No 462 December 2020 GPS-tracked, door to door delivery to over 50,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000
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Happy Christmas By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk
It's going to be an unusual Christmas to say the least in what has been a very unusual year. At the moment, we don't know what will be allowed. We don't know if households are even going to be allowed to mix. We don't know if we're going to have to keep to the 'Rule of Six' in our celebrations. As I'm writing this, we're still in the middle of the second lockdown that has marked Phase Two of the coronavirus outbreak. The consequences of 2020 will be felt for many a year but one thing that we can be proud of in Swindon is how we've all stepped up to help each other out during a very tough time. And that is what we all need to do again during this festive period. We need to keep checking on each other - making sure the elderly and the vulnerable are doing okay and also looking after our own mental health and the mental health of others. Coronavirus has affected every facet of life in Swindon and although we'll be celebrating Christmas and embracing our families (if we're allowed) we need to spare a thought for those in need, those who have suffered tragedy, financial hardships and personal trauma.
Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Barrie Hudson
School staff, drivers and parents rally to make sure students are set up to learn Staff at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy say that the town’s strong community has helped lift the spirits of their colleagues and students alike as they cope with learning in the pandemic. During the academy’s year group self-isolations, staff and the school mini-bus drivers delivered food parcels to students that would last them an entire week, so that they could continue working and learning without worrying about how to access food when they were unable to leave their homes. One parent has pledged £500 per year to students who come from deprived backgrounds. Uday Baskar, who has one daughter in Year 12 and another in Year 7, is gifting this amount each year to support the needs of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy’s vulnerable students. The gift is in the names of his daughters’ grandmothers, Mrs Uma Udayaraj and Mrs Lalitha Jayapal. It will top up the current daily allowance of £2.35 that the school receives to provide meals for students entitled to free school meals, so that those students are able to have a snack, a hot meal and hot drink every day. Another parent has donated £250 to buy a laptop for a student who cannot yet return to school. Without it, that student would not be able to
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maintain contact with teachers or complete any school work, as the family has just one mobile phone between them. “These are just some examples of how the school and the community are working seamlessly together to make sure students are safe, well and able to concentrate on their learning,” said headteacher Mrs Anita Ellis. “We've had the most wonderful reactions and thanks as a result of the food parcel delivery service, and we are so grateful for the generosity of
parents who want to help other students as well as their own children. “This community effort is a great fillip for my colleagues, too. Many staff are quite fatigued already this term, as they have drawn on reserves of strength, resilience and problem resolution not normally known so early on in the year, so to receive this support is really uplifting. "We consider ourselves to be very fortunate to be part of such a strong, caring community as Royal Wootton Bassett.”
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Coronavirus news Covid vaccine is coming - but that doesn't mean we should stop being vigilant Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard has urged the public not to let vaccine hopes distract them from staying safe. At the time of going to press, there were hopes that vaccine distribution would begin to be rolled out to priority groups before Christmas. Writing in this month's Swindon Link, Mr Renard describes the news as fantastic and a huge step towards returning to some form of normality. He adds: "But, we are not there yet and, even if we begin to see a vaccine being distributed to our most
vulnerable and some of our key workers in the next few weeks, we all have a massive part to play this winter to try to suppress the spread of the virus and avoid overwhelming the NHS." Several vaccines against covid are currently being developed in labs across the world, with progress announced almost daily. Companies Modena and Pfizer have both announced vaccines with an effectiveness rate of more than 90 percent, based on tests involving tens of thousands of people. In mid November it was announced that a major UK
trial of a vaccine developed by a Belgian firm, Janssen, had begun. Creation of the Janssen
vaccine, researchers said, involved genetically modifying the virus which causes the common cold.
