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SKILLS TO LAST A LIFETIME

Editor's Note

By Jamie Hill

There's a bit of a new political era starting in Swindon this month with the borough now being presided over by a hung council for the first time in its history.

This comes after one of the most fraught local elections to be held in the town since the borough council was formed back in 1997.

At the time of going to press the exact make-up of the council was still being decided but despite no political party being in overall control, it looks like The Conservatives will be forming a minority administration as the largest party on the council.

Whatever happens it will mean that for Swindon to continue to be governed, we must enter a time of partisan collaboration between the different parties.

As to what happens to all of the plans of the previous Labour administration, it is anyone's guess but let's hope that the plans to revitalise the town centre continue apace whoever is in charge.

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First Swindon-Oxford rail link in 20 years up and running

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

GWR's new daily two-hourly direct rail service between Swindon and Oxford has begun operating.

The service is the first of its kind in two decades, and its reintroduction marked the triumph of an extensive campaign by Swindon Borough Council and neighbouring local authorities in Oxfordshire.

It is hoped that if the service proves popular it will switch to run trains every hour.

Days before the first train left Swindon bound for Oxford, new official clearance for the route was widely welcomed.

Swindon South MP and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "I’m so pleased that GWR have now got clearances from the relevant authorities to run a weekday direct train service from Swindon to Oxford.

"The weekend trial has been very popular and this new direct weekday service will offer a quick, convenient alternative to driving.

"As one of Swindon’s two MPs this is something I have long pushed for in conjunction with my parliamentary colleague Will Stone for Swindon North and Swindon Labour Councillors.

"As soon as we’ve got a confirmed date for the service to start, we’ll be sure to let everyone know.

"Better transport connections

for Swindon are proof of what Labour councillors working with Labour MPs and a Labour Government can achieve for our town.

"With more money going into fixing our broken roads and with the first rail fares freeze in 30 years, this is all good news for Swindon."

Swindon Borough Council Labour Group Leader Cllr Jim Robbins, a long time campaigner for the new rail link, described the announcement as big and exciting news for Swindon.

He added: "A direct daily train service to Oxford is on the way soon:, starting every two hours, with plans to ramp up to hourly once Oxford station upgrades are complete.

"This connection puts Swindon on the map for the wider East West Rail network, linking us into a major route stretching from Oxford to Cambridge, opening up jobs, opportunities,

and easier travel across the region.

"Swindon just got a whole lot more connected."

Evidence gathered by England's Economic Heartland, a strategic partnership of local authorities, demonstrates that improved east–west connectivity along the Swindon to Oxford corridor would deliver substantial economic, environmental and social benefits.

It would do this, the specialist organisation says, by strengthening labour mobility, supporting innovation, and reducing car dependency.

A strengthened SwindonOxford link would also, according to England's Economic Heartland, form a cornerstone of a future Thames Valley transport strategy, aligning with wider ambitions for greater regional coordination and devolved transport powers.

In June we will be focussing on Leisure and Fitness. To advertise alongside please get in contact

News from SBC

Galactic stars return to STEAM this month

Comic Con returns to the STEAM Museum on Saturday, 20 June, bringing stars from the big and small screens to the heart of Swindon once again.

Run by Stars of Time, the event will feature an amazing array of guest stars including Warwick Davis (Star Wars, Harry Potter), Brian Blessed (Flash Gordon, Star Wars) and Ben Whitehead (Wallace & Gromit). The event will also feature prop displays, photo opportunities and virtual reality experiences. Fans attending are invited to dress up as their favourite TV, film or other fictional character and will be able to enter a free cosplay competition during the event. A lightsaber training experience and tribute to Kermit the Frog will also be available

alongside a number of independent traders for those looking to snag some memorabilia of their favourite film, TV show or video game.

Frances Yeo, STEAM Museum Manager, said: “We’re really excited to welcome the Stars of Time team back to STEAM for what is set to be another excellent Comic Con. “There’s always an amazing atmosphere around the place when this event rolls around and it’s great to see everyone so happy and enjoying what they love.

“There’ll be some great guests and some fantastic displays so there really will be something for every fan.”

Tickets can be booked on the STEAM Museum website.

Armed Forces Day 2026 hosted at Lydiard Park

Swindon is preparing to host one of its biggest community events of the year as Armed Forces Day 2026 returns to Lydiard Park with a full programme of activities, performances and family attractions. The celebration, which honours serving personnel, veterans and their families, will take place on Saturday, 20 June, from 11am to 4.30pm.

Armed Forces Day is part of a nationwide programme of events

recognising the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve in the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, as well as reservists, veterans and their families.

Visitors can expect military equipment demonstrations, stalls run by cadet groups and opportunities to meet organisations supporting the Armed Forces community. A mix of community stalls, crafts and family friendly activities, including a funfair, will be available throughout the day, along

with a range of food options.

Free parking is also available.

Live performances are planned from the Gurkhas, a choir, Cadets and a brass band, adding to the celebrations.

Local charities, organisations and businesses interested in running a stall or performing at the event should email armedforces@swindon.gov.uk.

Crisis and Resilience Fund open to support Swindon residents facing financial hardship

A major new funding package designed to strengthen financial resilience and provide crisis support for Swindon residents is now open for applications.

Backed by £8.3m of Government funding, Swindon Borough Council is distributing support over the next three years through the newly-launched Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). The CRF replaces the previous Household Support Fund and shifts focus towards both immediate crisis intervention and long term financial stability.

Running until 31 March 2029, the fund will help residents experiencing sudden financial shocks or those at risk of entering

Every child deserves a safe route

Foster carers in Swindon shone a new light on why more people should consider fostering.

With more than 300 children in Swindon currently in care, enough to fill four single deckers and two double deckers, carers hit the road as part of a partnership between the borough council’s fostering team, Swindon’s Bus Company and Go South Coast.

Organised to mark Foster Care Fortnight (11-24 May) Carers and bus drivers stood

shoulder to shoulder among six buses, symbolising the number of children who need safe, supportive homes.

Alison Coles, Service Delivery Manager at Swindon’s Bus Company, said: “We’re proud to get on board with this important campaign. When you see six buses lined up and realise each one represents dozens of children needing support, it really brings the message home. We hope this encourages more

crisis. The council will use the funding to provide one off crisis payments, offer financial support related to housing, invest in services that build long term financial resilience and strengthen coordination between local organisations. It will also support emergency food provision, deliver wraparound assistance for people in crisis and provide grants to organisations offering advice, information and support.

