No 6 February 2017
Est. overall readership across Swindon: 100,000
South and East Swindon Edition
The Autumn Years
Your guide to making the most of later life p13
And on that bombshell ... - page 3
Celebrating the life of Swindon’s blonde bombshell Diana Dors with unveiling of blue plaque
Community: P3-16
Swindon Wide: P17-23
Sport & Leisure: P24-27
Services: P28-29
Puzzle: P30
Community: P2-20
Swindon Wide: P21 - 29
Leisure: P30-39
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20/01/2017 11:54
Charity nights going strong at Swindon restaurants
Started in 2008, popular Indian restaurant Bengal Square in Peatmoor has consistently run charitable fundraising nights donating all profits to worthy causes across the Swindon area. Now, the restaurant is expanding this charitable evening to their newly reopened sister site Mantra in Old Town.
Held every Monday and Tuesday at Bengal Square, and every Tuesday at Mantra, the charity nights have raised over £100,000 to date which has been shared amongst local causes from youth football teams to Macmillan cancer research.
as much as you like for only
Owner Hanif Robbani said: “We donate all profits raised on the evening to the cause of choice, and this can be further added to if the organisers hold a raffle, quiz or auction.
(available at both restaurants)
“Donations from ourselves of £350+ are not uncommon and the best night we’ve ever had raised a grand total of over £3,000. “We are happy to host events for any worthwhile cause and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a charity.” To host a fundraising event at Mantra, email your event details to: info@mantraswindon.co.uk Or to host your event at Bengal Square email: info@bengalsquare.co.uk
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Every Thursday & Sunday
All Inclusive Eat & Drink
£19.90
52 Devizes Road, Swindon SN1 4BG
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info@mantraswindon.co.uk www.mantraswindon.co.uk
19/01/2017 11:18
Community News P Sw osi in tive do n
Don’t let the future destroy our past By Group Editor Jamie Hill Swindon is going through an exciting time at the moment. Looking through these pages and at our website over the past few months you’ll see various stories that are looking at future developments in the town as Swindon strides boldly into 2017. The development at The Oasis seems to have been rescued from the scrapheap and plans have been revealed to spend £23 million on Queens Drive. Plans have also been unveiled for the new secondary school at Wichelstowe and work is starting on the Great Western Academy in North Swindon. Couple this with the new housing developments planned to the east of the town and ambitious plans like the town centre regeneration, the museum and art gallery and the Locarno in Old Town and it’s obvious that Swindon is going through a fertile period of sustained growth. But at the same time as we look to the future we should also be looking to the past to safeguard our heritage. This town has some great people who have taken it upon themselves to look after Swindon’s heritage but just lately they have found
themselves increasingly having to lobby the council and developers to protect the town’s past. It should be a no-brainer for the powers that be to protect the town’s heritage. It should not be an uphill struggle. Our town’s history is what gives our town its individuality. It’s something that we can learn from and shows our roots. It’s what makes the town special. Last year’s Swindon 175 celebrations were a chance for us all to show pride in our heritage. So, only months later, we shouldn’t be having to battle to make sure that the historic health hydro is not turned into flats or that the collection of Swindon’s farming past is not all destroyed in a fire. You can read about them both on page 9. We all understand that the town needs to move forward but not at the expense of our past. editor@swindonlink.com
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Blue plaque marks birthplace of ‘bombshell’ Diana Dors The birthplace of Swindon’s Blonde Bombshell, Diana Dors, has been marked with an official blue plaque. Present at the unveiling at 61-62 Kent Road, Old Town were Diana Dors’ youngest son, Jason DorsLake, aged 47, and his daughter Ruby Lake, aged 27 who arrived in style in a 1959 pink Cadillac. The blue plaque, commissioned by Swindon Heritage, marks the site of the former Haven Nursing Home, which closed in 1932 just a year after Diana’s birth and became a family home. Diana Dors (Diana Mary Fluck) was born on October 23, 1931, to Winifred Payne at the former Haven Nursing Home which was once joined to a doctor’s surgery. The Swindon screen goddess, who died on May 4 1984, appeared in more than 60 films over almost four decades and also made numerous TV appearances including Lady Godiva Rides Again. She was often referred to as Britain’s answer to Marilyn Monroe.
Arriving in style, Jason Dors-Lake and his daughter Ruby Lake at the site of Diana Dors birthplace swindonlink.com n February 2017
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20/01/2017 11:58
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Community News
Queens Drive to benefit from multi-million pound regeneration project A major gateway into Swindon will benefit from a £23m regeneration project and building could start in 12 months’ time. Under the plans, 122 nontraditionally built council homes will be demolished and replaced with 160 new modern properties along Queens Drive. The proposed regeneration sites include sheltered housing accommodation George Gay Gardens, the area south of Wolsely Road and St Ives Court on Tyneham Road and would be included in three phases. It forms part of Swindon Borough’s Pledge 7, to build more affordable homes including 200 council homes and 66 units through the Affordable Housing Development programme. All three council-owned sites require significant investment with George Gay Gardens deemed no longer fit for purpose. The proposed demolition of the 50 flats at the sheltered housing scheme would provide the Council with the opportunity to build an extra-care facility which would support people with dementia to live as independently as possible or could be used as a mixed tenure residential housing scheme. The second phase of the regeneration would involve building 10 homes for sale on the site of the current St Ives Court, which would then provide the funding for the demolition of 36 flats at the T-Blocks that face onto Queens Drive, south of Wolsely Road. Construction is likely to start from late 2017 up until 2020. The council’s Housing Revenue Account would replace rented units, and use revenue from selling
P Sw osi in tive do n
additional units to help fund them. The remainder of the cost will come from borrowing against the future rental income. The new development, which was approved by Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet earlier this month, would include an improved public realm and follows on from the soon-to-be-completed £9.6m Sussex Place development which is providing just under 50 new homes. Cllr Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “Sussex Place is a great example of how regeneration can transform a neighbourhood and I look forward to seeing similar improvements being made further along Queens Drive. “The regeneration scheme will breathe new life into this part of Swindon, bringing jobs and replacing the outdated and expensive to maintain
older housing with modern accommodation, which will be of huge benefit to our tenants. “It is great that we are replacing and improving our housing stock with affordable housing not just at this Queens Drive location but at half a dozen other sites across the town in line with our pledge to build more affordable homes in Swindon.” Cllr Derique Montaux, (Lab Liden, Eldene and Park South) said: “The people in the sheltered accommodation at George Gay Gardens are moving into a settled time of their lives, and many enjoy where they are. I welcome any improved housing conditions for these people, and the improvements to Swindon’s infrastructure, but the human cost must be taken into account. “The retirees need to be fully considered and we need to be sensitive to their needs during any transitional period such as this.”
Arkell’s Brewery celebrates buying iconic Swindon bar Arkell’s Brewery has announced during January that it has acquired Rudi’s Bar & Kitchen at Regents Circus in central Swindon, following the retirement of its current owners, Paul and Lyn Notton. Brewery chairman, James Arkell, said: “Rudi’s has been run very successfully by Paul and Lyn and their family for 30 years. It is in an iconic location in central Swindon and will be run by tenant licensee Shaun Montague. Katie and Mario and other existing staff are also remaining. We are delighted with the way things are and have no plans to change.
News in brief Reboot anniversary Project Reboot, a Computer Refurbishing Project managed by the ‘Swindon Children’s Scrapstore’ celebrates its second anniversary on January 2017. The project provides quality, low-cost refurbished computers, laptops and related IT tech to local people who either cannot afford to buy new or who prefer to buy recycled/refurbished tech to help save the environment. Swindon Children’s Scrapstore, a registered environmental charity, community resource centre and social enterprise set up Project Reboot in January 2015 with a grant of £8,667 funding from the Big Lottery. www.scrapstore.co.uk
Prime opportunity Prime Theatre is one of just five theatre companies across England to be awarded a placement with the Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme (RTYDS), the country’s longest running and most influential training scheme for new directors. Local director Olly Webb, 21, has joined Prime Theatre on a three month placement. Prime Theatre, is a youth-orientated company, based at the Wyvern Theatre.
Raise the rafters Swindon Community Choir the town’s longest running community choir is offering the chance for new members to get involved. The group meets at the Central Community Hall, Railway Village. Sessions cost £7 per session with refreshments. For more information, phone Linda Lee on 01793 875184/ 07570 or check the group’s website www.swindon.singtastic.co.uk or 811873.