Hospitals prioritise patient safety as public is urged to attend important outpatient appointments Swindon Borough Council's Director of Public Health has urged the public to follow the national lockdown guidelines which will be in place until 2 December. England's second national lockdown was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the end of October and scheduled to run for four weeks. Swindon Director of Public Health Steve Maddern issued a statement urging people across the borough to save lives and stay at home. "It is more important than ever that we all take steps to reduce the spread of infection in the community to save lives and protect the NHS," he said. The Government's decision to introduce new restrictions, he said, was informed by clear evidence that hospitals across the region were projected to run out of capacity in a matter of weeks. Mr Maddern also announced that people deemed clinically extremely vulnerable would be contacted by the council and 4
advised about local help and support. This group includes those with reduced immune systems, for example due to organ transplants, and people with specific cancers or severe respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. Mr Maddern added in his statement: "I would like to stress that during these national restrictions, the Government is supporting the NHS to safely carry out urgent and nonurgent services. "It is vital that anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help." Official guidance to the public says anybody with symptoms - new and continuous cough, high temperature and a change or loss of the senses of taste and/or smell - should stay at home and self isolate for 10 days, arrange a test and remain in isolation until the results are known. A positive result means a 10day isolation period must be completed.
Anybody living in the same household as a person with covid-19 must stay at home for 14 days. This period is calculated from the first day on which a member of the household began displaying symptoms.
If they do not themselves have symptoms, there is no need for them to have a test. Should they develop symptoms and have a test which proves positive they are subject to the same rules as anybody else with the virus.
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Lockdown meant a different kind of Remembrance - but still moving The second national pandemic lockdown meant traditional Remembrance services could not go ahead. In spite of this, poignant tributes were still paid throughout the Swindon area. Swindon Borough Council urged the public to avoid organising or attending any public Remembrance events and instead commemorate those who gave their lives from home. Residents were allowed to pay their respects at a burial ground or Remembrance garden, but had to ensure they followed coronavirus guidance, particularly around social distancing. The council said one of the best ways of showing respect was supporting the British Legion, which itself had special lockdown measures in place. As buying a poppy from a seller might be difficult, the charity invited people to
Parish councillors, from left, John Firmin, Janine Howarth and Junab Ali with one of the GWR Park posters
donate online in exchange for a downloadable poppy poster to be displayed in windows. The 2020 Lydiard Park Field of Remembrance, organised by the Royal British Legion, opened at limited times. In Swindon, a small wreathlaying service with 10 local dignitaries was held.
South Swindon Parish Council paid tribute to those who served and the people who held the fort at home by displaying poster-sized images on trees at GWR Park and Queen's Park. Parish councillor Junab Ali said: "Because of the lockdown we can't have the
usual commemoration, so this is one way of people feeling they're connected with those commemorations. "This is a reminder that we do not forget those who gave their lives for our today. That's the stark reminder to everyone, and a reminder that we need love and peace." In Royal Wootton Bassett, a public appeal is being made for help to replace the large marble 'Forever Poppy' erected to mark the town's role in honouring the Fallen repatriated through RAF Lyneham, where a poppy mural made from thousands of thank you notes will be installed in another tribute. Unfortunately, the poppy collapsed in 2017 and an appeal is generating funds for a bronze replacement. People and organisations can find out more by visiting www.gofundme.com/f/royalwootton-bassett-poppy
Swindon domestic abuse charity warns of violence during lockdown The second lockdown will again see a wave of domestic violence behind closed doors, a charity is warning. Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SWA), which runs a refuge in the town, is expecting an increase in calls and referrals as victims attempt to escape their living nightmare. Many charities devoted to helping victims of domestic abuse say coronavirus restrictions can leave victims feeling more isolated than ever, with abusers using the relative isolation to exert even more control than usual. Wiltshire Police urges victims not to suffer in silence, reminding them that support is always available. The force wants people to come forward with reports and insists that nobody should fall into the trap of believing they are alone. During the initial hard lockdown, SWA found calls 6
to the helpline actually fell as those in violent relationships struggled to safely call for help. As restrictions began to ease the calls and referrals increased. June saw a 30 percent rise on last year in calls to the helpline and an almost 40 percent increase in Community Service referrals from male and female victims. SWA CEO Emma Rawlings said: “Lockdown is absolutely the worst nightmare for victims. "A controlling and coercive perpetrator will stop a victim having contact with friends and family, control their finances and, if you add in physical beatings and rape, then you have a potential life-or-death situation.” SWA’s service supports those in the Swindon area 24 hours a day and across the whole of Wiltshire during evenings and weekends. Det Supt Ben Mant of Wiltshire Police said: “It is
Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service CEO Emma Rawlings
a sad reality that domestic abuse is a crime that has been compounded by the covid-19 pandemic. “We expect the news of the second lockdown will increase the anxiety levels of those who find themselves in abusive relationships and the perception will be that it is harder for them to escape their abusers. “I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that support is always available
from Wiltshire Police and our partners so that you don’t have to stay and suffer in silence. “If you are in an abusive relationship or know someone who is, we urge you to reach out for help, especially during the lockdown and we want to stress that you are not alone. “You can call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency and contact one of the agencies mentioned above via the Wiltshire Police website: www.wiltshire.police.uk.”
