September 2016 South East Swindon Link

No 1 September 2016

Est. overall readership across Swindon: 100,000

South and East Swindon Edition

Transforming the Locarno The renovation of Old Town’s historic corn exchange at the heart of plans to revamp the entire area - p4

Community: P2-16

Swindon Wide: P17-25

Sport & Leisure: P26-28

Services: P29

Puzzle: P46

Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

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Community News

A new dawn for community news in South and East Swindon

Proud partner of

Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Mike Barham Sales: Dave Stewart & Rosy Presley Photography: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for October adverts and editorial: 7 September October edition published: 23 September

Positive Media Group Limited, Unit 3, Arclite House, Century Road, Swindon SN5 5YN T: 01793 744677 E: publisher@swindonlink.com

By Group Editor Jamie Hill Since 1978 Swindon Link has been at the forefront of the town’s life.

It was originally founded by Roger Ogle as a community newsletter for West Swindon but has been growing as the town has grown ever since.

Fast forward to 2016 Roger is still involved as a consultant editor on the magazine and there are now 40,000 monthly Links going door to door in different areas across Swindon.

You are holding in your hands the very first edition of the new South and East Swindon Link.

This edition of the magazine is being delivered through letterboxes in Old Town, Eastcott, Kingshill, Okus, Wichelstowe, Lawn, Marlborough Road, Broome Manor, Badbury Park, Liden, Eldene, Dorcan and Covingham.

Eventually we will be spreading our wings once again to take in

Nythe, Lower Stratton and Upper Stratton and it is hoped that this will happen in the near future.

This new edition sits alongside the 25,000 North and West Swindon Links - giving us unparalleled reach across the town.

Owned by Positive Media Group, which also publishes the popular what’s on and lifestyle magazine The Ocelot, our reason for being is that we report community news for the community.

Our popular website www. swindonlink.com is also undergoing a major upgrade as we speak to provide a state-of-the-art digital news platform.

We hope that you enjoy reading the magazine in your hands. It’s the result of a lot of hard work from our team.

Please get in contact if you have any stories or simply to give us feedback at publisher@ swindonlink.com

Our Statistics Est. Readership of 75,000 in print & c.15,000 monthly online visitors.

Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £57.

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

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

Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Arclite House, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YN. Printed by pcp Telford

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

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Bouncing balls record attempt for charity launch Swindonians are being called on to take part in a Guinness world record for the number of participants in a Swiss Ball exercise class at David Lloyd in North Swindon on Saturday 1 October.

Previously attempted in 2014, the first event raised more than £10,000 for a teenage cancer facility.

This year the mass fitness class marks the launch of the Younite Foundation, a charity focussed on providing support and life changing opportunities for local children and young adults up to the age of 21.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves and raise lots of money, just like we did in 2014”, said Younite Trustee Karen Thornley.

“But this time round we really want Swindon to embrace Team GB’s fantastic Olympic spirit and show

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everyone what we’re made of by setting a new world record.”

To get your name in the record books, simply register to take part as soon as possible at: www.ballsbounceback.co.uk Places are limited to 500. Whilst entry is free, you’re asked to make a donation of £10 through Younite to three good causes. In return you get to keep the Swiss Ball.

James Phipps, trustee and the driving force behind the Younite Foundation, said: “Younite trustees have selected three charities to support from this year’s event.

They are Jessie May, a Children’s Hospice at Home, Bios, a Swindon based youth work project and Melon Mission, a Swindon outreach project to build a school for orphans and destitute children in Kenya.”

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk APDT Member (01066)

Janet Garrett DipCABT (QCF-Level 4)

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Visitors warmly welcomed Nursery 0 - 4 years

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Tel: 01793 727158

janet@janetspuppyskool.co.uk

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meadowparkschool.co.uk swindonlink.com n September 2016

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Community News

What’s happening to the Locarno? - Redevelopment of Old Town proposed

The current state of the Locarno’s impressive arches is a sorry sight

By Mike Barham It’s a building that sits at the heart of Old Town. An old beauty that is in need of some real love and attention to bring back its former glory.

But now the Locarno building is set to be included in a major renovation project, part of ambitious plans for Old Town that have just been revealed.

The £35m regeneration plans for the Locarno and the surrounding area were unveiled via a website launch in late July. It has lain in disrepair since 1984, after being used as a dance hall, corn exchange, wine storage in the cellars for banquets and grand bazaars, and entertainment of all sorts.

According to the new website www.theexchangeswindon.co.uk, the plans include keeping the facade of the existing Locarno but completely transforming the interior and the adjacent square which is currently used as a car park.

This will include shops, a hotel, a cinema, flats, bars and restaurants.

The designs for a revamped Corn Exchange have been created by award winning architects FCB Studios and features a glass roof over the old Locarno ballroom, which will be surrounded by restaurants, cafés, bars, bistros, boutique cinema and niche retail shops.

Market Square will assume its historic purpose as a public square, not a car park, with a beautiful new public piazza. The clock tower and façade will be restored, entertainment will be encouraged, as would a sustainable street market. According to the website: “The public realm along High Street and Wood Street will be

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transformed with high quality paved surfaces, signage, trees, street lighting, all designed so people are more important than the motorcar.”

With partnership agreements made in July 2016, the timeline for restoration and renovation was anticipated to include the public display of the proposals in March 2017, detailed planning applications to be submitted in May and construction to begin October 2017.

With building work estimated to be completed by November 2019.

Project director Steve Rosier said: “We’ve actually been looking into regenerating The Locarno and the area since 2012, when we decided on a fresh approach to the development with Swindon Borough Council’s involvement. We assembled a group led by the team at Forward Swindon to assess the feasibility of turning the Locarno area into a retail centre.

“We created a vision statement outlining how we wished to proceed, looking at all elements of Old Town, such as the positive and negative impact of buildings and design in the area. In 2013 we engaged in a public consultation and got overwhelming support from those who engaged.

“The covered market needs to attract retailers that will appeal to an aspirational market. We aim to bring in brands such as Jamie Oliver’s restaurants, Carluccio’s and other more boutique operators that will be in keeping with the redevelopment as a whole.

“The population of Swindon is growing as we all know, and having an area like that which we have proposed is a great aspirational opportunity. It will change the image of the town by physically

Digitised plans of the Locarno building and old Market Square

Digital render of the building that would occupy the Lawns corner of Old Town

changing its appeal. I would like to see a definitive difference as you drive in, with different street lighting, different road surface and an all-round change in the visual impact of the surrounding buildings. The Locarno is key to this as it is such a dramatic and beautiful piece of architecture.”

The plans shown to Swindon Link detail the scale of the project, with an underground cinema and car park particularly standing out.

The subject of car parking is something many will be worried about when discussing more retailers in Old Town, with the underground car park to be built at the Locarno only being offered to operators and hotel users.

But Mr Rosier seems confident of a particular solution which would involve a car parking area on the Old Town lawn behind Christ Church.

“In my opinion, if the car park was created with an ecological focus, controlled correctly both in terms of traffic and usage in the evenings and if the neighbouring sunken gardens and manor house were renovated into potentially a tea room or the like, it would be an

asset to Old Town.

“Currently it is a 53-acre plot of land that costs the council thousands to maintain and I believe is used by a modest number of people. If the old manor house was still there in its entirety it would probably be owned by the National Trust and would be in need of a car parking area so this is a solution that, if handled correctly, would be the best compromise for Old Town.”

Richard Deacon, head of the Old Town Business Association, has also been in discussions with the Exchange team, and supports their plans for the Locarno. He said: “I think it is a good opportunity for the area. We have had a good dialogue with Steve and his team particularly over the past three years and I think the community deserves this development.

“The lawn car park would be positive in my opinion, if done in the right way. Any commercial enterprise is dependent on fourwheeled transport, so we would have to find a sustainable solution.

“The only point I would like to see continue, as a daytime operator, is the current arrangement for short term parking on Wood Street.”

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Community News

Swindon parishes one step closer as cabinet approve dividing lines In one of the most divisive moves in the restructuring of the town’s governance since becoming a unitary authority, Swindon Council’s cabinet on 17 August approved a proposal for several new parishes, and the expansion of existing parish boundaries.

Sixteen existing parish councils currently cover just over 40 per cent of Swindon’s households, and the plans would see the remaining 59 per cent split between four new parish councils; West, South, North Central and South Central Swindon.

A community governance review launched in September 2015 has included several months of public meetings, with many community groups and residents associations offering views on how parishing would work in their areas.

For example, Nythe Parish Council would be asked to take on the areas of Eldene and Liden, whilst Blunsdon St Andrew would be carved into two separate councils, split by the A419.

The new councils would take on borough responsibilities such as grass cutting, graffiti and litter clearance, with each parish able to decide initially how many of these

services they are able to take on. As Swindon Borough Council seeks to reduce costs by 2020, these services could also include management of community centres and libraries.

At consultation meetings, residents were told that the parish precept could be about £75 on average per household for a Band D property. This could increase if parishes take on additional services in the future.

In the newly created Central South Swindon parish, the huge amounts of retail space and commercial buildings could see this increase doubled. The council has been in talks with businesses with regards to a voluntary £400,000 contribution towards offsetting some of this additional cost, but nothing has been confirmed.