Dressability talk
“Rudi’s is a real meeting place,” added James. “Everyone visiting Swindon spots Rudi’s 1930s art deco building when they drive through the town centre,
especially in the evening when its colourful neon signage is lit up. It’s been 30 years in the making, and now we’re looking forward to the next 30 years.”
This month’s meeting of the Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group will be “Dressability”. This Swindon-based charity provides a low cost dressmaking and alteration service for people with disabilities. The meeting is on Friday, 10 February at 1.30pm at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BP. Entrance is £2.50. Call Ali on 634424 or email swindonosteoporosis@ googlemail.com.
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Community News
Check your parish area using online checker Households in Swindon can check what parish council area they will live in, thanks to a postcode checker on the council’s website. Last month, the council decided to create four new parish councils in Swindon, which will mean that 64,000 additional properties will be incorporated within a parished area for the first time. Parish councils are already wellestablished in other areas of the Borough and have provided local services for the residents there for
many years. The four new parishes being created are West Swindon, Central Swindon North, and Central Swindon South, all of which are in previously unparished areas, while a new St Andrews Parish has been created from part of the current Blunsdon St Andrew Parish. In addition, the existing Parish of Nythe has been extended to include Eldene and Liden. Residents can find out which parished area they live in by using
the postcode checker at: www. swindon.gov.uk/parishes In each of the new parishes, a shadow parish council has been formed. This is made up largely of Swindon Borough Council ward councillors from each area. The shadow parish councils are responsible for deciding which services they wish to provide in each of their areas, setting their budget and the precept, and putting in place arrangements for services to be provided from 1 April.
South Swindon MP aids Shelley Street planning dispute South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has pledged his support to an ongoing planning dispute centred around Shelley Street in Eastcott. Pat Maskell, who has lived in the area for 35 years, and her neighbours have found themselves locked in a dispute with developer Old Charm Properties over a parcel of land adjacent to Pat’s property, which has drawn support from her local MP due to the disputed area being situated over one of the key drainage areas for Old Town. Pat said: “We have been involved in this dispute for a very long time, and we thought it was over when two houses were built directly opposite my property. There have been a number of problems with that site in its own right, but we felt it was the lesser of all the potential problems. “Now the developer has decided to put in this new application with no access for cars meaning more park on our roads, no thought to the spillways below, and ignoring the fact that every development that has been attempted here has ended in flooding and failure. We
Stem cell service given green light The stem cell service at the Great Western Hospital has been awarded an important international accreditation to provide stem cell transplants. Without this patients would need to travel to Bristol or Oxford for treatment. Up to 20 patients a year, with blood cancers such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma, receive stem cell transplants at GWH. This is the second time the hospital has received the accreditation which must be renewed every four years, following an inspection by the Joint Accreditation Committee.
Protest over cuts
even have pictures from the last time the land was developed on, and the ensuing flooding when they hit the waterway below.” The full application to Swindon Borough Council is for a three storey complex of 10 two bed flats with only one point of access via a private road from Dryden Street, which has raised concerns with refuse collection officers and local residents. From planning documents available, it appears the Council officers are asking for a contaminated land condition attached to any planning
permission. Robert Buckland QC MP said: “People need to understand there are waterways here that will erode any foundations laid down. I’ve followed this case since before I was elected and we collectively thought it was over. ” A council spokesman said: “The application is due to be determined by 9 March and is currently not scheduled to be determined by the Planning Committee. Most planning decisions are made by planning officers, unless they are referred to the planning committee by councillors”.
Swindon selected as part of new ultrafast broadband trial by BT Openreach People living in Swindon will be amongst the first in the UK to benefit from the new ultrafast broadband technology being developed by Openreach, BT’s local network business. The company recently announced Swindon as a pilot location for its new ultrafast technology, known as G.fast, which provides download speeds of up to 330Mbps – more than 10 times the UK national average. Openreach plans to make G.fast available to more than 10 million UK homes by the end of 2020, and news of the pilot has been given
News in brief
a warm welcome by Swindon Borough Council. Thousands of premises in Swindon will be given access to the technology during 2017 with details about exactly where and when to be published shortly. Councillor Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council says of the announcement: “I am delighted that Swindon has been chosen as one of the first pilots across the UK for Openreach’s new ultrafast broadband. Having fast, reliable broadband connectivity is critical for the way our businesses and residents work, communicate, shop
and learn.” “Swindon’s ambition is to provide access for all businesses and residents to the highest speeds possible and we can now look forward to many more premises in Swindon being able to access broadband through this exciting G. fast technology.” Clive Selley, Openreach’s CEO, said: “I’m pleased that Swindon will be one of the first locations to get ultrafast speeds using G.fast technology, it’s a technology we’ve chosen because it enables us to get an affordable ultrafast service to people in the fastest possible time.”
Swindon library campaigners have submitted an official complaint to the department for Culture, Media and Sport following the Council’s cutting of funding to all but five of 15 Swindon libraries. Campaigners have made the case that this cut to public library provision is in serious breach of the legal duties of the Council under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.
Hamlet rebooted Local actor and videogame enthusiast Edward Day is trying to raise £3000 on crowdfunding site Kickstarter for his new project, Super Hamlet 64: Parody DLC, a one person production of Hamlet in the style of a computer game. at Swindon’s Shoebox Theatre on 27 May. Tickets are £10. The kickstarter campaign can be found here: http://bit.ly/hamlet64
Join male choir Swindon Male Voice Choir are looking for new members. Find out more by joining the choir during their open rehearsal evening on February 20 or on any Monday during school term at the New Century Club, Gorse Hill from 7.30pm. Call Gordie Smith 01793 822495.
See Adam Henson BBC’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, will be sharing stories about his TV career when he appears at the Wyvern Theatre on 14 September. To book call 01793 524481. swindonlink.com n February 2017
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Community News
Save Swindon’s Heritage group set up
L-R: Dr Mike Pringle and Graham Carter assessing the damage caused by fire at the Coate Water Agricultural Museum on New Years Eve
Following the announcement that parts of Swindon’s Health Hydro could be converted into flats and the loss of the Agricultural Museum building at Coate Water due to a fire over the festive period, a new group has been set up via social media for local people concerned about Swindon’s heritage. Set up by Sally Hawson on Facebook, the Save Swindon’s Heritage group has begun a petition via Change.org to save the Health Hydro on Milton Road from plans by GLL to turn sections of the building into housing, which has already surpassed 650 signatures in January alone. The group are also actively sharing updates on the progress of works to save artefacts within the Agricultural Museum, which was gutted by fire on 31 December 2016, which Wiltshire and Dorset Fire and Rescue service have confirmed was not due to arson. Dr Mike Pringle of the Richard
Jeffries museum, situated close to the site of the fire, said: “It’s tragic and heartbreaking but I’ve been trying to get artefacts out on display at Richard Jefferies from the Agricultural museum for years. We’d happily display any of those items, but now we will have to pick through what remains. “It’s really important to stress that this is an ideal time for the Council to tick all of the boxes and give those who are passionate about Swindon’s heritage the chance to embrace it and put it on show.” Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said: “We are more than happy to work with Mike and his team at Richard Jefferies to get these items on show, and I want to see these on public display. There is a possibility we could show some at Lydiard, but we need to go through everything and catalogue what is available.”
North Star ski development receives last minute reprieve A property investment company has submitted a proposal to take over the scheme to create a regional leisure hub at North Star in Swindon. Seven Capital Investments Ltd, which is one of the UK’s leading private capital investors, has agreed in principle to acquire control of Moirai Capital Investments in order to take forward plans to transform North Star with more than £100m of investment. Moirai was given until 12 January 2017 to fulfil the terms of the notice or see the development agreement terminated. But following the proposal by Seven Capital, the council withdrew the notice of termination on 11 January. If Seven Capital’s proposals are supported by cabinet, detailed planning proposals could be submitted later this year. Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for the Economy, Regeneration and
Skills, said: “It was a bold call to serve the notice of termination on Moirai, but we had to take that action to kick-start this hugely exciting scheme and get it moving. “Our decision has been vindicated as a major investor has stepped forward with an impressive track record of developing major schemes, which is willing to pick up the baton from Moirai and help us deliver what will be a landmark regeneration project for the town.” Swindon’s Labour group leader Cllr Jim Grant said: “Instead of crowing about resurrecting this deal, Councillor Perkins should be apologising to local businesses who have not received money owed to them by Moirai. “The fact Moirai have had to find another company to fund the project shows that they had no financial backing in the first place, bringing in to question the council’s ability to carry out due diligence before agreeing these contracts.”
