No 390 November 2014
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CALM marks 30 years with a party
Swindon Children’s Cancer & Leukaemia Movement marked a major anniversary with a gathering for children and parents who have all experienced what it’s like to have a child diagnosed with cancer. Robert Buckland MP was guest of honour at the DeVere Village and is pictured with members of the CALM committee and the charity’s mascot. Full story: P11
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Chris and Maggie Buckingham from Freshbrook were featured in the October Link, having rediscovered each other via Facebook. Their September wedding at St Leonard’s Church, Stanton Fitzwarren was followed by an idyllic honeymoon in Singapore and Australia
where they met members of Maggie’s family. Thanks to Chris and Maggie for taking the new-look Link with them. If you’re planning an expedition to far away places, do pack the magazine and send a picture to the address below.
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The Royal British Legion covering gotiating with creditors and getting Swindon has had a big makeover in debt under control; the last three years in order to be- • Poppy breaks – via break centres, come easier to reach by providing a family holidays and adventure holimore integrated service for those in days for young people; the forces and the veteran commu- • Poppy calls – help with small nity via GP surgeries, hospitals, local household repairs and minor adapauthorities and other charities. tations around the home. A range of welfare services Each case is assessed on are available to beneficiaran individual basis. To complement the online offer, a ies, subject to eligibility, A comprehensive new national free phon including: knowledge base at e help line is open 7 days • War pensions and britishlegion.org. a week from 8am to 8pm compensations, inuk enables benewhere individuals can ca formation, advice and ficiaries to search ll for advice and inform representation; for information ation: 0808 802 8080. • Immediate needs grant and fact sheets on schemes – help to meet una wide variety of subexpected expenses or at times jects relevant to the servof crisis; ing/ex-serving community and • Benefits and money advice. The their families and dependents. service also offers options on dealing n Volunteers needed for Swindon’s with debts and offers support in ne- new RBL centre: P4
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Becky’s mum to present petition at No 10
South Swindon MP to assist Karen Edwards in delivering document to the Prime Minister Karen Edwards, whose daughter Becky Godden-Edwards disappeared in 2002, is closing the petition launched a year ago so that the names of the people who supported her campaign to change the law can be handed to the Prime Minister with the help of South Swindon MP Robert Buckland. Karen hopes to have collected 60,000 signatures calling on Parliament to debate changes to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984. Becky disappeared on 27 December 2002, but her remains were only found buried in a remote field to the north of Swindon in 2011 when police were investigating the kidnapping and murder of Sian O’Callaghan from Old Town. In April 2014 Wiltshire Police recovered a bone at the scene which was confirmed as Becky’s and in September they called for information on a silver Volvo, registration plate T661 LGP, which they believe will help the investigation. Karen said: “Becky would have been 32 years old now and there isn’t a day that passes when I don’t think of her. I have good days and bad days, and the smallest thing can set me
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Karen with pictures of her daughter Becky off; just talking about her in public or even seeing Becky’s favourite Garibaldis in the supermarket aisle brings tears to my eyes. “My child just disappeared, and then to discover she was murdered all those years before is so hard to bear. Knowing her killer is in jail for the murder of Sian but what he said during the search for my Becky cannot be considered in court is even harder. “I’m very pleased the police continue to pursue Becky’s case. I’m absolutely convinced Detective Chief
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Forum gathers on 10 November The West Swindon Forum meets on Monday 10 November, 7pm, with refreshments and the chance to network from 6.30pm, in West Swindon Library, Link Centre. A major discussion point on the
agenda is likely to be the relocation of the library within the building following the takeover of Swindon Council’s leisure centres by the GLL charity. n Full GLL takeover story: P8
Westlea residents invited to associate The next meeting of Westlea Residents’ Association takes place on Monday 3 November, 6pm, at Delta Tennis Centre. There will be updates on previously discussed issues relating to the quality of road surfaces and
parking, as well as cutting back overgrown vegetation and collection of green waste. New members are welcome to join the discussion. For details email Derek Lowson: derlows@aol.com
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Aldi goes head to head with Asda and Sainsbury’s as new store’s plans are passed, creating 40 new jobs The west side of the town will become a supermarket battlefield in 2015 when Aldi joins the fray, after Swindon Council’s planning committee passed plans for a new store off Shaw Road, opposite the filling station on Mead Way, illustrated above. It will be the fourth Aldi in Swindon, creating 40 new jobs. The hybrid planning application for the former Westlea office campus, where the buildings have already been demolished, includes outline permission for 70 houses. Whilst Aldi will develop the commercial element, the housing site is to be sold off to a building company by site owners Picton Estates. There will be two entry/exit points. The entrance to the store will be just off the Renault roundabout, opposite the filling station exit, and the hous-
es will be accessed from Chelmsford Road. Shaw Residents’ Association objected to the planning application on the grounds that the store development will attract car travelling customers to already heavily used Mead Way whilst the new houses will also add to traffic congestion in the area. Aldi argued that many people will walk or cycle from nearby houses, whilst the number of drivers using the store will be spread across the day. The winners will be the consumer who, on a national scale during austere times, have been flocking to the low cost, value stores like Aldi and Lidl. The new store, located between Sainsbury’s Bridgemead and Asda at the West Swindon Centre will add a new level of choice to shoppers.
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The Royal British Legion is to open a beneficiaries, help visitors complete pop-in centre next to New Look at assessments and signpost and refer 52 to 54 Regent Street by Christmas them to other agencies. and is recruiting its own legion of Full training will be given, travel volunteers. expenses will be paid and you It will act as a gateway to will be part of a friendly, the charity for members committed team. For more details of the general public and If you have baon the Royal British will provide advice and sic IT skills and Legion and its projects information on issues can spare a few visit the official websuch as finances, houshours each week site: ing, mobility and supto make a differbritishlegion.org.uk ence to members port for serving personnel, regular and reserve, and of the armed forces veterans and their families. community, contact Isobel The centre will be open from Thompson, advice and information Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, officer, on 0808 8028080 or email and volunteers are needed to greet IThompson@britishlegion.org.uk
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North Swindon marks two decades Twenty years ago on 21 October 1994 the Scotford family arrived in Swindon’s northern expansion, occupying the first of over 10,000 houses. Bovis Homes welcomed David and Ann Scotford and their sons Daniel and Alex with flowers and champagne to their new home in Arley Close, having moved barely a mile from Haydon Wick. Since then North Swindon has grown and become the size of a small town covering a swathe of farmland from Groundwell in the east to Taw Hill in the west, providing homes for around 30,000 people. Twenty years on, the first people will soon move into the 1,700 house extension to North Swindon at Tadpole Farm. Former councillor for the area and now MP Justin Tomlinson said: “I’ve seen North Swindon transformed with new communi-
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The first people to move into Abbey Meads, Ann and David Scotford, with then-Mayor of Thamesdown David Glaholm and Alan Marshall of AGAS ties built and settled, and fantastic schools opened. “The area has become a place of choice for people of all ages to move to, and with the start of Tadpole Farm on 16 October a new chapter begins.”
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Plans to provide further retail and existing size, with nursery operators childcare space in the former nurs- concluding that there is too much ery at Abbey Meads Village Centre, competition in the surrounding area. which has been standing empty for “It has become evident that a mix a decade, have been put forward to of retail and a smaller nursery unit Swindon Council’s planning depart- is the best way forward for the site.” ment. Commenting on the proposals According to commercial property ward councillor Oliver Donachie advisors Bromwich Hardy, said: “I am pleased to see the who have been marowners come up with a To comment, keting the site since new proposal. contact Cou n Donachie, July 2013, a range “The building has 07983 9726 30 or oliver.donac of businesses and been empty for some hie@ services have re- Coun Perkins: 01 gmail.com time and is certainly 793 527806 or in need of an update. ecp@swindo quested details n1.fsnet.co. uk of the property, Coun Renard: 07 The application has 824 550483 or only recently been drenard@sw including fast food indon.gov.uk and buffet-style made and although restaurants, betting the closing date for comshops, florists, hairdressments was 14 October I and ers, butchers, local food outlets, a my fellow councillors David Renard, theatre and dance school, and even Garry Perkins are eager to hear feedan ambulance call centre. back.” Describing the marketing feedThe planning application to change back senior commercial surveyor the building’s use can be viewed at James Brookes said: “There has the planning section of swindon.gov. been no plausible interest in keep- uk using the reference: S/14/1593/ ing the property for a nursery in its SASM.
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Rotarian from Haydon Wick receives top award The Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, the newest of the several clubs in the town, has recognised the voluntary work of Paul Parfrey by appointing him a Paul Harris Fellow, named after the founder of Rotary International in Chicago 1905. Paul Parfrey, who only joined Rotary in April 2009, was presented with the Robert Buckland MP adding his award by the club president David Coe at a weekly meeting in Septemname to the document ber, attended by 68 people, including Karen Edwards petition visiting Rotarians from the USA and n Continued from page 3 members of local charities and teams Robert added: “We need to look at who took part in June’s Dragon Boat how modern technology can be used Race at Coate Water. Paul, who was President of Swinso that statements can be collected in the field during fast moving in- don Phoenix Rotary from July 2012 vestigations, whilst making sure the to June 2013 said: “It was a complete and utter shock; I’ve seen the awards suspect’s rights are recognised. “There needs to be more flexibility given to Rotarians who have been in how PACE is applied so that, in members for many years and had certain very serious cases, provisions achieved so much. “I never contemplated being nomito vary the protocols can be authorised nated for this honour at such an Lend your by a senior ofearly point in my Rotary service. port to the sup ficer.” What I do for Rotary and the en’s To help Wilt- campaign at Kar community is just what I enjoy Facebook page: shire Police to doing. Justice for Becky find the silver “I’m truly honoured and grateful Volvo they are tryfor the support from my wife Lynn ing to trace, call 101 and from all those who have supor to remain anonymous, con- ported me. I will continue with my tact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. efforts, passion and energy. Rotary is
Paul Parfrey being presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship award by Swindon Phoenix president David Cox by with other fellows in the club from left Peter Collis, Tony Horn, Peter Goldsworthy and Kevin Brown a fantastic organisation which I am proud to be part of.” In the three years since Swindon Phoenix was launched, it has established itself as an energetic and innovative community service club involved with the organisation of the Dragon Boat Race, December’s Santa Run and the Barbury Horseless Trials and Cross Country race. Members have also supported local schools, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Swindon Epilepsy Support Group, Swindon Downs Syndrome Group, Swindon Young Carers and many others.
Join Swindon Phoenix Rotary at any meeting held at Marriott Hotel, Old Town on Wednesdays, 7.30pm. n Santa Run, Lydiard Park, Sunday 7 December, in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Swindon Downs Syndrome. Register at: swindonphoenixrotary.org n Poppy Ball organised by the Rotary Club of Thamesdown, 1 November. See details on page 19. n Last Night of The Proms, Wyvern, Saturday 15 November organised by Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town. See page 27.
Tadpole Farm Village launched in North Swindon Crest Nicholson’s highly anticipated new community of homes to the north of town was officially unveiled on Thursday 16 October. Stephen Stone, Chief Executive at Crest Nicholson, welcomed local councillors, officers and school representatives, as well as suppliers, contractors and consultants in-
volved with the project, to a special launch event at Blunsdon House Hotel, followed by a tour of the first show homes at the development. Tadpole Garden Village will combine the very best of town and country living. When completed, this innovative development will become a distinct
community of nearly 1,700 homes set within 179 hectares of tranquil countryside, offering spectacular views of where the Wiltshire Downs meet the Cotswolds. Community facilities, when built, will include a primary school, shops, playing fields, a community building and doctors or dentist surgery – all linked through a comprehensive pedestrian and cycle network to ensure easy access for residents. Mr Stone said: “It is one of the first developments of its kind in the country and an exemplar of
the benefits of low-density family housing. ”Tadpole Garden village will boast tree-lined avenues, large front and rear gardens, generous on-site parking and a wealth of green open space. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Swindon Council and everyone involved in the project thus far for their support in creating this very exciting new place to live.” Call the sales and marketing office for more information: 01793 680477.
Can you help us keep Haydon Wick looking good and to an exceptional level of cleanliness? Following the creation of a new Amenities Team we need a
Senior Amenities Operative and Operative Launching the village, from left, Crest CEO Stephen Stone, councillors Toby Elliott, Emma Faramarzi, Mary Friend and Vera Tomlinson, Crest MD Tim Beale and John Terry, MD Crest Nicholson Strategic Partnerships
Phoebe’s premier performance Award winning ten-year-old Phoebe Maddison from North Swindon sang the song she’s hoping will become Christmas No 1 for the first time in public at the annual Pop4Diabetes gala ball on 11 October. In front of people with diabetes, VIPs and celebrities who support fundraising campaigns for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Diabetes UK and the diabetes research department at Bournemouth Hospital, Phoebe performed My Life. “It was a lovely evening held at
the DeVere Village Hotel in Bournemouth,” said Michelle Maddison. “We met Gemma Oaten from Emmerdale, Nina Wadia and Keiston Waring from Eastenders as well as former MP Lembit Opik. “Gemma Oaten was really nice and she and Phoebe got on really well.” Phoebe has committed to raise as much money as possible for JDRF to help find a cure for the diabetes she suffers from. A release date for My Life has yet to be announced, keep an eye on swindonlink.com for details.
• 37 hour week with start and finish times varying, for example during the summer months, with additional and weekend working hours as required • Duties include emptying of litter & dog waste bins, horticultural work, street & park cleansing, maintenance of street furniture • Must be able to work on your own initiative, be flexible & willing and hold a driving licence, preferably clean. • Senior post requires some supervisory experience. • Salary banding: Senior Operative £14,880 to £16,215, Operative post £12,915 to £14,880 based on experience and skills.
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Swindon leisure centres under new management The transfer of Swindon Council’s leisure facilities takes place on 1 November when not-for-profit social enterprise company Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) takes over. They will have management responsibility for Link Centre, Delta Tennis Centre, Croft Sport Centre, Dorcan Recreational Complex and the Health Hydro. GLL already has day to day management responsibility for the Oasis, and is rapidly expanding across England, having recently taken over leisure centres in Manchester and the Vale of White Horse. In the former
Olympic Park it runs the London an income. Aquatics Centre and the Copperbox GLL development director Chris Arena. The charity now has 35 man- Symons said he was keen to assure agement partnerships and operusers of leisure facilities that ates 150 leisure venues. services will be improved. The council agreed last “We recognise change Swindon year to get rid of the creates uncertainty but Council’s golf management, repair as a charitable trust we courses at Broome and maintenance re- Manor and Highworth specialise in managing sponsibility of leisure leisure facilities and are are being leased to facililities and invited fully committed to proTwigmarket Ltd tenders from private moting sport, community companies and trusts. The recreation and healthy acaim is to cut the £1.4 million tivity - we are not about looking council taxpayer subsidy of leisure for development opportunities. GLL provision with the hope of gaining manages the full range of facilities - from brand new buildings like the Copperbox to heritage assets like the We offer 01793FIXED 433705 FEES Hydro in Swindon. FREE HOME VISITS Will Writers and LPA Specialists “In the short term we will be in32-33 Commercial Road Swindon, SN1 5NS troducing a new integrated IT booking system and in the longer term we will be implementing a major Our services include: refreshment and refurbishment Will Writing programme. Our overall investment Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) package will be £3 million across the town, as well as the reverse premium Guardianship for children arrangement with Swindon Council Protection Against Care Home Fees
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to meet the maintenance backlog across the leisure portfolio.” One of the first major changes which is raising controversy in the community is the GLL proposal to use the library space located next to the lower entrance at Link Centre as a giant gym. The library would be moved to the gym space on the first floor, also utilising part of The Mall. Main reception would also be relocated next to the new gym. Mr Symons added: “Our aim is to improve the whole centre and having the gym in a more front of house position makes commercial sense. But we recognise the library is an important local asset. GLL presently has responsibility for 26 libraries and the division is headed by Diana Edmonds, who has an MBE for services to libraries. “We want to put the library at the centre of Link Centre and are discussing the proposal with members of staff. “We hope to put our outline plan before the public by Christmas.”
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Mannington and Western Ward councillor Jim Robbins has launched a petition calling on GLL to retain the library at Link Centre in its present position. He said: “I believe moving West Swindon Library from its prominent location in the Link Centre to the upper floor will be a backward step for the community. The library is a flagship in the town and is really well used by people of all ages. “Many groups use the facility and it hosts the West Swindon Locality Meetings. If it is to remain at the heart of the community then it needs to be as accessible as possible; I don’t believe it will be if it moves. It will be very inconvenient for the elderly and disabled to get into.” Cabinet member for leisure and libraries coun Keith Williams said: “The plan to relocate the library was disclosed in the interests of transparency and was agreed at full council
in July. “What is being considered will include longer opening hours for the library and making it more accessible than it is today. GLL are currently working with the council’s library team and have said that they are more than happy to share any proposals at a future West Swindon Forum.” A GLL spokeswoman added: “Plans for the library at Link Centre are currently being developed in conjunction with the in-house library team, and we will consult with the local community before updating or redeveloping the library space. The library itself will continue to be managed inhouse by Swindon Borough Council. “GLL currently operates libraries in two London boroughs where we are committed to providing a high quality of service. We look forward to bringing our skills and experience to West Swindon Library.”
