South East Swindon Link April 2023

Editor’s Note

By Jamie Hill

Jamie@positive-media.co.uk

I’m writing this only days after Swindon was covered in snow and only another few days before I, myself, will be surrounded by sand.

By the time you read this I’ll either be out traversing The Sahara Desert with Team Link, having raised nearly £12,000 for Prospect Hospice, or hopefully I’ll have already returned.

It’s all a bit nervewracking to be honest.

Physically I’m definitely alright to trek more than 60 kilometres across one of the most inhospitable places on earth but it’s the heat that I’m a bit worried about.

Training has been good (something my waistline can definitely vouch for) but it’s been impossible to train in the temperatures that I’ll be facing and, short of running on the spot in a sauna, there’s not much I’ve been able to do about that.

But it’s all for a good cause and the more money we raise the better. To donate visit www.justgiving. com/team/linksahara

Dance students from Swindon qualify for Dance World Cup

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

A group of talented youngsters from a Swindon dance school have secured their place in the ‘Olympics of Dance’ in Portugal this summer.

The Dance World Cup takes place in the Portuguese city of Braga, with 20,000 dancers from 62 countries coming together to compete with the very best. After a highly competitive selection process, 25 students from the Swindon Academy of Dance have been chosen to represent England at the event.

Only four out of up to 100 entries are chosen to represent Team England in each category, including ballet, tap, national dances

and musical theatre. The school, based mainly at the Wilkes Academy, has been selected in multiple genres including solos, trios and groups. The students, aged between 10 - 18, will leave for a week in Portugal at the end of June.

Principal Sarah Watson, said: “It’s a trip of a lifetime for our students, and we’re so proud of them all. They’ve done incredibly well to qualify, and the opportunity to show their talent and compete at a global level is something we’re all so excited about.”

Student Evie Cowling said: “I can’t wait. We take part in festivals and competitions around the UK, but I’ve always dreamed of qualifying for the Dance World Cup. We’re all

working extra hard to give ourselves the best chance and do our country proud!”

The school are fundraising to pay for equipment, costumes and entry fees. Their GoFundMe page has so far raised over £2,500 from local businesses and individuals, including a generous donation from local dancewear specialists Pointe Perfection.

The team are holding a Dance World Cup and Competition Showcase where local people will be able to see the students perform their World Cup dances ahead of the trip. The event takes place at C6 Commonweal School on 27 April at 7pm, and tickets (£10 each) can be reserved by emailing dwctickets@ gmail.com

Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill

Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson

Reporter: Jessica Durston

Sales: Dave Stewart and Rosy

Presley

Accounts Manager: Karen Randall

Contributors: Tyler Ody, Becky Cox, Maurice Spillane and Alfie Howlett

The Eco Briefing

Smart meters: monitoring your energy use and costs in real time

If you’ve ever travelled in a black cab in London (Hackney carriage), you’ll be familiar with the electronic meter that shows the costs of the fare ticking upwards as the wheels roll forward.

It’s similar to the in-home digital display of an energy smart meter that shows how much energy you’re using, when and how much it costs.

Every home and office in England will have been offered a smart meter by mid-2025 – a total of 50 million gas and electricity meters provided to 27 million homes and offices. A smart meter has two main elements. The meter itself: you get one meter for gas and one for electricity –they’ll usually go where your existing meters are. They use

a secure smart data network to automatically and wirelessly send your meter readings to your supplier at least once a month.

Then there’s the in-home digital display (shown in the photo). It’s a small gadget that communicates wirelessly with your smart meters, monitoring what energy you’re using and showing you how much it costs, in near real time. It gives readings in pounds and pence, and kilowatt hours (kWh), so it can help you identify where you can cut back.

If you’ve had smart meters installed over the last few years, or you’re set to get them, you’ll have a secondgeneration (SMETS 2) meter. That means if you ever

switch to a new energy supplier, it should be able to see your usage and meter readings, and your in-home display should show you your usage with the new supplier’s costs.

What if you don’t currently have a smart meter? All energy providers have their own plans for rolling out free smart meters to customers. How quickly you can get them will depend on availability in your area. Unfortunately, suppliers don’t publish lists of which areas they’re installing smart meters in, nor a timetable for future roll-outs. The best thing to do is check Smart Energy GB’s website, www. smartenergygb.org, or check your energy supplier’s website.

If you rent your home, you can still choose to have one installed as long as you pay the bills and they’re addressed to you. However, the energy regulator Ofgem recommends you tell your landlord before you get one. That’s because there may be rules in your tenancy agreement about how energy is supplied to the property, including the type of meter that can be installed.

Ancient woodland in North Wiltshire to be saved and transformed into a nature reserve

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has announced the purchase of Great Wood, an ancient woodland near Grittenham in North Wiltshire, which covers 71 hectares.

The transformation of Great Wood into a nature reserve prevents it from being sold off in small parcels to multiple landowners or commercially managed.

It will enable the Trust to protect one of the county’s few remaining large ancient woodlands.

The Trust’s purchase was made possible by a generous grant from Biffa Award, a multi-million pound fund that awards grants to community and environmental projects across the UK, as part of the Landfill Communities Fund. Only 3% of Wiltshire is

ancient woodland and there is only 8% of woodland cover in total. Great Wood is in urgent need of restoration to realise its full potential to attract wildlife that has been lost from the area and prevent more species disappearing.

Ancient woodlands have delicate and complex ecosystems that have developed over hundreds of years. They defend against climate change by storing huge amounts of carbon, have far greater plant biodiversity than recently planted woodlands and support a stunning array of insects, birds and mammals. Some species are typically only found in ancient woodlands, including butterflies such as the wood white, Pearl-Bordered Fritillary and Purple Emperor,

and birds such as nightingale and willow warbler.

Gary Mantle, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “I am delighted that we have saved Great Wood as a fantastic place for nature and people in Wiltshire. This is a unique opportunity for us to preserve what is probably the largest collection of wild service trees in the country as well as fantastic stands of oak. We will restore it to a fully functioning ancient woodland ecosystem, increasing biodiversity ensuring it is more resilient

to the impacts of climate change.”