SALE NOW ON
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Community News
Businesses sign up to Switch On To Swindon By Jamie Hill The business community has come together to mark the official launch of Switch On To Swindon, a new initiative designed to highlight the town as a great place to live, work, invest in and visit. With Swindon ranking as the 7th most productive economy in the UK, as well as having the fifth highest employment rate, the town offers a wealth of possibilities for businesses and individuals. However this can sometimes be overlooked. Switch On To Swindon plans to change this and show the world exactly what Swindon has to offer. The initiative is supported by Swindon Borough Council but very much led by local businesses, who came together on 24 January at Audi on Delta Business Park to hear more about the plans. Central to the success of the campaign is the network of the town’s ambassadors - local business representatives, community groups and individuals who support and champion Swindon. One of the first ambassadors is Pebley Beach’s Dom Threlfall. Pebley Beach was created at the turn of the 20th century. However
the firm as we know it today, the Hyundai and Suzuki dealership, started approximately 40 years ago. Dom said: “Over the years Swindon has waxed and waned, but if you scratch the surface there is a lot going on here. We’re looking forward to a time where Swindon is going to be reborn again, thanks to the many plans, including Switch On To Swindon and others, to regenerate parts of Swindon and help it achieve its potential. “What we already have is a great location and connectivity, a legacy of fast growth and boundless enthusiasm, especially from our younger generation. Switch On To Swindon is enabling everyone – businesses, communities and volunteers – to come together with a common goal for where we want the town to go. It’s giving us the direction and focus that we have lacked before. It’s giving the heart of Swindon a shot of adrenaline.” Leading local business person and
Chair of Influence, Swindon’s business voice, Nicky Alberry has championed the development of the campaign. She added: “Swindon performs well in many of the key economic indicators of successful towns but the perception of Swindon makes it harder for the town to fulfil its true potential and achieve its economic, regeneration and development goals. Through the campaign we are inviting people to come together to change these misconceptions. “Our network of ambassadors made up of businesses of all sizes and industries, community leaders and individuals will be the champions of our town and the catalyst for our future. By showing people, both inside and outside of Swindon, just how positive doing business and living here can be, we can shout about the Swindon story and help ensure it prospers.” For more information or to sign up as an ambassador visit www.switchontoswindon.com
Swindon Fact File
• The UK’s 7th most productive economy with £58,514 GVA per worker – compared to the national average of £53,666 • 5th highest employment rate in the UK. • Between 2010 and 2016 Swindon saw the second largest increase of any UK city in its share of private sector Knowledge Intensive Business Services jobs. • Nationally significant clusters of high-growth businesses delivering £6.6 billion GVA economic output. • Swindon is the UK centre of excellence for hydrogen fuel cell technology. • In the past decade, the number of start-ups has increased by twice the national average. • The ratio of house prices to earnings is one of the best in the UK. • Swindon has the UK’s highest concentration of foreign-owned businesses (19%). • In 2014 the number of patents granted per 100,000 of population was 7.88, compared to a national average of fewer than 4.
The Spirit of Swindon: Forget the stethoscope – tell me your postcode By Tom Wilkes on behalf of Spirit of Swindon Most of us will have heard of the postcode lottery, where people in one part of the country have health treatments open to them which others do not, eg a shorter waiting time for a hip replacement or better support for IVF. But there is a far more worrying association between someone’s postcode and their health which is revealed by the figures for how long men and women might be expected to live in different parts of the same town. Figures from 2014 reveal that men who live in one of the most challenging areas (a voting ward) of Swindon can expect to live nine years less than men who live in the ward with the highest life expectancy. That is a shocking statistic. You have probably been hearing worries expressed by health watchdogs about the increasing levels of obesity across the nation. Swindon is slightly better placed than many other towns and cities yet almost 70% of adults here are considered overweight and fewer than 60% of us are sufficiently physically active to positively impact our health. The implications
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of this for the health of well over half of us in the medium and longer term is grave for individuals, their families and their employers, and its impact on the funding and sustainability of the NHS is increasingly worrying. Those who have followed earlier articles in Link will know Spirit of Swindon’s concern to raise awareness of economic inequality in the UK, and health is an area where that impact is more obvious. As a country, the UK is at the wrong end of the scale when it comes to health issues such as obesity and life expectancy. The data gathered nationally and internationally over the past 7 years show a clear association with the level of economic inequality. Clearly, there are complex issues at play and a response to our first article in December correctly pointed out that association is not the same as causation. Nevertheless, the link is coherent and compelling. Two things that we do to improve our wellbeing are to eat more healthily and exercise. However, our ability to make these choices will be limited by income and opportunity. Having previously raised the issue of
fuel poverty – the choice whether to be warm or hungry – ‘health poverty’ is another way of framing deprivation. If you need convincing, as some people do, of the reality of deprivation in the UK today reading ‘Breadline Britain’ by Stewart Lansley and Joanna Mack* should open your eyes. Given proposed changes to the structure of the health region to which Swindon belongs, another ‘one thing’ you might do to engage with issues of inequality which will affect you - will be to contribute to the debate. Where there are opportunities to ‘Sustain
and Transform’ provision locally to make a real and lasting impact on income inequality, then we ought to grasp them. The American pastor TD Jakes said that pain is a gift to draw attention to a problem we have failed to notice. l Stewart Lansley will be speaking in Swindon on Thursday 30 March, 7pm at the Baptist Church Hall in Gorse hill. Spirit of Swindon has emerged from a gathering of people who want to raise consciousness of the impact of economic inequality and help Swindon offer a lead to other towns and cities in the UK.
swindonlink.com n February 2017
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Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon 01793 526691 Open 7 days a week
Quality TGB garden buildings for any situation Bespoke sizes available Base laying & installation available
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Community News The Autumn Years: making the most of later life
Advice on wills, trusts and probate Don’t let planning your will become a worry. Planning ahead to look after your loved ones and dealing with matters when someone has passed away can be difficult issues to address, both practically and emotionally. Swindon firm Forrester Sylvester Mackett are one of a number of local firms who can help. Their specialist team works with care and sensitivity, giving you all the guidance and advice you need to make decisions that are right for you. Call 01793 522688 or log on to their website www.fsmsolicitors.co.uk
‘It’s about approaching later life in a positive frame of mind’ that there is a wealth of expertise when it comes to recognising this available at organisations such as fact, but it is good to know that Age UK to support people in making many businesses are beginning to the most of this time of life. realise the benefits that employing “Older people are older people can often overlooked bring. by society but it The challenge This stage of life is important that that is facing is one where leisure society nowadays people realise that they have a wealth is that we are not time comes to the of practical and used to having a fore life experience large population of that they can older people. We draw on. We are are a completely a much under appreciated resource different society. and are, as a group, really active People who belong to the older in the volunteering sector. Some generation now have lived through companies are better than others some incredible times and have
,
We are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. This welcome news is a testament to the rapid advances in medicine, increasingly healthy environments and the fact that more of us are leading active and engaged lives beyond retirement age. The rise of the older generation also brings with it a set of new challenges for the individual and society at large. Jayne Funnell, head of services at Age UK Wiltshire (previously Age Concern) explained: “As you get older, it is important that you think about how to make the most of later life. The good news is
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seen things around them change at an astonishing rate. A lot of them say to me that they would not want to be young now and really relish the more simple type of childhood that they experienced when they were growing up. Most of them would not give up the wealth of knowledge and experience that they have gained over the years. It is important to approach this time of life with a positive frame of mind. This stage of life is one where leisure time comes to the fore and we can spend more time with our families and friends and discover new interests and passions.
