and craftspeople from

all walks of life, who have followed very different paths. Like musicians, while some are qualified others are completely self-taught, but all create beautiful work."

Globally-acclaimed and respected Ken White, 83, has participated in every Swindon Open Studios since 2004.

Famous for designing the Scarlet Lady emblem for Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic Airlines, in the 1970s

he painted many murals around Swindon and in 100 Virgin airport lounges worldwide.

People can visit www. swindonopenstudios.org/ sign-up for a chance to win a £50 voucher to buy artworks, and visit www. swindodonopenstudios.org to plan their visits.

Brochures and guides can be picked up at libraries, cafés and pubs.

Artist Ken White

Nepali senior citizens commemorate anniversary of VJ Day

Senior citizens of the Nepali community across Wiltshire marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day - the day Britain and its allies defeated Japan in World War Two - with great fanfare.

The commemoration took place at the Buckhurst Community Centre in Swindon.

Although the Nepali army was not directly involved in that war on behalf of Nepal, Nepalis were involved in the war through courageous service in the British army. Many made the ultimate sacrifice.

At the commemoration, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of all the brave Gurkhas who lost their lives in the war.

The event was chaired by the Senior Citizen President of the Nepali Association of Wiltshire, Retired Captain Dinakar Malla.

Swindon 105.5 radio station manager Shirley Ludford and the outgoing President and current Advisor of the Nepali Society Wiltshire, Gyan Prasad Gurung, were present as the chief guests.

The event was attended by about 90 people, with some local people among those present.

North Swindon WI to host talk by skydiver

A veteran skydiver will speak at North Swindon WI in September.

Lottie Dale will deliver her talk, Falling with Style, on 12 September.

She said: “I started Skydiving at the age of 31. During the next 15 years I completed 1200 jumps including recordholding jumps, demos into airshows, Wembley Stadium and competing at national level."

The WI branch formed in 2014 and currently has 23 members. More information can be found at https:// northswindonwi.wixsite.com/ northswindonwi

Nurses make a great fundraising leap for Prospect

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Two dedicated nurses from Prospect Hospice’s Inpatient Unit swapped the ward for the skies in a thrilling skydive to raise vital funds.

Kimberly, an Acting Team Leader, and Sarah, a Senior Registered Nurse, took on the challenge as a personal tribute to the patients and families they support every day.

Having witnessed first-hand the impact of fundraising on the care Prospect Hospice provides, both nurses are determined to give back in the most daring way.

Their skydive was entirely self-funded, meaning every penny raised will go directly to Prospect Hospice – helping to fund compassionate, specialist care for people living with a life-limiting illness. They have raised over £1,500 so far.

Kimberly said: "We see every day just how much difference

the hospice makes to people at the most difficult time in their lives.

"Taking on this challenge is our way of giving something back – to help ensure more families can continue to receive the same level of care and support. It’s completely out of our comfort zones, but we know it’s for such an important cause."

Prospect Hospice has been at the heart of the community for 45 years, and says that with supporters such as Kimberly and Sarah leading the way, the charity hopes to continue making a difference for generations to come. To support their leap for Prospect Hospice, people can visit www.prospect-hospice.net/ nurseskydive

2025 Swindon Beer Festival in October

By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com

Swindon CAMRA will host this year's Swindon Beer Festival in October at STEAM.

Sessions will be held on Thursday 23 October from 6pm to 11pm, on Friday 24 October from 11am to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm, and Saturday 25 October from 11am to 7pm.

There will be free entry on the Saturday for anybody bringing this year's festival glass from a previous session.

The admission price includes a souvenir glass and programme, and there will be a free half-pint beer/cider token for CAMRA members.

A CAMRA spokesperson said: "This year, for the first time, we are offering a Multi-session e-Ticket which will allow entry to as many sessions as you want, so ideal if you want to visit the festival more than once."

Electronic tickets are on sale, but people will be able to pay on the door at all the sessions. There are no paper tickets this year.

Electronic tickets are available from https://

tckty.camra.org.uk/ e/359/37th-swindon-beerfestival?ref=Website.

Full details about the event can be found by searching for Swindon Beer Festival on Facebook.

Kim and Sarah

The South Swindon Parish Council Column

By Neil Hopkins Chair of South Swindon Parish Council

Town Gardens Green Flag

I’m delighted to say that Town Gardens has been awarded with a prestigious Green Flag Award - the benchmark international standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces.