Under the restoration programme, the non-native conifer plantation, which currently covers around a third of the woodland and does not support much wildlife, will be replaced with a mix of native broadleaf trees such as oak, sycamore and rowan.

Easily accessible from Swindon, Great Wood also offers a tremendous place for local communities to enjoy nature, relax, learn and volunteer.

Are you ready to vote in the local elections?

With local elections taking place in Swindon on Thursday, 4 May, people are being urged to make sure they are registered to vote and have the right photo ID.

The election is a significant one for Swindon, with each of the 57 borough council seats apart from Ridgeway being contended.

Currently, the Conservatives have 34 of those seats and are the ruling administration, while Labour has the remaining 23.

There will also be elections for seven parish councils on 4 May.

It takes five minutes to

register to vote on the Government’s website – just search ‘register to vote’ online and register before 11.59pm on 17 April.

Anyone who wants to use a postal vote at this year’s elections will need to register by 5pm on 18 April, and for a proxy vote, applications must be submitted by 5pm on 25 April. More details can be found at www.swindon.gov.

uk/postalvoting

All voters must bring an accepted form of photo ID, which could be a UK passport, a driving licence (either full or provisional), an older person’s bus pass or a PASS card. A full list of

acceptable forms of photo ID is available at www. swindon.gov.uk/voterID

Voters can still use their ID even if it’s out of date, as long as the photo still looks like them and the name matches the one they are registered to vote with. Poll cards aren’t an accepted form of ID.

Any voter without an accepted form of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, which is a new form of ID that can be used to vote in elections.

Anyone applying for a Voter Authority Certificate will need to be registered to vote first.

For the local elections on 4

May, applications for a Voter Authority Certificate need to be made before 5pm on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.

Applications can be made by visiting www.swindon. gov.uk/voterID, calling the council on 01793 445500 for a postal application form or applying in person on any working day between 9.30am and 4pm at Civic Reception, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH. Full details of requirements can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/ voterID

The South Swindon Parish Council column

By Cllr Chris Watts - Chair of South Swindon Parish Council

It is with sadness that I report that this will be my last Chair’s report for the parish. I have been Chair for six years, from the point that the parish was created, and this is the right time to pass the baton on to the next person.

I am very proud of what we have achieved in this short period, starting in a single small office in the old Town Hall with two part time staff, to the fully operational self-delivering organisation with over 50 staff that we see today. Having been responsible for delivering six progressive and ever evolving budgets, I am pleased to have received cross party councillor support that highlighted that the parish always strived to put people first over politics at every opportunity. In the short lifespan of

the parish, we have saved two libraries from closure, with a third to be added this year in Badbury Park; regenerated our ornamental parks - Town Gardens and Queens Park- after years of under-investment; rebuilt and/or regenerated 13 playgrounds that had suffered from many years of little or no investment, saved a community centre from closure, invested heavily in GWR Park, opened a new youth club, increased ground maintenance and street cleaning and brought our 14 allotment sites back up to standard.

We could not have achieved this without our wonderful, dedicated staff and officers who have worked so hard in this time to deliver the vision of a people first focused Parish. All employed by the Parish are truly stakeholders who understand the value of making the place we live

and work the best it can be, and I am forever grateful and thank them for their constant support.

I would like to thank all the councillors who, over the six years, have contributed so much to the success of the parish council.

In particular, Cllr Janine Howarth who has supported me serving as Vice Chair throughout; Cllr Neil Hopkins as Chair of the Leisure and Amenities Committee who have delivered large projects from playground refurbishment to the fantastic Enchanted Garden light Trail; and Cllrs Trish Philpot and Patrick Herring for ensuring residents voices have been heard through the planning system as Chairs of our Planning Committee.

I would also like to thank the many volunteers and partner organisations that have been so supportive in their selfless endeavours to ensure the parish remains

relevant in the community, guiding us in partnership, highlighting the needs of the local community. Being Chair has given me the opportunity and privilege to meet so many wonderful people who contribute so much of their time and energy to vital local initiatives and causes. The parish will go from strength to strength, with many exciting new projects in the pipeline, such as community outdoor sports facilities in Walcot, refurbishment of the Town Gardens Bowl to support an events program, new tennis courts in Old Town, a new Library and community centre in Badbury Park and an orangery café for Queens Park to name a few.

I hope you will all join me in supporting the new Chair of the Parish and the new intake of Councillors after the May 2023 election. It has been an honour and privilege to serve.

Swindon bus donated for use as field hospital in Ukraine

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

A bus donated by Swindon’s Bus Company will be put to use and converted into a field hospital before being sent to the front line in Ukraine.

The local operator was recently approached by Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP), which was formed to help those both still in the war-torn country and those who have become refugees in the UK.

Mike Bowden, SHAP chair, said: “SHAP was formed when Russia first invaded Ukraine. A small group of local people met to learn about the desperate situation many in Ukraine found themselves in. We all wanted to ‘do something’ and the seeds of SHAP were planted.

“Our work is carried out by volunteers and relies upon

donations from generous companies and individuals.

Ukraine is in need of mobile field hospitals to aid the recovery of civilians, and those risking their lives to defend their homeland.

“Converted buses are perfect for this so, with significant help from Heidi Alexander and non executive director at Transport for London, Leon Daniels, we approached companies across the UK to see if they were willing to

donate vehicles to this very worthy cause. We recently took delivery of our first bus - given to us by Swindon’s Bus Company.

“I’d like to thank them on behalf of all those who are working hard to help those caught up in this cruel conflict. The bus will be converted and fitted with hospital beds and everything else required for it to carry out its new role in Ukraine. We look forward to more buses from other

operators over the coming months.”

Andrew Wickham, managing director of Swindon’s Bus Company, added: “It’s a very sad fact of war that this new field hospital, and others that follow it to Ukraine, will be well-used. Swindon’s Bus Company would like to send hopes, prayers and best wishes to our friends - both in Ukraine and in the UKwho are affected by this cruel conflict.”

