The Swindonian January 2019

Contents Christmas is now over, the tree needs to make its way back to the loft for another eleven months and us Swindonians have another great twelve months to look forward to.

The coming year shows big promise for the town with the start of the new Snowdome and also the Town Centre development promised. Despite a lot of disruptions to the roads and local areas after our little moans on social media we know we will get on with it in our stride ready to enjoy the benefits these developments will bring.

Our first ever January edition has been the hardest to put together to date with copy dates being earlier than before due to the holidays but once again the team have done an amazing job getting the magazine out, I would like to pass on a massive thanks to each and every one of them who work so hard to bring you this magazine delivered to your door on a monthly basis.

January is possibly the busiest time of year for people booking their holidays so this edition will help. Want help extending your days off by making the most of the Bank Holidays? Head over to page 6 or why not check out the places our travel guru Allan Trinidad believes will be the top places to visit for 2019 on page 8.

Dave Franklin shares his usual musical offering on page 32 and Ben Thomas his picks of what is on stage over on page 34.

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December Shorts – Catch up on what was going on around Swindon over the festive period

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Maximise your holidays!!

– Did you know you could take eighteen days off work using just nine days annual leave?

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Where are you holidaying in 2019? – Allan Trinidad gives us an insight into the top destinations for the coming year

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Police Cadets raise £3,000 – Raising money for the homeless

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New Years Resolutions – Do you have the willpower to see out your resolution?

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A Swindon Mum talks about the changes in life for her boy... yep he is a natural super hero!

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Your local councillors - share the latest news around the Swindon communities.

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Musical Musings with Dave Franklin – Find out where the latest musical happenings are taking place

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Whatever your plans for 2019 we hope you have a prosperous year and continue to enjoy the magazine. Remember feed back is always appreciated.

See you in February

Ben Tomas brings you Stagecoach – 2019 looks to be a great year on stage in Swindon, find out Ben’s picks for January

Find us on Social Media:

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TheSwindonian 07717 330400 / 07402 084138 getintouch@theswindonian.co.uk

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

DECEMBER S H O R T S Police Station approached the Mini Clubman, as it was waiting in the queue at the McDonald’s at Bridgemead, believing that there were drugs in the vehicle.

Police ordered the three occupants out of the car, however the Mini attempted to leave but while trying to speed off collided with an unmarked police car and two other vehicles belonging to members of the public.

Drugs seized in car queuing for burgers At approximately 5.30pm on Wednesday 12th December, officers from the Community Tasking Team at Gablecross

A Swindon man and two other men from London were immediately arrested and a large amount of class A and B drugs were found in the car.

“I would like to thank those that were caught up in the queue at the restaurant for their patience and understanding whilst we took control of the situation and also the manager and staff at McDonald’s for their help.

Girl, 13, sustains leg injury following assault in Queens Drive A 13-year-old girl sustained a fractured leg following an assault in Swindon.

At approximately 7pm on Thursday 13th December, the teenager was waiting at the bus stop outside New College on Queens Drive, when she was assaulted by two other girls who are known to her.

place – Queens Drive is a busy road and it is likely there would have been people passing by, either walking or in vehicles.

Det Con Emma Wood of Swindon CID said, “This was a nasty incident which left a young girl with an injury to her leg.

“If you have information, please get in touch. Our investigation remains ongoing at this time.”

“We are really keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the assault take

Call 101 and quote crime reference number 54180118051.

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Lonely residents got an early Christmas present thanks to special party Isolated residents came together for some early Christmas cheer at a special party organised by Swindon Borough Council’s Health and Wellbeing team.

Many of the 30 or so residents who attended Eastcott Community Centre in Savernake Street on 11th December faced spending Christmas alone so the party was an opportunity for them to enjoy some food, meet new friends and sing some carols.

The get together was supported by Zurich International and match-funded by Zurich Community Trust, who supplied a buffet lunch, transport for each of the guests and presents for all those who attended.

It is wonderful to be out of the house and meeting all these people, Maureen is an absolute gem, she really is.” said Irene.

Maureen, who has been a Swindon Circles volunteer for 18 months, added: “Irene suffers from agoraphobia so it is great she now has the confidence to come out of her house to an event like this. I think it is just brilliant that this party has been organised because it means so much to everyone.

“I just love volunteering. I’m not just a volunteer who helps Irene, we are now friends.

We have the same sense of humour and we have so much in common, it is unbelievable.”

Seventy-five-year-old Irene Killick, who spent a number of years isolated in her own home before meeting Swindon Circles volunteer Maureen Hughes, said she was thrilled to be at the Christmas party.

“This party means a great deal to me because I will be alone at Christmas.

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

TAKE 18 DAYS OFF WORK IN 2019 AND USE JUST NINE HOLIDAYS

As we kick off 2019 employers and employees alike are thinking ahead to booking holidays – and why not!

