SE September Master pages

No 107 September 2025

GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to homes across Swindon with Est. overall print & online readership of 105,000

Swindon

LINK Your Community Magazine

South & East Edition

School Open Day Guide p15

swindonlink.com

It's all kicking off for this year's Swindon Shuffle p24

SE September Master pages.indd 1

22/08/2025 09:56

SKILLS TO LAST A LIFETIME Save a spot with Better Swim School and give your child essential skills and confidence in and around water.

Better Swim School

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398

SE September Master pages.indd 2

22/08/2025 09:56

Swindon’s arts and culture sector to take centre stage thanks to £1.3m funding boost

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

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson Reporter: Amanda Wilkins Sales Manager: Rosy Presley Accounts Manager: Karen Hewitt-Dean Contributors: Tyler Ody, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett

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 ADVERTISING Call 01793 644540 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for October adverts and editorial: 12 September October edition published: 26 September.

Our Statistics Est. Readership of 105,000 in print & online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication.

Advertising starts from just £49.

Positive Media Group Limited, Suite J, Fairview House, 43 Bath Road, Swindon SN1 4AS

T: 01793 644540 Email: publisher@swindonlink.com

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.”

The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority.

Positive Media Group Limited cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers.

Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Suite J, Fairview House, 43 Bath Road, Swindon SN1 4AS Printed by Precision Colour Printing, Telford

Hear Link Magazine highlights on air, the last Wednesday of each month and as a podcast on www.swindon1055.com

Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 644540 swindonlink.com n September 2025

SE September Master pages.indd 3

3

22/08/2025 09:56

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

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

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.

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:

• 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 4

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 4

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."

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:56

SE September Master pages.indd 5

22/08/2025 09:56

Join us for our

OPEN EVENING La

Ma wn

r no

Thursday 18th September 2025 6pm - 8pm

W ay

Headteacher’s talk: 6pm & 7pm Tours can be booked with a member of the Senior Leadership Team to see the school during the day.

Tours can be booked by contacting the school on 01793 487286 or admin@lma.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk

Inspiring & Creating Futures For All

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT ACADEMY & SIXTH FORM

OPEN EVENING 17TH SEPTEMBER 6-8PM

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING 15TH OCTOBER 6-8PM

Presentations from the Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form Opportunities to discuss courses with subject specialists Find out about the RWBA extra curricular offer E: admin@rwba.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk | T: 01793 841900

SE September Master pages.indd 6

22/08/2025 09:56

Country Store & Garden Centre

A traditional garden centre with an extensive and beautiful range of plants and gardening essentials.

Autumn Planters & Spring Flowering Bulbs

| Dog Friendly | Knowledgeable Team | Carry To Car Service | Local Delivery |

Tea, Coffee, Cakes & Sandwiches 01793 771 766

www.toomers.co.uk

Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent, SN5 3LD SE September Master pages.indd 7

22/08/2025 09:56

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 8

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 8

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.”

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:56

Youth-led Swindon mobile cafe in running for prestigious award

lead people and lead change build the strategic mindset that is vital to small business growth programmes starting in September and January 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.

Scan the qr to find out more

Making Life Better

Smelly breath is never normal and is the earliest warning sign of a dental issue At Thameswood Vets our experienced team offers comprehensive dental care. We do not just clean teeth- we investigate, diagnose & treat: Gum disease Tooth root abscess Oral pain and infection Tooth extractions when necessary We are currently offering Free dental health checks with a veterinary oral hygienist Free dental gift pack Free advice from a professional dentist

01793 526780

thameswoodvets.co.uk Purton Road | Greenbridge Road | Royal Wootton Bassett

swindonlink.com n September 2025

SE September Master pages.indd 9

9

22/08/2025 09:56

Step back in time at STEAM Golden Age Festival

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.

10

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 10

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

Artist Ken White

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.

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:56

E NEEAVW AILABL

MTD

SERVIC

C H A RT E R E D A C C O U N TA N T S

ANCE ASSIST

Fast, reliable and accurate accountancy We offer a full range of services for business and personal clients across Wiltshire and Nationwide business services include:

Bookkeeping & Accounting, Business Planning Business Start Up, Corporate Tax Planning Payroll, VAT Returns, MTD Reporting personal services:

Rental Accounts, Personal Tax & Capital Gains Tax Returns

www.sdknee.com tel: 01793 430000

email: office@sdknee.com

S.D.Knee Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers 10 Bath Road, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4BA

SE September Master pages.indd 11

22/08/2025 09:56

Nepali senior citizens commemorate anniversary of VJ Day

Nurses make a great fundraising leap for Prospect Hospice

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 12

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 12

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

Kim and Sarah 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.