Priory Vale broadband plan, 30 years after cable was laid in West Swindon The news that households in North Swindon are to finally have high speed broadband will be welcomed by most residents, especially those who rely on the internet to run businesses in the area. After years of complaints about slow connections, particularly in parts of Priory Vale, Swindon Council has committed £1.5 million to support a matching contribution from government backed company Broadband Delivery UK to lay fibre optic infrastructure. The tendering process to undertake the work has started and the laying of cable should start in under 12 months. The necessary cable ducts were not installed when Abbey Meads and Priory Vale were built over the last 20 years. However, depending on the installations system proposed in the winning tender, the disruption to the community could be minimised. 2014 marks the thirtieth anniversary of cable laying in West Swindon, when the original Rediffusion/ EMI cable network laid in parts of the town in the 1960s was extended. It was the first area in Britain to be subject to the impact of a new law giving cable companies public utility status, as if they were an electricity or water company.
From the Link archive October 1984: Swindon MP Simon Coombs discussing the impact of cable laying with residents of Freshbook Thirty years ago, the majority of people had four TV channels and a fixed line phone whilst computers were mostly found in offices. Those in the home were expensive and the idea of providing hundreds of TV channels and near instant communication via email was regarded as futuristic. From mid-summer 1984 Swindon Cable, later taken over by Virgin, started to dig trenches across nearly every road in the west. Residents were outraged when teams of workers descended upon their streets spreading dust and rubble, to get the job done as quickly as possible. Many of the roads
and pavements had only had the top surface laid a few months previously and people reacted angrily with petitions and public meetings. Roger Ogle, Swindon Link editor, made a video called Rough Cuts: On the trail of cable which can be viewed at: bit.ly/svp-westcable He said: “The video is far too long and slow for today but there are some choice moments showing how cable was being laid. The residents’ campaign attracted national media attention, Swindon Cable admitted their communication with residents had been poor, and working practices across the country were improved.
“Sadly, Swindon Cable cut off access to the community channel because Swindon Viewpoint would not censure the video which led to local television being killed off. “Without a means of output, Viewpoint closed until the arrival of the internet, making the archive available to a much wider audience. Swindon Viewpoint is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.” How high speed broadband arrives in North Swindon has yet to be decided upon. Cabinet member for Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transport says there are different delivery methods. “There are plenty of ways of rolling out fibre broadband infrastructure without digging up roads,” he said. “BT is now required by law to share access to poles and ducts, whereas the Virgin network is closed and unavailable to any other company. “There are plenty of approaches such as Cisco’s work in Birmingham and London using sewers, and projects by TalkTalk with Sky and CityFibre in York. “Or we may find a company implementing 5g is the bid winner. It’s for the companies to submit their bids to cover the most number of people, with implementation plans that can be started next summer.”
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Adam Brown, the ‘baby’ of the 13 hobbits who appear in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy of • Dermalogica Facials films, visited children at Millbrook • Massages (hot stone, warm Primary School in Freshbrook on 30 Adam Brown bamboo, Swedish, deep tissue and September – looking quite normal. mechanical massages available) with Millbrook In an assembly he talked about youngsters • Shellac gel polish • Waxing what it was like to live in New ZeaJosh, Jess, Ellie • Hopi ear candling land for two years until mid-2013 and Lewis • Eye enhancements whilst the three films were being made. The last will be this winter’s a pair of rubbery hobbit hands which about film making trickery. He said: Call 07748 240334 mail@escape-to-beauty.co.uk blockbuster in cinemas across the a couple of privileged children were “A lot of our acting was against a world. able to try on, and a sling shot. green screen in a studio with only www.escape-to-beauty.co.uk He also pulled out of his rucksack “I’m quite skinny but in the film actors in the scene without any of they had to make me really short and background you see in the film. fat,” he told the assembly. “The director Peter Jackson would “Every day I had to wear a fat suit tell you what the action was. So if he to make me look much bigger, said you were running from an orc, Are your kitchen cabinets OK but the door and drawer as well as a big hairy wig, you had to imagine you were fronts are looking a little tired? See the full and shoes with hair on being chased and the Why not consider replacing them? With a new worktop to match, story and more them to look like my scenery and the monyou could achieve the look of a new stylish kitchen, pictures from feet. sters would be added in saving you time, money and a lot of upheaval. Millbrook Primary’s “We had to rehearse using computers.” hobbit week at: a lot to get used to The Millbrook connec• Complete made to measure kitchens and bedrooms also wearing the heavy bit.ly/millbrook-hobbit tion came about when available. costume and learn how teacher Kim Silvester conto act as hobbits. tacted Adam, her old friend • Many superb styles and finishes to choose from. “At the beginning of the day I from John O’Gaunt secondary school used lots of talcum powder so I could in Hungerford. Call Peter Galbraith on pull the rubber hands on easily but it Headteacher Karen Pyman said: was really hot when we were film- “We had a hobbit week planned and www.petergalbraith.co.uk ing; by the end of the day the pow- were delighted Adam was able to der mixed with sweat and it just ran visit us. down my arms all dirty and grey.” “The pupils were enthralled by the Adam also told the youngsters chance to meet him.”
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Lydiard Park Academy students and teachers with Lindsay Wilson of the Teenage Cancer Trust, Mollie Solley on behalf of the Special Care Baby Unit and Brian and Lin Wilson for Swindon branch of the MS Society
Charities benefit from house support Four good causes benefitted from fundraising undertaken by students at Lydiard Park Academy in the last year. Cheques for £770 were presented to the Teenage Cancer Trust, the MS Society and Swindon Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM) and the Special Care Baby Unit at Great Western Hospital. Head of houses Simon Boxall said:
“The total raised was magnificent, the highest since the house system was introduced at the academy three years ago. “The students are very enthusiastic about helping good causes, from taking part in events organised across the school such as dressdown days to small groups coming up with quirky one off competitions organised during lunch breaks.”
Ofsted’s surprise inspection
Thirty years of helping families deal with cancer in children
Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM), the small Swindon charity with an enormous heart, celebrated three decades of supporting children and parents who have all experienced what it’s like to have CALM su a child diagnosed pport children sporting boxwith cancer with diagnose w d it h cancer or ing gloves a party at the in the Sw leukaemia to symDeVere Hotel in don an Marlboro bolise the on 30 Septemugh area d as well as their fa slow fight ber. milies. F in d out mo a gainst Over 170 re at calmchari cancer was people attended, ty.org consumed including children with over 200 currently having cupcakes provided by treatment as well as some founder members from 1984. Free Cakes for Kids of NewMagical Timmy put on a bury. Chairman, Richard Crowley show for the children, Charlie-Anne Bradfield and Dan said, “It was wonderful to Waldron provided live music have so many CALM famiwith their band Phases and lies together to celebrate the Top Hat Disco had everybody charity reaching this mileon their feet enjoying them- stone. “The children loved the selves. A birthday cake featuring magic show, and the parents the CALM mascot of a turtle enjoyed catching up with
each other and exchanging stories. I am grateful to our hard working committee members for making the event a huge success, as well as the individuals, groups and businesses who donated to our grand prize draw.” South Swindon MP Robert Buckland added: “Swindon CALM has brought real support to many Swindon families facing cancer over the years. I am honoured to be their patron and was delighted to join in the anniversary celebrations. It was a wonderful party atmosphere and it was particularly good to see so many families and children enjoying the event.”
Under a new method of school inspection, Abbey Meads Community Primary School was one of 40 across England and Wales to be visited on a no notice basis. A phone call was received at 8am and the inspection team walked through the front door ten minutes later. The outcome of the two day inspection on 17 and 18 September was an overall grading of Good. The report contains many positive statements such as: ‘The ambition and vision of the Headteacher are fundamental to pupils’ good achievement and the positive ethos created at the school.’ ‘The respectful ethos of the school enables all pupils to develop good personal qualities. They are happy, honest, welcoming and polite, and appreciative of the help and support they receive’ Headteacher Bob Buckley said: “I’m very proud of the staff and pupils
who were responsible for the positive comments in the report. “Not only does the report mention our ‘impressive’ curriculum, but also the ‘typically good, with some that is outstanding,’ teaching, along with work scrutiny - looking in books and watching children work - that ‘in every year group and subject, and for all abilities, progress is much faster than the average for all pupils nationally’ which leads to the overall good judgement. Chair of governors Lisa Hume said: “On behalf of the governors I would like to congratulate Mr Buckley and his team, not only for the grade, but more importantly for the high quality education provided as identified by the many positive remarks made by the Lead HMI Inspector. n For a full copy of the school’s Ofsted report visit: abbeymeads.swindon.sch.uk
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Running to raise money for the Forces Children’s Trust: Poppy Gibson, 16, from What it means to me Shaw is taking part in the Great South Run in Portsmouth. She tells The Link why she has a very important reason for taking on the challenge...
I am quite sporty and enjoy dance, cheerleading and hockey. I recently joined a new school to start A levels and I absolutely love it; I enjoy all aspects of the school and I am Poppy, right, and keen to learn. with her dad Mark, On 26 October I’ve chalabove lenged myself to compete in the Great South Run and I will try to have played in my upbringing. explain why: The Forces ChilMy dad died when I was just seven dren’s Trust has a in the Hercules crash in Iraq. I only have four vivid memories of motto: To serve a him; it gets harder with age as I real- child is an honour. The trust has ise it’s been longer and longer since I last saw him. My wedding day in the helped Mum and I. It is a charity that devotes its time future will be very hard. I am extremely proud of dad and and money, from voluntary contributry to do my best for him. I truly tions, to helping the wives and chilbelieve that my mum, dad and Jus dren who have been directly affected (Mum’s partner) have all shaped me by a death of someone whilst serving into who I am today and I am very in the military. It is a perfect way to make friends grateful for the roles that all of them
with people who are of losing a parent and does his very in the same situation best to put a smile back on our faces. and with whom you I am not a long distance runner instantaneously bond; and I have been training hard. it has offered me some Every time I run I think about why I incredible experienc- am doing it, to give something back es which I otherwise to the Forces Children’s Trust espewouldn’t have had. cially as it is the tenth anniversary The trust is like one this year. big happy family; To complete the Help Popp it was founded Great South Run has y by making a and run by donation extra meaning to online at: Denny Wise, me as Mum told justgiving.c the most selfme that Dad’s amom/ Poppy-Gib less, motivatbition was also to son ed and passiontake part. ate man I know. It’s going to be a Denny supports family affair with relations Mum and has given her coming to support me; my grandad friends for life which and I have designed the t-shirts. makes me happy. He Whilst I hope to raise some money recognises how hard it for FCT, running will keep Dad’s can be to deal with the memory alive and doing something devastating aftermath great and worthwhile as a family.
Enterprising apps grown in Swindon turn heads
Ask AMS Advice for small businesses
A failed bank transaction to pay my VAT resulted in a surcharge how can I avoid this in future? Late VAT payments result in HMRC surcharges of 5%, 10% or 15% of the amount due on your VAT Return. HMRC normally send a letter the first time warning that a further late payment within 12 months will result in a surcharge. You can set up a Direct Debit to avoid this. If you process your own VAT return you can set it up online, or ask your accountant to download the DD form and mail it to you for completion. DDs are collected 3 days after your Return is due. If you process it before the due date, check the on-screen message for the earliest date that payment will be taken. N.B. You will always receive a surcharge if your Return is late because HMRC can’t process payments without it.
Michelle Hine - Payroll Manager AMS Accountancy Ltd, Swindon SN5 7XF, 01793-818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
Computer whizz Kris Allen, 26, from cidents, Incidents and Near-miss Shaw is excited to present two new Events) provides a digital accident mobile device applications from his log book including the facility to use company The Bit Forge, which was GPS and take photographs of any shortlisted for the Lloyds Bank En- incidents. terprise Award earlier this year. Explaining the Bit Forge target Both apps aim to eliminate market Kris said: “RAINE is paperwork and streamvery useful in high risk enFor more line processes in the vironments such as the information both fields of equipment construction industry. apps are available at: But it would be equally servicing and health potsglobal.com and and safety. effective for use by the raineapp.com The first is called police force and other POTS – Point of Origin high incident services.” Tracking software – and Describing how The Bit provides a full service inventory of Forge works Kris said: “We talk to equipment in the medical and mo- industry experts about the problems bility industries. This enables service they are experiencing in their field engineers to have up-to-date and and then collaborate with them to accurate information at their finger- generate solutions that can be used tips during service calls. on mobile devices such as smartThe RAINE app (Reporting for Ac- phones and tablets.”
The Ridgeway Sixth Form College A Level 2014
5% of students achieved of A* grades. 21% of students achieved A* - A grades. 47% of students achieved A*/A/B grades. 97% of students gained A* - E grades. Above 70% of Year 13 students go onto University each year. 30% of students went to Russell Group Universities.
The Ridgeway Sixth Form College
OPEN EVENING Thursday 13th November 6.30pm - 8.30pm For further information please contact Mrs H Dixon Tel: 01793 846133 email:dixonh@ridgewayschool.com The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College Inverary Road, Wroughton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9DJ Tel: 01793 846100 Fax: 01793 815065 Headteacher - Steve Colledge
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COULD FCC 6th FORM BE THE CHANGE YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? Offering Level Three courses only. Outstanding A Level results in 2014:
Headteacher Frances Billenge with Haydonleigh pupils in front of the new extension
More space to spread and grow
Children and staff at Haydonleigh tions with a lack of space outside of Primary School have been enjoying the four walls of each classroom for the extra space available to them many years. following the completion of a £3 “Our journey from a single form million extension to cope with a rise to three forms of entry is now comin the number of children in North plete with a building that enables us Swindon. to deliver the high quality provision It brings to a close 18 months of that every child deserves. redevelopment on the site off Hay“The theatre, additional and endon Court Drive which saw larged halls are fantastic multemporary buildings beti-use spaces that allow us Haydonleigh ing moved around the to be creative with their School wins school ground so that use. The 15 new classe Lif for Food children could attend rooms are spacious and Gold award: classes whilst construcconducive to the needs of See page 38 tion went on. each class - be it foundaThe school originally tion stage, aged four, or Year opened in September 1995 with 39 six aged 11.” children in a mobile in the grounds Local construction company Beard of Greenmeadow School before worked with Swindon Council and moving to a single form entry school the school to deliver the muchbuilt for 210 children, in early 1996. needed extension. The children who There are now 500 children and first started at Haydonleigh are now this number will rise to 630 in Sep- in their early 20s. tember 2018. “Things have changed a lot since Headteacher Frances Billenge said: their day,” said Ms Billenge. “We’d be “We are thrilled with the facilities as hapy to show former pupils around we have worked in cramped condi- our wonderful new school.”
From Dubai to Haydon Wick for storyteller
Swindon based children’s author Neil Griffiths has been invited to cut • 33% of Passes were at Grade A*/A the ribbon to both officially open • 62% of Passes were at Grade A*/B Haydonleigh Primary School’s ex• 99% of passes were at A*/E tension and read some of his stories to children and adults on 10 No• 67% of students achieved 2 or more passes at A*/B • The average UCAS points per entry were 407 vember. Neil has recently been on a story (average 4 grade B’s) telling tour of the Gulf States and • 47% of students who applied for university gained on 26 September read his children’s a place at a Russell Group University
We would like to invite you to visit our established, caring and well-resourced Sixth Form on Thursday 20th November, 6.15pm to 8.30pm For further information please contact Kate Berwick, Sixth Form Student Manager: KLBerwick@fcc.oxon.sch.uk Faringdon Community College, Fernham Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 7LB Tel: 01367 240375/240628
stories to hundreds of children, parents and carers at Kinokuniya, the world’s largest bookstore, in Dubai, below. His readings of children’s favourites Itchy Bear, If Only, Messy Martin and Albert’s Tuneful Trunk are also performances with lots of audience participation. Find Neil’s stories at: redrobinbooks.com
Haydon End expansion A year of moving classes within Orchid Vale Primary School, which included three major upheavals when mobiles had to be shifted around the site, came to an end in September when a new 8 classroom extension opened. It means the single form entry school of 210 children with a 52 place nursery will be able to expand to a roll of 420 children and the nursery by September 2017. Although not easy to achieve headteacher Debbie Kalynka said the outcome was better than expected. “It’s a very tight site but we worked closely with the site managers Education Support Services and builders
Sleepout to help town’s homeless
Select to make the process go as smoothly as possible. “The extension barely touched our school field which we’re very pleased about. “The children and staff love the
Mrs Kalynka with teacher Dan Drew and his Year 3 class
bright airy classrooms and the breakout areas and we also have our own fitted kitchen to teach cookery. “The new facilities have added so much to the school.” Mrs Kalynka added that Ofsted rates Orchid Vale as an outstanding school, a status she wants to retain. “We all worked hard to ensure there was no disruption to teaching and learning and we continue to create the village school atmosphere The ext will be ension that so op 4 Nove ened on many peomber b y still-to ple make -be-na a m ed postive interna tional comments athlete about.”