If you get in quickly you can book a whole 18 days off in a row and you’ll only use nine days of holiday – what a dream.

This will only work iif your company does not

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treat Bank Holidays and weekends as normal working days.

The dates you need to book off are from Friday, April 19th to Monday, May 6th 2019.

This is because April 19th and 22nd and May 6th are all bank holidays while April 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th and May 4th and 5th are all weekends.

This means that you would actually only be booking April 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 29th, 30th and May 1st, 2nd, and 3rd off work.

Get in there quickly before your colleagues realise.

No need to thank us, just send us a postcard!

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Top 10 Destinations for 2019 As we wave goodbye to 2018, you’re probably already starting to think about the holidays you’ll be taking this coming year.

Whether you simply desire some fun in the sun or want to go in search of some of the world’s finest experiences, narrowing down a wealth of exciting options can be daunting.

So, we’ve put together a list of 10 incredible places across four continents, to reveal the hottest destinations for 2019.

Kerala, India Renowned for its unspoiled tropical beauty and as one of India’s top responsible tourism destinations, Kerala is a coastal state with a lot to offer whether you’re looking for a beach break, mountain hikes, adventure, wildlife or culture.

Stop by Munnar for a tour of their sprawling tea plantations and try a cup of the local produce at the tea museum, head to the coast at Varkala for a stretch of palm-fringed golden sand bordered by beachside restaurants, hotels and guest houses, or visit Kannur to see masked spiritpossession theyyam rituals and hand loom weaving.

Kerala is also committed to making tourism a tool for “the development of village and local communities, eradicating poverty and giving emphasis to female empowerment,” combining the excitement of travel with sustainable practices.

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Mauritius Although it may look like a long-lost relative of the Caribbean, the stunning island of Mauritius is one of the jewels in Africa’s crown with a beautiful coastline sporting golden sands and the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

On Flic-en-Flac beach, you can get fresh pineapple from local vendors as you soak up the sun, while the paradise-like Île aux Cerfs has waterfalls and beaches that look better in person than in the brochures.

There are also many attractions of the island that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel is a great example, displaying an array of vibrant colours in the form of sand dunes, or hike up to the 500-metre peak of Le Morne for spectacular views of Mauritius’ most spectacular optical illusion – the underwater waterfall.

There’s also Grand Bassin, a secluded mountainous area which has a beautiful lake overlooked by a large statue of Shiva. It is Mauritius’ most sacred Hindu site and tourists are welcome to visit.

Bergen, Norway In Bergen, you can wander along streets lined with colourful, wooden buildings in its UNESCO-listed Old Town, or take the funicular up to Fløyen for spectacular views of the region.

Bergen also has an impressive collection of

unique Norwegian and international art treasures ranging from classical to contemporary, with major collections of Munch, Tidemand, Gude and Picasso housed in a row of galleries lining Lille Lungegårdsvann lake.

Norway’s second city is also a great base for exploring the west coast’s beautiful fjords, and a number of fjords tours and cruises are available, including the Norway in a Nutshell tour that combines the region’s most picturesque roads, rail tracks and waterways to create an unforgettable adventure.

Albania Following on from the increasing popularity of nearby Croatia and neighbouring Montenegro, Albania is the next big thing on the Adriatic coast. If you’re looking for a city break head to Tirana, one of eastern Europe’s hidden gems.

Its emerging gastronomic scene is headlined by restaurants such as Mullixhiu, with its traditional Albanian tasting menu, and Cioccolatitaliani, a glass-fronted dessert joint serving up a wide variety of chocolate-inspired dishes.

Tirana is also the gateway to the picturesque, mountainside town of Krujë, which is home to Krujë Castle and the Old Bazaar, where you can pick up some souvenirs.

The Albanian Riviera’s the best for those wanting to top up their suntan and take

a dip in the turquoise Mediterranean without the crowds. This rugged stretch of coastline features the stunning beach at Ksamil, which sits across the water from Corfu, and Dhërmi beach with its white pebbles and picturesque coves and bays. Further north is Durrës, home to Albania’s most popular beach and ancient Roman ruins including an amphitheatre.

has travellers flocking in their thousands to enjoy.

Reykjavík is the country’s gateway and accommodation hub where you’ll find attractions aplenty including Lutheran church Hallgrímskirkja, which has an observation deck with unparalleled city views, and Videy Island, with art installations such as Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower and Richard Serra’s Milestones.

Cuba

But it is in nature where Iceland really comes into its own, and one of the country’s most popular attractions is the Golden Circle – a route laden with incredible sights, including the exploding hot springs at Geysir, awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There’s also the Blue Lagoon, where you’ll be able to pamper and relax in a naturally-heated, radiant blue spring.

This fascinating islandnation blends stunning beaches and landscapes with a compelling past and lively present-day culture.