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Community News The Autumn Years: making the most of later life
Help is at hand for those who feel isolated or alone It is an unavoidable fact that many of us will live alone in later life. This pattern is exacerbated by changes in society which mean that we are more likely to move further from home for work or a host of other reasons - often leading to families being spread further apart. But a great deal of work has been done to highlight this issue and now help is at hand for those who need to reach out to make contact with others. Loneliness and isolation is recognised as a serious issue affecting older people. It can be a precursor to depression and and studies have shown that it can affect your physical health to the same extent as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Age UK’s Jayne Funnell explained:
“It’s about understanding how older people became lonely and isolated in the first place - how they got to that point, what are the issues they face, what they want to achieve, and how we can help them.” This can be tackled through the use of befriending services, but as Jayne explained, it is not always the answer. “Traditional befriending services involve someone visiting a person in their home on a regular basis. This can obviously be great for someone who cannot easily get out and about, but we are now encouraging people to develop their own social networks if they are able to get out and about.” She explained that this is because there is a concern that some will become reliant on people visiting
them. Far better, if they are able, for them to develop the confidence to join in with a wider group and we can support them in this. It’s about supporting people to remain independent. Age UK also runs a telephone befriending service where volunteers are on hand to chat to older people who are unable to leave their homes. “We tend to talk about older people as being the over 55 age group - but that covers at least five generations. It is really important not to see the older age group as having the same set of needs and attitudes. The range of needs in this age group are vast. Older people challenge your perceptions all the time - it’s not a one-size fits all what suits one person might not suit another.
Lunch clubs are a great way to beat the blues. The Rodbourne Lunch Club in Swindon provides a friendly environment for its members to relax in, enjoy a cooked lunch and get involved with a range of activities.
Alan Baker, who has been going to the club for 12 months said: “Everyone here is so friendly - I live alone, it gives me a chance to get out and meet new people. It’s a life-saver.” The club, which has been running since December 2011,
is welcoming new members over 65. The club is held every Wednesday between 12pm and 2:30pm, at the Rodbourne Methodist Church, Rodbourne Road. Sessions cost £3.50 which includes the two course meal. Call 01380 727767.
“There are a number of groups and activities that can provide both social and physical activity. One of the schemes that are being pioneered in West Wiltshire are fitness and friendship clubs. These have about 40 minutes of gentle exercise followed by a 20 minute break for tea and biscuits. And then the group members engage in something a bit more rowdy like new age curling - much like traditional curling but with the stones replaced by specially made stones with casters on. People say that it has not only encouraged them to exercise, but it has also made them more aware of being more active. They are more likely to walk up the stairs rather than taking a lift, it becomes part of their everyday life.”
Keeping up to date with your financial entitlements In older life, organising your finances is vitally important - this is where organisations such as Age UK can be of enormous help. Head of services for Age UK, Jayne Funnell explained: “We can help with all sorts of things such as providing information and advice. One of the key areas we can help with is filling out forms. We estimate that we assist people
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to access more than £2 million in unclaimed money by helping them apply for attendance allowance. That’s money that will then benefit the local economy.” Attendance allowance is paid to those over the age of 65 who are physically or mentally disabled. The fund is paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need. You could either get £55.10 or £82.30
per week and the fund is not means tested. “A lot of people don’t apply for this money that they might well be entitled to. Sometimes that might be because of the way the form is worded. We can help people in filling out those forms to make sure that they get what they are entitled to. “In Wiltshire, we have to work hard to reach those people who are
eligible. Many people are reluctant to claim these benefits because they don’t want people to know about their finances. Attendance Allowance is not means tested and it’s tax free - it’s based on need. It is worth noting that the other benefits you get can increase if you get Attendance Allowance. Your carer could get Carer’s Allowance if you have substantial caring needs.
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Community News The Autumn Years: making the most of later life
Tips to stay well from Age UK l Take care of yourself Be kind to yourself and have a treat from time to time. It doesn’t have to be expensive, for example, treating yourself to your favourite magazine or going out for lunch might raise your spirits. Or simply take some time by yourself to sit down with a good book. Think about what helps you relax and keep things in perspective. l Do the things that make you laugh and have fun Think about the things you enjoy and make some time for them. All of us are different. Perhaps you enjoy cooking or laughing at repeats of your favourite TV programmes. Whatever it is, think about what makes you feel good and try to set aside some time every week for it.
l Set your goals Create structure to your day and set yourself goals. Most of us look forward to retirement and having time to ourselves, but when it comes it can be hard to adjust to the loss of structure to our day. But retirement doesn’t have to mean an end to keeping active and busy and is often a time to discover new things. Make sure they’re realistic and start small. For example, rather than saying ‘I plan to exercise for one hour every day’, plan instead to go for a 20 minute walk, three times a week. For more suggestions on what you might like to do, see our information on staying in touch and meeting new people.
l Keep active As well as keeping you healthy, research has shown that regular physical exercise is a great way to l Get enough sleep improve your mood as it increases It’s recognised that sleep patterns the production of brain chemicals change as we get older and lack that make you feel happy. It can of sleep can directly affect the also be a good way to clear your way we feel. If you’re having mind and relax. It’s never too difficulty sleeping, try cutting back late to get active. Try to limit the on daytime naps and reduce the amount of time you spend sitting amount of caffeine you drink. Try and look for simple ways you can to make time become more to relax and active, such unwind each as using the evening, stairs instead perhaps of lifts or by reading escalators. a book or Any physical listening to activity that the radio. You raises your should also breathing minimise the rate for ten amount of minutes or time you spend in bed awake and more is beneficial to health. try going to bed and getting up at And being active doesn’t have the same time each day to get into to involve going to the gym. a routine. Housework can count as physical activity if it raises your breathing l Eat well and drink sensibly rate, or try going out for a brisk What we eat and drink affects how walk. we feel. Try not to fill up on the Build up gradually, aiming for wrong things, such as sugary and at least 150 minutes of physical fatty foods, and instead eat plenty activity each week, along with of fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s muscle strengthening and balance important to remember that what activities twice a week. Strength we put in our bodies affects how we and balance activities could include feel. Limit the amount of alcohol yoga or Pilates, and can also you drink and keep at least two include every day activities such as days per week alcohol-free. lifting bags of shopping or heavy Many of us enjoy going for a drink gardening. Finding an activity you now and again but remember that enjoy means you’re more likely to alcohol is actually a depressant and do it regularly. can affect your mood. You should Perhaps you enjoy taking time avoid alcohol when taking certain out by yourself to exercise. Or you medicines too. If in doubt, ask your might prefer the social aspect of pharmacist for advice. exercise classes or groups. swindonlink.com n February 2017
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Community News Affordable Personal Care for Your Feet Treatments: Nail cutting (feet & hands) Nail deformities & ingrowing toenails Nail infections Verrucae treatment Corns & callus treatment Diabetic foot care Contact Joan Schofield MCFHP MAFHP 07763 908167 Hours to suit your busy lives
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Plans for new secondary school at East Wichel on show Plans for a new secondary school for East Wichel were unveiled as part of a local consultation during January. Proposals for the Deanery CE Academy, to be built near the existing Waitrose supermarket, include an all-weather sports pitch, a 450-seat auditorium and a 100seat lecture theatre. The plans were put on show at the Stowaway community centre in East Wichel during January . Members of the public were invited to make comments
about the proposal ahead of their submission to Swindon Borough Council next month by development firm BAM. Some residents raised concerns around parking in the immediate area of the school, whilst others praised the plans as Wichelstowe
continues to grow and more families arrive in the area. The project, earmarked for completion by September 2019, will be mainly funded by the Education Funding Agency, with a ÂŁ9m contribution from Swindon Borough Council.
Artists impressions of the new East Wichel school
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IN ASSOCIATION WITH with in association
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Steam museum braced for celebration of Retro-Futurism Swindon’s Steam Museum is set to host a celebration of Victorian Retro-Futurism with the launch of the Swindon STEAMpunk Spectacular. The event, staged over the weekend of March 25 and 26, brings specialist steampunk traders and craftspeople, together with live entertainment, to the wonderful and very appropriate setting of the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, itself being part of the original Swindon Locomotive Works. Steampunk is often described
as Victorian Retro-Futurism, or a genre where The Empire continues, Steam rather than electricity or petrol is the motive power, and every fantastical thing imagined by Jules Verne and H G Wells has come to pass. So a museum dedicated to God’s Wonderful Railway, built by that Titan of Victorian engineering excellence, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is the ideal place to celebrate and enjoy Steampunk. Visitors to the family friendly event are encouraged to throw themselves into the fun by dressing up.