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GWH's best medics praised after publishing articles Four Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been recognised for their commitments to patient care after they all had articles published in notable publications. The ACPs each conducted a study within different departments across the organisation, and focused on the progress and improvement in patient experience across both acute and community settings. Lucy Moxham, Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Acute Medicine, published a study on the evaluation of the impact of advanced nurse practitioner triage for these patients that have been referred to the hospital. Following the study Ella Martin, Lead ACP in Acute Medicine has worked on creating a clear and concise process for the referrals to Same Day Emergency Care for GP practices.
SCR work to go ahead next year as planned Swindon Borough Council has announced that work to deliver the Southern Connector Road (SCR) can go ahead as expected. The council's SCR Compulsory Purchase Order 2019 was confirmed by the Secretary of State in March. Due to covid restrictions, it has taken some time for SBC to notify all of the landowners affected. This has now taken place and no legal challenge has been made. The order now has legal effect and the council will now acquire the land set out in the order. This means that the SCR can now be delivered, with work due to start from early next year until August 2022. The road is a key part of the infrastructure required to deliver the New Eastern Villages development. 8
Accountants step up to help Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk
The team at Haines Watts Swindon have volunteered their office reception area in Old Town as a covid safe collection point for the 2020 Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal. In its fourth year, the appeal aims to provide toys for children of families in need in the town where parents or guardians would struggle to buy presents without resorting to loans. In that time, over 1,000 children have received presents who may not have got a gift at all – or their parents may have got into debt to afford Christmas. This year, with the impact of covid-19, the need is expected to be greater than ever with 20 families already referred for support by various services by the beginning of November, the highest number ever and it is expect to grow. Dawn Prosser, one of the appeal’s organisers, said: “The appeal is run by churches across Swindon and its aim is to bring a little hope and happiness to families who would really struggle to find the money for presents. “Families are nominated by agencies serving Swindon, participating churches and by
schools. Last year around 2,000 toys were donated which were distributed to 134 families, which meant 353 children received presents.” In previous years, the nominated families were invited to attend children’s Christmas parties and while the children were being entertained, parents were able to slip aside, choose presents and wrap them during the party to offer a dignified experience. This year presents will be delivered directly the families’ homes as parties are unlikely to be permitted. Finding collection points for people to donate toys has also been challenging. Anna-Marie Healy (pictured), marketing and office manager for Haines Watts Swindon, said: “We are only too pleased to support the Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal again this year and provide a safe space for donations to be dropped off. It’s such a good cause and, for us, it matters that children in need in our town are given a gift this Christmas to enjoy with their families. “Our office reception is Covid safe and we would ask any person, or business, wanting to donate toys to call us on 01793 533838 to arrange a time for dropping off. Our office is at
Old Station House, Newport Street, Swindon, SN1 3DU. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.” New toys and gifts for children aged up to 16 are suitable. The collection point at Haines Watts Swindon will be open until close of business on Friday 4 December allowing time for delivery to be made to the appeal’s HQ. Nationally, Haines Watts is a top 15 firm of Chartered Accountants who specialise in advising and supporting business owners, individuals and not-for-profit organisations locally and throughout the UK. The firm has been at the centre of the Swindon and Wiltshire business communities for the last 25 years. For more information visit www.hwca. com/accountants-swindon/