Applications for financial support are now open via the council’s website. Eligible residents who are successful will receive a one off crisis payment and be connected with additional services aimed at improving financial wellbeing.

people to step forward.”

Eileen, a local foster mum, added: “Fostering isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about everyday moments. Seeing the buses lined up reminded me that every child deserves a seat on a safe journey. You can be the person who helps them find their route.”

Learn more about fostering by visiting www.swindon.gov. uk/fostering or calling 07917 503447.

All change at Swindon Borough as it becomes a hung council

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

The local elections held in early May left Swindon with a hung borough council.

It also saw the election of the first Reform UK councillors in the history of the borough.

For the first time since 2012, every council seat was contended, meaning voters across the borough were asked to choose 57 councillors across 25 wards.

Because of differing ward populations, some are represented by three councillors, some two and some just one.

By the time the count at STEAM was concluded, the Conservatives had the most seats with 23, former controlling party Labour had 19, Reform UK was in third place with 14 and the Liberal Democrats had one.

The Greens failed to win a single seat.

At the previous election, at which a third of seats were contested, Labour had emerged with a clear majority on 41, while the Conservatives had 15 and the Liberal Democrats one.

Immediately prior to the most recent poll, because of a number of changes of allegiance among councillors, Labour had 34, the Conservatives 16, the Greens four, Independents two and the Liberal Democrats one.

The result of the 2026 poll left the council without a single party having an absolute majority, meaning none are able to form the next administration on their own.

Both Labour and the Conservatives insisted they would not do any deals with Reform UK.

Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Sumner said: “We were very excited to emerge as the largest party and our plan is to form a minority administration.”

He added that the group was having discussions about the

support required to achieve this, and was optimistic that an agreement could be reached.

Labour Group Leader Cllr

Jim Robbins, who had led the council since his party beat the Conservatives in 2023, said of the result: “I’m really proud that Swindon Labour bucked the national trend and the Labour vote around the town stayed high and we were able to win 19 seats.

“It was disappointing to see good local councillors lose, and disappointing not to be the largest party in a hung council.

“Our focus will remain what it has always been, fighting for the best for Swindon and its residents.

on the map.”

Cllr Sara Godwin, leader of the new 14-strong Reform UK Group on the council, said: "We are thrilled at the results from going from zero seats to 14.

"It is a massive result for Reform UK, being a new party and only having a Swindon Branch for a short while.

"The quality and hard work shown from our candidates was very impressive, I believe this is just the start of our strength as a party in Swindon.

“I am a little disappointed that the other parties elected have stated they will not work with Reform UK, the people have elected 14 of us, to not just sit and do nothing, but

“We will be happy to speak to the other parties and see how we can work for the good of the town.

“We are proud of how we have changed the council and put a spring back in the step of the town.

“We want to see the exciting projects we pushed for continue, and that work continues to put Swindon back

to try to work to a better Swindon.”

Local political commentators, together with many members of the public, found themselves speculating as to how the new Swindon Borough Council, whatever agreements its parties might have to make, would deal with some of the most pressing issues in the town

and the wider borough.

Among the most prominent of these is the major effort to regenerate the town centre by making it a more attractive place to live, work, do business, shop, dine and enjoy leisure activities.

Government funding was recently secured to help build a new entertainment venue on the site of the former bus station which had been rendered obsolete by the completion last year of the Fleming Way redevelopment.

Another significant issue is the future of the iconic and historic Oasis Leisure Centre, which has been closed since the initial Covid lockdown.

The future of the centre remains uncertain following the partial rejection of a plan to reopen it during a contentious council planning committee meeting last year, at which the sticking point was a bid to build housing nearby.

The council's finances are likely to be a significant source of contention.

In opposition the Conservatives had been very critical of the Labour administration’s balancing of the books through a mechanism called Extraordinary Financial Support, which allows the council to bridge any budget gaps between its income and its spending by borrowing money or selling its assets.

Any new administration can only function if it is able to set and has agreed a balanced budget.

The count at STEAM

Cyclists: enter the Cyclothon and raise funds for Limitless, a charity creating cycling opportunities for disabled people in our area.

The Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown is inviting all cyclists and their families to get on their bikes and take part in their first-ever Rotary Cyclothon on Sunday 26 July at The Moredon Sporting Hub.

Designed as a relaxed, community event rather than a competitive race, the Cyclothon offers a safe way for people to take part at their own pace while supporting a local cause.

The overall aim is to raise funds for Limitless. There’s no entry fee but each participant is asked to raise at least £25 in sponsorship.

It’s on the 1.2km tarmac cycling track at Moredon Hub which gives riders a controlled, traffic-free environment away from busy roads.

There are four sessions, each one planned to suit different

riders, including dedicated family and adult slots linked to Limitless, plus open sessions for anyone who wants to ride. Entrants can book more than one if they wish:

- Limitless family cycling (1 hour)

- Limitless adult cycling (1 hour)

- Family cycling (two 1-hour sessions)

- Open cycling (1½ hours)

Participants are welcome to bring their own bikes but a limited number of standard and adapted bikes will be available to borrow for those who don’t have one.

To find out more and to enter, scan the QR code and complete the online entry form. Sponsorship can be collected online and that’s by far the best way to do it.

South Swindon Parish Council announces festival fringe events programme

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

South Swindon Parish Council has joined the 2026 Old Town Arts Festival Fringe line-up.

Councillors said they were delighted to announce a programme of events in the iconic Town Gardens that will be joining the exciting fringe line-up.

Cllr John Firmin of South Swindon Parish Council said: “South Swindon Parish are delighted to be part of the Old Town Festival once again.

"The comedy night at the Bowl is becoming an annual favourite and we have music events for children and Mumford & Sons fans.

"Our popular heritage tour of Town Gardens is running as well, so there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The four events offered by South Swindon Parish Council celebrate comedy, live music

and local heritage.

Old Town Comedy Club’s Comedy at the Bowl on 31 May returns to Town Gardens Bowl with an evening of popular stand-up headlined by comedy superstar Sara Pascoe.

On 5 June, The Mumford and Sons Story recreates the epic rise of the folk-rock giants with what is promised to be a fantastic celebration of the band’s unmistakable sound.