(L to R): Anantoliy Kiktiev, Alla Skydan and Svitlana Yehorochkina

Family history talk at Lydiard House

Lydiard House is to host a talk about the use of DNA in tracing family history. It will be held on Wednesday, 19 April at 7pm, when Sonia St John, whose research into the St John family of Lydiard Tregoze brought many interesting stories to light, will provide a layperson’s guide to the use of DNA testing.

Tickets can be booked via www.friendsoflydiardpark. org.uk/events/howgenealogists-use-dna/

Cancer counselling service launched

Cancer counselling charity

We Hear You (WHY) is launching a new one-toone counselling service in Swindon, operating from Ahead4Therapy at Abbey Meads Village.

To find out more about We Hear You, people should visit wehearyou.org. uk, and to refer themselves for support they should call 01373 455255 or email info@wehearyou.org.uk

School celebrates Ofsted praise

Great Western Academy in Tadpole Garden Village received a glowing first Ofsted report.

The academy, which opened in 2018, was graded as ‘Good’ in all categories after being visited by an inspection team in January of this year.

The high aspirations of the school were said to have been praised throughout the report, as was the “ambitious and broad” curriculum.

Coronation to be marked by range of celebrations

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

With the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort quickly approaching, there is still time to get your plans in place.

Over the extended Bank Holiday Weekend in May, a variety of events will be happening across the country, so why not get involved?

The Coronation itself takes place on Saturday, 6 May, and residents are encouraged to take part in the Coronation Big Lunch on the Sunday.

This is when most street parties will be happening up and down the country. To host your own street party, you will need to apply for

a road closure. This must be done before Friday, 14 April in order for it to be cleared in time.

If your event is selling alcohol, providing entertainment or serving hot food or drinks between 11pm and 5am, you may need to apply for a temporary event notice. You can apply for a road closure and an event notice

at www.swindon.gov.uk/ kingscoronation

On Monday, 8 May, everyone will be encouraged to take part in The Big Help Out, a chance to try out volunteering and learn more about the valuable work being undertaken in local areas. Further information about all events can be found at www.coronation. gov.uk

Exciting events promised throughout April at Kelmscott Manor

Kelmscott Manor is inviting people to be part of The Wild Escape, a major new national project led by Art Fund.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the natural environment around the Manor which inspired revered artist and designer William Morris.

A spokesperson said: “Throughout April we will be running a series of free family activities where you can come along and be part of this nationwide project.

“This will culminate in celebrating Earth Day on 22 April. Inspired by the Strawberry Thief thrush, the most iconic design and creature associated with the Manor, families will be invited to make a Strawberry Thief to be part of our visitor produced art

installation.”

The events are:

Saturday, 8 April – Bed Bugs embroidery workshop. Join artist Kay Adamson to stitch a creature inspired by William Morris’s iconic bedspread.

Saturday, 15 April –Incredible insects! Discover the creepy crawlies all around us and craft your own with the learning and outreach team.

Saturday, 22 April – Earth Day Celebration. Celebrate nature as part of this national event!

Entrance to the grounds and to take part in activities is free but a ticket is

required for entrance to the

house.

People can visit Kelmscott Manor from April to October on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.30am to 5pm, and full details are at www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

The Wild Escape is made possible by funding from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants, with additional support from Kusuma Trust, Foyle Foundation and a group of generous individuals and trusts.

The Wild Escape is inspired by Wild Isles, a landmark BBC series exploring the flora and fauna of the UK.

Non-profit supporting parents and carers with SEND children celebrates fifth anniversary

The team at Swindon SEND Families Voice (SSFV) are celebrating five years in operation.

SSFV were set up back in 2018, in order to support local families who have children and young people with any kind of Special Education Needs or Disabilities (SEND).

The SSFV team celebrated their five-year milestone by sharing cake with parents and carers at their support group, Branches. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/ SwindonSENDfamiliesvoice

My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival to return this Summer

The My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad Festival will return to the Town Gardens this year on Saturday 22 July.

Acts already announced for 2023 include Imperial Leisure, The Read Cheesemakers, and True Strays.

Profits from the festival will go to Prospect Hospice. This will be the third year of the festival which was organised in tribute to Dave Young, the former landlord of The Victoria and 12 Bar, who died in early June 2021 at Prospect Hospice after a hard-fought battle against cancer.

Music lovers can get their tickets for My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad now by visiting the website mydadsbiggerthanyourdad. co.uk or www.wegottickets. com

Swindon’s first Growers Summit aims to inspire local gardeners

Plans have been announced for a new springtime eventthe Swindon Growers Summitfor keen gardeners throughout the town.

The first summit will take place at the Swindon Hub on Sunday 30 April, from 10am to 4pm, and national experts will be on hand to talk about compost, organic gardening and garden design. The event will also feature stalls, tool sharpening, a seed-swap, and live music for attendees to enjoy.

Event organiser Josie Slade (pictured right) wants to create a fun day where people can learn from experts and share ideas with each other.

She said: “The Growers Summit will be a chance for everyone to get together, get inspired, and get plenty of tips for healthier plants and more nutritious food.”

The main speakers have

been chosen with a focus on healthy, organic soil and plants. Eddie Bailey has given talks around the country, and is a national expert on compost. He will be demonstrating different ways to make compost, as well as talking about how people can make their own natural fertiliser and ‘compost teas’. For those wanting to get started with organic gardening, and learn about the challenges and pitfalls, author and former head of education at Garden Organic UK, Maggi Brown, will talk about all she has learned in a lifetime of organic.

She is the author of ‘Growing Naturally - a guide to organic gardening.

The event’s third keynote speaker is organic

horticulturist Nicola Hope. She aims to create ‘wildlifefriendly and ecologically resilient gardens’ and will talk about how to plan a garden or allotment, what grows well together, and the all-important timings for sowing and harvesting.