Local heroes from town's black, asian and minority ethinic communities nominated for awards Several stalwarts of the Swindon community have been nominated for the MTM Awards. These include The Patriot's Arms, Raj Patel and Swindon Hindu Temple. The MTM Awards are the biggest of their kind in the South West and aim to celebrate the essence of business and culture across the region’s diverse Black, Asian and minoritiy ethnic communities, as well as the individuals who go the extra mile in their field. The award ceremony is due to take place in December. The Patriot's Arms in Chiseldon run by Sunny Patel and Sanjay
Dogra has been nominated for Special Recognition Award for all their amazing community work during the coronavirus crisis. You can vote for them at www.mtmawards.co.uk/ awards/special-recognition/ In the Community Awards Category there's Raj Patel aka Sunnybhai, who apart from his Patriot's Arms nomination, has been nominated for the Mukhtyar Singh Community Champion Award, as well as Swindon Hindu Temple, nominated for the Peaches Golding Community Group Award, and Suresh Gattapur, nominated for the Paul Stephenson Unsung Hero
Sunny and Sanjay from The Patriot's
Award. You can cost your vote for those three nominations at www.mtmawards.co.uk/ awards/community-group/ Pradeep Bhardwaj, of Swindon Hindu Temple, has been nominated for the Person of the Year Award, in the Special Awards category. You can vote for him at www. mtmawards.co.uk/awards/ special-awards/
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Swindon will be going Santa mad this festive season for Prospect Hospice By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk
Feeling 'Claus'trophobic during lockdown? Then put on your hand 'Santa'-tiser and sign up for Prospect Hospice’s festive, and not to mention socially distanced, fundraiser this December. This campaign will see local people coming together (apart) as sprinting, snapping, supermarket or soaking Santas, as well as the option to choose your own Santa challenge. There’s a Santa suit ready and waiting for all those taking part. For only £10 per adult and £5 per child, the charity will provide you with your very own Santa suit to don while taking part in one of their Christmassy challenges below. Here are some options: Sprinting Santas This one’s a virtual take on a Santa Run. Just plan a route, put on your suit and get running (or walking)! Run a mile a day
for a set time or plan a super sprint as a one off – the choice is yours. For the more competitive of you, you might want to go for the Further Christmas title. Whoever runs the furthest will be rewarded with a hamper of goodies. The charity will also be giving a prize to the person who raises the most sponsorship. Snapping Santas Leave those resting Grinch faces at home and get ready to take your best elfie or perhaps you’d prefer to gather your household or bubblechums and take a group shot… the choice is yours! Just sign up before 16 December, receive your suit then post your photo online before midnight on 19 December to be in with the chance of winning either our Best Elfie or Socially Distanced Santas award. Just remember to tag @ Prospect Hospice and include
Major road project for North Swindon A three-week programme to improve roads in North Swindon began earlier this month. The essential resurfacing was due to be completed in eight phases as part of Swindon Borough Council’s major maintenance programme, where more than £5.2m is being invested in the borough’s road network. Oakhurst Way, which runs from Tadpole Lane to Thamesdown Drive, was first to benefit from the resurfacing and the work was split into five phases. The council’s contractor started the work on Monday, 9 November and, in order to complete the resurfacing as quickly as possible, the road was set to be closed between 8am and 6pm each day. The council has been working with local bus companies, who amended their services accordingly.
Letters were also sent to local residents informing them of the work. The next location on the agenda was Lady Lane, with work due to begin there and at the roundabout to the north of The Blunsdon Arms and a scheduled completion date of 23 November. Following this, resurfacing work at Elstree Way at the roundabout to the south of The Friary Toby Carvery were planned for 24 and 25 November. The final phase, the Manor Farm roundabout to the rear of the Orbital Shopping Park, was planned to use overnight road closures between 8pm and 6am on 26 and 27 November. Councillor Maureen Penny, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Maintenance and Waste Services, urged road users to be patient.
