September 2014 Swindon Link

No 388 September 2014. Circulation 28,000

In print, online & mobile Swindon-Link

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Bringing Swindon together

swindonlink.com

A new era for Swindon media We’re pleased to announce that The Link magazine and its website has been bought by James Phipps, chief executive of Excalibur Communications and IT for Business.

Link Founder publishers Roger and Ruth Ogle continue to be part of the business concentrating on the magazine and they are joined by Anita Jaynes who will oversee the publication as well as developments at swindonlink.com Read more on page 3

Right: Roger, James and Ruth pictured by Richard Wintle Calyxpix.com

Swindon in the Great War

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Get ready to make My Life a chart topper swindonlink.com Phoebe Maddison, 10, has recorded a track for release in October to raise awareness of diabetes.

@ SwindonLink.com Read more in the centre pages Win a family ticket to the Swindon Wildcats and find a pull out poster of the Swindon Town FC 2014/15 squad

New exhibitions at Swindon Museum and at Steam See pages 21 & 31

Read more on page 42 Phoebe concentrating on her song in the studio, right

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Celebrating 30 years in the West Until 1984 residents of Toothill had to hold community meetings in a wooden hut that had been a shop when the first people started to move into Swindon’s western expansion in 1976.

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Churchfields Academy Logo From the Link archives, toasting the start of construction of Toothill Community Centre in August 1983

But between September 1984 and April 1985, in an ambitious package of social investment Thamesdown Council, now Swindon Council, opened community centres at Toothill and Freshbrook, completed the conversion of Upper Shaw Farm to serve Westlea, and launched Link C

entre as a major regional sports and 1. recreational attraction.

On 6 September this year, with support from the lottery funded Toothill Big Local project, residents are invited to join a celebration at the community centre in Toothill. See details on page 23

Summer Fete 1964 - 2014

Celebrating 50 years School marking fivebe decades To Churchfields celebrate our 50this Year we will holding with a fete on Saturday 13 September. a Summer Fete...

See details Saturday 13th September, 10on ampage - 2pm33

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Call Esther Newman on 01793 487286

21/08/2014 15:44

2.

End of an era, but the future looks great

MEADOWPARK School and Nursery

Roger and Ruth Ogle are delighted that James Phipps has bought The Link magazine and swindonlink. com and there are impressive plans to make an even greater impact on the Swindon media landscape.

From humble beginnings at the end of 1978, when the first 500 copies of The Link were published, nowadays 25,000 magazines are distributed monthly to homes in North and West Swindon, with 2,000 left in public places around the town.

The Link continues to be entirely funded from advertising so that every house in the target distribution area can receive it free of charge.

Roger said: “I came to Swindon nearly 35 years ago and have been involved in community communication ever since. Whilst the internet is

care for young people from the town.

He has a passion for sport and Excalibur’s name features on shirts worn by Swindon Town FC and Supermarine FC. He also sponsors Swindon Wildcats ice hockey and Swindon Robins speedway.

Explaining why he is investing in the business, he said: “As someone living locally who has received Swindon Link and used the website, I know what an important part it has played in the Swindon community for the last few decades.

“On paper and online the Swindon

munication, helping people improve the areas they live in by connecting them with each other around issues, causes and campaigns - as well as celebrating their commitment. It’s been wonderful to receive great feedback over so many years, and I’m glad to be involved for a while longer.”

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Celebrating with cupcakes, from left, Sue Roberts, sales administrator, James Phipps, Ruth Ogle, Anita Jaynes, Roger Ogle. Photo: Richard Wintle Calyxpix.com

now a major force, there’s no doubt reading about what’s going on via a trusted paper publication has considerable impact.

“But you can’t go on forever and we were looking for the right person who saw the potential of the magazine as well as the website which we’ve developed since 1997.

“James certainly does and we’re really pleased he is taking both sides of the business forward in ways which will be good for Swindon.”

James, who is chief executive of Excalibur Communications and IT for Business , has also become involved in The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire and totalswindon.com over the last three years.

As a Swindon born and bred lad, he is very much committed to the community. Excalibur is a lead sponsor of the BIOS mobile youth club initiative and is currently raising £50,000 for the cancer ward for teenagers at RUH Bath which will provide specialist

Link brand is highly regarded and an excellent media platform to grow.

Roger and Ruth were looking for an exit strategy and I’m glad they will be staying to ensure continuity and to contribute to the expansion of the business.”

Anita Jaynes has joined the team as group editor and business development manager to oversee the evolution of the publication.

But keep visiting swindonlink.com which is being relaunched later in September with a major sports component. Very quickly it will become the go-to place for everything to do with sport in the town.

Roger added: “What James is bringing to Swindon is incredibly exciting. I’m surprised The Link has survived so long as a free publication.

It’s down to the support of our advertisers over the years and of course you the readers for using their services.

“It’s been huge fun building a business based on community com-

Visitors warmly welcomed

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Step up the ladder for North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson MP is set to start a new parliamentary role in September as Private Secretary to Ed Vaizey MP, Cabinet Minister for Culture, Media and Sport.

Describing his new role Justin said: “The private secretary acts as the link between back-bench MPs and the minister’s department. I will be supporting Ed’s work and attending debates and events.

“It is the first rung on the ladder and will give me great insights into the inside workings of a department.

It will enable me to highlight the best bits of Swindon, and because the minister’s brief is very much involved in business, I’ll be keenly involved in that side of things.”

Amongst the ‘best bits of Swindon’ Justin recognises the Swindon Festival of Literature, which features in the top five festivals most requested by authors to attend.

Asserting his enthusiasm for literature Justin said: “I was the chair of the Central Library project board and I introduced Sunday opening of

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“My favourite author is Michael Dobbs who wrote House of Cards.”

Also within Justin’s brief is all aspects of the media. Commenting on the value of publications like Swindon Link, Justin said: “Local magazines are not just about the latest news, they are more about the people and achievements in a community. This means they have a different appeal and a longer shelf-life than more traditional publications.

“New technologies have created opportunities for local magazines.

Over the past 25 years The Link has evolved into a respected publication.”

Appreciating company volunteers Minister for Civil Society Brooks Newmark came to the town on 19 August to visit a number of projects and present the Big Society Award to Involve Swindon which is celebrating 10 years linking company employees with voluntary organisations, including the Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis.

Read the full story at: bit.ly/InvolveSwinBSA Brooks Newmark presents the award to Tony Martin, UK Volunteer Manager, Zurich Community Trust and Chair of Involve Swindon, with from left, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, David Wray, chair of the MS Therapy Centre and Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon. Photo: Richard Wintle Calyxpix.com

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Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Anita Jaynes Editor: Roger Ogle

Editorial for October: 5 September Published: 27 September

ADVERTISING Call (01793) 602540 or mail: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for October advertisements: 5 September

swindonlink.com Swindon Publications Ltd. Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, Swindon SN5 7EX Tel: (01793) 608840 e: publisher@swindonlink.com “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.

It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”

Call Trevor:

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.

or email: homechoosecarpets@hotmail.com

Swindon Publications Ltd. cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers

01793 812995 or 07860 882588 www.carpetsswindon.co.uk

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Before becoming an MP Justin ran a printing and marketing company for ten years, and continues his work as a small business ambassador for the Conservative Party.

Justin’s first debate in September, on the future of non-league football, will give him cause to draw on his experience as an active supporter of Supermarine Football Club.

Expressing his pride in representing Swindon Justin said: “Robert Buckland MP and myself are very fortunate to represent this town and we work hard to champion the best of Swindon. This role is a new platform from which to continue doing that.”

Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Dauntsey House, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon. Printed by pcp Telford

swindonlink.com • September 2014

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Some Freshbrook patients have to travel further to see their doctor Patients registered with the Freshbrook Surgery have seen the days they can see a doctor locally cut from five days a week to three as senior partner Dr Amit Dwivedi tries to manage the problem of a national shortage of doctors taking up opportunities to go into general practice.

The practice, a branch ments and don’t bother to of Ridge Green Surgery inform the surgery, even when at Shaw Centre, has been they’ve been offered one on the given permission to resame day. He said that at the last duce opening hours on a survey by the practice the wasted temporary basis by NHS appointments equalled 2.5 GP England from 1 August days a month. whilst a shortage of docAnne Snelgrove, Labour’s tors is reviewed. prospective parliamentary canThe two practices have didate, organised a petition to a combined patient list NHS England calling for the of 10,100. Dr Dwivedi GP shortage to be resolved. said patients can attend She said: “The situation in surgeries at Ridge Green Freshbrook is very worrying and home visits would be for patients, particularly for offered to people unable older people who live in the four to travel to Shaw, which sheltered housing units closeby. requires two bus journeys. Anne Snelgrove and Dr Dwivedi. Photo: Richard Wintle “I don’t blame Dr Dwivedi Calyxpix.com Dr Dwivedi said the because the practice is trying government has to look at the national have vacancies. At the last review 550 to resolve the situation. But £1.8 bilsituation urgently. “I recognise the GPs in the South West are planning lion has been spent on reorganising concerns of patients that we’ve had to leave in the next two years but only the NHS and I question the benefits. to close on certain days; we’ve been 150 are predicted to come in.”

NHS England really have to respond recruiting for months but doctors At the same time Dr Dwivedi to the needs of vulnerable people; are voting with their feet and leaving pointed out that the level of wasted things are going wrong in Swindon.” the profession because of changes in appointments is unacceptable. Many See the explanation for the reduced the NHS. Forty per cent of practices patients don’t turn up for appoint- hours at: bit.ly/FkGPhours

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or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk/greenfields Sales information centre and show homes open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm, Monday 1pm – 5pm *Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value). Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings and any deposit where required. For the first five years there is no fee charged on the equity loan component. At the start of year six a fee of 1.75% is payable on the equity loan, which rises annually by RPI inflation plus 1%. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and held as a second charge. Terms and conditions apply and full details will be provided on request. This offer is subject to status and only available on selected properties in England only. It is not offered with any other promotion.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. Price and details correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image and photographs show typical Taylor Wimpey homes, which may include optional upgrades or extras available at additional cost. Please ask your Sales Executive for details.

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20/08/2014 10:41

Agriculture makes brief return to Ridgeway Farm Farm animals, hog roast and a jazz band were attractions on 16 August when Taylor Wimpey launched its Greenfield housing development at Ridgeway Farm, opposite the company’s West Point site.

See details of the range of houses on sale now in the advert left.

Right, Nosizwe Nichols and Jayden, 6, grooming a Shetland pony at the Greenfield open day. Photo: Richard Wintle Calyxpix.com

Fears shared space will be overwhelmed Shaw Residents’ Association has lodged objections to the planning application to build the next phase of roads at Ridgeway Farm.

Based on their 2013 survey of traffic on surrounding roads and their prediction of volumes using routes through the 700 home development, they fear pedestrians accessing the primary school at the centre of Ridgeway Farm, will be in danger.

Read the SRA viewpoint at: shawresidents.org.uk

West skatepark won’t be built until Spring A £65,000 project to build a skatepark - which was first discussed at the West Swindon Forum in July 2012 - is unlikely to be completed before the middle of 2015.

The project had to be taken back year. However the delay in finding a to the drawing board in 2013 after new location and securing planning residents living close to the original permission meant that contractors site at Salt Way Field, Middleleaze, Wheelscape were not able to build campaigned against the proposal. the facility this year.

An alternative site for the 33 metre Shaw councillor Nick Martin was by 10 metre skate park opposite the lobbied for a skatepark in 2011 by a Spectrum/Renault building, on Riv- group of young people living in West ermead Drive, was agreed earlier this Swindon.

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Council in the community The next West Swindon Forum takes place on Monday 8 September starting at 7pm at Link Centre Library.

The forum provides residents with an opportunity to discuss community issues with the nine councillors representing the three wards in the locality.

On the agenda are updates from the head of the council’s Streetsmart section, the fire service and the Neigbourhood Police Team, including discussion about the new community messaging service being trialed in West Swindon (see story on page 8).

To have a question raised during the meeting, send it to Paula Harrison: pharrison@swindon.gov.uk Tea and coffee will be available from 6.30pm.

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Blunsdon Parish Council, which covers Abbey Meads, Ashbrake and Redhouse, is appealing for more parishioners from those areas to get involved.

Explaining the situation parish board and have a say in what happens council chairman Ian Jankinson said: in their community.”

“We’ve had a lot of coincidental resigIan is pleased that the new Swinnations recently and it has left us short don ward councillor for St Andrews of representation from Abbey Meads, Gemma McCracken is taking an acand Redhouse in particular. We now tive role in the parish council work. “It have four vacancies in the area. would be good to have more women “The parish council plays an im- and more young people taking an portant role wherever there are new interest,” he said. developments, traffic problems, crime For details call parish clerk Rachel issues and provision of facilities. We Smith on 01793 705617 or mail: conreally do need residents to get on tact@blunsdonparishcouncil.co.uk

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People in West Swindon and three other areas of Wiltshire are now able to sign up for free messages - by email, text and voicemail - about policing and crime matters in their locality via Wiltshire and Swindon Community Messaging .

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Launching the alert system at Link Centre on 21 August. PCC Angus Macpherson with neighbourhood watch coordinators Evelyn and Reg Halsall and West Swindon police team manager PC Steve Yates

This new two way communications tool is funded by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, rather than the police budget.

Although only live in four areas, people can sign up to receive messages when their neighbourhood comes online.

PCC Angus Macpherson said: “Both myself and Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Pat Geenty are committed to involving communities in the prevention and reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour, in line with priorities in my Police & Crime Plan and the force delivery plan.

“The community messaging service is an exciting new system which means we will be able to share information quickly and efficiently.”

Those signed up will receive messages about crime matters in their area, community policing news and events, appeals for information and crime prevention advice.

They will also be able to reply to

messages, feeding back information to their local neighbourhood officers to help them in policing their local area.

The chief constable added: “This additional tool has great potential for us to engage, inform and involve our communities in policing and crime matters. It’s in line with our ethos to see pro-active, preventative policing becoming a permanent feature within Wiltshire Police and involving communities and more volunteers in policing and crime related issues."

The Neighbourhood Alert system is used by 12 other police forces.

Joining is free; there is no contract, cost or obligation of any kind on those who sign up at: wiltsmessaging.co.uk • The system is not monitored 24/7.

People should always call 999 in an emergency or 101 in a nonemergency.

Bike found in Shaw A quality bicycle was found dumped in the vicinity of Old Shaw Road on 5 August and has been reported as ‘found’to the police. Call 101 for details

swindonlink.com • September 2014

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Lydiard Park Academy is now open to applications for places from parents of pupils starting their final year at primary school.

If your child is in Years 4, 5 or 6, please come and see what we have to offer.

Offering:

Open Evenings:

● your child the opportunity to become the best that they can be;

Come and see the school on Tuesday 9th September and Wednesday 10th September from 5.30pm to 8pm.

supported and challenged to achieve outstanding examination results, to be confident, motivated and well prepared for their future;

● traditional values and a strong pupil ethos rooted in mutual

respect and shared goals;

● the full range of enriching opportunities. All clubs are free and

cover a vast range of activities from English, Maths and Science enrichment to arts, music and sport. This is on top of several house competitions and many performing arts school productions;

Open Mornings: Come and see the school in session during a guided tour and informal discussion with the Principal on Wednesday 1st October and Thursday 2nd October between 9.30am and 11.00am.