This recognition reflects the high standards of management, maintenance and community engagement that the council maintains at this much-loved green space.

I’d like to thank the gardeners for all their hard work in maintaining the park and making it look amazing all year round.

Youth Club Residential

At the end of July, members

of our Parks and Walcot Youth Club went on a residential to Condover Hall in Shropshire.

The young people had a fantastic time getting stuck in with fun activities such as raft building, rock climbing, abseiling, orienteering, trapeze and much more. The experience provided excellent opportunities for personal development and team building.

I’d like to say a big thank you to our youth worker, Loreli, and the fantastic team of volunteers who have worked so hard to provide this experience for our young people.

I’m pleased to say that a new youth club will soon be opening in Badbury Park at our Community Hub. This club will run every Tuesday evening from 5:30pm to 7pm. We’re looking for volunteers to help with the running of the club so if you’re interested please get

in touch.

If you are interested in joining any of our youth clubs or want to volunteer, please contact youthwork2@ southswindon-pc. gov.uk.

Buckhurst Field PlayZone

The PlayZone at Buckhurst Field is now open and ready to be used by the community! At the time of writing this column we have just opened the new facility and it is open for free use throughout the summer holidays.

In September, new line marking will be made on the tarmac, marking out space for football, basketball and volleyball. Soon, the PlayZone will be available to book for community sport activities

through a new booking system. The court will still be available for free access play, however groups will be able to book the court and secure a spot without worrying about if the court is free to use.

If you are interested in hiring one of our community facilities, get in contact with the council’s Community Facilities Officer: community@southswindon-pc. gov.uk

Open Events at Swindon Academy

Swindon Academy Secondary “Have a Go” Open Evening Wednesday 24th September 6 - 8pm

“Grammar Stream in Action” - Swindon Academy Secondary Friday 26th September & Thursday 2nd October 9 - 10am

United College Sixth Form (UCSF) Open Evening Wednesday 12th November 6 - 8pm

United College Sixth Form (UCSF) Open Morning

Friday 14th November & Tuesday 2nd December 9 - 11am

Open Morning at Swindon Academy Primary - Alton Close and Beech Avenue Wednesday 8th October & Thursday 13th November 8:459:30am

Nursery, Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form.

The essential guide to School Open Days in the area

Bridlewood Primary School

Tuesday 30 September 9:30am

Thursday 16 October 1:30pm

Friday 14 November 9:30am

Wednesday 26 November 1:30pm

Thursday 4 December 9:30am

Tuesday 6 January 1:30pm

01793 706830

admin@bridlewood.org.uk

www.bridlewoodprimaryschool.org.uk

Primary Schools

Kingfisher CE Academy

Friday 26 September 9:30am

Thursday 9 October 1pm

Friday 14 November 9:30am

Tuesday 25 November 1pm

Thursday 4 December 9:30am

Wednesday 7 January 4:30pm

Friday 9 January 9:30am

admin@kingfishercofe.co.uk

01793 379521

www.kcea.org.uk

Orchid Vale Primary School

Friday 19 September 11am

Thursday 25 September 4pm

Friday 10 October 9am

Monday 10 November 2pm

Thursday 20 November 4pm

01793 745006

enquiries@orchidvale.org.uk

www.orchidvaleprimaryschoolswindon. co.uk

Swindon Academy - Alton Close Primary and Beech Avenue Primary

Wednesday 8 October 8:45am -9:30am and Thursday 13 November 8:45am – 9:30am

Badbury Park Primary

Friday 3 October 3:30pm

Friday 17 October 3:30pm

Please contact the office to book 01793 299101

Brook Field Primary School

Saturday 27 September 9:30am-10:30am & 11am – Midday, Wednesday 22 October & Wednesday 12

November 9:15am – 10:15am

Please contact the school office to book 01793 874582

Catherine Wayte Primary School

Thursday 9 October 6pm

Please contact the school to book on 01793 727405

Colebrook Infant Academy

Friday 10 October, Thursday 6 November, Wednesday 19 November, Monday 1 December, Tuesday 2

December 9am – 10am

Please contact the office to book 01793 331960

Even Swindon School

Monday 13 October & Monday 17 November

Blue Kite Academy Trust Schools

3:30pm – 4:30pm, Monday 3 November & Monday 1

December 6pm – 7pm

Nursery Open Evening –

Tuesday 3 March 4pm – 6pm

Please contact the school to book 01793 523041

Ferndale Primary School

Saturday 27 September

11am – 1pm, Monday 20

October 4pm – 5pm, Friday 5 December 4:30pm – 6:30pm, Wednesday 7 January 4pm – 5pm