Tickets cost £8 (£4 concessions) and are available at www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/ swindon-growers-summittickets-519813695757

All profits will be shared between the Soil Association, Twigs Community Gardens, and Swindon Hub.

Street art breathes new life into Marlowe Avenue underpass

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

Swindon artists have recently injected some colour and creativity into one of the town’s underpasses with a giant mural.

The underpass that connects Marlowe Avenue to Eastern Way has been transformed with the use of bright colours, shapes, and flowers.

Local artists Paul Exton, Curtis Hylton and Caryn Koh were supported by Swindon Borough Council for this art project.

The flower designs appearing on the front of the underpass are said to be a depiction of the flowers found in the Old Town Gardens.

Inside the underpass itself,

a bright and colourful design using shapes and images of people exercising can be found spanning the entire length of the walkway.

A spokesperson from Swindon Paint Fest - an organisation that held Swindon’s first graffiti and street art festival last year - said: “This artwork is so massive, you need to walk through and experience it for yourself.”

Swindon’s first ‘Paint Fest’ was held last October, with aims of showcasing and initiating murals and street

art in the town centre and beyond.

The event was organised by artists Caryn Koh, Sally Taylor and Organiser Helen Salter on behalf of Artsite, an artist led self-funded charity, in partnership with Inswindon BID.

Local artists took part in live painting sessions, hosted workshops and exhibited their artwork.

Major development in push to save ravaged Old Town building

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

Swindon Borough Council has announced the sale of two Old Town car parks to help push forward the regeneration of the Locarno.

The Victorian building, originally the Corn Exchange, has stood derelict for almost two decades since being ravaged by two fires.

The council said that following discussions with the building’s owner, local businessman Gael Mackenzie, a proposal to bring the much-loved landmark back into use had been agreed.

A spokesperson for the authority said: “Under the plans, The Corn Exchange and The Planks and Dammas Lane car parks would be sold jointly as a

regeneration opportunity to prospective developers.

“We’ll now agree a joint sale agreement before marketing and selling the combined sites on the basis we receive acceptable offers.

“We hope that by pursuing a joint land disposal it will finally lead to the successful regeneration of this important part of Old Town.”

Completed in 1854 and regarded for many decades as one of Swindon’s most imposing buildings, it initially served as the Old Town Hall, losing this function after civic responsibilities were transferred to Swindon Town Hall late in the 19th century.

Later still, the council began meeting in another new building, the Civic Offices.

Over the years, the former Old Town Hall served many purposes, ranging from an ice rink to a music venuethe Locarno - which hosted many major acts including The Who.

It was latterly used as a bingo hall before being closed up and left empty.

In May of 2003 the

building was badly damaged by a fire which wrecked much of the roof and first floor, and another fire the following May destroyed much of what was left. In the years since there have been moves to regenerate the building, including as restaurants and cafes.

Sale of former Swindon Museum and Art Gallery announced

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

The sale of the former Swindon Museum and Art Gallery has been announced by Swindon Borough Council.

The council has agreed to sell Apsley House to local property developer Arthur Dallimer, who proposes to regenerate the site into a mixed-use commercial development, as seen in a CGI image.

The site, on the corner of Bath Road and Victoria Road, could include a 90seat indoor and outdoor restaurant, a 30-seat cafe in the old listed house, a co-work space similar to the Workshed in Swindon’s Carriage Works, and five retail units.

Mr Dallimer has pledged to start work straight away if his plans are approved

by the Council’s Planning Committee, and that the new development could be open for use as early as next year.

Apsley House has been closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, as its split levels and limited capacity made social distancing extremely challenging.

As the building is not fully accessible and required

significant investment to maintain it, the council took the decision to move the museum and art collections to a semi-permanent home at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street until plans for a new facility in the town’s proposed Cultural Quarter come forward.

The new facility will be open to the public later this year.

Cllr Keith Williams,

Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Finance and Commercialisation, said: “Apsley House is a much-loved building and I am really excited to see Mr Dallimer’s development come forward.

“He put forward an incredibly strong bid not just in terms of the price offered, but also for his vision for the site which was strongly supported by the local community.”

Mr Dallimer said: “As I’m Swindon born, this building has been a key part of my childhood, as it has been for many Swindon residents.”

He added that he was excited to be bringing the building back to life, and also for the fact that it would have community use as a commercial space.

Focus on Property in Swindon

A word from Nationwide on house prices:

Data collected from Nationwide in December of last year found annual house price growth continued to slow sharply as 2022 drew to a close.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, said: “December saw a further sharp slowdown in annual house price growth to 2.8%, from 4.4% in November. Prices fell by 0.1% month-on-month – a much smaller decline than in the previous couple of months.

“However, December also marked the fourth consecutive monthly price fall - the worst run since 2008, which left prices 2.5% lower than their August peak (after taking account of seasonal effects).”

On the subject of house prices in 2023, Robert added: “While house prices are likely to see a modest decline in 2023 (perhaps of c.5%), a significant deterioration in the labour market or more elevated mortgage rates would probably be required to generate the double-digit declines suggested by some forecasters. While the risks are skewed in that direction, it doesn’t appear to be the most likely outcome.”

Nationwide Building Society has a tool on its website (www.nationwidehousepriceindex.co.uk/ charts) that allows the user to work out and compare the affordability of houses in their local area.

The graph pictured to the left shows the affordability of houses in Swindon compared to London on average, between 2012 - 2022.

The data shows the average house price in Swindon fluctuates from between four times the first-time buyer’s earnings to 5.6 times FTB earnings.

The average house price in London fluctuates between almost 7 times the first-time buyer’s earnings to just over nine times FTB earnings over the same period of time.

An Expert Voice: Barrie Brocks, from Richard James’ West Swindon branch

Barrie Brocks is the Branch Manager of Richard James’ West Swindon office.

He says: “West Swindon was designed in the 1970s and built in the 1980s. It has always been a solid investment, with the distinct advantage of having Lydiard Park & the Link Centre on our doorstep.