The entertainment includes Ichabod Steam and his Animatronic Band, who will be performing his dark bitter-sweet steampunk musical, “The Arc Of The Spark” - telling how he lost his beloved wife when a steam boiler exploded, and how he tries to make her a new body because she seems to be trapped in the ether. Also to hand will be Moth, Kiss Like Ether, BB LoneDog, The Wattingers, Victor & The Bully, and the multitalented Greg Chapman, who is an escapologist, comedian, story-teller, magician, juggler, and unicyclist.
There will be entertainment throughout both days in and around the museum. There is also the Secret Museum Show, but that must remain secret! On Friday night and on Saturday night in the Hawksworth Hall we are arranging separately ticketed shows, featuring the performers and acts. Full details are available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Swindon-STEAMpunk-Spectacular Tickets for the evening shows are online at www.crewe-steampunkconvivial.co.uk
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Swindon Wide
The forgotten legacy of WG Little
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By Graham Carter of Swindon Heritage magazine Swindon’s heritage has been taking a bashing in recent weeks, but for those who care about the legacy the past has left us, the picture is even bleaker than we might have realised. Thanks to GLL’s scheme to turn the Health Hydro into flats and councillors’ refusal to rule out such cultural vandalism in the future, plus the Borough’s hamfisted handling of the aftermath of the fire at the former Agricultural Museum at Coate, another issue has slipped under the radar. Just before Christmas it was announced that 1-3 Faringdon Road are to be sold off. Many people will remember these buildings as the one-time home of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, but since 2012 they have been boarded up and neglected, while awaiting their fate at the hands of Forward Swindon. This unaccountable arm of Swindon Borough Council seems to have been charged with making key decisions about historic buildings in the town, and in the case of 1-3 Faringdon Road their plan to sell them to the highest bidders as shops and flats carries the same hallmarks as the Health Hydro controversy. The remnants of an old advertisement can still be seen on the face of the corner building, and if you look closely you will also see the initials ‘WGL’ and the date 1892 - ironically the same year that the Health Hydro opened. The initials stand for WG Little, a true visionary with an extraordinary story, which we will be telling in detail in the spring edition of Swindon Heritage when it is published at the end of February. A highly successful draper and milliner, Little was also a leading councillor, and saw his duty to the community as something that should continue even beyond the grave. So he ensured the great wealth he amassed during his lifetime could be used to benefit the people of Swindon for generations after his death, and in particular he was anxious his legacy should help young people. So a trust fund was established, which still exists, and since his death in 1927 it has paid out well over £1million, targeting needy Swindon children and putting
The remnants of the old advert at 1-3 Faringdon Road
up money to promote his other passion: music. WG Little’s only error, it seems, was to assume that also leaving his properties in trust to councillors meant they would always be kept for the good of the community, as he intended, rather than being flogged off. The fund, we hope, is safe, but in the usual absence of any public consultation, the best hope for preventing the buildings from being lost to the community forever is a petition, and that seems to have been overlooked, amid desperate battles to protect other, higherprofile attacks on our heritage. You’ll find it here - www.change. org/p/swindon-borough-councilsave-swindon-s-heritage-1-3faringdon-road Even worse than the loss of the buildings is the way in which everything WG Little stood for is being forgotten. He came from a time when Swindon was home to people of true vision, who felt a genuine duty to the community. He was the embodiment of a spirit of philanthropy that defined the town, and a caring instinct that is still evident in the fantastic work of warm-hearted and caring volunteers and organisations in Swindon today. Turning his buildings into yet more flats tells us much about the prevailing attitude to Swindon’s rich historic legacies, but we should think carefully about what is left before allowing councillors or their proxies to make irreversible decisions about them. At a time when local heritage groups would love to be concentrating on various positive projects to celebrate our heritage and boost the tattered image of the town, 2017 already seems certain to be another year consigned to trying to defend it. www.swindonheritage.com
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guide to live music in Swindon for February Swindon’s live music scene is as diverse and widespread as any in the country. Whether you like chilled out acoustic music, blues, folk, pop, dance, electronica, rock or any other genre you can think of, the scope for musical entertainment is endless. Now we are really back into the swing of things, the winter blues are cast aside and we are all in the mood to party again, why not kick things off with an exclusive full band show from Gaz Brookfield at The Vic on 2 February. Gaz is touring his new album “I Know My Place” and due to popular demand his place for the night will be right back where he started in Swindon for the only full band show of the tour. Support comes from local out and out rockers Raze*Rebuild and the exceptionally talented Nick Parker. We can’t stress enough how good this show is going to be! Veterans of the Swindon music scene might remember a group of promoters called South West Hardcore that used to put on the odd successful show at 12Bar and other venues. They’ve been quiet for a little while but are now back with
Paul Tiernan will take over The Beehive on February 24 with George Wilding
a bang (which you can read about in more detail over on page 20). To give you the Cliff Notes, the boys from SWHC are making their comeback on 24 February by setting up a charity show in aid of Swindon Foodbank, headlined by local hardcore royalty in Roads to Nowhere. Support on the night comes from At The Helm and Erase The Rat, who will be launching their new EP on the night. Moshpit
fans unite! To calm things down a little, you could head to the Beehive on Prospect Hill for a slice of folky goodness. Paul Tiernan, who has released seven solo albums and has played his trusty mandola with Nick Harper, Boo Hewerdine, Robyn Hitchcock, Mark Geary, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Sinead Lohan, Katell Keineg and Glen Hansard to name but a few. Paul will be performing
material from his extensive back catalogue thanks to those cheeky chaps at Songs of Praise on 24 February. Support comes from our best bohemian boy locally, Mr George Wilding, who offers the charming, contemporary foil to the evening. Want something in the town centre on a Friday night? Aching for an alternative to Old Town? Well, The Rolleston just might have something for you. Three fantastic up-and-coming bands, reasonably priced booze (at pub prices) and a DJ set until late. All at only £3 entry. What more could you ask for dear music fan? The Rolly will have Smooth Ends, Big Happy Forever and Beach for Tiger playing the catchiest indie tunes throughout the night on 17 February, followed by a DJ playing everything from Arctic Monkeys through to The Stone Roses and beyond. There is a world of music to discover in Swindon, besides just our picks here, so for more information on events in the town and beyond, visit: www.theocelot.co.uk
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L-R: Chris Derry, Amy Caswell and John Derry check out Level 3 before their relaunch charity show
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Swindon music promoters SouthWestHardcore will be giving back to their community in February by hosting a ReLaunch party at The Rolleston Arms on February 24 in aid of Swindon Foodbank. Having taken a break from the music scene for a few years, John Derry and his brother Chris are returning to promoting shows in 2017, and have decided their relaunch should give a helping hand to a critical local charity. Chris said: “We loved putting on these shows, and got pretty successful doing it. But when the credit crunch hit, people weren’t coming out as much. I found myself having to use the foodbank now
and again to keep going. “If we are relaunching SWHC, we wanted to make sure it gave something back to those guys, after they helped me when I needed it.” John added: “We were inspired by a music video by a band called Stretch Armstrong, where they had a gig with food for charity as the entry fee, so that’s what we are doing here. People should be allowed to help others in whatever way they see fit, not how they are told to. We want to bring the punk spirit back to Swindon.” An item of nonperishable food should be presented on the door as entry fee and the show will be headlined by Chippenham based metal band Roads to Nowhere.
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Swindon Wide
Dentist Brendon Ball looks back at 31 years’ of helping people smile From The Archives with Link founder Roger Ogle When newly trained dentist Brendon Ball made the long journey to Britain from his native New Zealand in the mid-1970s, he spent some time studying an AA road map and plumped for Swindon because it was ‘sort of in the middle.’ After setting up a successful business in West Swindon and a home in Wiltshire, he retired at the end of 2016, returning for a surprise party on 14 January attended by former patients and staff at Freshbrook Dental Practice. Brendon worked as a dentist in Penhill when he first arrived, but his intention was always to set up his own practice. He said: “I quickly became aware of Swindon’s growth to the west and saw an opportunity to provide dental services. Council planners first suggested a site in Toothill but then directed me to Freshbrook Village Centre which was on the drawing board.” Anybody who knows Freshbrook centre will have wondered why there is a bright blue tall triangle of a building at its midst, but Brendon is keen for people to know it was not his choice. “The planners at Swindon asked me to provide three proposals and I drew the layout floorplan to fit the plot and my architect came up with two conventional designs, and we stuck in a third throwaway idea,” he said. “We were dumbstruck when they chose the triangle and also advised the colour it should be; it was something about making a building memorable so people could navigate the suburbs.” When it opened in Cottington Close, the practice quickly acquired a large patient list. At the time the maximum NHS charge for dental
Have you ever seen a poetry film? It’s a modern way of linking both media and it’s certainly to the advantage of poetry. Anything that makes poetry more accessible works for me. The film I would like to share with you is called “Rocket Tom.” The background is that I bought a
like Pom and Dom to hear how they went and even tried Bomb in an Irish accent, but they didn’t fool us and wouldn’t fool Tom so we called him Rocky. The video was made by my two grandchildren and me and we had a hoot making it. It’s only a minute long. We had more trouble with the adult in it than we did with the children and the dog. This year I will be making more poetry films with A level students so watch this space.