Please contact the office to book 01793 332425

Lethbridge Primary School

Tuesday 30 September, Tuesday 14 October, Monday 10 November, Thursday 20 November, Wednesday 26 November 9:30am – 11am

Please contact the office to book 01793 535033

Lydiard Millicent CE Primary School

Friday 12 & Monday 15

September 2pm, Monday 29

September 10am, Wednesday 5 November 9am, Tuesday 21 October 2pm, Monday 1

December 9:30am

Please contact the school to book 01793 770571

Ridgeway Farm

Tuesday 16 September & Wednesday 24 September 9:30am, Tuesday 7 October 2pm, Thursday 16 October 9am, Wednesday 12 November 2:30pm, Monday 24 November 9:30am, Wednesday 7 January 9am

Please contact the school to book 01793 677471

Ruskin Junior School

Wednesday 15 October 4pm

Please contact the office to book 01793 332107

South Marston CofE School

Friday 26 September & Friday 10 October 9:30am

Please contact the school book 01793 823379

Tadpole Farm CE Primary Academy

Tuesday 9 & Thursday 18

September 9:15am – 10:30am

Please contact the school to book 01793 729740

Wanborough Primary School

Monday 10 November, Tuesday 18 November, Wednesday 26 November 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Please contact the office to

Red Oaks Primary School

Wednesday 17 September 1:30pm

Monday 29 September 9:15am

Thursday 9 October 1:30pm

Tuesday 21 October 9:15am

Monday 10 November 1:30pm

Wednesday 26 November 9:15am

01793 493920

admin@redoaks.org.uk

www.redoaks.org

01793 426900

admin@swindon-academy.org

www.swindon-academy.org

book 01793 790269

William Morris Primary School

Tuesday 30 September 9:45am, Thursday 9 October & Thursday 16 October 9am, Friday 7 November 9:45am, Thursday 13 & 27 November 9am

Please contact the school to book 01793 299022

Please directly contact the following schools to arrange an individual, personalized tour:

Abbeymeads Community Primary School 01793 723239

Covingham Park Primary School 01793 525465

Greenmeadow Primary School 01793 521141

Oaktree Nursery & Primary School 01793 521903

Robert Le Kyng Primary School 01793 523119

St Leonard’s CE Primary Academy 01793 721423

The essential guide to School Open Days in the area

Secondary, Sixth Form and Colleges

Abbey Park School

Open Evenings:

Tuesday 9 September

4.30pm - 7:30pm

Open Mornings:

Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 September 9:15-11.15am

01793 705400

admin@abbeyparkschool.org.uk

www.abbeyparkschool.org.uk

Cirencester

Kingshill School

Open Mornings: Friday 12 September 9:15am-10:30am Wednesday 17 September 9:15am –10:45am

Open Evenings:

Thursday 2 & Friday 17 October 9:15am – 10:30am Thursday 25 September 4pm & 5:30pm

01285 651511 Ext 205

office@cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk

www.cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk

Bradon Forest School

Open Evening: Thursday 25 September

5.30pm–8pm including Headteacher talks at 6.15pm and 7.15pm

Open Mornings: Monday 29 September & Friday 3 October 9.15am–10.30am

01793 770570

enquiry@bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk

www.bradonforest.org.uk

Great Western Academy

Open Evening: September 2026 Starters Thursday 18 September 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Sixth Form Thursday 16 October 5.30pm-7.30pm

01793 209700

office@gwacademy.co.uk

www.gwacademy.co.uk

Cirencester College

Open Day: Saturday 18 October 9.30am3.30pm

01285 640994

journeyteam@cirencester.ac.uk

www.cirencester.ac.uk

Highworth Warneford School

Open Evening: Thursday 18 September 5pm-7:30pm

Open Mornings: Wednesday 15 October, Thursday 16 October & Friday 17 October –Please contact Mrs Lewis to book an appointment

01793 762426

lewisl@warnefordschool.org

www.warnefordschool.org

Open Evening: Thursday 18 September 6pm-8pm Headteacher's presentation - 6pm & 7pm

01793 487286

admin@lma.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk

Lawn Manor Academy www.lawnmanor.org

Lydiard Park Academy

Open Evenings: Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 September, 5pm-7.30pm