Threshold Housing Link holds its annual sleep-out on Friday 5 December at Immanuel United Reform Church, Upham Road to support work with homeless people. Threshold’s Street Outreach Team assists rough sleepers to access crucial health care, obtain appropriate benefits and secure emergency accommodation. The Threshold hostel, Culvery Court, accommodates homeless men. But many people have to be turned away due to lack of beds, with men offered just a blanket for the night. Threshold CEO Cher SawyerSmith MBE says: “The sleep-out is a very important annual event for us, both as a fundraiser, as well as raising awarness of our services and the great need for them for those people who are unfortunate to become homeless.” There are many ways to assist, from gaining sponsors for the sleepout, to donating money, blankets, sleeping bags and winter clothing, or organising other fundraising events. For details and sponsor packs call Threshold on 01793 524661 or email: simon.bennett@thl.org.uk
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy “A global School in a local Community”
Parent Tours# We are delighted to invite any Parent considering Royal Wootton Bassett Academy to visit us at any time that is mutually convenient. You and your child will have the opportunity to see how our students learn, look around our outstanding facilities and talk with the Staff, Students and the Headteacher. Ofsted Nov 2013 Awarded ‘Outstanding’ in every Category
2014 Results 66% 5 A*-C GCSE inc English and Maths 79% of students achieved English grade C or higher 73% of students achieved Maths grade C or higher 86% of A Level students achieved 3 A Levels at A*-E 95% of A Level students achieved 2 A Levels at A*-E 99% of A Level students achieved 1 A Level at A*-E
“Standards of teaching are outstanding in all years”
For further information on Years 7 to 11, please contact: Karen Hunt or Michele Pocock on 01793 841948/841954 Or email KHunt@rwba.org.uk or MPocock@rwba.org.uk For 6th Form information, please contact: Hilary Stubbs on 01793 841905 Or email HStubbs@rwba.org.uk
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preschool gymnastics where an early start makes a world of difference!
New toy store helps replenish charity’s toy cupboard The Entertainer, the UKs fastest growing multichannel toy retailer, opened at Brunel Shopping Centre at the end of September with a trolley toy dash in aid of the Swindon branch of Hop Skip and Jump. The business is bucking the current downward trend across the retail in-
dustry and has plans to open more stores. The 3500 square foot Entertainer Swindon store has every kind of toy and game imaginable. Hop, Skip and Jump, based at Upper Shaw Farm in West Swindon, provides immediate and flexible, 7 day and evening respite care to children and adults with life limiting illness, disabilities and special needs. Manager Sonia Osbourn said: ‘We
Fashion show of garments repurposed for children & adults with disabilities, modelled with the help of this year’s partner charity Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group Saturday 15 November, 11am, 1pm and 3pm Sainsbury’s Bridgemead Paddington Drive swindondownsgroup.org.uk dressability.org.uk daily classes for the under 5’s
01793 822262
www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk
Also at Sainsbury’s 22 November: pre-Christmas collection by volunteers from Swindon Foodbank 28/29 November: collection by Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group
All courses, all ages...
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are very grateful to The Entertainer for choosing to support our charity to help with the grand opening. “It was a lovely opportunity for our children to receive some lovely new toys to play with during their respite sessions at Hop Skip and Jump. “The chance to learn through play in a safe, secure environment can make the world of difference to the children we support.” For m details ore v official isit the Hop Sk and Ju ip hopskip mp website: andjum p.org.u k
For more information call (01793) 491591 or visit www.swindon.ac.uk
Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1DY
Sonia Osbourne, centre, leaving The Entertainer with ten year old Hop, Skip and Jump customer twins Katie and Amy and their parents loaded with goodies
The Christmas gift for the reluctant reader Dean McGhee, a teaching assistant at Haydonleigh Primary School, who goes under the pen name of DJ McGhee has written and illustrated a book called Space Invaders which he believes will inspire children, particularly those who need some encouragement to discover how words and pictures capture the imagination. “It’s aimed at 6 to 9 year olds and fits somewhere between a traditional picture book and a graphic novel. The colourful, illustrative style, pace and excitement of the story will be a winning combination. “I’d like to be a platform to encourage reading, writing and art. I hope to go into local schools to do some workshop activities.” Dean, who attended Greendown School and went on to Swindon School of Art and Design, is currently studying for a degree in Design and Innovation. He’s used some of his witty il-
lustrations from Space Invaders to produce a short animation to give a taste of the book on his website iwonderpublications.co.uk There’s an option to purchase there. Dean is also working on a Space Invaders app to extend the scope of his ideas so that children can engage with his story.
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Mums and babies at Butterflies in North Swindon
Children’s centres to be closed
Despite almost 2,000 responses to Swindon Council’s consultation to close half the children’s centres in the town, as well as two petitions, the council’s cabinet decided on 14 October to go ahead with its plan. The consultation was based on the premise that some £770,000 has to be cut from the annual £2.1 million cost of running the centres that provide support to families around the town. To comply with the reduction in spending set by the Coalition Government, the council has to reduce its overall spending by £50 million in the next two years. To cushion the impact of the cutbacks, the cabinet agreed to set up a one off fund of £194,000 available to provide support to vulnerable families, which includes £50,000 to set up outreach services for families with under 4s in Highworth and Stratton in 2015 and 2016. The balance will be used to target the most vulnerable families with under 3s who do not live in the parts of Swindon where children’s centres will be untouched - Penhill & Pinehurst, Moredon, Drove, Gorse Hill (the Supercluster) and Parks & Walcot East. Centres to be de-commissioned are Butterflies in North Swindon, West
Swindon Family Centre, Salt Way in Middleleaze, Ladybirds Highworth, Eldene, Croft and Robert Le Kyng. The Salt Way Centre will remain open as a children’s services facility. Butterflies and West Swindon will be reconfigured as ‘multi-generational family centres,’ but will only have 66 per cent of present funding. Over two years they will need to develop strategies to raise money and reduce the need for council funding. Cabinet member for children’s services coun Fionuala Foley said some local authorities are closing all their centres but she wanted to ensure a geographical spread of facilities. “We are looking for solutions in a very difficult situation. Five centres in areas of most need are untouched. The £194,000 will establish new provision and, with government funding, 15 new health visitors will come into service across the borough.” To clarify what multi-generational family centres are, Coun Foley said: “We will be working closely with West Swindon Family Centre and Butterflies to design a new service suitable for their area, which engages the wider family and involves older people as volunteers, and in
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War art from White Horse schools The White Horse Federation MultiAcademy Trust held its fourth annual arts festival in early October based on performances and artwork marking the centenary of World War I. The eight primary schools in Swindon within the federation have been joined by Zouch School in Tidworth
and this year the festival was able to use Tidworth Garrison Theatre. Children at Tregoze Primary School in Grange Park, above, made models of a trench and a tank, designed medals, embroidered postcards to be sent to soldiers and decorated peace banners.
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Toothill primary kids become superheroes for high-flying heroes Year 1 children at Hazelwood Primary School took part in the Air Ambulance Week at the end of September by dressing up as their favourite characters for a visit by air ambulance paramedic Richard Miller. He talked to the whole school in an assembly about the history of the air ambulance service and described the day to day missions of the pilots
and paramedics. The school made a donation of £25 to the air ambulance which is about to take delivery of a brand new helicopter in December, ending the current partnership with Wiltshire Police. The Air Ambulance Trust has to raise £6,860 each day to keep flying. wiltshireairambulance.co.uk
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Tony Ellis and Robert McCloud of Wooden Spoon with youngsters at the Stratton Road Learning Centre
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Wooden Spoon support for special needs learning centre
Uplands Educational Trust (UET) has specialist playgrounds, sports activbeen able to make some refurbish- ity areas, and community-based proments to its recently opened Strat- grammes in the UK. ton Road Learning Centre, thanks to Inspired by its rugby heritage, and a donation of almost £6,500 from values of passion, integrity, teamWooden Spoon, the children’s charity work, and fun the charity has so far of rugby. helped over 1 million young people Chairman of Wooden Spoon and children in need and raised Wiltshire Region Gareth £20 million for special faFor more John, and assistant coach cilities. informati on visit to England Wheelchair Expressing her gratiwoodensp oon.com Rugby Tony Ellis pre- or tude for the donation, Uplands Educ sented a plaque to mark Tru Learning Centre execust:bit.ly/u tional plandsET tive headteacher Jackie their support of Uplands Educational Trust at a Smith said: “We are very ceremony attended by stugrateful to Wooden Spoon dents and staff on 14 October. for their generous donation. The Wooden Spoon was founded in specialist facility is for young adults 1983 to make a difference to the aged 19 to 25 who have severe or lives of disadvantaged children and profound multiple learning needs. young people. The charity is sup“We want to enable young peoported by fundraising ideas from a ple to shape their own future and volunteer committee and is one of contribute to their community. We the largest funders of respite and provide safe, stimulating and agemedical treatment centres, sensory appropriate education and workenhancement therapeutic facilities, related learning opportunities.”
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Honouring the fallen at Lydiard Park service
Walled garden hosts commemoration as RBL’s Field of Remembrance opens The Royal British Legion’s Wootton Bassett Field of Remembrance, dedicated to those who died in conflicts around the world, opens again at the walled garden in Lydiard Park on Friday 7 November with a service conducted by Reverend Vicki Burrows. St Mary’s Church, in Lydiard Park’s grounds, will host services until Sunday 16 November, Lydiard Park
and daily moments of reflection in the garden. On Sunday 9 November Rev Clive Deverell will conduct a Remembrance Day service in St Mary’s at 10am followed by an open air Act of Remembrance in the walled garden at 11am. The garden will also be open daily from 9am to 4pm and at 2pm each day there will be two minutes of si-
lence followed by the Last Post. On Armistice Day, 11 November, Rev Deverell will do the honours again in an 11am commemoration in the walled garden. For the first time children from Brook Field and Westlea primary schools will join the congregation of St Mary’s to sing popular songs from the Great War era and then perform Now is The Day at the closing of the Field You can of Remembrance in dedicate a the garden. remembrance Everyone is weltribute at: britishlegion.org.uk come to attend the times of reflection, the service, or to visit the garden in their own time.
War heroes celebrated in a special live broadcast at the Wyvern A Festival of Remembrance will be held at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday 2 November at Performing at the festiTickets for the 2pm. val will be the Defence Festival of Remembran ce Academy Commemorating Military cost £10, £5 for unde r the centenary of Wives Choir, the 16s, plus a 50p per tic ket the start of World Wessex Male Choir, booking fee applies, cap ped War One, the event Goddard Park at six per order. Fee-fr ee will honour all School children’s booking for Wyvern Fri ends; those who served choir and the WestGroups of 10+ call in the Great War, ern Players. 01793 52448 and also the men who The event will be landed on the beaches compered by Shirley of Normandy 70 years ago. Ludford and broadcast live
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Poppy Ball in aid of military charities Christmas Parties at Blunsdon from House Hotel £25 at
The Rotary Club of Thamesdown holds a special event in the Great Western Hall of Steam Museum on 1 November, commemorating the centenary of the start of the Great War. The Poppy Ball supports the work of the Royal British Legion, Walking With The Wounded and local Rotary charities and will include performances by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Military
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Wives Choir. Tickets cost £55 and include a three-course meal, entertainment and an auction - including the chance to win a holiday to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with luxury accommodation and tickets to see the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Dress code is dinner jacket or uniform. For ticketsIncluding call 01793 871183 a 3or course email: thepoppyball@gmail.com
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Estate of Brave New World illustrator helps today’s aspiring artists Artists in and around Purton will display their work at an exhibition in the village hall from 7 to 9 November and launch a new website paid for by the estate of one of its founder members Leslie Holland. The October Link described how Leslie had entered and won a competition in 1930 to illustrate the first edition of Aldous Huxley’s futuristic novel Brave New World, which became an icon of 20th Century literature. However, Leslie took an unexpected path in life, rejecting the idea of making money from his skill and instead found a more simple path of manual labour as a gardener and joining a Christian community, though all the time busy drawing and painting, and giving away much of his work. His son Matt, joint coordinator of the Lower Shaw Farm Centre in West Swindon, said his father, born in 1907, could draw absolute likenesses from a very early age and maintained his deep commitment to art until his
Leslie Holland, and inset, his son Matt with the Brave New World poster
death in 2005. “Anyone who knew Dad was aware that he always carried a sketch pad and could be seen in Purton, Swindon, and at Lower Shaw Farm watching and sketching, and through his drawing, connecting with people and life. “He was more principled rebel than revolutionary. For example, in his late teens, he won a Royal College of Art scholarship, completed almost three years study and walked out before
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six children all under the age of 10, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to join the community. They left the Bruderhof six years later but, without funds to pay for the passage to England, they moved to an even more remote part of Paraguay, where Leslie ran a small trading post and Gerty helped out as a nurse among the 500 indigenous Lengua people. “It was an idyllic time, at least for us children,” remembers Matt. “The older ones did not have to go to school. Instead, in a sub-tropical setting full of wonderful wildlife, we’d go hunting with the Indians and riding with the gauchos.” In 1960 the family scraped enough money together to make the long voyage back to England, third class the final exams. He said he disliked on an ocean liner. They arrived penexams as they compromised his sense niless and lived on a church floor in of artistic freedom.” east London. In due course, Peter, the During the 1930s, Leslie enjoyed eldest son, found a job on a farm near some success as a freelancer, design- Purton with a tied cottage, which ing posters for the Post Office but brought Leslie, Gerty and his five sibwas also partial to artistic jaunts lings to Wiltshire. Gerty found work round Europe. Back in London in the as a nurse in Purton hospital and Lelate-1930s his mother introduced Le- slie became an art teacher at Prior slie to a young Austrian nurse called Park Prep School in Cricklade. As well Gerty, who was told a few weeks as working with Purton Artists later that she might have Society, Leslie illustrated Lesley Holland to leave Britain because ’s covers for the village Brave New Wor of the impending ld poster magazine for many will be on disp lay at the war. Leslie promptly years. annual Purton married her and for Artists Matt said: “My Exhibition in Pu rton Village their honeymoon father used to say Hall on Friday 7 November, they walked from that his ability to 6pm to 9pm; Sa turday 8, London to Evesham, draw was a gift, the 10am to 4pm; Sunday 9, where he found work products of which he 10am to 4pm planting and harvestwanted to share with ing vegetables. others. For him art was a With a young and growing celebration of life rather than a family to support, the young cou- way to fame and fortune. Nevertheple then found stability by joining less, he would be very pleased that the Bruderhof, a Christian pacifist the royalties from the reproduction of farming community in Shropshire his Brave New World design on postcomprising people of all nationalities ers and T-shirts are helping members who wanted to live out the Sermon of Purton Artists’ Society, young arton the Mount, sharing life and work- ists, and other similar causes.” ing together. Before war broke out Leslie’s executors are supporting foreign members and conscientious the artists’ society develop the web objectors of the Bruderhof departed site, encouraging younger people in the UK to set up a base in faraway their art endeavours, and are runParaguay. ning a competition at Bradon Forest In 1953, Leslie and Gerty, now with School.
