Wigwam Magazine Issue No.2

ISSUE No.2 2020

Wigwam THE PREMIER PROPERTY MAGAZINE FOR SWINDON AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

FLOWERS FOR EVERY ROOM OF YOUR HOME

ROSY LEA EXCLUSIVE AT HOME INTERVIEW WITH

DOM JOLY

Propel your business with creative services that take your business to the next level.

At Jazzbones we like to make things as simple and straightforward as possible for our customers. That is why we have launched Propel, the easy way for you to access award-winning design services for your business, no matter what your size. We have two simple plans, aimed to suit your preferred way of working.

1. Propel - Pay As You Go 2. Propel - Pre-Paid Monthly

We love talking about design and finding out about the challenges your business faces, so why not pop in for a cuppa and a natter with one of the creative team, or we can line up a video call.

01793 847300 or propel-jazzbones.co.uk Š Propel from Jazzbones Creative

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2nd Floor Cornmarket House, Old Town, Swindon SN1 3EB

CONTENTS ISSUE No.2 2020

09

MARKET WATCH

22

How will the property sector respond to the easing of lockdown?

18

INVEST IN IKEA

Hold on to those Billy shelves you could cash in one day.

NHS WORKERS TO BE REWARDED BY DEVELOPERS

Barratt Homes & David Wilson Homes launch NHS 5% deposit scheme.

26

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS!

Jody from Rosy Lea Florist on plants for the home.

32

HOW TO ATTRACT BUYERS? IT’S THE KERB APPEAL, STUPID.

Two thirds of homeowners say that first impressions were important in their choice of home.

wigwamswindon.co.uk

CONTENTS ISSUE No.2 2020

34

TALKING HOMES WITH DOM JOLY

Wigwam Magazine exclusive 'Talking Homes' with comedy legend & travel writer Dom Joly.

46

DIVINE SAVAGES GO BOLDLY WHERE FEW DESIGNERS GO

We talk to the men behind a range of stunning wallpapers.

52

WILL THE OFFICE EVER BE THE SAME AGAIN?

Clark Holt Commercial Solicitors on how virtual working and rural locations are here to stay.

68

60

HOW MUCH VALUE WOULD AN EXTENSION ADD TO YOUR HOME?

Extension Pro give us the lowdown on extensions and conservatories.

SPOTLIGHT ON SWINDON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Curator Katie Ackrill on one of Britain’s best modern art collections.

wigwamswindon.co.uk

Specialists in conveyancing, property law, wills and probate The legal team at Optimum are specialists and experts, so we really know the ins and outs of our area of law: property law, wills and probate. And because we specialise in these areas, we can focus on the real issues that affect our clients daily: property sales and purchase, buying land, drawing up a will, dealing with probate, powers of attorney and so on. We offer the same approach to all our clients: we listen carefully, we use our expertise to come up with the best course of action for you, and we deal with your issue in a professional, responsive manner keeping you informed every step of the way.

Straightforward legal advice from an experienced law team you can trust.

T 01793 538198 E info@optps.co.uk

www.optps.co.uk

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED WITH WIGWAM? Wigwam are here for the Swindon community to enjoy. There are lots of ways that you can interact and get involved. Here are just some of the ways.

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Rosy Lea and Dom Joly photos by

Registered In England No: 0658 6564 VAT Reg No: 891 859463

Martyn Poynor

2nd Floor, Cornmarket House, High Street, Swindon SN1 3EB

poynor.co.uk

01793 847300 www.jazzbones.co.uk

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it.

Wigwam is a property magazine that brings you the hottest property news from across Swindon and the surrounding areas.

Welcome to the second edition of Wigwam, Swindon’s premier property magazine.

Many years ago as a football journalist living in Spain I was asked to predict the result of the Champions League Final between Barcelona and AC Milan. I predicted a walkover for the Spaniards. The Italians won 4-0. Oops! ‘What’s your point?’ you ask. Well, that dismal track record making predictions is my excuse for taking the Fifth Amendment on the big question on everybody’s lips as the lockdown eases – what will happen to UK property prices?

Wigwam loves curating the hottest property stories about Swindon and it’s bucolic hinterland, just don’t ask us how much your house will sell for (though we can recommend some estate agents who can tell you)!

Finally, a huge shout out from Wigwam to all the NHS staff and key workers who have been doing such a formidable job keeping us all safe and healthy during the pandemic. We are here to share positive stories about our town and its property sector, and it doesn’t come any more positive than the fabulous efforts of so many local heroes during the lockdown.

Enjoy the magazine and remember, we’re here to help the local property community so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Jeff King Editor Wigwam Swindon press@wigwamswindon.co.uk

Wigwam Supported by:

Old Brewery Lane, SN1 4BB Richard James are very excited to present to the market, these beautifully designed one and two bedroom apartments in the heart of Swindon’s Old Town. Old Brewery Lane is an exciting new development consisting of 37 apartments, located in a prime position in Old Town.

Built by a local developer, the apartments have been considerately planned and constructed with fine attention to detail. Help to Buy is also available on all plots.* Buying a new home has many advantages, including reducing the expense of maintenance repairs and energy bills. The design of your home includes a number of technological innovations to ventilate your home while keeping you comfortable and warm. Each apartment on the Old Brewery Lane Development comes with a Build Zone 10-year structural warranty, with the first two-years being a defect repair period.

Open Day Sunday 28th June between 11-3pm.

By appointment only, for anyone wishing to visit.

oldbrewerylane.co.uk *Help to buy is subject to terms and conditions.

for more information, call our Old Town office on 01793 520 720 or visit incentivised.com

MARKET WATCH. ESTATE AGENTS OPEN FOR BUSINESS, VIEWINGS SURGE, DEVELOPERS BACK ON SITE. Wigwam’s last Market Watch page was titled ‘Coronavirus Brings Property Sector To A Standstill’, so clearly we are now in a much better place as the lockdown eases, though virtual viewings and social distancing are very much the new normal, whether you are buying a new home on one of Swindon’s several major developments or an older property.

When the government announced that it had amended regulations to allow people to move home, it was estimated that 450,000 people across the UK had put their plans on hold.

That’s a lot of pent-up demand.

“There was clearly a logjam of people who had made their minds up to move during the lockdown, “says Jon Harding, founder of Charles Harding Estate Agents, “so there was a real surge in the first couple of weeks after the property market was reopened – in viewings, offers and homes coming to the market. It has slowed down a little bit since then but the volume of business and enquiries is still very good.”

According to Rightmove property expert Miles Shipside: “Following the initial shock of the early reopening of the housing market, England is getting moving again with a boom in search traffic. There are no signs of panic selling or even a price dip. On this evidence buyers may now be trying to exchange quickly, as there are signs of high pent-up demand and upwards price pressure, rather than downwards.”

So what are the headline figures?

•

•

The number of sales agreed has recovered from a 94% drop to just 3% down on a year ago 40,000 new sales agreed since market re-opened on 13th May

•

•

•

Buyers are agreeing to pay 97.7% of the asking price on average, an improvement from 96.6% for sales completed in February The number of people phoning and emailing estate agents has hit a new daily record, 40% above March's level Rightmove recorded its 10 busiest ever days in May and June

The lettings sector in Swindon is proving equally resilient according to Mike Dewhurst, Managing Director of Dewhurst & Co: “We kept in touch with people remotely during the lockdown and by the end there was a real pent-up demand for our quality properties. In fact, we managed to let around fifty in the first couple of weeks alone, and even since then we are still busier than we would normally be at this time of year.”

The only cloud on the horizon comes from early warnings from economists about the impact of the pandemic on the economy as a whole, but even then best case scenarios have property prices falling slightly in 2020, only to recover in 2021.

One thing is pretty much set in stone – in the long-term, property is always a good investment. After the financial crisis of 2007/2008 average house prices in the UK fell from £189,588 in October 2007 to £155,852 in April 2009, but in the ensuing decade or so they rose back up to £231,855 in March this year.

Recent research indicates that, on average, Britons move once every 23 years, which means that for the majority of us it is those long-term trends that really matter. So if you were intending to move or invest in a property, it seems to be a case of keep calm and carry on.

wigwamswindon.co.uk | 9

Valuers | Estate Agents | Property Management | Commercial Agents

Marlborough Road, Swindon, SN3 1NN Situated in a highly sought after location on the outskirts of Old Town is this individual detached character family home offering flexible accommodation over three floors.

The ground floor has a sitting room, double bedroom, separate shower room, additional separate toilet and kitchen/dining room with a 30ft undercroft and garage which could make great ancillary accommodation. In addition there are four bedrooms, shower room and bathroom and fully fitted kitchen with utility room and toilet. With substantial beautiful landscaped garden to the rear, viewings are highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

charlesharding.co.uk

ÂŁ695,000

01793 641857

Propel your business with ďŹ lm & motion graphics that take your business to the next level.

At Jazzbones we like to make things as simple and straightforward as possible for our customers. That is why we have launched Propel, the easy way for you to access film production and motion graphics services for your business, no matter what your size.

We have two simple plans, aimed to suit your preferred way of working.

1. Propel - Pay As You Go 2. Propel - Pre-Paid Monthly

We love talking about film and finding out about the challenges your business faces, so why not pop in for a cuppa and a natter with one of the creative team, or we can line up a video call.

01793 847300 or propel-jazzbones.co.uk Š Propel from Jazzbones Creative

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2nd Floor Cornmarket House, Old Town, Swindon SN1 3EB

GRANT FRASER TOWN & COUNTRY

Walnut Tree Close, Stratton St. Margaret

01793 282440 info@grantfrasertc.co.uk grantfrasertc.co.uk

guide price

ÂŁ450,000

A 2,100 square foot property with an integral annexe (with independent access) over the double garaging. Main house offering dual aspect living room, further reception semi open plan to the kitchen. Situated to the end of a cul-de-sac and tucked away within the corner, just off old Ermin Street in the heart of Stratton. Ideally positioned for access onto the A419 for the M4 and M5 motorways. Located in the east side of Swindon, with an array of local convenience shops dotted about the area, a larger Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Aldi provide bigger supermarket shops. Greenbridge retail park offers fast food restaurants and an array of homeware, clothing and general stores. Primary and secondary schools are available throughout east suburbs.

GRANT FRASER TOWN & COUNTRY

Brookfield, Highworth

01793 282440 info@grantfrasertc.co.uk grantfrasertc.co.uk

offers over

£550,000

In an elevated position with views over the rooftops, this property offers a 32’ lounge/kitchen/diner finished with granite worktops, wood floors, log burner and a breakfast bar. There are two further receptions with the possibility of a ground floor bedroom with shower room Situated in Brookfield, this ‘Chick’ built home is within a walk of the High Street. The corner plot offers a large amount of driveway parking plus caravan space, a detached garage and workshop. Whilst the front is secluded and private due to mature planting. Highworth is the highest town in Wiltshire. The Grade II listed High Street has a variety of shops and businesses, cafes, pubs and restaurants. The local schools consist of two Primary and Junior Schools and one Secondary school - all in walking distance of this property.

01793 01793 814 814 542 542 incentivised.com incentivised.com

Bakers Bakers Road, Road, SN4 SN4 0RP 0RP Laburnum Cottage is believed to be one of the oldest dwellings in North Wiltshire, Laburnum Cottage is sought believed to be one of the of oldest dwellings in North Wiltshire, and is situated in the after ‘old quarter’ Wroughton.

Grade II listed, the and is situated the sought ‘old quarter’ of Wroughton.