● a highly professional and experienced teaching staff, with a

Other visits can be arranged by appointment.

Please contact: cdobbs@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk

● our unique Gifted and Talented Academy programme, designed

Live in North Swindon, Peatmoor or Shaw and think Lydiard Park Academy is too far away?

collective record of raising results year on year. Providing a quality of teaching rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted twice in the last three years;

with the input of leading national experts, which provides a range of additional opportunities including the chance to join a bespoke scholars programme in Key Stage 4; ● a groundbreaking Sports Academy programme that supports

students to develop their sporting talent, whilst balancing the needs and importance of their academic studies and sports training; ● excellent specialist facilities and a safe, friendly environment;

● Lydiard Park Academy 6th Form with a full range of courses

from September 2014.

Not so. We have commissioned our own bus service that starts at Asda Walmart and picks up in Redhouse, Oakhurst, Taw Hill, Peatmoor and Shaw. Fares are kept in line with Thamesdown bus services with a monthly student pass available. Lydiard Park Academy guarantees that bus transport will always be available for new or existing students from these areas.

Applications for September 2015 will be handled by the Local Authority and parents should apply using their standard online admissions form. Just over two hundred places will be offered for Year 7 entry in September 2015.

LYDIARD PARK ACADEMY Grange Park Way, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6HN Tel: 01793 874224 • E-mail: cdobbs@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk

www.lydiardparkacademy.org.uk 1-18 September 14.indd 9

Lydiard Park Academy @LP_Academy

22/08/2014 12:14

Swindon’s safe harbour from danger and persecution Imagine what it would be like if war or persecution or natural disaster were to befall us here in the UK - and that as a result you had to leave your home and family and all that is familiar to you, and flee to another part of the world in hope of refuge, writes Heather Redington.

Mohamed Abdo talking about his experience at June’s Harbour Project End Destitution Conference which was addressed by South Swindon MP Robert Buckland

Such a possibility is mercifully remote for us here in Great Britain, but sadly more and more common in troubled parts of the world, as we see in daily news reports.

Contrary to what the media would have us believe, most refugees remain close to their land of origin, in camps or cities. Only a few reach the UK. And of these few, some are here in Swindon, which has been designated a dispersal town, a place to which asylum seekers are despatched to await the outcome of their application to stay in this country.

The Harbour Project, housed in an

old church hall in central Swindon provides a drop-in centre for asylum seekers and refugees. They come from many of the most war torn parts of the world such as Eritrea, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, and most recently from Syria.

The Harbour is a friendly meeting place and an important source of advice and help for its visitors in navigating the complexities of life in this new land. Asylum seekers are not allowed to work, and instead have to survive on a tiny amount of money in very basic accommodation.

As a very small charity The Harbour relies heavily on its team of

Denied entry Unfortunately Molifa Daffeh, headteacher of Pirang School in Gambia, could not make a second visit to partner schools at Peatmoor Primary School and Lydiard Park Academy, because of visa problems.

Molifa visited Swindon in 2013 and earlier this year Peatmoor teacher Sarah Adams and colleague Helen Bissex went to Gambia with five Lydiard Park Academy teachers. The partnership project is funded by the British Council connecting classroom programme. Subject to grants Lydiard Park Academy 6th form students hope to visit Pirang in 2015.

Lydiard Park Academy Year 10 students with Molifa Daffeh in 2013, from left, Chantelle Carter, Francesca Butler, Christin Simpson

volunteers. Being a volunteer is immensely rich and rewarding. Tasks can range from making a cup of tea for a new visitor, sorting out a donation of clothes and toys, or calling the Home Office on behalf of a desperate visitor whose tiny subsistence money has been cut off by bureaucratic error.

I’ve been a volunteer for three years and have found that, in spite of the suffering and losses endured by our visitors, the Harbour is a haven of care and hope. Where else in Wiltshire can I meet and make friends with people from all over the world?

If you feel drawn to helping the Harbour, there are many possibilities.

Donations of adult and children’s clothes, children’s toys, and household goods are always put to good use, financial donations can help fund a children’s day trip, or a duvet for someone who has just set up home.

And most rewarding and valuable is to become a volunteer yourself. To find out more, call Giles or Nan or Annie on 01793 611682 or 490876 or mail: SwindonHarbour@aol.com harbourproject.org.uk

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Well make sure you don’t! Read the form & guidance!

Under-declaring income can cost penalties and interest, it could also be a good idea to see an accountant.

Mistakes I have seen recently: Someone who didn’t include their big profit on the sale of a buy-to-let property.

Others who thought, because their foreign income was taxed abroad, it didn’t need to go on a tax return People earning over £50,000, who are unaware that to avoid a miscalculation they must include their child benefit on the Return.

Employees commonly don’t know whether pension contributions on their payslips are paid by them, or their Employer. If paid by an Employee, they should be included on the Employee’s Self-Assessment Tax Return. If paid by the Employer (salary sacrifice) they don’t have to be included.

Peter Bromiley ACA AMS Accountancy Ltd, Swindon SN5 7XF, 01793-818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk

swindonlink.com • September 2014

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20/08/2014 11:14

Store helps Chernobyl children’s health A group of children from Belarus spent a month in the Swindon and Wiltshire area gaining strength away from the irradiated region around their home village of Ozarichi which is heavily contaminated from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine over 20 years ago.

Summer holiday in Swindon for children living in the nuclear fallout zone

One of the many activities they enjoyed with host families was to have a meal in the Sainsbury’s Bridgemead restaurant. The seven children also received a £50 gift voucher to spend in the store.

It was the first time the store had welcomed children brought to Britain

by Wiltshire Chernobyl Children in Need.

Sainsbury’s staff member Mel Warner, who hosts children, said:

“I went to Ozarichi last October and was amazed how people make do with what they’ve got, compared with what we’re happy to throw away.

I was so impressed by how teachers are committed to helping children who are at risk from eating food grown in contaminated soil.

“A few weeks in a clean environment boosts their immune system, but most will go home to work in the fields to bring in the harvest.”

One World Cup comes to England in 2014 England’s footballers had a forgettable summer in Brazil, but 18 young ladies from Swindon Academy of Dance returned from a Portuguese speaking nation with a World Cup success to shout about.

At the end of June the academy squad who competed as Team England at the Dance World Cup Finals in Portugal emerged victorious against five other nations. They built an impressive 158 point margin over second place Spain, with Portugal, Germany and Austria making up the rankings.

Amy Gordon, Anabelle Ruggiero, Aneira Purnell, Charlotte Payne, Charlotte Price, Corinne Barber, Ella Billingham, Georgia Bailey, Isabel Gould, Isobel Thurlow, Isobel Webb, Lois Floyd, Lowri Hughes, Madelaine Winter, Rhiannon Mackay, Saffron Hamilton-Gill, Saona Lovell and 12

Winifred Diggens scooped 16 golds and 8 bronzes between them, as well as some 4th and 5th places, all earning valuable points for Team England.

The fusion group and tap quartet both achieved first places which secured automatic entry into next year’s final in Bucharest.

Expressing her delight at the girls’ success, academy principal Sarah Watson said: “This was a huge achievement and a fantastic experience for all the girls involved. The love and support shown from their family and friends was a vital part of their success.”

swindonlink.com • September 2014

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Swindon Circles appeal for volunteers to befriend an older person Do you have some spare time to offer to a Swindon senior? There are more than170 older residents who don’t require high level care but have become housebound and isolated for different reasons and need social support to give them confidence to stay in touch with their community.

Swindon Circles offers volunteers and Barring Service check and two “It’s a breath of fresh air for Mum to sponge cake so I made him one.” the opportunity to befriend an older references. Training is also available have someone new to talk to each If you would like to find out more person and spend a little bit of time where necessary, and expenses within week. Loneliness is the worst thing about volunteering contact Paula with them on a regular basis to lend a reasonable limits are reimbursed.” for elderly people and even though I Harrison on 01793 466418 or mail: helping hand. Explaining the scheme Stasi Fox, 96, from Freshbrook come in to see her everyday it’s nice swindoncircles@swindon.gov.uk West Swindon community facilitator has Alzheimer’s disease and vascular that she can get out with a friend. It’s Lunch outing Gail Light said: “Swindon Circles is dementia. She has been enjoying visits taken a lot of pressure off me.”

Toothill Lunch Club serves a two all about making a difference to older from her volunteer and has been out Sudoku buff Sylvia Merrick, 83, course meal followed by tea or coffee people in the town. Based on similar to Lydiard Park, Butterfly World and also from Freshbrook, has taken up for £3.20 every Wednesday, 12 noon, interests we match volunteers with Wootton Bassett. Commenting on baking again since she started receiv- at Toothill Community Centre. older people who currently receive a her experience she said: “We go out ing visits from her volunteer. She said: Transport is available for anybody small amount of social care support, every week and it’s very pleasant. We “He helps me with my shopping at unable to walk or drive to the club. and the idea is to help the person get always have a cup of tea and a laugh.” Asda and takes me to my acupuncture Book a place by midday on Tuesday out and about and regain a social life.

Stasi’s daughter Caroline is full of appointments. We got talking about by calling 07944 134915.

“Every volunteer has a Disclosure praise for the circles scheme. She said:

Are you looking to make positive changes in your life?

I can offer you a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space where you can: • gain a deeper understanding of yourself and be able to cope with everyday situations • make sense of relationships and situations • manage feelings of stress, depression, anxiety, anger or confusion

Elaine Watt Focused Counselling BACP accredited counsellor

Tel: 07919 343407 Stasi Fox and 3 year old great grandson Jack

to make an appointment for a no fee consultation

www.focusedcounselling.com

HIGH ACHIEVEMENT, HIGH STANDARDS

Year 6 Open Evening for students and parents Thursday 25 September 2014 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm www.novahreodacademy.org.uk 01793 528800 Akers Way, Swindon, SN2 2NQ swindonlink.com • September 2014

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Shaw Ridge pupils explore social media to boost reading and writing Matt Oswin, Year 6 teaching assistant at Shaw Ridge School, has began a pioneering new scheme to get children social online and involved in intellectual conversations with people from all over the world.

Last term a new blog by Yew Tree studies Gary Sheffield good to see the comYear 6 class was used to ask questions also contributed their ments from Razor Rudto engage students and get them ideas. dock. I’m thinking of thinking around subjects that fit in Matt said: “We talkstarting my own blog. with their studies. ed about the issues of This school blog has Once the questions were posted the day together and helped me improve my on the blog comments were invited framed the question spelling and grammar.” via Twitter. During the summer term that we wanted to Laura, who posted they included: ‘How many times put in the blog. Once over 40 comments last did Wayne Rooney’s heart beat in we received reactions term, said: “I was interthe World Cup game against Italy?’, it was an opportunity ested in the questions ‘What punishment should be given for class discussion. about World War I and to Luis Suarez for biting another The children were went to Wikipedia to player?’, Could World War I have been encouraged to look at find out more so I could avoided if the Archduke had not been the comments at home write a reply. assassinated?’ and involve other “We used DB Primary To ensure order and appropriate members of the family. New communicators Matt Oswin, Seb, Laura and Poppy for blogging before, but “It also teaches the children about it was more like doing homework. The commentary, blog posts are modThe idea to get pupils blogging erated by Matt. Views have been was a light bulb moment for Matt at writing in different styles for differ- class blog is more open for all to read, expressed by local people including a school’s IT conference earlier in the ent audiences. They commented that so it’s a lot more real, especially when school staff, South Swindon MP year. He said: “I’d been blogging for writing for a class teacher was different you get comments and retweets. We Robert Buckland, Swindon Link a couple of years and a headteacher to writing a piece to be read by people don’t normally watch the news, but editor Roger Ogle, as well as contro- talked about engaging students in outside school. I find it amazing that the blog helps us find out new things.” versial columnist Peter Hitchens and writing blogs and commenting on- busy people like a professor of war Poppy added: “I think I’m doing former Swindon Town player Razor line as a way of improving reading studies and our local MP took time better research because Mr Oswin Ruddock. and writing skills. It also helps with to contribute their thoughts and ideas encourages us to think about our Experts such as TV presenter Dan building confidence to take part in to our project.” replies before we make comments.”

Pupil Seb said: “I liked the quesSnow, German military historian classroom discussions. It made so See: shawridgeyew.primaryblogtions about the World Cup; it was ger.co.uk or Twitter: @srmrmo Robert Shaffer and professor of war much sense.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy “A global School in a local Community”

Open Evening#

6th Form Open Evening

Wednesday 17th September 2014 6.00pm—8.30pm

Wednesday 15th October 2014 6.00pm—8.30pm

An exceptional opportunity to join an “Outstanding” School

We are delighted to invite any Parents considering Royal Wootton Bassett Academy to visit during our Open Evening or Parent Tours. You and your child will have the opportunity to look around our outstanding facilities and talk with the Staff, Students and the Headteacher.

“Standards of teaching are outstanding in all years”

Ofsted Nov 2013 Awarded ‘Outstanding’ in every Category

“Correctly described as a ‘global school in a local community’, the school has extensive links across the world and promotes tolerance, and a focus on enhancing the lives of others”

For further information on Years 7 to 11, please contact: Karen Hunt or Michele Pocock on 01793 841948/841954 Or email KHunt@rwba.org.uk or MPocock@rwba.org.uk For 6th Form information, please contact: Hilary Stubbs on 01793 841905 Or email HStubbs@rwba.org.uk 14

swindonlink.com • September 2014

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Support North Swindon school before places crisis hits New College Swindon is urgently calling on parents to back its bid to build a new 11 to 18 secondary school in North Swindon, before it is submitted to the Department of Education in October.

This is the last availfrom families whose signatures from parents or children able window for free houses haven’t yet been themselves in Years 8 or 9 (who would school applications built.” start in Year 12 in the new school). before the May 2015 Although New ColNew College is particularly looking general election. lege initially hoped to for signatures from those who live in The other crucial establish a reception to the SN2, SN5, SN6, SN25 and SN26 year is 2016 when there sixth form school, the postcodes and has been running a will be a predicted bid has been amended marketing campaign which includes shortfall of 200 places. to 11 to 18 provision. advertising, social media and door If the bid is successThis is because the cur- drops in North Swindon, Purton and ful, the aim is to open rent demand for pri- Highworth. the Great Western mary places in North See more at: newschoolfornorthAcademy in SeptemSwindon will be met swindon.org ber 2016, with 250 by the new Tadpole pupils per year from Year 7 to Year Farm school, and the expansion of 11. The Sixth Form accommdation other primaries in the area. will have space for 125 students in Mr Taylor added: “The council is Years 12 and 13. in favour of our proposal because it The school will follow the national needs to provide three new secondary curriculum with added emphasis on schools in Swindon. And looking at business, enterprise and IT & comput- the future demographic demand, we ing, as well as a strong enrichment anticipate that we will have to revisit programme. the primary element around 2017.

Commenting on the process New “However we need to present the College principal Graham Taylor, evidence.” above, said: “We desperately need The bid requires 500 signatures C N more signatures to confirm the de- from parents of those currently in vo hild E W mand for a new secondary school, Years 3 or 4 (who start in Year 7 in acc uch car ep er e although it is difficult to get signatures September 2016 or 2017), and 250 te s

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swindonlink.com • September 2014

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20/08/2014 11:26

First day at school in North Swindon: 2004

Across the globe, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes advance students beyond their school level.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor today for a free assessment.