Councillor Mary Martin, cabinet member for communities said: “I don’t think people are opposed to parishing in Swindon as such, but they have made their views known regarding the boundaries and we have tried to take that into account.

“Maintaining the status quo is not an option. If 12 months down the line the grass isn’t being cut in half the borough and litter wasn’t

The proposed parishing outlines put forward to cabinet in August

being picked up, but the other half was receiving those services, I think people would very quickly notice that. I think the people who attended our public meetings understood a lot about parishing but it isn’t something that grabs people’s attention, as long as the services continue to be provided.”

“We would look to have the Shadow Parish Councils in place by December or January so they could set their rates for the 2017/18 financial year. From the point of creation, the new councils will be autonomous.”

Cllr Jim Grant, Leader of the

Swindon Labour Group, said: “These proposals will go down as one of the biggest subversions of local democracy in Swindon’s history.

“Our understanding is the council tax will go up by at least £120 in the current non-parished areas because of the parish precept. It will, in effect, be a stealth tax.

Adding significant costs without a referendum is just wrong.”

• A £15,000 consultation leaflet is being sent out by the council explaining the proposals for both parishing and libraries. Residents have until 30 September to respond.

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Community News 11 out of 15 Swindon libraries under threat

Save Swindon’s Libraries’ Helen Lucas and Sarah Church at The Children’s Fete

Eleven out of 15 libraries in Swindon could be closed by the end of 2017.

Swindon Council’s cabinet has put the plans out to consultation in a bid to save £1.5m from the library budget by 2020, which could see all libraries in the Southern and Eastern areas of Swindon under threat of closure.

According to the proposal there would be a core network of four libraries - Central, North, West and Highworth - that would meet 74 per cent of current visits and would ensure that 80 per cent of current library users and 85 per cent of Swindon’s households are within two miles of a library. The 11 other libraries will no longer be funded by June 2017, the majority of which are in the south and east of the town.

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for communities, said: “We are extremely fortunate in Swindon to have such a large number of libraries, but with an increasing amount of our budget being spent on vulnerable people we cannot go on as we are.”

Save Swindon’s Libraries chair Sarah Church said: “The most pressing concern in this strategy is the lack of a core library in the southern and eastern area of Swindon. Furthermore the reliance on supplementing the core service with community-funded projects will be a postcode lottery, with the areas of highest social need most likely to lose out.”

• A £15,000 consultation leaflet is being sent out by the council explaining the proposals for both libraries and parishing. Residents will have until 30 September to respond with their views.

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Community News

Phoenix Enterprises needs your help to rise from the ashes

Prospect Hospice recognised for investing in volunteers

Volunteers and staff at Prospect Hospice in Wroughton have expressed their delight at the news that the charity has achieved the prestigious Investing in Volunteers award, recognising good practice in the hospice’s volunteer Trustee Mike Bowden alongside Chair Emma Rees at Phoenix Enterprises management.

The news comes after a yearPhoenix Enterprises, an organisation odds for, and here you would also long process which included three that helps some of the most be helping those in need find their assessment days during which vulnerable people in Swindon and way in life. volunteers and staff provided Wiltshire, continues to face an “We don’t just help these extensive evidence to an external uphill battle for funding and is now vulnerable people with work here assessor that its management calling for new trustees and local on site either. We take emergency of volunteers meets the highest businesses to get involved. phone calls from our service users standards nationally.

Having faced a break-in during and we take them to Jobseekers It is the first time in the charity’s May, and the withdrawal of appointments.”

36 year history that it has achieved several key funding partners and Trustee Mike Bowden said: this level of recognition for companies, the service has had to “Through the work they do to get volunteer management, and it is one cut the number of users it is able to service users into the workplace of only five hospices across England help from 50 to 25 and reduce the and away from Jobseekers to achieve this award. hours worked by the staff.

Allowance, Phoenix saves the UK Last year volunteers gave nearly Chair Emma Rees, who has taxpayer an estimated £110,000 per been working with the social year. By employing them at Phoenix 120,000 hours of support to the hospice, the equivalent of nearly enterprise since 2013, said “Phoenix or finding them work elsewhere, 17,143 days or 72 staff working a Enterprises does not receive any it means they have the chance to full week for every week of the year. government grants and we are stand on their own two feet. The “This is a very rewarding day for keen to let businesses know what NHS and social services do not offer we can provide. We are able to this opportunity and I would hate to Prospect Hospice,” says head of offer competitive rates for packing, think what would happen if projects voluntary services Phillipa Huxtable.

“I must give credit to the volunteers packaging and mail out services like Phoenix did not exist.” and staff whose input was vital that many companies pay over the www.phoenixenterprises.co.uk

during the assessment days, and who I know clearly left an incredible and lasting impression on our assessor.”

The charity will be running a series of events during September including a garden fete on Saturday 3 September. The annual traditional fete, held in the grounds of the hospice, is an opportunity for Prospect Hospice to welcome the community to enjoy a fun family day for all, from 12 noon until 4pm.

A free park and ride service will be provided by Thamesdown Transport from Nationwide House, Pipers Way as there will be no parking on site.

Run The Rainbow returns on Saturday 17 September. Grab your white t-shirt and prepare to have coloured powder paint thrown at you across the 5km multi-terrain course, which this year winds its way through Lydiard Park. Register early to avoid disappointment as last year was a sell out. Registration costs £20 for adults, £12 for children. www.prospect-hospice.net

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Community News

Eastcott Road depot site development application refused

Impression of the proposed Churchill Homes development on Eastcott Rd

Plans are in place for Churchill Homes, a national retirement accommodation provider, to redevelop the old Stagecoach depot on Eastcott Road in Old Town.

However, the company’s planning application was refused by Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee in June on the advice of professional planning officers. The refusal report stated the proposed building “would significantly harm and fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the setting of King William Street School, a building of local significance.”

Andrew Burgess, planning director for Churchill Homes, said: “We have submitted an appeal against the refusal and we are awaiting an inquiry date.

“Given the council’s current lack

of five year housing land supply, we believe there is a compelling overall housing need in Swindon, especially for elderly people. The design, layout and landscaping are of the highest quality, and will not harm the character and appearance of the area.”

Local architect and resident Michael Gray, who is campaigning against the development said: “I have objected to the planning application by Churchill Homes on the grounds that historic buildings would be demolished and that the poor design would damage the conservation area.

“I have to say that in my 30 odd years of involvement in planning with many different clients, I haven’t experienced such aggressive tactics from a developer.”

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Community News Relate Swindon can help through your radio

Decision on Lydiard Park delayed to end of the year

Lt to rt: presenter Angela Atkinson, Relate’s Kim Wall, presenter Brigitte Jones and presenter Jya Moon

Relate Swindon are offering you the chance to talk about your issues anonymously by calling into their regular slot on Swindon 105.5 local radio.

Relate is the UK’s largest provider of Relationship Counselling and Sex Therapy and has been delivering services within Gloucestershire and Swindon for over 60 years.

The Relate service offers counselling for a range of issues including domestic trouble, loneliness and new parents, but

often people find it hard to talk about problems in their daily lives face to face. The Relate Radio section, which takes place monthly at 11am on the Girls About Town show (Wednesdays between 10am12pm) allows for anyone to call in or email the service to have their problems discussed anonymously on air, which could also help others dealing with the same issue.

If you would like to contact Relate Swindon, call 01793 495190 or visit: www.relateglos.co.uk

Celebrate Older Persons Day with Bluebird Care A free event will be held on Saturday 1 October at Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton to celebrate Older Persons Day. Organised by Bluebird Care Swindon, in partnership with the Aster Group and The Mobility Store, there will be stalls and displays from a range of charities and organisations working with and for

older people. The day will celebrate the contribution that older people make to our society and how you can help ensure their care and wellbeing. Groups attending include Healthwatch Swindon, Age UK Wiltshire, Aster Group, Prospect Hospice and The Mobility Store amongst many others. www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

A decision on the future of Lydiard Park and House has been delayed until the end of the year now a community bid known as the Love Lydiard Trust has come forward to trigger a six month moratorium.

The council had been due to decide who would take on the running of the site at its cabinet meeting in September but because a request for a moratorium has been made under the 2011 Localism Act that decision has been delayed.

Under the Localism Act any site classed as a community asset being put out to lease for a period of over 25 years needs to have a moratorium so that an interested community group can put in a proper bid to run the site.

The Love Lydiard Trust, which is supported by current Lydiard staff, have told Swindon Link: “The council’s decision to offer a management lease in excess of 25 years created an opportunity

for community groups to submit their own bids. The Love Lydiard Trust was formed for this purpose and was the only qualifying organisation to apply to trigger the moratorium on behalf of the community. This was accepted by the Council on 9 August.

“The group now has until 22 December to provide a detailed proposition, building on the excellent proposal already submitted by the staff team.”

The group includes Lord Joel Joffe of Liddington, CEO of Excalibur Group James Phipps, TV and radio presenter Gina Akers, Lydiard Fields Action Group former chair David Barnard, Cheltenham Festival’s development director Rob Hebden and Better Swindon’s Jim Boyd.

The other bidders for the entire site are community group Lydiard Heritage Trust and commercial organisation Twigmarket which currently runs Broome Manor.