#SociallyDistancedSantas The charity's judging panel will shortlist the best photos on 21 December and post them on social media for a public vote, with winners being announced on Christmas Eve. Soaking Santas Think Ice bucket challenge but, yes, you’ve guessed it, in a Santa suit! Prospect challenge you to become a soaking Santa in aid of your local hospice and why not nominate a much-deserving friend or family member while you’re at it? Just post your videos on social media and tag them @ProspectHospice with #SociallyDistancedSantas then tag the person you nominate to join our team of festively fundraising St Nicks. Supermarket Santas All the charity are asking here is for you to do your weekly or even your big Christmas shop…..dressed as the jolly man himself! Then just get yourselves sponsored for
the embarrassment…sorry, enjoyment. Prospect would love to see your photos and videos so please remember to post away and tag them as above. Select-your-own Santa challenge Reading the above list?… Checking it twice?….and still not seeing anything you like? Not a problem! Have a think and choose your own challenge. For more information on the #SociallyDistancedSantas challenges visit www. prospect-hospice.net/ SociallyDistancedSantas
The Samaritans are always here Having broken free from our routines and with life moving at a different pace in 2020, there is much we can learn from lockdown living to support our mental health and wellbeing. Lockdown has forced many of us to slow down and given us extra time to acknowledge how we are really feeling. In more normal times, we may distract ourselves by “keeping busy” which doesn’t give us the chance to confront and prioritise our feelings and wellbeing needs. Self care comes in many forms and what works well for one may not work for another. Identify what works for you and build in time to do what makes you feel good. Exercise has long been acknowledged as providing many health benefits and this doesn’t need to be in a structured way, when built into a daily routine. Whether it’s dancing around the kitchen to the radio or being out in one of our parks, make time for your wellbeing. It is also easy for our usual
boundaries to blur during lockdown, whether it’s between home and work or between caring for others as well as ourselves, so think about ways to keep a better balance in your life. Things like making a list and prioritise what needs to be done and what can wait; schedule in time at the end of the day to properly switch off and take a regular break from emails and social media. At Swindon & District Samaritans, we know that people have difficulty in talking about feelings, which can mean they don’t reach out until they’re at crisis point. Samaritans have developed a Self-Help app to provide support without the need to talk about your feelings with others. Why not try it out: www.samaritans.org/how-wecan-help/contact-samaritan/ self-help And if you are struggling to cope, you can contact Samaritans for free at any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, or email jo@samaritans.org.
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Funding for charity mentoring children across county
Swindon youth charity award from PCC covid A Swindon charity which provides mentoring for children response charity fund in Wiltshire has been given
a boost thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner. The PCC’s Covid-19 Response Fund has donated £5,000 towards an overall £10,000 Wiltshire Community Foundation grant to The SMASH Youth Project. The charity provides oneto-one mentoring for young people aged between 13 and 19 who are either struggling at home or school. PCC Angus Macpherson said he was keen to support charities and organisations which provided vital support for young people. He added: “The work these charities do is invaluable. “It is obvious that support in the right places, helping children and young people from an early stage, gives them the very best start in life and will hopefully prevent them from falling into crime. “I am passionate about early intervention and the knock-on impact that this can have on policing. "If we can get to the root of the problem early enough then we should be able to keep these people safe and reduce
A Swindon charity which helps children with emotional and behavioural problems has been given £4,251 from the Police and Crime Commissioners' Covid-19 Response Fund. Swindon STEP, which is based in Nythe, was given the money as part of the PCC’s ongoing commitment to support the Wiltshire Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund. Overall, PCC Angus Macpherson has secured £50,000 worth of funding, ring-fenced money that can only be used on charity, to support good causes affected by the pandemic.
