January 2016 Swindon Link by swindonlink6

No 404 January 2016

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The shape of things to come at Link Centre

Trampoline park opens in early February. Full story p2 Pictured: GLL National Extreme manager Jamie Ross and Link general manager Steve Woodman

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The Link Centre bounces into 2016 with Extreme trampoline park A state-of-the-art extreme trampoline park is due to open early February. This is part of the continued investment GLL, under their Better brand, have been making in The Link Centre. The park was originally meant to open in late 2015 but was put back as the trampolines had to be especially ordered in from an American company. The Better Extreme park will be a series of interconnected safety padded trampolines which can be used by up to 100 people at a time. The project is part of a £2million investment in the centre and will include newly created, dedicated birthday party rooms and a refurbished café. As part of the revamp the Link Centre will also be creating one main turnstiled front entrance. A relatively new concept in the UK, the trampoline park will be accessible to all sectors of the community offering group events, sports training and children’s party bookings. Paul Shearman, partnership manager for Better, said: “The trampoline park will be one of the

Better’s Extreme trampoline park that already operates in Dagenham which Swindon will replicate very first of its kind to launch in the UK. It will be open to everyone regardless of fitness levels, age or experience, with fully trained coaches on hand to provide expert help and advice. “We’ve had to have a big rethink about how The Link Centre works to make it sustainable for the future but still accessible to all sections of the community. This is reflected by our pricing structure.” The park will also include big foam pits, battle beams and a

viewing area looking out over the trampolines. There will be freestyle coaching sessions as well as corporate events where people can play dodgeball and basketball on the nets. Jamie Ross, Better’s national Extreme manager, said: “We’ve just opened one up in Dagenham and it’s been fantastic. “This is a way that people of all ages can keep fit whilst at the same time having fun. It’s so multipurpose as well and the benefits

are huge. There will be special toddler sessions and safety is obviously paramount in everything that we do. “Every person that comes in for an hourly session will have to watch a three minute safety video and we will have staff on hand at all times to make sure people are making the most of it.” l See February’s Link magazine for a family ticket competition for the park.

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

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For younger children there will be special toddler sessions

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Lydiard Park’s future might be known in February The process launched by Swindon Council to transfer responsibility for the management of Lydiard House and Park to a private company or a trust during the Autumn has been marked by uncertainty, rumour and heated debate. London property consultants Bilfinger GVA advertised the ‘exceptional opportunity’ to become a joint venture partner with the council in three property publications in October. At the same time two public engagement events took place in November, where people were asked about the future of the house and park. Some 300 people responded in writing. Although the council cabinet agreed to set up different management structures for leisure centres and heritage assets in 2013, the sudden rush to find an organisation to run Lydiard caused great concern amongst users and the Friends of Lydiard Park. People have expressed worry that major commercial development like a hotel could be the outcome. The council has made it clear Lydiard will remain in the borough’s ownership, but The Friends, which has fundraised to purchase items for the Lydiard House museum and has

passed on. Savings of £20million have to be found next year, and a further £60million over the next three. He added: “The council has not included a subsidy in next year’s budget as we expect to recover any costs incurred in the early part of the year.” The range of organisations who have indicated interest in Lydiard has yet to be formally revealed, but Twigmarket Ltd., who took over Swindon Council’s golf course and has recently applied to build a hotel at Broome Manor, is known to have submitted a proposal. Another has been put forward by Swindon Council staff who would The cover of the brochure offering Lydiard House and Park to the market run Lydiard as a charitable trust. advocated the importance of the Mike Bowden, chair of the taken place online, with regular heritage asset for the last 60 years, Friends of Lydiard Park, said: “This updates at www.swindonlink.com set out 11 major objections to any outsourcing process has caused Organisations seeking to run outsourcing of the house and park. massive concern for the integrity Lydiard had to submit expressions They also launched a petition on of a much loved heritage asset of interest by 11 December and the Change.org which before Christmas cabinet hope to agree a preferred amongst the public. The numbers was approaching 8,000 signatories, who have signed our petition is an partner at its meeting in February. and are organising a public meeting The aim is to agree terms of a lease expression of that. I urge people to on 12 January to update people on attend our public meeting to express with external management by June the latest situation. Details are given this year. their support for Lydiard.” on page 11. Cllr Garry Perkins, cabinet member • Lydiard House, 70 years in public The fast moving debate about responsible for Lydiard Park, said that ownership. Its history in 10 key the future of the park, and a major the dire financial situation Swindon objects on pages 24 and 25. dispute about the level of council • Follow the story by searching Council finds itself in means the subsidy of the park, has largely Lydiard at www.swindonlink.com cost of running Lydiard has to be

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Time to spend the Toothill million use it or lose it!

Thanks to all of those who attended our 12 December Toothill Big Local open day where the key message was how the money works, writes committee chair Kareen Boyd, who says the clock is ticking.

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The Toothill Big Local committee showing off their online grant application software, from left, Annie Willett, Helen Garforth, Ruth Kiddle, Kareen Boyd, Peter Egan, Iris Keeble, Chris Locket , Mel Booth So, what’s the current status? In 2012 £1,002,000 was made available to Toothill and to date we have spent under £70,000 on three years of grants, bursaries, administration, office rental, parttime administration, community engagement, a new website and development of an innovative online grant application system. These costs are low because thousands of voluntary hours have been put in by the committee to streamline the Big Local process. Toothill now has one of the simplest Big Local processes in the country, and there over 150 similar projects. It’s easy to submit a grant application and we can help you with this. Toothillbiglocal.co.uk gives the community control over which grant applications are supported. All you need is an initial registration on the website and then you can vote for any of the grant applications you wish to support. However, volunteers and part-time administration cannot work magic. If the community wants Toothill Big Local to do more this will have to be funded. Community engagement can only work if the community engage. Over 15 groups have expressed an interest in submitting grant applications - it’s unclear why they haven’t yet progressed. The £1million plus interest has to cover all of Toothill Big Local’s running costs and the longer it takes to spend the money the

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We are an independent family owned and run agency offering over more it will cost to administer. Our Royal Wootton Bassett 50 years of combined property experience servicing, Royal Wootton national governing body, the Local Bassett, Purton, Lyneham, Swindon surrounding villages. Wiltshire SN4 and 7AA Trust, says that the million can be spent as quickly as the community We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a professional and wants but ideally by 2024 or 2026 01793 840222 personal service Sales: that only a totally committed family team can provide. at the latest as this is when the Lettings: 01793 855222 Local Trust shuts up the Big Local 26/26a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 7AA shop. By then whatever Toothill www.alanhawkins.co.uk Sales: 01793 840 222 • Lettings: 01793 855 222 www.alanhawkins.co.uk Big Local money is left will have to be returned. At the end of 2015 13/10/15 Toothill has overAlan Hawkins LINK 1/8 page advert NOV2015.indd 1 £930,000 in the pot. Small grants alone are unlikely to consume this amount. Although there are some things we can’t do, there is a huge opportunity out there. On 12 December we heard lots of great ideas to promote awareness and improve the local area and community facilities. We’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions at any time. See more at www.Toothillbiglocal. co.uk or email: info@ toothillbiglocal.co.uk or visit our Facebook page. Big Local committee members are available to discuss ideas at Toothill Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.30am to 3pm. Excellent quality, great customer service and There is another chance to find out more and an opportunity to join the committee at the Big Local We offer a huge range of products and colours Annual General Meeting at Toothill Community Centre on Saturday 9 and we can supply and install beautiful January, 10am to 12noon. The Toothill Big Local Team would blinds from as little as like to leave you with this thoughts, If the community does not use this money it will lose it. Simples! Call now on: your first order With our very best wishes for a with this advert Toothill focussed 2016.

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Pressure grows on council to drop 4G mast plan Plans for Virgin to provide superfast broadband in North Swindon could be delayed after the company told Swindon Council that unless its 4G mast plans are dropped, Virgin will not bring fibre broadband to the area. The plan, which aims to give 101,000 households and premises superfast broadband could be completed by the middle of 2016 with a wireless system using 16 strategically placed street-masts and monopoles throughout the borough. Justin Tomlinson MP is adamant that the 4G deal on the council’s table is not right for the residents of his area, and has been holding talks with Virgin Media and BT to bring a more traditional fibre service to North Swindon in particular. Justin said: “Virgin have shown strong interest in bringing their service to our area, but see a state aided project like the UKB 4G plan as competition and will not proceed until this is thrown out. “I am currently trying to convince Virgin that the council plans aren’t competition at all, as they are

outdated and there is no demand from the residents I have spoken to. “I have also been in contact with BT regarding an upgrade to the existing Haydon exchange. We are at a stage of costing the project and presenting it to the council.” “My fellow councillors and I ask that the council go back to the drawing board, and realise residents expect fibre superfast broadband in their homes, not a short term 4G solution that is outdated before even being completed.” In July 2014, Swindon Borough Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport each agreed to invest up to £1.5 million of funding to extend superfast broadband coverage in noncommercially viable areas. Cllr Mary Martin, the council’s cabinet member for Corporate, Customer and Digital Services, said: “The superfast Swindon project is progressing well and UKB networks are making good headway in identifying alternative sites for their masts in north Swindon. “Myself, the leader of the council and Robert Buckland MP also recently met with Ed Vaizey,

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Cllr Toby Elliot (right) handing over a petition for fibre broadband in Priory Vale to Cllr Garry Perkins (left) in March this year Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy, to give him an update on the rollout of the 4G LTE superfast broadband network. “Mr Vaizey was very impressed with the work being undertaken and the fact the project will deliver superfast broadband to 99.4% of homes within the borough. Mr Vaizey also noted that the procurement process, overseen by BDUK, confirmed that his officials had provided firm assurance that

the solution provided value for money and complied with the State aid rules. He also said he had been assured the technology solution for the project was robust. “Our rural communities and parts of north Swindon have been crying out for a decent broadband service for many years and this network will not only make a huge difference to households, it will provide a big boost to local businesses.”

Younite Outreach Project to host 5th Annual Charity Ball for Kenyan projects The 5th annual Younite Outreach Project Charity Ball is to be held on Friday 5 February at the Marriot Hotel in Swindon. The event is really important for the schools in Kenya funded solely through people donating money and volunteering with them as part of the project, with the ball bringing in the largest sum of money in the year for them. Tickets are £35, and include a three course meal, drinks on arrival, entertainment provided by local group Paradox, and a charity auction. Younite Outreach Project is a Swindon based organisation which provides opportunities for people to volunteer at two schools for orphans in Kenya. To date over 200 volunteers have been to Kenya and as an organisation they do everything they can to fundraise for the projects, including the charity ball. Amongst these volunteers is Tarlia Clements, a customer service apprentice with Excalibur Communications. So far, she has raised over £1,000 to fund her trip to Kenya

Younite volunteer Tarlia Clements with the Younite project through crowdfunding and holding events such as a pub quiz at the Excalibur offices. Tarlia said: “I have always been involved in charity work with my mum before coming to Excalibur and when I saw an email from Fiona Simpson (Younite organiser) telling us about the work going on in Kenya, I thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. “We will be heading out on 26 March to help teach kids netball, art and build another school for them. I can’t wait to get out there and help.” For more information on the Younite Outreach Project, or to enquire about tickets to the charity ball, visit www.yoproject.org.uk

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Nominate your community heroes for Pride of Swindon 2016’s Pride of Swindon awards were launched in December and you now have a chance to nominate those who have made a real difference. It’s time for the people of Swindon to get their thinking caps on to find the town’s community heroes. The Pride of Swindon 2016 awards, which takes place on Thursday 17 March at Steam Museum, was officially launched on Tuesday 1 December in the Mayor’s Parlour. This year Excalibur and Positive Media Group have become the event’s main sponsors joining Swindon Advertiser, Intel, Nationwide, Zurich and McDonalds. Nominations to find Swindon’s unsung and selfless heroes can be submitted until 29 January. Each nominee is presented with a certificate and a select group of people who have gone the extra mile will receive a special badge and their name honoured on a plaque at Swindon Central Library. Nominations can be for an individual or a team. Tony Martin, of Zurich Community Trust, said: “The quality of the nominations that we get surprises

swindonlink.com n January 2016

me every year. This year we want people from every walk of life to really get involved in putting forward their community champion.” In 2015 one group that stood out as a finalist was the Swindon and District Branch of Parkinsons UK. They introduced a scheme working with public transport companies like Stagecoach and Thamesdown Transport to raise awareness of the difficulties people with Parkinsons face carrying out every day tasks. Branch vice chairman Dave Hartley, who attended the launch, said: “The scheme, which included a special video, has now been picked up by Parkinsons UK which we were very honoured by. “The Pride of Swindon award has really helped us raise awareness of the condition and let people know how the deterioration of cognitive ability manifests itself.” The branch meets on the last Friday of every month at Grange Leisure Centre at 7pm and also