Swindon West Study Centre Mayumi Lewis 01249 760 568 Classes on Tuesday 3.30pm-6.30pm and Friday 3.30pm-5.30pm.

kumon.co.uk Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

I am talented.

Together we are amazing.

From The Link archive, the first children and staff on the first day of term at St Francis Church of England Primary School in Taw Hill on 2 September 2004.

The start on the permanent building at Taw Hill village centre had been delayed because plans had to be redrawn to exclude a church attached to the school due to budget reductions, so the school opened in two mobile classrooms off Queen Elizabeth Drive.

Headteacher Clive Westall, the foundation teachers, school governors and the Bristol diocese education director Caro Barker-Bennett welcomed 112 children.

They moved into the permanent building in January 2005 and HRH the Duchess of Gloucester officially opened the school in March of that year.

A major two storey extension opened in 2012 which Her Royal Highness made another visit to unveil.

• See a picture from the January 2004 Link front page when we recorded the ceremonial start of building works by the Bishop of Swindon Michael Doe and the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire at: bit.ly/sf10years

Haydonleigh Primary School OPEN DAY Saturday 20 September Everybody welcome from 10am to 1pm

Tour all parts of our now fully open school building, see the wonderful Foundation Stage classrooms in the new extension.

Come and obtain an insight into how our school works, meet our talented staff and confident children in action, with displays of our class work and examples of all the amazing things we do.

There will be two presentations by the Headteacher Mrs Frances Billinge at 10.30am and 11.30am.

We are a happy school where visitors immediately feel the atmosphere of welcome, excitement, vibrancy and calm.

Priya and Joel enjoy the school trim trail

Haydonleigh Primary School Haydon Court Drive Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1JP Tel 01793 700443 The Early Years classrooms at Haydonleigh 16

www.haydonleighschool.co.uk

swindonlink.com • September 2014

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22/08/2014 12:23

Tadpole Farm school gets ready to open Redhouse Community Centre, where the new Church of England primary school for Tadpole Farm will be based until April 2015, was completed and handed over two weeks earlier than expected in mid-August.

It meant headteacher Jane Leo and to a fully functional building in just 4 her staff had good time to prepare the months. Our site manager Paul Mornursery and reception classroom for ris really made the project happen. I’m the arrival of the first 68 children. The so glad he’s managing the permanent start of the new school on 3 September building project.” will be remembered for the first day The two form entry school will party, followed by a visit and blessing cater for 60 reception children when by the Bishop of Swindon the Rt Revd it is running at capacity, but currently Lee Rayfield on 8 September. has 32 children on roll. Meanwhile Headteacher Jane Leo said: “It’s the nursery section has 26 spaces in going to be really exciting to see how their morning and afternoon sessions the children respond to all the things respectively, with the mornings being we have imagined for them. almost full, but there are spaces in the “The construction team from afternoon. For details contact Mrs Willmot Dixon have been amazing Leo on 07733 264202 or mail: jane. as we’ve gone from sketch drawing leo@tadpoleacademy.co.uk

HIGHWORTH WARNEFORD SCHOOL Shrivenham Road, Highworth, SN6 7BZ

An Academy Putting Excellence First

OPEN MORNINGS

Monday 22 September to Friday 10 October Highworth Warneford is an outstanding secondary school providing an excellent learning environment which allows pupils to thrive and develop their academic, personal and social skills.

In our most recent Ofsted report (May 2013) pupils’ behaviour was described as “outstanding both in lessons and around the school” and such behaviour makes a “strong contribution to their learning.”

So that you can see for yourself the quality of our provision, we would like to invite you to visit the school on a normal working day.

Each visit lasts for up to 1½ hours and will give you the opportunity to see lessons and meet pupils and staff.

To book your visit, please contact Mrs Lewis, Admissions Officer, on (01793) 762426 llewis@warneford.swindon.sch.uk Jane Leo receives the keys to her school from Paul Morris of Wilmot Dixon

What life is all about

Churchfields Academy Logo

1.

2.

3.

Churchfields Academy Quality Education for All

Open Evening 18th September 5-8pm

Come and see for yourself how we have moved the Academy forward and how our students make more progress from KS2 - 4 than any other Swindon Secondary School and many Wiltshire Schools (Yr7-11)

Good Ofsted 2013

50th Birthday

Churchfields is celebrating its 50th Year this year. To celebrate we will be holding a Fete on Saturday 13th September 10-2 with tours for past staff and students from 2-5.

Ofsted

Churchfields was graded by Ofsted in 2013 as Good in all areas. Positive relationships between teachers and students was highlighted as one of the factors for our success, our strong focus on achievement was also highlighted.

To find out more about admissions and to book a personal tour during term time

call 01793 487286 OPEN MORNING

An Education for Life www.thepriorfoundation.com

or visit our website

Fri 26 Sept 2014 9.30am-12noon

www.churchfields.org swindonlink.com • September 2014

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New, for single parents

Children’s centres cuts to be explained at consultation meetings in September

A Gingerbread Group is being organised by single mum Aga with help from the West Swindon Family Centre.

According to statistics there are over 100 single parents with under 5s living in Freshbrook, many more older children and the wider West Swindon area are included.

The group will meet for the first time at Freshbrook Community Centre in mid-September.

For details about joining contact Mike Smith on 01793 871303 or: Mike.

Smith@westswindoncc.org

As the Prime Minister proclaims family friendly policies are at the heart of government, austerity measures imposed by central government on Swindon Council are forcing it to look at reducing the £2.1 million cost of running children’s centres by around 37 per cent, as part of its programme to slash overall spending from April 2015 by £18 million.

Salt Way Children’s Centre

Pearl Road, Middleleaze Swindon SN5 5TD Tel: 01793 465364 www.childrenssociety.org.uk/saltwaycc

New Thursday Sessions at Salt Way CC Volunteer led Stay and Play Sessions Beginning 11th September 9.45am - 11.30am, term time only Check out our website: www.childrenssociety.org.uk/saltwaycc We now have a facebook page.

Check this out at: www.facebook.com/swindonchildsoc

Councillors want to hear views on how to save £770,000 by combining, closing or repurposing children’s centres across the town, on top of a cut of £380,000 from April 2014 which saw children’s centres close or amalgamated.

The proposals include: • Making West Swindon Family Project and Butterflies Children’s Centre, covering North Swindon, into ‘multigenerational family centres,’ operating with just 66 per cent of existing budgets for up to two years with a view they raise money and aim to reduce the need for council funding; • De-commissioning Butterflies, West Swindon, Salt Way in Middleleaze, Ladybirds Highworth, Eldene, Croft, and Robert Le Kyng as children’s centres, leading to their de-registration by Ofsted; • Leaving centres at Penhill & Pinehurst, Moredon, Drove, Gorse Hill (the Supercluster) and Parks & Walcot East unchanged.

In September a series of consultation meetings organised by borough officers and children’s centre workers will explain why the council is reducing funding and how the centres could be run as a result.

These are open meetings for parents, carers, partners and profession-

als. The full list of dates can be found at: swindon.gov.uk/childrenscentres Specifically, West Swindon Family Centre is organising a meeting on Thursday 18 September, 10.30am to 12.30pm, at Freshbrook Community Centre; Butterflies is holding meetings on: Monday 22 September, 9.30am to 11am, Abbey Meads Primary School; We dnesday 24 S eptemb er, 10.30am to 12noon, Greenmeadow Centre, Pen Close; Tuesday 30 September, 10.30am to 12noon - Oakhurst/Redhouse venue to be confirmed. Call Butterflies on 01793 722984.

What will be the human costs of cutting children’s centres? asks Juliet Platt. Read her article at bit.ly/swindoncin

Photos at the Butterflies Children’s Centre summer teddy bears picnic

Little Foxes Childcare & Education

FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356 Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

l An

independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years l Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year l Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds l High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses l Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

18

Correction The August front page headline stated Shaw Ridge Primary School was the first winner of the schools young carers award. In fact the school has reached the first of 3 award standards and 9 schools have already achieved it.

swindonlink.com • September 2014

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22/08/2014 12:27

Parlez-vous français? Let Virginie help

Phone Chrissie on 01793 725259 www.musicalminis.co.uk

Musical Minis is a pre-school fun time music group for babies and toddlers.

Each structured session encourages cognitive, physical and emotional development through the use of music, instruments and stories.

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Former mayor donates to disability group Last year’s Mayor of Swindon Nick Martin presented West Swindon based children’s respite care charity Hop, Skip & Jump with a cheque for £1,000 at the beginning of August.

Nick was instrumental with South Swindon MP Robert Buckland in helping the organisation, which provides care for children with complex disabilities and severe health needs, to come to the town and secured the use of the unused Upper Shaw Farm centre in 2011.

“I’m really glad that I was able to raise money for Hop, Skip & Jump during my may- Nick Martin presenting senior management oral 11 months,” said Nick. team member Hayley Stone with the donation “The staff provide amazing care for about coming to Swindon.” the children which gives much needed Nick has also made donations to relief to parents. the Swindon Women’s Refuge and “I’ve always had a soft spot for Toothill Junior Youth Club from his the charity since they approached us mayoral fund.

How can Musical Minis help your child be ... .. a skillful communicator - by developing language and co-ordination. .. emotionally developed - through sharing stories and songs whilst meeting new friends. .. a confident child - by joining in the activities in a relaxed group atmosphere. .. a creative child - by exploring instruments, sounds, rhythm and movement.

C L A R K S • S TA R T R I T E • R H I N O

As all primary schools must gear up to teach one foreign language to Key Stage 2 children from September 2014, native French speaking tutor Virginie Mbemba-Manzumba is offering fun French learning in groups and through games to gain confidence and reinforce learning.

Commenting on the majority are already teachbest time of life to learn a ing a foreign language, foreign language Virginie which is mainly French. said: “Children learn more To find out how Virginie easily at an early age, so it’s can help your child’s configreat that primary schools dence, or to discuss options are now going to be teachfor after-school clubs, coning another language.” tact her on 07423 065957, Virginie conducted a mail: learningfrench@ survey of most Swindon primary talktalk.net schools and she discovered that the fun-french-learning.fr

Bath Road Corner Old Town, Swindon Tel: 534271 www.blaylocks-shoes.co.uk

Classes held at:

Esprit Centre, Headlands Grove, Swindon Contact us now: 07980 918192 enquiries@tkfda.co.uk www.tkfda.co.uk *Subject to terms and conditions available on request

Toddler group grows up

An assortment of pirates and princesses and even characters from Shrek celebrated the 25 years of Nutkinz parent and toddler group on 2 August.

The party brought together over 80 current group members and founder parents and some of the first children from 1989. The group met in Upper Shaw Farm for nearly 20 years before moving to the rebuilt Shaw Ridge Primary School opposite. See the full story and more photos at: bit.ly/nutkinz25

Friday 5th September 10am to 2pm

Below, committee members and children from past and present outside the Upper Shaw Farm centre

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More success for Tanwood students

preschool gymnastics

In its 70th anniversary year Tanwood Dance School has even more reasons to celebrate as two of its students are moving on in September to their next big opportunities.

where an early start makes a world of difference!

We are recruiting..

Highly professional and experienced media sales people to work across both our print and digital offerings.

This is an exciting time to join the team with lots of developments planned in the coming months.

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See details at: bit.ly/LinkTBEsales

01793 822262

or mail Anita Jaynes: anita@swindonlink.com

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

Leaping at Lydiard. Megan and Theo by Richard Wintle calyxpix.com

Megan Phillips, 16, who has been with Tanwood since she was a toddler, and has won lots of awards both locally and nationally, is heading to Ballet Theatre UK in Leicester, while eleven year old Theo French is due to attend Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham.

Commenting on the pair’s progression, Tanwood director Polly Ann Tanner said: “I’m going to miss Megan and Theo a lot. They are both extremely talented and have already achieved a huge amount in dance.”

Theo is an associate of the Royal Ballet and appeared in A Winter’s Tale at the London Opera House earlier this year. Expressing her pride his mum Lisa said: “Theo’s worked

really hard to get into Elmhurst. From the minute he could walk we could tell he had rhythm. He’s beaming all the time when he’s dancing and he absolutely loves it.”

Megan is looking forward to a career in the West End, having already appeared in 70 performances of Billy Elliot at the age of 12. Commenting on her departure to Leicester she said: “I’m really excited. I’ve always wanted to go away to a school, but it will be sad to say goodbye to everyone at home.

I’ll miss my teacher at Tanwood, Miss Denise, who I’ve studied with since just before my fourth birthday.”

Tanwood Dance School will be presenting its 70th anniversary show at the Wyvern on 21 and 22 November.

Roves Farm A great day out, come rain or shine

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Special Toddler

Activities

01793 465412 or email

Term Time Weekdays

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6th - 28th Sept

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20

swindonlink.com • September 2014

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Honouring Swindon people of the Great War Visitors to Swindon Museum & Art Gallery can discover the remarkable story of Swindon in the Great War this autumn and winter in an exhibition created by the people of Swindon themselves, writes Graham Carter of Swindon Heritage magazine.

For the first time, the museum has been taken over by a community group - Swindon in the Great War - with many of the items on display coming from the private collection of local historian Mark Sutton.

Members of the group successfully applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant, acquired collections from local people and organisations such as Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wroughton’s Science Museum Library and Swindon’s own collections. They then decorated the rooms, curated the exhibition, designed and produced the display panels.

The exhibition fills the two ground floor rooms of the museum and tells a story of the many different aspects of the Great War from a Swindon perspective, both at home and on the battlefields.

It includes personal diaries, troop ‘comforts’, photographs, trench art, badges, memorial plaques, flags, items picked up from battlefields in recent times as well as German memorabilia.

Part of the display depicts the world of the frontline soldier, with a full uniform and kit, a Lee Enfield rifle and bayonet, a Vickers machine gun, and a Lewis gun converted into a camera for airborne reconnaissance.

Also on display is a dresser that belonged to South Marston writer Alfred Williams, who served in India during the war.

The exhibition pays tribute to Mary Slade who worked tirelessly to organise aid for soldiers, especially prisoners of war. The MBE she was awarded in recognition of her effort can be seen, along with letters received from serving men.

“Swindon residents have always been known as ‘can-do’ people,” said

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The Mayor of Swindon Theresa Page with Mark Sutton and Mike Pringle of Swindon in the Great War, and Sophie Cummings, curator at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. Photo by Richard Wintle of calyxpix.com

Mike Pringle, who is one of the organisers. “This exhibition gives a glimpse into the town a hundred years ago, and demonstrates just how rich our history is.

“It also shows how that history can be collated and presented today when local knowledge is not just harnessed, but trusted and given full control over its own heritage.”

The exhibition runs until 31 January. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery is in Bath Road and is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm, and from 10am during school holidays.

• See Dogs of War on page 43.

Post war humour Thursday 11 September, 7.15pm Brunel Centre Swindon and Boswells cafe presents Heroes, translated and adapted by acclaimed playwrite Tom Stoppard, from a 2003 French comedy.

It features professional actors who tell the story of three World War I veterans plotting their escape from the boredom and routines of life in a care home.

Tickets £12 from Boswells café, opposite the House of Fraser, includes wine and supper. Performance outside Boswells.