Grade II listed, the cottage has an in abundance ofafter character and charm including the original bread cottage hasare annestled abundance ofcorner character and charm including theThe original bread ovens that in the of the inglenook fireplaces. property has ovens that are nestled in theand corner the inglenook fireplaces.

The property been painstakingly restored nowofbenefits from modern conveniences thathas blend been painstakingly restored and now benefits from modern conveniences that seamlessly with the older parts of the building. There are wood burning stoves blend in both seamlesslyrooms, with the parts of the building.

There wood burning stoves in both reception an older oak conservatory overlooking theare rear garden, a double garage reception rooms, an oak room. conservatory overlooking the rear garden, a double garage and a useful utility/boot and a useful utility/boot room.

Speak to an agent Speak to an agent

richardjames.tv richardjames.tv

offers in excess of offers in excess of

£575,000 £575,000

For more info on the Forfeatured more info on the property featured property contact Ross Sutton contact Ross Sutton Wroughton Office Wroughton Office

01793 814 542 01793 814 542

rosssutton@incentivised.com rosssutton@incentivised.com incentivised.com incentivised.com

01793 01793 814 814 542 542 incentivised.com incentivised.com

Icknield Way, Way, SN6 SN6 8PW 8PW Icknield The Lynchets is located in the popular downland village of Bishopstone. The house The Lynchets is located in the popular downland village of Bishopstone.

The house sits in an elevated position, with views over thatched rooftops towards the famous sits in an elevated over thatched famous Ridgeway Nationalposition, Trail andwith The views Lynchet Steps, after rooftops which thetowards house isthe named.

The Ridgeway Trail andthe The Lynchet Steps, after which houseRoyal is named.

The house is a National short walk from local school, village pond andthe popular Oak Public house a short walk school, village pondimprovement and popular Royal Public House.isThe house hasfrom beenthe thelocal subject of considerable by theOak current House. has beautifully been the subject of terraced considerable improvement by the current owners The andhouse connects with the garden.

There is a fireplace with owners and connects beautifully with the terraced garden.

There is the a fireplace with double sided stove and a useful utility room.

The master suite is on first floor and double sided stove andspectacular a useful utility room. The master suite is on the first floor and makes the most of the views. makes the most of the spectacular views.

Speak to an agent Speak to an agent

richardjames.tv richardjames.tv

offers over offers over

ÂŁ675,000 ÂŁ675,000 For more info on the Forfeatured more info on the property featured property contact Ross Sutton contact Ross Sutton Wroughton Office Wroughton Office

01793 814 542 01793 814 542

rosssutton@incentivised.com rosssutton@incentivised.com incentivised.com incentivised.com

The Laurels, Letcombe Regis, OX12

Guide Price £950,000

A quite exceptional almost new home built to exemplary standards, situated in a private road within this highly sought after village with delightful views to the front toward The Ridgeway. The property is offered for sale with no onward chain. Please see our 3D virtual tour for more information.

The Laurels was completed in 2019 and is a bespoke detached house fitted to the highest standards. The versatile accommodation is over two levels, with landscaped gardens enjoying fabulous views over the Ridgeway and is approached via a private driveway with a barn garage and parking. The focal point of the home is the bright and contemporary kitchen/family room which has french doors on two sides leading to the gardens. Also to the ground floor is a spacious reception room, separate study, two double bedrooms and two shower rooms.

The master bedroom suite, with dressing room and large en suite bathroom is to the first floor, as well as a guest bedroom with en suite shower room. The driveway provides ample parking as well as a double barn garage with attached storage room. The Laurels forms part of a small collection of homes in The Courtyard Stud. Letcombe Regis is a pretty downland village located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, about two miles from the market town of Wantage.

01793 701111 | dewhurstandco.com Abbey Meads Village Centre, Elstree Way, Swindon SN25 4YX

The village has a shop/coffee shop, public house, village hall and the attractive Church of St Andrew. The popular Greyhound pub, serves delicious food.

PROPERTY NEWS BARRATT HOMES

18 | ISSUE No.2

BARRATT HOMES AND DAVID WILSON HOMES LAUNCH NHS 5% DEPOSIT SCHEME Everyone deserves a place to call home – and no one more than our brilliant NHS workers who have shown such courage in the face of the Covid-19 crisis To say a big thank you to them, sister companies Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes have launched their NHS 5% Deposit Scheme, offering all NHS workers a 5% deposit contribution (up to £15,000) towards a new home.

As an example, for a home costing £200,000 NHS workers would qualify for a contribution of £10,000. To apply, NHS buyers just have to ask one of the Barratt or David Wilson sales team who will then introduce them to a specialist New Homes Mortgage Adviser.

During the COVID-19 crisis the NHS have been working tirelessly to keep us safe, and to show their gratitude during these unprecedented times Barratt and David Wilson have been supporting them in different ways.

At the beginning of the crisis they donated their entire stock of PPE masks to the NHS, to help them stay safer. They followed this by donating their entire stock of defibrillators from their sites to St John Ambulance and St Andrew’s First Aid, to help keep our communities safe.

In response to the NHS Charities Together Appeal they then donated £100,000 to support frontline NHS staff and volunteers.

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes both have current developments at Canalside @ Wichelstowe in Swindon, while the latter also has new homes for sale at Larks Rise and Park View as part of the Tadpole Garden Village development.

barratthomes.co.uk dwh.co.uk

wigwamswindon.co.uk | 19

COMMUNITY

NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY

45% MORE CONCERNED FOR HOMELESS DURING COVID-19 COVID-19 HAS HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE ATTITUDES AND CONCERNS TOWARDS THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS, NEW RESEARCH FROM NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY SHOWS. CLOSE TO HALF (45%) OF PEOPLE IN THE UK ARE MORE WORRIED TODAY AS A RESULT OF BEING FORCED TO STAY INDOORS, ACCORDING TO SURVEY OF MORE THAN 6,500 PEOPLE ACROSS THE UK.

20 | ISSUE No.2

The research comes as Nationwide opens applications for its Community Grants Scheme, where charitable organisations can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 to make an difference in their communities. The Society is calling on charities, community land trusts and housing co-operatives who need funding to apply.

Impact of Covid-19 on suitable housing and concern for those without a home Close to half (45%) of people have become more concerned about those who are homeless in lockdown, with 61 per cent more concerned about those who may be living in an unsafe environment, for example those who are at risk of domestic abuse.

Some 46 per cent think that when the pandemic ends, raising money for charities that support vulnerable groups will become more important than it was previously, an issue that is felt particularly strongly by those aged 18-24 (52%).

There is also a personal feeling that homes are under threat; as a result of Covid-19, more than one in ten (11%) are concerned about losing their property, a figure which jumps to 20 per cent for those who are unemployed. Three per cent are ‘very worried’ about losing their home.

Homelessness is a major issue of our generation The research shows that more than three quarters of GB adults (78%) agree that homelessness and a lack of suitable housing is a major issue in the UK, with millennials 25-34 (82%), students (85%) and those who are unemployed (81%) feeling particularly strongly. It’s an issue that the majority believe has got considerably worse in recent memory too, with 60 per cent

of the population agreeing it’s more prevalent than it was two years ago, and 71 per cent agreeing it’s a bigger issue than a decade ago.

Despite the fact that the issue of a lack of suitable housing is compounding in the public eye, more than half (56%) agree that, if enough resources were provided, homelessness in the UK could be eradicated within the next 10 years. Younger generations are more likely to believe this, with close to two thirds (65%) of those aged 18-24 agreeing, compared with 49 per cent of those over the age of 55.

people into homes has been at our foundation for more than 140 years.

Particularly in recent times, the issue of homelessness and a lack of suitable housing has become increasingly important and with a shortage of new properties, outdated rental stock and a lack of support for the most vulnerable in our society, we feel it’s our responsibility to continue to help.”

Nationwide’s Community Grants initiative is now open for applications of between £10,000 and £50,000 from charities, community land trusts and housing co-operatives wanting to make a difference in their local area.

Supporting local authorities A third of Brits (31%) believe their local authority has done a bad job at tackling housing and homelessness issues over the past five years. Those in younger age groups are more likely to believe their local authority had done a bad job tackling housing issues, with more than a third (34%) of those aged 18-24 believing this, compared to just over a quarter (28%) of those over the age of 55.

Over the past two years, around three quarters of the projects supported through Nationwide’s Community Grants initiative have included recruiting tenancy workers, project workers and support workers - roles that are traditionally filled by those working for local authorities but may have been cut back on due to funding issues.

Applications are shortlisted and then Nationwide’s regional Community Boards, made up of Nationwide members and colleagues, come together to award the grants.

Successful applicants will receive their grant to provide housing services to people in need to support the most vulnerable.

Over the past two years Nationwide members and colleagues have come together to award £10 million to 251 housing projects across the UK. Applications for both Community Grants and for members wanting to join their local Community Board are open until 31st July 2020.

Anyone wishing to apply for a grant to make improvements to heir community should go to nationwidecommunitygrants.co.uk

Kerrie Colford, Social Investment Manager at Nationwide commented “Our Community Grants scheme offers financial support to those seeking to make a difference, those on the front lines of tackling housing issues that impact so many across the UK. We believe everyone should have a place fit to call home and helping

wigwamswindon.co.uk | 21

LIFESTYLE FEATURE IKEA FURNITURE

IKEA FURNITURE – ONCE GOING FOR A SONG, NOW SELLING FOR THOUSANDS

HOLD ON TO THOSE BILLY SHELVES YOU COULD CASH IN ONE DAY. When you think about IKEA, affordable furniture is probably the first thing that comes to mind, but collectors are now vying for rare vintage pieces and willing to pay as much as £44,000 for a single chair.

Barnebys is an international search engine aggregator that tracks sales at more than 2,000 auction houses. As their co-founder Pontus Silfverstolpe explains: “Globally, IKEA was the 50th most-searched-for-word at Barnebys in 2019 and most popular is the furniture from the 1950s to the 1970s.”

“Unlike many of their items today, IKEA's older products were actually made very well and have stood the test of time. Also, many of the examples were made over a very short period of time, so there aren't many of them around.”

IKEA was founded in 1943 in Sweden by Ingvar Kamprad, whose vision was to make good, functional design accessible to the masses. “Its midcentury pieces had all the clean, modern freshness of the furniture being made by big names like Hans Wegner and Finn Juhl,” says John Black of London’s Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers.

Though these prices may seem shocking to your average IKEA shopper, they're proof that great design is more than just functional - it's truly art.

“People are just starting to wake up to vintage IKEA” says Elizabeth Rider of online vintage seller Vinterior, which currently has a set of colourblocked Vibert chairs – a flop when launched in 1994 – at £3,650 each. And when checking for any vintage IKEA pieces in your own house, don’t forget the kitchen - if you've got an 18-piece dinnerware set called Nejlika, originally worth £13.50, you could be cashing in to the tune of £1,180.

As for those Billy shelves, it’s a case of hold the front page, but if you have a teak bookshelf and cabinet combo from the 1970s, it could now fetch up to £3,000.

IKEA is responding to the trend, as well. It recently reissued 26 vintage pieces in limited numbers, while contemporary collaborations with crack designers like Ilse Crawford, Tom Dixon and Virgil Abloh have all the makings of future flat-pack classics.

Interestingly, some of the most sought-after items are ones that sold terribly when they were first released. Others were part of collaborations between IKEA and well-known designers at the time. For instance, colourful flat-pack chairs by futuristic Danish designer Verner Panton were worth £25 in 1993 and are now going for nearly a thousand pounds.