If you’re looking to take advantage of soft white sands and the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, head to Varadero, Cayo Coco or Cayo Guillermo. If a cultural experience is something you desire, look no further than Havana, with centuries-old pastel buildings, vintage cars and a selection of fantastic bars which serve up rum cocktails and the country’s famous cigars.

One of the best ways to see, and capture, the city is on a photography tour, where your guide will take you to the capital’s most iconic shots such as El Malecon and Old Havana.

Iceland Iceland is a country like no other. Straddling the landmasses of Europe and North America, this cool land is a hotbed of natural wonders that

Sri Lanka With an eclectic mix of religion and cultures, world-class temples, rich and varied wildlife and an emerging surf scene, there has never been a better time to explore Sri Lanka than in 2019.

Discover the tea plantations that blanket miles of hillside in the south and combine a tour with a tasting session, a stay in a plantation home and a visit to the factories where the leaves are processed.

Uda Walawe National Park is one of many in Sri

Lanka but is also home to the Elephant Transfer Home, an orphanage and rehabilitation centre for orphaned and injured elephants.

Go on a trek through the park and you will come across these beautiful creatures in their herds, as well as a high density of bird life.

Among the multitude of other attractions, there’s Sigiriya, a rising rock formation surrounded by beautiful jungle, villages and farmland, must-do scenic train journeys and flavoursome food, much of which is suitable for vegetarians.

Uganda Once described by Winston Churchill as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a wildlife-rich destination in East Africa and with stability restored and a safe environment for foreigners to visit, 2019 is the perfect time to go.

Trek to see the majestic mountain gorillas of Uganda, one of the world’s most endangered animals, or head out on safari and spot zebras, springbok, lions and rhinos. In addition to these animal encounters, there’s Murchison Falls National Park, which offers great mountain hiking opportunities, boat trips on Lake Victoria and the Source of the Nile in Jinja, as well as the opportunity to have one foot in each hemisphere along the Ugandan section of the equator.

Alaska From deserted plains to towering peaks and exciting activities to breath-taking treks, Alaska is waiting to be discovered.

This spectacular Arctic wilderness has dramatic mountains, glaciers and fjords, as well as historic frontier towns where you can hear tales of the Great Gold Rush.

Denali National Park is one of its most enticing attractions, with over 18,000 feet of ascending rock, ice and snow presiding over six million acres of wild land, where visitors can enjoy dog sled rides in the winter, beautiful lakes in the summer and wildlife encounters year-round.

Alaska also offers opportunities to spot wildlife including whales, otters, bears and eagles and, when night falls, keep your eyes cast to the heavens for a glimpse of the shimmering Northern Lights.

Amalfi Coast Italy’s dazzling Amalfi Coast, a place where rugged scenery meets rich culture to provide one of Europe’s greatest holiday locations.

The centrepiece of this UNESCO-listed coastline is Amalfi, a town with medieval architecture, winding alleys and steep steps, fronted by a cluster of pretty, colourful villas which spill down the cliffside to the fishing port and beach below.

Amalfi, with its café culture and authentic local food, is a fantastic base to explore the region, which features gems such as the 13th-century Cathedral of St Andrew, with its mix of European and Arabic architecture, and cosy, coved beaches including Fiordo di Furore and Lanino Beach.

Naples and Pompeii are both within a 90-minute drive, and day trips to them are highly

recommended. Head to the birthplace of pizza, Naples, for incredible homemade food and the Herculaneum, an excavated town buried by the same eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed the larger Pompeii. While also bigger, Pompeii is more popular, and you can visit its fascinating ruins on a half- or full-day tour.

If you enjoy beaches, but you’re also culture conscious, then the Amalfi Coast is the perfect destination for a 2019 getaway.

Has one of these incredible destinations whet your travel appetite?

Make your next travel arrangements with a knowledgeable, trustworthy and friendly travel expert.

I deliver a personal, professional and bespoke travel service.

Contact me: allan.trinidad@ travelcounsellors.com

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Belle Voci from Everybody Sing to support Collabro at the Wyvern Theatre

Belle Voci, a teenage choir group from Everybody Sing, will be performing alongside the Britain’s Got Talent winners Collabro at the Wyvern Theatre as part of their Road to the Albert Hall tour.

Everybody Sing, situated within the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate

prides itself on coaching all ages and abilities into its choirs and has produced singers that have gone onto perform in the West End, The Voice and the BBC. Belle Voci, whose members range from 11 to 17, will be supporting Collabro at the Wyvern Theatre on Tuesday March 26th before joining

other Everybody Sing choirs at the Rhythm of Life show at The Arts Centre on May 4th.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased at www.swindontheatres.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01793 524 481.

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Over £3000 raised by Police Cadets who sleep out in the rain

Threshold, The Doorway Project, The Breakthrough Trust and Alabare Christian Care and Support charities have been selected to benefit from the pledged money raised.

Newly appointed Cadet Co-ordinator Alison Creswell said, “I am very proud of the cadets for completing this challenge. It wasn’t an enjoyable experience. It was cold and extremely wet.