Thames charity trek
A Thames Water team completed a 94-mile charity walk from the source of the River Thames to the company’s headquarters in Reading. The group - Toby Arnold, Josh Davies, Ollie Beaumont, Dane Beauchamp, Damon Pearce and Alex Baker – raised £1,600 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which will be match-funded by Thames Water, and completed the walk in a series of gruelling relay stages.
Volunteers needed for reading sessions Charity Schoolreaders, which helps children with reading difficulties, is looking for volunteers in Swindon. Reading volunteers are desperately needed following the Coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of children won’t have had enough reading practice during lockdown, and volunteers can make a real difference in their lives. Potential volunteers are asked to call 01234 924111 or visit www.schoolreaders. org/volunteer-applicationform 10
SMASH Youth Project provides one to one mentoring for struggling teenagers
crime.” The SMASH Youth Project has lost £80,000 in funding that was directed elsewhere during the pandemic and has subsequently had to cut its staffing. Project director Moira Leitch said: “Most of the children that come to us are not able to cope with the demands of everyday life. “All children will be referred into to us as a result of behaviour they have displayed - most of the behaviour is classed as socially unacceptable but there will be a reason for it and it is our
role to help them understand themselves, like themselves and find some direction.” Wiltshire Community Foundation joint chief executive Fiona Oliver added: “We are hearing so many stories of groups who have struggled with funding due to lost fundraising opportunities and increased need. “We set up our fund to help these groups respond to the need on their doorstep and ensure that they are still around for the long term. "We are very thankful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for his support.”
Reminder for people to get a flu vaccination Parents and carers in the South West are being urged to get their two and three year olds vaccinated against flu this winter. This is to help protect them against the disease and reduce its spread both to other children, including their brothers or sisters, and their parents and grandparents. Flu is not just a heavy cold and children who get flu have the same symptoms as adults – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat. Some children develop a very high fever or complications of flu such as bronchitis or pneumonia and may need
hospital treatment. Dr Jon Roberts, Consultant in Public Health, Screening and Immunisation Lead said: “The flu vaccine helps protect your child from flu and reduce the chance
of spreading it on to others. Vaccinating your little ones will help you to avoid the need to take time off work because of flu or to look after your children with flu."
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Firm offers a new lease of green life to classic Minis Classic Minis can have a new and green lease of life thanks to a Swindon firm's latest innovation. Swindon Powertrain's Classic Mini Kit gives owners the option to electrify their vehicles. The firm says the kit was created in direct response to growing customer demand to electrify classic cars - and original Minis in particular. The kit has been designed to ensure that no vehicle modifications are required, with the entire kit weighing just over 70 kg dry. Commercial Director Gerry Hughes said: "We’ve registered over 500 requests for more information on the HPD E system since it launched, many of which are classic Mini owners who are looking to convert their cars to run on electric power. "We have tried to make our kits as easy to use as possible, re-engineering and
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re-designing the package so that it fits perfectly in a classic Mini, and offer our clients the ability to take just the HPD E Powertrain system or purchase extra, optional EV parts." Swindon Powertrain also offers a range of optional components including a purpose designed 12 kWhr battery pack which fits under the original bonnet in place of the internal combustion engine, motor controller, onboard charger and DC-DC converter,
speed sensor kit and cooling system pump, with order books for these additional items also open. Prices for the Classic Mini Kit start at £8,850 plus VAT and deliveries are set to begin next month. The classic Mini was first produced in 1959 and remained a favourite until production ended in 2000. Further information can be found at www. swindonpowertrain.com
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GWH nurse makes 600 mile round trip to reunite sheepdog with his 93-year-old former owner GWH’s Senior Sister, Sallyann Fisher, made a 600 mile round trip to reunite her adopted sheepdog for a few hours with his 93 year old former owner now living in a care home. Sallyann has owned Cap for three years, having adopted him from Alan Leek, from a farm in Cumbria, when he could no longer cope and had to leave the farm and go into a care home. She said: "I train sheepdogs for farm work and competition trial when not working in the Emergency Department at GWH. “Alan in his younger days was a top sheepdog trainer and triallist. He represented England 14 times, and has won 38 open sheepdog trials and judged in America. He shepherded the ells of Cumbria for many years well into his 80's with Cap by his side. “It broke his heart to give his dogs away, but had to for their welfare." During the last few months Alan has been confined to his room with no visitors allowed due to an outbreak of coronavirus in the home. Sallyann added: "He was very down, lonely and isolated,
Cap with Sallyann Fisher
when I phoned him as a result of Radio Wiltshire’s Pledge to talk. “I felt compelled to do something. So dropped everything and just drove with Cap in tow, before any further coronavirus lockdowns. “The care home made an exception for our visit, and I hope it brought some joy to Alan’s day, and I wanted him to know that his old dog Cap was living the dream, was well loved, and in a forever home. “Alan cried tears of joy, as we all did. “People have pledged to send him videos of sheepdog trails to help ease the suffering
of isolation, and also a portrait of his beloved dog Cap. “His video has had nearly five million views, raising awareness of the crisis in care homes due to coronavirus. “It has given him hope, and something to chat about with the carers. “I phoned him and told him he now has 5 million friends.”