You can see the video on vimeo. com/180018813. There are several other films that are popular, “Mallow County Cork” has a big following. Enjoy! • Open Mic is on Monday 13 February from 6pm at Richard Jefferies Museum • We have a Masterclass for poets with the wonderful Kim Moore on Sunday 12 March at 10am • Open Mic is on at the Beehive Pub on Tuesday 14 February at 7:30pm Book at www.poetryswindon.org
Brendon with practice manager Jayne Hall who has taken over the business
treatment was £14.50. But a week after moving to the new building at the village centre in 1985, NHS subsidy for dental work was slashed and patients were faced with treatment charges of up to £115. “That was a very rocky time because suddenly patients stayed away in their droves,” said Brendon. “The financial pressures on people were enormous because mortgage interest rates had hit 17 per cent, which is unbelievable today.” However patients started to return after a few months and while Brendon started wholly within the NHS, in 1996 after continuous changes in NHS treatment levels, he decided to make the practice a private provision, offering a discount rate for patients’ children. Brendon explained: “For me, the service was not about satisfying numbers. My patients were more family rather than clients. Perhaps
Naming a dog is less of a slog... with poetry Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane
being so far away from home in New Zealand made me more connected with the people coming to see me.” Brendon and Link magazine have been closely connected since he arrived in Swindon and in 1998 he read an article about the work of the charity Dentaid in Ukraine which was providing surgical help to children born with a cleft palate. Brendon made his first trip with medical supplies to Ukraine in support of Dented in 1999. He discovered treatment was given without pain killers and found almost no dental health advice. He quickly set up his own charity - Smile Menders - with plans to help improve dental services in the country. Now, after seven trips to supply materials and provide training to local dentists, he says the difference is huge. “Our contact with senior dental
staff and government people has eased access to the country and we are now highly regarded in the Cherkassy region.” Three of the trips involved delivering redundant dental caravans and a mobile dental truck donated by local health authorities. It meant services could be taken to remote parts of Cherkassky which is the size of Wales. Brendon and Smile Menders’ volunteers had to equip each mobile surgery, insulate them against the harsh winters in Ukraine, and he had to purchase right hand drive tow vehicles. Brendon jokingly blames Link magazine for helping his marital status after he met and fell in love with his translator Natasha, on his first trip to Ukraine, whom he married in 2000. They will continue to visit Ukraine as Natasha’s mother still lives there. “It’s been a privilege to look after such a nice group of patients in Freshbrook,” said Brendon. “Some have been with me since I arrived in Swindon and I’ve been the dentist for three or four generations in some families. I received some lovely cards of appreciation before I departed at the end of December.” Freshbrook Dental Practice is now in the ownership of practice manager Jayne Hall, which has delighted Brendon. “I was honoured that Jayne decided to take on the business; she has considerable experience in dentistry and knows the needs of patients. Chris Richards continues as a dentist in the practice and I’ve met Webber Emile and the other part-time dentists who are arriving to replace me.” Apart from his charitable work, Brendon is rediscovering his passion for motorcycle restoration. He is also planning a trip to the Isle of Man TT races this summer and is considering a visit to New Zealand.
black Labrador from a friend who couldn’t get on with the dog. The dog was called “Tom” and we couldn’t use that name, as you will see in the poem, so we renamed him: We got a black lab ten months on who came with a name, named Tom. But my wife has a son who died at six, very much loved and he’s called Tom. So we bent some rhyme
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Swindon Wide MUSIC Friday 3rd, 8pm Willie and The Bandits & Blackballed. Having toured their unique brand of roots rock with the likes of Deep Purple, Joe Bonamassa, The John Butler Trio and Status Quo, Willie and the Bandits are now proudly touring their brand new, critically acclaimed album Breakfree. £8, The Victoria. Friday 10th, 7.30pm Swindon Recital Series. Michael Whight (clarinet) & Paul Turner (piano). £16, concessions £13.50, students £3.50. Arts Centre. Saturday 11th, 8pm Beverley Craven. BRIT Award winner back on the road performing her acclaimed latest album ‘Change of Heart’. £25. Arts Centre. Sunday 12th, 8pm Little Mix Experience. Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the finest girl bands of the century. £16. Wyvern. Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th, 7.30pm Ten In A Bar - In Their Element. A cappella singing at its best. £13. Arts Centre. Thursday 16th, 7.30pm Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. The world’s ultimate homage to Fleetwood Mac returns on their latest World Tour. £27 - £37. Wyvern. Thursday 23rd, 7.30pm New College Recital Evening. A wide range of instrumentalists will be showcasing their great musical talent in a variety of styles. £3.50. Phoenix Theatre.
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WHAT’S ON SWINDON CHILDREN & FAMILY Sunday 12th, 11am & 2pm Monstersaurus. Follow the young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters. £14.50, children £2.50 off. Wyvern. Tuesday 14th, 11am & 2pm Mr. Bloom’s Nursery - Live! Bring your ‘tiddlers’ along and join Mr Bloom and the Veggies on their first ever live tour. £17.50. Wyvern. Saturday 18th, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Chinese New Year Extravaganza. Come and see the magic unfold as Chinese New Year lands in Swindon with a unique and exciting show of cultural spectacle to welcome the start of the Year of the Rooster. £24, concessions £22, children £16. Wyvern.
TALKS Saturday 4th, 7.30pm Michael Portillo: Life - A Game of Two Halves. It took him little more than ten years to get a seat in the Commons and then rise in power. Listen to the extraordinary story and then feel free to question Michael about it. £21. Wyvern.
DANCE Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th, 2.30pm, 4pm & 5.30pm Wootton Bassett School of Dance present their third show at the Wyvern. £13.50, concessions £2 off. Wyvern Tuesday 7th, 8pm Wiltshire Schools Dance Festival. Primary and Secondary schools from across Wiltshire come together to perform dances under the theme ‘Number One’s’. £10. Under 16s £3 off. Wyvern
Burton. Winner of Best FILM International Show at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2010. The Wednesday 1st, 7.45pm life of the great Welsh actor in his Our Little Sister (PG) own words. £15. Friends discount £1. Swindon Film Society. Arts Centre Arts Centre. Wednesday 8th, 7.45pm Sunday 19th, 7.30pm The Crow’s Egg (PG) Swindon Film Society. Arts Centre Lady Chatterley’s Lover. A dramatic and scandalous love story Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are told by Blue Orange Theatre. £12.50. for members only. It is possible to Friends £2 off. Arts Centre. join at any film screening. Monday 20th to Saturday 25th, Friday 24th, 7.15pm 2.30pm & 7.30pm Highworth Community Cinema Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. £26.50 - £34.50. Friends £5 off, concessions £2 off. Arts Centre.
present: Brooklyn Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigates her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. £5. St Michael’s Hall.