Open Mornings: Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 October, 9am

01793 874224

ask@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk

www.lydiardparkacademy.org.uk

Nova Hreod Academy

Open Evening: Thursday 18 September -6pm - 8pm

Open Mornings: Tuesday 30 September & Thursday 9 October - 9.15am-11.15am

Catalyst STEM Stream Open Morning Thursday 25 September 5pm to 6pm Tuesday 14 October 9.15am-10.15am

01793 528800

admin@novahreodacademy.org.uk

www.novahreodacademy.org.uk

Great Western Academy students

Lydiard Park Academy student Faith Wheeler with her A-Level results

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Student Tom Wood with Deputy Headteacher Angela Bell

The essential guide to School Open Days in the area

Ridgeway School

Year 6 Open Evening

Thursday 25 September - 4.45pm or 5.45pm

Sixth Form Open Evening

01793 846100

office@ridgewayschool.co.uk

Thursday 16 October - 6pm to 8pm www.ridgewayschool.com

Swindon Academy

Open Evening

Wednesday 24 September, 6pm - 8pm

Grammar Stream

01793 426900

Friday 26 September & Thursday 2 October 9am – 10am www.swindon-academy.org admin@swindon-academy.org

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy

Year 6 Open Evening: Wednesday 17 September 6pm-8pm

Sixth form Open Evening:

Wednesday 15 October 6pm-8pm We are accepting applications for Sixth Form 2026

01793 841900

admin@rwba.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk

www.rwba.org.uk

The Deanery

Open Evening:

Thursday 11 September 5pm - 7pm

Open Mornings:

Wednesday 17 September & Thursday 18 September 9:15am – 11:15am Call the school to book

01793 236611

admin@dcea.org.uk

www.dcea.org.uk

Swindon students succeed with strong A-Level and T-Level results

Students across Swindon were celebrating after A-Level and T-Level results showed another strong performance across the borough. This summer, 829 students completed their A-Level studies in Swindon, with an additional 194 students achieving qualifications through the technical T-Level route.

Swindon students recorded a 95.7 per cent pass rate (grades A* to E), an increase from 95 per cent in 2024. The proportion of students achieving top grades (A* to B) also stood at a solid 40.9 per cent.

Cllr Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “A-Level and T-level results day is a milestone moment in the lives of our young people and I want to congratulate every student in Swindon who has worked so hard to reach this point.

St Joseph’s Catholic College

Open Evening: Wednesday 24 September 6pm - 8pm

01793 714200

info@stjosephscollege.net

www.stjosephscollege.net

The Parks Academy Trust Sixth Form

Open Evening: Tuesday 11 November 6pm - 7.30pm

01793 874224

ask@theparkacademiestrust.com

www.tpatsixthform.org.uk

"These results reflect years of dedication, not just from students, but from families, teachers and support staff across our schools and colleges. Whether today marks the start of university, an apprenticeship, or something entirely different, Swindon is incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”

James Stuart, Swindon Borough Council’s Head of Service (Quality Education) said: “I’d like to congratulate all students who picked up their results today and wish them the best of luck in the future.”

“As we celebrate this year’s A-level and T-level results, I want to extend my thanks to our dedicated teachers and support staff.

"Your unwavering commitment, resilience and passion have guided our students through one of the most important stages of their education.”

Top results for Swindon's United College Sixth Form students

Students and staff at Swindon Academy’s United College Sixth Form celebrated after A-Levels and equivalents were awarded across the country.

Having gained a strong set of results, students are now looking forward to taking up places at a range of high-quality destinations, including many Russell Group universities. Among those celebrating were Jakub

Pazderski, with two A*s and an A, Lily Adams, with two A*s and a B, Dylan Meyer, with two A*s and a B, Cameron Paddon, with two As and a B and Leyland Butler, who achieved Distinction*, Distinction and a C. Helen Green, Head of United College Sixth Form, said: “Congratulations to all our students. These results are a culmination of students’ hard work over the past two years."

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy celebrates outstanding results for Sixth Formers

Staff and pupils at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy have spoken of their joy at another year of excellent exam results for Sixth Formers.

Headteacher Anita Ellis said: "We are over the moon with the results for our Year 13 students.

"So many students will now be able to engage in their next steps, whether they are at University, Apprenticeships, employment or taking time to develop other skills.