Last September, Swedish auction house Bukowskis sold a 1972 tubular-steel-framed armchair designed by Gillis Lundgren for £1,968. Had you put one in your trolley when it first went on sale it would have cost you £30. In fact, the average list price of vintage IKEA seating models is £2,400.

But that's nothing compared to the so-called ‘clam’ or ‘mushroom’ chairs designed by Philip Arctander, which recently went at auction for around £44,000 each. This design was released just a year after IKEA was founded in 1943, which might explain why it's such a pricy item.

wigwamswindon.co.uk | 23

LIFESTYLE FEATURE HYGGE LIVING

FROM SCANDINAVIA TO SWINDON – HYGGE LIVING DELIVERS PREMIUM AUDIOVISUAL SOLUTIONS

24 | ISSUE No. 2

HYGGE LIVING WORKS WITH DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS TO CREATE A RELAXING AND STRESS-FREE AMBIENCE IN YOUR HOME. In the last couple of years you might have come across the word ‘hygge’ in glossy magazines or weekend supplements. But what does hygge actually mean?

internet, we install it, whether that be a simple wi-fi extension, full managed wireless and wired networks, automated lighting and heating controls the possibilities are endless”

Pronounced "hoo-ga”, this Danish concept cannot be translated to one word but encompasses a feeling of cosy contentment and wellbeing through enjoying the simple things in life.

As an example of the scope of Hygge Living’s work, they are currently working on a seven-room installation in a million pound house in the village of Oaksey. Among other things, this new home will boast a 75” TV and Soundbar wall mounted in the main room, recessed for a flush finish with a new aperture. In the kitchen, there will be a 49” TV and Sonos Beam mounted on a motorised wall bracket for multiple viewing positions. All five bedrooms will have 43” TVs and wall mounted Sonos Beams, and we haven’t even mentioned all the Sky Q boxes, nest hubs and thermostats!

If you've ever savoured a cup of hot cocoa stretched out on your sofa on a cold winter’s day, you've experienced hygge without even knowing it. This national obsession with all things cosy is credited as one of the reasons why Denmark regularly tops the list of the world's happiest country.

One man dedicated to bringing a little hygge into people’s lives is Swindon-based custom installer Nick McArdle, director of Hygge Living. And he began to do so by offering his customers another great Danish invention - Bang & Olufsen (B&O) music and TV systems.

After several years working for B&O in Bath, Nick relocated to Swindon to run the installations for the company here. With the owner of the then Wood Street B&O store he soon spotted a gap in the market for premium audiovisual installation services in the Swindon area. Ten years later Nick is the goto installer of high end systems around town as well as venturing further afield for projects all over the UK, Europe and even Dubai.

Stretched out on a comfortable sofa with bespoke dimmed lighting, sipping a glass of wine and listening to your favourite artist coming through your high-spec speakers … now that’s what we call hygge. hyggeliving.com

“Most people simply want to get home from work, press a button and relax with a favourite piece of music or TV show, and that’s exactly what we aim to help them do,” says Nick, whose company is based in Old Town.

“We want to make people’s lives simple - no fuss, no stress, just a relaxed Hygge Living space.

Whether that’s a simple music system, a complete multiroom audiovisual distribution, some mood lighting or full home automation, we can help create the perfect home.”

“We specialise in complete, bespoke solutions and to do that we often work alongside project managers, designers and architects.”

“The business has changed a lot since it started in 2010. These days the scope has expanded into all things “Smart Home” - if it connects to the

wigwamswindon.co.uk | 25

LIFESTYLE FEATURE ROSY LEA FLORIST

26 | ISSUE No.2

ROSY LEA FLORIST HEY I'M JODY, OWNER AND FOUNDER OF ROSY LEA FLORIST. Rosy Lea was established in 2014 and up until recently we had a popular high street store in Wroughton. We have just relocated to our home studio in Swindon and couldn’t be more excited for the next chapter of Rosy Lea Florist!

The way people shop is changing and so is the high street, we’re introducing many new ways to bring plants and florals to the public without the need for a store. I'm going to talk about all things plants and share my passion with you all. I am a houseplant enthusiast, my partner would argue its excessive but hey, I’ve learnt to sneak them in! My passion for houseplants just continues to grow and my collection is nearing around 40 now I believe - that’s quite tame compared to some! I could talk about plants all day long so here goes…

I started my collection of houseplants when we moved into our first home two years ago, before then I had never owned a plant! (Believe it or not!)

It has taken me a good couple of years to study and trial houseplants, with many failures along the way! Horticulture and floristry are worlds apart but I have learnt firsthand how to care for and nurture plants since having them for my own! I want to use my knowledge to teach people how to really get the most out of their plants!

Houseplants are trendy these days, back before I started to buy them nobody seemed to care, myself included. I remember posting my new plant babies on Instagram and starting a little phase that has just never ended - in fact its quite the opposite, people are houseplant mad! I know I didn’t personally start the houseplant craze, but I think I was maybe one of the first stockists in Swindon bar garden centres to really get people's interests going! I will say though, a plant is not just for Christmas, a plant is forever! (Cheesy but true!) I always say a houseplant is like a baby, the care card will say one thing but what the plant wants and needs will differ completely! You need to get to know your plants, find out what they do and don’t like, figure out how to make and keep them happy!

So I have listed below a few plants that I have at home and the spaces I keep them in. It is really important when choosing a plant for the home that you pick the right variety based on the environment it is going to be living in.

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LIFESTYLE FEATURE ROSY LEA FLORIST

THE BATHROOM Boston Fern - Everyone loves a good fern! This is probably one of my best sellers. These babies love high humidity so a bathroom is the perfect space. In addition they love indirect lighting, the kind you get through a cracked glass window! These little guys will love this environment and they’re great for adding foliage and style to a modern bathroom. Try hanging one from the ceiling in a macrame or placing one on a bath shelf! They need to be kept fairly moist all year round and wont like to be left too dry.

Succulents - Succulents are a great little plant to dot around to fill any empty spaces or add a bit of interest. I have some in my downstairs loo, in the lounge in cubby holes and in my son's room. They don’t need much attention or love and come in the most gorgeous pastel shades. Perfect way to add some texture and style to a shelf or small space.

THE LOUNGE The Dracaena (Dragon plant) - These plants are hardy and super easy to care for! I would imagine every home has one of these - if not then they should have!

A staple, reasonably priced, tall houseplant. Perfect for filling an empty corner, adding height and bringing some structure to this living area. I personally love to couple tall plants with tall pots!

For example these planters with legs work so well, not only do they increase the height but they add style and simplicity too.

They don’t need any direct light and therefore can live quite happily in the lounge where there is likely to be little to none bright lighting. The majority of plants will really dislike direct sunlight and so this should be avoided whenever possible.

THE BEDROOM Snake plants - These guys are just the most easy going fellas around! They need watering only twice a month, they don’t mind low lighting and they really don’t require a lot of attention!

(Perfect, right?)

They add a great structure to any room, bringing something different and unique with their striking long leaves. The beautiful dark green variety looks fab with a white or plain pot. They are great in any size, if you’re short for space or have a bedside table then opt for a small version - they look so cute!

Pachira Aquatica- My absolute favourite! These plants aren’t something you’d see very often and have a rather striking appearance. With a plaited stem and a bushy top these really are a focal plant for any room. They love indirect light so try and place them near a window, but remember to keep away from the direct sun. They love moisture but don’t like to sit in water for too long.

HALLWAY Epipremnum aureum (Devils Ivy) - A fool proof plant!

This plant is perfect for the bedroom, dressing room or hallway. Chances are the lighting will be fairly average and not particularly bright in these rooms. These plants can tolerate low lighting and can be left to dry between waterings. As well as this you can get trailing varieties that are great for minimal space.

Perfect for a hanging shelf or ledge, even from the ceiling! I water mine once a week or so and avoid the direct sun!

String of hearts - This little guy hangs on a shelf in my hallway upstairs and I love the way he cascades down, they don’t need much watering as they’re similar to succulents. They do need bright indirect light but are tolerant of low lighting. A good tip for knowing if they need more light is if they have large gaps between leaves!

THE KITCHEN Castanospermum Australe - The Magic Bean Plant!!!

This is one of my favourite plants I own. The little chestnut plant lives in my kitchen on the windowsill, one of my only plants that loves the direct sun. These babies love 6-8 hours of sun a day and need to be watered regularly. Perfect for a bright south facing window! rosyleaflorist.com wigwamswindon.co.uk | 29

CELEBRITY HOMES WIGWAM FEATURE

DIANA DORS 30 | ISSUE No.2

THE SIREN OF THE SILVER SCREEN WHO STARRED IN 70 MOVIES, SCORES OF TV SHOWS AND EVEN MORE GOSSIP COLUMNS WAS BORN IN SWINDON. Diana Dors was the blonde pin-up and movie star who set the screen alight in the 1950s and beyond.

She was known as the ‘British Marilyn Monroe’ thanks to her curvy figure, blonde hair and undeniable sex appeal. And it all started in Kent Road, Swindon.

She was born Diana Mary Fluck in Kent Road, Old Town in 1931, but changed her name - along with her hair colour - to become a Hollywood star. At the age of eight she exclaimed to her classmates, “When I grow up I am going to be a film star and live in a big house with a swimming pool and a cream telephone”. And although it might have sounded precocious, she ended up being completely right!

Diana's world changed in 1944 when the American GIs came to Swindon during the Second World War. She was just 13 and it was as if Hollywood had landed on her doorstep. Her mother allowed Diana to attend GI dances on the condition that she accompany her.

With her glamorous clothes and flawless make-up a 13-year-old Diana told everyone she was 17 and as she jitterbugged the night away no one questioned it!

Diana also took part in dramatic productions put on by the new influx of Americans and her talent was soon recognised.

In 1946 Diana left Swindon and became the youngest ever student at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Soon after she was offered a screen test for the film 'The Shop At Sly Corner'. Her agent suggested she change her surname from Fluck to something more glamorous, so she took the name of her maternal grandmother and the rest is history … Diana soon became a phenomenon and with her abundance of confidence and glamour she was a welcome relief to the austerity of the post-war years.

She turned down the offer of a Hollywood contract, became the youngest registered owner of a Rolls Royce (despite the fact she had not yet passed her test) and released a book of risqué photos entitled Diana Dors in 3-D, complete with glasses! At the Venice Film festival she almost caused a riot when she sailed down the Grand Canal in a mink bikini.

What followed was a career spanning 70 movies, three sultry siren albums, three marriages, Las Vegas cabarets, a racy lifestyle, friendship with the Krays, and a place of honour as one of the showbiz icons featured on the cover of the 1967 Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Dors died in 1984 aged 52 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Her son and granddaughter unveiled a blue plaque to mark where she was born in 2017, which along with the (frankly unflattering) statue outside Shaw Ridge Cinema cemented her place in the history of her hometown.

The plaque sits between numbers 61 and 62 Kent Road. Dors' birth certificate revealed the location as the Haven Nursing Home on Kent Road, but the nursing home - which was a base for midwives - was later turned into a house. The adjoining property was the doctor's surgery and the two buildings had internal interconnecting doors that allowed the doctor to assist the midwives when necessary.

In suitably kitsch style, a 1959 pink Cadillac car given to Dors by Shepperton Studios was parked outside the homes for the unveiling of the blue plaque.

Despite more recent pretenders to the crown like model Melinda Messenger and thespian Billie Piper, Diana Dors will always be Swindon’s original blonde bombshell!