Families can enjoy Music for Miniatures on 7 June, a relaxed and engaging music event created especially for young children.

Also on 7 June, the Town Gardens Heritage Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history and stories of this much-loved green space.

Full details and booking information for all events are available via South Swindon Parish Council’s website: www. towngardens-swindon.co.uk

People of Swindon invited to to help build City of Culture bid

By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com

A call has gone out for the people of Swindon to help support the town's bid to become a City of Culture.

The bid team are hard at work pulling together Swindon’s full application ahead of the 10 August deadline, and need the public's support, passion and ideas as they move through this exciting journey.

A spokesperson said: “Swindon has always been a place where people build the future - from the railways and radical ideas of the past to the innovation, creativity and ambition shaping our town today.

"Now, we want to imagine what comes next together.

“That’s the vision for Swindon’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, ‘A Town That Dreams in Public’, which invites everyone to dare to

dream of bold, ambitious possible futures for Swindon, the country and the world.”

Dedicated accounts @ swindon2029 have been set up on Instagram and Facebook, and people are asked to tag the bid there and @ swindonculturecollective using the hashtags #swindon2029 and #wedreaminpublic on any content they create, so that the team can share and amplify it.

A creative, cultural and heritage sector consultation event will take place on Friday 5 June from 10am-4pm at the Spotlight Room, The Wyvern Theatre, SN1 1QN.

The spokesperson said: “There's lots to cover so this will be a full day event, but we appreciate not everyone can give up a whole day to join us.

"If you can only join the morning or afternoon session, please sign up for a halfday spot so that we can plan accordingly.

"If you can’t make this date there will also be the opportunity to feed in online - watch out for more updates coming soon.”

“We need your help to gather input from your existing audiences through any events, workshops, exhibitions or activities you are running over the next few weeks. We can supply simple postcards for audiences to feed in ideas, or provide prompts and suggestions if you feel inspired

to take a more creative approach.”

The team will be at various public events and activities over the coming weeks, and a colourful temporary pavement artwork, pictured, has been created on Unity Place by local artists Caryn Koh and Dayna Baxter to kick off six weeks of community consultation as they gather views, ideas and dreams from people across the borough.

Prospect Hospice is Swindon Half Marathon charity of the year

Prospect Hospice has been announced as the charity of the year for the Swindon Half Marathon for the second consecutive year.

The race is set to take place on Sunday 27 September, and the hospice is inviting individuals, workplaces and community groups to apply for charity places and help raise vital funds for local hospice care.

As charity of the year, Prospect Hospice will be supporting runners with fundraising advice, resources and encouragement in the lead-up to race day.

Places for runners are available now, with participants encouraged to sign up early.

For more information or to secure a charity place, visit www.prospect-hospice.net/ swindonhalf

Plan for new XTC landmark

XhibitA is the name of a planned new monument commemorating legendary Swindon band XTC.

Local historians and band enthusiasts Graham Carter and Mike Smith have been working on the project and aim eventually to have the finished work displayed in a public place in Swindon.

Graham said: "It's called XhibitA mainly because it needs a name and we don't want to call it an artwork or a sculpture, and it's not a memorial because they are all still alive!

"It is being made by a local firm (Booth & Son at Purton) and we are getting practical help from another local firm, Torin."

The project has official backing from local VIPs including Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander, Swindon Borough Council Labour Group Leader Cllr Jim Robbins and City of Culture bid representative Dr Rod Hebden.

Last orders for Rolleston Arms pub and music venue

By Amanda Wilkins amanda@swindonlink.com

An announcement that The Rolleston Arms in Commercial Road was to close came only three months after it reopened.

Landlord Matt Keeble, who had taken the keys to the pub and Level 3 on 5 February, and opened the former on 15 March, said: "After a lot of thought, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close The Rolly. Our final day will be Friday 5 June. I honestly don’t know where to begin.

“First and foremost, thank you to every single person who supported us over the last few months. The regulars, the musicians, the people who came down week after week, bought drinks, brought friends, played gigs, shared posts, had conversations at the bar, and helped give the place some life - you helped make this place feel special again.

“There have been some truly brilliant nights. Nights where the pub felt alive again. Nights that reminded me exactly why I took this on in the first place.

“But the reality is that, despite the support from our core crowd, we simply didn’t get enough people through the doors consistently enough to make the project financially viable.

“The long-term vision was never just the pub. The plan was to rebuild something bigger around live music and alternative culture in Swindon,

with Level 3 becoming a huge part of that. But opening the club was always going to require a very significant amount of investment, and realistically, the pub needed to succeed first to prove the wider project could work.

“Without that foundation, the level of financial risk involved in moving forward with the club simply isn’t something I can justify taking on. That’s the hardest part of all."

Mr Keeble thanked all those who had suppoorted him during his tenure.

Swindon's Central Library cafe reopens and welcomes all

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

The team behind the popular Solid Ground Coffee van on the Civic Campus in Euclid Street have expanded into Central Library with the reopening of the Library Café.

Run by Young Swindon and Wiltshire, the youth organisation previously known as SMASH, the café is more than just a place to grab a drink.

Young people working at the café are paid employees, gaining hands-on experience and training to support future employment and independence.

Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, the café serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, soup and cakes.

A spokesperson said: "Pop in next time you’re visiting the library and show your support to the team."

The work of Young Swindon

and Wiltshire includes mentoring, facilitating youth groups, empowering young people to take roles in employment and their communities as a whole, and promoting safer streets. Details can be found at youngswindonandwiltshire.org. uk

The Central Library itself is open from 10am to 5.30pm on weekdays, from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.

Full details of events, activities and services available at the borough's libraries can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/ info/20026/libraries

Matt Keeble

Rotary Club donates

£7,600 to local charities

Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown invited representatives from nine charities to a special meeting in May to receive a share of £7,600.

The money was raised at their Santa Sleigh Collection in December and Annual Quiz and Ploughman’s Supper in March.

They were also joined at the meeting by members of the Inner Wheel Club of North Wiltshire, who donated their half share of the proceeds from the Quiz and Ploughman’s Supper to CALM.

A spokesperson said: “We know that the donations will be put to good use by all these charities and it will enable them to continue their vital work in Swindon.

"Their work includes support for people affected by homelessness, bereavement, brain injury, autism and ADHD, and programmes focused on community safety, emergency response and wider family support.”