Mayor Andrew Bennett with past winners and sponsors at the launch of 2016’s Pride of Swindon awards holds other events including tai chi sessions. Jon Carpenter, Swindon area manager for Macdonalds said: “We’ve been involved with the Pride of Swindon awards since they began. Without doubt it plays an important part in community life in the town because it recognises commitment which most people undertake without expecting recognition. “This year I’ve been struck by the number of our colleagues, mostly aged 18 to 24 years, who have been touched by bereavement in their family and how they have responded by getting involved in different charities, either by fundraising or participating in a practical way.” Another of 2015’s finalists who attended the launch was Deb Cooke of Foggies - The Swindon Fibromyalgia Support Group. The informal group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at midday at Liden Community Centre and on the third Wednesday of every month at midday at the Boundary House pub in Moredon. She said: “It was an honour to be part of the Pride of Swindon awards and it has really helped raise awareness of our group. “The group really helps people who have fibromyalgia realise that they’re not alone and that there are other people out there who can relate to what they are going through.” Samantha Owen, citizenship

manager at Nationwide, said the company takes its role as a corporate citizen seriously both on a national and also a local level. “We do a lot of internal recognition of our staff, but its also important to be part of a scheme to recognise individuals and teams throughout the town.” New sponsor James Phipps, chief executive of Excalibur Communications and owner of the Positive Media Group, said he’s delighted to be part of the Pride of Swindon Awards. He said: “There are so many people in Swindon who give their time to help others, or are role models in their organisation or sports group. “And the team category gives employee groups the chance for their work outside the workplace to be recognised. They all need to be celebrated.” Launching the awards, the Mayor of Swindon councillor Andrew Bennett said: “Every Mayor discovers a huge amount about what goes on in their town which they might not do otherwise. Swindon does a lot of things very well and the Pride of Swindon Awards is one of the best. “I would ask everybody to think about who deserves to be recognised and make a nomination.” If you know an individual or a team worthy of nomination, download the form at www. swindon.gov.uk/prideofswindon

Past finalists of 2015 Pride of Swindon Awards show the town’s real heart They are the selfless people of Swindon. The groups and individuals who work constantly to help others, often with no real recognition. The Pride of Swindon awards redresses that and lets these generous people know that their hard work is genuinely appreciated.

2015 finalist Elena Rossi with Swindon Mayor Theresa Page

Elena Rossi is a tireless volunteer, who for eight years has given support to Swindon’s mothers who are experiencing challenges with breastfeeding. This has made a difference to mothers and their babies. Mums say it helps them to feel more confident in feeding. Good evidence shows that breastfeeding has health benefits

to both mother and baby as it reduces rates of breast and ovarian cancer in mums and for the baby it provides protection from gastroenteritis, lung and ear infections. Swindon has been successful in increasing breastfeeding rates in babies at 6-8 weeks to 50.2% in AprilJune 2014; Elena’s work has contributed to this success.

Paul Rogers, is an ex professional boxer and Silver medallist winner at the Commonwealth Games. He volunteers with Swindon’s only community gym ‘Scrappers Boxing Gym and Community Fitness Centre’. The project is set up to benefit the local community and Paul dedicates his time working with young people, adults and people with disabilities in the Swindon area to provide direct support for anyone that would like to get fit or focus their time and energy into positive activities. The gym secured £21,000 funding in April 2013 through the Peoples Health Trust - Active 2015 finalist Paul Rogers (rt) and Communites Progamme. Deputy Council leader Brian Mattock Patronella Mazhindu came to the UK as a refugee fleeing from Mugabe’s regime in Zimbabwe. She spent 13 years waiting on a decision on her asylum claim. Patronella volunteers at the Harbour Project, now has refugee status and is volunteering at the GWH. She is also a Well Being champion with the Council. The Harbour Project is a charitable trust dedicated to support and help asylum seekers and refugees and their dependants in Swindon – our ‘visitors’. The Harbour Project is run by a small staff with the help of a team Kerry Rutherford from Middleleaze was nominated for Pride of Swindon at the age of 11. Kerry has Asperger’s but continues to think of others before herself. In February 2013 she had 12 inches of her hair cut off and raised over £400 for the Little Princess Trust. A keen swimmer she has carried out an open water swim, a swimathon and the Big Swim for Prospect Hospice. In August 2014 she took part in a night open water swim for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. In November 2013 she won Swindon Dolphin

2015 finalist Patronella Mazhindu with MP Robert Buckland of around 25 regular volunteers, and is funded principally by a grant from Swindon Borough Council, the BIG Lottery, charitable funds and donations.

2015 finalist Kerry Rutherford with Mayor Theresa Page Young Sportsperson of the Year for being an excellent role model. In September 2014 she won EMO charity champion after being nominated by her head coach. swindonlink.com n January 2016

2016, the year to tidy up your town Swindon’s draft budget for 2016-17 Swindon Council has launched a new effort to give the town a makeover. The ‘Love Your Swindon’ campaign aims to foster a greater sense of community pride and will eventually focus on reducing issues such as littering, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour across the borough with the intention of promoting safer and cleaner neighbourhoods. The campaign was unveiled on 15 December to coincide with the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre which is designed to ensure that people can enjoy public spaces without the threat of anti-social behaviour.

includes 1.94% council tax rise, with further 2% under consideration

Councillor David Renard and PCC Angus Macpherson launching Love Your Swindon

West Forum launches litter campaign

Residents again raised the perennial problem of the rising amount of fast food rubbish littering the streets and cycle paths, at the West Swindon Forum in early December. As a result schools are to be approched by Lydiard Park Academy Community Ambassadors to take part in a competition to design posters to be displayed in local shops. Residents are being asked to join local councillors and Street Smart staff in a community clean-up on Wednesday 10 February. For details contact Gail Light: glight@swindon.gov.uk

Litter picking in pictures

West Swindon resident Moya Pinson is combatting the littering problem with a display of photographs in West Swindon library. They appear alongside shots of her 12-year-old grandson Elliot Pinson who is the current UK MiniGP70 Champion. The exhibition will be available to view until late January.

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on growing the local economy to generate new income, provide more preventative services to address social care issues before they arise, and help more people to take care of themselves. This means: • street cleaning and libraries will be delivered by parish councils and community based organisations, giving local people a greater say over the services they receive; A Library Service Strategy is to be developed which assumes a reduction in council spend of at least £1.5m, or 75 per cent, by 2020; • the council will continue to provide new roads, work to continue to regenerate the town centre, and attract new investment which would enable the creation of new homes and jobs to increase prosperity for those who live and work in Swindon, and drive up funding for council services through council tax and business rates revenue; • more elderly residents living independently at home and wth increased choice and control about how they live and the type of care they receive. They will be advised on the funding they will be entitled to from the council, and what they will need to spend themselves; • the council will continue to work to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable children and young people are met, and will develop new ways to provide services such as supporting family-based placements for children and targeted services in communities instead of those based in specific locations.

Blunsdon parish council to take on wider range of services

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After making savings of more than £100million in the past eight years and freezing council tax for the past five, Swindon Borough Council is aiming for further savings of £20million in the next financial year whilst raising council tax by 1.94 per cent The Chancellor announced in the Autumn Statement that councils could add an additional 2 per cent to pay for adult social care and this is still being considered. The draft budget identifies where £17.3million of cutbacks are to be made and work continues on finding another £2.7million. Swindon Council’s cabinet debated the proposals on Wednesday 9 December with the final budget to be decided upon in February. A six-week public consultation on the draft proposals will close at the end of January. Among the savings being proposed are £4.5million within adult social care through more efficient use of care packages, and the closure of the remaining five children’s centres in favour of a mobile service that targets help for those families most in need. Swindon Borough Council is facing, in common with all councils, reductions in government grants combined with large increases in demand for services for children and young people and vulnerable elderly residents. Up to 2020, it must find another £60million in addition to the £20million required for the 2016-17 budget. As a result of these pressures, the proposed budget signals that the council will now prioritise its efforts

Blunsdon Parish Council, after a short consultation period, has provisionally agreed with Swindon Borough Council to take responsibility for grass cutting, hedge and tree pruning and street cleaning, working in partnership with Haydon Wick Parish Council. The borough has run pilot projects with Haydon Wick, Wroughton and Stratton St Margaret parish councils to pass on services in order to reduce its cost burden as it seeks to make savings of £60 million over the next three years. Blunsdon parish chairman Ian Jankinson said: “The council believes that expanding our services will

result in quicker response to issues raised by people living in our area and a considerable improvement in the appearance of public areas in the parish. This year we took on the 11 borough built play areas in the parish and this resulted in many compliments and comments regarding their improvement. “Regrettably, if we do not take on services like hedge pruning and grass cutting, it is certain that the already poor standard of public space maintenance will deteriorate as a result of borough cutbacks.” Should the whole of Swindon be parished? The big question for 2016. See page 46 and 47

The Future of Lydiard House and Park

Please attend a Public Meeting called by the Friends of Lydiard Park Tuesday 12th January 2016, 7pm Lydiard Park Academy, Grange Park Way, Swindon SN5 6HN

Since October the Friends of Lydiard Park have conducted a campaign to save the House and Park from being transferred by Swindon Borough Council to the private sector. An online petition at Change.org has already been signed by over 7,000 people who oppose the council’s plans. This public meeting, to which councillors from all political parties have been invited, is an opportunity for you to hear of latest developments with regard to negotiations with the council. We hope you will come along to listen, contribute and show your support for a positive future for the House and Park. The Friends of Lydiard Park have set out 11 ‘red lines’ which must not be crossed: 1 Any arrangement that would cause harm or loss to the significance of and historical importance of Lydiard House and Park. 2 Any situation that involves the closure or a reduction in free access to the Park and grounds by the general public. 3 Any situation that involves the closure or a reduction in access to the Lydiard House Museum and Walled Garden by the general public. 4 Any destruction of the historic landscape and structures within the Park which were restored as part of the £5.1m Heritage Lottery Fund Project. 5 Any arrangement which would harm, disperse, or sell any part of the historic Lydiard House Museum collections, including such items as paintings, artefacts, archives, and furnishings. 6 Any arrangement that does not address the on-going maintenance and repair of the House and Park. 7 Any arrangement that would involve the sale or sub-letting of the Park and Lydiard House Museum. 8 Any arrangement that significantly contradicts the long term plans for Lydiard Park submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2005. 9 No binding decisions on the future of Lydiard House and Park to be made without full and transparent compliance with Swindon Borough Council’s recently established Consultation Policy. 10 No decisions should be taken regarding the future of Lydiard House and Park until the accounts have been properly audited and corrected. 11 Any arrangement or outcome that results in the construction of, or planning application for, an hotel or any other substantial building, multi-storey or otherwise, on land within the Grade II listed Lydiard Park or its essential setting, as defined in the Heritage Lottery Fund documentation.

We look forward to meeting you

Friends of Lydiard Park

Is Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way ever going to be finished? Thamesdown Drive

Purton Road

Akers Way

Ridgeway Farm

Nova Hreod Academy

Sparcells Mead Way

Cheney Manor Industrial Estate

Possible route of new road B&Q

Shaw

Spectrum Building Kevin Fisher, chair of Shaw Residents’ Association (SRA) casts doubt on Swindon Council’s commitment to build a western by-pass to relieve the ever increasing traffic congestion on Mead Way and the knock on pressure on residential areas across West Swindon.