Twin town connections
n Cricklade is twinned with French town Suce-sur-Erdre and the town’s twinning association and tennis club are holding a barn dance with hot supper to help fund greater contact. The event at Cricklade Town Hall takes place on Saturday 22 November, 7.30pm. Tickets £10; attendees may bring their own drinks. Call 01793 750048 for details.
n Learn about Swindon’s twin connection with Ocotal in Nicaragua at the Swindon Ocotal Link Annual General Meeting on Thursday 13 November, 7.30pm, at Lower Shaw Farm. SOL raises money for education and health projects and supports an elderly peoples care centre. For details email Rita Head: r.heads@ntlworld.com
Requiem for remembrance
The talented STFC player who never made it home Frances Bevan trawls the archives to uncover the war diary entries of a Wiltshire Regiment
As part of the commemorations of the centenary of the start of the First World War, there will be a performance of Faure’s Requiem and other music for remembrance on Sunday 9 November. The music will be performed by local choir Dodecantus, who rehearse at St Augustine’s Church. There will also be well known poems from WW1 scattered through the performance, as well as
Mayor Theresa Page looking at Great War artefacts in the museum and art gallery with Mike Pringle
As autumn turned to winter and the first snow fell on the Western Front, the men of the 1st Battalion of the the entry for November 5. Wiltshire Regiment were fighting in Another brief entry made on Friwhat would later be known as the day 13 November reads: ‘In trenchFirst Battle of Ypres. es. Enemy shelled steadily, our guns Throughout November 1914 The replying. 3 killed 6 wounded’ – and Times newspaper published the dai- with further research it has been ly casualty lists with the names of possible to name just one of those officers killed or wounded in battle. killed.’ The expendable ordinary rank and William Arthur Brewer, 21, a cloth file were not named, their numbers weaver from Chippenham, had too numerous to mention. served in the Territorial Army for At home in Swindon the Advertiser three years. A former Kingsdown also printed short biographies of lo- School pupil, William was also a cal men lost along with patriotic talented footballer letters sent home by serving soldiers playing for to encourage others to enlist. Chippenthe in on ind The Sw At the end of each day in dugham Town. – Great War exhibition outs and billets in France and In Octoen op is One Town’s War Flanders, an entry was made ber 1913 y da tur Sa to Wednesday in an official war diary, proWilliam on 11 – 3 pm at the Swind viding a stark account of life had been ry, lle Museum and Art Ga on the Western signed as a ad Ro Bath Front. Just three forward for months into the Swindon Town war and a junior Football Club but officer in the 1st his promising career was cruelly Wilts revealed cut short. some shocking William has no known grave. statistics. His name is recorded on Panel ‘Wednesday 53 of the Menin Gate along November 4: with more than 54,000 others I have made who lost their lives fighting in a rough estimate of our wastage the Ypres Salient. since the campaign started, first 3 William is also remembered on the months, which I attach, it shows we Swindon Town Football Club memohave lost, or temporarily lost, the rial and the Chippenham Town War services of 26 officers and 1,000 Memorial. Brewer Mead in Pewsmen.’ ham, Chippenham is named after The following day the 1st Bat- him. talion marched from Dickebush to The history and war diary of the Hooge along muddy roads congest- 1st Battalion of the Wiltshire Regied with heavy traffic, to relieve the ment is available for consultation 20th Brigade. in the Swindon Collection, Central “Battn was put in reserve in dug- Library and can be viewed online at: outs in a wood. 1 wounded,” reads thewardrobe.org.uk.
The Vine Church “Enjoy one of our Sunday Services, you will find them refreshing & relevant to everyday life!” Meets @ Liden Primary School (SN3 6EX) Sunday 10.30am 01793 862224 www.vinechurch.co.uk
a short act of remembrance. The performance will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £5 each. Tickets can be purchased at the church, by telephoning Neil Fisher on 01793 693652 or by reservation on the church’s official website, staugustines-swindon. co.uk. For more information, contact Neil Fisher on 01793 693652.
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Santa Sunday Lunches £19.95 per person, £9.95 for children under 12 years. Children under 4 years eat for free. Younger guests will be delighted to hear that a special visitor will be in the hotel during December. Perfect for all the family, a traditional festive carvery in our function room with a visit from Santa, a gift and a disco for the children. For bookings call
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King Rat Havers leads the cast in Wyvern panto
The cast of the Wyvern’s Dick Whittington
Corrie villain tells The Link why he jumped at the chance of starring in Dick Whittington The Wyvern Theatre’s pan- role since graduating from tomime season is just six Italia Conti Theatre School. weeks away and the cast David Ashley returns to of Dick Whittington came the Wyvern for the third together at The Riverside, year in a row as the pantoLechlade-on-Thames, to mime dame, Sarah the Cook, try out their costumes and with whacky costumes and meet each other for the first a whole lot of height - she’s time. eight-feet tall. This year’s eclectic cast The Link spoke to some of includes Nigel Havers, the actors to discover a firm favourite the appeal of on stage and panto and why Dick Whittington screen for the people opens on Saturday til un s run d an r the last 40 of Swindon be cem 6 De years and should treat Sunday 4 January. currently their famiBook online at most reclies to tickets swindontheatres.co.uk ognised for over the fesor call the ticket office his role as tive period. on 01793 524481 Lewis Archer in Nigel said: “I do Coronation Street. a lot of straight theaNigel stars as King Rat in tre and we can’t interact the panto, a suitable part with the audience. for him as he is often cast “It’s a big relief to be on as the loveable rogue. stage and mess about. Lucy Kane, daughter of “I know that half the chil80s glamour girl Linda Lu- dren in the audience have sardi, joins Nigel on stage as probably never been to the Alice Fitzwarren, in her first theatre before, it’s their first
time. “I want it to be a memorable experience so that they’ll come back. An insurance for the future of theatre.” Nigel assured his daughter he wouldn’t do panto this year, but when he got a call from his agent offering a role at The Wyvern he jumped at the chance. He said: “My daughter has just had my first grandchild and she wanted me to be at home for a family Christ-
mas. “But Swindon isn’t far from where I live, so I can still do panto and spend special time with the family.” David Ashley, a graduate of Swindon’s Tanwood School of Performing Arts, is a seasoned favourite at the Wyvern. He starred on the theatre’s stage for the first time in 1986 and has never looked back. He said: “I’m so excited
about pantomime. It’s sanctioned lunacy. “I get to dress up and live in this fantasy world that is full of glitter with fabulous songs, fabulous sets and brilliant people to work with. “I think to myself what’s not to like? “The audience makes panto. The reaction that comes off the audience when I say ‘Hello Swindon’ is amazing. It knocks you off your feet”.
s al ci ion ult e d r ns s Sp is r a fo sio m fo 0 s ad 0 .0 nce free .0 £1 co go 3 £ and n & 3s re er ld nd i ch U
6 December and 7 December 2014, 10.00 am - 5.00 pm STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY. www.steam-museum.org.uk
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Turner in the West - now in Swindon until mid-December Pictures by JMW Turner, one of the heroes of British art, are the major attraction at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery until 13 December. The intimate touring show of watercolours are held in collections in the west of England and are not on public display regularly. Six were painted in Bristol when Turner was aged between 16 and 17 and studying at the Royal Academy. Alongside the Turners, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery will be displaying art works from its own collection of 20th Century British modern art, including pictures by John Piper and Graham Sutherland. Sophie Cummings, curator at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, said: “Turner’s watercolours are his freshest and most spontaneous works. “They are light, delicate and bring the beautiful scenery of the South West and Wales to life.” The exhibition is the result of a new partnership between Swindon Museum &
Art Gallery and four other museums and art galleries in Bristol, Bath and Cheltenham called Frameworks. The exhibition is also part of Swindon Council’s programme to develop a Heritage Lottery Bid for £10m to relocate the Museum and Art Gallery to a brand new building in the town centre to showcase more of the collections it owns, with good access and a better range of facilities including room for educational events and large touring exhibitions. The council has committed another £5m to the project and hopes to attract another £5m from private benefactors.
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Helen Miah, Swindon Council’s commissioner for leisure, libraries and culture discussing the finer points of one of the Turner pictures on display with Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Rose Troughton CStJ
Hare brains wanted for quiz night in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Fundraising for the Mad March Hare tails at madmarchhare.org.uk 2015 in aid of Breakthrough Breast Meanwhile, the eighth Mad March Cancer Swindon and North Wilts is Hare run, jog or walk takes place set to leap into action. on Sunday 22 March 2015, Teams are needed to starting and finishing at test their wits with Lydiard Park Academy. Victim Suppor t other hare brains The 5km or 10km Swindon is ho lding a witnes s at a quiz night walk/jog/run has service quiz ni ght at at Swindon so far generated Supermarine FC on Sa turday 22 Town Footover £78,000 for November 2014 . The event star ts at ball Club on Breakthrough 7.30pm. Play alone or in team Wednesday Breast Cancer. s of up to six, en try is £5 per 26 November, The 2014 event person. Contac t Layla on 7.30pm. raised an impres01793 484040 . Bring a team of sive £11,400 in spite six to eight players or of the hailstones hopjoin one when you arrive. ping off participants, volTickets cost £6.50 per person and unteers and spectators as runners include a buffet. set off. There will also be a raffle, plus a Registration opens on 1 November prize for the winning team. See de- at: madmarchhare.org.uk
Thomas, OR members of his team at Special Auction Services, will value portable items between 10am and 3.30pm on: Monday 10th November
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Music
Comedy
Saturday 1st, 8pm Into The Shadows play all The Shadows hits as well as many of the early Cliff Richard songs. £12.50. Arts Centre
Saturday 1st, 7.30pm Ha Ha Hood and the Prince of Leaves starring Su Pollard and Cannon & Ball. Irreverent adventure through the heroic and daring world Wednesday 5th, 7.30pm Marty Wilde’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Party. of Sherwood Forest, led by Hood and Marty Wilde, Eden Kane and John his merry men. £21. Wyvern Leyton join forces with the Wildcats. Tuesday 4th, 7.30pm £26.50. Wyvern Jim Davidson promises the most outrageous, hilarious and insightMonday 10th, 7.30pm That’ll Be The Day. A brand new ful show telling the truth of the 12 show of classics from the 1950s, 60s months following his arrest and the clearing of his name. £24.50. Wyvern and 70s. £24.50. Wyvern Tuesday 11th, 7.30pm Friday 14th, 8pm Talon with the best of classic Eagles Stones In His Pockets. A very funny and moving tale of a quiet Irish hits. £20.50. Wyvern community turned upside by the Friday 14th, 8pm arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot. Peter Knight’s Gigspanner. Steeleye £21. Wyvern Span’s fiddle player plays traditional British music mixed with Eastern Eu- Wednesday 12th, 8pm ropean, French, African and Aborigi- Dave Gorman: Gets Straight To The Point. £21. Wyvern nal influences. £14. Arts Centre Saturday 15th, 7pm 70 years of Music in Swindon - a celebration of the life of Gordon Crabbe, organist and choirmaster at Christ Church from 1955 to 1995. An evening of music featuring organist Ian Crabbe, the combined choirs of Christ Church and Immanuel URC and members of Swindon Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Collection in aid of Leukemia and Lymphoma Research. Christ Church, Old Town
Thursday 13th, 8pm Cardinal Burns. The duo are ready to unleash a torrent of new characters as well as familiar faces from their Channel 4 show. £18.50. Wyvern
Saturday 15th, 7.30pm Last Night Of The Proms. Swindon Young Musicians perform with the Waterloo Band of the Rifles. Presented by the Rotary Club of Swindon and Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town. £16. Wyvern
Eric and Little Ern. An affectionate, moving and fantastically funny homage to the greatest British comedy double act. £20.50. Wyvern
Sunday 16th, 8pm Ross Noble. The master surrealist uses an infinite imagination and plenty of tomfoolery in his brand new UK show. £25. Wyvern
Monday 17th, 8pm Hal Cruttenden. Footballers, FaceSunday 16th, 3pm book and food are just three of the Lazy Sunday Afternoon with Mr topics Hal devours with his unique Love & Justice and friends. Acoustic mix of camp and straight, warm and folk/pop and roots music with guest catty humour. £18.50. Wyvern performances. £5. Arts Centre Studio Wednesday 19th, 7.30pm
Tuesday 18th, 7.30pm
Friday 21st, 8pm Pete Johansson: Several Jokes. Nuanced and layered, provocative and silly, all in one spectacular examination of various fears and faults that enlighten the spirit and educate the soul. £13. Arts Centre
Venues Joan Armatrading on her last major tour. £30.50. Wyvern Saturday 22nd, 8pm Nathan Jones Allstars. A fabulous evening of big band entertainment. £12. Arts Centre Sunday 23rd, 3pm Swindon Recital Series: Heath Quartet. £15; students £2.50. Arts Centre Sunday 23rd, 4pm & 8pm Kentwood Cracker. A Christmas feast of seasonal music, carols and fun. £12. Wyvern
Arts Centre Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 Central Library Regent Circus SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 463782 Lydiard House Lydiard Park SN5 3PA. Tel: 01793 466664 Roves Farm Sevenhampton Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 STEAM Kemble Drive SN2 2EY. Tel: 01793 466637 Swindon Information Centre Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue
Drama
Children & Family
Monday 3rd, 7.30pm
Thursday 23 October to Sunday 2 November Pumpkins. Halloween activities and free tractor rides. Pumpkin carving and paper crafts. Roves Farm. See the advert below Saturday 1st, 10am to 1pm Family Fun Day. Character appearances and free events and activities. Wyvern
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpugo. Follow the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. £18. Wyvern Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th, 7.30pm Journey’s End. The Western Players perform the heart-wrenching tale of a small group of British soldiers and their life in the trenches. £9. Arts Centre
Friday 7th & Saturday 8th, 7.30pm; Sat 2pm Kirsty Farrow Dance Academy present Our Year In Dance performed by children of all ages. £12; children £10. Wyvern
Fireworks Displays Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Spooktacular in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance organised by Swindon Round Table Friday 31 October gates 5.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm In advance: £5; U16 £3; family £12 On the door: £7; U16 £5
Brook Field Primary School Cartwright Drive, Shaw Friday 7 November gates 6pm, fireworks 7pm In advance: £3; family £10 On the night: £4; family £12 Under 3s free
Bonfire & Hallowe’en Night
Sat 8th November 4-9pm Free entry *Apple bobbing & games *Kids fancy dress competition *Live music *Bonfire *Hot food & drink Purton Farm Shop Church End, Purton
01793 772287 www.purtonhouseorganics.co.uk
Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd, 7pm; Sat 2pm Tanwood School of Performing Arts celebrates its 70th birthday with favourite song and dance performances. £12. Wyvern
Thursday 13th, 8pm Passion. A gripping new drama with live music about five families affected by war. £12. Arts Centre
Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th. Tues - Fri 7.30pm; Sat 10.30am, 2.30pm & 7pm Cinderella presented by Stage Struck. Lots of songs, dances, misThursday 20th, 8pm A November Day. With evocative chief and mayhem. £11, tickets from puppet characters, live music and 01793 840757 only. Arts Centre an ever-changing set Thingumajig Theatre presents a timeless fable on war and the miracle of friendship. Magic Age 10+ £12; student £7. Arts Centre Sunday 9th, 7.30pm Monday 24th to Saturday 29th. Champions of Magic. Join five Mon - Fri 7.30pm; Wed 2.30pm; world-class magicians for a spectacular night of trickery. £21. Wyvern Sat 4pm & 8pm The Woman In Black. An evening of unremitting drama transporting the audience into a terrifying and ghostly world. £18 - £26. Wyvern
Film Wednesday 12th, 7.45pm Like Father, Like Son (PG). The lives of two very different Japanese families are turned upside-down when they learn that their 6 year old sons were accidentally switched at birth. SFS. Arts Centre Friday 14th, 7pm The Stones Cry Out. For 2000 years, Palestine has been home for people of different faiths. Christians have lived there since the birth of Christianity. This film tells the stories of some of the Christian community, from 1948 to the present. £3 suggested donation. Christ Church Community Centre, Cricklade Street, SN1 3HB Wednesday 19th, 7.45pm We Are The Best! (15). A charming and funny film from Sweden, capturing what it’s like to be young and misunderstood. SFS. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for membership only. It is possible to join at any film showing
Fundraising Christmas Craft Fayre in aid of Greendown Playgroup Saturday 8 November 10.30am to 1.30pm Christmas gifts, refreshments, games and face painting Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre, SN5 5PY
Christmas at
Roves Farm
Autumn Bazaar/Christmas Fayre in aid of Cats Protection Saturday 29 November, 1pm to 5pm Christmas cards and diaries; bric a brac; tombola and refreshments Lawn Community Centre, Guildford Ave, Swindon SN3 1LA Friends of Lethbridge Primary School Christmas Bazaar Saturday 29 November 11am to 2pm Stalls and traders selling arts, crafts and foods, meet Santa Lethbridge School Christmas Craft Market in aid of Commonweal School PTA Sunday 30 November, 11am to 4pm Crafts, gifts and produce stalls, Santa’s grotto, cafe, festive music. The Commonweal School, The Mall, Old Town SN1 4JE
Dress up & take part in our Nativity Plays with Farm Animals
Visit Father Christmas Indoor Heated Adventure Play &
Glittery Kids Craft
Indoor Farm Animals & Pets Corner
Sevenhampton, Nr. Highworth, Swindon, Wilts. SN6 7QG 01793 763939
www.rovesfarm.co.uk
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26 UTS TSHIRE SCO NORTH WIL SWINDON &
FI RE N O B & K R FI REWO SPECTACU LAR
1
st NOVEMBER
at Lydiard Park
£8 Adult £3 3-14 years
Gates open 5.30pm ~ Cars via Hook St Bonfire lit 6pm ~ Live Music ~ Entertainment
plscouts.org.uk phone: 534500 Organised by 1st Purton & Lydiard Scout Group
SWINDON LIONS FIREWORKS & FUNFAIR SATURDAY 1st NOVEMBER Polo Ground, Marlborough Road, Swindon Gates open & funfair 5.30pm • Firework display 7.15pm
Advance tickets: adults £7; children/OAPs £4 Tickets on the gate: adults £9; children/OAPs £5
Groups concerned about slow pace of Lydiard Park plans Council just entering talks over site’s future after allaying fears of its sale to private sector Six months after Swindon Council “We’re very concerned that ideas confirmed that Lydiard House and are being considered or proposals the park was not going to be sold, formed without interested parties tentative discussions about its fu- being involved in the process, as was ture are only just starting. promised at the full council meeting The council is undergoing a radi- in the Spring. cal review of all its operations to cut “We want to know what the counback on expenditure by £18million cil is trying to achieve and what by April 2015 in readiness to money has to be saved. Two volunteer shed many more millions “Either nothing has groups are being in the years after. happened or things are set up at Lydiard There were fears earhappening but we’re House and Park to lier in the year that the not being told. help development private sector would be “There are many work. Read the full asked to turn the town’s stakeholder groups story on page 32 favourite heritage site into concerned with the fuan income generating operature of Lydiard and we tion; recently there have been ru- demand to have our say and to be mours about leasing some parkland listened to. for a camping ground. “There are thousands of individuMike Bowden, chair of the Friends als across Swindon who are also of Lydiard Park which has been in stakeholders and will want to feel existence for over 60 years, said: part of the process.”