Dial-A-Ride service under threat A campaign is to be mounted by Dial A Ride users against Swindon Council’s proposed cuts to the service.

This comes after six users of the service met with councillor Derique Montaut (Lab, Liden, Eldene & Park South).

Swindon Council has proposed a cut to the Dial A Ride contract of £100,000 in 2016/17 which would only be a part-year saving and would mean cuts of up to £200,000 in the following year. The current contract between the council and Dial A Ride ends on 31 August.

Cllr Montaut said: “These cuts would inevitably mean either the complete closure or dramatic scaling back of the service. I call on the Conservative Group to show compassion to service users and

move beyond party political lines.

“The users told me that without the service they would have no life and wouldn’t be able to get to work or pay their bills or see their families.

One user said they would probably be in a care home costing Swindon Council a lot of money were it not for Dial A Ride.”

Cllr Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for sustainability, highways and transport (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), said: “The council is currently undertaking confidential discussions with Dial A Ride about extending the current contract by a further two years.

“Dial A Ride published its annual report last month and it highlights how the company has £809,942 sitting in reserve bank accounts.”

Rodbourne Cheney Primary School host Rodfest Rodfest 2016 will take place for the first time at Rodbourne Cheney Primary School on Saturday 24 September, raising funds for a school minibus.

With live music from local acts including Sister Sister it will also include a Barbecue, bouncy castle, beer tent for the adults and an

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array of activities for the children.

Tickets will be £5 pre-purchase for adults, £8 on the gate, 12-17 years old pre-purchase £3, on the gate £5 and under 11s go free when accompanied by a paying adult, maximum two free per adult.

For tickets email: rodfest2016@ gmail.com

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Education News

Liden Primary School to open nursery

A new nursery and pre-school will open on the Liden Primary School site in September.

The current primary school has 11 classes and with the opening of the pre-school, they look forward to offering places to younger children within Liden. The nursery and pre-school will be closely linked to enable a smooth transition to primary school.

On the school’s website a spokesperson said: “We are committed to providing an exceptional high quality nursery and pre-school education delivered by experienced and highly qualified staff.

“Working closely with parents

and carers, our aim is to provide the very best platform to enable children to fulfil their potential in a secure and caring environment, immersed in our values-based ethos and aims of Liden Primary School.

“Whilst the Nursery and PreSchool is in the process of being re-developed you are very welcome to come and meet the staff at the current school site, discuss your child’s needs with us and get a sense of the ethos and learning environments that LPS Nursery and Pre-School will offer your child.

“To make an appointment, simply telephone or e-mail the school office.” www.liden-pri.swindon.sch.uk

East Wichel Primary School celebrates fifth birthday

Mayor of Swindon Cllr Eric Shaw with East Wichel Primary Head Caroline Henham

Celebrating five years since their doors opened, East Wichel Primary School welcomed the Mayor of Swindon, councillor Eric Shaw, to a special assembly in July.

Currently the only school within the Wichelstowe area, East Wichel Primary celebrated in style with a choir of all age groups welcoming the mayor and mayoress before Head Caroline Henham spoke to the children and teachers about how the school had developed through the past five years.

Caroline said: “It’s such a privelage to have the mayor here to recognise our fifth anniversary. We

are very much a community and we include the parents as much as we can with this being a new neighbourhood.”

Cllr Shaw said: “Having worked in education I understand the importance of celebrations like this. Wichelstowe is a growing area and these children are part of this community. It’s lovely to see the intergration of parents in the school’s activities, which makes East Wichel the heart of the area.”

After the celebrations, the school was presented with a cheque for £2,800 from the Friends of East Wichel as a birthday present.

Make the next step with New College Open Days

If you’ve just received your A-Level results and you’re still undecided on your next step, Swindon’s New College will be holding a Higher Education Open Evening and General Open Day on 10 November and 8 October respectively.

New College provides a variety of post-secondary courses to suit everyone, from the arts through to academic focuses, accountancy to languages, science through to sport and more.

If you’re not a recent A-Level student, New College also offers courses for anyone over the age of 19, and can walk you through the variety of financial options available for Level 3 study and above.

New College also teaches bespoke and flexible programmes that help to support schools in providing a wider range of courses to their pupils between age 14-16 as well as help meet the needs of individual students whatever their interests or backgrounds.

For more information, or to find the course that’s right for you, visit: www.newcollege.ac.uk Swindon College will also be opening their doors for prospective students to find out more about their range of full and part time courses, university level courses and apprenticeships. The Open Evening will take place on Thursday 13 October from 5pm. Visit: www.swindon.ac.uk swindonlink.com n September 2016

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Education News

Aim higher with Aspire Tuition

Providing individually tailored tuition to suit your child’s requirements and aiming to provide a pathway to success, Aspire Tuition offer fully qualified teaching staff who tutor children from primary age, usually around seven years old, to A-Level students.

This is all from their dedicated teaching centre in West Swindon, and classes are open to anyone from the Swindon area and beyond.

Tuition sessions at Aspire are 80 minutes long. Each session includes a variety of different activities and ways of learning so each child gets the most out of it.

Aspire was set up by experienced teachers David and Andrea Parkinson. With over 35 years of teaching experience, as well as both still working in the classroom, you can be sure that your child receives top quality, individualised tuition in all subjects, including maths,

English and science.

Before each session, the Aspire tutors speak to you and your child to find out what they have been learning in class and where they are struggling. The session will then focus on what they’re finding difficult. Sometimes, children will bring in work they have been set in school and tutors will go over it with the child to make sure they understand it fully.

Aspire normally tutors in groups of four to one qualified teacher. This provides students with sufficient teacher time and also gives them the opportunity to work on tasks independently, challenge themselves and make mistakes – all crucial to successful learning. Students all have their own individual programme specific to their needs, just as they would in a one-to-one situation. www.aspiretuition.co.uk

Building Confidence Realising Potential

“Aspire helped me much more than just getting an A in my GCSE Maths, they helped me get where I am today.”

Joshua Snowdon, Law Student at the University of Essex

• English, Maths and Science • Fully Qualified Teachers • Ofsted registered

• 11+ training and preparation • Free assessment and first lesson • Boost your child’s confidence

Tel: 07925 193321 | www.aspireeducationcentres.co.uk

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Education News

Rendcomb College to open performing arts centre

Fantasy game from young imaginations now available for mobile

Artist impression of the new Performing Arts Centre at Rendcomb College

Autumn 2016 will see the opening of a performing arts venue at the heart of the Rendcomb College campus in Cirencester.

Available to pupils throughout the college, the complex provides industry standard performance and rehearsal space for students to practice, perform and nurture their creative talents.

Junior school pupils have weekly drama lessons and the Otters (Nursery to Year 2) perform every year in their Nativity and Easter show. Years 3 to 6 take part in a musical production in the Summer term. In many cases, pupils are invited to participate in senior productions. Recent junior school productions include Peter Pan, The

Wizard of Oz, We’ll Meet Again and Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies.

Senior school pupils can take part in two main performances each year which alternate between plays and musicals. Recent productions include One Man, Two Guv’nors, Macbeth, Jerusalem, Footloose, Amadeus, We Will Rock You and Our Country’s Good.

Rendcomb College’s open morning takes place on Saturday, 1 October.

Families will be taken on pupil-led tours and will meet the head of college, head of juniors and other key members of staff. Find out more about what Rendcomb College can offer your child by visiting their website: www.rendcombcollege.org.uk

The team launching Binary: Decoded on 12 August

Students from three Swindon schools have launched an interactive, illustrated sci-fi ebook game app for mobile devices.

Called Binary: Decoded the youngsters from the physical impairment unit at Commonweal School, Crowdys Hill Special School and the media club at Lydiard Park Academy collaborated over three months, delving into their imaginations to write, illustrate and perform a story about a world where robots rule and humans have been discarded.

Game players follow the journey of a 14 year old experimental android called Pye as she discovers her true identity and help save her from the compassionless RestructorBot. The students worked with Swindon based not-for-profit electronic media educators Digital Writes to create the game which is now available from App Store and Google Play for £1.49.

The project was supported by Arts

Council England, Swindon Does Arts Read the full story at: www.bit.ly/DW-Pye www.digitalwrites.org.uk All the proceeds will go to fund further community and education projects undertaken by Digital Writes which is a Swindon based not-for-profit Community Interest Company committed to enabing anyone to produce illustrated, interactive ebooks and printed illustrated books to be published and distributed on tablet computers.

Four groups in the running for contacts and cash at September Soup A new round of Swindon Soup takes place on 22 September, 6.30pm at Arclite House, Peatmoor, SN5 5YN. The cost of attending is £5 on the door. In return you enjoy soup and bread and listen to representatives of four local organisations explaining what they do and why they should receive the door takings.

The groups pitching for support: • Swindon 105.5 community radio; • Prospect Hospice; • 2nd Stratton Cubs (Million Hands Project); • Butterflies Family Centre.

Organiser Fiona Simpson said: “The first three Soup nights have been really well received with more than £1,200 raised for good causes.

“It’s not just about the money. Soup is a great way to raise awareness about what groups are doing, and you meet some fantastic people on the evening.

“Come along to give your support to the organisations making their pitch and have some interesting conversations.”