"Students know these results do not arrive by accident, their parents and our staff have contributed to their success and our students have shown their mettle and their commitment to hard work."

Student Tom Wood said: “I’m pretty happy. Couldn’t have asked for any better results and got into my first choice, Warwick University to study Maths. I got A* in Maths, Further Maths and Electronics."

Community Interest Company - Inspire Enrichment

Nature of work - A wealth of educational sessions, including for children and young people requiring extra help and attention

Founded - 2025

Address - Revolutionary Tuition Centre, Redhouse, SN25 2FW

Telephone - 07436 132679

Website - www.inspire-enrichment.org.uk

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

Inspire Enrichment are a new Community Interest Company located in North Swindon.

The organisation's focus is providing young people aged 5-25 years with opportunities to explore skills and personal development through creative enrichment sessions.

Led by Jade Carroll and Ellie Hunt, Inspire Enrichment is passionate about broadening horizons and empowering young people to build confidence in themselves and their creative abilities, and participants can explore a variety of weekday sessions during term time.

These include includes creative opportunities from photography to dance, and from collaborative world building and challenges in Minecraft to textiles.

Sessions are led by experienced practitioners who design activities to inspire creativity, build confidence and promote collaboration.

Ellie Hunt said: "This summer has been an amazing adventure, with multiple workshops a day running over 20 days.

"We've had comics and illustration classes, textiles, media make-up, photography

sessions.

"A popular session has been Minecraft based, where young people follow challenges, exploring their skills and outcomes in a really safe space and making new friends.

"You can collaborate with or check in on the work of other people but we're all here in a supervised situation."

Inspire Enrichment firmly believes that Art and enrichment should be available to all.

Making sessions inclusive and accessible is important to Inspire Enrichment, who are

levels, and learning objectives.

Jade is really excited for the Autumn programme: “We’re looking forward to welcoming back young people from the Spring and Summer groups and opening new term time workshops including Creative Minds, Minecraft and Circus skills.”

Providing high ratio, high skill support in a building adapted to be sensorially accessible has allowed these sessions to be accessible to children and young people who can find other groups busy or overwhelming. Inspire

working to ensure that those who are disenfranchised are given fair access.

This includes supporting young people with additional needs, seeing each young person as an individual and tailoring access to sessions to suit different age groups, skill

Enrichment are based at the Revolutionary Tuition Centre in Redhouse and operate alongside and collaborate with Hunt Scholars Tuition Ltd, who provide Alternative Provision and after school and holiday tuition.

Widening its vital work further into the local community

Since launching in January, Inspire Enrichment have been exploring how to develop access to the arts through outreach to schools, local groups, and getting involved in community festivals.

Recently, the organisation has supported Churchward Secondary School with their cabaret, providing them with a stage – kindly donated by Millbrook Primary School - along with technical equipment, and a technician to allow their sharing to be given a professional edge.

Noremarsh Junior School had two practitioners provide Drama and Dance days within their Sports Week, whilst also supporting their Open Day to celebrate the achievements the students have made this academic year. Inspire Enrichment is also supporting a care home in Old Town with some activities for their residents, bringing dance and art to the home’s skill days.

An Inspire Enrichment creative writing session

Circus skills with Aerial Mel from Aim to Fly

Business Profile - Swindon Dental & Implant Clinic

Business Type - Dental Clinic

Founded: 2024

Address - Unit 1a, Lancaster House, Edison Park, Swindon SN3 3RT

Telephone - 01793 384155

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

For Pratik Patel, Practice

Principal at Swindon Dental & Implant Clinic, opening his own clinic was about more than Dentistry, it was about bringing an excellent level of care back home. Born and raised in Swindon, Pratik trained in Cardiff, Bristol and London before returning to combine the very best of modern treatment with the warmth of a local, community-focused practice. “I always wanted to create a space where people feel secure, confident and understood. Somewhere they can genuinely relax and trust the care they receive,” he explains.

That vision runs through every detail. The practice is bright, calming and designed to feel more like a welcoming spa than a clinical environment. Patients are greeted with friendly faces and guided through their visits at a pace that feels unhurried. The team really pride themselves on creating an atmosphere where even nervous patients feel at ease, which shows in patient feedback; one anxious patient recently commented that “it feels like family here”, which for the team, is the ultimate compliment.

The practice is fully private and offers all general dentistry, from routine checkups and hygiene treatments to more advanced restorative procedures. Pratik’s extensive background in Implant Dentistry is also a focus here.