Many of them didn’t get much sleep.”

Wiltshire Police Voluntary Cadets took part in their annual sleep out challenge to raise awareness and money for those who will be spending this winter without a place to call home.

Forty-five cadets aged 13-17 from the Swindon, Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury units took part in the very wet sleep out on Friday 7 December at Police Headquarters, Devizes which has so far pledged £3279.58 for homeless charities in Wiltshire.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson and Chief Constable Kier Pritchard joined the cadets to sleep out in the extreme weather conditions.

Mr Macpherson volunteers with the Filling Station charity in Swindon which offers a weekly soup kitchen service

to over 50 people who are homeless or in a cycle of homelessness. The Filling Station is supported by Threshold who provides an outreach service and offer support to those who are experiencing homelessness.

Mr Macpherson said: “I was pleased to join the cadets on this annual sleep out to raise money and awareness for homeless charities and I am delighted at the amount of money that has been raised for the charity.

“The sleep out is a good opportunity for the cadets to experience what it is like to be homeless, but unlike many homeless young people this was something we only had to experience once before heading home to the warm.

“Opportunities like this are a great learning experience for our cadets. It helps them to understand others in our society and the challenges they may face.”

“It is important for us to do something for others and doing the sleep out improves their awareness and knowledge about homelessness.

“It has taught them not to judge people because of the situation they find themselves in, a valuable skill to have both as a young person and an adult.

“This is the fourth annual sleep out for the Cadets. In total we will have pledged over £13600 to homeless charities in Swindon and Wiltshire, something all of our Cadets can feel very proud of.

“The sleep out could not have happened without the support on the night from 5 volunteers who drove the minibus and brought the cadets to and from HQ, but also the volunteers and staff who stayed overnight to watch over the cadets and ensure they were kept safe.”

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www.swindonsalesandlettings.com 80 Victoria Rd, Swindon SN1 3BB

Swindon Sales and lettings

Ask the expert...

With Keith from Swindon Sales and Lettings Don’t panic if you are a new landlord Swindon Sales & Lettings are here to help you with every step of renting your property out. See below for some top tips that will help you on your journey.

Keith’s Top Tips: Location – A top priority on how to attract tenants: The main deciding factor that tenants are looking for in their rental property is a ‘good’ location. The good news is that the definition of “good” will vary between individuals with some or all of the following being important factors:

location and target the most appropriate market.

many features as possible for their money.

For example, a property in a safe suburban location would be best for families, while a city centre apartment might be well suited to a young professional couple.

Features that tenants are looking for: There are several desirable features that tenants are looking for in a rental home.

These include:

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A safe and secure neighbourhood

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Short commuting distance to university or work

Invite an agent to rental value your property:

•

An attractive and modern bathroom and kitchen

•

Proximity to local nightlife or shops

•

•

Within a good school’s catchment area

Good kitchen facilities including a dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer

•

•

Access to a main road

The rental amount is almost as important a consideration as location as any prospective tenant is bound to have a budget within which they will base their property search.

Stylish touches, e.g. feature walls

•

Storage facilities

Landlords must set a monthly rent for their property that can compete with similar properties nearby, and remember that tenants are looking to maximise their budget, so they will be looking for as

•

A garden or yard

•

Plenty of natural light

•

Parking

•

Open plan interiors

Unless you are in the process of searching for a buy to let property to purchase, you cannot physically move where your property is located and therefore you should take the time to appreciate the strengths of your property’s

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

proactive and always give honest advice to help our Landlords. We are

Best tenancy length: Most tenants are in the market for a shorter term rental of around six to 18 months. This is because a lot of tenants are actually aspiring to be homeowners and are saving up for a deposit, looking for somewhere to buy or waiting for a fall in local house prices.

Offering a 12 month contract with the option for a 6 month break clause is popular. Around 80% of our tenancies are on a 12 month basis.

Personalisation: The final factor that encourages tenants to choose your property is

the ability to put their own stamp on their home.

Allowing some tasteful personalisation in décor, for example, will allow tenants to feel comfortable and potentially stay in your property for longer.

currently offering a fully managed service at just 8% per month INC VAT If you would like a FREE Rental Valuation please contact us on 01793 490238.

Of course, there will be an understanding that should the tenant vacate, they will put the property back into the condition it was let at the start.

Swindon Sales & Lettings are

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The Swindon THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Silly Sock Puppets @ The Wyvern

Lunch Time Yoga @ Christ Church

Karaoke Comp @ The Vic

Swindon College Open Event

Mamma Mia 2 @

St August Rodbouyrne

Comedy

Fundraiser

The Wyv

Adult Piano @ The Wyv

Swindon Film Present ‘The Party’ @ Arts Centre

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www.theswindonian.co.uk

nian

@

tine’s ne

r @

vern

Marathon runner raises over ÂŁ3000 _____________________________________________ for Wiltshire Air Ambulance

Toy & Train

Fair @ The County Ground Wedding Show @ Steam

_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________

Record Fair @ Baristacats

vern

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Most popular New Year’s resolutions - and why we will probably break them by the end of January New Year resolutions are there to be broken, right?