“This year, we have experienced a challenging market, however, have benefitted from having over 60 staff in 9 local offices with a solid work ethic.

“With our vast experience in the Swindon property market, we are well-placed to provide excellent customer service, whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent a

property.

“If you would like to discuss a possible house sale or book a consultation, then please feel free to contact us here at Richard James.”

The property firm have offices in Old Town, North Swindon, East Swindon, West Swindon, Wroughton, Royal Wootton Bassett, Faringdon and Highworth.

Members of the public can get in touch with Barrie Brocks by calling 01793 311 014.

Similarly, those interested in finding out more about Richard James can visit its website at richardjames.uk, or call 01793 520 720.

Focus on Property in Swindon

New housing opportunities in the area

Redlands Grove, off Wanborough Road

Bellway is building 81 new homes in the first phase of Redlands Grove, off Wanborough Road to the east of Swindon.

The scheme will include 65 two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale and 16 affordable properties for rent or shared ownership. The house styles will be from Bellway’s Artisan Collection. The first homes went on the market in February and are being sold from the sales centre at Bellway’s Ridgeway Park development in Wroughton. Redlands Grove is part of a new neighbourhood of up to 370 homes on a 46-acre site which has outline planning permission in place.

More information at www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-west/redlands-grove or via calling 01793 393145.

Retirement living

Gilbert Place, Swindon

McCarthy Stone say a total of 66 one and two-bedroom apartments, exclusively designed to meet the needs of the over 70s, make up Gilbert Place, each pairing well-appointed kitchens and bathrooms with stylish living spaces.

Homeowners at the Gilbert Place Retirement Living Plus development have access to a stylish and welcoming communal lounge, which is said to be perfect for socialising with new neighbours, landscaped gardens maintained by McCarthy Stone’s team, and a guest suite for when family and friends come to stay.

McCarthy Stone say tailored domestic support packages can be arranged to meet individual needs, maximising the time available for leisure, while day-to-day operations are overseen by an Estate Manager. Secure entry systems and 24-hour emergency call points can also be found at the new development.

The retirement developer adds that flexible purchase options are available to make moving even easier for retirees.The development will also feature its own bistro style restaurant serving delicious, freshly prepared meals every day. Those interested can discover more about Retirement Living Plus at Gilbert Place, by calling 0800 153 3076 or visiting www.mccarthystone.co.uk/gilbert-place.

Orchard Lodge, Calne

For those looking to retire to a friendly, historic market town, but with quick and easy transport links into Bath or Swindon, Calne could be the perfect retirement location.

This brand-new Churchill Retirement development features 39 retirement properties, a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments some with balconies or patios overlooking landscaped gardens. Owners will also have full use of the South-facing Owners’ Lounge - described as a beautifully designed space with access to the patio.

Located in the heart of the town, these brand-new retirement homes will offer contemporary living within a historic conservation area just a short walk from the local shops, amenities and leisure facilities.

St Andrews Lodge, Chippenham

St Andrew’s Lodge is a collection of 46 one and two bedroom retirement apartments, well located for the town centre shops and amenities, and the wealth of maintained parks in Chippenham. This market town on the banks of the River Avon is just under 20 minutes by train and 20 miles south west of Swindon. Those interested are invited to try before they buy.

Churchill Retirement Living have recently introduced its Experience Apartment, allowing individuals to sample the Churchill Retirement lifestyle in one of its apartments before buying. During their stay retirees will have an opportunity to meet with the Lodge Manager and owners already enjoying life at St Andrew’s Lodge.

Those interested can call today on 0800 077 4594 for more information on Churchill Retirement developments, or visit crl.co.uk

Welcome to Nova Hreod!

It’s been an incredibly busy and successful few weeks at Nova Hreod Academy following the release of an Ofsted report in which the school was described as “friendly and welcoming” with inspectors complimenting the “rich and ambitious curriculum” and confirming that Nova is a Good school.

‘Supernova’ Extra Curricular Activities

The Supernova programme allows students to learn new skills by joining clubs covering a wide range of areas including subjects such as ceramic gift making, anime, Warhammer and even Mario Kart.

Jamie in Year 7 joined food technology club and entered the national junior FutureChef BakeOff competition.

The judges loved his entry. Jamie was declared the winner and is going on to represent Nova at the National Senior Final.

Holly from Year 10 won the Swindon Rotary Club photography competition with a photograph taken at the Brunel Centre, described as “recognising how the world no longer just has its natural beauty it was ‘born’ with.”

School Profile: Nova Hreod Academy

Get to know the schools in your area

This issue: Nova Hreod Academy

Address: Akers Way, Swindon SN2 2NQ

Tel: 01793 528800

Email: admin@novahreodacademy.org.uk

Website: www.novahreodacademy.org.uk

School Productions:

A particular highlight this term has been the sell-out production of High School Musical, exemplifying the strong “Supernova” extracurricular programme which was praised by Ofsted. The cast and crew worked hard after school, spending evenings and weekends rehearsing to put together a really professional show. In the true spirit of Supernova, the cast included experienced performers and students who had never performed on stage before, all supporting each other in developing a passion for performance.

Friday Challenges and Interhouse competitions are also a regular feature at the school. With such a variety of opportunities outside the classroom, at Nova, everyone is encouraged to get involved, discover new interests, and grow in confidence and character.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Business Profile - Willoby’s Furniture Co

Business Type - Furniture retailer

Established - 2010

Address - 34 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AB

Telephone number - 01793 540512

Website - willobysfurniture.co.uk

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

As far as owners Will and Tom Bowness are concerned, the reasons for the success of Willoby’s couldn’t be simpler. They pride themselves on selling items which have style and quality but are never excessively expensive.

Will said: “We have always wanted to sell things that I would want in my house.

“We always want things that are a little bit different to everywhere else, whether that’s in the bold colours of sofas or the shape and style of things.

“Customers can choose whichever colours they want to on lots of products.