Christmas Party Nights from £29.95 Our popular party nights contain all the ingredients for a memorable Christmas celebration. Sit down to a delicious three course meal with coffee and mints. Then dance the night away to the sounds of our DJ. Call our sales office for dates available Santa Sunday Lunches £19.95 per person, £9.95 for children under 12 years. Children under 4 years eat for free.

Younger guests will be delighted to hear that a special visitor will be in the hotel during December. Perfect for all the family, a traditional festive carvery in our function room with a visit from Santa, a gift and a disco for the children.

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Phyllis’ family discovery leads her to campaign for Great War memorial

When Phyllis Taylor began researching her family history in 1998 she was quite unprepared for what would be revealed, writes local historian Frances Bevan.

“I just wanted to find out more about my father because he died when I was a young child,”said Phyllis, now aged 77 and a resident of Park Farm, Moredon. But it was a shock to Phyllis and her two sisters when they discovered their father had been previously married and that he had a son and daughter by his first wife.

Phyllis’s half brother, James Nathaniel Fulker, was born in Maidenhead in 1897 and by the time of the 1911 census the Fulker family had moved to Swindon and was living at 73 Westcott Place.

Phyllis’s research led her to learn that James, born long before she was, had been killed in action at Arras.

Some historians describe the Battle of Arras as under-studied, neglected even forgotten. It opened on Easter Sunday, 9 April 1917 and lasted just 39 days. Although short, the casualty rate was high – more than 4,000 a day with upwards of 150,000 British and Commonwealth casualties in total.

James, known as Jaz, served in both the Royal Field Artillery and the Yorkshire Hussars. He was just 19 when he died on 11 April 1917.

Phyllis Taylor viewing the Swindon in the Great War exhibition at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery. Photo: Richard Wintle of Calyxpix.com

He is buried in the Cojeul British Commonwealth Cemetery.

Phyllis’ attempts to find Jaz’s service details came to a halt as the records were destroyed when the War Office repository in Arnside Street, London was bombed during World War II. During her research Phyllis was told that James’s name appeared on

Swindon’s Roll of Honour created in 1921 showing the names of the 960 men who died in the Great War. She was horrified to find out that it was hidden away behind curtains in the Town Hall dance studio.

Many people have campaigned for the plaque to be placed in a more prominent position and Phyllis added her voice by talking to her

ward councillors and was assured the plaque would be saved. At long last it seems as if she might get her wish.

At the launch of the Swindon in the Great War exhibition on 6 August, Swindon Council leader David Renard said: “Mrs Taylor approached myself and the former Mayor Rex Barnett some years ago at a councillors’ surgery and Rex took it on as a project. When he passed away in 2012 I progressed the work he started to preserve an important memorial to the men from Swindon who died in the service of their country.

“The council has now commissioned the £20,000 restoration. It is both complex and specialist; we certainly hope to see the plaque on display by the end of the Great War centenary period. Our current problem is finding a wall large enough to display it.”

Phyllis, who attended the launch of the Swindon in the Great War exhibition at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery on 6 August where she praised the work of the volunteers responsible for curating the exhibition, said she would be keeping an eye on the restoration project.

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Toothill Community Centre celebrates 30 years Residents and community organisers in Toothill are looking for ward to their community centre’s 30th birthday bash on 13th September and celebrating the role it has played in the area since opening on 10th September 1984, writes Juliet Platt.

Reflecting on the importance of the centre, coordinator Annette Kennedy said: “The community centre is and has been a focal point for people to gather and socialise in Toothill. We currently host over a dozen regular groups catering for all ages from 5 to 95. It is a venue that is in constant use and always gives a friendly welcome.”

Amongst the groups on offer are U3A, a weekly walking group, community café, Slimming World and martial arts training. The presence of a members’ bar on site, serving good quality beer at

modest prices, guarantees a regular footfall, as well as a reliable source of income to keep the centre viable.

Commenting on the most memorable aspec ts of the community centre’s history Annette said: “We had a great Jubilee day here, as well as numerous festivals and family days. It’s lovely that people come back year after year

and see the friendships that form here.”

Describing what the future holds, community centre committee member Peter Egan said: “The building could be an attractive and affordable venue for weddings and other functions. We are exploring opportunities to refurbish and revitalise the centre so that it

better meets current and future requirements, and continues to serve the community for many years to come.”

If you are a Toothill resident not yet familiar with the community centre, be sure to go along to the 30th anniversary celebrations and find out what the centre’s currently got to offer. See the advert below.

Join us at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations 2pm - 11pm on Saturday 13th September 2014 at the Village Centre Open to all Toothill residents and user groups of the Centre

Free hog roast • Free BBQ • Free Bouncy Castle • Free go karts Free Cakes & Biscuits • Free Tea, Coffee & Squash • Free Face Painting • Live bands • Licensed bar • Police Car & Fire Engine

Toothill Big Local (TBL) is the organisation responsible for administering the £1 million lottery grant within Toothill. It is represented by a Partnership Committee that manages the processes for obtaining and distributing the funds in accordance with the wishes of residents, and in compliance with the rules laid down by the National Lottery. The committee, comprised entirely of elected volunteers, is working closely with the TBL action group, Swindon Borough Council, consultants and others to bring about significant and lasting changes to make Toothill a better place to live.

...Plus Much, Much, More!

(Please Note: Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times)

In association with

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Artists to show off their talent in September Swindon artists will be welcoming visitors into their studios and homes across the town on Saturdays 6 and 13 September and Sundays 7 and 14 September, writes Rachel Pryor.

Over 40 individuals are taking part in this event which grows in popularity each year. Regulars like Ken White from Old Town are joined by many new faces, including some new graduate artists just setting out on their careers.

As always, it’s a special treat to be able to visit artists in their own studios and find out how things are made and explore the creative journey which goes into making each work of art. Some artists

There will be art to buy ranging in price from several hundred pounds for unique pieces down to more affordable works including prints and cards. And no-one should miss Tim Carroll’s £-ago art machine which dispenses a unique work of art in a box.

Whether you want to browse or buy, all are welcome and the great thing is that Swindon Open Studios are free to visit.

The brochure to this year’s open studios is available in libraries and shops and also at swindonopenstudios.org.uk And new for this year is our promotional film youtu.be/yU-xu8Nf4oY made by Nicky Walker.

Eroded Seashell by Toby Robson

Timeless by David Bent

Penrhos layout – Picture courtesy of Hornby Magazine

Ken White holding a self portrait.

Photo: Richard Wintle of Calypix.com

will be exhibiting in group settings, such as Central Library, Artsite at the Post Modern Studios and Gallery and also at Twigs Gardens at Manor Garden Centre in Cheney Manor.

Many different media have been used – from traditional oil painting and pencil drawings through to modern kiln glass and textiles. Stone and metal sculptures will also be on show, as well as photographs, lino cuts and mosaics. New for this year is Create Studios, the award-winning Swindon-based media enterprise helping talented young people develop their digital arts skills. Four of their short films will be shown on the Big Screen on 13 and 14 September.

THE BIG GWR EVENT OF THE YEAR

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2014 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Celebrate the UK’s best model railways at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway Join Pete Waterman and Hornby Magazine for the ultimate display of model railway layouts, traders, steam vehicles and hands-on modelling demonstrations

A Railway at War - A major new exhibition examining the role of the GWR and its employees during WW1

367/14

Admission: Adults £10.00; Children £7.50 and Seniors £8.50; Family tickets £25.00 (two adults, one child) and £30.00 (two adults, two children).

Under threes go free

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway | Fire Fly Avenue | Swindon | SN2 2EY Tel: (01793) 466637 | www.steam-museum.org.uk www.facebook.com/steammuseum @steam_museum

Key supporter:

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Good luck Swindon Town FC for 2014/2015

PHOTO: Richard Wintle of Calyx

Back Row (L-R): Josue Antonio, Michael Cooper (Sports Scientist), Raphael Rossi-Branco, Michael Smith, Ben Gladwin, Jordan Turnbull, Andy Williams, Alex Seager (Video Analyst), Darren Ward Centre Row: Steve Irving (First Team Masseur), Curtis Da Costa, Harry Agombar, Massimo Luongo, Steve Hale (Head of Goalkeeping), Wes Foderingham, Tyrell Belford, Paul Godfrey (First Team Physiotherapist), Yaser Kasim, Ryan Harley, Mathew Jones, Mark Webb (First Team Masseur) Front Row: Josh Lelan, George Barker, Jack Barthram, Nathan Thompson, Mark Cooper (First Team Manager), Luke Williams (First Team Coach), Louis Thompson, Anton Rodgers, Nathan Byrne, Connor Waldon

2014/2015 Game Fixtures AUGUST

Sat 18th Yeovil 3pm

Sat 20th Doncaster 3pm

FEBRUARY

Tues 17th Doncaster 7:45pm

MAY Sat 2 Leyton Orient 2pm

Sat 30th Coventry City 3pm

Tue 21st Rochdale 7.45pm

Fri 26th Walsall 3pm

Sat 7th Barnsley 3pm

Sat 21st Walsall 3pm

SEPTEMBER

Sat 25th Colchester 3pm

Sun 28th Port Vale 3pm

Tues 10th Oldham 7:45pm

Sat 28th Colchester 3pm

Sat 6th Chesterfield FC 3pm

NOVEMBER

JANUARY 2015

Sat 14 Scunthorpe 3pm

APRIL

Tue 16th Oldham 7.45pm

Sat 1st Milton Keynes Don 3pm

Sat 3rd Fleetwood Town 3pm

Sat 21st Crawley Town 3pm

Fri 3rd Milton Keynes Dons 3pm

Sat 20th Sheffield United 3pm

Sat 15th Bristol City 3pm

Sat 10th Coventry 3pm

Sat 28th Crewe 3pm

Mon 6th Bristol City 3pm

Sat 27th Barnsley 3pm

Sat 22nd Peterborough 3pm

Sat 17th Chesterfield FC 3pm

MARCH

Sat 11th Peterborough 3pm

OCTOBER

Sat 29th Fleetwood Town 3pm

Sat 24th Bradford Home 3pm

Tues 3rd Gillingham 7:45pm

Tues 14th Rochdale 7:45pm

Sat 4th Leyton Orient 3pm

DECEMBER

Sat 31st Sheffield Utd 3pm

Sat 7th Notts County 3pm

Sat 18th Yeovil 3pm

Sat 11th Preston North End 3pm

Sat 13th Notts County 3pm

Sat 14th Port Vale 3pm

Sat 25th Preston North End 3pm

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Fixtures Key

Home Game Away Game

21/08/2014 19:35

Coming Soon...

Swindon’s New Online Sports Channel The new Swindon Link team is hard at work behind the scenes producing an exciting new sports portal. Created by supporters for supporters, this new website will provide Swindon sports fans with an unrivaled offering, putting you at the heart of the action.

Every part of the website has been designed with the fan in mind from the new Link Sports logo, to the functionality and user journey of the site.

The new logo as you can see from the design below is red and white in colour, chosen to reflect the kit colours of the main sports teams in the town. We are committed to working with local businesses and have chosen Swindon suppliers to work with us on this project. The new Link Sport logo is designed by Juicy Designs based in Old Town and the main frame of the website and user journey is created by iFluid based at Kembrey Park.

The Link Sports website will allow you to keep up to date with all the latest results, fixture information and sports reports.

You will be able to listen, watch and share exclusive audio and video content, chat with other fans in the Fan Forum and get up to the minute live reporting on match days.

The website will be divided into sections with special areas for Swindon Town FC, Swindon Robins and Swindon Wildcats as well as rugby, equestrian, golf, darts and more. There is also a dedicated section for grass root sports enabling local clubs a

space to promote future fixtures, discuss club news, or profile up and coming players.

The Link Sports site has also been designed to include an online shop for fans to buy match day photography and sporting memorabilia.

Link Sports will offer advertisers an exceptional platform to reach out to sports fans with tailor-made packages available on request.

If you want your business to be aligned with the best in sport in Swindon contact Anita Jaynes by email: anita@swindonlink.com or call 01793 608840.

COMPETITION TIME! @home in September Wednesday 3rd, 7.45pm

Wildcats Vs Milton Keynes Saturday 6th, 6.00pm

Wildcats Vs Bracknell Bees

Sunday 13th, 6pm

Wildcats Vs Chelmsford Chieftains Sunday 20th, 6pm

Wildcats Vs Guildford Flames

To celebrate the new Ice Hockey Season we have teamed up with Swindon Wildcats to offer you the chance of winning tickets to the next home game.

We are giving away tickets for a family of 4 to a home game in September.

For your chance to win answer this question...

What is the name of the Swindon Wildcats Head Coach?

Submit your answer, contact name, address and telephone number to: publisher@swindonlink.com

by Thursday 4 September at midday. Good luck!

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Swindon charity celebrates singing

Totally Divine

Is your child talented or gifted, or does he or she just love to sing?

The JTP Trust is a unique organisation founded in 2004 to nurture children’s vocal talents.

Founded by master-singing teacher and director, Janice Thompson, it exists to promote, improve, develop and maintain standards of singing in and around Swindon for children aged 4 years upwards who have a passion for singing.

Recent research Janice Thompson working with a student suggests that singEven the youngest singers are ing assists reading skills, and the offered opportunity to perform in trust is also keen to offer scholarships to children who love singing and concerts and children's musicals, are recommended by their primary and to succeed in exams. In the oldest classes, JTP Trust has a proven school teachers.

Each child's voice is individually record of helping teenage singers to developed by an experienced teach- gain points for university by achieving team and lessons include tuition ing high scores in advanced musical with Janice herself. Her experience theatre exams The JTP Trust Girls Concert Choir includes a two year tenure as chairman of a national singing teachers' for 14 to 18 year olds has achieved organisation and presentations in national excellence by twice reaching England and Europe on young de- the finals of Music for Youth.

Over the last few years the trust has veloping voices.

For men who sing Wessex Male Choir took a well earned break in August but will launch the new season under new musical director Katrine Reimers in early September.

The 60+ strong male choir have been wowing audiences both in the UK and abroad in the past 12 months, ending with a tour of Dublin and Waterford and a sell out concert at Steam Museum in July.

The choir welcomes all male singers over the age of 18 who are invited to visit a Tuesday rehearsal at the Church of Christ the Servant at Abbey Meads village centre, starting on Tuesday 2 September, 7.30pm.

Interested singers will find the camaraderie and rehearsals fun and great preparation for performing in a choir with a growing international reputation. wessexmalechoir.co.uk

Orchestra holds open rehearsal and concert The Royal Wootton Bassett Orchestra is inviting players of all standards on all instruments to take part in an open rehearsal of Schubert's Unfinished Symphony on Saturday 20 September.

The RWBO was formed in 1982 and prides itself as being a friendly, fully inclusive group of musicians who welcome members from all walks of life and of all ages. Some have been with the orchestra for over 25 years, others are just departing to go off to university or college.

The 20 September event is in addition to the concerts programmed for the spring, summer and before Christmas.

The rehearsals will take place at the Memorial Hall from 1pm to 4.30pm and will be followed by a performance.

Guests of all ages are invited to watch or just turn up for the performance.