As a result Swindon cabinet member for transportation Cllr Dale Heenan called on the associations to work with him and council officers on the business case. The SRA agreed and ‘participated’ throughout 2015 in the development of a ‘strategic outline business case.’ Sadly, for the following reasons, we find ourselves unable to support this report or the process

In September 2008, a report was published by consultant engineers Halcrow analysing many route options for improving traffic flows around North and West Swindon. It concluded that existing roads, such as Mead Way and Akers Way, needed improvement. Of the many options for linking Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way, they stated that ‘the green Kevin Fisher at Sparcells roundabout route is the preferred route.’ used to compile it: In October 2013, an updated report was presented to Government in a failed bid to secure some £40million funding. The SRA followed this, in February 2014, by publicly supporting the need to spend £600,000 on a detailed business case, but it took Swindon Council about a year to decide to use in-house resources to do this. At the end of 2014, the Thamesdown Drive Extension (TDEX) group was formed by seven residents’ associations and their first public meeting on 13 January 2015 was attended by 150 people.

swindonlink.com n January 2016

1. It is not a business case. Despite contributions from residents’ representatives, the process for compiling the report at no stage attempts to make a business case for building the road based on the existing need. Instead it is simply a rehash of previous reports comparing the financial cases between each route, not the financial case for building the road itself. Its conclusions are similar to those reached by Halcrow in their original report in 2008. 2. It contains data that justifies NOT

Great Western Way

The route of the possible Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way extension must only be regarded as an indicative illustration

building the road. For example it states: ‘the benefits are a 26 per cent reduction in flows on Mead Way and an 8 per cent reduction on Akers Way.’ These numbers are in fact based on predicted traffic data for 2016 and appear way too low. Given the new road is still at least 10 years away, this data suggests the new road will either be at capacity from day one or the business case for building it does not exist. Alternatively it could be that the data is hopelessly inaccurate and the proposal is incomplete. 3. This new options analysis report is incomplete. There is no mention of improving junctions along Great Western Way en-route to M4 junction 16. That work does not need to be part of a funding request within this report, but the proposal to government must raise the need, otherwise the plain and obvious flaw will probably serve to ensure funding applications fail. 4. There is no project plan with the final milestone being road completion. Indeed the report states: ‘a full project plan is yet to be decided.’ No project plan means no accountability and no visibility to participants and the public of the bigger picture. When SRA agreed to participate in this work, we believed we were signing up for the development of a

proper business case, justifying the need for the road based on current traffic volumes. It is now over two years since the first failed funding bid and in that time a third ‘route option analysis’ report, coming to the same conclusions as those made in 2008, has been produced. The sad reality is that the SRA’s participation has simply enabled political representatives to state in public that ‘residents groups are supportive.’ This has not been time well spent for a voluntary group and has left us frustrated and saddened that our contributions have not been valued. Without a compelling business case and proposals that are incomplete, we fear the council’s funding bids will continue to be rejected by Government. However, since there is no project plan and, despite theoretically being part of the team, we are not in a position to see the big picture, therefore Cllr Heenan may yet be able to claim incremental successes and, in that respect, we can only wish him well. www.shawresidents.org.uk Despite the concerns raised by Kevin, TDeX group has had successes in 2015 such as: 1. All Swindon councillors have signed up to completing Thamesdown Drive; 2. Robert Buckland MP included the road in his pre-election manifesto; 3. Swindon Council has also included seeking government funds to build the road in its 30 pledges. Follow TDeX on Facebook

Making Swindon a 3D ‘smart city’ A new high-tech company specialising in computer-generated virtual reality has brought the world’s most advanced 3D imaging technology to the town and Tim Hughes, founder of CartoConsult, has provided the image on the left to illustrate the power available to his business. CartoConsult provide innovative geospatial digital mapping solutions to local government, civil engineering, real estate and utilities companies such as Thames Water. Tim is also working to make Swindon one of the UK’s first ‘smart’ cities through work with council-led group Forward Swindon. Projects have been undertaken for landscape architects and property developers nationwide. Tim said 3D mapping and modelling technology is revolutionising the way towns and cities are planned and managed. “Large corporates and public authorities are often risk adverse which is a serious barrier to the adoption of new ideas. “I realised that the only way that I could demonstrate the value and and scope of the technology was to form a company with complete freedom to try, test and develop the new 3D software and services.”

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Tim Hughes with a 3D illustration of the town centre CartoConsult is now the international distributor for CyberCity 3D, a pioneer in 3D city modelling from Los Angeles, and has set up partnerships with Proteus Geo, based in Somerset, and Dutch company Visit4Real. Tim added: “The technology is very impressive but putting it to proper use is actually the main challenge. Our primary objective is to encourage authorities and industry to see the opportunities.” Tim lives in North Swindon and runs CartoConsult from nearby Groundwell Employment Area. To find out more call 07764 759064 www.cartoconsult.co.uk

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The time has come for Swindon’s Mechanics’ Institution Thirty years after it closed, and after 20 years of local community persistence, the saga of Swindon’s Mechanics’ Institution could finally be approaching its happy ending. What better way to celebrate 175 years of ‘New Swindon’ and its people’s magnificent achievements? Mechanics’ Institution Trust Chair Daniel Rose reports We believe the Mechanics’ Institution offers the most important and timely opportunity in Swindon – an opportunity for local people to come together and be empowered, within the legacy of this central premises. With the help of our members we have developed a mixed-use, self-financing proposal, which would not only provide benefit to local people and visitors, but is wholly in-keeping with the history and heritage of the building. Our plans are focused on creating a communityowned and managed cultural flagship for the whole town - bringing arts, culture and community together under one roof, again.

Mechanics’ Institution Trust chairman Daniel Rose

A very brief history of the Mechanics’ Institution

So what is the situation right now with the Mechanics’? After many years of campaigning by the Trust, Swindon Council finally issued an Urgent Works Notice on the third owner in December 2010. The owner did not comply with this notice and as per the legal framework the council undertook the works itself to make the building safe, secure, weather tight, and to slow the deterioration of the building. These works cost in excess of £800,000. The council took the owner to the High Court in January 2012 to recover the costs; however Forefront Estates failed to attend and the company was later dissolved by the regulator, Companies House. With the building then ownerless, it passed to the Crown Estate (the

government body that administers ownerless property) where it rests today. Swindon Council still has a charge registered on the site of approximately £400,000 as a result of the Urgent Works it undertook. Since then the Trust has been working with the council and its regeneration arm, Forward Swindon, on proposals for the future, and a Mechanics’ Advisory Board was set up which includes the Trust. The advisory board has funded an options appraisal for the site and this work is nearing completion. This piece of work has assessed the current condition of the building, and examined a range of options for its re-use and estimated the likely costs involved.

Myths of the Mechanics’ Myth: The building is about to fall down Answer: Although in a bad state of repair, it has recently been found to be structurally sound. It was solidly (well) built by a skilled GWR workforce. Myth: It’s just another old listed building – nothing special Answer: 92% of listed buildings are Grade 2 but the Mechanics’ is Grade 2*, alongside just 6% of listed buildings. It is nationally, even internationally, important. Myth: “The council sold it for £1” Answer: The council have never owned the Mechanics’ although

swindonlink.com n January 2016

they did turn down the chance to buy it for £1 from British Rail in 1986. Myth: It will cost too much and the council can’t afford it Answer: The capital cost of restoring the Mechanics’ is high (upwards of £15 million), however the Trust has never suggested the council should pay. Heritage Lottery would be the most suitable funder, and their budget has actually increased in recent years. The annual cost of running the building is also key, and the Trust is focused on updating that challenge currently.

In 1843, the New Swindon Mechanics’ Institution was formed and constituted ‘for the benefit and enlightenment of those employed by the GWR’. Contrary to popular mythology, the institution was not set up by Brunel, nor was it paternal benevolence of the Great Western Railway. The workers themselves set up and governed the Institution, with GWR very much in support. The successful institution, as a building and as an organisaion, is a monument to mutual improvement and cooperation. By 1855 the institution had built a permanent home at the heart of the Railway Village and in the years that followed it continually expanded and became the focal point of Swindon life containing

reading rooms, a theatre, and an impressive library which predated the first public lending library in Manchester by 9 years. This much-loved community space served for over a century, but with the closure of the Railway Works by British Rail in 1986 it finally shut its doors. The building fell into private hands and a series of developers all failed to put forward realistic plans for its restoration, and neglected its maintenance outrageously. The Mechanics’ Institution Trust was formed in 1995 and campaigned for the building to return to community ownership and use, urging Swindon Borough Council to take seriously its statutory duties towards Listed buildings.

2016 coming soon and beyond… • The Trust will be undertaking a timely update of our proposals for usage and business plan; this will include surveying Swindon people again, for their up-to-date input. • Summer 2016 will be the 150th anniversary of the traditional Mechanics’ Institution Children’s Fete, to be held in the GWR Park. The Trust has raised £10,000 already but is looking for further support, for some really spectacular entertainment. Business and individual volunteers’ help would be very welcome. • In December 2014 the Trust won

its bid to manage the Railway Cottage Museum. It is due to be transferred to the Trust early in 2016, and we hope to open it regularly, for the first time in 15 years; • 2016 should see the opening of a new community café in the Bakers Arms Pub. People’s Health Lottery Funding is supporting this as well as the Central Community Centre’s community development work. Further information about the Trust’s work can be found at: www.mechanics-trust.org.uk

About the Mechanics’ Institution Trust The Trust is a charity, formed by local people in 1995, and is a registered Building Preservation Trust. We believe that heritage can create unique, enjoyable places for people. We believe passionately in

Swindon; its history, heritage and culture; its future opportunity and most importantly its people. We want to recapture the pioneering spirit and character that created “New Swindon”, to inspire our town today, for its 175th anniversary!

swindonlink.com n January 2016

Films tell transition stories

North Swindon school makes Africa connections

In May Isambard Community School established an international partnership with David Livingstone High School in Livingstone, Zambia, joining a long running British Council supported project with Crowdy’s Hill Special School and Grange Infants and Junior Schools. Swindon Town Football in the Community and solar power charity Lights for Learning are also part of the arrangement. The aim is to raise global awareness and establish crosscultural learning amongst young

people. In November Isambard welcomed science teacher Hamwende Muzeya who took part in lessons at all the schools and was treated to lunch of toad-in-the-hole by Isambard food technology students. He also attended a Swindon Town game. He said: “We mainly teach with chalk and the blackboard in classes of 60 students. “The facilities at the schools here are very impressive. I have been learning a lot about different ways of teaching.”

Young Isambard film makers with teachers and professional assistants at Tadpole Garden Village Year 7 students from Isambard Community School, Crowdys Hill and Lydiard Park Academy have made short films about making the move from primary to secondary school in a project run by film promotion charity, Into Film. Some 50 schools around the country were selected to illustrate the idea of transition. The students from each school worked with a professional filmmaker Sherlyee Houssein to script, cast, direct, act and shoot their film.

swindonlink.com n January 2016

Isambard teamed up with house builder Crest Nicholson who made a showhouse available for a day long shoot of youngsters leaving home on their first day at big school. Lydiard Park Academy students used the idea of a cross country race to show that making the move from primary to secondary school is full of obstacles and challenges and ultimately a sense of achievement. The work of all the schools is available at Into Film’s YouTube channel and www.intofilm.org

Mr Muzeya with Isambard teacher Ross Duke and Year 7 students holding Zambian artefacts on Super Hero charity day

Successful West school to offer expertise to others Following its consistently good GCSE performance in the last few years, and taking top spot in the Swindon league table this year, the governors at Lydiard Park Academy (LPA) have applied to become a lead school in a multi-academy trust. At present, LPA is a standalone academy but high achieving schools are being allowed to become academy sponsors to pass on their expertise and experience to schools requiring help. LPA headteacher Clive Zimmerman said: ”The main reason for doing

this is that existing multi-academy trusts have shown there are important benefits all round. “The school being sponsored gains by being able to learn from the expertise of a more successful school and the lead school gains in terms of being able to retain staff by providing new opportunities to develop professionally. “Both schools will share back office functions that allows money to be released to spend on educational provision. “Perhaps most importantly, it’s

also the right thing to do from a moral perspective. Results are dropping in a number of secondary schools and Lydiard Park Academy is in a position to be able to intervene and provide support so that students at other schools have the same opportunities that those at LPA enjoy.” • In 2015, 67 per cent of GCSE students at Lydiard Park Academy achieved 5 or more A* to C grades including English and Maths, the highest results of all secondary schools in Swindon.