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Community News September: Sleep

Freshers fair for people not in full-time employment

U3A Swindon is a self-help, participative organisation with the purpose of providing leisure and learning opportunities for those not in full time employment, which is the only criteria for membership.

• Reading them a couple of bedtime Activities usually take place on weekdays and are organised by the stories before encouraging them to members for the members sharing their knowledge and skills. settle.

Find out more at a Freshers’ Fair on Saturday 3 September, 10am to • Naps actually encourage sleep 12.30pm in St Joseph’s College, Ocotal Way. later in the day; an overtired toddler See the range of courses and activities at: www.swindonu3a.org.uk is much harder to settle at night.

Up to 90 minutes in the day (before U3A choir concert for Brighter Futures radiography appeal 3pm) for a child up to the age of 3 An evening with Swindon U3A Choir takes place on Saturday 24 Septemis about right. If your child gets out ber, 7.30pm, in Bath Road Methodist Church. of bed once settled, immediately Under the musical directorship of Sheila Harrod, the choir will perform return them with a comforting ‘It’s old favourites and new numbers and will be joined by Swindon Polish sleep time, time for bed.’

Choir.

It is possible to dramatically Admission is by ticket at £5 from Julian Riley on 01793 493429, Sheila improve bedtime routines and to Dunn: 01793 529678 or Henry Fitzsimmons: 01793 487529. reclaim your evenings. Here’s the difference our help made for a Swindon parent: ‘My ePiP coach their hard work and extremely high was brilliant and non-judgemental; Students from the Swindon Dance Academy have been selected to commitment really paid off. I’m she helped us see where we could also very grateful for the continued adopt a better bedtime routine. We represent England at the 2017 Dance World Cup to be held in support of all the parents and have our bed back and a happier Germany. grandparents. more rested toddler.’

The 6 to 18 years olds were “The new school year is going to All of us at ePiP are trained selected to represent Team be very exciting as we prepare for experts in supporting families to England after putting in winning DWC 2017.” establish good bedtime routines. performances at the 2016 finals held The academy holds classes at the Getting by without proper sleep in Jersey.

Wilkes Academy in Westlea, Abbey isn’t living. Let us help you reclaim Academy principal Sarah Watson: Meads Primary School and the your bed, your sleep and your life.

“I’m bursting with pride of each Haydon Centre.

Call us on 01793 328102 or see and every one of the students. All www.swindonacademyofdance.co.uk more at: www.epipdirect.com

Information and advice for parents from ePIP ePiP parenting coach Tamsin writes: We all need sleep and if we don’t get enough it can be detrimental to our health, relationships, work and well-being. It boosts and supports our memory function, growth and immune system as well as leaving us feeling much better.

Adults should get between 7 and 9 hours, and children up to the age of ten should get around 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night.

As a parent, living without sleep can be very challenging. We all know that when a new born baby arrives our sleep will suffer, but we expect that as our child grows up things will improve.

However, sleep issues don’t generally go away by themselves and many of us survive on a few hours of broken sleep each night, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Some simple ideas that can help your child sleep well are: • Give them a healthy snack an hour before bedtime and a drink of milk.

• Turning off TVs and computers an hour before bedtime.

Dance students reach world finals

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Make a Wish UK grant magical wishes to enrich the lives of children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions. They are looking for coordinators to manage collection tins placed in local businesses, including banking donations. This is a role that fits around work or family commitments.

The Silver Line is looking for telephone befrienders to contact older, lonely people for a weekly chat. Volunteers need to commit the same time and day each week to make the 30 minute friendship call.

Prospect Hospice is seeking more help to deliver services, such as in-patient contact, drivers, assisting in the office or supporting carers.

There are also roles in the charity’s shops and with fundraising.

Active Plus involves the skills and experiences of military veteran volunteers, including people who are wounded, injured or sick, by

building confidence and motivation in others through assisting with the delivery of workshops and events, Swindon Mind’s new Be Active project is looking for activity buddies to support participants by accompanying them in weekly physical activity and sport sessions.

To find out more about these and other opportunities, contact Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557 or info@swindonvolunteers. org.uk Visitors can drop-in at 1 John Street, Swindon from Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm, to discuss opportunities.

Hospital help scheme goes on Thanks to funding from health plan provider Simplyhealth, the Royal Voluntary Service Home from Hospital service at Great Western Hospital is able to continue.

RVS also provides practical support to older people whilst in hospital through its On Ward Companionship scheme. New volunteers are always needed. For details: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH with in association

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Swindon Open Studios offers art lovers a sneak peek ininto another world association with Swindon’s annual festival of the visual arts, the Open Studios, features a diverse range of artwork by over 50 local artists.

Studios are open across Swindon and the surrounding area during the first two weekends of September every year. If you are interested in art, or finding out about how artists work you will be very welcome at each venue.

Swindon Open Studios is organised by a committee of volunteers who are passionate about art and keen to publicise the artists and artwork being produced in Swindon.

Two local artists who are opening their studio again this year are Terry Humphries and Susan Carr who studied at Swindon School of Art during the 1990s, both leaving with a degree in Design/Illustration.

Terry has taught art at Swindon College as well as running his own classes and courses, but his main artistic focus is his oil paintings produced en plein air (outside and from life), which was made popular by the Barbizon School of painting and the French Impressionists e.g.

Claude Monet and August Renoir, during the 19th and early 20th

January Snow, Old Town Gardens - by Susan Carr, who will be opening this year’s Swindon Open Studios alongside another local artist Terry Humphries

Century. Terry’s favourite subjects include painting architecture, cityscapes and seascapes.

See his website: www.terencehumphries.co.uk After graduating Susan spent

Corner of Wood Street and Bath Road - by Terry Humphries

two years as artist in residence at Hreod Parkway School in Swindon, followed by an MA in art therapy at the University of Hertfordshire.

Since 2005 she has worked as an art therapist at the Prospect

Hospice and in 2008 returned to university, this time Loughborough, for a PhD developing an art therapy intervention called portrait therapy.

This is used as a way to help people who experience life threatening or chronic illnesses as an assault to their sense of self-identity. As well as painting portraits, Susan also enjoys painting in oils en plein air, with her favourite venues being Old Town Gardens and Barbary Castle.

Further information is available on her website: www.susanmcarr. co.uk Terry and Susan will be exhibiting their paintings in Old Town Gardens on Saturday 3 and Saturday 10 September in their ‘Gallery Plein Air’ and also at their studio at home.

All the artists taking part in Open Studios offer original artwork for sale, and many have prints, postcards, greeting cards and other crafts. Refreshments are available at many of the studios. Brochures detailing all the artists and venues are available from the Information Centre in Central Library.

Alternatively, all the information is also available online at www.swindonopenstudios.org.uk

Swindon artist Terry Humphries painting at Lydiard Park swindonlink.com n September 2016

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Swindon Wide

Dan Gooch to tour the town Railway Cottage open for one weekend Celebrating Heritage Open Days and Swindon175, the Mechanics' Trust is opening the Railway Cottage Museum, next to The Platform, on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, 10.30am to 3pm. Entry is free.

The cottage is a unique example of what life was like living in Swindon's Railway Village in the early 1900s.

Under the management of the Mechanics’s Trust since July, the cottage has been closed to the public for many years and the weekend is an opportunity to see inside again before it closes for refurbishment and re-opening in 2017.

Village tours Members of the trust will also be giving guided tours of the Railway Village at 11.30am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information call 07516 477479.

For details of heritage properties open across Britain in September, see www.heritageopendays.org.uk

A bust of Daniel Gooch was unveiled at Arkell’s Brewery on 24 August, along with ‘Golden Gooch,’ a new beer brewed in honour of the unsung hero of Swindon’s history.

Created by Fatima Alves, A’ level graphic design and illustration student at New College, the project has been sponsored by Thamesdown Bus Company.

From photographs taken of the bust in Steam Museum, Fatima used college equipment to design and cut 113 slices of marine plywood to create a 3D model.

She volunteered to take on the challenge in addition to her other coursework. It was also the first time she had used computer aid design and manufacturing technologies.

Swindon175 project coordiantor Caroline Black said: “Fatima’s work is a striking example of student talent. The GWR was noted for its leading edge technology and the skills of its worker; I’m sure Daniel Gooch and all who worked in The Works would have approved.”

The bust will be touring premises around the town to be viewed by as many people as possible.

Bust on a bus. Caroline Black with Peter Oliver, Commercial Director, Thamesdown Transport in front of the Sir Daniel Gooch bus

Daniel Gooch: Life and Legacy A special Swindon 175 exhibition at Steam Museum marks 200 years since the birth of Sir Daniel Gooch, the GWR’s first Locomotive Superintendent.

In 1840, he wrote a letter to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, outlining why he thought Swindon was the ideal place to base the Great Western Railway’s engine repair facility. A year later, GWR directors gave the go-ahead for what became the world famous Swindon Works.

Explore the fascinating life and work of this remarkable engineer through objects, documents and photographs. Entry to the exhibition is free with standard Steam admission tickets.

Swindon company at the cutting edge of a virtual world

The industrial revolution came to the Swindon area in 1841 when the Great Western Railway company decided to build its locomotive maintenance shed on the green fields below the market town at the top of the hill. 175 years on, Swindon specialist computer graphics company Rendermedia is at the cutting edge of the electronic revolution by exploring the possibilities of virtual reality - and capturing major business across Europe.