“It’s to have things that are stylish and a little bit different for your house. To make a statement.

“It’s very hard to pin down a typical customer, because it’s from people buying their first home all the way to people buying for their retirement home.

“The majority would be in the middle. We mainly service Swindon and the surrounding counties but we have delivered down to the various coasts - Devon and Wales.

“We don’t ever deal with big brand names because you tend to get less for your money.

“We want to be able to find the smaller independent suppliers that are able to give a lot more product and quality for the money.

“You often get a quicker lead time and more choice from those suppliers as

well, so we look very hard to find our suppliers.

“They’ve got to have the right product, essentially.”

Although the brothers insist that only items of the highest quality find their way into the Swindon Shop and the Cotswold Sofa Barn, prices are competitive.

Will said: “We’ve grown up with furniture retail in some form for all of our lives, and we are in the lucky position of having space for our warehousing and showroom, so we’re able to hold large stocks in order to get prices down.”

The History of Willoby’s

Willoby’s was founded 13 years ago and for its owners furniture retail is in the blood.

The parents of Will and Tom Bowness, Mike and Lynn, had a chain of shops, Pine and Cane.

Will said: “I had the opportunity after university and after doing a few other things to start something new, which is where Willobys came in.”

Brother Tom, who studied animation at university and uses his drawing skills to help customers in need of bespoke items, joined the business.

In addition to its shop at 34 Wood Street in Swindon’s Old Town, which displays its wares over three floors, Willoby’s also offers its Cotswold Sofa Barn near Cotswold Water Park, off the A419 at Glebe Farm, Ashton Road, SN6 6RF.

Willoby’s owners Will, left, and Tom Bowness

Interview: Angela Atkinson, author of books including Secret Swindon and Swindon in 50 Buildings

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

Angela Atkinson has no time for those who would have us believe Swindon is an architectural desert.

“What would you rather have? Would you rather have classical architecture with columns that was funded by slavery and tobacco, or would you rather have Victorian red brick funded by good, honest toil?

“That’s what I say, and I know what I’d rather have.

“As I wrote in Secret Swindon, ‘Let’s go to Swindon for a spa break,’ said nobody ever. ‘Let’s go to Swindon for jobs and economic prosperity,’ said thousands and thousands!”

In addition to being an author, Angela is a copywriter and Volunteer Area Lead with the Federation of Small Businesses.

Her blog, Born Again Swindonian, is described as a personal celebration of the town, and can be found at swindonian.me

Secret Swindon, her first book, was published in 2016, and delves into aspects of the town and its history of which many people are unaware.

Swindon in 50 Buildings came in 2019, as did Ken White: Muralist and Painter, which is about Swindon’s most famous living artist.

Swindon: A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide came in 2020.

The author’s description of herself as a born again Swindonian is not an idle one. Originally from a mining

community whose nearest town was Worksop in Nottinghamshire, Angela came to Swindon in the 1990s with her daughter who was then 12.

“I came to Swindon with no negative perceptions of the town. In fact, I came here thinking I had come to the land of milk and honey, and that was because I had, compared to the devastation left by Margaret Thatcher and the mine closures.

“I came as a single parent. I had to find full time work, so I spent about 15 years, going to work, coming home, having my tea, getting washed, going to bed and doing it all the next day, and taking not much more interest in Swindon than that.

“I liked it well enough - this was in the days when we still had Littlewoods, British Home Stores - a really good

addiction. Worksop became the heroin capital of Europe by the 1990s, or even the late eighties, such was the level of hopelessness.

“Obviously all of that influenced my affection for Swindon.

“A general affection slowly turned into a passion.

“When you think of Swindon’s story, that these men and their families walked - they walked - from Scotland and Wales and the north of England knowing nothing other than that there was opportunity...they came here and they built not only a railway but a community.”

town centre.

“But it was only when I was at university, doing my English degree, about 10 years ago now, that I started the blog to amass material for a travel-writing module. A conversation with my lecturer triggered it.”

Angela told her lecturer that she didn’t do much travelling - and was inspired by his response.

“I’ll never forget this. He said, ‘Angela, the last thing I want on my desk is another gap year in Thailand. Tell me what you see when you walk to your Tesco Express.’

“I just wrote stuff over the summer before we went back for that third year, and so it was from that, really.

“A lot of it is to do with what I left behind, which was slag heaps, mass unemployment and emphysema - oh, and heroin

The pandemic hampered her schedule, but there are further research and writing projects, with progress detailed in the blog.

One is a sequel to Swindon in 50 Buildings entitled Swindon in 50 more buildings, with about half of the entries complete and available on the blog.

“What I’m aiming to do is one or two from the wider borough, some more of the railway-related buildings that I didn’t do in the book, basically just trying to plug some gaps.

“It’ll be a bit more random than the book was, really, just filling in things I wanted to do but couldn’t.”

Angela has also joined forces with two other wellknown figures on the local history and heritage scene, Roger Ogle and Frances Bevan, for a book called West Swindon: What the Eye Can’t See, which she hopes will be pubished this autumn.

Care organisation offers helping hand for people in need

Air ambulance fundraiser

Helping Old Friends says it is the perfect bridge between isolation and fulltime care.

A spokesperson said: “Sometimes after an operation on a knee or a hip all you need is for someone to do those little tasks around the house that you were able to do but no longer can.

“You know you will get back on your feet, but you could do with an extra pair

of hands for a bit - we can do that.

“Please do give us a call if you have a loved one stuck in hospital and if we’re able to help or steer you in the right direction to get the appropriate help we will.”

Further information is available at www. helpingoldfriends.co.uk and by calling Katrina on 01793 550895 or Lauren on 01285 701801.

A branding expert has set himself the task of raising at least £1,500 this year for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Mike Land, who runs Swindon-based Nickel Design, has started the ball rolling with a £150 donation of his own, given in lieu of sending cards and gifts to clients and contacts at Christmas.

Mike’s previous fundraising efforts have ranged from

bungee jumping to abseiling down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower.