Primary School Governors required

Red Oaks Primary School would like to hear from people interested in being part of a good school, who are keen to help it continue to develop and improve with a desire to contribute, an enquiring mind and the confidence to ask questions. You do not need to have knowledge of how a school runs. We would like to hear from people from all professions and parts of the community. If you are interested and want to find out more please email jpeterson@redoaks.swindon.sch.uk

Clive Zimmerman, Lydiard Park Academy headteacher

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Haydonleigh recognises the needs of young carers Young carers at Haydonleigh Primary School are being recognised, valued and supported after the school received a Young Carers Award in November. The award scheme run by Swindon Carers Centre with help from the Big Lottery Fund helps staff and pupils understand the needs of children who look after someone in their family who has an illness, disability or mental health problem, when normally an adult would be expected to undertake this role. Amanda Bass, Haydonleigh’s young carer lead and safeguarding and pastoral manager, said: “School can be a quite difficult time for a young person who has taken on care responsibilities as they may be worried or stressed about leaving the person they care for at home. This might mean they miss homework, suffer from tiredness or are late for school. At times they might feel it’s hard to explain and that there is no one else to share the burden. “At Haydonleigh we are sensitive to the needs of the children who have caring responsibilities and we are quick to identify and

Amanda Bass with youngsters holding the Young Carers Award support them with additional activities, counselling and academic support including strategies to do homework. “The advice of Fiona Prinzi at Swindon Young Carers has been invaluable to ensure we have

the best provision in place. This has included open discussion in assemblies to raise awareness of caring and also specific staff training.” For more about young carers: www.swindoncarers.org.uk

School’s multiple Modeshift travel awards

Debbie Yockney and travel ambassadors and their haul of awards

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Haydonleigh Primary School has achieved the gold standard in the Modeshift Sustainable travel awards, one of only 35 schools out of 11,000 to have achieved this nationally. The school’s Travel Ambassadors from Years 5 and 6 are organised by Debbie Yockney and Paula Robathan to promote healthier travel through presentations and assemblies, organising a weekly walking bus, taking part in the annual Big Pedal, organising competitions, cycle, balance bike and scooter training sessions, and inviting outside agencies like the police to assist with security marking. In October, Ms Yockney took three youngsters to the Southern Regional Awards in London where they made a presentation to an audience of 100 people before

collecting the Gold Award, the Regional Stars Award for Pupil Involvement and the 2015 Stars award for School of the Region. In November, Debbie also attended the 2015 Modeshift Travel Convention held in Birmingham, and won the Modeshift Individual Contribution Award, a fitting recognition for 17 years of work promoting safe travel to school. Headteacher Frances Billenge paid tribute to the award winning achievements of her staff. “I am very proud of the work that the school does to promote and encourage sustainable travel to school,” she said. “I knew ahead of the ceremony that both the school and Debbie had been nominated for awards. But to have swept the board is amazing; I’m really thrilled for Debbie and her team.”

January:

Time to Play

A new monthly family matters information and advice column for parents It’s a new year and Santa has been and gone, delivering toys to children who have been good… which is every child in Swindon because, of course there were no children on the naughty list last year. And yet households across the town are ringing out to the sound of children saying: ‘I’m bored.’ What? How could you possibly be bored with all these new toys? With children, boredom can lead to unwanted behaviour, as they seek out ways of occupying their minds and hands, albeit in a negative way. Sometimes it’s the simple things that children enjoy the most, like a walk in the woods, building a den with sheets or making a cake together. Here are a few play ideas that won’t cost the earth: • Dressing up races: use old jumpers, hats, scarves, handbags, shoes, beads and see who can get dressed the quickest. This can also lead to some great imaginative play. • Cardboard construction: recycle all the boxes that presents came in and build a junk model.. a tower for Rapunzel to let her hair down from... a rocket to blast off to the moon.

• Scavenger hunt: make a list of things you might see on a walk (different shaped leaves, dandelion, butterfly, coloured pebbles, sparrow) and have fun trying to find as many as you can… tick them off as you go. As a nation we spend about £2billion on unwanted presents, so don’t forget that unwanted toys can always be donated to a charity shop or refuge. Play is such an important part of a child’s development. It helps them build relationships and learn new skills. It’s how memories are made. See if you can find the time to play in January, and we hope you have fun. By ePiP consultant Rachel

About ePiP

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North toddler group has places

A new parent and toddler group has opened at Redhouse Community Centre and is looking for more members. Mums Kelly-Ann Pendle and Claire Mervyn launched Redhouse Tots & Tinies after looking for activities for their younger children when siblings were attending playgroup, and one Redhouse Tots & Tinies engaged in seasonal which would be suitable craft activities for parents with pre-school children. to assist with insurance, rent and Kelly-Ann said: “After several buying larger equipment. weeks looking I discovered there “The group runs on a pay-as-youwasn’t an afternoon group suitable go drop-in basis. It’s entirely run by for newborns to children about volunteers so the fee is kept low, to start school. So I decided to but we do ask members to help run look into starting one as I felt the sessions which include free play there must be other mums in a and a weekly craft activity.” similar situation. It was great Redhouse Tots & Tinies meets that Redhouse Community Centre every Wednesday during term opened just at the right time for us. time, 1pm to 2.30pm. Redhouse “We’ve received a lot of toy Community Centre is on Frankel donations and with the support of Avenue, close to the village centre. local councillor Gemma McCracken Mail the group at: Redhousetots@ we received a community grant yahoo.com or via Facebook: from Swindon Borough Council Redhouse Tots

Please call us at Windmill Hill to arrange a nursery tour just for you and we will look forward to welcoming you to our Outstanding Nursery

swindonlink.com n January 2016

Women’s Party aims to make a difference to equality locally Women are still unrepresented in Parliament, top businesses and the media and the newly launched Women’s Equality Party (WEP) aims to change that because inequality hurts everybody in society. It’s a non-partisan group which

is taking on issues like the under representation of women in Parliament, top business and the media, the gender pay gap and parental leave. You can join as an affiliate, even if you are a paid-up member of

another political party. The Swindon branch was launched in October and members next meet at the Dockle Farmhouse pub on Wednesday 21 January, 7.30pm. It’s a chance to find out what WEP is all about and join the party if you

so wish. Men can join to make a difference to women’s equality locally as well as nationally. For details, mail Erika Garratt: swindonwep@gmail.com www.womensequality.org.uk

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Is becoming a volunteer your New Year’s resolution? There are dozens of groups across Swindon keen to hear from you. Here are a few appeals: Help showcase Swindon’s heritage. Meet the Railways is a twice monthly Saturday event at Steam Museum where volunteers introduce children and adults to life in Swindon’s railway works and on the GWR. Enrych Swindon and Wiltshire supports adults with a physical disability enjoy leisure or learning activities. You might be helping someone carry on enjoying their garden, visiting the cinema, going to a museum or a visit to the shops. Swindon Therapy Centre for MS is keen to hear from people interested in helping with store collections,

looking after the garden outside their West Swindon building or supporting members while they use the centre facilities. Do you have experience in project management, business planning, HR, legal or accountancy? Your higher level skills can be used to great effect as many local charities are looking for people to help run their organisations as trustees or treasurers. To find out how to get involved in these or any of many other volunteering opportunities, contact Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557 or email: info@ swindonvolunteers.org.uk Visitors are welcome to drop in at 1 John Street, Swindon from Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm. See more at: www.do-it.org

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New WW1 exhibition creates moving response in Swindon A major First World War exhibition launched at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in November has had a moving effect on young people in the town. The culmination of 12 months of research and media production, the 100 Stories exhibition curates the work of 60 young people from Swindon mentored by the awardwinning team at Create Studios. The exhibition was originally inspired by the work of Swindon’s Mary Slade who mobilised communities to collate and send comfort parcels to prisoners of war during World War 1. 100 Stories features a series of original films and photographs produced in response to exploring rich regional resources, including the Prisoners of War postcard archive held at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, local archives at Central Library, and records at Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. Five short films from Create Studios’ young people’s group, MassMedia, bring contemporary reflections to historical stories. Young people from the Oakfield Project who are outside mainstream education, researched 7 local soldiers and made a documentary about their journey to find their resting places at the war cemeteries of Belgium. Media and history students from Dorcan Academy collaborated to create a series of photographic portraits based on real Swindon events, supported by the project’s lead artist, Gurchetan Singh, and photographer Elmar Rubio. The exhibition itself has been supported by local design agency, Hot Pepper Design, to make sure the young people’s work will be presented in the most striking way. The project has been made possible thanks to a grant of

Local singing group and national phenomenon, Rock Choir invites all to a free first session! No auditions or requirements to read music or have any singing experience. There are weekly fun rehearsals and performances throughout the year. Local Rock Choir leader, Kate Benson, runs sessions in Wroughton, Royal Woootton Bassett and Marlborough. Term begins week of Monday 14th Janaury. For venues, times and more info see www.rockchoir.com or call head office on 01252 714276

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£34,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Create Studios’ artistic director, Shahina Johnson said: “We are delighted to have supported a new generation to discover more about the region’s First World War history. “The exhibitions in Swindon and Wiltshire, as well as the website, will bring the 100 Stories to thousands of people as part of the First World War Centenary celebrations.” Ruth Farrow of Dorcan Academy said: “I feel our students are going to grow into better people from the experience of not only researching real life stories of WW1 but also being treated as adults in an adult arena. “I am convinced that having such high expectations of our Swindon students always produces great results.” Nerys Watts, head of HLF in the South West, said: “This project has provided a creative insight into Swindon’s memory of the conflict, particularly for young people, ensuring this heritage is remembered by future generations”. The exhibition is at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery until 20 February. www.100storiesww1.com swindonlink.com n January 2016

Lottery bid to restore church in Lydiard Park rejected  A second application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to assist in the restoration of St Marys Church in Lydiard Park has been turned down again.   The bid for £500,000 has been refined and more closely focused on saving the extensive medieval wall paintings which have been identified by the Church of England as amongst the top 100 artworks most in need of conservation.   St Marys Church Building & Conservation Appeal chairman Paul Gardner commented: “Although our revised bid was unsuccessful the HLF recognises the exceptional heritage importance of the church and its contents. They have strongly indicated that a revised application would be welcomed provided we show stronger outcomes for people and communities, and also clearer

Jane Rutherfoord, undertaking conservation at St Mary’s evidence of the links between St Mary’s and Lydiard House.” Work to make the church roof wind and water tight started in 2011. The appeal committee is now spending funds raised from

public donations and grant giving bodies on urgent work to halt water penetration behind the altar.   Paul said: “We believe the conservation of the 18th Century Reredos - the artwork behind

the altar - and the East Chancel wall will show the public how their donations to our appeal are being used to restore the beautiful interior of the church.  “We continue to be very grateful for the ongoing support by our many visitors which has allowed us to fund the works to the Reredos.” Internationally acclaimed conservator Jane Rutherfoord has been commissioned to carry out the careful work to repair and protect the historic artwork.   Jane will be giving a talk about the challenges of preserving delicate artworks in March as part of a series of talks organised by the Friends of Lydiard Park and staff at Lydiard House whilst the house is closed for cleaning for three months. See details of how to book a place on page 25.

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Digital journeys on show in 2016 A new Arts Council backed project by Create Studios is taking place as part of Swindon175, one of the first major exhibitions of the celebratory year of events. Digital Journeys is a major project to get people making and enjoying media in the Swindon175 year. Collecting images and stories from local people, the exhibition aims to capture Swindon’s residents in a new, engaging light. Create Studios are a collaborative team of digital creatives with an award–winning track record. With their not-for-profit model they are committed to investing in talented young people enabling them to develop digital skills with inclusion programmes offering

Success for Swindon Cares support in aid of DASH and Hop, Skip & Jump

opportunities to transform lives, encouraging people to develop their potential. Submissions due by 4 January will be the basis of the exhibition. These include taking photographs of themselves with sentimental items that they feel made them who they are today. This could be toys, diaryies, photo albums; anything that holds specific significance to that person’s ‘journey’. www.createstudios.org.uk

High flying award for Swindon artist

David presenting his book Timeless featuring his Red Arrows inspired artwork to teachers from schools across Swindon in January 2015 Old Town artist David Bent was one of just three to receive the Honorary Companionship from the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2015. It is the highest distinction for those whose professional achievements are not exclusively in aerospace but who have made a substantial contribution to the aerospace profession. Sir Roger Bone, President of Boeing UK (2005 to 2014 ) and Air Commodore Charles Clarke are the other worthy recipients of last year’s award, adding to a list of just 63 stretching back to 1920. The RAeS citation says the award to David has been made ‘in recognition of his exceptional contribution in transforming aviation art with iconic paintings, bringing aviation, technology and art together to a completely new audience while, at the same time, promoting aerospace far and wide.’ David said: "I’m delighted to receive the award. It inspires me

to continue to use my experience and enthusiasm for the subject to express myself in new ways and to encourage others to enjoy art and aerospace " His talent and tenacity has seen David exhibit his work at the Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford, Farnborough International and at the Dubai airshows. He has had a long relationship with the RAF Red Arrows and in 2013 held a solo retrospective exhibition at the RAF Museum. David's partner, Carole arranged for 60 children from Churchfields Academy to visit the exhibition and have a surprise meeting with Red Arrows’ pilots. In 2016 David will be participating in the Swindon's 175 Made in Swindon Art Trail. He will also be returning to the Bournemouth Air Festival where he was artist in residence in 2015. www.davidbentstudio.com www.artofflight.co.uk

From left, Adrian Embling and Ceri Gardiner from DASH receiving a cheque from Lady Gooch, High Sheriff of Wiltshire. Right, Nick Arkell presenting a cheque to Holly Smart and Hailey Stone. Back centre, Jill Fox, Nicky Alberry, Bill Fishlock Business forum Swindon Cares, which has now raised over £215,000 since it started in 2003, boosted its support for charitable, community and voluntary organisations in the town by another £18,000 in 2015. In December cheques for £9,000 each were presented to West Swindon based charity Hop Skip & Jump and autism support charity DASH. Swindon Cares vice chair Bill Fishlock said: “I find it difficult to believe how well Swindon Cares has done this year. A team representing our objectives took part in the

Swindon Half Marathon and raised a huge amount of money. The runners did a great job and we hope to find even more runners to help out next October. Committee member Nicky Alberry added: “It’s been fabulous working with our two charities this year, DASH and Hop, Skip and Jump. We look forward to raising a similar amount in 2016.” Events last year included concerts, a golf tournament and a quiz night. To organise a fundraiser or join the half marathon team, contact: Swindon Cares via Facebook

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Celebrating over 60 years of Ly

Telling its story of public owners

In 1943, during World War II Swindon Corporation took the pioneering decision to purchase Lydiard House and Park, rescuing it from ruin and almost certain demolition. Led by the visionary town clerk David Murray John, left, the corporation set out to create a first rate heritage and recreational amenity for the war fatigued people of Swindon. The empty property, below, which had been the private domain of the St. John family for over 500 years, became a public asset. Thanks to Murray John’s efforts Lydiard House was one of the first stately homes in Great Britain to receive government funding for restoration – the majority of the work being undertaken by local craftsmen.