Jordan Turner, of Change Lives No to Knives, said: “We are dedicated to educating young people about the dangers and consequences of knife crime.

"Your donation will help us continue delivering our workshops, expand our outreach within schools, prisons, and community groups, and provide more life-saving equipment and support to those who need it most.

"Thank you again for believing in our mission and helping us make a difference.”

Swindon to benefit from £8.9 million gas pipe network upgrade

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Wales & West Utilities is investing over £8.9m over the next 18 months to upgrade gas pipes across Swindon and the wider Wiltshire area.

The aim is to help ensure a safe and reliable supply for customers and strengthen the energy infrastructure in the region for decades to come.

The intensive programme of mains replacement works will see over 33 kilometres of gas pipes upgraded across the region, and the gas emergency and pipeline service will work closely with all local authorities to carefully plan projects and manage any necessary traffic measures.

Work will be undertaken in Swindon, Cricklade, Melksham, Chippenham and Warminster.

Wales & West Utilities’ Mick Gallavin is managing the programme, and said: “We’re investing in our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for the future for the customers we serve across the area.

"We’ll continue to work closely with local authorities,

and keep communities informed as projects are planned and delivered.

“We understand our work can cause disruption, but it is essential to maintain a resilient network that people rely on every day.

“While much of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life – from heating homes to cooking meals and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it.

“This investment will not only maintain today’s supply but also prepare the network to transport greener gases in the future.”

For more information about the work, people can visit www. wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-

upgrade-projects

As projects begin, customers can also find out what to expect from the work at www. wwutilities.co.uk/services/gaspipe-upgrades

Wales & West Utilities delivers energy to over 7.5m people across Wales and the South West of England.

The firm does not sell gas but rather transports it through an extensive underground network of more than 35,000km of pipes.

If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately.

Trained engineers are available 24/7 to respond and keep you safe.

Hospital mattresses on way to Ukraine

A total of 46 mattresses are currently on a 1,397 mile journey to Ukraine, having been donated by the Equipment Library team.

The mattresses have been deemed unusable within the hospital setting, but rather than sending them to landfill, the team have worked with UK charity PhysioNet to find them a new home, where they will be used to support the welfare of patients overseas.

A spokesperson said: "This work combines humanitarian aid with sustainability, and we are proud to be supporting people all around the world whilst also doing our bit to reduce the carbon footprint."

Thames Water urge residents not to flush wet wipes

Last year over 95% of all sewer floods were caused by blockages, and Thames Water have announced they clear over 75,000 blockages annually at a cost of approximately £40 million.

New research by Thames Water reveals 15.5 million (44%) wet wipe users flush them down the toilet, with more than one in six (16%) doing so daily and a further 16% of users doing it at least once a week.

Flushing wet wipes down the toilet, even those labelled as ‘flushable’ or ‘biodegradable’, can cause pipe or sewer blockages and harm marine life. Thames Water estimates 3.8 billion wet wipes are flushed every year. These wipes are a major cause of sewer damage and cause significant blockages especially when they combine with fat, oil and grease to create fatbergs.

VISIT KELMSCOTT MANOR

Explore William Morris’s “Heaven on Earth” and view the iconic collection of artwork and objects owned and designed by the Father of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Discover why the Cotswold home became an inspiration for him and his family.

Charity and Community

One of the things that we should all be proud of in the Swindon area is the amount of individuals and organisations who do their utmost for the community at large.

Swindon is a town full of people who make it their life's work to help others and the town flourishes because of it.

Businesses, charities and community venues all do their bit and we all benefit because of this good work.

Brighter Futures for everyone at Great Western Hospital

Charity – Brighter Futures

Nature of work – Supporting the work of Swindon’s Great Western Hospital through appeals and events

Founded – 1995 (Re-branded in 2013)

Details – Great Western Hospital, Swindon, SN3 6BB 01793 605631 brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk

Brighter Futures is the charity of Swindon's Great Western Hospital.

We aim to provide an extraordinary provision of care to our patients.

We do that by funding a

variety of projects which are focused on improving patient and staff experience.

Every penny given to Brighter Futures is used to make a difference to someone at what is often the most difficult and vulnerable time in their life. You can donate funds to a specific ward or area of work, or you can support an appeal. Alternatively, you can donate money to our general fund.

From cake sales to marathons, abseils to skydives, your fundraising efforts have helped us to change the lives of thousands of patients in Swindon and Wiltshire. By signing up to our events, fundraising in support of Brighter Futures, and making donations, you can help to provide an extraordinary provision of care at the Great Western Hospital.

Swindon Lions - a roaringly good organisation

Swindon Lions was originally founded in 1964 and is a member of Lions Clubs International, the largest service organisation in the world with 1.4 million members in over 200 countries. The club exists to help others and support good causes through fundraising and on average they raise £14,000 a year.

It's most well known for its annual fireworks display at the Polo Ground and this year's will be its 50th event.

Throughout the year their fundraising activities are non-stop, from supermarket collections with a Santa at Christmas and Easter Bunny at Easter, Easter Egg raffles at local pubs, soft toy tombolas at local fetes, and even craft stalls in Royal Wootton Bassett. They work with several local not -for-profit groups and local businesses. In the last 12 months, they have supported many causes including The Neuro Wellbeing Centre, Swindon Food Collective, flooring to help a local mother, school outdoor play areas, Handicapped Children’s Action Group, Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership and Brighter Futures.

This year they're launching their “caps of courage” project

(chemotherapy hats for kids) and will be looking for local knitters. They also collect used spectacles which are sent out to developing countries; and supply Swindon residents with green bottles in case of a medical emergency in the home. Their ROAR programme and peace poster competitions involves junior age children (7 to 11) and secondary school age children (11 to 13). They are always seeking new volunteers to ensure the continuation of their activities, especially for the Fireworks Display.

The Lions Club has a lively social scene, with members and families regularly meeting for theatre trips, meals, attending quizzes and even having the odd weekend away. Visit swindonlions.org for more information.

Check out our events here: brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk/ event

NHS charities such as Brighter Futures enabling hospitals like the Great Western Hospital to realise patient benefit much sooner by enhancing the environment for patients and staff, enable carers and staff caring for patients to benefit from education not normally available within NHS funding, and the charity can fund extra equipment and staffing to the Trust above the NHS funding envelope.