“Implants are an area I’m especially passionate about,” he says. “I see patients with single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth…sometimes even all teeth missing. For them, implants can mean security, confidence and, most

Dental & Implant Clinic, these concerns are met with empathy and reassurance. Options are explained clearly, costs are outlined transparently, and where needed, gentle conscious sedation is offered to ensure complete comfort. From a patient's very first appointment, they’ll experience this excellent level of care. Every new patient appointment lasts a full hour, half of which is dedicated to communication. Using digital photography and scanning technology, the team

importantly, the ability to smile again.”

That focus on restoring confidence runs through everything the team does. For many patients, coming to the dentist isn’t easy. Some have lived with problems for years and feel embarrassed, others are worried about cost, and many simply feel anxious about the treatment itself. At Swindon

shows patients exactly what’s happening with their teeth and gums. This visual approach not only makes treatment easier to understand but also helps patients take ownership of their oral health. “It’s not about telling people what to do,” says Pratik. “It’s about showing them, educating them, and working together on a plan that feels right for them.”

Putting people before procedures

Every team member plays a role in making people feel comfortable.

Together, they create an environment where patients feel genuinely cared for and listened to.

Whether it’s offering a calm word of reassurance, taking the time to check in after a procedure, or simply being a friendly face.

For Pratik and the team, dentistry is about more than fixing teeth.

It’s about helping people smile with confidence, chew comfortably, and live life without the worry that dental problems can bring.

“What we do has such a direct impact on people’s lives. How they eat, how they feel in photos, even how they socialise,” he says.

“That’s why it’s so rewarding. Seeing someone leave not just with a better smile, but with their confidence back, is the best part of this job.”

Swindon shines and looks to a safer, more creative future

A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins

As the sun sets on pretty good summer in Swindon, it’s safe to say the town centre has had a welcome boost.

Wharf Green was transformed into a vibrant pop-up park throughout August, hosting a series of free family-friendly events that brought joy, creativity, and community spirit to the heart of our town. From circus workshops and sports weekends to outdoor cinema nights and a pop-up planetarium, 'Summer at the Green' was a resounding success. Local businesses, artists and organisations came together to deliver a packed programme that showcased the best of Swindon’s talent and hospitality.

Cllr Marina Strinkovsky summed it up perfectly:

“We’re leading the way in

making the town centre a more appealing and attractive place. Experiences and events are gradually taking over from shopping as the main draw for town centres all over the country.”

And the good news doesn’t stop there.

Swindon has just been awarded a £1.3m boost from Arts Council England to support a two-year programme of arts and cultural activity. This landmark investment, led by the newly formed Swindon Culture Collective CIC, will establish Swindon as a 'festival town,' unlocking new creative spaces and opportunities for

residents to engage with the arts. The programme is backed by over 100 local artists and organisations, and includes £312,000 from Swindon Borough Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Kate Wyatt, the council’s newly appointed Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events, will help spearhead this cultural renaissance. Her role reflects the council’s commitment to the life-enhancing power of the arts and their potential to drive regeneration and economic growth. But while we celebrate creativity and community, safety remains a top priority. Swindon Borough Council is exploring the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology on speed cameras to identify and deter dangerous driving. These smart systems could be deployed at key hotspots to catch not just speeding but other offences

like illegal turns, mobile phone use and driving in cycle lanes. The initiative is part of a broader effort to make Swindon’s roads safer and more respectful for all users.

As summer fades and we swap sun hats for school bags, it’s clear that Swindon is not just basking in the glow of recent successes - it’s building momentum. From cultural investment and job announcements to community events and public safety, the Labour-led council is delivering on its promise to make Swindon a better place to live, work, and visit.

So yes, the ice creams may be melting and the deckchairs folding away, but the spirit of summer lives on - in every mural painted, every child inspired, and every driver reminded to slow down. Here’s to a town that’s not just surviving the seasons, but thriving through them.

Assessing the plan which will shape Swindon's coming years

A column by borough council

Conservative Group Leader

Cllr Gary Sumner

Swindon Borough Council is launching a public consultation on its Draft Local Plan, a strategic document that will shape the town’s development over the next two decades. The first round of consultation, known as Regulation 18, is scheduled to begin on 1 September and will run for six weeks.

The Local Plan is a statutory requirement under National Planning Policy and must be reviewed every five years. It sets out the vision for how Swindon and the villages will grow.