Wrong.

We’ve all done it: promised ourselves we will give up a bad habit or take up a new hobby, but completely failed

by January 31st to do either.

Lets make 2019 different!

All you have to do is set a realistic target. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

We have rounded up some of the most popular resolutions people make and looked at why they more often than not fail, and have offered up a few suggestions on how to actually stick to them.

The ones most often broken by the end of January:

Give up smoking This is the tough one, but there is so much help out there if you are serious about stumping out the fags for good.

E-cigs, patches, chewing gum, hypnotherapy and acupuncture are just a few of the methods on offer to help you beat the habit.

Don’t worry if you slip up a few times, it’ll be worth it when you finally wean 20

yourself off the cigarettes and find yourself saving cash - and your health.

Join a gym and get fit The festive season is all about over-indulgence and having ‘just one more’ mince pie. You are, therefore, feeling a little self conscious about your body and determined to do something about it by New Year’s Day. Joining the gym is the easy part and with plenty of them offering discounts and deals at the start of the year, it’s the best time to do it. But can you stick to the weekly workout routine?

Getting up in the dark before work and finding the motivation after a long day in the office can quickly turn working out into a chore.

Don’t lose heart if you don’t lose the weight instantly. Try a few different classes, there is bound to be one that you enjoy more than the others: aqua fit, zumba, or spinning?

If getting fit surrounded by muscular men and women with washboard stomachs isn’t for you, then get out on your bike or go for a jog. It’s free and you can take in the fresh outdoors while you’re at it.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Save money Saving is hard when you see all those bargains on offer whilst walking round the Outlet Village or that dream trip to Barbados with a £500 saving for booking right now.

So set yourself a number you know you can actually reach, without even really noticing the money is missing.

Why not open a savings account and transfer even just a tenner on the day you get paid into it.

All you have to do then is be strong and not dip in to it.

You’ll have the deposit for a house in no time!

Give up booze

The ones you can realistically stick to:

Signing up to Dry January is easy enough and will take you through the first 31 days of 2019 booze-free.

Learn how to cook

It’s after that things will start to get difficult. There’s birthday parties, social drinks, weddings and a whole host of other events where the look of the cocktail menu could be too good to resist.

So why don’t you, instead of cutting alcohol out all together, set yourself a target of only drinking at the weekend, or limiting yourself to a certain number of drinks?

Start simple and buy a cookbook. There will be many bargains to be had in the WHSmith January sale.

Start off simple, do not try anything too complicated or you could be setting yourself up for failure and that can de-motivate you.

But just imagine the feeling of nailing that perfect victoria sponge or spag bol your granny would be proud of?

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Read More This is such an easy one that there really is no excuse.

Pop down to the Prospect Hospice book shop on Commercial Road for a wide selection of novels – I am sure you will find something to suit your taste whilst helping a good local cause along the way.

Even just browsing the Swindonian on your way to work counts.

Travel more City breaks are great for seeing the world on a budget.

If you are willing to book early, go off-peak or midweek and stay somewhere in Europe, then you will probably find an absolute bargain of a trip for less than you think.

Give our Travel guru Allan Trinidad a call – he will help you find those bargains.

Get off social media

Donate to a local charity shop Everyone has clothes in their wardrobe they haven’t worn since 2010 - or even at all!

From old furniture to kids clothing, you can pretty much take anything to be sold on in support of a good cause.

No excuses. You can even re-donate that really good book you have just finished reading.

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Social media isn’t really a true reflection of real life, is it? Try not to get bogged down with what everyone else is doing (or giving the impression they are doing) on Facebook and Twitter.

Of course, social media can be great for keeping in touch with absent friends and family or for sharing pictures and memories.

But there is no comparison to having a conversation and sharing experiences with the ones you love, who are sitting in the same room as you, while you obsess over what your latest Facebook status should be.

The Magic of The Ballet With Christmas trees wilting, our fridges (almost) clear of Turkey and Santa’s bells becoming a distant memory, if you’re looking for some fresh magic this January, look no further than the Wyvern Theatre as they welcome the Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia with two stunning classics.

Formed in 1981, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. The soloists and corps de ballet are superb, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes.

On Monday 28 January at 7:30pm is La Fille mal gardée,

recreated by Alexander Gorsky, this remains one of the oldest ballets still regularly performed.

A gentle tale of love thwarted, unrequited and found. It is a masterpiece of comedy. With plenty of ribbons, romance and rivalry, La Fille mal gardée conjures up a world of pastoral simplicity where a farm boy woos a flirty farmer’s daughter and they find inventive ways to avoid her mother.