On a flat screen entertainment is Miles. The business has grown from displayed in two dimensions. Some his back bedroom to a large studio at people will have donned special Groundwell Business Park and further spectacles which provides the depth expansion is on the cards. Mark of 3D. With virtual reality, users wear said: “We’re breaking new ground a special headset which provides an by applying the VR technology immersive 360 degree experience. on a ‘business to business’ level VR has had a lot of attention in the by offering a realistic way of entertainment and games industry, overcoming the very real challenge but at the Farnborough Airshow in of how manufacturers demonstrate mid-July Rendermedia broke new products to potential customers” ground with Airbus Defence & Space Rendermedia provides its services to win new customers. to businesses such as Adobe, Hewlett Visitors to the Airbus stand Packard, Siemens and NEC Europe, strapped on a VR headset to find out and more recently has forged a niche what it would be like to soar 90,000 for bringing products to life across Mark and Nadine Miles of Rendermedia in North Swindon feet above the earth, or sit in the the service sector and manufacturing make an impression using film and experience any product of any size cockpit of an aircraft thundering a in aerospace and technology.

3D graphics, but what we offer is and in any context, from a driverless few hundred feet above the Brecon Working with Airbus opens up the ability to involve the user within car to a luxury liner.

Beacons, as well as to land an A350. exciting opportunities said Mark. the product, so that they come away “Imagine going into a high street In another computer simulated “There are estimates that the global feeling they were actually there travel agent, putting on a VR headset reality, users take part in a helicopter VR sector will be worth around £30 discovering the products’ capabilities and immersing yourself in a hotel rescue mission in a disaster zone, billion a year by 2020, and we are in absolute context. It has a longer or a tourist attraction to help you using hand controls to carry out determined to be a major player. lasting impact than watching a film decide on your next holiday? specific actions such as opening the “There are few more competitive on a TV screen.”

“This is the shape of the future for door once the helicopter has landed, business environments than Mark believes the VR will be seen how we can deliver content across picking up boxes of supplies and aerospace and the rewards for those passing them out to an aid worker. who win the contracts are immense. far more in everyday life. “The Airbus so many areas from marketing to contract is the tip of the iceberg: education that really engages the Rendermedia was started in 2004 “At Farnborough we saw many we can allow prospective buyers to user.”

by North Swindon resident Mark businesses vying to stand out and swindonlink.com n September 2016

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Swindon Wide

guide to Live Music in Swindon during September Swindon’s live music scene is as diverse and widespread as any in the country. Whether you like chilled out acoustic music, blues, folk, pop or rock, the scope for musical entertainment is endless.

This month we almost have a total cover band takeover for you to choose from.

If you’re looking for something real, honest and charming, Songs of Praise have the show for you on 1 September. Local legend, ex-cider swiller and all round champion of the land pirate mantra Gaz Brookfield, fresh from his brilliant headline set at the Swindon Shuffle, returns to The Victoria in Old Town.

Since winning Acoustic Magazine’s 2010 Singer Songwriter of the year, he has spent his time on the road, touring the UK and Europe. In this time he has shared the stage with the likes of Levellers, Frank Turner, New Model Army, Nick Harper, Newton Faulkner, Miles Hunt, and many more, racking up over 1,000 gigs to date.

Gaz remains the only unsigned solo artist to sell out The Fleece in Bristol, a feat he as now achieved

The Land Pirate himself Gaz Brookfield will be performing at The Vic on 1 September

four times, with the last two selling out over six months in advance.

Support on the night comes from the excellent Funke and the Two Tone Baby and the delicate folky meanderings of Swindon’s Nick Felix.

If you’re after something more nostalgic, Swindon Arts Centre plays host to the ultimate Jimmy Hendrix and Cream crossover group Voodoo Room on 11 September.

A stunning power trio featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians, performing an incredible show in the true spirit of these legendary superstars, this promises to be a night not to be missed!

17 September sees the Wyvern Theatre host Someone Like You - The Adele Songbook, a show that’s touring UK theatres for the very first time. Billed as an immaculate celebration of one

be over 3.5 million units this year, so it shows that there is a national increase in vinyl purchases.”

Greg said: “Vinyl is so good because it gives you a listening experience that you don’t get with CDs or digital downloads. People respect the quality, and pay more attention to it as a format.”

“We want to be able to complement local businesses in the area, not compete with them. We’re part of the Old Town Business group, and it’s great to be in a tight community who will watch each other’s back.

“We’re able to compete with the likes of Amazon and HMV on price as well.”

“We would like to be able to support some of the local Swindon and Wiltshire artists by stocking their releases.”

RPM Records opened on Saturday July 23 with live music from singer/ songwriter Jack Moore and 2 Sick Monkeys alongside Northern Soul and Motown tunes from DJ Mike Flay. The store has an ordering facility online for you to request vinyl not currently stocked. Visit: www.rpmrecordsltd.co.uk

Vinyl store opens in Old Town Opening a new music store is a monumental challenge for anyone.

However, Swindon residents Karrie and Greg Miszowski have decided to take the plunge, by opening their own independent store in Old Town – RPM Records.

Karrie said “There is never going to be a good time to start a business without risk, but with the ‘vinyl revival’ taking place at the moment, we wanted to get on the ground running now before the market takes off even further. Last year, 2.5 million units of vinyl were sold, and that figure is projected to

of our generation’s finest singersongwriters and hand-picked

by Adele herself on Graham Norton’s BBC Adele Special, the outstanding Katie Markham has the show-stopping voice and captivating charisma to deliver all your favourite Adele hits in an enthralling concert performance.

If you prefer your music rocky and more math orientated, Swindon’s Port Erin will be performing at the Rolleston Arms, Commericial Road on 16 September, showcasing the very best of local talent and throwing in a few surprises no doubt.

Finally, when you’re “In The Mood” there were few finer swing composers than Glenn Miller, and you can relive all your favourite songs from the big band era at the Wyvern Theatre on 25 September, easing you into the Autumn months with some classic moments of musical history.

Of course, there is a whole world of music to discover in Swindon besides just these events, so for more information, or for more events happening in Swindon and beyond, visit: www.theocelot.co.uk

The vinyl frontier - Greg and Karrie Miszowski at RPM Records, Old Town

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Swindon Wide

Swindon Eco Fest returns bigger and better than ever items from recycled materials.

There will be art and crafts to try, and a recycled art exhibition as part of Swindon Open Studios which is going on at the same time.

Simon Smith, chair of Swindon Climate Action Network, said: “The Eco Fest is a great day to find out about living a greener life, be it discovering Swindon’s green spaces, improving your home energy or just getting your bike checked.

“It’s also a chance to get together with like minded people, share experiences and inspire each other.”

Caroline Davies-Khan, chair of Eastcott Community Organisation said “The Eco Fest last year was a really great day, and we’re looking forward to working with SCAN to make this year even better.

“It’s brilliant to be part of Swindon Open Studios too – we’ve invited artists to display a piece of art made from recycled items and are looking forward to seeing their creations.”

The programme, and further information is available from: www.ecofest.org.uk facebook: Swindon EcoFest Twitter: Eastcott_SN1

The Swindon EcoFest takes place on Sunday 11 September at Savernake Street Social Hall in Old Town

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Swindon Eco Fest will be held from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 11 September at Savernake Street Social Hall.

It promises to be a day of information and inspiration about gardening, growing, sharing and repairing, sustainable living and enjoying the great outdoors.

There will be information and activity stalls, talks, recycled art and crafts, a recycled art exhibition, storytelling and facepainting, as well as an opportunity to get bikes checked and security marked too.

Building on the success of a similar event last year, Eastcott Community Organisation has joined forces with Swindon Climate Action Network to make it bigger and better.

Thanks to a grant from Swindon Borough Council, it will be completely free to join in, though visitors might like to bring some change for raffle tickets and refreshments.

There will be an opportunity to meet lots of Swindon groups and organisations that support ecofriendly initiatives, from gardening and wildlife to cycling and making

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Swindon Wide Some words about love by a bleak Welsh poet Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane

I cycled across Wales with four friends from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth recently.

It was stunningly beautiful and everyone we met was friendly and chatty.

Poets and poetry came up in conversation, as they always do in strange places. The friendliness we met was contrasted with the taciturn bleakness and dourness of my favourite Welsh poet, R S

Thomas. He was a big influence on me as a young poet. I heard him read back in the 90s, though he read as if he preferred to be elsewhere.

He was an ardent nationalist and promoted the burning of English holiday homes in Wales – and he an Anglican cleric. And yet, for all his misery, he wrote this most beautiful love poem, ‘A Marriage’: We met under a shower of bird-notes.

Fifty years passed, love’s moment

Heritage that holds traction

in a world in servitude to time.

She was young; I kissed with my eyes closed and opened them on her wrinkles.

‘Come,’ said death, choosing her as his partner for the last dance. And she, who in life had done everything with a bird’s grace, opened her bill now for the shedding of one sigh no heavier than a feather.

Do you have a love poem that resonates for you?