and achieve a positive outcome for all of us who know and love the Oasis.” The impact of covid led social enterprise and leisure operator GLL and landlord Seven Capital to review the future of the Oasis. This review concluded that the continued operation of the Centre was not viable. Both parties are finalising an agreement that will see GLL surrender its lease to Seven Capital. The decision will mean the Oasis Leisure Centre will not reopen on 3 December when lockdown restrictions are lifted. Staff consultation has begun, with GLL looking to redeploy colleagues, where possible, at alternative facilities. A total of 12 contracted staff will be
directly affected. GLL will continue to operate six municipal leisure centres in Swindon - Croft Sports Centre, Delta Tennis Centre, Dorcan Recreation Complex, Haydon Centre & Gym, the Health Hydro and Link Centre, with the support of the council. GLL Regional Director for Swindon Jamie Coleshill said: “We recognise the significant impact the closure will have on our customers; particularly the loss of the unique, albeit very tired, leisure pools. "We are committed to supporting the Oasis’s gym, swim and Better Swim School customers to relocate to alternative leisure centres within Swindon and will be in touch with them over the coming days.
Cap with Alan Leek in Cumbria Cap
MP urges council to find way of reopening Oasis South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has appealed to Swindon Borough Council following the shock Oasis closure announcement. Mr Buckland spoke after Oasis operator GLL announced it would be handing the lease back to landlord Seven Capital, blaming the pandemic's impact on business. Mr Buckland said: “The Oasis is a very important local amenity for us all here in Swindon. "I have already spoken to the owners of the site, Seven Capital, and urged them to work closely with the council to find a way forward that will allow the Oasis to reopen and for improvements to be made to a much loved local amenity. “I will carry on working to try
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“The closure of all leisure facilities across the UK for over five months due to the two lockdowns, coupled with the requirement to now operate at reduced capacity in order to comply with social distancing, has created extremely challenging operating conditions. “Closing leisure facilities and reducing staff numbers is not a decision we take lightly. It is with great regret that we have come to this point, but we believe it is the only option available to us. "As a charitable social enterprise we are not in a position to continue operating a facility that requires capital investment and is losing money, while accruing significant rent liabilities.”