LIFESTYLE FEATURE

HOW TO ATTRACT BUYERS?

32 | ISSUE No.2

HOW TO ATTRACT BUYERS? IT’S THE KERB APPEAL, STUPID. TWO THIRDS OF HOMEOWNERS SAY THAT FIRST IMPRESSIONS WERE IMPORTANT IN THEIR CHOICE OF HOME. Asked how to lure potential voters during his 1992 election campaign, the then aspiring US president Bill Clinton famously quipped, “It’s the economy, stupid”. Pose the same question to people trying to attract buyers for their house and the smart answer would be, It’s the kerb appeal, stupid!

5. Fences and boundaries

Why? Because in a survey of more than 2,000 UK adults conducted by YouGov, more than two thirds (68%) of homeowners say kerb appeal was important in their choice of home.

6. Hide the bins

With many estate agents limiting the time potential buyers can spend in a property, first impressions are more important than ever.

So if you want to seduce a buyer, here are some easy ways to improve your kerb appeal.

1. Windows and roofs The YouGov survey found that the most important features for kerb appeal were wellmaintained windows and a roof that appeared in good condition. Pristine gutters help, too.

2. Front door colours The Sunday Times reckons that townhouses and period houses always look fantastic with an embellishment of strong colours, like a bright red or yellow. Blue-blacks are a particularly effective shade to utilise for a sleek, modern look.

3. Front garden A tidy front garden with no weeds and trimmed hedges is really important, so get rid of those old sofas and fridges!

4. Potted plants Plants can create a strong impression. A perfectly pruned box hedge can look contrived. As an alternative, try wisteria or other climbing plants such as roses or jasmine to frame your front door.

Painting your garden gate white will draw immediate attention to the front of your house.

Tall feathery grasses serve a double function.

Planted closely together they help a small front garden look larger by drawing the eye upwards and away from ground level.

If you are handy, build a bespoke bin store out of pallets. You could even top it with a living roof of flowering plants. Bin screens are another popular alternative and hide a multitude of sins.

7. Quick fixes • You won’t sell your home if buyers can’t find it, so upgrade your home’s numerals or name.

However modern the house, traditional brass or chrome are best.

• Solar-powered lights are striking and sustainable. To illuminate paths, task lighting is good.

• Give painted stonework an uplift in classic white or cream paint – 46% of British people prefer neutral shades, so go for a crowd pleaser rather than shocking pink!

• Whether it’s a sweeping drive with a satisfying crunch or a simple square with a tree in the middle, refresh your gravel with a fresh layer.

Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of the Home Owners Alliance, says: “Kerb appeal creates a lasting first impression – most buyers make up their minds in the first few minutes of arriving at a property. So if you’re about to put your home on the market this summer or your house has been on sale for a while, it’s worth going through this list and seeing what improvements you can make.”

“The good news is that a lot of solutions are simple and cost very little, from putting your wheelie bins out of sight, to repainting your front door and weeding your paths. Many jobs don’t even require a tradesperson.”

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WIGWAM MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVE 'TALKING HOMES' WITH THE COMEDY LEGEND & TRAVEL WRITER

Dom Joly.

TALKING HOMES DOM JOLY

36 | ISSUE No.2

DOM JOLY TELLS WIGWAM ABOUT LIVING THROUGH A CIVIL WAR, HIS FLAT ON THE MOST DANGEROUS STREET IN BRITAIN, AND GETTING LOST IN SWINDON. To begin with, what are your memories of the family home in Lebanon where you were born?

It was an extraordinary place to live, in the hills above Beirut. My dad built the house in a traditional Lebanese style which itself was inspired by the Italian Renaissance, so there are red tile roofs, beautiful limestone square buildings, and they always have three arches at the front. And our house was in a stunning location in the middle of a pine forest. I lived a very schizophrenic existence because I went to boarding school in England, but would spend my holidays at home in the middle of the Lebanese Civil War, standing on the balcony watching Israeli planes dive bomb over our house or Syrian tanks rolling past to invade. I even saw a car bomb blow up the Lebanese President. I watched the whole of the war happen from our balcony because we had this panoramic view of Beirut.

So yes, Lebanon was a very weird place to grow up, but also a stunningly beautiful place. It was always described as the Switzerland of the Middle East, and Beirut as the Paris of the Middle East. It was a Middle Eastern country but only in name.

It was incredibly liberal, it was a democracy, it had a free press, it had hookers, it had drugs, it had nightclubs. And the cliché in Beirut was that you could be on the beach in the morning and ski in the afternoons. The food was astonishing, the women looked just look like nothing else, everybody spoke three languages - it really was like heaven on earth, but unfortunately, everyone wanted a piece of it, so that’s how it broke up in the end.

Before going to school in England, I’d been at an English Quaker High School in Beirut, and I subsequently found out that Osama bin Laden had also been there. I didn’t know him at the time - I was six and he was sixteen – but I’ve seen pictures and he looked more like a member of (‘70s bubblegum pop group) The Partridge Family in those days.

Sometimes I used to go to school by horse because there was no petrol during the Civil War; and every time a plane went over the entire playground would pretend to have ack-ack guns and fire at them. I didn’t realise that was unusual until I came to school in England, but here was very odd, too. I was at school in Oxford with most of Radiohead and most of the current Tory cabinet.

A memory of growing up in a civil war - a piece of shrapnel from one of the rockets that hit Dom’s family home above Beirut.

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TALKING HOMES DOM JOLY

You eventually moved full-time to London for university, was that a case of student digs?

Well, I turned down Oxford to go to London University and read Arabic at the School of African and Oriental Studies, which was a massive mistake. I went there because I was in love with a girl there, and as soon as I arrived she dumped me, a nightmare! Then I moved into shared student digs in Putney, which was another mistake - it was south of the river and it just didn’t feel right.

And my mum was so excited I wasn’t moving into the family home in Holland Park that she went on holiday. Two weeks later she returned and I’d moved in! So all of my way through uni I lived at home in a basement in Holland Park Avenue.

Depending on who I was talking to and whether I needed to be posh, smart or hip, I’d say I lived in Labroke Grove, Notting Hill or Holland Park.

Where were you living when you first made Trigger Happy TV? I bought a flat in All Saints Road, Notting Hill, which at the time was officially the most dangerous street not only in Britain, but in Europe. I was literally the only white bloke on the street, but the price was so good I bought the flat, and then I realised everyone hated me for buying it. I was above The Mangrove Restaurant, which was the epicentre of London Caribbean life, and it was

kind of wrong that this posh twat had moved in upstairs. I pulled out all the floorboards when I was doing the place up, and found about 800 credit cards that had been nicked and shoved in there. There was a Caribbean bakery opposite that had a picture of Marvin Gaye leaning out of my window flicking a V sign, and it turns out he had stayed in my flat. When I moved in there were drug dealers everywhere, and then they put up cameras and nothing happened for six months, and then one day literally, the police came in and just took everyone off the street, locked them up and All Saints became gentrified almost over night.

This massive empty flat across the road was bought

by Krzysztof Kieslowski who directed Three Colours: Red. Mick Jagger would be hanging out of the window opposite, Jay Kay from Jamiroquai would screech his Lamborghini and knock on the door out of his face at three o’clock in the morning. I felt a bit like Woody Allen in the film where he’s on a really dull train and he looks into the next train and they’re having a party - the flat across the road was constantly having this amazing party. The day Trigger Happy TV came out there were posters all over London saying ‘Do not trust this man” and I literally opened the window and there were posters of me and I thought ‘Fuck what’s happened?’, but at least they invited me into the flat across the road then. It was a weird street with all kinds of weird people, it was an incredibly hip, muliticultural, amazing street. I loved it.

A roof tile that Dom “borrowed” from Barnhill, the remote cottage on the Isle of Jura where George Orwell wrote 1984.

38 | ISSUE No.2

Is it true you sold that flat to Salman Rushdie?

Yes, when I found out he was buying it I assumed there was still a fatwa on him (in 1989 the Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa ordering Muslims to kill Rushdie for writing the blasphemous The Satanic Verses), but the fatwa had kind of been relaxed, and he was a bit more relaxed. I mean no one swore me to secrecy or whatever, but I’d painted the outside of my flat bright orange.

The place had a lovely double roof top, it was a lateral conversion over two buildings and it had this really nice roof garden and I told everyone that before I left I was going to re-tile the roof so the next time Google Earth came over it was either going to say in massive letters ‘Salman Rushdie is hiding here’ or it was just going to have a massive target on it. But then I thought ‘God what would it be like if he gets killed because of that?’ So I passed on my best ever joke!

I had also bought the flat below when Trigger Happy TV was happening and I turned it into the

ultimate bachelor pad. The only problem was that I wasn’t a bachelor, I was married, I already had a kid, and I was thinking ‘Fuck, why didn’t I have this ten years ago?’. But while it was being done up I had to move out, and renting in Notting Hill was so expensive.

Luckily, a cousin of mine who was an estate agent in Wiltshire told me there’s this place to rent in Quenington in Gloucestershire, do you want to go down there? So we went down there for six months, almost like an extended country weekend, and we thought it will be fun, we’ll live in the country for a bit, my first kid wasn’t at school yet, and we got down there and three weeks later I had bought my first dog, and that was it really, we never went back.

Six months after that I rented the house next door which was this massive place called Knights Gate. The gatehouse used to be a hospital for Knights Templars and it was built in 1210, it was like 800 years older than my wife’s country (she’s Canadian)! And we just absolutely loved it and we lived there for eight years.

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40 | ISSUE No.2

wigwamSwindon.co.uk | 41

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A cast of Dom's childhood comedy hero Peter Sellers’ face made for use in the film Being There. wigwamswindon.co.uk | 43

We know you came to the GWH to treat your sleep apnoea, is that when you became familiar with Swindon?

Yes, and let me say, I never set out to annoy anybody, but Swindon is weird because it just never seems to have been planned, when I go in my satnav will just say ‘Leave, I’m frightened, I don’t know where we are!’. And I always get confused on the Magic Roundabout and can never find the fabled Old Town. But there are interesting things about Swindon, it is supposed to have the perfect demographic.

When anyone is doing polls in Britain they go to Swindon because it has the perfect medium British population. But my favourite thing ever in Swindon I spotted when changing trains for Kemble. I got off at the station and I went to the end of the platform and there was just this weird little fence which was about waist height, a really shitty fence, just about the size of a table tennis table, and inside was a bench that had been broken and a dead flower and I swear that there was a sign that said, ‘Sensory zone, please feel free to come in and

44 | ISSUE No.2

relax’. It’s my favourite photo I have ever taken, and it’s still my most viewed photo on Facebook.

So, well done Swindon for that, and I like to think that it was a joke rather than a real sensory zone.

Another time I was doing a show in Swindon and I discovered Swindon’s best-kept secret is that airfield on a hill above the town (Wroughton airfield) where they keep a lot of stuff that they don’t put into The Science Museum in London. Oh my God, the stuff in there is insane, decommissioned Polaris missiles, the world’s first cashpoint machine. And you’ve given us Diana Dors, well done, Swindon!

And The Supertramp singer (Rick Davies).

You try and pretend that the Oasis Leisure Centre inspired Oasis to choose their name, but I’ve met Noel Gallagher and it’s not true. There’s Gilbert O’Sullivan, as opposed to Gilbert and Sullivan, but he’s crap. Then there’s Melinda Messenger and XTC,; Andy Partridge is very cool. I do draw the line though when you call Swindon something to do with Venice because there’s a lot of canals, the Central Venice or whatever.