The Swindon Poetry Festival is coming soon. We have several events reaching out to the community. If you fancy reading a favourite poem, come along to ‘Poems Aloud’ at Central Library on Thursday 29 September at 10am, or just come along and listen. It’s free.

Join me and my friends for an evening of poetry and music at Savernake Community Hall on Friday 30 September at 7pm. It will be the best fiver you ever spent.

Book soon as it’ll be a sell-out! www.poetryswindon.org

Swindon goes DaDa for this year’s Poetry Festival

Poetry Swindon’s Hilda Sheehan, Mayor Eric Shaw and Dr Mike Pringle

Poetry Swindon Festival celebrates 100 years of the Dada movement The 101-year-old Earl Kitchener is returning to Swindon for a ‘reunion’ of as its focus this year, and the traction engines (Courtesy of Carl Brown/Colin Hatch) official programme was launched at Swindon Central Library on 12 will put the emphasis on the steamHistory column by Graham Carter August. driven beasts that powered the rides of Swindon Heritage magazine A selection of readings from and were also used to pull them festival organisers and Mayor of from venue to venue. Likewise, Local history fans should stand Barnes used engines to haul timber. Swindon, councillor Eric Shaw by for a weekend of treats on 10 The engines on display will include launched the festival’s fifth year. and 11 September as the town Cllr Shaw said: “I was part of the the majestic 101-year-old Earl celebrates both Swindon 175 and generation brought up on poetry, Kitchener and the even older Joe the annual Heritage Open Days.

STEAM’s annual Swindon Railway Chamberlain, which was restored in and I am pleased that it is still being celebrated. I’d like to thank 2011, complete with its distinctive Festival will draw crowds from particularly the volunteers who towering crane jib. across the country on both the make it happen and Arts Council Colin Hatch, a heritage steam Saturday and Sunday, especially England for all their hard work.” engineer from Wanborough, who, model train enthusiasts.

This year’s theme is the Dadaist earlier this year, built the replica And this year the event will have Swindon Works hooter, is organising poetry movement that grew during extra local interest as it hosts the First World War and focused this part of the event. As well as a unique ‘reunion’ of Swindon traction engines. At least eight will the Edwards/Barnes reunion, he has on nonsensical and often satirical art forms. also mustered four locally owned attend the festival.

Matt Holland, Swindon Festival engines, including his own, to see All were once owned by either up-close. There will also be displays of Literature and Poetry Festival EJ Barnes or R Edwards & Sons founder, read a poem at the launch

by Frank Edwards, The Swindon and sometimes both, as the timber Society and Swindon Heritage. merchants at Rushey Platt and the With the traction engines being fairground showmen often bought stabled at Wanborough in the days and sold engines between them.

Sharpen those brain cells and leading up to the festival, people Ferndale Road-based Edwards get your thinking caps on as the should look out for information were nationally renowned for their Harbour Project’s annual Quiz about their procession to STEAM impressive travelling fair rides, Night with Fish ’n Chip Supper through the streets of the town, several of which are at Devon’s returns on Saturday 15 October which is always an impressive sight. from 7pm.

Fairground Heritage Centre.

See Heritage Open Days: But the festival, which is open It takes place at St Joseph’s Railway Cottage p.19 from 10am to 5pm on both days, College and team sizes are limited

in Spanish, and admitted the Google translation to English made the broken poetry ‘Dada-esque’.

The event has been increased from five to 11 days long beginning with the community festival and finishing with the Big Poetry Weekend which coincides with National Poetry Day. Both feature a multitude of events across Swindon taking place at the Richard Jefferies Museum, Savernake Street Hall and Swindon Arts Centre.

Chair of Poetry Swindon, Maurice Spillane, said at the launch: “You’d be surprised at how many published poets there are in Swindon and how the festival attracts big names in poetry who are glad to come to Swindon.”

The festival runs from 29 September to 5 October, followed by the Big Poetry Weekend from 6 October to 9 October. www.poetryswindon.org

Harbour Project quiz night to a maximum of eight. The event is not open to under-18s.

Tickets are £10 per person, payable in advance.

To book a place, or find out more, call the Harbour office on 01793 611 682 or email fun@ harbourproject.org.uk. swindonlink.com n September 2016

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Swindon Wide MUSIC

TAKE A HEALTHY STEP FORWARD LEARN BALLROOM DANCE LearnTO to Ballroom THIS AUTUMN! Dance this Summer! DANCE AUTUMN! LEARN THIS TO BALLROOM

Ballroom Dancing in Swindon

Newclasses classesstart start on on New Wednesday 14th22nd September 2016 Wednesday April, 2015 at Red Oaks PrimaryDancing School, 7pm Ballroom Redhouse Way, Swindon for Beginners Waltz & Dancing Quickstep) 7.00pm(Learn Ballroom for Beginners 8pm Ballroom Dancing

(Learn Waltz & Quickstep)

for Improvers (Learn Foxtrot & more) 8.00pm Ballroom Dancing for Improvers Venue: (LearnRed Foxtrot and more) Oaks Primary School Hall Redhouse Way Redhouse, Swindon

For more information about joining a class, For morecall: information please 07789about 974joining 866 a class, please call -p.anslow.123@btinternet.com 07789 974 866 or email: or email - p.anslow.123@btinternet.com or visitourour website: or visit website - www.dancewithpatanslow.co.uk www.dancewithpatanslow.co.uk

24

Friday 2nd. 7.30pm Nathan Jones AllStars: Sinatra Spectacular Tour. In Sinatra’s centenary year, join Nathan Jones and his Allstars 20-piece Big Band for an extravaganza of swing classics. £13.50. Arts Centre Saturday 3rd, 7.30pm An Evening With Sam Wearing.

Presenting his debut concert in his hometown Sam performs musical theatre classics and pop songs. Ben Kennedy provides grand piano accompaniment. £11. Arts Centre Sunday 4th, 8pm The Overtones continue to reboot classic sounds for contemporary audiences. £34.50. Wyvern Thursday 8th, 7.30pm Totally Tina - rescheduled from 31 July. Experience the spectacle and energy of Tina Turner’s live shows with a six-piece band, four stunning dancers and Justine’s incredible impersonation of the queen of rock and soul. £20.50. Wyvern Saturday 10th, 7.30pm Abba Reunion. The most authentic ABBA tribute show with superbly accurate vocals, guitar and keyboards as well as iconic costumes, choreography and sets. £23. Wyvern Sunday 11th, 8pm Voodoo Room: A Night of Hendrix & Cream. Paying tribute to two of the greatest names in rock history. £17.50. Arts Centre Friday 16th, 7.30pm The Country Superstars Experience. Sarah Jayne who has been performing as Dolly Parton for over 22 years and award-winning vocal impersonator Andy Crust take us back through time. £22. Wyvern Friday 16th, 7.30pm An Evening with Blues Patrol.

Enjoy a bottle of beer or a glass of wine and buffet food with a full line-up of Blues Patrol. £25, incl a drink and food. The Place, Wyvern Saturday 17th, 7.30pm Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook. Katie Markham takes a soul-stirring journey from break up to make up. £22.25. Wyvern Saturday 24th, 7.30pm Purple Zeppelin. A tribute to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. Complete with costume changes for each band there will be more than 30 classic songs. £18.25. Arts Centre Sunday 25th, 3pm Glenn Miller Orchestra and special guests. Enjoy the world’s greatest Big Band along with a taste of Lindy Hop dance moves from the Swing Time Jivers while the Polka Dot Dolls sing the songs of the Andrews Sisters. £23.50. Wyvern

WHAT’S ON SWINDON COMEDY Wednesday 7th, 7pm WiFi Wars. Login with your smartphone or tablet and compete in games, quizzes and challenges.

Hosted by comedian and regular videogames commentator Steve McNeil. £17.50. Arts Centre Wednesday 14th, 8pm Miles Jupp: Songs of Freedom.

Miles hits the road in a freshly-ironed shirt and some robust trousers. £20.50.

Wyvern Thursday 15th, 8pm Jongleurs: Comedy On The Road.

Four of the brightest and funniest acts on the UK comedy circuit: Sally-Anne Hayward; Stefano Paolini; Kane Brown; The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Review. £13.50. Arts Centre Friday 16th, 7.30pm Jonathan Pie is a respected news reporter. Join him as he hilariously reveals the truth behind recent events at home and abroad. Some strong language. £15.25. Wyvern Sunday 18th Romesh Ranganathan. Wyvern.

SOLD OUT Monday 19th, 7.30pm The Boy With Tape On His Face.

Stand-up comedy with no talking, drama with no acting and punch lines with no words. Tape Face conjures uproarious and moving tableaux using only the most everyday of objects and the most popular of songs. £17.50. Arts Centre Wednesday 21st, 7.30pm Pete Firman: Trix. Be amazed by Pete’s trademark blend of crowdpleasing comedy and jaw-dropping magic. Age 14+. £17.25. Arts Centre

TALK Wednesday 21st, 6.30pm History of Williams F1. David Emery, Williams F1 CAD IT Systems Manager talks about the development cycle of a Formula One car and the commercial application of the technologies. Free, but book a place via christinap@clarkholt.com.