In 1955 the House was opened to the public by Lord Lansdown. Since then much of the original furnishings and virtually all of the St. John family portraits have been traced and returned to the House. Over the decades Lydiard House has benefited from substantial grant funding from national organisations such as the Art Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund as well as bequests, money from the Friends of Lydiard Park and private donations. This has enabled Swindon Council to purchase and conserve numerous beautiful and fascinating Lydiard exhibits. Today the heritage status of the museum is recognised throughout Britain. Virtually all of the museum objects are on permanent display and 99 per cent are owned by the Borough of Swindon on behalf of its citizens.

Highlights in the Lydiard collection

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STARTING SATURDAY 2nd JANUARY, 9am

HALF PRICE ON MANY ITEMS

1. Portrait of Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemain by Sir Peter Lely, mid-17th Century. Said to be one of the most beautiful women of her day, Barbara was King Charles II’s favourite mistress, once called ‘the curse of the nation’ for her power and influence. It is part of a large collection of St. John family portraits which hang in Lydiard House and was purchased for Swindon by the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Heritage Memorial Fund. 2. The Grandison Book. This stunning manuscript volume was compiled in the early 17th Century by Sir Richard St. George Clarenceaux King of Arms. It contains genealogical records of the St. John family, vividly painted with heraldic symbols and illustrations.

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2 3. The Socchi Desk is a very rare mechanical desk with an intricate sliding mechanism. Made in the early 19th Century by Giovanni Socchi, it is one of only four known to exist in the world and the only one in Britain. This unique item is part of a group of important furnishings bequeathed to Lydiard House by the Ernest Cook Trust in 1955 and restored to working order with their support in 2001. 4. The State Bed was refurbished with gorgeous embroidered silk draperies in 2006 thanks to a private donation. The Kennet branch of the National Association

ydiard House open to the public

ship through ten historic objects

artists shows Lydiard’s famous Golden Cavalier statue. It is one of the more recently acquired pictures in the Lydiard collection thanks to the support of the Art Fund.

of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) designed and created the decorative panels inspired by the painted window in the nearby Dressing Room. Throughout the house you can see examples of beautiful needlework by NADFAS volunteers. 5. Silver Rose Bowl presented to Vernon St. John 6th Viscount Bolingbroke by tenants on the Lydiard estate to mark his coming of age in 1917. Vernon was the last viscount to live in Lydiard House. The bowl was bequeathed by the 6th Viscount along with a large collection of original Lydiard furnishings, photographs, documents and pictures.

10. Swindon Hooter Petition. In 1873 Lord Bolingbroke forced the Swindon Great

8 Western Railway Company to silence its factory hooter as he didn’t like the noise drifting across the fields from the railway works. 4,339 local people signed this petition to get it successfully reinstated!

9 4

5 6 &7. Lady Diana Spencer’s Painted Panels Detail from a set of floral wall panels by the talented society artist Lady Diana Spencer. Lady Di, as she was known, shares a common ancestry and a striking likeness with 6 the late Princess Diana of Wales. Lady of the manor at Lydiard in the 18th Century she was divorced by her husband through an Act of Parliament, which caused considerable scandal at the time.

Behind Closed Doors: A Programme of Special Events

supported by the Friends of Lydiard Park Swindon Council is closing Lydiard House during January, February and March 2016. This will provide an opportunity to undertake intensive cleaning and care of the collections, prior to re-opening with a new exhibition in time for the Easter holidays in 2016. During this closed period The Friends of Lydiard Park are partnering Lydiard House to offer a series of fascinating behind the scenes talks and tours. Saturday 23 January, 2.30pm: The Ladies of Lydiard. An entertaining tour with local historian Frances Bevan revealing the secrets and talents of Lydiard ladies through the centuries. Wednesday 3 February, 2.30pm: Wigs, Ruffs and Robes. Discover hidden stories behind the portraits of sumptuously dressed aristocrats with Lydiard House educationalist Nancy Heath. Saturday 13 February, 2.30pm: Keeping up Appearances. Frances Yeo, Curator of Lydiard House shows how the Lydiard collection is cared for and demonstrates ways you can look after your own treasured possessions and furnishings. Saturday 20 February, 2.30pm: Grand Designs. Architect Michael Gray explains how the St.John family tried to assert and maintain their aristocratic status by commissioning art, architecture and landscape at Lydiard Park between 1615 and 1748. Wednesday 24 February, 7pm: The Ladies of Lydiard with local historian Frances Bevan (see 23 January) Wednesday 16 March, 7pm: Uncovering History. Jane Rutherfoord talks about ancient wall paintings and her fascinating conservation work in St. Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze. Donations to the St. Mary’s Conservation Appeal are welcomed.

8. 18th Century Sun Dial by J. Sisson of London, designer of the finest mathematical instruments. Made for the St. John’s of Lydiard Park, this dial was restored in 2004 with support from Upper Thames NADFAS and a replica made for the Walled Garden. 9. St. Mary’s Church by John Piper. One of Britain’s best known modern

Events are free (donations welcomed) but places are limited. To book your place, contact: Charlotte Thwaites on 01793 465277 or email: CThwaites@swindon.gov.uk

Friends of Lydiard Park

swindonlink.com n January 2016

WHAT’S ON COMEDY

CIRCUS

Wednesday 13th, 8pm Thursday 14th, 7.30pm Stewart Lee: A Room With A Stew. Age: 14+. £22. Wyvern Friday 15th, 7.30pm Snow White and the Magnificent Seven. A panto for adults packed with corny jokes, raunchy plots and sexual innuendo. £17.50. Wyvern Friday 15th, 8pm Gary Delaney has a new show complete with his famous oneliners and expertly crafted comedy. £15. Arts Centre Wednesday 20th, 8pm Ed Bryne: Outside, Looking In, a new show. Age: 16+ years. £20. Wyvern Friday 22nd, 7.30pm Worbley & Farrell. Four hands and one piano raise the roof; a barnstorming blend of sparky comedy and utterly sensational piano playing. £16. Arts Centre

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Saturday 23rd, 8pm Justin Moorhouse: Destiny Calling. Justin is back making people laugh. £15. Arts Centre

MUSIC

Valuation Day opportunity with

Thomas Plant

Saturday 16th, 7.30pm Claire Jones. An evening of harp music to relax, unwind and celebrate life. £15; children £8. Arts Centre Sunday 17th, 7.30pm

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

The Circus of Horrors. Marking its 21st anniversary in spectacular style this latest incarnation is set in Victorian London in 1899. £23. Wyvern

CHILDREN & FAMILY To Sunday 3rd Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Adam Woodyatt headlines as Chambers with David Ashley as Nurse Nelly. See times and prices at swindontheatres.co.uk. Wyvern Friday 8th to Monday 25th Lambing. See new born lambs. Normal admission prices. Roves Farm. See advert right Friday 29th & Saturday 30th, 7.30pm Pinnochio - No Strings Attached presented by Thames Water Amateur Theatrical Society. Laughter, singing, great entertainment, and no lies, in aid of worthwhile causes. £12. Wyvern

EXHIBITION

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

Monday 11th January, 10am to 3.30pm

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A first class evening of Pink Floyd music complete with impressive laser light show. £22. Wyvern Wednesday 20th, 1.05pm Lunchtime Recital Series: Temporal Variations with Imogen Triner, oboe, Paul Turner, piano. £5. Wyvern Friday 22nd, 7.30pm Supreme Queen featuring an enormously talented band including Nathan Mathers and Scott Maley. £21. Wyvern Sunday 24th, 7.30pm Rat Pack. Vegas Spectacular Show with the greatest music of the 20th Century. £22. Wyvern

Until 20 February 100Stories: exploring Swindon’s WW1 past. A collection of original films and photographs that were produced in response to sixty young Swindon people exploring rich regional First World War resources. Swindon Museum Art & Gallery

VENUES Arts Centre Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 MECA Regent Circus SN1 1PR Tel: 01793 251111 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 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

SWINDON DRAMA

FILM

Sunday 17th, 7.30pm The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes. The great detective recounts highlights of his crime-busting career. Expect quick costume changes, humour and audience participation from this one-man show. £11. Arts Centre

Tuesday 5th, 7.30pm Oliver! (U). £12.50 inc sharing platters and interval ice cream. Wyvern

Wednesday 6th, 7.45pm Phoenix (12A). After undergoing reconstructive surgery, a concentration camp survivor tries to find out if her husband betrayed her to the Saturday Nazis. Arts Centre. SFS

Wednesday 27th to 30th, 7.30pm Par For The Course, a comedy presented by Phoenix Players. Things go from bad to worse on Captain’s Day as members of Seven Lakes Gold Club discover that personal relationships off the course are more dangerous than the hazards on it. Unsuitable for under 12s. £10. Arts Centre

Wednesday 20th, 7.45pm Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter (12A) Frustrated with her mundane life, a Tokyo office worker becomes obsessed with a fictional movie that she mistakes for a documentary. Arts Centre. SFS Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join at any film showing

Schoolhouse Restaurant £11.99 Early Bird Menu From 29 December to 31 January

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Starters (sample)

Main Courses

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Boeuf Bourguignon with mashed potato & fresh vegetables

Crispy fish fritter with remoulade sauce

Cream of tomato soup with tarragon & rye bread

Breaded cod’s roe with parsley mayonnaise

Thai prawn & cod cakes with sweet chilli sauce

Ska band to get 2016 going in lively style

Breaded mushrooms with aioli

The Skabilly Rebels will be rocking Swindon MECA on Saturday 16 January, 7.45pm, featuring Roddy Radiation, formerly of The Specials, supported by local acts Erin Bardwell Collective and The Nomarks. Tickets £10 online at: www.mecaswindon.co.uk or call 01793 251111, or from Swindon Information Centre. £12 on the door

Greek salad with balsamic dressing

(sample)

Veal steamed suet pudding, mash, gravy & root vegetables

Honey roasted pork with cider jus, mashed potato & pickled cabbages Battered fish, remoulade sauce, sauté potatoes & mushy peas “Garbure”; French broth of pheasant, ham & vegetables in bouillon with bread

Desserts (sample) Crispy apple & cinnamon fritter with apricot sauce

Steamed toffee pudding with caramel sauce Dark chocolate mousse with ice cream & white chocolate sauce

Caramelised orange with flamed whisky and honey sauce

Early Bird Rules

Orders must be in the kitchen by 6.45pm Dishes and tables subject to availability Menu may change during service Menu available from 5pm

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Swindon: a special place to celebrate

Get the champagne chilled because 2016 is set to be a year of anniversaries in Swindon, with a number of historic milestones coming together.