Are you now living in your ‘forever home’ in Cheltenham?

I always have hankerings to move on, both my wife and I are very restless. The perfect solution would be to impersonate the Royals and move every season, to have four houses. We go to the lakes north of Toronto in the summer, which I love. If I could I’d buy a place in Morocco, too. But I love it here in Cheltenham.

When I used to visit my grandmother here when I was young I would think “I’d kill myself if I had to live here’. Now I love it, it’s a really hip town, my kids are at school here, and I love my townhouse.

I had to persuade my wife to get it because she’s Canadian where there are vast spaces. She says ‘Why the hell would we want to live next door to somebody else?’. But there is something really special about Cheltenham and this is a really lovely Georgian Regency townhouse.

It’s just beautiful, it has got real details, lovely cornicing, and I got to the stage living on this massive farm with all these outbuildings we weren’t using. So we are slightly downsizing here, but as a travel writer I want to be able to just lock up and leave.

But I still want to live in the States, so if I have a late career resurgence I shall move to the States.

If not I will move to Canada, but I need to follow the sun, so at some stage I need to have a house somewhere sunny, maybe Greece, Turkey or Morocco.

Not Swindon I’m afraid, it’s not part of the plan, unless global warming kicks in and then who knows?

You can find what Dom is up to at domjoly.tv

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INTERIOR DESIGN DIVINE SAVAGES

46 | ISSUE No.2

DIVINE SAVAGES GO BOLDLY WHERE FEW DESIGNERS GO EVOCATIVE WALLPAPER PRINTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A COLLECTION OF SUMPTUOUSLY SHIMMERING METALLICS. Let’s be honest. For most of the last 40 years wallpaper had a bad rep.

Designs lost their edge and the only areas of growth were in the cheaper, mass-produced versions sold in DIY superstores.

More recently, however, wallpaper has undergone a revival in its fortunes.

The fashion for feature walls has encouraged a taste for larger, more assertive patterns while the development of digital printing and the revival of screen-printing has enabled artists and freelance designers to get involved. And the involvement of big names from the world of fashion, such as Vivienne Westwood and Ralph Lauren, has helped to make wallpaper the essential background for a bold 21st-century lifestyle.

Divine Savages are at the forefront of this new wave of innovative designers. Forget mass-produced, boring and uninspiring design, company founders Tom Kennedy and Jamie Watkins are on a mission to deliver stunning wallpapers and fabrics, not to mention gorgeous home accessories, limited edition art prints and beautiful gifts.

The duo’s eye-catching and eclectic designs are created using traditional techniques and fuse both the classic and the modern, and each of their designs offers the chance to turn any room into a living masterpiece. For their latest collection, Divine Savages have invigorated some of their most iconic wallpaper prints in sumptuously shimmering metallics. Wigwam caught up with the design duo to find out more. We started by asking them about their backgrounds. “(Tom) is the creative force behind Divine Savages having studied graphic design at university and then followed a career in fashion and branding.

(Jamie) actually works in broadcasting, so very different to the creative industry we’re now in, but brings key skills on the business, marketing and networking side. Together we both bring a unique skillset that enabled us to start Divine Savages in late 2017. After beginning to decorate our own home with Tom designing some patterns and prints, we started to think about creating our own brand to encourage a bolder interior design, with pattern, colour and print and a goal of injecting more fun and personality into homes.”

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SO WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION BEHIND ALL THAT FUN AND PERSONALITY? We find inspiration from all around us, particularly the natural world which is full of vibrant colour and pattern. We also love the style of Art Deco through to more traditional Toile, but we always love to put our Divine Savages twist on whatever we do – for example our Deco Martini which takes inspiration from the classic fan-motif but incorporates our favourite tipple, or our Forbidden Bloom print which, when you look closer at the vines, you realise they are in fact serpents. We like to create intricate designs that invite you to look closer and discover new things each time.”

Tom and Jamie obviously work closely, but they are also keen to team up with other people.

“We recently collaborated with London’s Natural History Museum for a bold collection inspired by their archives. It was such a rewarding experience creating this collection which includes designs influenced both by their vast library of original illustrations, but also the iconic building itself. We also love working with different interior designers and have an exciting project coming up later this year with Nicky Bamford-Bowes where we’ll be renovating our guest bedroom and incorporating one of our brand new, as yet unseen wallpaper designs. We love inviting people into our home to share more of our creative work and how we style our designs.”

As well as being creative partners the Divine Savages duo are married. So was that an advantage during lockdown? “Lockdown actually didn’t really change much for us in terms of how we work, as we run our business from home anyway, but it certainly gave us more time to come together and really look at where Divine Savages has come over the past few years and celebrate everything that we have achieved so far.”

British manufacturing processes and skilled craftsmanship to reinvigorate some of our iconic designs with luxurious golds and copper. We got really involved with the printing techniques, creating intricately engraved rollers and mixing paint colours by hand to achieve a unique collection that brings something different to your home. Our favourite thing about using metallic embellishments in this collection is that as the light changes throughout the day, the wallpaper will subtly change and bring your walls to life. We love Crane Fonda ‘Black Gold’ for creating a bold and luxurious living room scheme, and Deco Martini in ‘Rose Gold’ for a slightly more laid-back lux look, perfect for a bedroom.”

To wind up then, what future trends can we look out for in wallpaper design? “Larger scale patterns and murals are something that’s been growing and shows no sign of slowing down, as people want to make more impact when they wallpaper. Shades of green and terracotta will be really popular as the trend shifts to warmer, more comforting colours, and natural materials like grass and silk will also be back in vogue. We have some exciting plans we want to put into action including extending into new areas like furniture, working with selected artisans to create beautiful bespoke pieces with our Divine Savages twist – we’re always thinking of new ways we can grow the brand and continue to offer exceptional quality and unique design. We’re really excited about what the future holds and invite you to come join us! divinesavages.com

Wigwam love Divine Savages but is there a typical customer? “Whilst many of our customers love to embrace a bolder décor with pattern and colour, we’re seeing more people come to us as they experiment for the first time with wallpaper or more extravagant interior design – which we absolutely love as this is exactly why we created Divine Savages! Our customers have a love of unique and daring design, they are seeking out something different and want to create an interior that’s a little more adventurous – whether that’s a whole room wrapped in our wallpaper or by taking smaller steps by introducing pattern through soft furnishings like cushions or through accessories like lampshades and artwork.”

The team’s brand-new Metallics collection is certainly bold. “We had so much fun creating our latest Metallics collection, working with traditional

Swindon interior designers Pepper&Co use Divine Savages wallpapers in their inspiring interiors: pepperand.co

EXPERT OPINION CLARK HOLT

WILL THE OFFICE EVER BE THE SAME AGAIN?

52 | ISSUE No.2

CLARK HOLT COMMERCIAL SOLICITORS ON HOW VIRTUAL WORKING AND RURAL LOCATIONS COULD BECOME PART OF THE NEW NORMAL. In mid-March this year many businesses locked up the physical office, waved goodbye to their employees (with laptops under wing) to fully embrace a “work from home” lifestyle and swiftly got used to the new virtual office culture via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Many have been surprised that actually this transition was easier than they thought; their businesses are still up and running. Yes, there are some downsides (e.g. missing office banter/team spirit and a sense of feeling a part of something), but there are upsides too and I for one have been enjoying swopping my daily commute for (at last) finding time to fit exercise into my day on a regular basis.

It seems that this Covid-19 crisis has perhaps forced the death of the “presenteeism”/”bums on seats” office mentality and many of us are starting to rethink what “the office” will be like going forward.

So, what next? Boris says: get used to the new normal. What will that be? It seems we are witnessing the birth of a healthier office/working life regardless of whether Covid-19 is eradicated or not. This should be embraced and a new balance is in the process of being found by many people.

As a commercial property lawyer, I am finding this interesting. Clients are starting to rethink their office needs and this thought process seems to be much broader than simply do we need such a large office still?

Some are now considering serviced office accommodation with all the informal business networking and lifestyle benefits that go with that- especially if there is a garden roof terrace or a gym! Others are looking for more rural locations and there are some pretty stunning farm courtyard and barn conversions out there, which add to a sense of wellbeing upon arriving at work.

We are fortunate in the Swindon area to be able to source both serviced office accommodation and rural office locations in the glorious surrounding Wiltshire/ Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire countryside, plus enjoy the transport connectivity that having an office in southern central England provides.

Landowners and developers also have this office culture shift on their radar and one would expect to see some changes going forward and hopefully new or revamped office stock.

As to what to do if you are tied into an office lease, we at Clark Holt can help you with that. There might be a break option that can be exercised, you might be able to negotiate a surrender deal with the landlord, you might be able to sublet (all or part of the office space) or assign the lease to a new tenant.

It seems we are all re-evaluating many things in our lives currently and there are a lot of positives coming out of the pandemic situation. There are options. Explore them.

Renata Lovat Short Associate Commercial Real Estate Solicitor, Clark Holt clarkholt.co.uk

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EXPERT OPINION

ANCHOR SELF STORAGE

ANCHOR’S GUIDE TO MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SELF STORAGE UNIT 54 | ISSUE No.2

TIANA BROWN FROM SWINDON’S ANCHOR SELF STORAGE ON HOW TO PACK ALL YOUR WORLDLY GOODS BEFORE THE BIG HOUSE MOVE. So, you are in the process of making that big house move? And now you just need a safe storage facility to store all your possessions before getting the keys to your new dream home.

Your belongings can easily be misplaced in your move if they’re not organised when you begin. A storage unit is a great way to ensure they are safe and all in one place whilst in the moving process.

No matter what you decide to pack in your storage unit, the tips below will help you protect everything from your flat-screen TV to your winter coat.

1. Label everything: Before your belongings get lost forever in a sea of boxes, write down a list of what is going into the storage unit. The inventory should include: • • • •

Photos of serial numbers, model numbers, and brand logos, when applicable A brief description of the item, including if there is any damage pre-move For expensive items, their relative monetary value How and where you packed the item (in a box, storage bin, or something else)

As well as this, write on the side of every box with its contents, that way you save yourself from looking through several kitchen boxes to find those large dinner plates 2. Save on space: Time to put those Tetris skills to good use! Try and move your heavy and large items into your unit first, smaller boxes can then be stacked on top. Storage units are around 11 ft high so stacking is key when it comes to saving the most space.

3. Clear the clutter: You would be surprised how many items people donate to charity once they clear out their units and we have great local charities who are happy to take your old furniture, but if you can clear it before you arrive you can save more space and money. Don’t worry, we have a list of great charities onsite if you don’t manage it.

4. Use the right packaging materials: Once you have spent time making your list and organizing, there is nothing more frustrating than a box that splits open when you’re carrying it. Anchor have

packing boxes available on site in our Box Shop, but any sturdy packing boxes will help keep your things in the place they should be.

Whilst our units are dry and weatherproof, your items can still collect dust, so dust covers are a great way to add an extra level of protection to your items.

If you need to tape coverings over more fragile items, be careful not to tape directly onto furniture.

This could cause accidental paint or fabric removal, ruining the furniture you're trying to safely pack for your storage unit.

When packing white goods/appliances for storage, drain any remaining liquid from the appliance, remove glass shelves or fragile pieces (to be packed separately). To avoid odours, you can place baking soda inside the appliance.

Pay special attention to your electronics. If possible, pack electronics properly by storing them in their original packing. Label and take photos of wires before unplugging them. Then, wrap items in packing paper or household linens to ensure that electronics will be protected if the box they are in is damaged.