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Swindon Wide
SWINDON COMEDY Thursday 2nd, 7.30pm Chekov’s Shorts. European Arts Company returns with a hugely entertaining collection of classic one-act farces by Anton Chekhov. £17.50; Concessions £2 off. Arts Centre. Friday 3rd, 7.30pm Tiff Stevenson - Seven. Inspired by a gig Tiff did in David Lynch’s nightclub in Paris last year, just one month before the Bataclan attacks £15. Arts Centre. Sunday 5th, 8pm Gary Delaney. A regular on Mock The Week, Gary has won two Sony Awards, as well as receiving a Chortle Award nomination. £16.50. Arts Centre. Tuesday 7th, 8pm Carl Donnelly - Bad Man Tings. Join twice Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated comic for an all new hour of funnies, takking us through his thoughts on reaching the ripe old age of 34, the age that is statistically the happiest of your life. £15. Arts Centre. Thursday 9th, 8pm Danny Baker - Cradle to the Stage. Star of radio and screen in his debut live tour. £23.50, students & seniors £2 off. Wyvern. Thursday 9th, 8pm Lucy Porter - Consequences. A hilarious new show of heart-felt personal revelations and incisive cultural observations. £16.50. Arts Centre. Friday 10th & Saturday 11th, 8pm Henning Wehn - Westphalia Is Not An Option. Join German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn for an evening of Teutonic jolliness at its best. £20.50. Wyvern. Wednesday 15th, 8pm Jonathan Pie. Join Jonathan for this live show where he hilariously reveals the truth behind recent news events both home and abroad. £22. Wyvern. Wednesday 22nd, 8pm Lee Hurst - Comedy Show No. 9. It’s a show, it’s the ninth one and it’s comedy. What else do you need to know? £18.50. Arts Centre. Wednesday 22nd, 8pm Justin Moorhouse takes to the road doing what he does best - no-frills, big-hearted, stand up comedy with his brand-new show £17.50. Arts Centre. Sunday 26th, 7.30pm Mitch Benn confronts his - and YOUR - mortality with hilarious (and tuneful) consequences. £16.50. Arts Centre.
Spring Activities at Roves Farm
Lambing If a ewe is lambing during opening hours you can watch a lambing live demonstration. The centre are expecting over 100 lambs to be born this Spring. Gingerbread Race (11th - 19th) Bringing the classic fairy tale to life, visitors can enjoy gingerbread themed Tractor Rides around the centre. “Drive, drive as fast as you can, you can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man.” Day tickets are £7 per person 3yrs & over until 10th, and £9 from 11th to 31st March. More information and tickets are available via www.rovesfarm.co.uk
Every Cloud Arts & Crafts at Stanton Country Park Why not enjoy a refreshing country walk on a frosty Sunday in February in Stanton Park and then warm up in Every Cloud tea-room, with a hot drink and some delicious home-made cake. Tea-room opens every Sunday 10am – 3pm.
Wanborough Farmers’ Market Saturday 18th, 9am Meat, vegetables, cakes and pies, honey, rapeseed oil, plants, milk and fairly traded goods. For more information call Sue or David Birley on 01793 790438 or email sbirley@gn.apc.org
Valuation Day opportunity with
Thomas Plant TV expert on Flog It! The Antiques Road Trip & Bargain Hunt
VENUES Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 The Bohemian Balcony, Jennings Street, Swindon SN2 2BD. Tel: 07874 366256 Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907 Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue
Bring along your portable items for a FREE valuation with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services
Monday 13th February 10am to 3.30pm
Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG Valuations are by appointment only. To arrange a time, please call 01635 580595 or contact us via
www.specialauctionservices.com
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Sport and Leisure
200 years of getting on your bike On Two Wheels by Rob Derry of Swindon Bicycle Users Group (BUG)
It is 200 years since the bicycle was invented by Baron Karl von Drais of Mannheim, Germany. The bike has been credited for many things and it is nothing short of amazing that 200 years on, it is still a massively important invention all around the world. How many things invented in the last 200 years are now consigned to the past? Even in the last 40 years we’ve had the VCR and many other things come and go. The bicycle was hailed as an amazing invention that allowed people to move around quicker than before without having to feed, stable and look after a horse (not to mention you could go further in a day). It allowed people to move between villages and towns and it is thought that this widened the gene pool in many rural areas by allowing people to meet potential partners from other towns and villages. In the early 20th century it gave freedoms to women that had not previously been enjoyed. Despite only around 2% of journeys in Swindon being made by bicycle with a similar ratio around
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the country, there are hotspots within the UK. Around 25% of vehicles on London’s streets at rush hour are bicycles. And if we look to our European neighbours, the Dutch, Danish and Finnish cycle a lot more than we do. Bikes are used widely in India, China and all across Africa. It is no coincidence that countries that have low levels of cycle use have high levels of obesity. The mayor of Paris has declared 2017 to be “The Year of the Bicycle” with aims to double the amount of cycle paths and increase the amount of areas and time that motor vehicles are prohibited. People in power are starting to realise that cycling has enormous benefits in terms of public health, pollution levels, movement of people and for the economy. Not bad for a 200 year old invention, heh? Happy 200th birthday to the good old bicycle! www.swindonbug.co.uk
Busy month ahead for The Wildcats The Wildcats ice hockey column with Mike Wray
Aaron Nell believes February will be Swindon Wildcats most challenging month so far. With January throwing up nine games, the shorter month of February quickly follows suit and with five of those coming at home, the Wildcats coach doesn’t think the upcoming fixtures will be any easier. Looking at the month, Nell said: “This will be our most challenging month so far. “We have tough games and with the injury list we’ve got, we’ll really have to dig deep, find solutions and find ways to win.”
The 27-year old who has been off the ice since picking up a shoulder injury at the end of October, is currently viewing his off-ice spell as a “positive experience” - and says he’s learning a lot from it. “It’s obviously frustrating being off the ice, but if I didn’t feel I had the skills to be able to coach from the bench, then I wouldn’t do it,” he said. “You can learn different things from the rink side so I think about it as a positive experience. I’ve learned a lot of things already, but it’s a whole other way of seeing the game than from on the ice so there’s so much more that I can pick up and it’s helping to develop me as a coach.” www.swindonwildcats.com
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Sport and Leisure
Carers are wanted to provide a holiday home for dogs Did you know that researchers have noted that there are a great many health benefits to having a dog in the family? Writing in the British Journal of Health Psychology, Dr Deborah Wells reviewed a number of previous research papers concluding that dog ownership can be shown to help prevent us from becoming ill, facilitate recovery from illhealth, reduce levels of anxiety, loneliness and depression as well as
enabling greater social interaction for owners. But perhaps the best news is that now you don’t have to take on full time ownership of a dog to enjoy those benefits. Barbara Webb took the route of joining dog boarding company Wagging Tails as a dog carer. She now welcomes guest dogs into her home for their holidays when their owners go away and in addition to the health benefits of having
CJ Gardening Services From a single flower container to a complete makeover and everything in between, including hedging, fencing, paths and walls, turfing and a full range of garden maintenance. For a free quotation contact: Contact Dermot
01793 420652/07870 191746 igs.swindon@yahoo.com
01793 813853 07813 906863 cwjgarrett@tiscali.co.uk
dogs around also receives a small payment for looking after her fourlegged guests. “I’ve been a carer for two and a half years and it’s absolutely wonderful. “You get to take dogs out, socialise with other people and get plenty of exercise.” Hilary Coates of the SN branch is on the lookout for carers, who must be home most of the day, be experienced with dogs, enjoy
walking and have a secure garden. “I would love to hear from anyone who feels that they could offer a home to a well behaved dog for his holidays, and am looking to expand my team of carers. If you have your own sociable dog you can still become a carer.’ Contact Hilary via email (sn@ waggingtailsuk.co.uk) or call her on 01793 874777 for more details, and start your fitness campaign with a furry friend this year!
FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD Est. 1990 35 Spencer Close, West Swindon
David Hawkins
❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance
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Tree Surgeon ALL TREE WORK COMPLETED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD
Hedge cutting • Stump removal Fruit tree pruning • Tree planting Fully insured Free estimates Over 20 years experience
01793 976084 07967 594707
david.hawkins100@hotmail.co.uk
Fall in Love with your kitchen again!
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Sport and Leisure
Revamped Swindon Half Marathon opens for applications The re-launched 2017 Swindon Half Marathon will be taking applications at the start of this month for the event which will be held on September 3. Last year’s event was due to take place on Sunday, October 16 but was cancelled due to a lack of funds. Organisers said there was a shortfall of about £25,000, despite money being raised from a crowd funding campaign, sponsorship and donations. The new route starts and finishes in the town centre. The new course is largely very flat and brings runners past key Swindon landmarks including the Magic Roundabout, the County Ground, the Oasis, the Railways, the McArther Glenn Outlet Village as well as Old Town before a downhill dash into the Town Centre, finishing under the big screen of Wharf Green. A split start and finish will allow roads along the route to remain open for people to be able to go about their daily business and runners will be able to drop off their bags at the start and collect
The new route of the Swindon 2017 half marathon, taking in key landmarks
them at the finish of the route. The town centre provides parking for several thousand cars, and the
new car parks in Princess street or the rear of Debenhams provide a 0.4mile walk to the start, and just a
0.3mile walk from the finish. To apply online log on to www. newswindonhalf.co.uk/enter
Prospect Hospice 10k Mud Run to take place in February
Prospect Hospice’s 10K Mud Run, supported by Nationwide, will be taking place on 19 February from the pavillion off Pipers Way in Swindon. This year, however, there will be the added optional feature of being able to take on obstacles as part of the 10K. For the same £15 registration fee, runners can select the option to add obstacles to their race. Classed as entry level obstacles, they are suitable for all levels of fitness and add even more muddy fun to the 10K.