Town Office 1 Groundwell Road, Swindon SN1 2LT Tel: 01793 422422 Chapel of Rest 92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret SN3 4NN Tel: 01793 832072

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available 24 hours a day, every day of the year The children’s fete in the GWR Park, c1910. Photo: Swindon Society They will be led by Swindon 175, a yearlong programme of events and initiatives to mark the origins of the railway town in 1841, and incorporating two other key railway anniversaries. The new year will bring the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir Daniel Gooch, who the children’s fete. was ‘the father of New Swindon,’ The event, which will echo the and 30 years since the closure of annual fetes for railway families Swindon Railway Works. that began in 1866, will take place Graham Carter, editor of Swindon on Saturday 11 June. Heritage magazine, said: “We are Perhaps the oddest birthday party delighted to support Swindon will be at Kingsdown Crematorium, 175, and it’s good to see Gooch’s which will host an open day on 23 contribution to the development of April to mark its golden jubilee of the town will be properly recognised providing solace and comfort to “Hopefully he will step out of the people in the Swindon area for the shadow of Brunel during 2016.” last 50 years Although no-one will be A more conventional milestone is ‘celebrating’ the closure of the 60 years of Swindon’s contribution Works in 1986, Graham believes it is to the automobile industry, now important to also mark that event. the town’s biggest employer, which He added: “Some people might began making car body panels at think it is strange to incorporate the Pressed Steel plant (now BMW) the anniversary of closure of the on New Year’s Eve, 1955. Railway Works in Swindon 175 but Find out more about Swindon it cannot be ignored. 175 by contacting Caroline Black: “It was probably the darkest day caroline@swindon175.com in the town’s history, but the way Facebook: Swindon175 Swindon got over it shows there is www.swindonheritage.com something in the spirit of so-called ‘ordinary’ local people that should make us optimistic about the future. And that is what Swindon 175 is really all about.” Another railway anniversary will be marked in the summer when Production of bodies for Austin-Healey Sprites, Faringdon Road Park, better known as ‘Frogeyes’, in Swindon in the late formerly known as 1950s. Photo: Swindon Society the GWR Park, hosts

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Think beyond a keep fit resolution and get serious about looking after yourself Personal trainer Les Slinn suggests ways for arriving at this point in 12 months time feeling fitter, happier and more confident This time of year people are full of New Year resolutions looking for that quick fix, that new wonder diet that will change their lives, they join gyms or start doing home DVDs all with good intentions. But, as so often is the case, enthusiasm starts to wane and eventually they give up. So what can we do? The first thing is to keep up the resolution to get fitter. Going for a brisk walk, for

example, the hardest thing is to take the first step out the door. Once you’re out you have to keep going; perhaps go with a friend or join one of the town’s several walking groups. I always tell my clients to note the time it takes to complete that route so that you have a target to improve. You’ll be surprised how competitive you become, and quite quickly you’ll burn calories, strengthen muscles and bones, and lose weight. Maybe running is for you. There are local running classes taking people from absolute beginners, or start a run-walk programme which gives you the incentive to put on your trainers. Start the journey and who knows what you will achieve this year? Some people prefer to work out in gyms and classes. If you belong to a gym ensure your workout changes regularly to keep you motivated.

It also keeps your body guessing to get better gains, and prevents your muscles from getting used to the same exercises. Perhaps book different fitness classes, again maybe with a friend, although if you go often enough it is a great way to meet people. Whilst talking about lifestyle changes and also eating habits, I find the best way is to get clients to fill in a weekly food diary or use a free app ‘My Fitness Pal’ which is very useful to record what you’re eating. We usually find people are

either eating too much, too late or sometimes not enough of the correct food. Whatever you decide to do, keep exercise regular, make it part of your new lifestyle in 2016. You will be healthier, weigh less, have more energy, be more confident, want to do more and have a more positive outlook. Remember ‘Life is for Living.’ A Happy Healthy New Year. To ask Les to get your new fitness regime going, call 07833 582788 www.lespersonaltraining.com

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MONDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick SN25 1QQ. Consultant: Sharon 07841 119082 MONDAYS 7.30pm Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ. Consultant: Lisa 07414 540866 TUESDAYS 6.30pm Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive, Abbey Meads SN25 4GY. Consultant: Paula 07733 082579 TUESDAYS 7.30pm Westlea Primary School, Langstone Way, Westlea SN5 7BT. Consultant: Sabrina 07791 809504 WEDNESDAYS 9.30am Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ. Consultant: Nicola 07443 454309 WEDNESDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill, Off Bath Road SN1 3LS. Consultant: Steve 07791 041411 WEDNESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Francis School, Taw Hill SN25 1UH. Consultant: Heather 07816 860840 WEDNESDAYS 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Weston Community Centre, Somerset Road, Rodbourne Cheney SN2 1NF. Consultant: Pete 07535 637418 THURSDAYS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Ave. Haydon Wick SN25 1QQ. Consultant: Sharon 07841 119082 FRIDAYS 9.30am Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2GY. Consultant: Heather 07816 860840 NEW SATURDAYS 9am & 11am Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road SN5 8LY. Consultant: Lou 07784 098022 CONSULTAN TS SATURDAYS 9.30am Redhouse Community Centre, Frankel Avenue SN25 2NJ. Consultant: Jac 07469 245888 NEEDED SEE PAGE 31

NEW GROUPS FOR THE NEW YEAR

visit the website to read Kelsey-Beth’ s story

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000 30

swindonlink.com n January 2016

Venue and contact details above Wednesday 30th December, 9.30am: Redhouse Communty Centre with Nicola & Weston Community Centre with Pete Thursdays, 7.30pm (5.30pm on New Year’s Eve - Opening Night) Redhouse Community Centre with Kerry 07989 500151 Saturday 2nd January, 9.30am: Redhouse Community Centre with Jac

Slimming World is one of the best known weight loss programmes in the country based on empowering clients to understand how they feel and enabling them to aim for achievable weight loss goals through caring support via local groups and online. Now there’s a chance to be part of a success story by becoming a consultant in the Swindon and Cirencester area. Find out more at an opportunity event on Saturday 2 January at Freshbrook Community Centre.

TONE FOR 2016

Ask your Slimming World consultant or call local coordinator Heather Zych on 07816 860840. For a list of classes see the Slimming World advert on page 30.

Boxing is for girls West Swindon based Scrappers Gym runs boxing sessions to learn new skills and improve fitness in a female friendly environment. No experience is required, just enthusisasm to have a go. Call Kelly on 07969 670042 for details. Facebook: Scrappers Gym

Fun and enjoyable pay as you go classes £7 per hour or enjoy both classes in the same week for £12

Turn up and take part or visit:

www.swindonpilates.com

Colleen

people with physical or learning difficulties, as well as helping people deal with obesity. Matt said: “As a freelancer I’m offering personal training and advice on healthy eating at a sensible price. Don’t let that New Year’s resolution go to waste, with a bit of encouragement you can get on that path to a new you. And to help, I’m offering 10 per cent off normal rates.” Contact Matt via the advert below.

Massage Therapy Diploma By Dawn Morse MSc

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Get some personal attention to attain a new look Experienced fitness professional Matt Glover has launched a new business to offer Group PT, bootcamps and fitness classes in West Swindon, working primarily from Simply Gym, off Mead Way. He’s been involved in the fitness industry for 12 years and has become well known over the last seven as a Swindon Council health ambassador, working on health improvement and fitness development programmes with

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The Swindon Wildcats column with Mike Wray

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Swindon Wildcats player-coach Aaron Nell has seen his side embark on a successful run since being appointed head coach back in October, but the 26-year old admits he is still learning about his players and he is impressed with what he has seen. “They are showing so many different qualities,” he said. “Whether it’s the team spirit, the way they’re pushing each other or the way they are dealing with different styles of hockey we’ve been up against since I took over the role, there’s always something I can learn from”. The Link Centre fans have seen more victories than defeats and there have been goals galore since he took up the reigns. They continue to turn up in their numbers and are definitely enjoying what is being served up. Although Nell is quick to point to the efforts of the players, he also deserves credit as he goes about his business in a measured and thorough fashion. No stone is left unturned in preparation for matches, it seems. Having at his disposal a formidably strong squad for English

Premier Ice Hockey League, a squad that is expected to secure a top five finish, Nell still has to manage the roster and that is not always easy given that all players want to be on the ice. Having handled this aspect calmly and carefully, he has instilled a fierce competition for places that is fuelling performances and he has also shown he is not afraid to make decisions. “So far during my career I’ve been fortunate enough to work under some great coaches and coaching younger age groups is something I’ve been really comfortable with,” he continued. “We’ve also got some great experience in our locker room with the likes of Kenton Smith and Jan Kostal and I’ve learnt not to get too excited when things are going well and not to get too down when things are not. “It’s a long season and the league is notorious for its ups and downs but the way things at this club have been built on year upon year, we’re seeing the results and it’s great to be part of that long term plan.” You can find out more about the club at swindonwildcats.com

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Trust STFC welcome Excalibur’s chief to their ranks

Chairman Steve Mytton welcomes James Phipps

Local businessman James Phipps has joined Trust STFC as a board member, looking to help expand the reach of the fans’ group. The two-time Wiltshire Business Person of the Year shook hands with chairman Steve Mytton as he was welcomed to the board. Excalibur already sponsors many of Swindon’s sports teams including the Wildcats ice hockey team, where Mr Phipps is a non-executive director. Mr Phipps also owns Positive Media Group, which includes The Ocelot arts and entertainment magazine, The Business Exchange and Swindon Link. He said: “I have been a Town fan for over 30 years and seen the ups and downs. “A strong, dynamic and capable Trust board is good for the fans and STFC. I look forward to bringing my business and sports experience to the board, hopefully adding to the great work already done by the Trust.

Reach new heights with Prospect Hospice

“I believe the fans need Trusts more than ever to represent them and should be the ultimate guardians for any club as owners come and go over a period of time. “If we get it right off the pitch then hopefully success will come on it.” Chairman Steve Mytton said: “We approached James a few weeks back and were delighted when he accepted the offer. We were impressed with the way he supports Swindon initiatives and local sport, and he’s a fantastic addition to our team. “He also brings a vast array of contacts, and we’re hopeful that together we can open doors within the local business community and bring the football supporters of Swindon closer together with local businesses. “There are exciting times ahead.” For more information on Trust STFC, visit www.truststfc.com

If you have ever wanted to stand at the top of Western Europe’s highest peak, Prospect Hospice has just launched their overseas challenge to climb Mont Blanc in August 2016. The local hospice, which has to raise £7.2m each year to provide its care and services to thousands of people, is looking for adventurers to take up the challenge. Visit www.prospect-hospice.net/montblanc for details.

Join Prospect Hospice for their first fundraising event of the year, the muddy and challenging Prospect 10k run, supported by Nationwide. Starting and finishing at Nationwide’s Pavilion on Pipers Way, the 10k run takes you across fields, footpaths and some very

muddy stretches for what promises to be a challenging winter run. Entry registration costs £15 and suggested sponsorship is £100. Visit www.prospect-hospice.net/ Supporter/Fundraising-Events/ Prospect-10k-Registration for details on how to enter.