Free Park & Ride at Nationwide SN3 1TA. No parking on Polo Ground or Marlborough Rd See details & advance ticket information:
www.swindonlions.org
Ever dreamed of owning a dolls house and producing a unique world inside it? We can help you fashion a wonderful house that will bring joy for years to come. Our houses come in easy to build kit form which you can assemble into a beautiful house or shop. The Dolls House Workshop currently stock products from the following suppliers: • Streets Ahead Houses and Furniture • Reutter Porcelain • Dolls House Workshop Houses • Wonham Collection • Little Trimmings Haberdashery • Dateman Books One of the biggest selections in the South West
Tel: 01793 854606
Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park, Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9QT Junction 16 (1/2 mile towards Wroughton) • www.studleygrange.co.uk
INSPIRE, CREATE SPARKLE & DREAM Welcome to Sparkle Dreams Swindon’s premier paper crafting specialists. Situated in the beautiful Studley Grange Craft Village, Sparkle Dreams offers a wide range of products for all paper crafters, including cardmaking, scrapbooking and mixed media supplies. We also offer a wide range of classes to suit all abilities. Our knowledgeable staff are paper craft enthusiasts and are happy to help with any of your queries. Top name brands include: • Woodware • Creative Expressions • Sizzix • Stampendous • Spellbinders • Docraft
We are the only local suppliers of Copic pens & Sam Poole Designs plus many other specialist products.
Tel: 01793 979101 Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park, Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9QT Junction 16 (1/2 mile towards Wroughton) • www.sparkledreams.co.uk
Former Keeper of Lydiard House Sarah Finch-Crisp with Anthony and Sonia St John, descendents of the family that owned the house and park for 400 years
A Gig To Remember with faux Fab Four The Bootleg Beatles headline A Gig To Remember at the Oasis on 8 November – 50 years to the day since the Fab Four’s post US-conquering homecoming. Organised to raise money for Alzheimers Research UK, the gig takes place exactly half a century after The Beatles played to a sell-out audience at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool on 8 November 1964. It was the year the band took America by storm and a far cry from their only gig in Swindon, two years earlier, when they played to an au-
dience of 360 at McIlroy’s Ballroom. Expect The Bootleg Beatles to play all the famous hits at the Oasis. A Gig to Remember is being organised by Amanda Franks to raise money and awareness of the impact of dementia on the lives of sufferers and their family. Her mother Cathy Davidson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the early age of 58 and went into Orchid Care Home in Haydon End five years later in January 2014. For info and tickets visit the website: thegigtoremember.com
Marion’s memories of Swindon
Read the full story on Swindon’s Mini installation by searching ‘Alexander House’ at swindonlink.com
Gravity defying Minis on display for another three years Swindon’s giant urban art installation, first suggested by Link magazine in 2010, has been given planning permission to stay in place until 2017. The idea first came about when The Link spotted the opportunity to decorate the lift shaft to the rear of Alexander House with a mural after it was temporarily revealed during the redevelopment of BHS on The Parade. Building owners Lenta Offices liked the idea and with assistance from Mike Pringle of Forward Swindon, BMW agreed to lend two Minis to scale the lift shaft after some roundabouts and road markings had been attached. Alexander House manager Rachel Hampson said the building is now a must-see site in the town. She said: “We’ve become known as the building with the sky-high car park. The Minis are a surprise when you come down Fleet Street and we often see people pointing and taking pictures. It puts a smile on your face to see something unexpected. “The art installation is quirky and different, it gives a fun feel to the town centre. It appeals to people’s imaginations; children really love them and wonder how the cars got up there.”
Wyvern Proms concert A Last Night of The Proms concert is being held at the Wyvern Theatre on Saturday 15 November. The Waterloo Band, Bugles of the Rifles and members of Swindon Young Musicians will perform, accompanied by soprano soloist, Lynn Hawkins. Tickets are £16 including a programme and proceeds will be split between Prospect Hospice and Swindon Young Musicians. Contact the ticket office on 01793 524481.
Keen memoir writer Marion Lane from Penhill has published her first book entitled Diary of Memories, chronicling her youth in Swindon between 1967 and 1971. The book will undoubtedly jog a few memories for its readers. It presents insights into 1950s and 1960s Swindon, when families were relocating, as Marion’s did, from London. The houses that were being built in the town at the time, with bathrooms and indoor toi-
lets, represented the height of luxury for post-blitz Londoners, despite having to uproot themselves from home and other family members. Explaining her motivation for writing Marion said: “I’ve always been a keen writer and an avid bookworm. My memoirs are based on diary entries. I’m currently working on a sequel entitled The Millennium Years.” Diary of Memories is available on Kindle.
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Stephanie has reason to blow her own trumpet Swindon Symphony Orchestra will Stephanie graduated from there be joined by the versatile trumpet- last year, having also studied in er Stephanie Ayton for a speFrance and in Denmark. cial concert on Sunday The programme starts 23 November. with Beethoven's The Swindon The collective Egmont Overture Symphony Orchestra will perform and also includes concert will be held at urch, Hummel's wellMozart's Paris 7.30pm at St Luke’s Ch on ssi mi Ad . eet known trumpet Symphony and Broad Str and concerto - the the great Eroica is £8, £6 concessions, e. lively, tuneful accompanied children are fre Symphony by uk rg. a.o str he orc last movement, a Visit swindon Beethoven. for more details rondo, which will The performance be familiar to listenwill be supporting Macers of Classic FM. millan nurses for their work Having won a full scholarship with prostate cancer patients in to the Birmingham Conservatoire, the Swindon area.
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Award-winning artist stitches together some curious stories Swindon-based multi-media artist and story collector Jill Carter is exhibiting her work, entitled Curious Narratives, at Coleshill Community Café and Richard Jefferies Museum. Jill’s ‘Travelling Museum of Possibilities ‘ is a collection of curiosities such as stitched books, dolls and drawings. Jill said: “I am very interested in reclaiming our intrinsic spirit of creativity, intuition and instinct. So often we have to quantify and qualify our efforts, and this takes us out of the present moment and away from new possibilities.” The Curious Narratives tour was made possible by a grant from the Arts Council. Prior to this Jill was awarded first prize by the Royal
West of England Academy in Bristol for her stitched book project, which gave her a travel bursary to Italy to research the lives of the Sybils, female oracles and story tellers who frequently lived on the edge of communities in ancient times. Jill completed a one week residency at Lacock Abbey in September. During her time there she lived as a sociable hermit, displaying her work and receiving gifts and stories from the many people that visited from all over Europe. Jill’s exhibition at Coleshill runs until 31 October and the installation at Richard Jefferies Museum is open by appointment until 30 October. Contact jill_carter@mac.com to arrange a visit.
New Job Opportunity! Toothill has a £1,000,000 grant from the National Lottery to spend over the next 10 years to bring benefit to the local community.
Do you have excellent office administrations skills? Are you a great communicator? The Toothill Big Local team is seeking an organised, disciplined and self-motivated individual to work with us to make our plans for Toothill a reality. You will be responsible for: • Social media communication • Support for the Toothill Big Local committees including preparation of meeting papers and supporting paperwork • Organisation and coordination of local community engagement activities • Project tracking • Budget management • Strong Administration background demonstrated in your CV The post has flexible working hours for 20 hours a week, initially funded for 6 months at a rate of £9.95 per hour and will mainly be working from Toothill Community Centre. A knowledge of Toothill is preferred but not essential. Detailed information on Toothill’s plans can be found at: www.localtrust.org.uk/big-local/how-to/big-local-plans/ selecting Toothill To apply, please provide a full Curriculum Vitae to Pertemps, 102 Commercial Road, Swindon, SN1 5PL, or email: jess.cook@pertemps.co.uk Tel: 01793 614420 CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday 17th November
Reviving a future for Baptist Tabernacle New plans in the pipeline for reconstruction of the Roman Classical portico following controversial 1978 demolition
Architect Michael Gray has come up with a new idea for the reconstruction of the portico of the Baptist Tabernacle, which used to stand on Regent Street. The temple’s controversial demolition in 1978 has continued to reverberate down the years. The entrance portico was constructed in Roman classiFormer Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh with a model cal style in 1886; the buildof the Tabernacle portico, and below, the stones
ing itself could seat 1,000 people. As the congregation dwindled and commercial pressures mounted, the site was redeveloped, and the church replaced by the multiuse Pilgrim Centre. However the portico stones still exist, and, after several abortive schemes, found their way back to the town in 2007 when they were bought by Swindon Council under the leadership of Rod Bluh. Explaining the plan for the stones at the end of the noughties, Michael said: “Swindon Borough Council entered into a commercial development agreement with construction company Modus, who drew up plans to reinstate the portico adjacent to its original home, as the entrance to a retail and art gallery space.” But the recession forced Modus out of business in 2009 and the project was shelved. The stones remain in a field at the Science Mu-
seum at Wroughton airfield. In an academic paper Michael recommends the temple frontage be rebuilt on the Eastern Terrace on The Lawn in Old Town. In this place, he argues, the portico will represent a prominent and visible symbol of the town’s eastern gateway. He said: “Re-siting the temple portico could play a significant part in rejuvenating the Lawn without compromising the authenticity and significance of the architecture.” However, now that Swindon Council is reconsidering the idea of a new museum and art gallery, the tabernacle stones may yet find a home in the town’s proposed cultural quarter, opposite the Wyvern Theatre. But first, the Heritage Lottery has to agree a major grant for the project and outline plans have yet to be revealed.
St. John’s Haydon Wick On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258
Sunday 9am Services 11am
Traditional communion service Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk
Open to all, serving tea, coffee, cakes & light lunches Fridays and Saturdays: 10am - 2pm
West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Please join us in worship on Sunday mornings Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.30am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 01793 874221 Email: wspartnershipoffice@gmail.com Website: WSwinlyd.org.uk
Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church
‘Reaching out to welcome all’ Services each Sunday at 8am & 10.30am Full provision for children and young people at every 10.30am service Parking opposite the Church at Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall.
For details call Revd Tudor Roberts on 01793 772417 www.allsaints-online.org.uk
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Janet’s Puppy Skool
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Cricklade Rd, Cirencester GL7 5QB Tel: 01285 860200
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Dog lovers wanted: Open your home to a friendly dog for his holiday. While owners are away you will welcome their dogs into your family home and give them the love companionship and exercise they deserve.
Puppy Skool’s winnings for Peatmoor Friends Janet Garrett of the Puppy Skool in Haydon Wick donated the top raffle prize for Peatmoor school’s fete in September. Commenting on the £100 cash donation Janet said: “Although Peatmoor isn’t the most local school for us there are a number of Puppy Skool pupils whose children attend. It’s nice to put something back.” Chair of Friends of Peatmoor School Lauren Kirk said: “The fete took place during the glorious September weather and it was one of
Janet with Peatmoor children and headteacher Andrew Denstridge the most successful ones we’ve ever had. It’s nice for people to have the chance to win a cash prize and we are very grateful to Janet for making that possible.”
Bridge awaiting repair
For more information please contact:
Hilary Coates Tel: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk
www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn A franchise owned and operated under licence by Hilary Coates
Nick Martin with West Swindon localities officer Paula Harrison
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A heavily used footbridge close to Peatmoor Lagoon has had a temporary repair pending a more permanent refurbishment. The bridge was built when the area was developed nearly 30 years ago but over the last five years the boards have deteriorated badly.
“The council has been patching up broken planks but the condition of the bridge has now got to a state where they all need replacing,” said Shaw councillor Nick Martin. “It’s a well used route through the woodland so we need to keep it in good condition.”
Tree cutters wanted in the copse The Peatmoor Community Woodland Group meets every month to manage the six-acre copse close to the lagoon and welcomes new members who would like to learn traditional
management techniques. The next session takes place on Sunday 2 November, from 10am. Email: roger_ogle@mac.com Facebook: Peatmoor Woodland
ERITAGE CLIFF WHITEWAY H TREE CARE SERVICES PROFESSIONAL
Community clean ups Shaw Residents' Association is calling on volunteers to join a litter pick and tidy up at Shaw Village Centre on Saturday 8 November. Meet in front of the Village Inn at 10.30am. Litter pickers will be provided but bring gloves and gardening tools. shawresidents.org.uk
Roughmoor Village Centre
Following complaints from residents South Swindon MP Robert Buckland will be joined by Shaw councillors for a litter pick at the village centre in Peatmoor on Sunday 2 November, 10am. All are welcome to help them improve the locality.
Lawn & Hedge Cutting Maintenance General Garden Tidy Turfing Give your garden a makeover Call John Dowell on 07892 436198 or 01793 951076 j.dowell@live.co.uk
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Autumn call for volunteers to help at Lydiard House and park Two new volunteer groups are being set up at Lydiard House and Park to help carry out important development work during the autumn and winter months. A gardening group is being formed to enhance the parkland, while a sewing and costume making group is also being established. Both groups will meet on the first Saturday of every month, starting on 1 November. Caroline Palmer, Lydiard’s innovation and improvement manager, said: “We’re really excited about starting these volunteer groups that will help us make the estate and parkland even more beautiful and bring even more of Lydiard’s fascinating history to life.” Meeting between 10am and 1pm, the Lydiard Volunteers Gardening Group will be able to learn new skills with Lydiard’s gardeners while helping out with planting and garden maintenance. Sewing skills and creative handicraft ideas are welcome at the Sewing and Costume-making Group. Meeting in the Coach House from 10am to 2pm, volunteers will contribute to some of the behind-thescenes work at Lydiard House. Caroline added: “We’re planning to
have a lot of fun as well as achieving and creating some wonderful things. It will be a great way to get out, try something different and make new friends.” Caroline is looking for people to dress up in period costumes and play historic characters at special events. There are also roles in park maintenance, stewarding and taking part in surveys of bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Also specifically required is a special needs volunteer co-ordinator to help support volunteers with different abilities and needs. For details contact Caroline Palmer: cpalmer2@swindon.gov.uk or via Caroline Palmer, right, with Lydiard’s volunteer coordinator Nicky Heath, volunteer Jane Lane and park grounds staff Andy Dyer and Ben Williams 01793 465271.
From Abbey Meads to Burma to help children Inspired by the cycle paths close to her Abbey Meads home, financial services contractor Karen Simson is travelling to Myanmar (Burma) at the end of October to cover 242 miles in 5 days to raise money for Hope Asia. The charity supports a children’s home in Yangon, which looks after 45 children up to the age of 18. Sponsorship will pay for education, new communal facilities, and a wall
around the compound to keep the animals out and secure the site. The country is now recovering from decades of oppressive military dicatatorship and, since elections in 2011, the international community has begun to lift sanctions and recognise the efforts being made to improve democracy and equality laws. However the majority of the population continue to live in extreme poverty. Describing her involvement Karen said: “I’ve never done anything like this before, at least not since doing my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s award 25 years ago. But it’s never too late to try and make a difference to others. “The pastor from the church I used to attend in Reading before moving to Swindon told me about Hope
Asia. It’s going to be the charity’s first ever sponsored cycle ride to take place in the country.” Karen aims to raise £2,000 for Hope Asia, with every penny going directly to the children’s home. Help her at: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/karensburmachallenge
Link along for the ride on roadtrip in aid of wildlife
Amanda and Barrie at their final destination in Guildford Amanda and Barrie Butler have announced that supporters helped them raise £2,100 on an 800 mile drive around England to touch 30 counties in 30 hours in aid of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation at the end of July. Over the last 30 years the foundation has raised £7 million for animal
conservation and anti-poaching work across Africa and Asia. The couple from Peatmoor appeared on the July front page of The Link promoting their project. Amanda said: “The support we received was absolutely brilliant and we’d like to thank everybody who supported the foundation.”