He is promising to make 10 times that amount, and will stage a 24-hour van pull to mark the £1,500 fundraising milestone. At the £2,000 mark he will take part in a skydive. Donations can be made at www.givengain. com/ap/mike-land-raisingfunds-for-wiltshire-airambulance/#timeline.

Judge Jules to host music event celebrating 25 years of ‘Kevin and Perry Go Large’

By Jessica Durston | jessica@positive-media.co.uk

Judge Jules will be visiting Swindon’s Meca this May to host a nostalgic show stacked with Ibiza legends, goodie bags, giveaways and inflatables.

The Judge Jules Goes Large show will come to the Meca on Saturday 13 May, and will start at 8pm. The full line-up for the event is still to be confirmed.

Described as ‘the mastermind behind the Kevin & Perry Go Large film soundtrack and album’, Judge Jules also wrote the movie’s theme song “All I Wanna Do Is Do It” with Harry Enfield.

Judge Jules Goes Large is Jules’ own event interpretation that aims to pay homage to the movie.

A spokesperson for the show said: “Musically, as with Jules’s work on the soundtrack, ‘Goes Large’ is not genre specific – more a mixed bag of timeless iconic anthems. This event is a true representation of Judge Jules at his very best, giving a nod to one of the most memorable films representing club culture. A timeless movie that helped mould and shape the scene we love and enjoy today.”

Early bird tickets are priced at £22, with Meca also offering a trio of different VIP packages for those interested in them.

More information can be found at www.mecaswindon.co.uk/events-tickets/judge-jules-goes-large

LINK CULTURE

Forest Live 2023 will see performances from Paul Weller, Jack Savoretti, Natalie Imbruglia, and Tom Grennan

Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series presented by Forestry England.

The concerts take place between 8 and 18 June and introduce forests to new audiences in unique, natural woodland arenas around the country.

Over 2 million people have attended a Forest Live gig in the last 22 years, experiencing great music and supporting the nation’s forests when buying a ticket.

Going to a concert helps Forestry England create places for people to enjoy, run important conservation projects, and keep growing trees. Last year they planted some 6.8 million trees, caring for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests sustainably and welcoming 363 million visits annually.

Forest Live will take place at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Glos and this year’s headline acts are:

- Thurs 8 June: Paul Weller + special guests Far From Saints and guest support Seb Lowe

- Friday 9 June: Tom Grennan + special guest Matilda Mann and support Liv Dawson

- Sat 10 June: Jack Savoretti + special guest Natalie Imbruglia

For info or tickets visit www.forestryengland.uk/music

Lechlade Festival returns with Tony Hadley & D:Ream

Lechlade Festival will return this year from 26 to 28 May.

The multi-award winning family friendly festival will feature headline performances from pop star Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), and much-loved Northern Irish/English pop and dance group D:Ream.

Tony will play on the Sunday night, and D:Ream will take to the stage on the Saturday evening.

The festival’s Cabaret & Comedy Stage will also be stocked with a host of different acts.

For full line-up and tickets visit lechladefestival.co.uk

Words by Jessica Durston

What's On: Fancy a laugh in Swindon this April?

Comedian Eshaan Akbar will be bringing his debut tour ‘The Pretender’ to the Swindon Arts Centre on Tuesday 4 April.

The show will start at 8pm, and has been rescheduled from an earlier date in March.

Eshaan has appeared on Mock the Week and QI, and has been involved with the award-winning podcasts ‘Have A Word’, ‘Ninetwentynine’, and ‘Spitting Image.’

For his Swindon date, Eshaan will be joined by support act Preet Singh - a stand up comedian, writer, podcaster, and radio host.

Tickets are priced at £19 (with £2 off the price for concessions) and can be purchased at swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/tickets-eshaanakbar-the-pretender-swindon-2023

April’s Chuckles Comedy Club event at Swindon Meca will take place on Thursday 27, at 8.30pm. Three fantastic comedians will take to the stage to perform at this live stand up event. The acts are yet to be announced, but those interested can check the Meca’s Facebook page for future updates: www. facebook.com/MecaSwindon

Tickets can be purchased at www.mecaswindon.co.uk/events-tickets/chuckles-comedy-club-april-2023

Those attending the show can also choose to purchase the ‘Dinner and a Show’ option, and enjoy a meal with the performances.

Food will be supplied by The Ridge Bar & Grill, and menu details can be found by following the link above.

Words by Jessica Durston

Eshaan Akbar: The Pretender at Swindon Arts Centre

Chuckles Comedy Club at Swindon Meca

LINK POETRY

Reflecting on where we come from and where we are going

Maurice

Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

I met a woman from Ghana, Ama, when volunteering. Ghanaian names are based on the day of birth and there’s quite a fascinating ritual around it.

I worked in Africa back in the days, so we dug around that, swapping stories, a fabulous chat.

I encouraged her to visit Dublin someday. If she does, I want to be her

family’s guide.

The question, “Where are you from?” usually gets the answer, “Swindon” from me.

If “really” is added in you’ll get Dublin and lots of detail. A harmless conversation opener, you’d think. But not anymore.

When people ask that question these days, they apologise as if they’ve caused offence. It’s the

unintended consequence of Ngozi Fulani and Lady Hussey some months ago. Ngozi maintained that “Where are you really from?” was abusive to a foreigner.

The BBC picked it up and there was a furore. In my view the two women should’ve had a grown-up discussion there and then. And if Ngozi didn’t want the question, she should’ve moved on.

I want that sentence reclaimed. I accept words can be offensive in the wrong context, “gay” for example which used to mean happy. “Black” is another, though it confounds me when black friends use it about themselves. You’ll know other words.

But I don’t accept a whole sentence of five words should be censored.

It reminds me of a poem when I was five about asking difficult questions. It’s called “The Elf-Man” – though it’s probably banned these days!

I met a little Elf-man once Down where the lilies blow. I asked him why he was so small,

And, why he didn’t grow.