For details contact Sheridan Parsons: secretary@wbo.org.uk wbo.org.uk

associated itself closely with the heritage of Swindon and past large-scale performances have included 'Brunel: the Little Man in the Tall Hat' (2006) and 'Swindon the Opera', both with music by Betty Roe MBE. In July the JTP Trust presented a spectactular tenth anniversary concert with guest spots from West End singer Sarah Covey and Arts Educational School graduate Jordan Ginger, both of whom are former students of the charity.

The JTP Trust has vacancies for enthusiastic singers in all classes, but particularly in its youngest classes and concert choir.

Classes and choir rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings at Haydonleigh Primary School and are a unique blend of solo, ensemble and musical theatre styles.

For information about taking part in free taster days in September, mail: info@jtptrust.org jtptrust.org

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Wedding Fayre at Blunsdon House Hotel

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Wedding Fayre Sunday 14th

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September 11am to 3pm

Local wedding exhibitors Bridal competition • Free entry Shaw Ridge Leisure Park West Swindon 01793 878785

www.wedding-fayre.co.uk Organised by ADP Limited. Tel: 01793 840000 swindonlink.com • September 2014 29

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Music Sunday 7th, 3pm Big Brunch Band. Free. Town Gardens Bandstand

Wednesday 10th, 1.05pm Swindon Recital Series: Classic Broadway. Classical arrangements of

Life is not easy!

But every individual deserves to live the life they were made for and enjoy it!!

musical hits performed by Paul Turner, piano. £5. Wyvern

Whatever you’re currently struggling with , I strongly believe there’s a way forward!

And together we can find that way!

Wednesday 10th, 7.30pm The Country Superstars Experience.

Heart to Heart Counselling

Please get in touch : 07901768239 No fee for initial appointment www.hearttoheartcounselling.co.uk

Dani Ohiaeriaku Therapeutic Counsellor MBACP

Organic September Open Day Farm walks Pop-up café Farm Shop Tastings Meet the animals ...plus much more!

Saturday 13th September 10am-4pm Free entry Purton House Organics Purton, Swindon Tel: 01793 772287 www.purtonhouseorganics.co.uk

Meet some of the most influential icons who shaped Country history and the music with Dolly Parton tribute Sarah Jayne and vocal impersonator Andy Crust. £17.50. Wyvern

Saturday 13th, 7.30pm One Night of Queen. Gary Mullen and his band the Works pay tribute to rock legends Queen. £19.50. Wyvern

Sunday 14th, 3pm Swindon Pegasus Brass Band.

Free. Town Gardens Bandstand

Sunday 14th, 7.30pm An Evening of Dirty Dancing. The ultimate celebration of the iconic music from the classical movie in this slickly choreographed tribute show. £19. Wyvern

Friday 19th, 7pm to 1am Rock’n’Roll night featuring hits from the 50s and the world’s number one Elvis Presley tribute, Mark Summers. £12, for tickets call Steve or Natalie on 07796 137770. Swindon Town FC’s Legends Lounge

Sunday 21st, 3pm Cricklade Band. Free. Town Gardens Bandstand

Saturday 27th, 7.30pm The Les Bruce Big Band concert in aid of Swindon MS Therapy Centre. £8, children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult. Tickets from 01793 466129.

Ellendune Hall, Wroughton SN4 9LW

Comedy Friday 12th, 8pm Joe Avati. In his brand new show Back to Basics Joe recounts hilarious stories of growing up Italian in an English speaking country. £23. Wyvern

Thomas, OR members of his team at Special Auction Services, will value portable items between 10am and 3.30pm on: Monday 8th September

Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG

Valuations are by appointment only.

Please call 01635 580595 or visit www. specialauctionservices.com to arrange an appointment

Wednesday 17th, 8pm The Axis Of Awesome. With over 60 million hits on YouTube they are the world’s most awesome comedy band. £15. Arts Centre

Saturday 27th, 7.30pm Arthur Smith: Channelling Leonard Cohen. Arthur muses on dementia, death and decline to hilarious and poetic effect. £19.50. Wyvern

Magic Wednesday 24th, 7.30pm Paul Daniels & Debbie McGee: A selection of their favourite tricks and a number of new ones in an evening of magic and comedy. £19. Wyvern

Children & Family Saturdays 6th and 20th 10am to 4pm Meet the Railway Workers. Former engine drivers, firemen and railway workers bring the days of steam to life.

Normal admission charges. STEAM

Saturday 6th to Sunday 28th Hedgerow Harvest. Take a tractor ride to find blackberries, hazelnuts and sloes growing in the hedges. Normal admission prices. Roves Farm. See the advert on page 20

Friday 12th, 8pm Worbey & Farrell. Hot from the Edinburgh Festival, Steven Worbey and Kevin Farrell, masters of musical mayhem entertain with their ingenious and unique style of piano playing. £14.

Arts Centre

Saturday 13th, 1.30pm & Sunday 14th, 10am & 12.30pm What the Ladybird Heard. Colourful farmyard adventure with live music, puppetry and audience participation. £12. Wyvern

Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th.

Tues 7pm; Wed 10.30am & 1.30pm; Thurs & Fri 10.30am & 7pm; Sat 2.30pm & 7pm Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain.

A brand new history of Britain with all the nasty bits left in. £14 - £18; family £48. Wyvern

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th, 10am to 5pm Scarecrow Trail. A fun event for all the family; money raised will go to local charities. Afternoon teas and refreshments available along the route. Quiz entry sheets, £2, from Best One, Purton House Organic Farm & The Royal George.

Further information from info@purtonscarecrow.co.uk

Ballet September 20th, 8pm Pete Firman. The astonishing comedy magician hits the road again with his new show. £16. Arts Centre

Sunday 28th, 3pm Snow White presented by Vienna Festival Ballet. A spellbinding treat for all the family. £20; family £72. Wyvern

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Drama Friday 19th, 7.30pm Twelve Ten Fifteen. The story of Edith Cavell, a caring and compassionate nurse shot during WW1 by a firing squad in Belgium is revealed and recounted by a war hardened, weary and cynical 21st Century female war correspondent. £12.

Arts Centre

Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th, 7.30pm Oh! What a Lovely War. With popular songs of the time a large cast sing, act and dance to bring the story to life. £10, to book call 07517 698083. Arts Centre

Thursday 30th, 7.30pm Great Expectations. Journey with an actor-musician through a modern Dickensian England meeting some of the most elaborate characters in literature. £12. Arts Centre

Talk Thursday 11th, 7.30pm Tony Jacklin: Discussing his extraordinary golfing career with world renowned snooker star Willie Thorne. £26. Wyvern

September Events at Central Library Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th; Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th Swindon Open Studios 2014: Festival of the Visual Arts: As part of the annual celebration of art Swindon artists will be using Central Library as one of their venues. Come and meet them and be inspired by their works. There will also be a specially selected exhibition on display throughout the whole of September in the library’s Court Yard Gallery. Free entry

Wednesday 10th, 7.15pm World War I: Life in the Trenches - a talk by Steve Williams

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Using a constructed backdrop of a WW1 trench, Trowbridge-based military historian Steve Williams gives a graphic presentation of what life was really like for soldiers living in the trenches.

Steve will demonstrate and describe the conditions in which the soldiers lived and fought as well as discussing some poignant facts and figures about WW1. £2.50 (£1.50 library members)

Wednesday 17th 7.15pm Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th World War I Poets ‘Lest We Forget’ Innovation Festival. A series of talks - a talk by Lynda Warren. Lynda

covering all types of innovation and the new thinking being brought to industry.

See the schedule at innovationfestival. co.uk. Arts Centre

Thursday 18th, 7.30pm The World’s Worst Serial Killers.

Retired murder squad detective Trevor Marriott presents a show highlighting the murders committed by 20 of the world’s worst serial killers. £12. Arts Centre

Exhibition From Friday 22nd August 10am to 5pm A Railway at War. The exhibition marks the centenary of the start of World War One and displays rare wartime photographs, memorabilia and objects as well as a newly framed roll of honour which lists the employees who died during the war. Normal admission charges. STEAM

Until Saturday 27th, Wed to Sat, 11am to 3pm and from 10am during school holidays About Face. Portraits & figure studies from the Swindon collection of modern art works by twentieth century and contemporary British artists. Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery

Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th, 10am to 4.30pm The Guild of Wiltshire Artists Autumn exhibition. A range of subject matter, styles and media will provide interest for a wide audience and most works will be for sale. Free entry. St. Peter’s Church, High Street, Marlborough SN8 1HQ.

looks back 100 years to the soldier and civilian poets of World War 1, reflecting on their lives and their works. The talk features both well-known and unfamiliar male and female poets including John McCrea, Wilfred Owen, Madeline Ida Bedford and Eva Dobell. £2.50 (£1.50 library members)

Thursday 25th, 7.15pm Capturing Emotion: war photographer Robert Capa - a talk by Ron Bateman.

Ron Bateman (co-founder of the Orwell Society) presents a collection of remarkable images taken by Robert Capa throughout both the Spanish Civil War and World War II, and discusses some of the more controversial aspects of his work. £2.50 (£1.50 library members)

Venues Arts Centre: Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 Central Library: Regent Circus SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 463782 Lydiard House: Lydiard Park SN5 3PA. Tel: 01793 466664 Roves Farm: Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 STEAM: Kemble Drive SN2 2EY. Tel: 01793 466637 Swindon Information Centre: Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery: Bath Road, SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 Wyvern Theatre: Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

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Swindon cake maker needs your votes at The Pitch West Swindon based entrepreneur Samantha Whittingham is aiming to make it to the finals of a national marketing award in October, and you can help her win extra prizes online.

Earlier this year she launched an inExplaining the inspiration for her ceive intensive coachnovative online cake and baking shop business which has been growing ing and mentoring Little Miss CakeMaker.com which is faster than she expected, Samantha before demonstrating full of user friendly ideas aimed at said: “Ordering cakes online can be a what they’ve learnt making it easy for customers to create long winded process based on tradi- in a second selection process. The top 30 and order cakes to their own design. tional and old-fashioned ways.

Samantha delivers cakes topped “I’ve created a cake shop which will then attend The off with a picture or logo within three is interactive, fun, and easy to use. Pitch final in Bristol on days of ordering to addresses within People expect to buy pizzas and coffee 23 October.

She said: “It was just 25 miles of Swindon. She also sells that suit their taste, now you can do amazing to hear I was cake making supplies and her unique the same when buying cake.” baking kits where customers adapt Samantha will attend a business in the top 100 busiand personalise ingredients from a boot camp with other contestants in nesses in the UK. “The boot camps range of easy to select options.

Manchester on 18 September to rewill be challenging fun; it’s great to get some nnWnnV national exposure at Vegetablesvnvnvn nnV such an early stage. nnvn I’m a local business at nnV the moment but it’s nV always been my aim to develop a national Samantha celebrating the new look Link magBzine with corporate cupcakes. brand. This is an amaz- Photo: Richard Wintle Calyxpix.com ing opportunity to take my business to the next through to the final stages but nnLnV level. There are some great entries, so nv contestants can win thousands of it will be a tough battle but I want to Chiseldonvnn nWn pounds worth of prizes via a public nnnvnn n go as far as I can.” nnn vote. Support Samantha at: Find out more at: littlemisscakethepitchuk.com/shortlist/little-missmaker.com wwwVthreetreesfarmVcoVnnnn The judges will decide who goes cake-maker/701

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Ballroom Dancing in Swindon

New classes for Beginners start on Wednesday 3rd September 2014 at Red Oaks Primary School (main hall), Redhouse, Swindon 7.00pm Ballroom Dancing (learn Waltz & Quickstep)

8.00pm Latin American Dancing (learn Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Salsa and more)

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Unit 2 Elstree Way, Abbey Meads SN25 4YX DELIVERY OR TAKE AWAY OPEN: Sun - Thur 4.45pm - 11.15pm; Fri & Sat 4.45pm - 11.45pm Last orders for delivery 15 minutes before closing time. Open every Bank Holiday Licenced to sell and deliver wine and beer

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For more information about joining a class, please call - 07789 974 866 or email - p.anslow.123@btinternet.com or visit our website - www.dance-my-way.co.uk

32 swindonlink.com • September 2014

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Recognising a Swindon writer with a fascinating past A book about a Swindon born writer, Ralph Bates, who rose to prominence in the USA has been written by Mike Yates of Old Town.

In the late 1930’s Time Magazine described Ralph Bates as ‘a better writer than Ernest Hemingway.’ Today he is hardly remembered in his home-town.

Born in 1899 Bates spent his early life in Swindon and was in the Army until 1918 before returning to work in the Great Western Railway.

He joined the Communist party in 1923 and the lure of places beyond Swindon saw him live in Paris and a talk about Bates at Swindon Central Barcelona where he was involved in Library on 19 November.

Find out more about Bates at: trade union work and political agitation against the rise of fascism in Spain. theralphbatesproject.co.uk which After Franco’s fascist victory, Bates includes declassified information on moved to Mexico and then the USA how the secret service and Special where he became Professor of English Branch monitored the author’s travLiterature at New York University. He els around Europe and his left wing wrote ten novels, set in Spain and activities.

Mexico. His final book, The Dolphin in Interested in creating the Wood, is a semi-autobiographical a film club? account of his early life in North WiltBrian Little from North Swindon is shire. looking for people interested in formBates died in New York in 2000, ing a film/video club to produce their aged 101, where his wife, now also own amateur film. A certain amount 101, still lives. of expert advice will be available.

Mike’s book - Ralph Bates Swindon’s To find out Churchfields more call Academy Brian onLogo unknown author - is available at Pen 07831 575758. & Paper in Old Town. He will be giving 1.

2.

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Summer Fete 1964 - 2014

Celebrating 50 years To celebrate our 50th Year we will be holding a Summer Fete...

Saturday 13th September, 10 am - 2pm Come along and have some fun, bring your friends and family and enjoy a range of activities for all ages including Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Cake and Craft Stalls!

To book a stall...

Call Esther Newman on 01793 487286 or email: enewman@churchfields.org

www.churchfields.org swindonlink.com • September 2014 33

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21/08/2014 15:33

Hope for lottery decision by the time Archbishop launches Lydiard’s Heritage Open Days The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will give his blessing to Lydiard Park’s Heritage Open Days when he visits Swindon on 13 September as part of a three-day visit to the Diocese of Bristol.

His day in the town star ts wave off a sponsored walk and renovation of the historic interior 5pm on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 with breakfast and prayer with bike ride in support of the Na- of St Mary’s by the time of the visit. September. St Mary’s will be open clergy and church leaders from tional Churches Trust initiative to Heritage Open Days is a na- from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Swindon Churches Together, an raise money to preserve some of tional annual event celebrating 12noon to 5pm on Sunday when ecumenical group of churches Britain’s 47,000 churches, chapels England’s architecture and culture visitors can view the exceptional St which work together across the and meeting houses which are at by allowing visitors free access John family monuments and the fatown, before he cuts a ribbon risk of falling into serious disrepair. to interesting properties that are at 9.40am to launch heritage The church congregation hopes either not usually open, or would mous polyptych displaying the herevents in front of Lydiard House. they will have received a positive normally charge an entrance fee. aldry of the St John family, including At 10am outside St M ar y ’s decision from the Heritage Lottery Lydiard House and Walled Garden a hidden panel illustrating their Church Archbishop Welby will Fund to grant £370,000 towards the will be open between 11am and connection with Queen Elizabeth I.