Complete with virtuoso pas de deux, maypole and clog dances, this classic ballet will send you home happy, delighting those enjoying it for the very first time as well as those who want to see it again and again.

On Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 January, it’s the turn of The Nutcracker. This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree

and all the presents beneath.

When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life literally off the set, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…

Sergei Bobrov, Artistic Director said: ‘It is always a pleasure to bring the unique traditions of Russian Ballet to British audiences. Touring across the UK with a full company of dancers as well as highly skilled musicians is always exciting, for me, it is very special to have the power of a symphony orchestra bringing the choreography to life on stage.’

Tickets can be booked online at swindontheatres.co.uk or through the Ticket Office on 01793 524481. Family and Group rates are available.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

But First, Tea.

Just a Swindon Mum winging my way through life with my boy.

When 4 becomes 5

No I don’t mean I’m pregnant or that my family is expanding with the arrival of a 3rd/4th child (come on, I can just about handle my one)! I’m referring to the fact that this month my gorgeous 4-year old becomes a terrifyinglygrown-up-sounding 5-year old and I’m slightly struggling to accept it.

I know all parents say it, and I know how irritating it is when we do (yes, yes, time does go quickly and no I can’t believe how much he’s grown, and yes he will be a teenager before I know it and YES I will treasure all the time I have while he’s still so little… etc, etc, etc). But seriously…how is he five?!

I’ve always felt bad for him having an early-January Birthday. Christmas is only just over, everyone’s miserable, and broke, and partied-out.

The weather is horrendous and no one wants to come out and celebrate or eat any more food, and then there’s a whole year to wait for presents!

Not that he notices any of this of course, he has enough fresh excitement and it’s like a second Christmas all to himself.

I wonder if this will change as he gets older, but I’ve realised there’s something pretty wonderful about turning a

brand-new age at the very start of the year and having the whole year of adventures ahead of you as you become that age.

know and love with boundless amounts of energy? Well, he’s pretty much a superhero.

So what do I think lies in store this year for my (gulp) newly5-year old? Challenges. Challenges galore, as he continues on his school adventure and finds his way in that huge new world. To be honest, school life (and school parent life) has been a huge challenge for me, one which I sometimes (alongside work, home, family, finances, social life (haha) feel I’m failing at.

But that’s nothing in comparison to the challenges that my boy is facing every day, and I honestly couldn’t be more proud (apologies for gushy/eye-rolling moment but it was necessary just this once).

It genuinely blows my mind that he’s learning to read and write, to do math, learn about history and outer-space and literally everything else. I can’t even believe that he now sits and listens to the teachers and can focus on tasks for more than 2 minutes…that is one hell of an achievement let me tell you!

Pair all of that with making friends, finding his way around a big scary building and a structured routine, doing homework, battling every cough and cold under the sun, school trips, being in his first nativity and still being the happy-go-lucky boy I

All kids are, and we should really give them more credit, even when they are driving us up the wall or making us reach for the wine Tea. So, while the year of 5 may be full of challenges for both of us, I will be making sure that it’s also full to the brim of fun and smiles and adventures.

Yes, the wine will be there and it will be needed, but that’s not what I’ll remember at the end of the year and I can only hope that he will remember what an awesome year he had. HNY!

Email me: butfirstteamum@outlook.com

BFT x

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Community News

Happy New Year... As this is the first article of the year, we would like to wish you all a very happy 2019.

Lawns Saved From Development Nadine, Jane & Neil are pleased to confirm that Swindon Borough Council has removed the Lakeside site (S0388) from the SHELAA (Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment.)

SBC was impressed by the number of objections received, including a petition, and by the quality of the submissions.

The strength of feeling was evident. Residents and councillors united to protect the Lawns, which is part of one of Swindon’s strategic green corridors.

Labour Councillors Say Keep Recycling Swindon Borough Council’s proposal to ask residents to dump all plastic waste in the wheelie bin for burning has currently been postponed pending a new government waste strategy.

The Council’s Conservative Cabinet have said they are still considering the burning of plastics with our other household waste and we will know their final decision in Spring 2019.

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Swindon is still significantly below the national average in our recycling levels and action needs to be taken to improve our recycling rate.

That is why we are also calling for much better communication with residents about waste reduction and what can be recycled, as well as the rapid introduction of weekly food waste collections.

Wichelstowe Update Middle Wichel - The new Canalside homes will be the first part of the development to be completed near the Deanery Secondary School, Waitrose and the new Hall & Woodhouse pub. There will be a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom houses.

The project is being run by a joint venture company, which creates a 50/50 partnership between the council and Barratt Homes.

East Wichel – The new dentist’s surgery is now open and work on the Coop is progressing. The local centre car park is also open.

Parking – We are still awaiting the Cabinet Members’ Decision regarding the East Wichel parking restrictions.

CCTV in Old Town Nadine, Jane and Neil welcome the installation of CCTV in Old Town. Old Town has been made safer as five new CCTV cameras have been installed covering Wood Street, Devizes Road and Newport Street.