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Swindon schools rewarded for great food culture Schools across the South West who have transformed their food culture by serving healthy, fresh meals whilst providing pupils with the opportunity to cook, grow and visit farms, were celebrated at the Food for Life Partnership’s School Award ceremony at the end of September. Jeanette Orrey MBE, former dinner lady and Food for Life Partnership (FFLP) co-founder, presented awards to two Swindon schools, as well as to schools from Bristol and Poole. Westlea Primary School received both their bronze and silver awards, whilst Haydonleigh Primary received the programme’s highest accolade, their gold FFLP award. Collecting Westlea’s awards deputy headteacher Sarah Sumner said,
Darryl Phillips Tel: 07976 244699 darrylphillips.carpentry@gmail.com
Haydonleigh Primary School headteacher Frances Billenge with kitchen manager Karen McFadyen, and catering assistants Lorna Smith, left, and Marie Clemm
“I feel that the school has been on culture. “We were delighted to ata journey since the tend the awards ceremony with pukitchen opened. Food pils Maddy and Alex.” for Life has helped to Alex, 11, said “The quality of the raise standards and cooking at our school is amazing and we continually strive I enjoy school dinners.” to provide high qualMaddy, 10 added: “Our grandparity meals which the ent gardeners who come into school children love. We are inspiring; they give you tips to make lunch a sociable have your own gardening patch at occasion and are all home”. very proud of having Kitchen manager Karen McFadyen achieved both awards said she and her colleagues Lorna within 18 months of and Marie are delighted to have each other.” struck gold. “Our aim is to provide Frances Billinge, children with the best quality fresh Haydonleigh headproduce. Achievteacher said ing the gold A new grou widow Food for Life award meant ed peo p for ple att a doze is now cenr a cted we had to n pe Westlea primary kitchen manager Linda Wells, tral to the meeting in t ople to its fi introduce rst he Link left, and assistant Clare Baldwin youngsters holdThe ne C school’s more ore n tre lib xt soc ing both the bronze and silver award certificates take pla ial group me rary. g a n i c e Novem ce on 13 an tings and free d 17 ber. Ca ll Ga 01793 range in466223 il Light on f o g redients; r m ore inform ation. we now have great relationSwindon Carers Centre is relocatA winter wonderland black tie ships with Hinton ing from Wood Street and will reocharity ball for Swindon Women’s Marsh Farm and Purton House Orpen at the Swindon Advice & SupAid and Swindon Sexual Assault ganics. port Centre in Sandford Street on Referal Unit, SARC, wil be held at “It’s really nice to be working with Friday 14 November, 9.30am. the Meca on Saturday 29 Novempeople who grow the food we cook See details: swindoncarers.org.uk ber at 7.30pm. for the children.” There will be a reception drink with the Mayor of Swindon followed by three-course dinner plus live entertainment, disco, late bar, dancing, Santa and a raffle. Britain’s Best Breakfast is the first Tickets are £35 or £320 for a ever national fundraistable of ten. Attendees are ing campaign to raise encouraged to bring a money to help supSouth Marston will gift suitable for a child port unpaid carCofE Primary to be delivered by Santa host a Christmas Craft ers and give them 28 ay id Fr to the Women’s Refuge. a break from their on e yr Fa pm to Book tickets at swincaring role. If you November, 6.30 donwomensaid.org or could encourage 8.30pm people to wake up to send cheques payable to the issue of caring, conSwindon Women’s Aid to: tact Russell Francis on 01793 Meca, Regent Street, Swindon, 531133 or email: russell.francis@ SN1 1PR. swindoncarers.org. For details call: 01793 466223.
Wonderland charity ball
Carers are on the move
A breakfast wake-up call
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Earthmoving Services
Cotswold UPVC Guttering We supply and fit a wide range of Fascias Guttering Soffits Downpipes We aim to beat any legitimate written quotation Please call or email now to discuss your requirements 01993 252028/07584 164636 cotswoldUPVCguttering@ outlook.com
Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists • • • •
Project Management Alterations / Renovations Garden walls / Patios / Decking Conservatory bases / Porches No job too big or small! Fully insured. 18 years experience
Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on
0800 1357063 or 07967 155502
mail: info@benchmark-construction.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk
C.P.C.S Licensed • Fully Insured
Tel: 01793 848708 or 07967 341567 www.earthmovingservices.co.uk
Haydon Wick Heating Services
All heating and plumbing works undertaken • Full central heating systems • Boiler changes / services and repairs • Power flushing • Full bathroom / ensuite installations • General plumbing works • Free quotes and realistic prices
Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039
hwheating@googlemail.com The Plumber you’ll Recommend!
Home Improvements & Building Services RepaiRs, installation, Is your heating system Maintenance ready for Winter? FRee Quotes! 25% Off Powerflushing excellent seRvice! in November Call Justin:
Call for871 details on: Tel:Justin 01793 593 01793 826 322 Mob: 07503 210 748 Mob: 07503 210 748
justinhallplumbing@gmail.com
justinhallplumbing@gmail.com
Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms & Bedrooms Tiling & Worktops Laminate Flooring Skirtings & Architraves Dados & Coving Doors & Decking And much more
FOR GAS SERVICE CALL 01793 848800 6 Templars Way Industrial Est, Marlborough Rd, W. Bassett SN4 7SR
Call Steve to discuss your needs and receive a free estimate
ACP
• General building maintenance • Garage conversions • Bathroom makeovers • Carpentry • Wall & floor tiling • Plastering/Plaster boarding/Coving • UPVC doors, windows & repairs • Fascias, soffits, guttering • Patios and fencing Insurance work undertaken For a prompt professional service contact Andy: 07969350160 /01793 435513 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk
GASTECH
• Garden/site shaping, levelling, clearance THE INDEPENDENT GAS SPECIALISTS • Footings, trenches & ditches excavated • Servicing, Repairs, Installation • Hardcore sub-bases & roadways/tracks • Central Heating (including • Concrete, tarmac, hedge Combination boilers and Warm Air) 142573 & stump removal • Landlord Safety Checks • Soil screening/debris removal • Cookers, Fires, Water Heaters • Micro excavator, minimum access width required: 29” (730mm) SERVICE CONTRACT SPECIALISTS
For a FREE no obligation quote call now on 07874 021004 or 01793 701797
www.gastechwilts.co.uk
Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping
FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions
• Kitchen/Bathroom Installations • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing • Tiling • Minor Electrical • Carpentry • Garden landscaping/Maintenance • Patios & Decking
Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597
Tel: 01793 721677 Mobile 07919415849
www.haynesconstruction.org.uk
ELECTRICIAN
RC Plumbing Services Bathrooms, Tiling & all plumbing jobs Also, flat roofing repairs No job too small Free estimates Haydon Wick based
• Electrical installations • Modifications • Fault finding • Inspection & Testing • Domestic & Commercial • 24/7 Emergency call-out • Part P & IET Certified
Call Darren on 01793 629 629
Call Bob on 01793 330518 or 07879 884439
www.crannistech.co.uk
24/7 Emergency Call Out • All Works Guaranteed • Reliable & Affordable
All types of electrical work undertaken • House extensions, alterations & rewires • Fault finding & repairs • Fuse board repairs & replacements • Testing & certification • Kitchen installations - cookers & appliances • Intruder alarm systems • Bathroom installations • Supplies to garages & out-houses • Lighting & socket outlets • Exterior lighting & power • 24 hour emergency call out
Swindon’s Heating & Plumbing Specialists • Full Central Heating Installations • Boiler Replacement, Servicing & Repair • All Plumbing & Maintenance Services • Full Bathroom Installations • Landlord & Letting Agent Services • Renewable Energy Installations
Fully qualified, NAPIT & Part P Approved Electricians
01793 847575
www.wired-electrical.co.uk
info@wired-electrical.co.uk
01793 878636
T.
523887
Power Flus hing Agent
www.CentraHeat.co.uk
CentraHeat.co.uk
www.
07739 357617
M.
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BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS
BATHROOMS
BATHROOMS
Plumbing
& Heating MJP Home Creations
❉ Quality bathroom suites
fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, 302877 machines installed
Creation Born Of Perfection Specialists in kitchens bathrooms and wetrooms Design and installation, plastering, plumbing, electrics, underfloor heating and tiling
Free estimates
Contact Matthew Pollard: 07779 318717 info@mjphomecreations.com See our customer testimonials: www.mjphomecreations.com
For free quotation call Paul on
01793 321981 07775 840236
&D eco rat or
ain
REDUCTIONS FOR OAPs
ter
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
Call 01793 334823 or 07788 572043
EP
ID
• High class painting and decorating • 30 years experience • Competitive rates • Interior & exterior • References available • Reliable friendly service, all work undertaken
FREE ESTIMATES
Approved Plumber
mjplumbing64@gmail.com
DECORATOR
DECORATOR
PR
DECORATOR DECORATOR INSIDE AND OUT
01793 876600 07748 964433
DECORATOR Quality painting and decorating at an affordable price
INTERIOR H EXTERIOR H WALLPAPERING H COVING H
• 20 years experience • Competitive rates • No job too small • Reliable & friendly service • Free estimates
40 years experience No VAT Free estimates For professional, reliable and friendly service call
GBD Services
Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051
01793 979282 or 07453 966627
HEATING & PLUMBING
HEATING & PLUMBING
HOME MAINTENANCE
RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd
Quality Plumbing & Heating
G R SERVICES
Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work • Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates
7 YEAR GUARANTEE
on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers
• All work guaranteed • No job too small
Installations and Toilet Specialist * Complete package * Competitive prices * 10 years experience
07920 015520 www.warwickpropertyservices.com sam@warwickpropertyservices.com
• Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Bathrooms & tiling • Power showers Reg: 128966 • Outside taps All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices
Accredited Installer
Kevin Rolfe
For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606
KITCHEN/BATHROOM
Est. 30 years
203455
PLANS DRAWN Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken. From initial concept to full working drawings my service includes: • written specifications; • contractor tender documents; • all forms and paperwork carried out; • liaison with relevant authorities; • Party Wall Act paperwork and advice given. 7 DAY DESIGN SERVICE for most domestic work Established 1980. All areas covered
Call Bob on 07778 324228
Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367 www.swindonheating.co.uk
Painting and decorating Carpentry services Grounds maintenance Turfing, fencing, patios Kitchen & bathroom installations Wall tiling Fascias & guttering Roof repairs Friendly, reliable & competitive
Call Glen on: 01793 487450 07774 841879 email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk
www.grservicesswindon.co.uk
PLASTERING BSJ PLASTERING & DECORATING SERVICES
PLUMBING
• Ceilings and Walls Plastered • Coving • Rendering • Painting & Decorating - Internal & External • Complete Home Improvements undertaken • Free quotations
General Domestic Plumbing Leaks, Burst Pipes and Sinks Taps, Showers and Overflows Gutter Installation Repairs and Cleaning
All areas of Plastering, Decorating and Refurbishment undertaken
Please contact Brian Jones
Mobile: 07976 572905 Home: 01793 725834
Professional, reliable and friendly service www.swindonplasterer.com
No job too small No call out charge & free quotation Contact Owen Tel: 07708 644500 or: qplumbingswindon@gmail.com
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BUILDING SERVICES
BLINDS
Paul Rhind the place for quality and value Brighten up your home for Autumn with a rainbow of colours!
Suppliers of all types of blinds, awnings and shutters Full fitting service or cash & carry Open: Mon to Thurs 9.30am - 5.30pm Fri 9.30am - 5pm; Sat 10am - 4pm BSS House, Cheney Manor, Swindon
Tel: 01793 434584
www.charismablinds.co.uk
DECORATOR
Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted
UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling Telephone/fax: 01793 874807
DOUBLE GLAZING
TREVOR WYSE 38 years experience
Professional Painter & Decorator Wallpaper Specialist Coving • Dado Rails • Tiling
Call 01793 721455 or 07976 885203 www.trevorwyse.com
HOME MAINTENANCE Services
(Household Maintenance) Handyman
• Plastering • Carpentry • Garden Maintenance • Decorating, Coving • Groundwork • Tiling • Bathroom & Kitchen Installation • Fencing & Patios • Power Jetting • Building, installing partition walls, loft boarding & repairs Competitive Rates, Flexible Hours, Reliable, No job too small
Doctor Glass repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks
Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671
CARPENTRY
J S Property Services Home & Garden Improvements General carpentry Fitted kitchens / bedrooms Laminate and solid flooring Replacement doors Skirtings / architraves Decking and patios General building maintenance
Free estimates Call Jamie on 704309 or 0777 594 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk
ELECTRICIAN SAFE & SHAW
ELECTRICAL SERVICES ✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION
Please call Paul Eastham on 07769 883717
KITCHEN & BATHROOM SERVICES APPRENTICESHIP SERVED TRADESMAN • Free survey • Building work • Plastering • Tiling • Electrics • Plumbing • Wooden flooring • All types of worktops fitted including granite
For a free no obligation quote call Gary on
For a complete professional service contact:
Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069
Tel: 874480 Mobile: 07860 760364
TILING
STEVE GEORGE TILING
APPROVED 30 years experienced tradesman
WOODWORK
GILES BROS CERAMIC TILING FLOOR & WALL SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526
TILING TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673
TRADITIONAL HANDMADE KITCHENS, FURNITURE, FITTED WARDROBES BESPOKE JOINERY WINDOWS, DOORS, GATES CONSERVATORIES SKIRTING AND ARCHITRAVES
Email: leon.jack@hotmail.co.uk Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories
www.britishwoodwork.co.uk info@britishwoodwork.co.uk
WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST Please call Leon for a free quote
01793 978274
DECORATOR & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen • Bathroom internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations
Call Andy: 01793 729354
or 07900 835116
Music afternoon at Toothill Community Centre Thursday 30 October, 2pm to 4pm with the U3A Dance Orchestra For anyone who enjoys listening to big band music and a dance. Single people are very welcome as no partner is needed and there is no need to dance; just enjoy the atmosphere and social company. No need to book. Entry: £2. Refreshments 50p For details call Gail Light on 01793 466223.
North Swindon Scouts festive stamps sale Scouts across Swindon are again providing the annual Christmas Post service and 7th Swindon (Abbey Meads) Scouts will be selling stamps at Asda Walmart at North Swindon District Centre. Stamps at 30p each will be on sale: Friday 28 November, 7pm to 8pm; Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November, 10am to 4pm; Friday 5 December, 7pm to 8pm; Sunday 6 & Sunday 7 December, 10am to 4pm; Friday 12 December, 7pm to 8pm; Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December, 10am to 4pm. Stamps will also be available during opening hours from the Uplands School Charity Shop in Redhouse. Post letters in the special green collection box located in Asda Walmart by Tuesday 16 December, 4pm. Cards will be delivered over the weekend of 20 and 21 December. The delivery area includes all areas of Swindon as well as Badbury, Bishopstone, Blunsdon, Burderop, Chiseldon, Draycott Foliat, Elcombe, Hannington, Highworth, Hinton Parva, Hodson, Inglesham, Langton Park, Liddington, Overtown, Red Barn, South Leaze, South Marston, Stanton Fitzwarren, Stratton St Margaret, Thorney Park, Wanborough, West Leaze, Wroughton plus Wootton Bassett, Purton, Lydiard Millicent, Bushton, Clyffe Pypard, Tockenham, Broad Town, Cricklade, Latton, Ashton Keynes, Shrivenham, Watchfield, Bourton, Idstone, Ashbury & Kingston Winslow
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ACCOUNTANCY
CJD
ACCOUNTANCY LTD
Craig Dell FCCA
Chartered Certified Accountant Over 20 year’s experience for all your accountancy & taxation needs including: • Self Assessments • Sole Traders • Partnerships • Limited Companies • Available evenings and weekends • Fixed fee quotes • No VAT • First consultation free
Tel: 01793 343255 M: 07557 399987 Email: cjd.accountancy@virginmedia.com
www.cjd-accountancy.co.uk
BOOK-KEEPING Rebecca’s Bookkeeping Services Bookkeeping and Accounting Services for Sole Traders and Small Businesses AICB qualified. Services tailored to your individual requirements. Tel: 01793 920243 Mob: 07788 132291 rebecca.smith76@ntlworld.com rebeccasbookkeeping.co.uk
COMPUTER SUPPORT
AERIAL SERVICES
Chris Payne
aerials & satellite systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭
Freeview & Sky installations TV & radio aerials Home cinema Extra TV & telephone points
Hardware & Software Installs & Upgrades Repairs • Maintenance • PC Security Home or Business Networking Wireless Setup On Site Service, Home or Business
For a dedicated local service with a Microsoft Certified Professional, with over 21 years experience, call 01793 320 439 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com
APPLIANCE REPAIRS
Aerial Solutions
HALE SKILLS
• Does your picture freeze and break up? • Would you like TV points in other rooms? • Do you want Freesat or Sky installed?