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:56

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

SE September Master pages.indd 13

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

22/08/2025 09:56

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

8:45 9:30am

Nursery, Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form.

SE September Master pages.indd 14

22/08/2025 09:56

my

The essential guide to School Open Days in the area Primary Schools 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

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

Red Oaks 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 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

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

Blue Kite Academy Trust Schools

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

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

book 01793 790269 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

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

swindonlink.com n September 2025

SE September Master pages.indd 15

15

22/08/2025 09:56

The essential guide to School Open Days in the area Lydiard Park Academy student Faith Wheeler with her A-Level results

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

Great Western Academy students

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

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

Open Day: Saturday 18 October 9.30am 3.30pm

01793 705400 admin@abbeyparkschool.org.uk www.abbeyparkschool.org.uk

01793 770570 enquiry@bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk www.bradonforest.org.uk

01285 640994 journeyteam@cirencester.ac.uk www.cirencester.ac.uk

Cirencester Kingshill School

Great Western Academy

Highworth Warneford 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

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

01285 651511 Ext 205 office@cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk www.cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk

01793 209700 office@gwacademy.co.uk www.gwacademy.co.uk

01793 762426 lewisl@warnefordschool.org www.warnefordschool.org

Lawn Manor Academy

Lydiard Park Academy

Nova Hreod Academy

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

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

Open Evening: Thursday 18 September -6pm - 8pm Open Mornings: Tuesday 30 September & Thursday 9 October - 9.15am-11.15am

Sixth Form Thursday 16 October 5.30pm-7.30pm

Open Mornings: Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 October, 9am 01793 487286 admin@lma.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk www.lawnmanor.org 16

Cirencester College

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 16

01793 874224 ask@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk www.lydiardparkacademy.org.uk

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

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

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:56

The essential guide to School Open Days in the area Ridgeway School Year 6 Open Evening Thursday 25 September - 4.45pm or 5.45pm

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy

St Joseph’s Catholic College

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

Open Evening: Wednesday 24 September 6pm - 8pm

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 16 October - 6pm to 8pm

Sixth form Open Evening: Wednesday 15 October 6pm-8pm We are accepting applications for Sixth Form 2026

01793 846100 office@ridgewayschool.co.uk www.ridgewayschool.com

01793 841900 admin@rwba.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk www.rwba.org.uk

01793 714200 info@stjosephscollege.net www.stjosephscollege.net

Swindon Academy

The Deanery

The Parks Academy Trust Sixth Form

Open Evening: Thursday 11 September 5pm - 7pm Open Mornings: Wednesday 17 September & Thursday 18 September 9:15am – 11:15am Call the school to book

Open Evening: Tuesday 11 November 6pm - 7.30pm

Open Evening Wednesday 24 September, 6pm - 8pm Grammar Stream Friday 26 September & Thursday 2 October 9am – 10am

01793 426900 admin@swindon-academy.org www.swindon-academy.org

01793 236611 admin@dcea.org.uk www.dcea.org.uk

01793 874224 ask@theparkacademiestrust.com www.tpatsixthform.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.

"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."

swindonlink.com n September 2025

SE September Master pages.indd 17

17

22/08/2025 09:56

“To provide exceptional education that transforms children’s lives, builds special memories and strengthens the community, whilst fostering collaboration and innovation.”

OPEN DAYS: Please directly contact the school to arrange an individual, personalised tour: Covingham Park Primary School: 01793 525465 Oaktree Nursery and Primary School: 01793 521903 Robert Le Kyng Primary School: 01793 523119

Contact: 01793 299175 Email: admin@bluekitetrust.org Wednesday 15th October 2025: 4:00pm Please contact the office to book: 01793 332107

Friday 3rd October 2025: 3:30pm Friday 17th October 2025: 3:30pm Please contact the office to book: 01793 299101

Monday 10th November 2025: 1:30pm - 2:30pm Tuesday 18th November 2025: 1:30pm - 2:30pm Wednesday 26th November 2025: 1:30pm - 2:30pm Please contact the office to book: 01793 790269