When packing clothes for storage, consider using plastic tubs with clip-on lids for ease or vacuum bags for maximum space saving. Try and make sure your clothes are clean and folded to ensure they’re ready for long-term storage.

5. Talk to us: Our reception members are always on hand to answer your questions, help you transfer unit sizes if you ever need it and we always want to get you the best deals! Anchor Self-Storage units offer 24/7 unlimited access via swipe card and are monitored by an onsite security team and CCTV. Storage units range from 15 sq. ft. to 800 sq. ft. As the housing market reopens, Anchor is allowing for the extra time transactions may take, by extending our introductory deal, offering a 50% discount on self-storage units for the first 16 weeks.

Tiana Brown Anchor Self Storage Swindon anchorselfstorage.co.uk

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EXPERT OPINION

GOUGHS SOLICITORS

56 | ISSUE No.2

FOLLOWING THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO MOVE HOUSE AFTER THE EASING OF SOME LOCKDOWN RULES, WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER SOME USEFUL TIPS AND ADVICE TO KEEP YOU SAFE. CONTACT WITH YOUR SOLICITOR Where possible conduct all meetings and conversations over the phone, by video call using Zoom, What’s App or Skype, and of course you can continue emailing.

At Goughs, we are all available via these mediums.

VIEWING PROPERTIES In the first instance, take a really good look at all images available online, reading floor plans and room descriptions, too. This will ensure you are only viewing properties that really are what you are looking for and you’ll avoid any unnecessary risks. Many agents have now created video tours which can give you a great feel for a property and help you decide if it is right for you before you go to view.

Wear gloves and a mask when viewing. This will protect you and those still residing in the house you’re visiting. Avoid touching any surfaces, instead asking your estate agent questions if you have any.

Visit your new potential property with as few people as possible. Some agents are limiting the number of people that may view a property at any one time so check in advance.

WHEN POTENTIAL BUYERS VIEW YOUR PROPERTY When it’s time for photos and videos to be done, ensure your home is looking at its best. It means that people will get a really good feel for the property before visiting.

Use the time of the viewing to go for a walk so you aren’t in risk of coming in direct contact with individuals.

Leave all internal doors open. This will avoid the need for any viewers to touch door handles and open them.

Goughs Solicitors has 7 offices based throughout Wiltshire. The firm provides legal advice for both individuals and businesses. If you have any further thoughts, advice or questions we'd love to hear from you so please get in touch by emailing me on sarahthomson@goughs.co.uk.

Sarah Thomson Head of Residential Property Goughs Solicitors goughs.co.uk

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EXPERT OPINION EXTENSION PRO

HOW MUCH VALUE WOULD AN EXTENSION ADD TO MY HOME? SHOP AROUND WHEN IT COMES TO PROFESSIONALS – YOU’LL BE SURPRISED BY THE PRICING DIFFERENCE.

58 | ISSUE No.2

As mentioned in my previous column, there are plenty of extension options out there, and they all generate different value rates. You’re not only paying for building materials and contractors, but also a host of professionals who need to make sure your build follows legislation and is structurally safe. Prices can vary massively based on which company you choose to work on your project and the size of the job. Here are some rough guides to what you can expect to pay for different extensions.

Single-Storey Rear Extension £30,000 - £40,000

Two-Storey Extension £60,000 - £70,000

The most recognizable extension, and perfect if you have the garden space to spare. A rear extension allows you to open up existing space, such as your kitchen/dining area, or lets you transform the whole of your ground floor.

If you’ve got the money, an extension of multiple levels can revolutionise your home.

Expand your living space, add on new bedrooms, the sky’s the limit. Of course, all this extra room will take a hefty amount of work and funds. However, rooms like an extra bedroom generate a lot of new value.

Wrap-Around Extension £40,000 - £50,000 Like a rear extension, but it also incorporates any available side space. These are commonly added onto period properties, mostly from the Victorian era, that tend to have an alleyway to utilize. You could also just take your home out into this alleyway and create what is called a side extension.

Conservatories £15,000 - £25,000 Not only a fantastic way to brighten your home, conservatories have the added advantage of being constructed mainly off site.

This can save you money, as well as helping you avoid making concessions at home for construction.

It is always important to do detailed research on architectural designers and builders. Shop around when it comes to professionals – you’ll be surprised by the pricing difference. At ExtensionPro, our prices start at £720 for our planning package, whereas we’ve heard of other architects charging as much as £5,000!

Make sure you get a contract and payment plan that has you in control. Preferably only release payments after agreed design or construction milestones have been completed. If a deposit is required by your chosen builder, bonds are available to protect your initial outlay.

Look into your permitted development rights - this is a scheme set up by the government that allows homeowners to extend without needing planning permission. The rules can get a little complex, so have one of your building or architectural team talk you through this.

Finally, always ask for references when it comes to the contractors building your project. If possible, request a visit to see their previous work. If any professional refuses to put you in touch with past clients, stay clear!

Bradley Quesnel Managing Director ExtensionPro extensionpro.co.uk

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EXPERT OPINION

OPTIMUM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

60 | ISSUE No.2

MOVING HOME? HERE’S YOUR GUIDE TO THE LEGAL PROCESS WITH THE EASING OF LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS AND THE REOPENING OF ESTATE AGENTS, A FLURRY OF ACTIVITY IS BEING SEEN IN THE PROPERTY SECTOR. Although of course Coronavirus has had an impact, and still needs to be borne in mind, there are many people who have been waiting to move or to start looking for another home, and who are now taking the opportunity to do so.

When all queries have been satisfied, and search results and a copy of a mortgage offer obtained, you will be informed and you will then need to sign the contract. At the contract signing stage, a deposit is required.

Unsurprisingly, most estate agents and surveyors believe homes with gardens, balconies or communal spaces will be most in demand. This is good news for Swindon and Wiltshire, where houses with gardens are the predominant type of residence.

Assuming everyone is ready to go ahead, a date will also be agreed for completion and exchange.

For the moment at least, we cannot ignore the possible complications arising from C-19, so these need to be considered. Once you have a firm date, you can start organising your move, such as booking a removals firm.

Whether you are a seasoned house mover or first time buyer, house-buying is always a major undertaking, which involves a legal, conveyancing process.

At Optimum, we endeavour to make this process as easy and straightforward as we can for our clients, ensuring we keep in touch with them at every stage. Here is our guide to take you through the legal process, step by step.

The first step is to contact a conveyancer as soon as you have found a property you would like to buy and have had an offer accepted on. At this stage, you should be asked to complete one or two forms, which will help to avoid any delays later on.

We would recommend you have a survey carried out. You may opt for a homebuyer’s survey, which is generally suited to properties in reasonable condition, or you may want to instruct a qualified surveyor to carry out a building survey, which is a more in-depth inspection of a property, providing a detailed evaluation of its condition.

Once your conveyancer has received the title documents and a draft contract from the seller’s solicitors, they should put in place the various searches needed, investigate title and raise any enquiries, as appropriate. You may be surprised at the variety of queries that can arise, but it is vital to get everything right and all questions answered before going ahead.

The next stage involves ensuring the money is where it needs to be, for completion. Your conveyancer will request your mortgage funds and if you have been saving under any of the Government schemes – such as Help to Buy or a Lifetime ISA – organise access to these funds too.

Once the sale is complete, the outstanding balance will be transferred to the vendor’s solicitors.

Once they confirm they have received the money you may pick up the keys and move into your new home.

Although there are many stages to the process, and issues may arise, at Optimum we have been through this many times for our clients (in some cases, several times over for the same clients!) and we strive to ensure it is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

If you are moving and would like to talk to us about helping with the legal process, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Iain Mason Head of Legal Property Services Optimum Professional Services imason@optps.co.uk

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LIFESTYLE FEATURE VISIT SWINDON

STEAM MUSEUM CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

62 | ISSUE No.2

LAST YEAR MORE THAN 130,000 PEOPLE VISITED THE MUSEUM TO LEARN ABOUT SWINDON'S RICH HERITAGE. STEAM Museum, which is housed in a handsome Grade II listed railway building in the heart of the former Great Western Railway (GWR) works, is marking its 20th anniversary with a look back at some of its many highlights from the last two decades.

The museum is currently closed due to COVID-19.

When it re-opens, however, visitors will be able to attend the museum for the same admission prices that greeted the very first visitors to STEAM 20 years ago.

STEAM’s doors opened for the first time on Wednesday, 14 June 2000, and royal approval soon followed when HRH the Prince of Wales officially opened the Museum on 27 June.

Cllr Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, Culture and Heritage, said: “Last year more than 130,000 people visited the museum to learn about Swindon's rich heritage, and the staff do a tremendous job in bringing to life science, technology, engineering, art and maths topics for visitors.”

“The success of the Science Festival and the Brick Show, which will both return, means I believe STEAM has a bright future ahead for another 20 years. And there is still so much potential. A fun fact is that the original Hogwarts Express, Olton Hall, was built in Swindon 83 years ago, at Swindon Works.”

In 2008, STEAM secured a £450,000 investment to convert a disused railway workshop into a multi-purpose conference and event space. Today, Great Western Hall hosts high-profile events such as the National Trust AGM and Swindon’s General Election count, plus well-known annual events such as the Great Western Brick Show.

In 2011, STEAM received a once-in-a-lifetime bequest. Now known as the Harry Collection, the donation included an enormous number of historically significant items, which are now on display throughout STEAM. Elaine Arthurs, STEAM Collections and Exhibitions Officer said: “Mr Harry, who died in August 2005, was a serious Great Western collector over many years and clearly had an eye for the best quality

material. He started off his early career at Swindon Works before moving to the banking world and his passion was evident as the items arrived in pristine condition.”

The donation included: 72 Great Western cabside number plates, 15 locomotive tender plates, over 150 cast iron signs and a variety of GWR objects, including silverware, signalling equipment, fixtures and fittings; approximately 40,000 photographs and some rare archive material.

Two flagship locomotives made a timely return to Swindon in November 2015; No. 6000 King George V and No. 3717 City of Truro. Their arrival signified the beginning of Swindon175 - a yearlong programme of events to commemorate the anniversary of Swindon’s historic railway works. Both engines remain on display at STEAM, on temporary loan from the National Railway Museum.

In 1867, the first steam-powered hooter to call employees to work was installed. Three decades after Swindon Works closed, local steam engineer Colin Hatch of Wanborough built and installed a replica of the famous Swindon Works hooter on the roof of the STEAM building as part of the Swindon175 celebrations. Today, Colin blasts the iconic sound of Swindon at special events throughout the year.

In August 2018, a momentous occasion in Swindon’s history saw GWR locomotive No. 2818 returned to the site where it was built in 1905.

Designed by GWR chief mechanical engineer George Jackson Churchward, the 2800 class of heavy freight locomotives was hugely successful for the Great Western Railway. No. 2818 worked as a heavy goods carrier and was used during the First World War to transport coal for the Royal Navy.

No. 2818 is the first complete locomotive to be owned by STEAM. The engine is displayed on STEAM’s recreated 1930s station platform.

Throughout June and July, STEAM will be sharing more of their incredible achievements and highlights on social media. Visitors are also encouraged to share their photos and memories of STEAM. visitswindon.org.uk

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LIFESTYLE FEATURE WICHELSTOWE

HALL & WOODHOUSE WINS CAMRA AWARD AS MOST ATTRACTIVE NEW BUILD PUB IN BRITAIN

64 | ISSUE No. 2

BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN, IT HAD QUICKLY BECOME ONE OF SWINDON’S GO-TO ALL-DAY VENUES. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced the winners of its prestigious Pub Design Awards, which reward best new builds, conversions, conservations and refurbishments. And the fab news for Swindon is that the best new build award went to our very own Hall & Woodhouse in Wichelstowe.