He slightly frowned, and with his eye

He looked me through and through.

‘I’m just as big for me,’ said he, ‘As you are big for you!’

www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

After eight months of racing Swindon finally have the finish line in sight.

April shall bring eight games, all of which will go a long way in determining the destiny of The Robins’ campaign.

However, while Town are close to completing their current race, has attention already turned to their next race - the 2023/24 season?

There’s no doubt the Robins’ season is in a precarious position. With games in hand and an opportunity to play teams above them at home, there’s an outside chance of Town making a late assault for the play-offs. This feat at the start of the season was considered a minimal expectation. If you add the

Swindon enter the home straight LINK FOOTBALL

fact that Swindon occupied a position in the top seven for the first half of the season, you’d say that the fact that they now find themselves with an eye on next season is a damning failure.

On paper there’s little difference between Swindon’s position now than there was this time last year. Ben Garner’s men found themselves requiring a late push spurred on by the fans in order to secure play-off football. Unfortunately for Swindon I can’t see history repeating itself.

Firstly, the team just isn’t strong enough. Town lack a player capable of inspiring their eleven to the next level. Both in defence and attack, the current crop are soft. Too often they find themselves bullied by organised and

experienced outfits, and in attack they fail to trouble opposition back lines for a sustained period of time. So the simple answer would be that they’re just not good enough to warrant a top seven finish.

Secondly, there’s just no belief regarding the football. Last season at times the support inside the County Ground was like a 12th man, however this season it feels as if Swindon are playing with 10. This, in my opinion, is more than justifiable with the players on the pitch producing lacklustre, tedious performances which offer those in the stands little encouragement. As a result games at SN1 are uninspiring which translates to a general consensus of another damp squib of a season. In short, Swindon

Free Family ‘Learn to Cycle’ and ‘Cycle Confidence’ Events

Do you know someone who would like to learn to cycle or improve their confidence on two (or more) wheels?

Thanks to grant funding from Sustrans and Sport England, Swindon Cycle Campaign has organised free events to help everyone get cycling - from toddlers to teens, to OAPs.

These events will be held at the Swindon County Ground Athletics Track on the following dates:

- Sunday 2 April 2- 6pm

- Monday 3 April 12.304.30pm

- Sunday 28 May 2-6pm

- Monday 14 August 12.30-4.30pm

The events aim to be inclusive and offer a hub

of free support and advice for anyone interested in getting cycling. There will be opportunities for free bike safety checks, repairs and security marking. And a fleet of disability cycles will be available to trial for those who need a bit more support.

We’ll also have local bike shops supporting the event, giving people chance to try a range of cycles from trikes to e-bikes and equipment to carry children.

British Cycling ride leaders will be leading novicefriendly guided bike rides to Coate Water and around some of the nearby trafficfree cycle paths. We’ll be announcing more in the

lack the momentum to propel themselves towards promotion. Although on the pitch it’s been a disappointing season, off the pitch Swindon have made great strides. From clearing debts to purchasing the County Ground STFC have come a long way under the new regime. The long term future of the club looks in safe hands, which seemed a far cry away two years ago. I’m confident that Swindon now have a solid base to build from in the future.

Despite the short term pain on the pitch this campaign, you have to say that STFC have had an incredibly successful season in the grand scheme of things. Because of this, they’re right to turn their attention to next season where an exciting young coach will have the opportunity to steer a stable ship containing potential future talents.

LINK CYCLING

coming weeks too, so follow Swindon Cycle Campaign on Facebook to keep updated. Pre-booking for the adult and child ‘learn to cycle’ and ‘cycle-confidence’ sessions is strongly recommended as spaces will be limited - search ‘Swindon Cycle Campaign’ on Eventbrite. All other events will be run on a drop-in basis. You can also book 1:1 and closed-group cycle confidence sessions at times most suitable to you, tailored to a venue of your choosing.

For example, we’ll teach you how to ride confidently from your home to your work. Please contact us on the email

below to enquire.

Those with questions/interested in volunteering can email SwindonCycleCampaign@ outlook.com.

Monthly column from Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign

AGONY GIRL

From the pages of Swindon Link's sister publication The Ocelot comes Agony Girl in the form of ten-year-old Amy. We read her the questions and she tells us the answers. To ask Agony Girl a question yourself email us at publisher@ swindonlink.com with 'Agony Girl' in the subject line.

Dear Agony Girl, Costs are going up at the moment. Everything is getting so expensive. How can I tighten my belt? Have you got any money-saving tips?

Josie, Marlborough Road No. Do what I do and get someone else to pay for things like my dad. Buy cheap supermarket own brands. They don’t taste as nice but they save money. Start your own business or something. I don’t really know as I’m not 32.

Dear Agony Girl, They say tax shouldn’t be taxing but I’m having a ruddy nightmare on how to file my tax return. You can never get through to HMRC and they make it harder to do than to get backstage into a Beyonce concert. Can you help?

George, Marlborough

Why would a boy called George, who I think is my brother, go to a Beyonce

concert? He should pay his tax though as otherwise he might go to prison.

Dear Agony Girl, Help! I’ve fallen down the stairs. Can you help?

Greg, Redhouse No

Dear Agony Girl

This big bully footballer keeps telling us that we’re the baddies by telling people that they aren’t allowed in our place even if they are fleeing even bigger bullies. What should we do?

Rishi and Suella, London

Tell him to go away and tell him to shut up. Tell the footballer to stop being mean. You should definitely let the people who are trying to escape the bigger bullies in your place though. Can we get McDonalds?

Dear Agony Girl,

My partner has a sore leg and is supposed to rest it, but she keeps chasing me around the house and warning me about things like being careful not to blow the house up when I use the microwave. How can I persuade her to rest instead? Please note that I can’t be stern with her as one day she’ll be well enough to climb the stairs and find my hiding place.

Yours worriedly, Jim, Gorse Hill

Tell her to rest or you’ll kick her out. Buy her Roblox for her phone so that she can keep busy. That keeps me busy.