Full details of the work carried out by Brighter Futures to enhance the lives of patients can be found on its website.

Age UK Wiltshire’s wellbeing checks with meals

This service from Age UK Wiltshire has been specifically created to help older people remain independent at home.

and texture modified meals.

The organisation's dedicated team will check on your wellbeing, while also bringing you a delicious hot meal at lunchtime.

Available every day of the year (except Christmas Day), the service covers areas in Swindon and Wiltshire.

With over 100 menu choices, designed by dietitians and nutritionists using British ingredients, they can also accommodate special dietary requirements including low sugar, gluten-free

Your meal will be delivered by one of Age UK's caring, trained team members, who will become a familiar face.

Prices are available on enquiry, with a minimum requirement of three days per week.

One service user said: "Thank you for all you do - your drivers are amazing, and it's because of you that mum can stay in her own home."

Call them on 01793 279606 or visit www.

ageukwiltshire.org.uk

Charity and Community

Fuelling the dream: how Urathon is supporting a local Paralympic hopeful

As a specialist in the design, manufacture, and sourcing of mobility aids, Urathon is dedicated to enhancing independence.

The Calne-based firm also believes in supporting individuals who defy physical barriers - that’s why Urathon is proud to sponsor Toby Richardson, a 16-year-old Paralympic hopeful from Purton.

Toby’s resilience is extraordinary. After a fast-growing cancer affected his spinal cord at age 11, he entered the world of wheelchair racing. Now coached by gold medallist Micky Bushell MBE, Toby is the GB number one and world number two in the under-17s category, with his sights set firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

absolutely help this young man who has been through so much. We love his spirit, and we are delighted to help him achieve his dreams.”

Urathon’s sponsorship provides vital support for Toby’s rigorous training schedule. His mother, Leanne, said: “The sponsorship means a great deal... any help we can get is wonderful.”

Transforming lives with Dressability

Swindon residents living with disabilities, mobility challenges or long-term health conditions are being encouraged to discover the support offered by local charity Dressability.

The charity provides clothing adaptations and alterations designed to help people dress more easily, comfortably, and independently.

Dressability supports adults and children by adapting clothing to help solve everyday challenges: from replacing buttons and zips with easier-to-manage magnetic or Velcro fastenings, altering garments for postural or limb differences to adapting clothing for wheelchair users. Solutions like these make a vast difference to daily life and confidence.

Recently, Toby set a new track record in the TCS London mini marathon with an outstanding time of 6 minutes 54 seconds!

Urathon’s Managing Director Lucy Carson said: “I thought we should

Together, Toby and Urathon are proving that the path to gold is within reach. For more about Urathon, visit www.urathon.com. To find out more about Toby, visit tobyrichardson.uk

Clients are welcome to visit their fully accessible office in West Swindon or alternatively they offer home visits. As a registered charity, the service is generously subsidised to ensure alterations are affordable for all who need them.

Visit the website at www.dressability.org.uk or call us on 01793 512878.

Bradbury House, Westmead Drive, Swindon SN5 7ER (9am-3pm Mon-Fri)

Kelmscott Manor - the educational hub at the heart of the arts and crafts community

Kelmscott Manor was the inspirational country home of William Morris; poet, designer, socialist and father of the Arts and Crafts movement.

This Grade I listed house was loved by Morris for its traditional craftsmanship in harmony with the surrounding landscape, he called it ‘Heaven on Earth’, and it inspired many of his most important designs and writings, including his book ‘News from Nowhere’.

Today, visitors will find an outstanding collection of unique furnishings chosen by Pre-Raphaelite painter-poet Dante

Gabriel Rossetti and pieces from each of Morris’ London homes including the iconic portrait of William’s wife, Jane Morris, by Rossetti, The Blue Silk Dress.

The domestic charm and ambience of the house is still retained and visitors can draw inspiration from Manor and surrounding gardens.

The Tearoom, with its delicious homemade meals and cakes, is a must, whilst the Shop is packed with decorative and unusual items ideal for gifts or mementoes.

The River Thames is only a short walk from the Manor gates and the church,

where William Morris and his family are buried, is worth visiting.

Throughout the open season there are family friendly dropin activities for everyone as well as demonstrations of the Albion Printing Press which dates from 1886.

The attraction also welcomes schools and local community groups to their Learning barn and runs paid for workshops. See the events page for more information.

The Manor is open for the public every Thursday to Saturday from April to the end of October.

Visit the website www.kelmscottmanor. org.uk for more details.

Charity - Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET)

Nature of Work - Bringing Renewable Energy learning across Swindon and beyond

Address - B4508, Watchfield, Swindon SN6 8TH

Email - info@westmillenergy.coop

Website - westmillenergy.coop

Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET), based at the Westmill wind and solar farm near Swindon, is expanding its mission to inspire and empower the next generation of climateliterate citizens.

Through a growing programme of school visits, community workshops, teacher training and STEM events, WeSET is working to make renewable energy education accessible, hands on and engaging for learners of all ages.

A local charity with a big vision

Founded by Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative in 2009, WeSET was set up to share the story of the first communityowned wind farm in southern England and promote sustainable energy within a 25-mile radius of the Westmill site.

Today, that mission has evolved into a wide-ranging educational outreach programme which is designed to help schools and community groups to explore sustainability, climate action and the technologies shaping our energy future.

What WeSET offers

WeSET provides a flexible range of activities, which can be tailored to primary, secondary and post16 settings,

as well as home education networks and community eco groups. These include:

• Onsite tours of Westmill wind and solar farm: A unique opportunity to stand beneath a turbine, explore a working solar array and see renewable energy in action.

• In-school presentations and workshops: Hands-on sessions

• Support for eco groups and youth climate summits: Guidance, resources and guest contributions to help young people to lead meaningful change.

• Participation in STEM fairs and community events: Bringing our popular renewable energy models and demonstrations to local festivals, science days and public gatherings.

using interactive models to explore wind, solar and hydropower; ideal for STEM days, curriculum enrichment or ecoclub projects.

• Assemblies: Ageappropriate introductions to climate change, renewable energy and community action.

• Teacher CPD and INSET: Support for schools in developing sustainability leadership, climate-aware curricula and whole school environmental strategies.