Old Town Library The library is now open on more days and for longer hours, thanks to Labourmajority South Swindon Parish Council. Please note the new opening times: Tuesday to Friday: 11am - 4.30pm; Saturday: 10am – 1pm Nadine Watts 07595 071381 Jane Milner-Bary 07864 839746 Neil Hopkins 07799 866396

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

South Swindon Parish Council It has now been confirmed the Town Gardens and Queens Park have been transferred to South Swindon Parish Council for its future running and maintenance.

The draft parish council budget includes the costings for the Parish Council to employ a further 2 Parish Rangers and a new parttime position for one year to look at community engagement with the parks, additional grant funding, Coate Water mural, magnificent meadows, cleansing cars and a second vehicle.

South Swindon Parish Council Precept At the time of writing this article, Labour-majority South Swindon Parish Council were due to meet to agree its draft budget and precept for the 2019-20 financial year. I am pleased to report that it has been recommended that there will be no increase in the Parish precept for the 2019-20 financial year.

The Parish Council are also due to agree grants for the forthcoming year. Some of the grants due to be issued include £6,700 for the 2019 Old Town Festival; £1,600 for the Prospect Place Conservation Area Trust for increasing awareness of the charity and improving the appearance of the area; and £300 to the Queens Park Community Council for the creation of a new storage

shed for chairs and tables used by Queens Park Café.

Parking Restrictions around Robert Lye Kyng School As a result of concerns raised by Robert Lye King Primary School, Police and the residents of Westcott Street, Swindon Borough Council have proposed introducing a school keep clear marking zone around the entrance of the school.

In addition to this, it is proposed to introduce a No waiting and no loading ban during 8am-9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm.

Old Town Christmas Lights The Old Town Christmas Lights switch-on was yet again another brilliant event for Old Town.

The switch on day included excellent food, drinks, entertainment, children’s activities and of course a chance to visit Santa (who this year was outstandingly played by Eastcott Councillor, Paul Dixon.) Thank you to Old Town Business Association for organising a great event for the community.

Eastcott Labour Team Councillor Paul Dixon, Mobile: 07454 736 769 Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, Mobile: 07894543786 Councillor Patrick Herring, Phone: 07986994309

Eastern Villages A419 Bridge Swindon Council look set to ditch the bridge over the A419, linking to the Eastern Villages.

The leading Conservative Councillors on Swindon Council have said they will postpone the Great Stall Bridge scheme until further notice.

I think this decision is a big mistake as this bridge over the A419 could have offered an opportunity to disperse some of the traffic away from the White Hart Roundabout, but now motorists will have no other option than to use this junction, most probably creating gridlock.

Greenbridge Roundabout The Council has now revealed that they overspent on their Greenbridge Roundabout scheme by £69K. Despite promises by our local Conservative Borough Councillors that they would take up the issue of reviewing the traffic lights at the Greenbridge Roundabout I am yet to see any action on this.

I personally feel at the very least the traffic lights on the roundabout should be switched off during off-peak times.

Contact details: Barrie Jennings 07944740562

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Walkers Crisps recycling scheme to benefit Wiltshire Air Ambulance THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Walkers crisps have launched a nationwide crisp packet recycling scheme which is free to use and allows people to dispose of the bags in an environmentally friendly way whilst also helping local and national charities.

UK and it will only work if everyone gets collecting and sending in, which is why we’ve made the scheme as simple as possible and free.”

The bags, which can be any brand, are shredded and turned into plastic pellets which can be transformed into park benches, plant pots, watering cans and cool bags.

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Ian Ellington, General Manager of PepsiCo UK, said: “This is another important step towards our ambition to make all of our packaging 100% recyclable, compostable or biodegradable by 2025.

“This is the first crisp packet recycling scheme in the

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The packets will then be sent to TerraCycle who will clean them and shred them ready to be made into small plastic pellets, which will be used to make everyday items such as outdoor furniture, trays, and even roofing and flooring.

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Terracyle will then allocate charity points to Wiltshire Air Ambulance, where a financial donation is made, depending on the number of bags collected.

Help keep the Wiltshire Air Ambulance flying Collect empty crisp packets and once you have amassed 400 you can contact the Recycle For Wiltshire Air Ambulance Facebook group for a pre paid label for a UPS pick up.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Swindon Film Society kick off the New Year with 3 great films film noir​thriller uncovering a web of intrigue implicating Egypt’s powerful elite.

Weds 30thJan 2019 THE PARTY 71 mins, Cert. 15 Satire

Swindon Film Society go for quality and quantity in January when they will be offering three acclaimed films for you to enjoy. Once you have seen all the same old Christmas movies, why not go for something aimed at the more discerning film palette and check out one, some or all of these films.