Get the cycling bug in 2016

Luxury Park Home living for the over fifties

Cycling column by Rob Derry of Swindon Bicycle Users Group (BUG) BUG promotes cycling, arranges events and works with Swindon Council to ensure that the needs of cyclists are considered across the borough. I’m sure many readers enjoyed the festive season and all of the goodies it had to offer and are now wondering how to shift the extra pounds. I made a resolution in 2008 when I declared that I would start cycling to work ‘a bit’. I thought by keeping it vague I wouldn’t be disappointed if I didn’t cycle very often. Some people thought I was slightly crazy starting in January – if you’re going to take up an outdoor activity, isn’t the best time to do it when it’s nice and warm in June? Well,

undeterred, I got my bike out of the garage, got it serviced and started cycling to work. So, what’s the progress eight years on? Now, I cycle to work almost every day. It’s quicker than driving across Swindon (especially with all of the recent and current roadworks), I get more than the recommended amount of exercise a day and I arrive at work more alert. While there are always things BUG would like to improve, Swindon is a pretty good place to cycle. It’s relatively flat, there are quite a few paths if you want to avoid the roads and there are lots of quieter roads if you don’t. So, make the change. Follow BUG on Facebook and Twitter (search for Swindon BUG)

Are you aged 50+ and considering moving home? Want to leave the hustle and bustle of Swindon behind in favour of countryside living? Lillybrook is a long established family run business which runs two luxurious Park Home Estates in a rural setting just outside Lyneham. Please pay us a visit and take a look around, or contact us. Lawrence & Philip Burchell - Lillybrook Estate Ltd Park Office, Lyneham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 4AA tel: 01249 890250 - www.lillybrook.co.uk swindonlink.com n January 2016

Llillybrook Homes 1/4page LINK NOV2105.indd 1

12/10/15 17:36

25 years of friendship between Nicaragua and Swindon

Twenty five years ago Swindon invited the Mayor of the Nicaraguan town of Ocotal, Felipe Bareda, to inaugurate an official twinning with Swindon, writes Bruce Clarke of Swindon Ocotal Link (SOL) which sustains the contact. Nicaragua is a long way away running of Comedor Princess Diana, and many thought it was either a a nursery where 150 children are gesture or a waste of time. washed, fed and taught some basics. However, the achievements over We recently directed funds for a a quarter of a century speak for women’s project where they can themselves. look after their children in safety. The generosity of Swindon people But when I say WE, it should be in1998 after the devastation of YOU. SOL is not large, there are Hurricane Mitch on Central America about a dozen people at the heart was amazing. Seven tons of aid was of the group, but we do our best transported direct to Nicaragua to sustain the civic link and show via RAF Hercules, over £30,000 how Swindon people can have of funding was raised and two international impact. engineers were sent out to draft a SOL is also backed up by regular feasibility study on flood prevention support from local organisations which led to a big European like Immanuel Church, Swindon funding programme for the region. Town FC, local schools, Rotary Clubs, Our link was started by several Lions Club, Penhill Lunch Club and Ocotal dancers Edenia Rivera and Marcos Pineda in front of the volunteer nurses. Over the years we Link Centre mural in 2007 Swindon Council. have organised work camps and led In our 25th year of solidarity, we exhibition and our visiting artist people’s home and there have been intend to party. Please join us by over 10 self-funded group visits, produced a brilliant wall mural at countless grants for small medical as well as three youth visits, one contacting Steve Rhodes: steve. Lydiard Park Academy. And do you and health emergencies. including young people from our rhodes@doctors.org.uk remember the very large piece of High on our list of support is German twin town Salzgitter. Look out for forthcoming events art work celebrating the link that the building, maintenance and There have also been visits by at: www.solswindon.co.uk dominated the library entrance at people from Ocotal who have Link Centre? danced, sang and performed at Reserve the Mad March Hare in your resolutions list In Ocotal we can point to a health the Swindon Festival of Literature, Here’s your first challenge of 2016 route of West Swindon and Lydiard centre, a school, local housing and Swindon Mela, Swindon Arts entry is open for this year’s Mad Park. a nursery, all built with our aid. festival and at football matches. March Hare in aid of Breast Cancer The 9th Mad March Hare takes Over a decade we have supported They’ve even featured on national Now, Swindon and North Wiltshire place on Sunday 20 March, starting BBC News about Swindon’s attempt 30 of the poorest families to send Group. and finishing at Lydiard Park their children to school. SOL is also to win city recognition in 2000. It’s a fun event which welcomes Academy. a joint funder of an amazing old Recently, we put on an art people of all ages and abilities to To take part or to volunteer as get out and enjoy taking exercise. an event organiser, contact info@ Come on your own or bring your madmarchhare.org.uk or call 0845 Time is a rare commodity in our certainly look impressive on a CV as family, friends or your dog, to walk, 6808064 or via busy lifestyles, but how about the youngsters make their way into jog or run the 5km or 10km circular www.madmarchhare.org.uk investing just a few hours a month their preferred career. in 633 West Swindon Squadron 633 Squadron is holding a cadet Air Training Corps which has had a recruitment event at Lydiard Park presence in West Swindon for well Academy on Saturday 16 January over 20 years? from 10.30am to 3pm to extend It’s a charitable organisation these life chances to the next supported by the Royal Air Force, generation of young people. but more importantly units are run The squadron is also looking for by volunteer staff backed-up by a adults to join the team to provide civilian committee. young people with skills for the The aim is to offer young people future. People with instructor between the ages of 12 and 20 capabilities as well as staff to the chance of great learning oversee cadet welfare, fundraising, experiences like principles of squadron finances and other flight, flying and gliding, team support roles are needed. development and leadership, life If you are interested in becoming skills, camps in the UK, international a cadet, instructor or committee expeditions and exchanges. member, email Sqn Commander All cadets have the chance to Flt Lt Helene Woodham RAFVR(T): Husband and wife team Mark Harris Laura, who grew up in Kenya and take part in the Duke Of Edinburgh oc.633@aircadets.org and Laura Storm who are highly started diving at the age of 12, is Award scheme. All of this can Find more at: www.633atc.co.uk regarded divers will be holding a passionate wildlife photographer,

Air cadets recruiting in January

Champion freedivers to talk about and illustrate sub-aqua photography

Distribution vacancies Link magazine needs a paid distributor in St Andrews Ridge and another for parts of Haydon Wick. For details please mail Brian Holden: holden1@ntlworld.com 34

swindonlink.com n January 2016

a talk on free diving and their experiences at Swindon Sub-Aqua Club on Tuesday 2 February, 8pm. Mark is a former UK champion freediver, record-holder and instructor who has also coached and judged at freediving competitions.

both above and below water. Admission to this fascinating evening costs £6 on the door. Tickets include light refreshment and there is a pay as you go bar at Swindon Sub-Aqua Club, Supermarine Road, SN3 4BZ. www.swindive.co.uk

Under 10s rugby lad walks to charity success

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Jackson Allen during and after his sponsored walk Royal Wootton Bassett RFC under 10s player Jackson Allen challenged himself in December with a sponsored walk to raise money for two charities Wooden Spoon and Alzheimer’s Research. Nine-year-old Jackson had been keen on supporting Alzheimer’s Research since his greatgrandfather suffered from the disease before he died. He also wanted to fundraise for Wooden Spoon, who he had previously supported during a charity balloon launch at the club’s opening weekend. Setting up an online fundraising page, Jackson managed to raise £232.50 in sponsorship for walking from Redhouse village in North Swindon, to the rugby club in Royal

Annual potato day on 16 January Swindon Allotments and Leisure Gardens Association are holding their annual Potato Day on Saturday 16 January, 10.30am to 2pm at Gorse Hill Community Centre. There will be at least 60 varieties of seed potatoes for sale by the tuber plus onion sets, fruit trees and bushes and a selection of heritage seeds. Admission is free and open to all. Tea and coffee available.

Wootton Bassett, hoping to arrive in time to watch the 1st XV play. Storm Desmond hit on the day of the walk, but Jackson went ahead anyway, and walked through Peatmoor and Lydiard Park, all the way to Royal Wootton Bassett, totalling almost 10 miles in 3 hours. He was greeted by friends, family, coaches and teammates on arrival at the club and received an additional £439 in his donation bucket from club members, players and supporters at the match. This brought his grand total to £671.50 to be split between the two charities. Jackson said: “It was a real challenge, but I’m proud of myself for doing it. Thank you to everyone who supported me.”

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swindonlink.com n January 2016

Much needed crossings: one completed and one yet to be finished

Jason Elderfield and his godson Alfie Long with Cllr Nick Martin at the completed Swinley Drive zebra crossing A zebra crossing on Swinley Drive, near to Roughmoor Village Centre, Peatmoor was completed in early December. This was two years after parent Greig Evenett started a petition calling for greater safety for pedestrians in the face of the increased volume of traffic using residential roads through West Swindon as they try to avoid delays on Mead Way. Greig, whose daughters attend Peatmoor Primary School, said: “It’s great to see the crossing in place, providing safety for people of all ages crossing what has become a fast road.”

Shaw councillor Nick Martin said he was glad to see the completed project. “We’ve been pushing for this for over two years; it’s amazing how long projects like this take, from arguing for budget allocation to planning to construction.” Meanwhile in Grange Park completion of the crossing at Hay Lane, close to Tregoze Primary School, is awaited later in the year. Residents have organised three or four campaigns in the last 20 years but it’s taken a petition by feisty parent Tracey Boxall to get a serious response. The scheme is taking place in three stages with trees and bushes being

Reviewing progress at Hay Lane, from left, Tracey Boxhall, Matthew Courtliff, Cllr Tim Swinyard, Cllr Caryl Sydney-Smith cut back and work taking place to extend footpaths on both sides of the road where children cross between Hay Lane and Campion Gate/Chancellor Close. A bus shelter and electricity cables have to be moved and finally a zebra crossing installed with associated road markings. Hopefully the project can be completed by the summer holiday. Tracey said: “It’s a slow process getting the crossing built but I’m really glad Cllr Tim Swinyard and MP Robert Buckland got behind the parents’ petition. After so many years we’re looking forward to a time when our children will be safer.” • A pre-local election spat was

avoided when prospective council candidate Matthew Courtliff appeared to be claiming progress was a Labour Party achievement. However he apologised to Tracey Boxhall for any confusion and acknowledged residents had received backing from Cllr Swinyard and Robert Buckland MP.

MS Centre upward move

Five years after moving to Bradbury House, Westlea, the Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Moving On Up Appeal has raised enough money to purchase the upper floor of the building to allow further expansion of its services.

An unconventional gap year in Chile for North Swindon student Beth Arthurs Local A-Level student Beth Arthurs is taking part in an unconventional gap year by travelling to Chile as part of Project Trust, a charity that seeks to aid community’s across the world and provide life changing experiences to young people. Beth, who studies Spanish, World Development and Graphic Design at Cirencester College, went through an intense four-day selection course involving over 200 volunteers from across the UK, on the Isle of Coll in Scotland. She will be spending a year 7400 miles from home in Chile working as a teaching assistant and assisting in a care home. Beth said: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, to experience a completely different culture and work with children to expand their view of the world. “It’s not just a charity gap year, it gives you a broader perspective. After my year in Chile I am planning to go to University to study International Development and Spanish, so this time in South America is going to have a massive impact” Project Trust is an educational charity which sends around 300

swindonlink.com n January 2016

• Free estimate at your home or work • We now complete all repairs in our workshop| • We will collect and return your car, free of charge, the same day Beth Arthurs young volunteers abroad to 22 countries annually. Its aim is to provide volunteers with an educational experience through living and working with people in communities very different to those in which they have grown up. To help raise the £6200 needed for the trip, Beth will be holding various fundraising events including Easter Bingo at Cricklade Town Hall and a Sarsen Trail 26 mile trek from Avebury to Stonehenge in May. For more details on how you can help or get involved, or more about Project Trust, visit Beth’s Facebook page: bethsyearinchile

The Honda HR-V – crossover style

Geoff Maxted of Drivewrite.co.uk takes the latest Honda HR-V for a spin Amazingly, it has been ten years since Honda’s last vehicle that carried the HR-V name. It was a boxy, slightly disappointing SUVstyle car that didn’t really capture the public’s attention. This time around though the company seem to have cracked it with their latest offering. Coming rather late to the automotive crossover party, it is nevertheless an attractive proposition for those who prefer

the high-riding nature of crossovers to the more regular hatch. I would have wished that maybe Honda could have been a little more daring with the design, but they’ve played safe and gone for a conventional sporty appearance. The rounded front, curved window area and arching roof line all give the HR-V a tall coupé look, aided by a sleek and pronounced crease running through the two side doors that meets up with the window line.

It’s smart styling and I especially like the ‘hidden’ rear door handles but find the rear view a bit plain. All models are two-wheel drive. The UK is unlikely to see a 4WD version, alas. The exterior is attractive without being controversial but it’s on the inside that Honda have really delivered. On the range-topping model we tested the leather seats were really comfortable and it was the work of a moment to find the ideal driving position. Occupants are presented with a cohesive cabin design, with instruments and controls logically grouped in a manner that puts all the toys nicely to hand. The plastics employed on the dash are mostly soft-touch and of good, sturdy quality although there remains some of the scratchy hard stuff. Although the external dimensions appear snug – this car is based on the company’s evergreen Jazz platform after all - like the Tardis the interior is surprisingly roomy with plenty of space in the back. In fact the available space is better than found in some slightly larger competitors. The same goes for the

boot. That’s good design. Overall, the interior has a premium feel about it and includes Honda’s extremely practical magic seats. The looks may be sporty but Honda clearly don’t want to put off their buyers by making the suspension too firm. The HR-V is good to drive and although it has one of the best rides in its class, gliding over our ruined roads, this softness induces lean into corners so don’t expect rally car handling. There are only two engines on offer right now; a new 128bhp 1.5L petrol and Honda’s reliable 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel which we found a tad harsh in the HR-V. With 118bhp it’s not tremendously powerful either and can feel a little breathless in low gears. There’s a choice of manual or CVT gearboxes. It is economical though; Honda reckon 68mpg from the diesel and we saw over 50mpg during our test period. Overall, we rate the Honda HR-V. It is never going to inflame the senses and for the £25k our range-topper costs you can get a well specified Civic Tourer, but if the crossover image is for you then this car should be on your shortlist.