Hands-on learning that sparks curiosity

A hallmark of WeSET’s outreach programme is its collection of interactive models: from solar-powered circuits to working wind turbines and water-driven generators. These tactile demonstrations help to demystify energy systems and give children and young people the chance to experiment, test ideas and ask big questions.

Free online resources

WeSET offers a suite of free online teaching resources, including lesson plans, videos and printable activities. These materials support science, geography, design & technology and sustainability education, and can be used by teachers across the UK. Whether you’re a teacher planning a STEM week, a home education group looking for hands-on science, or a community organisation exploring climate action, WeSET is here to help. For queries about educational support, email us at education@weset.org Free educational resources can be downloaded from our website at westmillenergy. coop/what-we-do/supportschools/

WeSET works in collaboration with Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative and Westmill Solar Cooperative to promote sustainable energy education, support the local community and combat the climate crisis, under the umbrella of Westmill Energy. Find out more about us and sign up to our newsletter on our website.

Business - One Wood Street

Nature of work - Private specialist and general dentistry

Address - 1 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AN

Founded - 2007

Telephone - 01793 433381

Website - onewoodstreet.net

Email - reception@onewoodstreet.net

"I think we're a very conservative practice," said Peter Yesudian, founder and owner of One Wood Street.

"We don't oversell or overtreat. Because we've done specialist training, we do everything by the book.

"Our job is to give patients all the options - they can choose what's best for them."

It is a philosophy which has served One Wood Street well in the almost two decades since Mr Yesudian founded it.

The years have seen the practice expand from having a dentist, recptionist and nurse at the beginning to having a team of more than 20 today, including dentists with an array of specialities. Another highlyskilled dentist is to join in July.

At the time of writing, One Wood Street had some 350 five-star reviews online, with more added daily.

Mr Yesudian is a highly experienced oral surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow, specialising in advanced treatments such as dental implants and sinus lifts, delivered with a calm and caring approach.

"I worked in hospitals - PMH and Great Western - for 10 years," he said, "and then opened One Wood Street to provide specialist general

care

"Our business has a lot of specialists, and we also have general dentists to do family dentistry. It means that if patients have any particularly complex problems, they can be seen in-house, whether they need a difficult wisdom tooth done, or implants, or they need a whole-mouth rehabilitation with crowns and bridges, or

"We're sedation-trained, so for nervous people we can provide a lot of the treatment with intravenous sedation. They stay relaxed throughout the procedure, and the next thing they know it's all finished!"

Although One Wood Street is a private practice, it offers a number of payment options to make its services affordable by as many patients as

they need specialist root canal treatment or they have gum disease.

"We do preventative general family dentistry and hygiene, of course.

possible. Mr Yesudian says that being a private practice also allows One Wood Street the time to listen carefully to every patient and work according to their particular needs.

The dentists sought out by other dentists for specialist advice

"As a specialist," said One Wood Street founder Peter Yesudian, "the majority of our work is from other dentistswe're already trusted by lots of other dentists; they refer their patients to us, and we now allow direct access to the public.

"If you have a difficult wisdom tooth or an implant or you want a root canal treatment done by someone, you can just contact us directly.

"We're not an expensive private practice, even compared to other practices in Swindon, but people notice the difference in the atmosphere when they come in. In the waiting areas and in everything else we try to provide the optimal experience for the people of Swindon."

In addition to their commitment to working in Swindon, team members perform regular voluntary work at a clinic in Kenya's Narok County, which lies a few hours from capital city Nairobi.

dentistry

under one roof.

Founder and owner Peter Yesudian

Interview: Annie Harvey, who did not take up art in earnest until Lockdown, has seen her work, notably images of Swindon shops and pubs, become so popular that they have raised thousands of pounds for Prospect Hospice

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

“People say, ‘Oh, you’re so talented,’” said Annie Harvey, “but I don’t think I’m talented at all!

“In fact, I don’t even think I’m an artist, but somebody said, ‘You are an artist when you’ve sold a painting.’ So I suppose that means I’m an artist!

“I don’t consider myself an artist, but if people give me lovely compliments I’ll take them - but clearly I don’t suppose people would buy them if they didn’t like them!”

If Annie’s name is familiar, it’s probably because a while ago she came to widespread local attention for producing original paintings of local businesses including shops and pubs, with the proceeds from sales amounting to some £5,500 for Prospect Hospice.

More recently, she has produced two further works. One, An Homage to Old Town, includes some of the places which supported her earlier efforts, not to mention Dragonfly, the pleasure vessel run by another supportive organisation, The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. Prints are on sale from a limited edition of 50, with a suggested minimum donation of £50 each, again with proceeds to the hospice, and at the time of writing £2,000 had been raised. The other of her latest works, A Toast to Old Town, pictured, features 21 familiar watering holes from Old Town and nearby, and sales of prints, again in aid of the hospice, are brisk.

Annie, a former nurse, originally from Llanelli, moved to Swindon two decades ago.

“I was working in the pharmaceutical field, as a training manager. Following a redundancy after many years, I then moved into recruiting

and interviewing doctors for locum work. Following another redundancy I went to work for Cancer Research for a short while as a fundraising manager.

“Then I decided I’d had enough of the rat race and wanted a job where there was no stress, so I went to work for Clinique as a sales consultant in Debenhams.”

Asked whether she was a trained artist, she laughed: “Heck, no!”

Annie conceded, though: “I’ve always been on the creative side. For example, my children’s bedroom had Postman Pat painted on the walls, and things like that.

"In the surgery where I worked as a practice nurse, I went in one weekend and painted a children’s corner. I did little cartoony things on the wall, and likewise when I worked on the children’s ward many, many years ago.

“But other than that I haven’t used a paintbrush like I’ve done here, but like a lot of people I took it up during Lockdown. I followed YouTube tutorials, and then I did some portraits of family pets and things. I did

who has that condition herself, runs the charity’s local support group.

And the paintings of individual Swindon businesses?

“It was only about two years ago, when the European football was on - and I was bored because I didn’t want to watch it and my husband was watching it! - I thought I’d get some paints out and do some painting.

“That’s when I started doing the individual businesses. I took some photos during the day and started painting them at night.

“I thought I’d give the money to Prospect because it’s close to a lot of people’s hearts in Swindon.”

quite a few of those.