The new Government has increased Swindon's housing target by 25% so the Local Plan must now identify 1,205 new homes every year for the next 20 years.

There is currently a shortfall of approximately 7,000 homes.

The draft Plan proposes to build flats and houses in five clusters: the Central Area, East Wroughton, Pipers Way, Marlowe Avenue and North Tadpole.

The Central Area is earmarked for higher-density, mixed-use developments, and I am gravely concerned about how viable this idea is. Swindon has affordable house prices compared to surrounding areas.

Drive 20 minutes outside of Swindon and you can add £100,000 to property values.

We are not Oxford or Reading who are able to charge over £250,000 for a two-bed flat. Swindon’s prices have remained steady at around £150,000 for the last 10 years.

This means that there is simply no money to be made by developers when faced with the additional costs of building up. We have seen the recent refusal of 700 flats around the Oasis because there is insufficient parking, no affordable housing and would see the council facing a £5m bill to fund schools instead of the developer paying it. The challenges are substantial and unlikely to succeed.

Beyond housing, the Plan addresses the need for employment land, transport infrastructure, and essential services.

The Conservatives pushed for Panattoni as the prime

site for Swindon at the Honda site, and the local plan now recognises that this was the right approach.

The Conservatives are also advocating further expansion of the GWH or a second hospital site to cope with the growth of the town but this is unfortunately not in the local plan.

I was disappointed to learn of the withdrawal of the Free School Funding for the New Eastern Villages announced under the previous government, which now leaves us short of a 3,000-pupil secondary school and two primary schools.

This could be a major blow to the project and for local residents.

I hope that our council leaders push the DfE to resume the schools programme, otherwise who will now pick up the cost –the council tax payer?

It's time for Swindon to get its Shuffle on!

By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

The cream of the crop of Swindon's musical talent are getting ready for this year's Swindon Shuffle, set to take place at venues across the town from Thursday 11 September to Sunday 14 September.

The festival, whose headline sponsor is Swindon-based UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will again be raising money for Prospect Hospice.

All events are free, but music lovers are invited to donate.

Acts lined up include Wild Isles, Interstellar Cat Collective, PET NEEDS, SN Dubstation, Modern Evils, True Strays, Truck, Lucky Number Seven and Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy.

Climaxing the festival will be a Tribute to Black Sheep Apprentice. This comes after the death of lead singer Richard 'Skiddy' Skidmore earlier this year.

Organiser Ed Dyer said: "We're into the 19th year of the Shuffle and the 18th running of it.

"This year is especially poignant after the death of

Skiddy who was such an arden supporter of The Shuffle.

"What we're trying to do is really illustrate to everybody the breadth of musical talent in Swindon. It's all original acts - singer-songwriters, bandstheir own music, and no genre is off limits."

Those genres range from heavy duty guitar bands to folk and all points in between.

Ed added: "We're highlighting the talents that are around in the town, but also another key part of keeping us motivated is to encourage the venues who support the musicians."

The venues are The Beehive, The Castle, The Hop Inn,

LINK CULTURE

The Tuppenny, The Victoria, The Pulpit and the Eastcott Community Centre.

"It's good to give something back to support the work they do all year round for Swindon,"

Ed said.

"And of course, it's raising money for Prospect Hospice."

Ed highlighted the work of the hospice, which must raise the overwhelming bulk of the funds it needs to help people both at its premises in Wroughton and in people's homes throughout

the communities the charity serves.

Only a small fraction of its funding is provided by the Government.

Ed added: "In 2026 things will be really kicking off too as we hold the second ever Swinterfest in the Winter with an expanded arts line-up as well as the very special plans we have for the 20th Shuffle anniversary celebrations."

Full details are at www. swindonshuffle.org.uk

Organiser Ed Dyer

True Strays

Wild Isles Interstellar Cat Collective

The day when the Master Thatcher visited

There was great excitement that the Thatcher was coming, the same jubilation that you’d associate with a pop star. The women got a bit giddy, the men chuckled, nice to see a bit of life there yet.

It was like a Rock ‘n Roll gig in the ‘60s when hysterical teenager girls threw underwear on to the stage. I often wondered where they are now, those grannies. Alive and well, it seems.

Thatching is totally manual,

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

months from start to finish using old tools as described in the poem. Gary Martin created a work of art. You’ll see examples of his wonderful work in all the villages bordering on Swindon.