Weds 7th Jan 2019 YOUTH 124 mins, Cert. 15 Comedy/Drama

Two longtime friends vacationing in the Swiss Alps: Oscar-winning actor Michael Caine plays Fred, an acclaimed composer and conductor, who brings along his daughter (Rachel Weisz) and best friend Mick (Harvey Keitel), a renowned filmmaker. While Mick scrambles to finish the screenplay for what he imagines will be his last important film, Fred has no intention of resuming his musical career. The two men reflect on their past, each 30

finding that some of the most important experiences can come later in life.

Weds 16thJan 2019 THE NILE HILTON INCIDENT 111 mins, Cert. 15 Thriller

In 2011 Cairo, getting rich is more important than doing right. Noredin, a Cairo detective is, like his colleagues, unthinkingly corrupt but has a sudden crisis of conscience when called in to investigate the brutal murder of a beautiful young singer in a room at the lavish Nile Hilton Hotel. A modern ​

To celebrate her long-awaited and prestigious post as a Shadow Minister for Health, a possible stepping-stone on the way to party leader and prime minister, Janet is throwing a party for friends at her London flat. Unfortunately, before dinner is served, the upbeat ambience is shattered, as festering secrets start surfacing in this perfect domestic war-zone.

Undoubtedly, after this night, things will never be the same again…

Timothy Spall and Kristin Scott-Thomas lead a stellar cast in this comedy of tragic proportions, where not everything will go down as smoothly as the red wine.

For more information visit www.swindonfilm.org.uk

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

Musical Musings with Dave Franklin

about at Level 3 on 12th Jan. The Tuppenny continues to bring in the best stripped back musical operations in keeping with their compact and bijou surroundings and on 17th you will find Bone Chapel doing their thing.

Cosmic blues, three string guitars, bourbon soaked vocals and shamanic drumming. Sounds good to me.

Whilst at the bigger end of the venue spectrum you might wish to catch The ELO Experience at The Wyvern Theatre on the very same night.

On the 18th The M.E.C.A. is the host for legendary Scottish punks The Skids.

So here we are.

The tree is starting to drop its needles, you have just finished the last of the seasonal provisions via a turkey curry, the Quality Street has only the strange green triangular ones left (what is a Noisette anyway?) and we can stop arguing about whether Die Hard is a Christmas film or not.

It’s also safe to go out into the venues once more without fear of the once a year drinkers trying to force their own dictatorial form 32

of humour on everyone and having to listen to every band you stumble across murdering Fairytale of New York.

40 years on, a new album and the same confrontational spirit and stage energy that they had back in the day, you can pretty much see where bands such as The Manics and Green Day got their inspiration from. Charred Hearts and Slagerij kick the night off.

On 19th Babyshambles drummer and Rose Kings Castle main man Adam Anyway…to horse!

Ficek can be found at Level 3 and on 25th there is a John Although they are starting Lennon retrospective night to get recognition within the at The Victoria. Last but not national press, to us local gig least fans of groove-laden, goers All Ears Avow have heartland rock ’n’roll and been a reassuring fixture southern boogie should head on the local scene for a long to The Rolleston on 26th for time now. Their blend of Ragged Union, the answer to technical metal and accesthe question “what would it sible alt-rock means that sound like if Tom Petty had they have a sound that is as been the main songwriter cultish as it is commercial. for The Rolling Stones.“ Find out what all the fuss is

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JANUARY 2019

With Ben Thomas

their world premiere of ‘Sherlock Holmes – The Sign of Four’. Expect live music, arch theatricality and the artful resolution of a three-pipe problem.

And so we emerge, blinking, baffled and terrified, into 2019 like a mole accidentally venturing on to the floodlit stage of the London Palladium.

What can we do to distract us from the surfeit of year stretching out in front of us?

Why not make a sock puppet to confide your existential dread to? The Wyvern Theatre are holding a sock puppet workshop, guided by expert sewing tutors ‘That Perfect Costume’, on 3rd January.

All you need to bring is a pair of old socks and an urge to create hosierybased life.

2018 has been, in many ways, a Circus of Horrors so why not see a real Circus of Horrors at the Wyvern

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Theatre on 20th January?

The bizarre and fantastic circus troupe, who have been touring the past 22 years, are bringing their

new show ‘The Psycho Asylum’ to the Wyvern stage. Marvellously macabre. Bring smelling salts.

If you’d rather a dose of adventure, comedy and deduction then the Great Detective is visiting Swindon on 21st and 22nd January. Blackeyed Theatre are presenting

Also, come January, a change is coming to Theatre Square. The Shoebox Theatre is leaving

its current home in the old post office and moving to new lodgings at the Health Hydro on Milton Road.

The move promises improved and expanded facilities for the Shoebox in the old Victorian building.

Also the Shoebox’s resident company – Wrong Shoes Theatre Company – have secured Arts Council funding to develop their next show, so it’s exciting times at the Shoebox.

So they, at least, are looking forward hopefully into the New Year. Maybe it won’t be so bad after all?

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