Book a place to discover more about Lydiard Park’s underground secrets Although extensive archaeology took place during the restoration of Lydiard Park in 2004 and 2005, there are still features under the ground that need interpretation.

The event, organised by the Friends On Saturday 4 October Ben Urmof Lydiard Park, is a unique chance to ston, senior geophysicist at Wessex Archaeology, will be leading free hour find out about the fascinating results long walks at 2pm and 3.30pm to reusing the latest survey techniques. veal the latest discoveries in the park.

Places are free, but limited.

Earlier this year Ben and his team To book contact Laura Joyner, comundertook further survey work munity & education officer at Wessex funded by English Heritage to learn Archaeology on 01722 326867 or mail: more about the long lost 17th Century l.joyner@wessexarch.co.uk. formal gardens which preceded the • The Friends of Lydiard Park safeguard landscape remodelled in the 1760s the future of the house and park and which we see today. work for their continued enhanceThis geophysical archaeology adds ment. Membership costs just £10 a to the knowledge gained from excavayear and includes free entry to Lydiard tions undertaken by Wessex ArchaeolHouse and Walled Garden. ogy ten years ago in advance of the lydiardparkfriends.org.uk restoration of the park landscape.

Lydiard Park from above in 2003 showing evidence in need of investigation

34 swindonlink.com • September 2014

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Green Flag Award for Swindon parks Two Swindon Council run parks are amongst the 1,470 open spaces to receive the prestigious Green Flag award this year.

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Cllr Gary Perkins starts the Park Run. Photo: Richard Wintle of Calyxpix.com

It’s the fourth year in a row that Lydiard Park will fly the flag and is joined by Stanton Park to the east of the town.

The awards, co-ordinated by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, are judged by over 700 volunteer experts who visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

To celebrate the fourth award, the weekly 5k Park Run at Lydiard Park on Saturday 2 August was started by

Cllr Gary Perkins with a flourish of the flag over runners and canines outside the house.

He said: “Lydiard and Stanton are two really important Swindon assets which are enjoyed by so many people throughout the year. The Green Flag signifies a park is of the highest standard, has great facilities and is beautifully maintained. Lydiard and Stanton certainly tick all those boxes.” parkrun.org.uk/swindon lydiardpark.org.uk swindon.gov.uk Search Stanton

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Help Swindon secure a record 600 people wanted to smash the Swiss Ball exercise class world record Saturday 11 October, at David Lloyd Gym in North Swindon Raising money for the new teenage cancer ward at RUH Bath.

Anyone aged 14 or above can take part in the 45 minute low impact class The cost is £25 with all funds being donated to the appeal and the Swiss ball will be yours to keep.

Register at ex-c.co.uk/recordbreakingballs

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Double Olympian swimmer and Commonwealth medallist Adam Faulkner of Woodhall Park is bringing his own brand of children’s swimming tuition in a new venture: UK Swim Academy.

Adam competed at both the Sydney Adam’s unique learn-to-swim proand Athens Games, and won a medal gramme is based around three levels at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in of ability. Adam said: “Although the Manchester. He then left the sport for tuition follows the ASA national a while and joined the RAF as aircrew. programme and is delivered by highly Expressing her support for UK qualified teachers, I’ve put my own Swim Academy, double Olympic spin on it to make it more fun and gold medallist and Adam’s former engaging. training partner, Rebecca Adlington “From my own experience swimOBE said: “Adam has a huge passion ming can feel quite a lonely, repetitive for swimming and it’s great to see him sport so the groups help children feel going back to what he knows and loves they belong. They even get the chance and helping the next generation of to wear their own club kit.” young swimmers.”

Adam’s classes take place at CrickExplaining his motivation for the lade Leisure Centre on Saturdays academy Adam said: “I wanted to and cost £7 per session, with the first create a learning experience which was session free. UK Swim Academy also much more than a swimming lesson. offers one to one tuition to children For me it’s important that children with disabilities, for which funding enjoy learning to swim, this is where may be available. they build the confidence that leads For details contact Adam on 07730 to better technique.”

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36 swindonlink.com • September 2014

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22/08/2014 12:31

Four forget-me-nots do their bit for Alzheimer’s Julie Moody of Harmony Brides in Old Town and her three friends Sherry MacNab, Vicky Dunstan and Lyndsey Adamson are set to tackle the 26 mile hike from Stonehenge to Avebury in September, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, and they have chosen Forget-me-nots as their team name.

Describing how they came to take with Alzheimer’s, so it’s closer to up the challenge Julie said: “It’s all home than most people realise.”

Sherry’s fault. She suggested we did The four women are training three something every year to get fit and times a week, mainly walking from raise money for charity. their Purton base on a 9 mile circuit “We chose Alzheimer’s because out to the M4 via Mouldon Hill, and there’s been lots of publicity about Westlea. Their furthest training trek it recently through Fiona Phillips so far has been 16 miles from Purton on GMTV. It’s amazing how many to Old Town and back. people are affected, and it’s not just The walk takes place on 6 Septemthe elderly. People in their 50s are ber. Sponsor the team at: justgiving. developing the disease as well. And com and search for any of the ladies most people know of somebody in by name. Alternatively drop into their family or via a friend who is Harmony Brides, Devizes Road, Old showing signs or has been diagnosed Town and pledge your donation.

Striding out for a good cause Sherry, Julie, Vicky , Lyndsey

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Core Elements Yoga & Pilates Classes in West Swindon, North Swindon, Old Town & Malmesbury Monday 6.15pm - 7.30pm: Hot Yoga Flow Tuesday 7.15pm - 8.30pm: Astanga Yoga Thursday 9.30am - 10.45am: Hot Yoga Flow Thursday 1.30pm - 2.30pm: Pilates Book now for September courses. Call Dawn Morse MSc (Sports & Health) on 07887 535766

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swindonlink.com • September 2014 37

21 - 52 September 14.indd 37

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Got Questions about Life?

St John’s Haydon Wick is running an Alpha Course this autumn beginning with an Alpha Supper on Thursday 18th September, 7pm.

Dash for dosh to aid Smash in September Smash, the Swindon charity that supports vulnerable young people by teaming them up with trained mentors, wants supporters for its first ever Smash Dash for Cash on Sunday 7 September.

Please contact Janice in the Parish Office if you’d like to know more on 01793 726000 or email: parishoffice@stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

All Welcome On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

SMASH mentees Luke Withington, Charley Bean and Abdul Kareem receiving encouragement by Nuffield Health instructors Junni Scott and Fatou Njie. Photo: Richard Wintle of Calyx

Individuals, families or a team can take part in the 10 mile course around Barbury Castle, and they can get round on foot, on a bike, on a horse, hopping, dancing, in a pram or behind a team of huskies - any means is acceptable, so long as a mechanical engine isn’t involved.

There will be prizes for the most sponsorship raised, the first individual and team to finish, the oldest, the youngest, and the person or team completing the course with

the most style.

Smash currently receives a lottery grant but has to raise £50,000 to sustain the work it does matching young people who have suffered trauma, abuse, bullying or lack of friendship with trained adult volunteers who provide them with regular and consistent support.

Nuffield Health are sponsoring the prizes so that all cash goes to Smash.

Register to take part at smashyouthproject.co.uk

Escape to a skin care expert Gemma Lee who runs Escape to Beauty salon in Oakhurst has recently become a Dermalogica skin therapist expert, one of only two in Wiltshire.

She offers a wide range of treatments using Dermalogica products, from facials to body treatments and wraps. Gemma also does make-up for weddings and proms, massages, Shellac gel polish manicures, pedicures, waxing, and many more treatments at very affordable prices.

See Gemma’s advert on page 29 or escape-to-beauty.co.uk

See the difference An individual & independent practice (Est 1976) We will achieve and preserve your best vision

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FOSSE DOGOTEL AND CATTERY Going on holiday?

Worried about your pets?

On the way to see Swindon’s Zebedee

Janet’s Puppy Skool Have fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes

They can have a fun time at Fosse Dogotel

3 Playskool class for puppies 3 Adult beginners/improvers 3 Senior Skool/advanced classes 3 One to one advice & training 3 Fun agility workshops

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Dog lovers wanted: Open your home to a friendly dog for his holiday.

While owners are away you will welcome their dogs into your family home and give them the love companionship and exercise they deserve.

For more information please contact:

Hilary Coates

Peatmoor couple Dave and Sarah Chilvers set off in early September to visit the Moonbear rescue sanctuary run by Animals Asia, and will have their first encounter with Zebedee, the bear sponsored by the Swindon support group, named with reference to the town’s famous magic roundabout.

The volunteers in Swindon are aiming to raise another £12,000 to help Animals Asia fund the conversion of a bear farm in Nanning, China, into a sanctuary.

The farm owner made an unprecedented request to rescue and care for the 130 bears once kept in dreadful conditions and milked for Moonbear dragon boat paddlers, Dave and Sarah their bile in the belief Chilvers with Jill Robins, centre it has health giving properties. pany in China that purchases half of Sarah said: “We’re really looking all bear bile powder is going to invest forward to meeting Zebedee for the in research for a synthetic alternative.” first time and we hope he’ll soon be Swindon support group members joined by another rescued bear who raised £2,000 at the Coate Water we’re naming Florence.

Dragon Boat races on 29 June and “Animals Asia is doing such great were joined by Animals Asia founder awareness raising work in China and Jill Robinson OBE, while she was in around the world. The recent great Britain on a fundraising tour. news is that a pharmaceutical comanimalsasia-swindon.co.uk

Tel: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk

Fundraising for Swindon Guide Dogs

www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn

Monday 6 October, 7pm for 7.30pm. Teams wanted for the annual quiz night at the Village Inn, Liddington.

Enter a team of 4 for £12 by calling Kaye on 01793 485869 or mail: keepflapping@yahoo.co.uk A limited menu at extra cost will be served at 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Contact Kaye for the menu and to pre-order.

A franchise owned and operated under licence by Hilary Coates

Saturday 11 October, 7pm for 7.30pm. Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix Charity Sporting Dinner at the Marriott Hotel, Swindon SN3 1SH in aid of Swindon Guide Dogs and Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group.

Guest speaker: Welsh rugby wizard Gareth Edwards MBE. Three course meal, auction and raffle. Tickets £55 or table of 10: £550.

To book, contact John Flanagan on 078604 91561 or John Fisher on 07780 702838 or see bit.ly/SwindonRCP Sunday 14 October. Runners wanted to support their Run4Joy appeal at the Swindon Half Marathon, or multi-terrain run, or family run.

Contact Alan Fletcher at Swindon Guide Dogs on 01793 827589 or mail: fletcas@sky.com to obtain a sponsorship form. bit.ly/SwindonHM

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Demonstrations by the Wiltshire Police dog section, displays of new and vintage emergency service vehicles, fire engine and police car rides, and the opportunity to chat with local police officers, firefighters and paramedics about their work.

Great Western Air Ambulance and Wiltshire Air Ambulance will be in attendance, and there will be the chance to find out more about the new Wiltshire helicopter that comes into service in the Autumn.

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40 swindonlink.com • September 2014 Link Magazine Ad.indd 1 21 - 52 September 14.indd 40

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Pre-loved fashion show: 25 September The fashion mistake… there’s always one or more, bought as a bargain, or you liked the colour - yet there it hangs, unworn for months or even years Or what about your favourite dress you promised one day to fit back into, if only you could lose those extra pounds?

Liberate your wardrobe and donate those unwanted items to the sale at Dressability HQ, Unit 3, York House, Hindle Way, SN3 3RB, Thursday 25 September, from 3pm to 7pm.

Call Stella on 07971 284884 to arrange collection

Allotments offered at half price 4 August 1914 saw the start of a war that consumed the world, and although allotments had existed in the UK from the 18th Century, the ensuing food shortages lead to the creation of the local authority allotments that we recognise today.

100 years later growing fresh food is just as important, but now as a leisure activity, and private allotment landowner Andy Laker from North Swindon is offering plots at 50 per cent discount fee until April 2015.

The site is near M4 Junction 16.

Forty per cent of the plots have been taken; now's a good time to snap up one of the rest. For details call Andy, above, on 07808 808088. mypatchswindon.co.uk

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

Blackwood JillGarden Magic Royal Horticultural Society Silver Medal

PROFESSIONAL DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND LANDSCAPING SERVICE

mowing

• Full garden

maintenance service

• Hedgecutting, pruning and weeding

For a free consultation in the Swindon area call Jill Blackwood

on: 07951 014119 or 01793 340063

or e-mail: gillian.blackwood@ntlworld com www.jillblackwoodgardendesign.co.uk

HERITAGE TREE CARE

❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden

maintenance

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152

www.freethfencingandgardenservicesltd.com

• Planting, clearance and much more For a free no obligation quote call Cliff on 01793 703986 or 07973 391 668

Email: info@gardencareswindon.co.uk

GAZEBO

LANDSCAPING

PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHED 1992

Comprehensive service Qualified staff Fully insured

• •

•

• •

• Pruning and Shaping • Felling and Removal • Hedge Cutting • Stump Grinding • Tree Planting Free quotations and advice Call Ian Walding (N.C.Hort N.D.Arb)

Fencing - closeboard, panels etc.

Drives & patios - slabs, concrete, shingle Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up Turfing, grass seeding Ponds & pergolas

Tel: 07711 253508

01793 790210 07971 566880 Email: treeman@iwalding.freeserve.co.uk

FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD Est. 1990 35 Spencer Close, West Swindon

• Regular lawn

freshwind@blackberry.orange.co.uk

LANDSERVE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care `````` for your garden Grass cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Decking and Fencing Hedge cutting & pruning No Job Too Small. All works insured

Call Martin Emery MI Hort.

for free quotation on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

• All Traditonal Fencing • Decking •Gates •Sheds • Pergolas & Planters • Timber supplies • Insurance Repairs

Call today for a free quote

01793 850457 or 07809075792 www.lindenfencing.co.uk

CLIFF WHITEWAY SERVICES For all your home & garden needs Patios Decking Paths Turfing Walling Fencing Driveways For a free quote call Cliff on

Tel: 01793 731418 Mobile: 07808 355487

Established locally for over 8 years References available swindonlink.com • September 2014 41

21 - 52 September 14.indd 41

22/08/2014 12:38

Last chance to see birdlife in secret sanctuary Wiltshire Wildlife volunteer wardens will be conducting the last tour of this year around Swindon Lagoons on 20 September.

The 20 ponds close to Thames Water’s works at Barnfield, overlooked by Shaw Forest Park, are not generally open to the public for safety reasons.

Booking is essential as numbers are limited. Call Gordon Shaw on 01793 616558 to book a place.

Dogs are not permitted on the reserve and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Get ready to take Phoebe to No.1 Award winning ten year old Phoebe Maddison from North Swindon spent 18 August in the studio recording a song in aid of JDRF, the world’s largest charity committed to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.

Now she’s getting ready to promote the track entitled My Life, written by Steve Paxton, when it’s released in October. With your support it could top the charts for Christmas.

Phoebe’s parents Michelle and Antony accompanied her to producer Jack Fletcher’s studio in a rural setting

near Barry where Gavin and Stacey is filmed. Michelle said: “It was a really long day to get the track sounding just right. Phoebe sounded superb and was still singing to the radio as we arrived home late in the evening.”