Built as part of the ‘Canalside’ development phase, Hall & Woodhouse occupies a prominent canal-side location and is thought to be an important asset for the emerging community. The form of the building reflects the architectural heritage of industrial Swindon, adding open trussed roofs to mimic that of the train sheds and warehouses that used to fill the town. Inside, visitors are treated to a juxtaposition of industrial structure and soft furnishings, with walls adorned with boatbuilding, family and brewing heritage images.

Andrew Davison, chair of CAMRA’s Pub Design Award judging panel, said: “The New Build award is only awarded rarely, so it is a testament to the quality of Hall & Woodhouse Wichelstowe that it has won!”

“Mackenzie Wheeler Architects, the designers of the building, have drawn inspiration from the location, with a range of gabled roofs at the water's edge evoking the canal-side sheds which housed many a traditional boat-building and repairing business, and a taller accommodation block referencing historic canal-side warehouses. The commitment Hall & Woodhouse make to individual, location-specific design is praiseworthy.”

Hall & Woodhouse is a multipurpose venue from the niche Dorset brewers of the same name.

Before the Covid-19 lockdown, it had quickly become one of Swindon’s go-to all-day venues, whether you’re a young mum having a morning coffee with friends, a start-up entrepreneur on a business lunch, a family on a celebration dinner, or a group of friends enjoying a few drinks on the long outside terrace overlooking the Wilts & Berks canal.

The canal-themed interior and attention to detail includes an actual narrowboat, the Lady Rose, which protrudes from the front entrance. But the boat is not just there for its visual impact - it houses several individual booths, all with their own serve-yourself beer pumps.

The varied menus include pantry, afternoon and Sunday roast options through to the main dinner menu which is packed full of delicious dishes, handcrafted with real care by experienced chefs, burrowing away in the open-plan kitchen. The drinks menu is equally extensive and includes the Badger range of beers which are only sold in Hall & Woodhouse pubs, a guarantee of the very best quality cask and bottled ales, brewed right in the heart of the Dorset countryside.

As for canal boats, Hall & Woodhouse is literally a stone’s throw from the mooring of The Dragonfly, a traditional narrowboat which is available for trips and charters along a stretch of Swindon’s restored canal. When it comes to the wider surroundings, Wichelstowe is full of green spaces for a brisk walk or areas where children can run around to their heart’s delight.

A great location with a stunning best-in-Britain pub/bar/restaurant at the heart of it; what could be better? We can’t wait for the lockdown to be over and the chance to enjoy this great venue again. wichelstowe.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE DAVID BENT

SWINDON-BASED ARTIST FLIES HIGH ACROSS A DIZZYING RANGE OF GENRES DAVID BENT IS CELEBRATED FOR HIS ‘AVIATION ART', BUT HE ALSO EMBRACES SOCIAL ISSUES, LANDSCAPES AND PORTRAITURE. 66 | ISSUE No.2

The Royal Aeronautical Society’s mission statement includes the line “to further the advancement of aeronautical art, science and engineering”. Advances in science and engineering are relatively easy to categorise and quantify, but how exactly does art advance the cause of flight?

interesting and clever ways. Iconic shapes of classic aircraft are reused and repurposed to create patterns, or even produce landscapes themselves.

Bent mainly works in acrylics on canvas for his paintings but also produces photo-collages, and at one point in his career even painted street murals.”

If we take the definition to mean the inspirational qualities of art itself, then one clear example of advancing the art of aeronautics is Swindon-based artist David Bent, whose long association with the world of aviation has earned him Honorary Companionship of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Of his most renowned collaboration, Andrew Morton, PR Manager of The Red Arrows, explains: “David Bent was first invited to collaborate as Artist in Residence with the Red Arrows in

He may be well known for aviationthemed art, but Bent’s art is not easy to pigeonhole. Marc Allum, Fine Art Consultant and BBC Antiques Roadshow Specialist, says: “David’s art delivers a precise and energetic style that is a wonderfully eclectic mixture of the technically and mechanically accurate, fused with a Boy's Own bravado that hides a multitude of meaning in the carefully orchestrated symbolism and composition of his subjects. His natural skill and wit seems carefully

2006. This remains a positive and enduring relationship and David’s work is exhibited on the walls of the team's Lincolnshire home base of RAF Scampton, including in the crew briefing room.”

and thoughtfully cloaked in paintings imbued with a real significance at their heart. I love his juxtaposition of traditional methodology fused with a totally modern dynamism."

“His art reflects the precision and engineering excellence of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. In addition, he captures the imagination of those who see and are inspired by his pieces - just as The Red Arrows do with every performance and display."

Tim Robinson, editor of the Royal Aeronautical Society magazine ‘Aerospace’ is another admirer: “Bent’s original paintings include striking geometric shapes, bold colours and the fusing of aspects of the human and machine in lots of

“As an artist I prefer not to see limitations or boundaries,” says the artist himself, “the more freedom the better. I am currently working on paintings based on life close to home; more autobiographical. During the lockdown I painted a self portrait and then my wife Carole’s portrait at home with our cats and our garden. And I have now almost finished a painting of the lane where we live in Old Town which is a natural wildlife corridor.”

Outside of purely aviation subjects, Bent’s other paintings also incorporate social themes and controversial

subjects too – such as Chernobyl, facial recognition and climate change.

In his ‘Yellow Cake U308’ a B-29 bomber flies away from the horror of a nuclear mushroom cloud, reimagined as a cake. Meanwhile, in his NINE ELEVEN, falling figures from the doomed Twin Towers provide a backdrop against head-on shapes of airliners.

In 2018 the artist dedicated a new series of artworks to mark 100 years of the RAF. These were exhibited at the National Memorial Arboretum and included poppies created by combining the RAF’s Sopwith Camel and Lockheed Martin F-35. Significant exhibitions have also been held in a number of public art galleries and museums, including the Russell Cotes, the RAF Museum, London and our very own Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

“Great art has the potential to inspire great engineering and great engineering also has the potential to inspire great art,” says Tim Robinson.

“Bent could be said to be advancing the ‘art’ of aerospace, in exploring the boundaries of flight in new and exciting ways and in bringing aviation to fresh audiences and new eyes.

More crucially, with aviation currently experiencing its darkest hour, with cancelled air shows, grounded airliners and almost the whole world longing to fly again, David Bent’s art is perhaps more needed than ever – to remind us, whether old or new, of that sense of wonder of flight – and that it will return. davidbentstudio.com

ARTS & CULTURE

SWINDON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Gramophone, 1964 - 1967, oil on canvas © The Estate of Howard Hodgkin 68 | ISSUE FeatureNo. 2

ONE OF BRITAIN’S FINEST MODERN ART COLLECTIONS CAN BE FOUND IN SWINDON If you were asked to name three things that define Swindon, what would they be? Of course, the answer depends entirely on your interests and pastimes, but some popular features of Swindon tend to include its fascinating railway heritage, shopping at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and, of course, the formidable Magic Roundabout.

Less frequently cited is the town’s exceptional collection of modern British art. Often praised for being the best outside of London, Swindon’s collection spans late 1800s right through to today.

Paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics and sculptures represent some of the country’s most important art movements; from Walter Sickert and the Camden Town Group to recent works from contemporary British painting.

It includes important work by some of the biggest and most celebrated names in British art including Lucian Freud, Henry Moore, L.S. Lowry and Howard Hodgkin, as well as significant artists with a local connection such as Desmond Morris, whose vibrant painting Girl Selling Flowers, was inspired by a young Diana Dors.

The seeds of the art collection were sewn in the 1940s, with generous donations from local businessmen HJP “Jimmy” Bomford and Frederick Charles Phelps. Since then it has grown thanks to more donations, as well as grants

from organisations including the Art Fund, the Contemporary Arts Society and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. For several years, the development of the collection was also supported by the advice of the Tate Gallery’s Richard Morphet.

Recent years have bought exciting acquisitions such as an early Grayson Perry ceramic, talks from prominent artists including The Great Pottery Throw Down’s Kate Malone, and profileraising exhibitions. Perhaps most notable was a retrospective of drawings by Eileen Cooper, the first female Keeper of the Royal Academy in London since it opened in 1768.

The art collection and collections of archaeology, social history, geology and Egyptology are housed at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, in Swindon’s Old Town. The charming and quirky venue is a converted late Georgian house, complete with original stained glass features and warmly tiled entrance hall. A brutalist 1960s extension forms a spacious art gallery, where regularly changing exhibitions are held. Through its current Art on Tour project, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery also aims to share the art collection with other (sometimes unexpected) venues throughout the town. This began with exhibitions at STEAM Museum and Swindon’s Civic Offices in Autumn 2019.

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ARTS & CULTURE

SWINDON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

Desmond Morris, Girl Selling Flowers, 1946 (©Desmond Morris)

The programme will continue with work confirmed to go on display at The Central Library, The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon Arts Centre and Pinetrees Community Centre. Pebley Beach will also showcase work in their showroom, and have put forward £1,000 sponsorship toward the project, to help take art to community-run venues throughout the town.

An extensive education programme will also run as part of Art on Tour, and will help schools across Swindon respond creatively to the art collection. Among other activities, this includes a Pop-Up Gallery named “Mr Bomford’s Magical Imaginarium”, cross-curricular workshops and a Young Artist in Residence programme with New College, Swindon.

Lockdown restrictions have meant delaying much of this activity for the time being, but they haven’t stopped the Art on Tour team from making Swindon’s art collection accessible in exciting and innovative ways. Through a temporarily rebranded online initiative Art on Tour at Home, they have developed a number of digital resources inspired

by Swindon’s collection.

70 | ISSUE No.2

Roger Fry, The Black Sea Coast, 1911

These include a weekly art history podcast about the collection called Art Snaps, a blog with articles about featured artists and artworks, exciting Art Burst family activities, learning resources covering 114 artworks from the collection and 10 different curriculum areas, and fun creative challenges for everyone.

All this is inspired by Swindon’s collection of Modern British art, and is available to all, for free at www.swindonmuseumandartgallery.org. uk/artontour. So, though Swindon Museum and Art Gallery is closed for now due to government advice following the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s no reason life can’t be infused with fabulous and fascinating art from Swindon’s ever-inspiring collection.

Katie Ackrill Art on Tour Project Engagement Officer

Gwen John, Portrait of a Lady, c.1910

Fancy supporting Swindon Museum and Art Gallery? Why not think about joining the Friends of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery for just £15 a year? Benefits include reduced ticket prices to their exciting talks programme, and invitations to trips and special events at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery. During lockdown, you’ll get exclusive, free access to the Friends of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery online talks programme.

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MONEY

BARRATT HOMES

TOP TEN TIPS TO GET YOUR MORTGAGE READY ADVICE FROM BARRATT HOMES WILL HELP SWINDON BUYERS COMPILE A PRACTICAL ‘TO-DO’ LIST. Being concerned about the impact of Covid-19 crisis on your chances of securing a mortgage is understandable, especially if your financial situation changes. With interest rates at record lows, Barratt Homes have compiled a ‘to do’ list to make sure you and your finances are in the best condition before applying.