The miracle was he came at all booked out for years on end, our high expectations marred then suddenly the truck appeared,

the yellow sheaves his calling card.

Next day, the scaffold and ladders, tools as if from an old shrink’s satchel, the wonder in the rustic plage of reeds and batons until the roof is a snug overcoat over the old cottage.

We watched in awe those several months, cased the sky for clement weather for the thatcher, to say it’ll be dry, the women watching as he watched them from his eerie, exalted as the red kite.

There’s no nod to the modern here just layer upon layer of wheat straw hand-pinned, split hazel and willow sticks, knit one purl one to trap the air bubbles in a set that began with last year’s ricks.

Then the last days, wisps around each rod until the ridge board, adorned by a necklace in perfect proportions, the tighter shave to trim and shape before the encasement, the sweep of straw and he’s gone next day.

Visit www.poetryswindon. co.uk for events www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Easy Steps for Over 60s – free activities at Moredon Sporting Hub

Starting in August, Moredon Sporting Hub are excited to offer a variety of activities designed specifically for people over 60.

The programme began on Monday 11 August, with weekly croquet sessions. In September, there will be a weekly social walk. October will introduce opportunities to try inclusive cycling, and from November, weekly seated exercise classes will take place, leading up to a festive meal in December.

Join the group every Monday from 1pm to 3pm for this free programme. Each session includes one hour of activities, followed by an hour of socialising over tea, coffee and cakes.

People are welcome to participate in whichever sessions interest them; there is

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

August is always an amusebouche. A small sample size preparing us for more to come. Town have fitted an array of flavours into their portion, making it difficult to judge the main taste.

On show there’s aspects to like and elements to dislike, but the overriding feeling will be that there’s points on the board.

This time last year Town were still waiting for their first win of the season, and it didn’t look on the horizon. Now, they are winning which is ultimately all you want. But it’s the style in which they’re winning which raises questions.

In most games, Swindon have passages of play which are hugely encouraging. They look, in top gear, that they can blow away opposition defences. The best moments come from when they’re brave enough to

no requirement to attend every session. Feel free to come along just to chat and enjoy the company!

All activities are designed to be as inclusive as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements, please get in touch.

For the cycling sessions, adapted cycles will be available, including recumbent tricycles, handcycles and tandem trikes, along with traditional bicycles. You can start any time! To reserve your place, please email msh-reception@

centralswindonnorth-pc.gov. uk, call the Moredon Sporting Hub at 01793 466499, or visit Moredon Sporting Hub reception.

This programme is led by the friendly Swindon Croquet Club and is funded by Wiltshire Community Foundation to create more opportunities for older individuals.

STFC: Winning but hard to gauge LINK FOOTBALL

play one touch passes in the middle of the park, before spraying it wide, allowing angles into the box to create opportunities. I’d like to see this on a consistent basis.

Instead, Town prefer to revert to a long ball tactic to Harry Smith, which has been fruitless in comparison to the above tactic.

When they click, the attack looks as if it can always create and score, which is why they’re winning games.

But when they don’t click, like at Walsall, there’s not enough on show to warrant the belief that they can threaten the opposition.

In my opinion, the uncertainty around what I’m seeing at the moment is only heightened around a shaky defence.

Town’s greatest teams have always appeared solid in August, leaving you with a

sense of a strong partnership developing. A recent example would be Richie Wellens’ defensive unit of Fryers, Conroy, Baudry, and Hunt. I’ll be honest, I don’t think anybody currently knows the best makeup around Will Wright.

That’s probably because in my eyes Will Wright is the only solid centre back at the club. Meaning that around him you’ve got young defenders and holding midfielders playing out of position. In addition, the wing backs are inexperienced and much stronger attacking rather than defending.

As a result they’re getting caught out of position and allowing too many crosses into an already uncertain penalty area.

It’s clear that experienced reinforcements are needed,

because I just can’t see a clean sheet coming.

It's tough to sum Swindon up. I think the attack could go to another level. In particular with the addition of Southampton loanee Princewill Ehibhatiomhan who appears a real force. In the next months Town could inflict some serious damage. And they might need to. Unless there’s a personal addition to the defence which proves transformative, I can’t see it improving.

If you look back at Ian Holloway’s last two promotions, his teams have conceded a high 58 and 62 goals across 46 games. Obviously these figures were outscored and these teams were promoted. So, perhaps it’s time to prepare for matches involving plenty of ups and downs in a season which we’re all hoping ends in an up.

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