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Fuel consumption MPG (l/100km) for Hyundai range: Urban 18.0 (15.7) - 80.7 (3.5), Extra Urban 32.8 (8.6) - 94.2 (3.0), Combined 25.2 (11.2) - 88.3 (3.2), CO2 Emissions 261 - 84 g/km. Fuel consumption: figures shown are based on official EU test figures. These are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect all driving results. ^Models shown: i10 S 1.0 at £7,995 OTR in solid paint at no extra cost and New Generation i20 S 1.2 5dr at £10,995 OTR in solid paint at no extra cost. On the road (OTR) prices shown include customer saving discounts where applicable, VAT where applicable, delivery, vehicle first registration fee, number plates and 12 months’ Road Fund Licence. All offers and savings are subject to availability, while stocks last and are only available to private retail customers on new cars purchased and registered in the UK (excluding Channel Islands or Isle of Man), between 1st October and 31st December 2015, inclusive, sourced through Hyundai Motor UK Ltd or its authorised dealers. Offers are not available for customers under the Hyundai Affinity Programme. 5 Year Warranty terms and exclusions apply. Please see www.hyundai.co.uk or ask your local Dealer.

swindonlink.com n January 2016

Lydiard Park Academy Sixth Form Community Ambassadors step into action

LPA Community Ambassadors help out at Toothill Lunch Club festive do Lydiard Park Academy’s Sixth Form Community Ambassadors have begun their first project involving local residents. A small team of five sixth formers: Nathan Ellmer, Naeema Miah, Caleb Guppy, Anju Budha and Adam Talbot organised the Christmas event for the Toothill Community Lunch Club.

When Gail Light, West Swindon’s Localities Facilitator, approached LPA for volunteers to help at the club’s Christmas lunch – something LPA and formerly Greendown students have done for a number of years – she invited the ambassadors to take the project on as their own. 17-year-old Nathan Ellmer said:

North Swindon boxer targets middleweight crown

“We jumped at the opportunity. As community ambassadors, we want to actually have an effect and make a difference. This project is just right for us to get started.” Year 12 student and project manager Naeema Miah said: “For this project, we were asked to design tickets and posters, organise all the activities and entertainment for the afternoon, and co-ordinate a team of volunteers from our school at the event.” One of the most important jobs of the volunteers was to chat with members and provide them with a memorable experience at a time of year which can be very difficult for some people. Sixth former Caleb Guppy said: “We planned an exciting range of activities for the afternoon. Along with the ever-popular bingo and the must-have raffle, we also

planned a Christmas quiz.” Anju Budha, founder member of LPA Sixth Form Community Ambassadors, said: “All the wonderful prizes for the activities were donated to us by students and staff at school. We ran an assembly for our sixth form to tell them about our project and asked for their support with prizes.” DJ and presenter of LPA Radio, 17-year-old Adam Talbot organised the entertainment for the afternoon. Throughout the year ahead, LPA’s ambassadors will be involving themselves in other projects. Their brief is to encourage other sixth formers to participate in projects, to build relationships and work together with other ambassadors across the school, as well as with members of the wider community.

Fire service chaplain returns from another Gambia football trip

John Maxwell with Gambian schoolchildren after coaching session Kelly Morgan from Oakhurst has dreamt of becoming a professional boxer since she was five years old, after watching her father box in the British Army. Having served in the Army herself, with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, won a Commonwealth bronze medal in the javelin and played netball for England, Kelly has set

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herself the target of becoming world middleweight and super middleweight champion. On 15 December, five days before coming face-to-face with the World No 2 Middleweight Silvia Szabados, Kelly was sparring with Team GB at their training facility in Sheffield. Kelly is one of five female professional boxers in the UK. She won her debut fight in July 2015 with a first round knockout and battled for a points victory against the World No 12, Melinda Lázár in October. At the time of going to press, Kelly needed to win her fight on 20 December to secure an opportunity to contest a European title in the spring. Kelly is in need of local businesses and individuals to sponsor her so she can focus completely on bringing Swindon a world champion boxer. To find out more, visit Kelly’s website: www.kellymorganboxing.co.uk

John Maxwell, chaplain to the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, has just returned from another 10-day trip to The Gambia as a representative of the football charity Kit Aid, which provides football kit and equipment for teams and communities in Africa. Having spent 14 years with the Fire Service, John regularly makes two trips a year to The Gambia, working with local teams, schools and the community. John is becoming quite a wellknown figure over there. He said: “As soon as the baggage handlers saw me at the airport they were after me for kit.

John and wife Christine

“I’ve visited about four times and we always get a good reception. Football plays such a big part in everyone’s lives. If they don’t have a football they’ll kick a ball of string about.” When he’s not in The Gambia, John volunteers as a coach at Cricklade Town football club, and regularly dresses up as Santa for the Fire Service at Christmas, amongst his usual duties as chaplain based in Westlea. John is always on the look-out for donations of kit that might otherwise get thrown away. If you have spare boots or jerseys that your children have outgrown contact John on 07830 609372.

First Swindon Soup event success for theatre group

people in the Swindon community was overwhelming, especially with it being a new initiative. “The projects that pitched all did a great job and I hope that they benefited from the night in some way. “It was lovely to have so many people from different backgrounds and specialisms uniting in one place to help others. “I hope that it is the first of many successful Soup events and that we can now use this as a platform to grow and get even bigger. Bring on Local community members and businesses gather for a ‘soup-er’ February.“ experience at Arclite House as part of the first Swindon Soup event Although Wrong Shoes were the overall winners of the first Soup, Wrong Shoes theatre company were a charity specialising in aiding all three projects agreed that the the first of Swindon’s community disadvantaged teenagers. projects to benefit from the All three made passionate pitches exposure and platform to get their inaugural Swindon Soup event. to an audience of community figures ideas noticed in the community was The evening was held on in early and businesses, who were then given the key point they could take from December at Arclite House in the opportunity to quiz each project the evening. Soup was founded in Detroit in Peatmoor and was organised by on their key points. 2010, with the mission to promote Positive Media Group and Excalibur After a musical interlude from community based development Communications to support artists Polar Front, the audience through crowd funding, creativity, community activities, projects and decided that Wrong Shoes Theatre collaboration, democracy and fun. innovative ideas. Company’s pitch deserved the So far more than $100,000 has been Three local projects were the first funding brought in from the raised for Detroiters by Detroiters. to pitch. They were Meet, Eat and entrance fee, and this money will The next event will be held on 25 Learn; a local group set up to help be spent on a lighting rig for the February. newcomers to Swindon settle in, Shoebox Theatre. If you wish to register your interest Wrong Shoes Theatre Company; Fiona Simpson, organiser and host in pitching an idea, or attending the who are opening a new arts centre of Swindon Soup said: “Our first event, visit: called the Shoebox Theatre on ever Swindon Soup event got off www.swindonsoup.com Theatre Square and Inner Flame, to a great start. The support from

The Pitchers

More infomation about each of the three Swindon Soup pitches:

Meet, Eat and Learn

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Wrong Shoes Theatre Company

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swindonlink.com n January 2016

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VIEWPOINT: Is parishing the future of Swindon? Are you one of nearly half of Swindon voters who lives in an area with no parish council? asks Colin Doubleday. If you live in areas like Old Town, Central Swindon or Rodborne then Swindon Council has started a process of creating a parish council for your area. Not just your area, the other areas too, we may all get one whether we like it or not. Council leader David Renard has found himself in rather a pickle over the idea of creating parishes. He says they are local and hence truely democratic, however he believes so strongly in this idea that he is willing to push it through without any democratic vote by the people. Actually when asked, he felt that a referendum was specifically ‘not the most democratic way to decide this matter’. What is strange is that new parish councils are normally at the request of local people. Legislation passed in 2007 encourages residents to petition for a parish council. If a petition of at least 7.5% of people in a specific parished area is received then an authority can conduct a review. But as no such petition has been received, this appears to be the borough starting

swindonlink.com n January 2016

their own review. But why do this only three years after a previous review decided that there was no great demand in Swindon for parish councils? Whilst supporting the idea of a consultation process, Cllr Renard is very clear that his preference is that we should have parish councils in all areas. However it is also stated that he would assume that all those who don’t respond to a consultation can be deemed to support the idea. Consultations do not often attract large responses, because the questions are complicated and residents have busy lives. When 5,000 people have an opinion on the idea of parish councils, it quickly becomes irrelevant because 215,000 other residents are deemed to support the idea, just because they have not spoken. It is hard to see how this can be challenged. Does all this matter? Perhaps they are a good thing? But the idea of parish councils is even more important, because it represents a constitutional change. Power and budgetary

Colin Doubleday asks the council difficult questions about parishing responsibility will pass from one layer of government to another new layer. Departments for lighting streets and emptying bins will be removed by the borough and officers may be made redundant. There will be no real opportunity to reverse these changes if a future council decides that it doesn’t work. Cllr Renard has found himself in this position thanks to the politics of expediency. Whitehall are making large cuts to local government, but they are also clear that council tax must not be raised by more than 2% unless there’s a referendum. Of course Swindon, like many Conservative councils, is not keen on raising council tax and even less keen on holding a referendum. So at a central level they suggest that the responsibility for cleaning, and lighting and street repair could be passed to parish councils, to be

run by volunteers with separate new money raised by new local precepts. A clever trick. More money will be charged per household, but under a different name. Of course don’t blame Cllr Renard, he has ‘no choice, financially as this is the only way to keep the street lights on’, or so he tells us. So why is Cllr Renard against a referendum? I say - if this idea is good enough he should be able to sell it to the people as it will affect generations to come. A referendum is a fair way forward in each of the proposed parish wards and would cost little if organised at the next council elections in May. It is legal and reasonable for the council to take a view by a referendum in each proposed parish area. Surely he cannot force ideas on people who are unaware and not yet involved.

The council view on parishing

Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard gives us his point of view about parishing. It is important to note that Swindon Council has no proposals to introduce new parishes at this time. All the council has voted for is to start a Community Governance Review that will include a consultation on changes to existing parishes as well as the possibility of creating new ones. How will Swindon benefit from parishing? It is a core democratic principle that decisions should be made as close

as possible to the people affected. That is at the heart of the current Government’s localism agenda. Having the whole of the borough parished would contribute to that. Having more democratically elected representatives will ensure accountability for any decisions made. Parishes would provide more variety and competition. Residents would see what facilities other areas offer and ask for similar of their own parish. It would allow different parts of the borough to be more distinctive and celebrate their individuality. If parishes buy services such as grass cutting, it supports the local economy as small and medium enterprises will find it easier to bid. The huge size of the borough Council’s contracts, along with the relevant EU and other tender requirements means that only a few large firms can bid. Smaller contracts will allow for greater competition, better value, and lower prices. What will this mean for council tax bills with a parish council precept being added on to their existing bills? Is this a way of Swindon Council shedding costs? It will be up to each parish to

determine the services that they will provide and the cost that will be added to the precept. Parish councils are part of our democratic fabric and have been so since before Swindon Borough Council existed. Parishes councils were first elected in December 1894, six years before the borough council. It is an historical anomaly from the 19th Century that boroughs were not required to have or retain parish councils. Furthermore, the Cabinet report of 9 December shows how the council is facing increased demand for its care services, mostly from demographic pressures. At the same time the government grant is being reduced and our ability to raise taxes or charges is limited. The law, the inspection regimes and the courts require councils like Swindon to put Adult Social Care and Children’s Services first. We need to find £20m of savings for 2016/17 and we have only identified about £17.4m. Doing nothing is not an option for the borough. With or without parishes there will be cuts. However, those areas with parishes may be able to pay to provide some things like grass cutting locally. What are the objections to a

referendum? Will a consultation process be able to have the same impact as a referendum in getting the people’s voice heard? Any referendum or poll on the Community Governance Review would not be binding. A binding referendum needs to be sanctioned by express powers such as those relating to council tax, or neighbourhood planning. No such statutory powers exist. So far as the power to hold an advisory poll is concerned, section 116 of the Local Government Act 2003 states that a local authority may conduct a poll to ascertain the views of those polled about any matter relating to services provided in pursuance of the authority’s functions, or the authority’s expenditure on such services. A community governance review is neither of those things so it is doubtful whether s116 applies in any event. As far as any Community Governance Review is concerned, there is no specific provision in the legislation providing for a referendum to be held and the legislation provides that the decision following a Community Governance Review is to be made by the borough council.

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