72 | ISSUE No.2

1. Talk to Barratt’s fee-free New Home Mortgage Advisers In these uncertain times, knowing which is the best deal can seem overwhelming. Barratt’s New Home Mortgage Advisers are experts in new homes and will research the market for you. They have access to special rates you may not find through high street banks and can advise on the right mortgage with affordable repayments for you. Plus, it’s a fee-free service.

2. Consider the Help to Buy scheme Whether you’re a first time buyer or existing homeowner, you may only need a 5% deposit to buy a new home. Many different lenders have competitive rates available through Help to Buy, including challenger banks and specialist lenders. Our handy calculator can show how the scheme could work for you.

3. Check your credit score A strong credit score tends to make you more attractive to mortgage lenders. Don’t worry if you’ve recently taken a payment holiday – this won’t affect your credit score.

It’s important to know your score so you can take steps to improve it, if needed. You can check it easily online with the two main credit reference agencies, Experian and Equifax. Make sure all the information they have for you is correct and, if it isn’t, ask them to change it.

4. Review your joint finances Details of your family’s credit score are not kept on your file, as long as you don’t have any joint finances. If you do, you’re likely to be co-scored

BARRATT HOMES AT CANALSIDE

and this could affect your chances of securing a mortgage. If a family member, partner or housemate has a poor credit score, keep your finances rigidly separate. This includes joint accounts and bills under both names.

fixed address. Make sure you’re registered on the electoral roll as you’re unlikely to get credit without it and, if you can, provide a landline rather than mobile phone number.

5. Stay positive and boost your credit score

Take your time when filling out and cross-checking your application form. Simple slip ups like mistyping your postcode or inconsistent information (even on application forms for other lenders) can flag up as possible fraud, which could then slow down or stop your application altogether. Be mindful of submitting numerous applications in a short space of time, as lenders may worry about why you’ve been rejected before.

You may still be able to qualify for a mortgage, even with a poor credit score. Being self-employed is also not the barrier it once was, and you may only need to show one year’s set of accounts. There are many ways you can build your score, (especially as 1 in 10* people have no credit history when they start house-hunting). Take out a credit card and use it regularly, just make sure you pay off the bill each month. You can also take out a mobile phone contract.

6. Manage your payments and spending If you have an existing credit card or loan, it’s important you keep up with the minimum repayments and try not to get too close to your credit limit. Missing or defaulting on payments, County Court Judgements (CCJs), payday loans, and clear betting patterns on your bank statements can all lower your chances of securing a mortgage.

If the current climate means you’re struggling with repayments, speak to your lender about a payment holiday. This won’t affect your credit score.

7.Register on the electoral roll You should try to show lenders that you have a ‘stable’ lifestyle, for example that you’re in fulltime employment and live at a

8. Be consistent and double check

9. Get your paperwork organised From bank statements to payslips, you’ll often need to provide a large amount of information when applying for a mortgage. Why not use the extra time at home to get your paperwork in order? Our New Home Mortgage Advisers can talk through what you’ll need.

10. Keep saving If you can show that you save regular amounts and you’re actively trying to build up a deposit for a home, lenders will take notice of this. While it can seem hard at the start and with the current financial uncertainty, over time it will get easier. Take a look at government saving schemes like the Lifetime ISA, which gives you a 25% bonus on up to £4,000 each tax year. barratthomes.co.uk

BARRATT HOMES AT TADPOLE GARDEN VILLAGE

BUSINESS

JAZZBONES CREATIVE

PROPEL YOUR BUSINESS WITH ALL-INCLUSIVE DESIGN SERVICES FROM JAZZBONES

A new service that gives businesses access to all-inclusive, graphic design on a ‘pay as you go’ or monthly ‘pre-paid’ basis has been launched in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Branding consultants Jazzbones Creative launched Propel because of the financial challenges facing businesses as a result of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Propel service offers clients the chance to cut the hassle of working with an agency, and instead pay a flat rate monthly fee for unlimited creative content, from logos and branding projects to social media graphics and motion graphics.

And the agency team, who are all based at offices in Swindon’s Old Town, can produce eye-catching graphics from a business card to fullyintegrated marketing campaigns.

The service is aimed at businesses large and small that want professional graphics content without the need to hire in-house designers or rely on freelance availability.

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“We want to give every business access to world-class, professional graphic design services that will enable them to thrive in the rapidly-changing world of online and offline marketing,” said Managing Director Nathan Sandhu.

“We’ve simplified the process of working with an agency and developed an efficient, affordable way for businesses to get access to professional creative content".

“Our service will help our clients to communicate their message and sell their products or services through effective graphic design".

“Finally, as a Swindon business, we understand what challenging times these are – and will continue to be – for local businesses. This new service is our way of helping the Wiltshire business community to navigate the new post-pandemic world.” jazzbones.co.uk

Let Us Create Your Happy Place extensionpro.co.uk | 01793 387 205

The team at ExtensionPro specialise in making the most of your home and the land around it. We delve deeply into how you live and use your property to enable us to produce an extension design that suits your needs, fits your budget and looks absolutely amazing!

Our one-stop service means we carry out the complete design, planning, building regulations, structural calculation and other legalities on your behalf, with your dedicated project manager overseeing the whole

process! Meaning a clear and concise process, with no hidden costs or delays along the way.

We can then construct the extension on your behalf ensuring your build is in safe hands, working with a company you already know and trust!

Your loved ones are guaranteed a warm and safe environment at Coate Water Care

— Coate Water Care is a family-run business that provides high quality care service in all our Nursing, Residential and Dementia care homes.

We provide 24-hour nursing, residential and specialist dementia care, as well as specialist care for clients with end of life and palliative needs. Respite and day care services are also available. All these services are provided by our friendly and fully qualified care staff.

Let us help you find the right care for your loved ones.

Please contact our ‘Welcome Team’ to arrange a visit to your local Coate Water Care home.

Call: 01793 821200 or Email: info@coatewatercare.co.uk to request a brochure.

Arbory | Ashbury Lodge | Chapel House | Church View | Downs View | Mockley Manor | Westley Court | Woodstock

IT’S OFFICIAL. DOWNS VIEW CARE HOME IN SWINDON IS “OUTSTANDING”.

These have been challenging times for everybody in the care sector, so it is with extreme pride that we can report that Coate Water Care’s Downs View Care Home in Badbury, Swindon has been awarded an “Outstanding” rating in its latest report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

“Downs View is our first home to achieve an Outstanding rating with CQC,” says Jamie Smith, Projects & Development Director at Coate Water Care. “It is an amazing achievement for the management and staff of this home. It’s the highest recognition that a care home can receive from the regulator and we as a company are rightly proud. The rating was applied just before lockdown, so it has been difficult to celebrate with the team, but we are planning to do this once we are able to.”

According to the CQC report: “People received exceptional support from caring staff. Coate Water Care set out exceptionally caring values and there was evidence that all staff worked to this aim as people were at the heart of the service delivery.”

“The manager was extremely passionate and dedicated to providing person-centred care. They led their staff by example; mentored, motivated and inspired them.”

“The arrangements to provide activities were excellent. This enabled people to pursue their own interests and hobbies.

There was an emphasis on encouraging social connections within the local community and people's families.

Activity coordinators were extremely passionate and worked with staff to create activities to ensure people were not isolated.”

“Staff were very proactive and responsive to meeting people's changing needs. Staff knew people's needs well and therefore they were able to provide personalised support that significantly enhanced people's lives.”

“The design and décor, both internal and external, reflected evidence-based best practice standards for creating an environment that supported people living with dementia and memory impairments. Staff treated people and their relatives with utmost kindness and provided extra time for people to support them when they were in distress or feeling anxious. This quality was acknowledged in compliments received from relatives.”

“There were risk reduction measures in place to protect people's health, safety and wellbeing. People's medicines were well managed. Staff were recruited safely, and sufficient numbers were employed to ensure people's care and

social needs were met. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff provided them with care in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests.”

“Coate Water Care’s caring nature has been nationally recognised and they were awarded the title of the "Member of the Year 2019" by the National Care Association. This award was based on achievements such as implementing innovative ideas, initiating sustainable change, providing exceptional care and positively improving ethos and culture.”

“We received exceptionally positive feedback from people, their relatives and staff who provided us with examples of how staff went the extra mile to deliver high quality care.”

“As you can imagine, these highly positive comments really mean a lot to all our wonderful carers and support staff at Downs View,” says Downs View manager, Tanya Ginese. “Huge congratulations to every last one of them!” coatewatercare.co.uk

wigwamswindon.co.uk | 77

MONEY

WIGWAM FEATURE

WHAT DOES THE SOUTH WEST’S AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE BUY YOU IN SWINDON? WILTSHIRE’S BIGGEST TOWN OFFERS AMAZING VALUE FOR MONEY COMPARED TO NEARBY CITIES. The average price for property in the South West currently stands at £317,304 - that’s a whopping £54,957 more than the average property value of £262,347 in Swindon.

If you compare Swindon’s prices to its neighbours, the difference is even starker. The current average property value in Oxford is £510,995, practically twice as much! In Bath it’s £438,577, and in Bristol it’s £346,204. But what exactly do prices around that South West average of £317,000 buy you in Swindon? The answer is … a substantial property!

For £304,995, Strakers are marketing brand-new three-bedroom houses in Pipers Way, literally a five-minute walk from Nationwide Building Society’s UK head office or Intel’s Swindon HQ. For that price you’d be lucky to get a cardboard box in the road in the upmarket parts of Oxford or Bath! OK, not literally, but you get the picture!

At £305,000, TLC Property are offering an immaculately presented three-bedroom semidetached house in Tadpole Garden Village. For 310,000, courtesy of Richard James, you could get a 141 square metre, four-bedroom terraced house in East Wichel.

For £315,000, Connells are marketing a beautifully presented four-bedroom link detached home in Ash Brake, North Swindon. The same price would secure you a five-bedroom turnkey

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HMO investment property in the heart of Swindon, marketed by doorsteps.co.uk.

At £317,500 – almost exactly the South West average, Charles Harding have just sold a recently refurbished, four-bedroom detached house in Haydon End. And Dewhurst & Co are marketing a spacious four-bed detached house in Redhouse for £319,995.

“Swindon has always been an island of good value on the M4 corridor between London and Bristol,” says Ross Sutton of Richard James Estate Agent. “In some ways that continues to surprise as the town has low unemployment and really good communication links, things that generally increase demand and prices.” “With the electrification of the GWR line it can be quicker to get to London from Swindon than from Surrey.” “It’s true that Swindon has never been trendy or a cultural draw compared to some of its neighbours, but the local council is working hard to regenerate the town centre and we have a great heritage around the railway village, Steam, and the Designer Outlet. Crucially, Swindon prices represent great value for first time buyers who would struggle to get on the property market in places like Oxford or Bath.”

Add to the equation a fabulous selection of green spaces and a beautiful hinterland, and Swindon really is one of the South West’s best-kept secrets.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED VISIT SWINDON

LATEST NEWS • WHAT’S ON • THINGS TO DO • ACCOMMODATION • OFFERS

Swindon is one of the South West’s best kept secrets, a thriving and diverse modern town that is full of hidden gems.

Swindon offers a superb range of entertainment, leisure and accommodation for visitors of all kinds, with something for every budget - from five star breaks to budget days out. Swindon is an easy to reach destination for people visiting the South West or holidaying in the West Country - some 30 miles from Bath and Oxford, and just 16 miles from Cirencester, the capital of the Cotswolds.

You can register for all the latest news, events and offers on the Visit Swindon website.

www.visitswindon.org.uk