Phoebe who has type 1 diabetes is totally committed to JDRF and in February went to New York with Antony to be part of the team from Libra television who won an International Emmy® Kids Award in the factual category for the BBC documentary Same But Different, about living with diabetes.

A number one hit would be such a boost for Phoebe and awareness of diabetes.

Sponsor her fundraising at: justgiving.com/ Phoebe-Maddison • A group of 12 friends from Swindon are cycling from London to Paris in aid of JDRF, on 11 September.

Support them at: justgiving.com/londonparis14

Home alone without a partner

FIAT & ALFA ROMEO ✶ All cars welcome ✶ cam belt replacement ✶ engine & gearbox repairs & rebuilds ✶ electrical fault code reading ✶ MOT repairs ✶ vehicle sales ✶ servicing to light commercials

New Accessory Shop Now Open

A new social afternoon for women and men who are widowed will start at West Swindon Library in Link Centre on Thursday 25 September, 2pm to 4pm.

Organiser Gail Light said: “Come along for a free cuppa and chat, make friends and find out what’s going on in your area. It will be a friendly social group for any age, and we’ll be able to point people to specialist counselling support if needs be.”

The group will meet on the second and fourth Thursday of the month: 9 and 23 October; 13 and 27 November.

Call Gail on 01793 466223 for details.

Call for friendly advice, reliable service & quotes. All major credit & debit cards

OPTIMA MOTORS Tel: (01793) 840667

39A Station Road, Wootton Bassett Open 8.30am - 5.30pm

GIANT ORBEA MEKK GT RALEIGH CLAUD BUTLER DAWES WE THE PEOPLE

SALES, SPARES, REPAIRS & HIRE 60A, BEECHCROFT ROAD, UPPER STRATTON SN2 7QD

TEL : 0 1 7 9 3 7 0 0105 Email: sw i n do n c ycles@yah o o.co.u k

LIKE US:

SWINDON-CYCLES

FOLLOW US: @SWINDONCYCLES

42 swindonlink.com • September 2014

21 - 52 September 14.indd 42

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Dogs of war, the story of the Bouvier des Flandres Dogs have always played an important role throughout the history of warfare, perhaps never more so than in the Great War when one breed of was all but wiped out, writes Frances Bevan.

The Bouvier des Flandres was first me. All mine are trained to assist and bred by the monks at the Ter Duinen will pick up anything I drop or bring monastery in Flanders by crossing me something I need.” local farming dogs with imported Janet is not alone in her enthusiasm. animals such as Irish Wolfhounds and Bouviers are still earning their keep Scottish Deerhounds. The result was a and can be found worldwide working working dog with boundless strength for the police, as guide dogs and also and stamina, used on Belgian farms in the military. to herd and protect cattle and to pull • Hitler’s hatred of Bouviers. See the small carts. story at: bit.ly/janetsbouviers During the Great War the Bouvier • See Janet’s advert on page 40. des Flandres were em- Janet with her Bouvier buddies Riff and Mack ployed in their thousands on the Western Front. These intelligent, easy to train dogs were used in the trenches as both messenger and rescue dogs, able to drag wounded men to safety and to haul supplies.

By the end of the war the Bouvier had almost disappeared but a small group of enthusiasts began a selective breeding programme in the Netherlands and France to reMack establish the breed.

Residential Closer to home dog behaviourist and puppy trainer Janet Garrett who can offer runs Janet’s Puppy Skool in Haydon GUARANTEED RENT Wick, has owned Bouvier des Flan- for your property for up to 5 years. dres for more than 15 years.

Working with Local Authorities “I have had all sorts of breeds of means we can GUARANTEE your rent in SWINDON. dog over the years but Bouviers are We urgently require 2 and 3 the closest to my heart,” said Janet bedroom properties. who owns Gus an 8 year old black NO SET UP FEES AND NO male, Mack a 2 year old blond male MANAGEMENT FEES APPLY. and Riff a 6 year old blonde female.

01242 250846 “I love their loyalty, their big brains and trainability, their temperament, david.goodfellow@ mackresidential.com their size and the way they look after

IS DAMP A PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME?

Cotswold UPVC Guttering We supply and fit a wide range of Fascias Guttering Soffits Downpipes We aim to beat any legitimate written quotation Please call or email now to discuss your requirements 01993 252028/07584 164636 cotswoldUPVCguttering@ outlook.com

GASTECH THE INDEPENDENT GAS SPECIALISTS

• Servicing, Repairs, Installation • Central Heating (including Combination boilers and Warm Air) • Landlord Safety Checks • Cookers, Fires, Water Heaters

142573

Do you have: • Rising damp • Streaming windows?

• Damp clothing & furniture?

• Unsightly black mould?

• Wet internal walls?

• Mould and odours?

Damp surveys undertaken All damp problems solved Call now for free advice

SERVICE CONTRACT SPECIALISTS

FOR GAS SERVICE CALL 01793 848800

6 Templars Way Industrial Est, Marlborough Rd, W. Bassett SN4 7SR www.gastechwilts.co.uk

01793 886222 www.swindondamp.co.uk

UNITS 19-20 KENDRICK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SWINDON WILTS SN2 2DU

TEL: 01793 536784 SANSUM SAND & GRAVEL SUPPLY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TRADE CUSTOMERS

BRICKS, CONCRETE BLOCKS, CELCON BLOCKS, BLOCK PAVING, PATIO SLABS, SAND, GRAVEL, TOP SOIL, BARK, CANTABURY SPAR, LANDSCAPE FABRIC, DRAINAGE CHANNELS, BUILDING CHEMICALS, ROCK SALT AND CEMENT

www.sansums.co.uk swindonlink.com • September 2014 43

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MILESTONE Building Services

Complete Property Renovations & Alterations Kitchens / Bathroom Tiling / Flooring Brickwork / Blockwork Paving / Patios Fencing / Decking & Ground Works Carpentry / Plumbing All Building Works Undertaken No job too small • Free estimates Contact: Dean Scanlon Telephone: 01793 422032 Mobile: 077 8968 1536

The Plumber you’ll Recommend!

RepaiRs, installation, Maintenance FRee Quotes! excellent seRvice!

Call Justin:

Tel: 01793 871 593 Mob: 07503 210 748

justinhallplumbing@gmail.com

Competent, reliable and fully insured.

For all your carpentry needs k Door hanging k Kitchen fitting

All aspects of building and maintenance work carried out to private and public properties.

k Real wood and laminate flooring

Please call for a free quotation.

k 15 years experience

01793 670115 or 0784 182 6390 for a Free Estimate

Call 01793 514069 or 07885 972172 e: ellisj10@sky.com

derek.richardson5@virginmedia.com 24 The Elms, Nine Elms Swindon SN5 5XA

www.delliscarpentry.co.uk

J’s Electrical ✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing ✭ 24 hours

• 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

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447

Contact: Pete

Tel: 01793 932 570 Mob: 07790 283 186

Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

SWINDON GAS SERVICES

Alison J Hook Painter, Decorator & General Handywoman

www.swindongasservices.co.uk

01793 847517 ★ boiler changes ★ boiler breakdown ★ full central heating systems ★ heating system upgrades ★ power flushing ★ bathroom suites ★ all types of plumbing work undertaken ★ no call out charge 550065 ★ 15 years experience

k Fitted wardrobes

01793 871660 (Office) Mob: 075151 25060

Oakleaf Construction

• Extensions • Driveways • Conservatories • Patios • Garden Walls • Fencing All general building and landscaping projects undertaken NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Stewart on

D E Carpentry

DJR General Builders Ltd

217129

Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms & Bedrooms Tiling & Worktops Laminate Flooring Skirtings & Architraves Dados & Coving Doors & Decking And much more

For a FREE no obligation quote call now on 07874 021004 or 01793 701797

24 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ For ALL your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

07845 90 80 60 or 01793 700 820

www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

• Free no obligation quotes • Fully insured • Interior/exterior work • Gardening services and maintenance • No job too small • Reliable, honest, friendly service

t: 01793 692149 m: 07780 915446

e: ajh.decor@gmail.com

Earthmoving Services Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice

Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597

www.haynesconstruction.org.uk

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS • Kitchen/Bathroom Installations • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing • Tiling • Minor Electrical • Carpentry • Garden landscaping/Maintenance • Patios & Decking

Tel: 01793 721677 Mobile 07919415849

• Garden/site shaping, levelling, clearance • Footings, trenches & ditches excavated • Hardcore sub-bases & roadways/tracks • Concrete, tarmac, hedge & stump removal • Soil screening/debris removal • Micro excavator, minimum access width required: 29” (730mm) C.P.C.S Licensed • Fully Insured Call Steve to discuss your needs and receive a free estimate Tel: 01793 848708 or 07967 341567

www.earthmovingservices.co.uk

Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists • Project Management • Alterations / Renovations • Garden walls / Patios / Decking • Conservatory bases / Porches No job too big or small!

Fully insured. 18 years experience Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on

0800 1357063 or 07967 155502

mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk

44

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21/08/2014 15:09

ACP

Home Improvements & Building Services • General building maintenance • Garage conversions • Bathroom makeovers • Carpentry • Wall & floor tiling • Plastering/Plaster boarding/Coving • UPVC doors, windows & repairs • Fascias, soffits, guttering • Patios and fencing Insurance work undertaken For a prompt professional service contact Andy: 07969350160 /01793 435513 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk

ASHDOWN BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Design to Installation

All Work Guaranteed. Quality Finish And Attention To Detail Is Assured.

No Job Too Small

Call Mark: 01793 887766 Mob: 07979 267757 www.ashdownbk.co.uk

FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION & ESTIMATE

• Extra Sockets/lights • •

• No job too small!

Connected Electrical Electrical && Connected Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 oror Tel: 07824 314080 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

ELECTRICIAN • Electrical installations • Modifications • Fault finding • Inspection & Testing • Domestic & Commercial • 24/7 Emergency call-out • Part P & IET Certified

Call Darren on 01793 629 629 www.crannistech.co.uk

• Qualified Carpenter, Joiner • 20 years experience • NO VAT • Free Estimates • Competitive Rates Contact Darryl 07976 244699 darrylphilliips.carpentry@gmail.com

• Full central heating systems • Boiler changes / services and repairs • Power flushing • Full bathroom / ensuite installations • General plumbing works • Free quotes and realistic prices

Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

hwheating@googlemail.com

• Misted/broken units?

• Handles replaced • Dropped doors • Patio rollers • Hinges and locks

Providing plumbing services to clients throughout Swindon

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

28 years experience Friendly, reliable service

Contact Adam for free advice and quote: 01793 940089 07729 703898

OAP discount on request Tel: 01793 977377 Mobile: 07813 950899

upvc-swindon@hotmail.co.uk

Semi-retired Plumber 24hr emergency call out

All heating and plumbing works undertaken

J&R Plumbing

Part PartPPRegistered Registered

• Extra Sockets/lights • Fuse Board Upgrade • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and Complete Rewires • Complete Rewires • No job too small!

Haydon Wick Heating Services

• PLUMBING • CARPENTRY • TILING • ELECTRICS

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician

• Fuse Board Upgrade

PHILLIPS CARPENTRY, JOINERY & MAINTENANCE

• Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in • Radiators changed

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

24/7 Emergency Call Out • All Works Guaranteed • Reliable & Affordable

All types of electrical work undertaken • House extensions, alterations & rewires • Fuse board repairs & replacements • Kitchen installations - cookers & appliances • Bathroom installations • Lighting & socket outlets • 24 hour emergency call out

• Fault finding & repairs • Testing & certification • Intruder alarm systems • Supplies to garages & out-houses • Exterior lighting & power

Fully qualified, NAPIT & Part P Approved Electricians

01793 847575

www.wired-electrical.co.uk

info@wired-electrical.co.uk

Boiler breakdown?

– diagnostic & repair, service & maintenance, boiler upgrades & installation...

Swindon’s Heating & Plumbing Specialists • Full Central Heating Installations • Boiler Replacement, Servicing & Repair • All Plumbing & Maintenance Services • Full Bathroom Installations • Landlord & Letting Agent Services • Renewable Energy Installations

01793 878636

T.

523887

Power Flus hing Agent

– systems balanced, power flushing, system upgrades & installation...

£4O

First boiler service

Plumbing problem?

– leaks, overflows and blockages fixed, taps upgraded, bathroom refits...

(Labour only)

Call Neal Young on

www.CentraHeat.co.uk

CentraHeat.co.uk

www.

Heating horror?

NEW CUSTOMER

SPECIAL OFFER!

07582 347132

07739 357617

M.

neal@ns-heating-plumbing.co.uk www.ns-heating-plumbing.co.uk 45

Advert.indd 1 21 - 52 September 14.indd 45

02/02/2011 09:58 64X93.indd 1 NSP SWEX ADVERT

19/05/2014 10:06 21/08/2014 15:10

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS

Plumbing

& Heating MJP Home Creations

❉ Quality bathroom suites

fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, 302877 machines installed

Creation Born Of Perfection Specialists in kitchens bathrooms and wetrooms Design and installation, plastering, plumbing, electrics, underfloor heating and tiling

Contact Matthew Pollard: 07779 318717 info@mjphomecreations.com See our customer testimonials: www.mjphomecreations.com

Professional Painter & Decorator

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

Call 01793 721455 or 07976 885203

Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051

www.trevorwyse.com

REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs

ain te

Wallpaper Specialist Coving • Dado Rails • Tiling

Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043

EP

• 20 years experience • Competitive rates • No job too small • Reliable & friendly service • Free estimates

r&

FREE ESTIMATES

ID

INTERIOR H EXTERIOR H WALLPAPERING H COVING H

DECORATOR

TREVOR WYSE 38 years experience

Approved Plumber

mjplumbing64@gmail.com

De cor ato r

DECORATOR

01793 876600 07748 964433

PR

DECORATOR

Free estimates

DECORATOR & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving

• Laminate flooring

• Doors & skirting

replacement

• Kitchen • Bathroom

internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Andy: 01793 729354

or 07900 835116

ELECTRICIAN

HEATING & PLUMBING

HEATING & PLUMBING

SAFE & SHAW

Quality Plumbing & Heating

RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd

ELECTRICAL SERVICES ✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

Please call Paul Eastham on 07769 883717

Est. 30 years • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Bathrooms & tiling • Power showers • Outside taps Reg: 128966 All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367 www.swindonheating.co.uk

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES APPRENTICESHIP SERVED TRADESMAN • Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling • Electrics • Plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted including granite For a complete professional service contact:

STEVE GEORGE

Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364

APPROVED 30 years experienced tradesman

Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work • Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates

7 YEAR GUARANTEE

on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers

• All work guaranteed • No job too small

Accredited Installer

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

PLANS DRAWN Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.

From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and

advice given.

7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered

Call Bob on 07778 324228

203455

PLASTERING BSJ PLASTERING & DECORATING SERVICES

All areas of Plastering, Decorating and Refurbishment undertaken

• Ceilings and Walls Plastered • Coving • Rendering • Painting & Decorating - Internal & External • Complete Home Improvements undertaken • Free quotations

Please contact Brian Jones

Mobile: 07976 572905 Home: 01793 725834

Professional, reliable and friendly service www.swindonplasterer.com

46

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BLINDS

BUILDING SERVICES

Paul Rhind the place for quality and value

Brighten up your home for Autumn with a rainbow of colours!