"I'd gone out and bought some materials and thought, 'I'll start painting.' YouTube is very useful. There are a lot of people on YouTube teaching you different things. I just bought some acrylic paint and some canvases and started

Talking about her latest two pieces, and the fundraising sales of prints in aid of Prospect Hospice, Annie is grateful for the help of a number of people and organisations who donated time and services.

These include - but are not limited to - Swindon Old

slapping paint on a canvas!”

During the following years, Annie sold a number of pieces in aid of various good causes including Great Western Hospital’s Brighter Futures charity.

She has also raised funds for national charity EDS UK which supports people who have connective tissue condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Annie,

Town Rotary Club President Stephanie Trinci, Carl Johanson Photography which has handled the printing and Rotary Club of Swindon President Richard Deacon who arranged for the two originals to be framed. That club also arranged for the originals to be auctioned during one of its events.

Annie is open to commissions and can be reached at anne. harvey2010@gmail.com

Undercover sunshine at Minety Music Festival...

If you haven't stumbled across it yet, Minety Music Festival is situated just outside of Royal Wootton Bassett.

With just a few weeks to go until Minety Music Festival, locals are already gearing up for four-days of entertainment for the whole family (young and old). You can expect over 100 acts, on four (undercover) stages, so, whilst they've booked sunshine, you can stay dry in all eventualities.

This year's headliners, Embrace, The Bluetones, Echobelly, Leeroy Thornhill (ex The Prodigy), and Dub Pistols, are joined by a whole host of tribute and local acts, in additional to the famous Minety silent disco and for the first time 'a wedding celebration!!!'

The not-for-profit, community volunteer-run event has now raised over £65,000 to support charitable causes since its inception, and will this year be raising money for Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance, Naomi & Jacks Children's Hospice, Combat Stress and Kandu Arts.

If you're looking for a great value weekend, adult weekend tickets start from only £110 each, and if you want to really immerse yourself in the festival vibes, why not indulge in four nights of camping, with on-site showers, from only £25 per camping pitch. A wide range of award winning local beers, ciders and lager remain at ONLY £5 per pint, with a cocktail bar, and gin & prosecco bar for the more sophisticated festival goer.

Additionally, there's a great shopping village of vendors, so you can embrace the festival chic style should your wardrobe be too beige. There's also a great selection of reasonably priced street food, from around the world including vegan and gluten free options.

With a large FREE kidzone, including rock climbing, mobile caving, inflatables, retro gaming consoles, circus skills workshops and much, much more, the little darlings will stay occupied for the whole weekend, while you relax and enjoy yourself. The carefully thought out 'dedicated 13-17 year-olds only teen tent' offers a space to hang out with friends, for the slightly older children, who so often fall through the cracks at festivals.

Tickets are selling fast, but are sill available (if you're quick) online from: www.minetyfestival.co.uk

Veteran reporter's memoir includes major crime stories

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

A journalist who spent 20 years reporting some of the South West's most significant criminal cases - including the murder of Joanna Yeates - has published his debut memoir.

The Wolf of Small Street by Geoffrey Bennett - the title refers to the location of Bristol Law Courts - is part comingof-age story, part front-row account of British journalism through one of its most turbulent periods of change.

Geoffrey, who lives in Swindon, spent the last 20 years of his career as dedicated Crown Court Reporter for the Bristol Evening Post, a specialist role he joined in 2003 and held until taking voluntary redundancy in September 2023.

Before that, he worked as sports editor and general reporter for the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald and the Swindon Evening Advertiser.

The book covers everything from his Wiltshire childhood and a decade of drifting before journalism finally claimed him, to the landmark trials that made national headlines.

His coverage of the Joanna Yeates murder trial in 2011 is among the most vivid passages in the book. The author was one of a handful of reporters present when the jury visited Yeates' Clifton flat - a home, he writes, that was "...trapped in time... cold rooms smeared with grey fingerprint powder" and still prepared for a Christmas that never came.

The memoir also charts the seismic changes the veteran reporter witnessed across his career.

This includes transitions from broadsheet print journalism to online publishing, video, liveblogging and social media, and raises a quietly urgent question about the future of court reporting itself.

"I'm aware that newspapers

may not have the resources today to allow that specialist role," he writes.

"If trials are being missed and verdicts come from police press releases, that is a foreseeable consequence - and a great shame."

Geoffrey said: "The idea of an autobiography has been in my head for years, especially about my early days.

" After I managed to break

into reporting I kept a record of everything I wrote.

"In the back of my mind I thought it would be useful for a memoir, though that remained a fancy pipedream for years."

It was during a period of ill health some two years after leaving the Bristol newspaper that he set out to write the book.

"I picked out the bigger stories I covered as well as the smaller, quirkier ones which I think will be of interest to people.

"The changes I saw over the course of my career were massive, especially in terms of the digital revolution.

"I lived through the rise of the internet and birth of social media and went from trying to master a good print story to writing online, video making and live blogging."

The Wolf of Small Street by Geoffrey Bennett is due for publication on Amazon Kindle on 6 June, and is currently available for pre-order.

Joy and inspiration in the Lydiard Park Run

will take about three years!

I ran my first Park Run in Lydiard recently.

A lovely Saturday, blue skies to bring out smiles, a chill in the shadows that turned bare shoulders inwards and warm breaths into cusped hands. Colour pervaded like a carnival, the exuberance of 514 runners shuffling like a herd around the Run Director who orchestrated clapping for 52 volunteers, first timers, visitors.

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

At 9am we were off.

I ran with my daughter, Niamh.

She’s completed 141 Park Runs, 65 volunteer roles, brags the 100 milestone on her shirt, tells chatterboxes it’s my first Park Run.

Later the Park Run app morphed the day into a numbers game.

I want that 100 shirt which

We ran slowly which was fine. It’s hard to come back to training as one gets older, but hey-ho, I’m focused now on Valencia in December, my sixteenth marathon.

I love running and I love poetry and this poem is where they merge:

The Lark in Spring

He’s been waiting again this morning his excitement is my adrenaline the trills and slurs like a stream of consciousness as I run by the ploughed field to Aldbourne. He mimics the rhythm of my step, my early smile

confounding the angst of a troubled night, faster downhill as he soars pressuring me to align and at the summit, bent over, he mocks my stop.

I know, I know I say and off we go again, my wave to the hazy blue where he hides in plain sight beyond the tremulous pane gyrating in high pitch when my pace declines like a coach conjoined in a joyful game.

www.mauricespillane.co.uk

Join me in the Pulpit Pub in Old Town on Wednesday 24 June at 7:30.