Friday 10th 0ctober 2025: 9:00am -10:00am Thursday 6th November 2025: 9:00am -10:00am Wednesday 19th November 2025: 9:00am - 10:00am Monday 1st December 2025: 9:00am -10:00am Tuesday 2nd December 2025: 9:00am - 10:00am Please contact the office to book: 01793 331960

Tuesday 30th September 2025: 9:30am and 11:00am Tuesday 14th October 2025: 9:30am and 11:00am Monday 10th November 2025: 9:30am Thursday 20th November 2025: 9:30am and 11:00am Wednesday 26th November 2025: 9:30am and 11:00am Please contact the office to book: 01793 535033

SE September Master pages.indd 18

22/08/2025 09:56

EDUCATION PROFILE

An Inspire Enrichment creative writing session

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

Circus skills with Aerial Mel from Aim to Fly

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. swindonlink.com n September 2025

SE September Master pages.indd 19

19

22/08/2025 09:56

BUSINESS PROFILE

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 Website - swindondentalimplants.co.uk

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.

20

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 20

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.”

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:57

SE September Master pages.indd 21

22/08/2025 09:57

LINK POLITICS 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.

22

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 22

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?

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:57

SE September Master pages.indd 23

22/08/2025 09:57

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

Wild Isles

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, bands their 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,

Organiser Ed Dyer

24

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 24

LINK

CULTURE

Interstellar Cat Collective

True Strays

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

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:57

SE September Master pages.indd 25

22/08/2025 09:57

The day when the Master Thatcher visited

LINK

POETRY

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

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,

26

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 26

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

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:57

Easy Steps for Over 60s – free activities at Moredon Sporting Hub Monthly column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.

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

SE September Master pages.indd 27

LINK

CYCLING

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.

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@

STFC: Winning but hard to gauge

LINK FOOTBALL

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. swindonlink.com n September 2025 27

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

22/08/2025 09:57

LINK

TRADE PAGES

• • • • • • • • • •

Extensions Garage & Loft Conversions Conservatories Garden Walls Patios & Fencing Plastering Wall & Floor Tiling Laminate & Wood Flooring Block Paving Painting & Decorating All our work is carried out to your complete satisfaction

Contact: Pete

Tel: 01793 932 570 Mob: 07790 283 186

28

swindonlink.com n

SE September Master pages.indd 28

Unit 55 BSS House Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Email: homeloversltd@gmail.com Swindon Wilts SN25 3LZ Kitchen Refurbishments + Office:01793 434141 Mobile:Landlord Certificates + Boiler07801366054 VAT:- 786251405 Replacements + Bathroom Refurbishments + Domestic and Commercial Cleaning + Carpets and Vinyl Fitting + Painting and Decorating + Roofing Repairs + Pest Control + Plumbing and Heating + Electrical Works

Office:- 01793 434141 Mobile:- 07801 366054

Email: homeloversltd@gmail.com

September 2025

22/08/2025 09:57

LINK

TRADE PAGES

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS We repair: - Washer Dryers - Tumble Dryers - Dishwashers - Fridge Freezers - Ovens - Extractor Hoods - Washing Machines - Cookers Fast, Reliable and 20 + Friendly Services. y expe ears Fixed Labour Fee. rienc e TEL: 07950 181701 Email: domesticapplianceworld@gmail.com

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

• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Tap washers & ball valves • Toilet cistern repairs • Kitchen taps fitted Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772 swindonlink.com n September 2025

SE September Master pages.indd 29

29

22/08/2025 09:57

Individual in Approach Exceptional in Outcome...

OPEN EVENING

THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER 6PM-8PM

The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College Inverary Road, Wroughton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9DJ Tel: 01793 846100 https://www.ridgewayschool.com/r6-sixth-form/overview

R6 is proud of its strong tradition of academic excellence and consistent year-on-year success, with over 30% of grades awarded at A or A*.

Come and meet the R6 team to explore the exciting study opportunities available at The Ridgeway Sixth Form College — your future starts here!

Proud to be a part of The White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust | www.twhf.org.uk

SE September Master pages.indd 30

22/08/2025 09:57

Fencing Needs?

NW May master pages.indd 31 SE September Master pages.indd 31

15/04/2025 11:42 22/08/2025 09:57

SE September Master pages.indd 32

22/08/2025 09:57