St Joseph’s College, Ocotal Way, SN3 3LR Wednesday 21st, 7.15pm ‘Nobody Cares: Forgotten parts of British Cities. Raymond Holden, author of an ebook of the same title discusses what can be done to revive deprived areas or provide alternative paths to human, social and economic prosperity. £2.50; library members £1.50. Central Library, 2nd Floor Reading Room

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Swindon Wide

SWINDON DRAMA Friday 9th, 7.30pm Veronica’s Room. A chilling mystery thriller with an absorbing spider’s web of fantasy, reality and danger.

Contains adult themes that may shock. £14. Arts Centre Saturday 17th, 7.30pm

Four Sunsets presented by TS Theatre Productions. With the prospect of returning from a holiday of a lifetime, reality starts to dawn for four girls who find their world turned upside-down and their strength and loyalty tested beyond measure. Age guidance 14+. £11.50. Arts Centre Monday 19th to Saturday 24th, 7.30pm & Thurs and Sat 2.30pm The Mousetrap. This record-breaking 60th anniversary production of Agatha Christie’s play, famous for being the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre, is back by popular demand. £24 £32.50. Wyvern Friday 23rd, 7.30pm Journey’s End. A harrowing insight into the humanity of the First World War based on R. C. Sherriff’s experiences in the trenches. This award-winning classic masterfully brings the courage, valour, humour and inescapable tragedy of warfare to the stage. £16. Arts Centre Wednesday 28 September to Saturday 1 October, 7.30pm The Reunion presented by The Phoenix Players. Comedy and confusion combine in this hilarious but poignant story of small people in a big world. £11. Arts Centre

Central Craft Market Saturday 3 Sept, 12noon to 3pm Central Community Centre Emlyn Square SN1 5EG Tables £5, payable in advance Call Linda Ford 07974 357389 VENUES Arts Centre Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 463792 Lydiard House Lydiard Park SN5 3PA. Tel: 01793 466664 STEAM Fire Fly Avenue SN2 2EY. Tel: 01793 466646 Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue Booking fees may apply

CHILDREN & FAMILY Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th, 10am to 5pm Swindon Railway Festival sponsored by Railway Modeller Magazine. Displays, demonstrations and trade stands. £12; seniors £9; children, 3-15 yrs £8; family tickets available. STEAM Tuesday 27 September to Saturday 1 Oct, 7pm; also Wed 10.30am, Thurs 1pm & Fri 10.30am Gangsta Granny by David Walliams.

Friday nights for Ben are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny. £16 - £20; family £64. Wyvern

FILM Wednesday 14th, 7.45pm Tangerines (15). A morality tale of an Estonian farmer in Georgia who shelters wounded soldiers from opposite sides. His simple humanitarian act cuts through propaganda, conflict, and blind hatred. SFS. Arts Centre Friday 23rd, 7.30pm Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything!

Julie Newmar (PG). A 21st anniversary screening of this cult film. £15 inc buffet. Wyvern Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join at any film screening

EXHIBITION Until Saturday 17th Wiltshire’s Story In 100 Objects.

This touring exhibition showcases the varied nature of objects held in museums throughout the county.

Free. Swindon Museum & Art Gallery Until 31 March 2017 Swindon: Then and Now. Using a rich array of local photographs the exhibition charts the change in the town’s urban landscape. Standard admission charge. STEAM Until April 2017, Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm Lydiard at War. The story of the impact of the First World War on the St John family and the wider estate – the people who fought and the people who stayed behind. Normal admission charges. Lydiard House swindonlink.com n September 2016

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Swindon Wide

Swindon puppies get spot in the limelight

New autumn season full of thrills and inspiring performances at Swindon Dance

Filming for the new BBC series ‘Street Auction’ came to Liden in July, and featured a demonstration by four legged pupils from Janet’s Puppy Skool.

The latest batch of young dogs under Janet’s care performed a demonstration of their training at the Haydon Wick Dog Show and were ‘talent-spotted’ for the BBC filming session with Flog It presenter Paul Martin.

Janet Garrett, who runs the puppy training school, said: “I received a phone call from the BBC asking if we could do a similar demonstration to the Haydon Wick Dog Show for Paul Martin whilst they were filming in Liden.

By Emma Christie An exciting new season of performances awaits Swindon Dance for Autumn 2016, with an engaging mix of shows to thrill a range of audiences.

Leviathan kicks off the new season at the Wyvern Theatre on 11 October. Multi-award winning choreographer James Wilton re-imagines Herman Melville’s timeless novel Moby Dick, with a blend of athletic dance, martial arts, Capoeira and partner-work.

Following is Trip Up, performed

by Partners Theatre Company - an inclusive company of disabled performers with a reputation for the quality and the currency of their work.

Presented by Luke Brown, For You I Long The Longest is a double bill of alluring dance theatre, exploring the ever-changing nature of love and romance.

If you’re a newcomer, 2+1 is a chance to dip your toe in to the world of dance performances. At just 30 minutes in length, Amir Giles (ITV’s Mr Selfridge) and Anna Pilbrow take a humorous look at early parenthood in conjunction with Get Creative Family Arts

“It was very exciting and our dogs did wonderfully in the limelight for the second time.

“The programme goes out in September and we have everything crossed our contribution doesn’t end up on the cutting room floor.”

Paul and his production crew visited the Swindon area to knock on doors and ask for donations of unwanted and unloved items in late May. On the day of filming it was revealed that funds raised from the Street Auction itself would be put towards a holiday in the Lake District for Jacky Parry from Toothill, who helped to set up and run the Survivors of Bereavement

by Suicide group in Swindon.

Valuation Day opportunity

Festival.

Family-friendly The Doodle Dance Show is back after a sell-out first tour.

The playful, interactive story show presented by Tom Roden and award winning dancer-performer Anna Williams is designed to get the whole family moving and doodling together.

And if you’ve been inspired by the performances to try it yourself, Swindon Dance runs a large selection of classes and projects for all ages and abilities.

Classes include classics such as jazz, tap, salsa, and ballet, but if that’s not enough to make you to grab your dancing shoes, why not explore Caribbean funk, bharatanatyam, or street jam?

Swindon Dance is based in the heart of Swindon in the former Victorian town hall, where it has been a leading innovator in dance development in the UK for over three decades.

Book classes online. Autumn tearm classes run from 12 September to 10 December.

Online booking for performances is available, or via 01793 601 700. www.swindondance.org.uk

New arrivals at Butterfly World and Farm Park

with

Thomas Plant TV expert on Flog It! The Antiques Road Trip & Bargain Hunt

Bring along your portable items for a FREE valuation with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services

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Valuations are by appointment only.

To arrange a time, please call 01635 580595 or contact us via

www.specialauctionservices.com

Special Auction Services 26

Rigby the raccoon, three baby meerkats and three alpacas are all new arrivals to Butterfly World and Farm Park at Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park, near M4 Junction 16.

Raccoons originate from North America, but one-year-old Rigby has relocated from Clacton on Sea and is now living in a much larger pen than his former home, full of facilities to help stimulate the natural instincts he would use in the wild.

Rigby’s neighbours are a family of meerkats who in June welcomed into their world three pups. The mother is Louise and as the matriarch of the pack, she is the only female amongst them who will have pups. However, the whole meerkat family have to muck in and take it in turns with

various responsibilities including baby-sitting the pups, sentry duty, foraging for food as well as some sun-bathing time.

Daisy, Clover and Brooke are three alpacas who are also new to Farm Park. Alpacas look similar to llamas and are a domesticated species of South American camelid.

Butterfly World is home to 30 species of butterfly housed in a specifically designed 600sqm hot house, as well as a menagerie of rare animals and breeds at Farm Park including otters, a giant tortoise, a giant rabbit, sheep, pigs and goats and a reptile house.

Additionally there are chickens, turkeys, guinea pigs.

Studley Grange is open daily including weekends and holidays.

For more information www. studleygrange.co.uk

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Sport and Leisure

The Wildcats gear up for the new season The Wildcats column with Mike Wray

The opening puck drops on a new season for Swindon Wildcats on 10 September and player coach Aaron Nell says the club’s aim is to fight at the right end of the standings and make an impact.

“There are exciting times ahead,” the 26-year old told Swindon Link.

“Home attendances have been rising nicely over recent years, and the supporters are already buzzing in anticipation of the season.

“We will be firing on all fronts with the opportunity to enjoy success in the league and the cup, as well as looking to make playoffs at a minimum. With a strong core from last year, we’ll be aiming to bring even more consistency to our game.

“The last few years have been a great experience for me stepping up to the player-coach role, and the time feels right to push on. It’ll be another good test for me and I’m always learning.

“Everything is great here – off the ice we’re doing a great job and we’re looking to match that success on the ice too.

“The staff and the lads have been really good. There are some

It all kicks off for Trust STFC in September

over the summer, which the Trust supports, is the Great Western Reds.

This volunteer group of fans has At last, the football has returned the expressed aim to add a little and the 1-0 win over Coventry City extra colour and volume to Town on the opening day of the season games the country over. Visit www. kicked things off nicely. We’ve also greatwesternreds.com for a glimpse experienced players here as well seen several new signings arrive into their world. as some talented youngsters so it and it will be interesting to see As well as a number of long-term should be a good season for us.” how quickly they gel and whether projects which the Trust board He added: “We want to start the continues to beaver away at behind season well and push as high as we or not any of them can make a big the scenes, we’ve been canvassing can. The aim is to finish even higher impression on the pitch.