Then contact your local VAT free aerial and satellite installers
01793 744957
NO VAT
50% off digital aerials
Tel: 01793 700078 Mobile: 07904 330724
CARPET CLEANING Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Natural Stone Restoration h Domestic and Commercial h End of Tenancy Cleaning h Stain Removal h Tile & Grout Colour Sealing h Driveway/Patio Cleaning h Stone Cleaning & Sealing h Free Competitive Quote h Fully Insured
Mobile: 07506 740921 www.procleancleaningservices.co.uk
CARPET CLEANING
Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal Fully Insured, NCCA member Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call
01793 421802
www.abacuscleaningswindon.co.uk
MAN & VAN SERVICE GRABSOLUTE BAG & GRAB HIRE
OFFICE
HOME
BUSINESS
Call us today on 0800 68 999 88 or 01793 434600 or book online at www.absolute-rubbish.co.uk
GARAGE DOORS
• Cookers • Dishwashers • Dryers • Vacuum Cleaners Over 30 year’s experience
Call 07963 131429 e.mail: haleskills@gmail.com
CARPET CLEANING The Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialist
• Carpets, rugs, curtains, suites etc • Emergency call out available • Hard floors cleaned and sealed • Stain removal • Protection treatment • Fully insured • Quickly usable
You’ll be amazed how affordable it is ....call for your free estimate from your local independent on 01793 731418 or mobile: 07808 355487 Email: cliff.whiteway@btinternet.com
Computer problems? Let us help
NEW GRAB Y LORR
GARDEN
• Washing Machines
COMPUTER SUPPORT
CLEARANCE
Est 2002 For all your computing needs
• • • • •
AERIAL SERVICES
LOCKSMITH
We provide a range of computer services for both home and business including: • PC repairs and maintenance • System upgrades, networking • Custom built computers • Windows home server installs • Virus removal • Data recovery • Internet solutions • Web design With over 15 years experience, you can rely on us
Tel: 01793 325685
OVEN CLEANING
KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING
Installation & Repairs New Doors • Automation No Obligation Quotes Est. 1981
Ovens, ranges, agas, hobs extractors and microwaves
BROKEN OR FAULTY LOCK? LOCKED OUT?
Showroom:
Maxwell House, Maxwell Street, Swindon SN1 5DR
Local Locksmith and Carpenter Not a call centre with huge charges! Genuine 24hr service
Tel: (01793) 618499 or 513796 swindondoorservices@ btinternet.com
Call now on 07734 253189
www.garagedoorsupplies.co.uk
Registered Company CRB Checked/Fully Insured
KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING KEY CUTTING
Fixed pricing examples Single Oven £40 - Range £60 No hidden extras, includes racks, doors, glass 20 years experience No toxic chemicals in your home Reliable & Friendly Free Quotation To book your oven clean call
01793 733822 or emai:
oven@enlan.co.uk
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APPLIANCE REPAIRS
BOOK-KEEPING
APPLIANCE REPAIRS
Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work?
Guaranteed repairs to all makes of domestic appliances
Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.
Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748
Same day/next day service
Tel: 01793 469300
CLEANING THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE House cleans from £16 per house. Around £26 for a 4 bed. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly cleans. One-off Spring cleans Ironing £16 per basket, collected and returned the next day
www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk
CLEANING
CLEANING
COSMOS-PRESTIGE
Homes That Sparkle From People Who Shine
dedicated to TOP QUALITY CLEANING & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Call MAGGIE on 07516 579976 and see how easily you can afford a sparkling clean home while you relax Also ironing & office cleaning Written references • Insured
Call 01793 875665 07780625244
www.cosmos-prestige.com
COMPUTER SUPPORT
FURNITURE WANTED
is a West Swindon based charity, providing furniture and white goods to people in need Call the collections line on 07714 091011 HELP US TO HELP OTHERS
REMOVALS
WHITE VAN MAN SINGLE ITEMS MOVED ANYWHERE IN SWINDON FOR ONLY £35
• Full house removal • House clearance • Disposal of unwanted items • Any distance long/short • Fully insured NEW: Licensed to remove fridges
Call for a FREE quote Mobile: 07796 236436
SCRAP METAL
RODDERS SCRAP METAL All metals removed FREE of charge Washing machines, cookers, microwaves etc. Sorry no fridges or freezers Scrap cars collected FREE of charge
01793 613396 07899 018167 Registered waste carrier
Affordable & reliable cleaning programmes, tailored to meet your needs and budget Regular cleans, Spring cleans, Moving in or out cleans Trained and insured staff Equipment and supplies provided Quality Service Guarantee
Call us now for free, no obligation quotation Tel: 01793 511885
GARAGE DOORS
Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 2, River Ray Ind. Est., Barnfield Road, Swindon SN2 2DT
Tel 01793 847545 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk
TV REPAIRS
Gogglebox New TV tuning & system set-up In house TV repairs In house estimates
Call Darryl Pace on 01793 812738
Talks at Swindon Central Library in November Thursday 6th, 7.15pm Author, human rights advisor and criminal justice expert Dawood Ali McCallum will be discussing and exploring the repercussions of the Kenya Emergency and the Mau Mau Rebellion during the 1950s, his own experiences of life in Kenya and how they influenced his latest book The Final Charge. Tuesday 11th, 7.15pm Remembrance: Swindon in the Great War through the poems of Wilfred Owen and the language of Wiltshire. Mike Pringle, author of Swindon: Remembering 1914-18, gives a personal perspective on the war of the common man of Swindon. The talk will be against a backdrop of poignant photographs of local serving men, from the collection of Mark Sutton who will conduct a question and answer session on those from the town who gave their lives. Thursday 20th, 7.15pm Michael Yates – Traveller of a Lesser Road: the life, work and times of Ralph Bates. In the late 1930’s Time Magazine described Swindon-born writer Ralph Bates as ‘a better writer than Ernest Hemingway.’ Bates was an author, mountaineer, political agitator, soldier, academic, and yet today he is hardly remembered in his home-town where he spent the first 30 years of his life working at the Great Western Railway. Bates fought in the Spanish Civil War for the International Brigade and later settled in Mexico and then the USA where he became a Professor of English Literature at New York University. The evening will also feature contributions from members of the Phoenix Players. Tickets for all talks on the door: £2.50 (£1.50 library members).
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ANYTHING TRANSFERRED ONTO DVD DISC Specialist in Cine Film Transfer, Camcorder Tapes, VHS Tapes, Camcorder Discs We collect and deliver over a wide area
T: 01793 705333 / M: 07831 575758 HQ Bath. Box 98. BA2 5PS
Temporary & permanent positions: Administrators - Office Support - Legal - Call Centre - Helpdesk Telesales - Secretarial - Finance Marketing - HR Call 01793 574 765 or email swindon@office-angels.com Facebook: Swindon Office Angels
Adele Taylor Psychotherapy A caring and confidential space to talk through life issues. Anxiety, depression, loss, addiction, relational and financial struggles are some of the difficulties that can overwhelm us.
Excalibur’s record attempt raises £10,000 for cancer ward Excalibur Communications’ Record Breaking Balls event in Swindon has raised over £10,000 for the teenage cancer ward at Bath’s Royal United Hospital. As part of the IT and communications support specialists’ campaign to provide £50,000 for the Forever Friends Appeal, 277 people officially took part in a fun Swiss ball exercise class, close to the world record set in the US of 348. Numerous youngsters also participated in Swindon, but rules meant that those under 14 years of age were not counted by Guinness World Records. “We would love to have created
a new record of course”, said Excalibur’s head of marketing, Karen Thornley, “but everybody still had a great time together, and thanks to the generosity of the people of Swindon, we raised a five-figure sum for a charity that does fantastic work”. Adjudicated by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, the Record Breaking Balls event was attended by people from all walks of the com-
munity, who, courtesy of Excalibur, were able to keep their Swiss exercise ball as a souvenir of the day, as well as receiving a free match ticket for a forthcoming game at Swindon Town FC. In partnership with the Royal United Hospital, the Forever Friends Appeal is building a new cancer centre, raising £8.5M towards the estimated total of £23.5M – due to be opened in 2018.
If you would like to talk, do get in touch. I offer a half price first consultation and affordable fees thereafter
Tel: 07887768313 W: atpsychotherapy.co.uk E: atpsychotherapy@gmail.com
Mobile Hairdresser Mobile: 07970 079681 Home: 01793 323400
Core Elements Yoga & Pilates Classes in West Swindon, North Swindon, Old Town & Malmesbury Monday 6.15pm - 7.30pm: Hot Yoga Flow Tuesday 7.15pm - 8.30pm: Astanga Yoga Thursday 9.30am - 10.45am: Hot Yoga Flow Thursday 1.30pm - 2.30pm: Pilates To book a place call Dawn Morse MSc (Sports & Health) on 07887 535766
www.coreelements.uk.com
Are You In Pain? We Can Offer Effective, Affordable Treatment Get to the root of your problem:
Tel: (01793) 887801 www.shawchiropracticclinic.co.uk
IF YOU SUFFER FROM: • Backache & Leg Pain • Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain • Head Pain • Numbness • Arthritic Pain • Sports Injury • Injury after Accident THEN YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR
SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. Doctor of Chiropractic BCA Member • GCC Registered Member of the College of Chiropractors
FREE
SPINAL CHECKS
EVENING & SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS
5 Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre, Swindon SN5 5PY
A potentially life-saving defibrillator is now available to the North Swindon community thanks to funds raised by Catherine Wayte Primary School - visit swindon.link.com for the full story. Pictured are Catherine Wayte youngsters with, from left, Nick Beckett of British Land, North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, coun Oliver Tomkins, John Stooke, chair of Haydon Wick Parish Council
Headteacher Rose runs a half a month Westlea Primary School head Rose Carberry has committed to run a half marathon every month during the winter with the aim of raising £5,000 for the Cynthia Spence Hospice in Northampton. It was set up by Earl Spencer’s grandmother to help cancer sufferers to be supported at home during their illness. Rose said: “I’ve chosen this particular charity after my friend Ali Hall was helped by the hospice. Sadly she died in June, just three days short of her fortieth birthday.
“I have been so touched by the sponsorship received so far from family, friends and supporters at Westlea Primary School. I would be very grateful for all the help I can get to reach my target. Every penny really does count.” So far Rose has completed the Bath Two Tunnels and the Oxford half marathons. On 2 November she takes part in the 16-mile Three Castles Run setting off from Ogbourne St George, followed by the Wiltshire Half Marathon on 30 November. You can sponsor Rose online at: Justgiving.com/Rose.Carberry2
Tackling Swindon’s sexual health issues online Totally Divine A new website offering free information and advice on all aspects of sexual health, launched by Great Western Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust, has now been in use for three months. Dr Guy Rooney, medical director and consultant in sexual health and HIV, said: “We have excellent services around Swindon offering testing, treatment and advice and they are all free and completely confidential. “With this fantastic new Members of Swindon sexual health website, you can now find team, from left, Paula Wright, out about all our clinics, servadministrator, consultant Jessica ices and opening times in one Daniel, Laura Hill, lead health advisor place. “We are a friendly and professional team and can after your sexual health, as it is any help with contraother aspect of your health. ception, free “We decided on the ‘Love Swindon support condoms, Life!’ name because we group Hep C Positive has emergency wanted to promote the fact launched its new website contracepthat looking after your sexhepcpositive.org.uk tion, STI ual health is a positive and Hep C Positive meets every testing, healthy thing to do.” Monday evening from pregnancy As well as the website 6.30pm at Broadgreen advice, HIV swindonsexualhealth.nhs.uk Community Centre. treatment and - a dedicated telephone service support and sex has been set up which will allow and relationship advice. people to easily make appointments “Whatever your age or back- and get hold of urgent advice quickground, it’s just as important to look ly by calling 01793 604038.
Nails
♥
Lashes
♥
Tanning
78 Basepoint Business Centre,
Rivermead Dr, Westlea, SN5 7EX • Free Parking
Break your nail biting habit & achieve Totally Divine nails ♥ Natural looking, lightweight Nail Enhancements ♥ No harm to your nails growing underneath ♥ Length and shape to suit you ♥ Achieve your own beautiful nails over time
01793 781238
totallydivine.net
Yoga Joy Mobile Hair & Beauty
Fully insured mobile hairdresser covering all aspects of hairdressing at AFFORDABLE prices! Now also offering waxing treatments
NOVEMBER OFFER: 10% OFF children’s pamper/princess parties Call for an appointment 07584 628 123 kellysmobilehairandbeauty
TRY IT ONCE LOVE IT FOREVER
Iyengar Style Hatha Yoga classes for all Tuesday evenings 6.15pm to 7.30pm Shaw Ridge Community Hall (Shaw Ridge School) Booking essential: Karen at yogajoy@live.co.uk or 07789 792697 www.loveyogajoy.co.uk
FitSteps ®
Discover the new phenomenon launched by Natalie Lowe, Mark Foster and Ian Waite of Strictly Come Dancing TUESDAYS, 6.30pm - 7.15pm: Isambard School Gym, Redhouse Starting 30th October THURSDAYS, 6pm - 6.45pm: Christchurch Community Centre, Old Town
ZUMBA with Claudia Mondays, 6pm - 7pm: Eastrop Infant School, Highworth Lord Maclaurin, former chairman of Tesco, and current chair of the triumphant European Ryder Cup committee, with Captain Dan Conley
Mobile chemotherapy unit launched at GWH Cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow is providing Great Western Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust with a state of the art mobile chemotherapy unit to be named ‘Linda.’ In a special ceremony at the GWH, Captain Dan Conley cut the ribbon to officially launch the MCU. Captain Dan Conley said: “I am truly honoured that the brand new North Wiltshire Mobile Chemotherapy Unit is to be named after my late wife. “A supporter of Hope for Tomorrow for many years, through Linda’s illness I really came to appreciate
the very great benefits this charity enables in providing mobile chemotherapy to patients at locations close to their homes.” The unit costs Hope for Tomorrow £260,000 to build and maintain for a three year period. It is their eighth unit to be put into operation. The unit will be visiting Calne, Marlborough and three different locations around Swindon which are currently being decided. It will spend one day in each location and around eight patients a day will benefit from the new mobile service.
Tuition also available: Salsa, hen parties, weddings & birthday parties For details call Claudia: 07933 793851 or email: latin5.claudia@hotmail.co.uk
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Academy players with, from left, STFC’s Jeremy Newton, Louis Thompson, manager Mark Cooper, Nathan Thompson and Jordan Turnball, Lydiard’s Chris Dobbs and headteacher Clive Zimmerman. Below, Turnball putting the youngsters through their paces at Lydiard Park
Academy education for Swindon Town youngsters Swindon Town and Lydiard Park with Okanagan ice hockey academy Academy have teamed up to move based at Link Centre. the Robins’ youth development cen“The prestige of a partnership tre to the school. with a professional club enhances Over 130 children are now coached Lydiard Park Academy as a centre each week in age groups ranging for excellence for sport in Swindon. from under sevens to under 16s. “Swindon Town have invested The Link understands the football heavily in upgrading the pitches club has invested around £15,000 in to ensure they are at the expected bringing the school’s playing fields standard for a football academy. up to a higher standard, and the They are the school’s pitches which club will pay a monthly rent to use STFC rent in the evening between the space to run their ses5pm and 7pm and at weeksions for the region’s ends. FC Abbey Meads talented young “I think the MonYouth Football Club is footballers. day day release rs. nso spo seeking new kit On Mondays, programme could The club, formed in 2003, Lydiard Park result in parents n provides football for more tha Academy will of Swindon based s age the 150 children between accommodate children applying to of eight and 18. If you’re able the under 12 to Lydiard Park help, call Clint Ricketts on and under 13 Academy for full il 07585 162655 or ema day-release protime places due net alk. alkt clintricketts@t gramme, whereby to the ease of being young players in based here. It means these age groups will the youngsters can fit in spend an entire day in coaching and football academy classes, lessons education under the Swindon Town on the other four days of the week, Academy umbrella. have time set aside for homework in The project has been 18 months in school, and also their training.” the making. For Swindon academy director Jeremy Newton, it’s been well worth the wait. He said: “Mondays will be a whole day here when we can tap into the school’s facilities. “We’ve spent a lot of money on the pitches and we’ve done a deal with the school, it’s fantastic for both parties. The aim is to enhance education for the individuals in the programme, the football academy and also Lydiard Park Academy.” Headteacher Clive Zimmerman said he was delighted to welcome Swindon Town to Lydiard Park Academy, which already provides full time education to over 25 players aged 12 to 17 who are involved
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Nell’s back...and better than ever
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It’s going to be a busy year that’s for sure but it’s an exciting one
His stint in the Elite League with Sheffield may not have worked out the way he planned, but Aaron Nell is still convinced he’s returned to Wildcats a better player this season. The GB forward started last season in the top division but found getting time on the ice difficult before returning to Cats in time to help spark their run to the play-offs. Nell is back at the Link Centre for a full campaign in 2014/15, helping his side to some notable road wins as well as working in the club’s community department, and believes he’s a better player than he was a year ago despite dropping down a division. “I’m very happy and it’s all worked out well for me,” he said. sporting career on ice “Sheffield wasn’t the most positive “I have no idea what I want to experience for me, it didn’t quite do once I’ve finished, but hope- work out how I had hoped, but we fully I might find out had a good end to the season this year. I’ve got with Wildcats and we need Callum B u g my hockey so to push on now and be la s s , Ollie Bett there’s no rush successful. Floyd Ta eridge and ylor hav but maybe called u “It didn’t work out too e been p to the G re I might end well but I did learn a a t B Under 2 ritain 0s s up going into lot, I played with some Decemb quad for er’s teaching. very good players and I Champio World nships in “It’s going to feel I came back a better Estonia be a busy year player which is what it’s that’s for sure but all about. it’s an exciting one “Hopefully I can make the and I’m really looking formost of that and keep on doing well ward to getting started.” for Swindon.”