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Sign up today to get your place at www.prospect-hospice.net/10k, or alternatively, if you’d like to chat to a member of the fundraising team, please call on 01793 816180. If you’d like to support Prospect Hospice this year by taking part in an exciting fundraising event then don’t forget to have a look at the website and take advantage of the Early Bird sign up offers before the end of March. You can find out more about all of Prospect Hospice’s 2017 events at www.prospecthospice.net/events or by calling the Fundraising Team.
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SERVICE SECTOR
Service Sector - Your guide to local services YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES
Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery
Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member
Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call
01793 421802 www.abacuscleaningservices.co.uk
M & J Upholsterers RE-UPHOLSTERY & ALL SUITE REPAIRS Re-upholstery of 3 piece suites, dining & fireside chairs etc. Also new seat interiors Seams - Zips - Springs
LEATHER CLEANING Repairs carried out in situ Established 1972
Call 07709 453949 emanjayupholstery@gmail.com
BOOK-KEEPING Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work? Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.
Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748
Chrome sockets and switches Home extensions/rewires Replacement fuse boards Kitchen & bathroom electrics Data cabling/office conversions Garage/garden power Decorative lights Fault finding/repairs Free help and advice
Fully insured to £2m
Call Dan: 07791 791513 Email: dan@boylectrical.co.uk Visit: www.boylectrical.co.uk
www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk
PLANS DRAWN Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.
UNITS 19-20 KENDRICK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SWINDON WILTS SN2 2DU
Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms & Bedrooms Tiling & Worktops Laminate Flooring Skirtings & Architraves Dados & Coving Doors & Decking And much more
TEL: 01793 536784 SANSUM SAND & GRAVEL SUPPLY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TRADE CUSTOMERS BRICKS, CONCRETE BLOCKS, CELCON BLOCKS, BLOCK PAVING,
For a FREE no obligation quote call now on 07874 021004 or 01793 701797
SWINDON ROOFING COMPANY
From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and advice given. 7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered
Call Bob on 07778 324228
34 Queens Road Royal Wootton Bassett Swindon SN4 8AW
01793 239 559
info@swindonroofingcompany.co.uk www.swindonroofingcompany.co.uk
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
PATIO SLABS, SAND,
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DRAINAGE CHANNELS, BUILDING CHEMICALS, ROCK SALT AND CEMENT
www.sansums.co.uk 28
Before
After
GUTTERS CLEANED FROM £20
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SERVICE SECTOR
Service Sector - Your guide to local services 27
YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL SERVICES
SWINDON GAS SERVICES
DECORATOR
FURNITURE WANTED
www.swindongasservices.co.uk
Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD
Tel 01793 847545 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk
Semi-retired Plumber SURESTOP SWITCH
installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock
• Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in • Radiators changed
Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772
01793 847517 ★ boiler changes ★ boiler breakdown ★ full central heating systems ★ heating system upgrades ★ power flushing ★ bathroom suites ★ all types of plumbing work undertaken ★ no call out charge ★ 15 years experience 550065
Misted or Broken Windows?
DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS ● Repairs to all upvc doors and windows ● 24 hr boarding up service and lock change ● Hinges, Window/Door Locks and Handles etc. Call Jamie for free advice and quote on all aspects of upvc. We will beat any like for like quotation
01793 940089 or 07526 647673
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Call 01793 721455 or 07976 885203
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J’s Electrical ✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing ✭ 24 hours
NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447 Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering
A charity providing furniture, white goods and household items to local people in need Call the collections line on 01793 683146 HELP US TO HELP OTHERS
Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered
• Extra Sockets/lights Extra Sockets/lights • • Fuse Board Upgrade • Fuse Board Upgrade
• • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and Complete Rewires • • Complete Rewires No job too small! • • No job too small!
Connected Connected Electrical Electrical && Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 or Tel: 07824 314080 or 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com
Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com
• Specialise in wet rooms • Supply and fix service • Complete bathroom service • Underfloor heating • Wall & floor tiling • Plastering • Free estimates Contact Mat: 07738 298803 or 01793 728283 mat@middlesextilingltd.co.uk www.middlesextilingltd.co.uk
WHITE VAN MAN SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35 • Full house removal • House clearance • Disposal of unwanted items • Any distance long/short • Fully insured NEW: Licensed to remove fridges
Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436
STYLISH BATHROOMS
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Approved installer for BATHSTORE and WREN. 5 year guarantee on all workmanship. Fully insured CRB Police checked
01793 320773 07779 006360
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Puzzle
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N C
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There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, you should not have to guess.
9 8
ACROSS
DOWN
1. 4. 8. 10. 11. 12. 14. 16. 17. 19. 22. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10. 13. 15. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
Front (6) Upward slope (6) Invertebrate (6) Sell door to door (6) Large stream (5) Paddled (6) Clandestine (6) Follow orders (4) Ripped (4) Catch sight of (4) Pace (4) Very strict (6) Boredom (6) Later (anag.) (5) Stimulus, boost (6) Threefold (6) German songs (6) Pal (6)
H A S
SUDOKU
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Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Wince (6) Gambling room (6) Edict (6) Three-dimensional (6) Tolerate (6) Score (6) Neat (4) Nuisance (4) Abnormally fat (5) Wept (5) Helpful (6) Develop, disclose (6) Commend (6) Sharp cry (4) Let it stand (4) Great fear (6) Inflamed spot (6) Threaten (6)
1
6 8 5 1 7 2
2 2 6 1
SOLUTIONS
7 8 6
5 8 1 7 6 6 9 5 4 3 1 4 5 8
Evolve; 20 Praise; 21 Yelp; 22 Stet; 23 Terror; 24 Pimple; 25 Impend.
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QUICK CROSSWORD Across – 1 Façade; 4 Ascent; 8 Insect; 10 Peddle; 11 River; 12 Canoed; 14 Secret; 16 Obey; 17 Tore; 19 Espy; 22 Step; 26 Severe; 27 Tedium; 28 Alter; 29 Fillip; 30 Triple; 31 Lieder; 32 Friend.
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Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which, when placed correctly in the grid, will form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
NONAGRAM anarch; anarchic; arch; archaic; arnica; cairn; carina; cash; chai; chain; chair; chana; char; characin; charas; chic; chin; china; cinch; circa; craic; cran; crash; inarch; inch; rachis; ranch; rich; SACCHARIN; scan; scar; scran.
16 Good; 19 Very Good; 22 Excellent.
MAGIC SQUARE emit; more; iris; test.
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Down – 1 Flinch; 2 Casino; 3 Decree; 5 Stereo; 6 Endure; 7 Twenty; 9 Tidy; 10 Pest; 13 Obese; 15 Cried; 18 Useful; 19
9 11
MISTER, IT IS REMOTE
7 9 3 4 6 5 1 2 8
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How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Target scores:
4 1 6 8 2 9 5 7 3
7
5 2 8 3 7 1 6 4 9
6
3 4 9 2 1 6 7 8 5
5
8
1 5 2 7 8 4 3 9 6
4
6 8 7 9 5 3 4 1 2
3
2 6 4 1 3 8 9 5 7
2
MAGIC SQUARE
8 3 1 5 9 7 2 6 4
1
NONAGRAM
9 7 5 6 4 2 8 3 1
QUICK CROSSWORD
Treated Landscape Sleepers (Pine for longevity) 2.4 metres long by 200 x 100mm • • • • • • •
Gates Fencing Decking Trellis Panels Wood Preservatives Garden Tools Raised Garden Beds
T: 01793 783879
E: jez1@webbswood.co.uk
W: www.webbswood.co.uk
Find us on facebook.com/webbswood Proud sponsors of Swindon Supermarine FC
Southdown Farm, Faringdon Road, (A420) Longcot, Oxon SN7 7UA 30
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Be part of something positive
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