Why not come along and see opinion about the newly-launched up the standings this season, but for yourself? As mentioned last EFL trophy. it’s a tough division and there are month, the new ‘Pro Red’ scheme You can find out more about the some good teams with some very enables parents of Wiltshireintroduction of elite academies into good players. based schoolchildren and youth the competition, and have your say “There are players who have footballers to buy reduced-price on the matter on our website. been around and played in the top tickets for Town’s home matches We are about to start promoting divisions but we’ve also got that. in 2016-17, encouraging more our ‘Trust Heroes’ scheme to “We’ve got the likes of Max families to attend the County acknowledge the contribution Birbraer and Mark Smith added Ground. Additionally, the club or of remarkable supporters to our to our roster – both experienced school the parents are associated small club. Whether this is a players who have done the business, so it’s time to bring some with will receive cashback based on completion of ‘the 92’, a dedication the tickets sold through the process. to raising money for Football in the silverware back to the club and To find out more or to register your Community or anything else, we keep things moving in the right family, visit www.pro-red.co.uk. welcome your nominations on our direction.

Another initiative established website. www.truststfc.com “The standards are high here and so are expectations.”

The Trust STFC column with chairman Steve Mytton

The successful first Swindon Cycle Fest On Two Wheels by Rob Derry of Swindon Bicycle Users Group (BUG)

The inaugural Swindon Cycle Fest went off with a bang on 17 July at the County Ground Athletics Track.

There were cycle clubs, retailers, cycle groups, Swindon Travel Choices, Sustrans and of course, Swindon BUG. There were bikes of all shapes and sizes that everyone could try out from your bog standard two wheeler through single speed, ‘fixies’, recumbents, cargo bikes and bikes adapted for use by disabled people.

I had a test ride on a semirecumbent which was an interesting ride as the steering was a little twitchy and going slow was quite difficult. My daughter loved the mini cyclo-cross course set up by Cotswold Veldrijden where the kids could use one of the club’s Islabikes that their members race on. We also had a ride on a cargo-bike with a huge box on the front that would take 3 small children.

There were some stunning bikes on display including a Raleigh Chopper

with a Beano Comic paint job. There were organised rides from the event with Swindon Wheelers, Dame Cycling and Sky Rides taking place.

There were many people involved in the organisation of this – too many to mention but I, personally, would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in the day and I look forward to next year’s.

From Swindon BUG’s point of view, we collated a lot of feedback from people about where they would like to see improvements made to infrastructure to make cycling easier, safer and more accessible.

We will be updating our website soon and will include all the information there. swindonlink.com n September 2016

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Motoring

Jeep Renegade – USA style with Italian breeding

The seats are fine, comfortable and adjustable but I wasn’t keen on the nylon-like fabric. I hope that the idea is as a hard-wearing material. Move up the specifications to Limited or Trailhawk and you get leather. On the plus side, with a light fabric as headlining and big, deep windows being inside the roomy Jeep Renegade is pleasantly light and airy. The driving position is high and there’s sufficient reach Geoff Maxted of Drivewrite.co.uk takes the Jeep Renegade for a drive and rake adjustment.

The Jeep Renegade is a chunky Italians, styled by Americans.

There’s a choice of engines, both 4+1 seater. In the manner of SUVs There’s a lot of hard plastic, with diesel and petrol. Being lighter, I from the past it is square-cut only a few soft touches, which I favour the petrol versions which and lantern-jawed but with 21st suppose is inevitable at this price seem to better suit the personality Century manners. The model as point. Full credit though for the of the Jeep Renegade. Our test tested in Longitude trim (around dashboard which is distinctive. car was fitted with a feisty little £20k depending) is no friend of The test car came with a modest 140bhp 1.4L breathing through a mud. That sort of business it leaves 5” Uconnect DAB radio with a turbocharger. The more rugged 4WD to its more off-road capable 4WD touchscreen that includes satellite versions get a 2.0L with 168bhp. brethren which are much more up navigation and Bluetooth.

Drive is through a six-speed DDCT for a bit of track and trail ranging.

By today’s standards the screen (or Euro Twin Clutch) gearbox. This In this trim level it is very much is small. On the other hand, why transmission is essentially a Fiat the small urban SUV but that’s does it matter? It all works well and six-speed manual transmission with no bad thing because the styling clearly this was part of the interior self-shifting capabilities including a makes it stand out from the herd of design philosophy. You get a 7” dual-clutch system which increases crossovers browsing across the city screen on Limited and Trailhawk the smoothness and speed of the streets. I like the exterior very much editions. Elsewhere, USB, 12v and gear changes. because it is somehow in keeping Aux sockets are strategically placed It is by nature (say Fiat) a more with the Jeep tradition. Underneath on the lower dash and in the central efficient transmission than a though it’s a Fiat 500X. Built by armrest. hydraulic automatic with similar

Est 2002

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28

gearing. It’s probably best in auto mode. I tried it using the manual sequential shift option but it didn’t offer anything extra although I can see it being useful in certain circumstances.

Other reviewers have been a bit negative about the driving experience but I don’t agree. I sometimes wonder what people expect. Sure, there’s a bit of wind noise, the throttle response is a bit sluggish and the steering isn’t the sharpest I have ever experienced, but I’ll be willing to bet that most users wouldn’t notice.

The Renegade has a ‘personality’ that is hard to quantify but which is lacking in some other crossovers.

There’s tons of grip and tall car lean is well controlled in corners.

Emissions are lagging behind a bit at 140g/km and the combined fuel consumption figure is 47.1mpg.

This car is up against stiff opposition in the crossover stakes and prices across the range are comparable with other similar cars although it does not undercut them.

I like the Jeep because the brand fares well in reliability surveys and offers something a little different to the run of the mill.

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Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

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19/08/2016 12:42

Puzzle

14 17

15 18

13

13

16 19

20

21

20

22

23

24 26

28

25

28 27

29

30

31

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Place of bliss (8) 5. Ineffectual person (inf.) (4) 9. Alike (7) 10. Waxed spill (5) 11. Deep pink colour (5) 13. Long-winded (6) 15. Team race (5) 17. Select (4) 19. Favourite (3) 20. Join metal (4) 21. Fodder plant of the pea family (5) 23. Forest officer (6) 24. Convenient (5) 28. Weary (5) 29. Clearly (7) 30. Plaything (4) 31. Outlook (8)

1.

2.

3.

4.

6.

7.

8.

12.

13.

14.

16.

18.

21.

22.

25.

26.

27.

30

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Nuisance (4) Lover (5) Unit of US currency (6) Kind (4) Sudden inclination (7) Bleach (8) Tale (5) Social outcast (5) Plot of ground (5) Animated (8) Allow (3) Manipulate (7) South African plain (5) Worry (6) Move to music (5) Practise boxing (4) Anatomical sac (4)

H O T

M I

C

SUDOKU

26.08.16

There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, you should not have to guess.

3 7 6 4 9 2 6 3 7 8 5 2 6

6

9 7 3 5

5 4

3 8 3 9 3 7 6

1 6

2 9 6 3 5 8

6 4 5

SOLUTIONS

Harass; 25 Dance; 26 Spar; 27 Cyst.

12

QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 1 Paradise; 5 Wimp; 9 Similar; 10 Taper; 11 Coral; 13 Prolix; 15 Relay; 17 Pick; 19 Pet; 20 Weld; 21 Vetch; 23 Ranger; 24 Handy; 28 Tired; 29 Plainly; 30 Doll; 31 Prospect.

11

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which, when placed correctly in the grid, will form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

Down – 1 Pest; 2 Romeo; 3 Dollar; 4 Sort; 6 Impulse; 7 Peroxide; 8 Story; 12 Leper; 13 Patch; 14 Spirited; 16 Let; 18 Control; 21 Veldt; 22

11

C A R

31 Good; 37 Very Good; 43 Excellent.

NONAGRAM actor; aortic; arco; atom; atomic; carom; chaotic; chariot; choir; choric; chroma; CHROMATIC; chromic; ciao; coach; coat; coati; coca; coir; coma; comic; corm; crotch; haricot; hoar; hora; ichor; iota; macho; macro; micro; moat; mocha; mohair; morcha; mort; moth; oath; ohmic; omit; orach; orca; otic; ratio; rhotic; riot; roach; roam; rota; roti; tacho; taco; taro; thoracic; thoria; tiro; torc; torch; toric; trio; trochaic.

10 10

ORDERED A CONCLAVE

MAGIC SQUARE load; once; acer; derv.

9

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Target scores:

2 9 3 5 7 4 1 6 8

7

1 4 6 3 8 9 7 2 5

6

8 5 7 2 6 1 9 3 4

5

8

9 3 8 7 1 6 4 5 2

5

4 7 1 8 5 2 3 9 6

4

6 2 5 4 9 3 8 1 7

3

5 1 2 9 4 8 6 7 3

2

MAGIC SQUARE

7 8 9 6 3 5 2 4 1

1

NONAGRAM

3 6 4 1 2 7 5 8 9

QUICK CROSSWORD

swindonlink.com n September 2016

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