Wildcats ace Bullas is a real student of the game Master’s degree will not force 23-year-old to put
Sam Bullas knows he will have a lot on his plate this season, but the forward is hopeful he can find the perfect blend of study and ice hockey. Bullas is back at the Link Centre for a sixth season, having previously played at Nottingham, and will be combining his on-ice commitments with studying for a master’s degree at the University of Gloucester. The 23-year-old is unsure what he will do once he’s finished his education, although he is considering going into teaching, but for now is happy to have his hockey to focus on.
“This is the sixth season I’ve been here so it’s quite a while now, but it’s an easy decision because it’s one of the most professional clubs I’ve seen,” he said. I’ve seen a few but the boys look after me here and it’s like my second home. “I’m up in Gloucester for three days so it’s logical to stay in Swindon, I love it here so it works out. “I’m doing a master’s degree in sport this year, a one-year course, so I’ll be down here for a while. “Maybe after that I might have a bit of a break from studying because it’s been four years now.
Power puts pieces into place...STFC news: P44-45
Swindon Robins season review: P46-47
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44
‘These are the type of players that we need at the football club’ Chairman Lee Power tells Link Sport why a new deal for home-grown star Nathan Thompson underlines the growing levels of optimism at the County Ground
Nathan Thompson’s deciTown chairman Lee Power sion to remain at Swindon with Nathan Thompson Town rather than walk out of the club on a free transfer in pursuit of a lucrative deal this summer shows the special atmosphere at the County Ground at present. That’s the view of chairman Lee Power, who tied Thompson down to a new two-and-a-half-year contract in SN1 on 9 October. Thompson, the Town captain and subject of interest from Leeds United and Peterborough United over the course of the off-season, accepted a new deal which fits within the current wage structure at Swindon and will only receive significant financial gain if he leads the club to promotion from League One Wes Foderin gham has yet to re this term. ceive a form al contract off Power recer. The keep whose curren er, ognised the t deal expire s at the end of June, 23-yearsaid: “There’ s been n old’s deo formal off er from the chairman. I cision as “I’m don’t know whether a rarity he’s been speakin n o t g to my agen so there’s re t, s a y i n g in modern ally nothing to football, tellwe’ve say on that front.” ing Link Sport: “I done that am quite surprised just by the way football is at this moment in time. If you know Nathan as a lad and you speak to him you’ll understand because it is quite a unique football club we’ve got at the minute – from me being chairman down through the manager and players we’ve all had to prove people wrong.
yet but I’d like to think we’re some way to doing that and it’s made us closer as a group.” Power believes his background as a player has helped him bond with the current first-team squad at the County Ground. “I can go down and have a joke with the lads and I think I’m one of them,” he
said. “I’m probably not and they probably give me a bit of stick when I walk out but I can go down to talk to them like I’m playing with them, rather than I’m their chairman. “I think it rubs off. It’s a togetherness. If we lose, I want everyone to have a bad weekend not just me. If we win, I want everyone to have the rewards that come with that. That’s what we’ve got at this club now.” The Swindon chairman branded contract nego-
tiations with Thompson as “the quickest” he has experienced. “Nowadays players have representatives. Jamie looks after Louis as well so I had spoken to him through the summer. It was something that needed to be done,” he said. “Financially it was quite simple because everyone knows the budget and what we’re working with here. To be fair to Nathan it wasn’t anything to do with money. I told him what we’ve got
and what it is and Nathan’s rewards, if we’re talking financially, come by if the club gets to the Championship. “When I say it’s a gamble I’m only talking in financial terms. Regarding Nathan’s development, there’s no doubt in my mind. “We’ve asked Nathan to play in a new position. We’ve asked Nathan to play in a three at the back, everyone knows Nathan as a flying right-back and that was the interest that came from Championship clubs in the summer – to sign him as a right-back. “When you see him playing in this new position, the number of people who come and tell me he’s developed from the coaching that Luke and Mark have gone in is amazing. There’s no doubt that Nathan will play in the Premier League. When that will be, I don’t know. “Their family has got to be proud of them, they’re two smashing lads. I had Nathan’s family as my guests for the Oldham game and they deserve everything they get. “All I would say is these are the type of players that we need at the football club, that we need to breed at the football club. “With the respect and the standing Nathan has in that dressing room, this will be massive for us.”
Club’s new ticket intiative offers six and eight-match packages Swindon Town have announced a special ticket offer designed to entice more fans through the gates at the County Ground. Supporters can now purchase six or eight-match tickets, with significant reductions to standard matchday rates, from the club’s box office. A side stand ticket for six matches, which is valid for all league games at the County Ground this season, will cost an adult £120. For eight matches, the same ticket is available for £150. A statement issued by Town read: “STFC would like to make attending matches at The County Ground
easy, affordable and good value for money. “After much consideration and, after taking into account recent matchday attendances, we feel that now is the right time to offer supporters the opportunity to select ticket packages to suit their personal requirements. “These packages will offer great savings on standard category match day prices. We appreciate that Season Tickets offer the greatest value for money but they are not always suitable for all supporters which leads to many fans attending fewer matches.
“From Season Ticket holders to matchday ticket purchasers, it is important that we listen to all Town fans and, where possible, implement new schemes which we hope will help to take our club forward. This will allow us all to benefit from exciting and entertaining football and, ultimately, the quest for success on the pitch. “For supporters wishing to take up the new ticket packs, simply visit our online ticketing site and under memberships, choose the ticket package and stand required then proceed to checkout. To add matches to your account in the future,
login and add your chosen matches as soon as they go on sale. Your selected matches can be added to your ‘match card’, printed at home or collected from the pre-booked point at The County Ground on the matchday. “In addition, supporters holding a multi-game ‘match card’ will receive 5% loyalty cash back on all merchandise purchases made in store and online. You will also gain big match Priority 2 status behind Season Ticket holders. “For any queries, please contact the STFC Store on 0871 876 1993 and select option 2.”
45 Swindon midefielder Ben Gladwin, back in action after injury
swindonlinksport.com t 01793 608 842 Live match coverage Exclusive features and columnists Up to the minute breaking news
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Gladwin praises Town’s medics after early return from injury
Swindon Robins images: Les Aubrey
Ben Gladwin praised Swindon “It’s not been easy, doing stuff Town’s medical staff and the re- with the physio. He’s had me workhabilitation facilities available to ing hard. I can still get fitter as well; him after returning from injury six I still felt quite leggy (against Plyweeks earlier than was originally mouth) so there’s plenty of work to anticipated. do. Midfielder Gladwin tore ligaments “It’s definitely been the longest in his ankle during the Capital One I’ve been out so mentally for me, at Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Al- the start I was quite down but I’ve bion on August 24 and was initially worked quite hard and got myself expected to be back fit.” absent for as Speaking At the start we were about Oaksey long as three months. House – the looking at about H o w e v e r, Lambourn fathree months, so thanks to his cility frequentown hard by injured to come back in six ed work, the efathletes – to seven weeks has Gladwin said: forts of physio Paul Godfrey went there, been really positive “Iworked and access hard to Oaksey and it was a House’s recuperation equipment, great help. It was a bit of a strange the former Marlow man made his experience, running on the AlterG comeback in the 3-2 loss at Ply- assisted at first but it was all really mouth Argyle in the Johnstone’s good. Everyone who’s helped has Paint Trophy on October 7 – mark- been brilliant. ing his return with a late goal. “As soon as I was injured the “I was pleased to get back on physio had me doing all the right the pitch and start kicking the ball things and the stuff we did at the around again. It’s been tough. At start, within the first one or two the start we were looking at about weeks, is the reason I’m back sooner three months, so to come back in six than scheduled. It felt good to be to seven weeks has been really posi- back on the pitch and playing foottive,” he told Link Sport. ball again.”
Swindon Town FC and Swindon Wildcat images: Richard Wintle – Calyxpix.com
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46
Link Sport looks back at a speedway campaign which promised so much, but ultimately left a bitter taste of disappointment... March: Excitement builds
After an up and down winter which saw the Robins retain Peter Kildemand, Troy Batchelor and Nick Morris, while adding Nicolai Klindt and Simon Gustafsson to the top five, the talk of the sport was the fast track draft, aimed at giving young Brits a chance. The arrival of Steve Worrall through that process was relatively unheralded while local lad Darryl Ritchings eventually took the number seven berth. The season’s opening meeting, the home leg of the Elite Shield against Poole, was called off due to rain, before the Robins got things started the following day as they narrowly lost 47-43 at Lakeside. Kildemand and Batchelor led from the front as they were paid for 26 points between them, while Ritchings performed much better than his score of three would suggest on his debut.
SWINDON ROBINS SEASON REVIEW: From Blunsdon buzz to damp squib
April: Starlet struck down After Dan Greenwood was signed The first home meeting of the sea- to replace Ritchings, Gustafsson son against Coventry was supposed and Morris led the way with scores to be a special occasion for Ritch- of 11+2 as the Robins beat Belle ings, but it turned into a nightmare. Vue, before the news arrived that Heading out in heat two, RitchRitchings’ had awoken from his ings was leading Jason Garrity sleep on April 17, ahead of a douwhen the Bees’ reserve slashed ble-header with rivals Poole. across the front of The Robins lost both meethim, sending the ings convincingly, which Troy Batchelor young Robin proved to be the end of tackled the GP series for hurtling Klindt as he was axed the first time, reaching two towards the finals and dropping just one point and replaced by Dafence. kota North, in what in Copenhagen. He also won the Ritchings Elite League Riders Championship. was Rossiter’s only hit the Peter Kildemand also reached two change to his onemetal barto-five during the GP finals as a wildcard and rier, leaving campaign. finished runner up in the him motionNorth managed five European Championship less on the on his debut as the Robins track having been beat Eastbourne 46-44 thanks knocked out. After arrivto a Peter Kildemand maximum, ing at the Great Western Hospital, before the Dane managed 16 at his condition quickly worsened and Lakeside the following night but he was put into an induced coma couldn’t stop the Robins ending the and taken to the Jon Radcliffe in month in defeat. Oxford where he would stay for May: Desire questioned 13 days. Robins lost the meeting 36-26 May was a wet month, with two as it was rained off after heat 10, meetings postponed and one, with the Robins unhappy after it against Birmingham, abandoned, was seemingly pushed through by but the Robins did finally manage referee Dave Robinson to ensure to ride at Coventry on what was a victory for the Bees, rather than an special night for Worrall. The reserve became the first fast abandonment. Robinson and the track rider to beat an opposition Robins would meet again.
heat leader, as he triumphed over Ryan Fisher, recording the fastest time of the season at Brandon in a 49-41 Robins victory. It wasn’t such a good night for Greenwood, who saw his spell with the club end, managing just 10 points from 22 outings. His replacement was Nathan Greaves, a former British under 16 champion, who failed to score but showed some promise in a 52-38 loss at Wolverhampton. He scored his first points at King’s Lynn with 2+2 as the Robins lost 48-42. Rossiter had openly questioned Gustafsson’s team place after a string of lacklustre displays, but the Swede responded in emphatic fashion at his former Eastbourne home as he scored 15 in the Robins’ 54-37 loss at Arlington, on night where Swindon had to cope with Justin Sedgmen at number one instead of an absent Kildemand. Gustafsson again top scored, along with Morris, with 8+1 as the Robins ended May with an easy win over Belle Vue, in a match curtailed after 12 heats due to poor visibility.
June: Morale at its lowest
An abandoned meeting at Birmingham and a win over Leicester preceded a disastrous clash with Wolves, where Robins cruised to a
14-point lead before a late collapse saw the men from Monmore Green storm back to secure a one-point win. Optimism was at an all-time low heading to Leicester without Batchelor or Kildemand, who were riding in GP qualifiers, and after Daniel Nermark and Davey Watt both agreed to guest before getting injured, the Robins’ first visit to Beaumont Park saw them track Sam Masters and rider replacement in their top two positions. Without being given a chance, the visitors started well and hung in there, eventually snatching a win before the final race of the night. Rossiter was ultimately disappointed not to have picked up all the points, after Rory Schlein and Krzysztof Buckowski took the honours in heat 15. The month ended with defeat at Wolverhampton, with Kildemand and Batchelor winning just once between them in a 51-41 loss.
July: It starts to come good
While Rossiter was always confident of making the play-offs, the Robins fans began to believe during a blistering July which saw them win four out of four. The Abbey Stadium side were the first team to stop leaders King’s
47 Lynn from scoring as they were despatched 50-40, before a narrow victory over Poole, 46-43, as Batchelor, Worrall and North were all paid for double figures. Next, a win Leicester was secured in heat 15 thanks to a stunning move from Morris to get ahead of Doyle, while Batchelor followed him through for second. With the break for the World Cup just around the corner, a solid display from top to bottom secured a 49-41 away win at Belle Vue.
August: Hope and anger
A hectic August brought eight meetings, with the month getting off to a dreadful start with a 56-35 hammering at Poole before a win and a loss in home and away clashes with Eastbourne. Then, it was the turn of referee Robinson to take centre stage once again. Live on Sky against Coventry at Brandon, the ref decided to begin excluding Robins riders while they were already at the tapes, for exceeding the two minutes, seemingly at random. This infuriated the Robins’ management and riders, everyone associated with Sky Sports as he embarrassed the sport in front of the nation. Swindon lost the meeting, with Rossiter insisting he would not be involved in another meeting officiated by Robinson.
Tempers were eased with a up what was sure to be a tense straightforward win over King’s two-legged clash. Lynn at the Abbey, but Rossiter Track conditions in the first leg was infuriated again following an played into a highly motivated exclusion for Kildemand Coventry side’s hands, with the in Norfolk the folRobins’ inability to back up Alun Rossiter took on the ro lowing week. With le of GB their heat winners costboss in 2014, Lewis Kerr and leading his ing them. Swindon took country throug Rory Schlein h Event One seven race victories to reach the fin retired, heat 11 al in Poland. but only four heat adThe Lions finis was awarded to vantages, with North, hed last but Rossiter helped North but, after Morris and Worrall all create optimism for Margaret Vardy underperforming as the the excluded Kildevisitors left Warwickshire future. mand for not racing, with an eightalthough he was under point deficit to make up. power as the rule book states, the October: Over in a race was awarded as a 3-0. That whimper cost the Robins as they went down The October weather ulti44-43. mately proved to be SwinAs usual, the Robins beat Lakeside don’s downfall. to end the month with a 57-35 win. Howling gales and lashSeptember: Promised land ing rain on the day of Three wins in five days over Wolves, the play-off semi-final Leicester and Coventry, the latter second leg made things being a 60-31 hammering of a Bees difficult for the Blunsdon team which would come back to track staff, who also had sting them, all-but secured Swin- a dogs meeting to condon’s place in the play-offs - con- tend with before being firmed after Eastbourne twice lost able to get on the track heavily in a double-header meeting at 6.20pm. The slop-like at Coventry on September 13. starting gates gave RosThe Robins were drawn to face siter’s men a conundrum the Bees with both teams having they couldn’t solve. beaten the other home and away Time and again the during the regular season, setting Robins saw the Bees beat
them, convincingly, away from the tapes to win races and, after only three heats, it quickly became apparent it wasn’t going to be Swindon’s night as they slumped to a 16-point aggregate deficit. Embarrassingly for the hosts the Bees were celebrating their place in the final by the end of heat 11. It was a cruel end to what was shaping up to be a glorious season for a Swindon side who came good just in time for the play-offs, only to falter when it really mattered.
Alun Rossiter
49