If you feel brave, bring your favourite poem. It’ll be great fun.

SUMMER EXHIBITION 2026

A RIOT OF COLOUR

The theme of this year’s Talos Summer Exhibition is colour, bringing together a spectacular collection of celebratory paintings and sculpture in the beautiful Talos gallery buildings and in the intimate seclusion of its breath-taking gardens. Our 2026 exhibition hosts a collection of the most exuberant new work by both established and emerging artists, including major installations by Anya Beaumont and Philip Booth, who is showing a brand new selection of his well-known polychrome wall sculptures. These are accompanied by vividly coloured fired-clay sculptures by Patricia Volk FRSS and the bold, chromatic paintings of Romany Mark Bruce, who describes his technique as ‘sculpting in colour’.

This year much of our wall space is dedicated to the art of portraiture. Regular Talos exhibitor Judy Boyt is joined by Lucy Milne, both experimenting in oils for the first time after many years’ experience in other media. Lucy says of her new work,” I do enjoy colour. The trio of hue, tone and saturation is the most delicious, complex puzzle for any artist, but when it resolves and works - what a joy!”

GALLERY

With a riot of colourful artwork to compete with, we expect the garden to rise to the challenge with its customary pageant of roses and drifts of wildflowers providing a stunning backdrop for the elegant stone carvings of Sandra Camargo and stately stainless steel abstracts by Ian Marlow. But with three brand new garden pieces by Anya Beaumont finished in CMYK print colours and a new collection of glittering copper constructions by Roy Evans, who will win?

Natural Purpose byPhilip Booth

SUMMER EXHIBITION 2026 – 6th June to 5th July

Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm Admission is £10.

Please see our website for full range of ticket types and to pre-book discounted day tickets and group visits.

Please note that the Gallery is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Please No dogs and No picnics. Homemade Café by Mils & Mum.

Talos Art Gallery Broads Green Farm, Heddington Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0NX.

www.talosartgallery.co.uk

Pedal for a purpose at sporting hub!

Pedal for a Purpose: Join the Cyclothon at Moredon Sporting Hub to Support Limitless Inclusive Cycling Project!

On Sunday 26 July the Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown will be hosting a Cyclothon at Moredon Sporting Hub to raise funds for the Limitless Swindon inclusive cycling project.

The project supports hundreds of disabled people each week in accessing cycling.

The event will take place on the 1.2km traffic-free, tarmac track at Moredon Sporting Hub.

Participants will be asked to secure a minimum of £25 in sponsorship to enter and will be encouraged to raise as much as possible through the event’s fundraising website.

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

The team that went to Luton and never came back.

Where do you begin to dissect this? A failure of the highest proportion. Not only did Town choke at their aim of promotion, but they also bottled a chance of even being amongst the conversation.

Ian Holloway, in this case, has blood on his hands, his head should be on the chopping block.

I’m placing the responsibility for Swindon’s dismal demise on his shoulders. 2025 under Holloway was a year of revival and progression, 2026 has been regression.

The first half of the season was excellent, attacking freeflowing football and Finley Munroe.

The second half was a polar opposite. Although we should remember the first half as a potential recipe for the next, it

The ethos of Moredon Sporting Hub is inclusion, and the Cyclothon will reflect this, with the day divided into dedicated time slots for disabled riders, families, and an open session for everyone. A limited number of bicycles and adapted cycles will also be available to borrow for those who need them.

There's a choice of time slots during the day to enter:

- 09:30 Limitless Family

Cycling for one hour

- 10.45 Limitless Adult

Cycling for one hour

- 12:00 and 13:15 Family

Cycling with two sessions each lasting an hour

- 14:30 Open Cycling (oneand-a-half hours)

Limitless Swindon operates a fleet of more than 40

adapted cycles and standard bicycles, all based at the Hub’s enclosed, traffic-free track.

Public sessions for disabled adults take place three times a week, alongside a family session on Saturdays.

Adapted cycles – including wheelchair-carrying trikes,

handcycles, recumbent trikes and tandem trikes – are also used daily by groups of disabled children from local schools.

These specialist cycles are expensive to replace, costing from £1,500 to £15,000.

Many adapted cycles in the current fleet are approaching 20 years old, and after years of heavy use, several will soon need replacing.

Funds raised through the Cyclothon will help purchase replacement adapted cycles, ensuring the programme can continue to support more people in experiencing the many benefits of cycling.

For more information and to sign up for the Cyclothon, head to the Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown website: rotary-ribi.org/clubs

STFC: The postmortem LINK FOOTBALL

should be taken in isolation.

The Swindon team which went to Luton, and won in January, is a different team to the one which unravelled. And it can’t all be down to losing Munroe, it’s how we reacted.

In the space of a few days, Swindon were expelled from the EFL Trophy, lost their star left back, and suffered damaging defeats to Salford in league and cup.

It consumed SN1, and the dark clouds never shifted. Too much focus was on blaming others and wallowing in our own misery.

While other teams were progressing at a key stage, Swindon were static, losing sight of what had made them great.

The Robins needed strong characters, instead they gambled on youth in the window. On the whole it didn’t

work, the ingredients were no longer there. Ian Holloway is the epitome of character, but he got it wrong by trying to create a siege mentality. Tired bodies and minds needed reassurance and guidance rather than fire.

With the loss of Munroe and a depleting midfield, Holloway had to remain strong or be decisive. He did neither as Town chopped and changed shape throughout the remainder of the season. The patterns of play which once produced a tune now played a dead beat.

The biggest head scratcher was the change to four at the back. An already rickety defence with little protection was isolated further.

Worse still, the confidence of certain players evaporated. Without a natural right back, Will Wright was hung out

to dry on the flank. A loyal servant to the club quickly discarded come May, for faults not of his own.

There was no plan B, and we were too far gone to rediscover the plan A. The failure of the task lies with Ian Holloway. The support was fantastic, and the squad had quality. To finish ninth is unacceptable.

The Robins are quickly becoming regulars in the basement division of the Football League. In my opinion, Holloway won’t be the man to change it.

The only encouraging glimpses in 2026 came through individual performances from Holman, Drinan, Tafazolli, and Ripley.

Ideally, we could leave this here, but Town must face up to their failings, learn from them, and go one better.