Suppliers of all types of blinds, awnings and shutters Full fitting service or cash & carry Open: Mon to Thurs 9.30am - 5.30pm Fri 9.30am - 5pm; Sat 10am - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor, Swindon

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

Tel: 01793 434584

www.charismablinds.co.uk

DECORATOR Quality painting and decorating at an affordable price 40 years experience No VAT Free estimates For professional, reliable and friendly service call

GBD Services 01793 979282 or 07453 966627

HOME MAINTENANCE G R SERVICES Painting and decorating Carpentry services Grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Kitchen & bathroom installations Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive

Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879

email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

PLUMBING

DECORATOR

DECORATOR INSIDE AND OUT

❍ Specialist in kitchens.

Supply and fit or fit only ❍ Fitted bedrooms ❍ Replacement doors and staircases ❍ Wooden and laminate floors ❍ Timber decking specialists ❍ Free no obligation quotes

Call Kevin Cook on Tel: 814833 or 07776 142981

DECORATOR

A CHANGE OF COLOUR

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Experienced in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating

• High class painting and decorating • 30 years experience • Competitive rates • Interior & exterior • References available • Reliable friendly service, all work undertaken For free quotation call Paul on

CARPENTRY J&R Carpentry Services

01793 321981 07775 840236

HOME MAINTENANCE Services

(Household Maintenance) Handyman

• Plastering • Carpentry • Garden Maintenance, • Decorating, Coving • Groundwork • Tiling • Bathroom & Kitchen Installation • Fencing & Patios • Power Jetting • Building, installing partition walls,

✓ Domestic, commercial & letting ✓ Specialist in insurance claims & DIY 'rescues’ ✓ Competitive rates (no VAT) ✓ Excellent references ✓ Registered and recommended by the Painting & Decorating Association ✓ Age UK Registered ✓ Full public liability insurance

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

TILING

General Domestic Plumbing Leaks, Burst Pipes and Sinks Taps, Showers and Overflows Gutter Installation Repairs and Cleaning No job too small No call out charge & free quotation Contact Owen Tel: 07708 644500 or: qplumbingswindon@gmail.com

21 - 52 September 14.indd 47

WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST Please call Leon for a free quote

Home & Garden Improvements General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance

Free estimates Call Jamie on 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

DOUBLE GLAZING

Doctor Glass repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks

Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671

KITCHEN/BATHROOM

Freezing fundraising fever

Installations and Toilet Specialist * Complete package * Competitive prices * 10 years experience

07920 015520 www.warwickpropertyservices.com sam@warwickpropertyservices.com

TILING

GILES BROS

TILING

J S Property Services

Free advice and quotations contact Darryl Bevan on 01793 497461 or 07919 671307

loft boarding & repairs Competitive Rates, Flexible Hours, Reliable, No job too small

For a free no obligation quote call Gary on

CARPENTRY

CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS

TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673

Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921

Email: leon.jack@hotmail.co.uk Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories

Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526

The ice bucket challenge. No self respecting celeb can avoid a dunking.

So Lyn Chapman, manager of Basepoint Centre in West Swindon and Lea-Anne Stanley of Pinacle Recruitment, are going for it on Tuesday 2 September, 12noon, in aid of Swindon Therapy Centre for MS. Come along and sponsor them having a bucket of chilly water poured over them at Basepoint, Rivermead Drive, SN5 7EX.

Is your charity looking for premises?

Rental space has become available in York House, Edison Business Park, Dorcan.

Dressability is a charity that adapts and alters clothing for people with disabilities and the elderly.

The building is leased and Dressability is looking for another organisation to share costs.

The ground floor space, available from 1 October, is approximately 866 square feet with disabled access.

For details contact Dressability Manager, Sharon Tombs, on 01793 512878 or 07754 105297.

47

22/08/2014 16:08

ACCOUNTANCY

CJD

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

Craig Dell FCCA

Chartered Certified Accountant Over 20 year’s experience for all your accountancy & taxation needs including: • Self Assessments • Sole Traders • Partnerships • Limited Companies • Available evenings and weekends • Fixed fee quotes • No VAT • First consultation free

Tel: 01793 343255 M: 07557 399987 Email: cjd.accountancy@virginmedia.com

www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk

CARPET CLEANING

AERIAL SERVICES

AERIAL SERVICES

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

aerials & satellite systems

Aerial Solutions

HALE SKILLS

Chris Payne ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

NO VAT Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724

CARPET CLEANING

Average sized room £50 Stairs and landing £35 Sofas £35

• Does your picture freeze and break up?

• Would you like TV points in other rooms?

• Do you want Freesat or Sky installed?

Then contact your local VAT free aerial and satellite installers

The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist

• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured

• Quickly usable

Contact Matt on 07734 253189 or 01793 670330

You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487

COMPUTER SUPPORT

COMPUTER SUPPORT

Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com

• Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 year’s experience

50% off digital aerials

CARPET CLEANING

Call 07963 131429 e.mail: haleskills@gmail.com

CARPET CLEANING

Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

01793 421802

www.abacuscleaningswindon.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Natural Stone Restoration h Domestic and Commercial h End of Tenancy Cleaning h Stain Removal h Tile & Grout Colour Sealing h Driveway/Patio Cleaning h Stone Cleaning & Sealing h Free Competitive Quote h Fully Insured

Mobile: 07506 740921

www.procleancleaningservices.co.uk

CLEARANCE NEW GRAB Y LORR

Hardware & Software Installs & Upgrades Repairs • Maintenance • PC Security Home or Business Networking Wireless Setup On Site Service, Home or Business

MAN & VAN SERVICE GRABSOLUTE BAG & GRAB HIRE

For a dedicated local service with a Microsoft Certified Professional, with over 21 years experience, call 01793 320 439 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

GARAGE DOORS

• Dishwashers

01793 744957

Est 2002 For all your computing needs

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• Cookers

Abacus Cleaning Services

Elite

Carpet Cleaning Services Fast, friendly service

Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points

• Washing Machines

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Call us today on 0800 68 999 88 or 01793 434600 or book online at www.absolute-rubbish.co.uk

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Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 2, River Ray Ind. Est., Barnfield Road, Swindon SN2 2DT

Tel 01793 847545 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

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Door problems resolved Lock fitting / carpentry Misty glass replaced Window frames cleaned Fascias cleaned Lofts boarded out Sealing up bathrooms/kitchens Re-pointing of brickwork/patios

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Mob. 07734253189 Office 01793 734646

Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves

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Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £40 - Range £60 No hidden extras, includes racks, doors, glass 20 years experience No toxic chemicals in your home Reliable & Friendly Free Quotation To book your oven clean call

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APPLIANCE REPAIRS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances

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

Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748

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CLEANING Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee

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COMPUTER SUPPORT

CLEANING THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE House cleans from £16 per house.

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One-off Spring cleans Ironing £16 per basket, collected and returned the next day

Call 01793 875665 07780625244

Computer problems?

Let us help

We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • PC repairs and maintenance • System upgrades, networking • Custom built computers • Windows home server installs • Virus removal • Data recovery • Internet solutions • Web design With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us

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More services at Gateway Church A West Swindon church is bucking the trend of declining congregations and launching a second Sunday morning meeting to satisfy demand, starting on 7 September.

Since moving in February 2006 to a more permanent base at the Trinity Centre, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Gateway Church has steadily grown, and now regularly gathers 250 to 300 adults, plus a further 100 children.

There is also a busy youth programme, with 40 to 50 young people regularly attending.

The services take place at 9.30am and 11.30am, with a half-hour break between them. The aim is for the services to be largely the same in content and style, including organised groups for children aged two to 11 years.

Showroom:

is a West Swindon based charity, providing furniture and white goods to people in need Call the collections line on 07714 091011 HELP US TO HELP OTHERS

REMOVALS

WHITE VAN MAN

SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35

• Full house removal • House clearance • Disposal of unwanted items • Any distance long/short • Fully insured NEW: Licensed to remove fridges

Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436

Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796 swindondoorservices@ btinternet.com

SCRAP METAL

RODDERS SCRAP METAL All metals removed FREE of charge Washing machines, cookers, microwaves etc.

Sorry no fridges or freezers Scrap cars collected FREE of charge

01793 613396 07899 018167 Registered waste carrier

www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk

TV REPAIRS

Gogglebox New TV tuning & system set-up In house TV repairs In house estimates

Call Darryl Pace on 01793 812738

Colin Thornton, the newly appointed team leader, above, said: “It’s so encouraging to see the growth that has been happening here, particularly in the light of headlines that often talk about the church being in decline.”

“For the last few years we have had a steady flow of people wanting to explore the Christian message and it's also exciting to see the number of different nationalities we have represented across the church.”

See gatewaychurchswindon.org. uk for details of church activities and directions to the Trinity Centre.

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An offer young people can’t refuse Temporary & permanent positions: Administrators - Office Support - Legal - Call Centre - Helpdesk Telesales - Secretarial - Finance Marketing - HR Call 01793 574 765 or email swindon@office-angels.com Facebook: Swindon Office Angels

ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs We collect and deliver over a wide area

T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758 HQ Bath. Box 98. BA2 5PS

The emerge youth project which meets at Holy Trinity Church, Shaw village centre, welcomes the new school year and has spaces for 11s to 16s, writes Claire Camm.

The project offers young people work, including participation in our • Monday, 3.45pm to 6pm: ASC for aged between 11 and 16 varied op- own festival, as well as community school years 6 to 11; portunities to take part in sports, and fundraising activities. There is • Tuesdays, 6.30pm to 8.45pm: drama, dance and music, creative an accreditation award which young Remix people can work towards.

• Emerge also organises the Friday But just as important, young people lunch Chat Room at Bradon Forest are welcome to just come along to School and Saturday Club, a group make friends, have fun and chill out for young people with Special Needs in the youth room equipped with a which will meet on 18 October, station, giant flat screen, dance Mobile Hairdresser play 22 November and 13 December, mats and table football. The project 10.30am to 3pm.

Mobile: 07970 079681 runs basic cooking skills, food nights If you have teenagers at home who Home: 01793 323400 and discussions on youth issues. would like a challenge or just someIn addition to the students, emerge where to go after school, encourage is run by eight volunteers, all of whom them to emerge. For details contact: are trained in youth work and are DBS clairecamm1@gmail.com or call (CRB) checked.

07981 951381 From 8 September we will be remixswindon.wix.com/emerge open on:

Christmas Care holds September planning meeting The Swindon Christmas Care committee is looking for people to join them in planning the support to homeless people over the festive period.

Volunteers are also needed on donation days in November and December to receive deliveries.

Come along to a meeting on Wednesday 3 September, 8pm at Queens Drive Methodist Church Hall to find out more, or call Patsy Moloney on 01793 642368.

Advice at home

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Please join us in worship on Sunday mornings Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.30am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 01793 874221 Email: wspartnershipoffice@gmail.com Website: WSwinlyd.org.uk

Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

St. John’s Haydon Wick

On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Sunday 9am Traditional communion service Services 11am Eventful, contemporary worship

with children’s groups meeting www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

Open to all, serving tea, coffee, cakes & light lunches Fridays and Saturdays: 10am - 2pm

Swindon Citizens Advice Bureau home visit project offers information and advice to over 60s who are unable to leave their home, have a disability or caring responsibilities.

CAB gives information and advice on welfare benefits, debts, consumer issues, immigration, employment and housing. To discuss if you meet the criteria to receive home visits, contact Barry Davis by telephone: 01793 618781 or mail: hvsupervisor@swindon.cabnet.org.uk

What’s Christianity all about?

All Saints Church Lydiard Millicent is running an Alpha course at Roughmoor Community Hall, Swinley Drive Peatmoor SN5 5AP on Sundays from 21 September to 16 November, 4pm to 6pm, with a half term break on 26 October.

But there is an introduction for all at an Alpha party on Sunday 14 September, 4pm, which is a chance to find out about Alpha and what the course will cover. Families will be welcomed.

For details contact Revd Tudor Roberts via the advert below.

‘Reaching out to welcome all’ Services each Sunday at 8am & 10.30am Full provision for children and young people at every 10.30am service Parking opposite the Church at Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall.

For details call Revd Tudor Roberts on 01793 772417 www.allsaints-online.org.uk

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Swindon Travel Choices Swindon Travel Choices aims to make it easier for those living or working in Swindon to get around without clogging up the road network. We believe that by giving people proper travel choices, many everyday journeys can be made by bus, bike and foot rather than by car.

Wifi for more buses soon The free wifi on Thamesdown Transport’s routes 11, 12 and 15 has proved so popular that Swindon Travel Choices and the bus operator plan to roll it out onto more routes over the winter.

Share a lift, share a laugh, share the cost Liftshare Week takes place between 6 and 10 October and is a gigantic pat on the back for all those brilliant people who car-share already and an opportunity for those thinking about it to give it a try.

A survey of wifi users in 2013 found that 83% of respondents were using the bus more since the introduction of the free wifi service. The majority used the wifi to browse social media and the web, whilst 1% claimed to use it to check work emails.

Paul Jenkins, managing director of Thamesdown, said: “Wifi has been a very positive addition to the buses and we’re pleased that it is encouraging people to take public transport more often. Thanks to the continued funding through Swindon Travel Choices, we are looking forward to providing the technology on buses running on several more routes.”

Swindon’s members tell us that car-sharing has changed their life: it saves them money, it helps the environment, brings communities together and takes cars off our busy roads.

So if you’re already doing it, then this is your chance to bask in the glory and spread the word. If you haven’t tried car-sharing yet, then we want to help you take the first step and give it a try.

There are thousands of empty car seats available to share on www.carshareswindon.com every day, so there’s bound to be someone passing your door.

Sharing a lift not only saves money, it can set you up in a good mood for the rest of your day.

Active Swindon Challenge a huge success The Active Swindon Challenge finished at the end of August with over 1000 people taking part. The challenge ran from the end of May, but people could sign up and join in at any time. The website www.activeswindonchallenge.org.uk enabled people to log journeys made by bus, rail, walking, cycling or car sharing, in order to gain points. Points led to medals, and prizes were distributed throughout the challenge.

Over the 15 weeks of the challenge, more than 210,000 miles were travelled sustainably, with over 20,000 calories burnt and 84,000kg of carbon dioxide saved. There were personal successes, such as Matthew, who started walking to work instead of driving and now saves over £60 a week.

Although the challenge has ended for 2014, the website will still be available and users can set their own goals going forward.

There will also be a new challenge for 2015, so watch this space!

NEW Free bike maintenance courses on offer Keeping your bike in good working order keeps you safe and makes it easier to ride. Since Swindon Travel Choices set up a series of day-long basic bike maintenance courses with the Mobile Cycle Medic in 2013, over 50 courses have taken place, with superb feedback from participants.

We are running more FREE day courses in the autumn, with priority given to residents living in Central and East Swindon. However, all Swindon residents may apply for the surplus places.

Courses take place on: 27 September, 11October, 25 October, 8 November, 22 November, 29 November.

They start at 9.30am and finish at 4.30pm.

See the course description and venues at www.mobilecyclemedic.com To apply for a place, simply email: cycle.medic@btinternet.com stating the date of the course you wish to attend.

Keep in touch with the latest Swindon Travel Choices news, events and initiatives by subscribing to our e-mail newsletter via: www.swindontravelchoices.org.uk

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Swindontravelchoices

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21/08/2014 15:16