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Giant Pumpkin patch takes over Sally Pussey's in Royal Wootton Bassett By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk
Over 1500 pumpkins spookily turned up overnight in a field on the outskirts of Royal Wootton Bassett just before Halloween. Located behind Arkell’s Brewery’s Sally Pussey’s Inn on Swindon Road, it was not part of a large strain of pumpkins taking over the region but Halloween celebrations. The Sally Pussey’s team worked in collaboration with the local farmer to ensure that in light of traditional Trick or Treat activity being cancelled due to Covid, local children and their families were still able to celebrate this popular occasion. The locally grown pumpkins were ready to be ‘picked’ and selected for carving from Wednesday 21 through half term until Saturday 31 October. Children, who were advised to wear wellie boots, were
able to traipse across the field to find their favourite. They could then either carve it on site under a covered gazebo, or take it home to create a scary design. Children were also able to enjoy rides on the fairground bumper cars and a bungee. There was also a selection of pop-up food stalls serving waffles, doughnuts and ice cream and a specially designed Pumpkin Patch specials menu. “It is the first time we have created a Pumpkin Patch and we wanted to help everyone get into the spirit at this time of year, no pun intended,” said Relish Group director, Rob Goves. “Sally’s is a real family favourite in Wootton Bassett, Swindon and the surrounding area and we thought this would be a fun and engaging idea. “We adhered to all of the current government safety measures and social distancing and we just wanted
everyone to enjoy themselves responsibly. To book to eat at the pub during December
please contact Sally Pussey’s on 01793 852430 or email: info@sallypussey.co.uk"
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Royal Wootton Bassett Academy food for needy people Students at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy took inspiration from Captain Tom Moore’s community challenge this year. The school houses competed to collect the most donations for a local foodbank – and handed over more than a tonne of goods. Normally students collect produce as part of their annual harvest festival, and Year 10 students then deliver the food to vulnerable members of the local community. When covid-19 made this impossible this autumn, Head of House Daniel Webb changed the donation process into a challenge to all five houses to collect as much food as they could. “Our harvest collection and delivery is one of the highlights of the school house calendar, so we didn’t want to scrap the idea altogether,” said Mr Webb.
“So we decided to donate food to a local food bank instead. The volunteers there have been brilliant. "They sent us a list of what we needed, and collected the food and quarantined it so it was covid-safe before distributing to the people who are most in need. “In the spirit of the Tom Moore community challenge that we ran last school year we turned the donation process into a challenge. "Houses would receive points for collecting the most food across each year groups, and to ensure we kept up the momentum the challenge got reset at the start of each week. "This has meant that we have seen different houses winning each week in each year group and a good spread of points across all houses. “Challenges included designing a basket for produce, designing a medal and
Skye wins Christmas card competition
Skye Trevett, a Year 6 pupil Skye won a £25 Amazon at Lawn Primary School in voucher and a £250 donation Swindon has won the AMS by AMS to the school. Accountancy Ltd's annual The firm thanked head Christmas card design teacher Kelly James and competition. deputy Emma Jelley, for Her cheerful ‘Dancing allowing it to run the Christmas Dinner’ design won competition again. the hearts of the judges - and 14 swindonlink.com n December 2020 NW December 2020.indd 14
designing a board that will go on display as a legacy of the harvest festival for 2020.” Helen Gerrish, chair of trustees for the Swindon Food Collective, said the students at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, which is part of the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust, had done an excellent job of collecting and donating a wide range of essentials for local vulnerable
people. The total weight of goods collected was weighed and totalled 1041 kilos. “This year more than ever we need to be able to distribute essential foods and toiletries to vulnerable people in our community, and the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy students have done their school and the community proud,” said Helen.
Lionheart Later Life Planning's advice Lionheart Later Life Planning is a small and trusted company based in Carterton for the last 30 years. It prides itself on customer service and hard-to-beat prices. Covid permitting, it can offer face-to-face meetings at a time to suit the client. Its services include wills. Most people assume that a will is to ensure that our assets are passed to the people of our choice, which is of course true, but it can also appoint guardians for young children. Lionheart also offers Power of Attorney services. If we lose mental or physical capacity, not necessarily from dementia or Alzheimer’s but perhaps following an accident or stroke, we may lose our signature and bank accounts can be frozen. The solution is to appoint attorneys such as family and friends to act before the problem occurs. In addition, trusts are a way
of ensuring the protection of the assets we have worked hard for all of our lives, like the family home. Lionheart also advises on prepaid funeral plans, which can mitigate against the increasing cost of funerals. A funeral plan cost is at today’s price and will pay for the funeral whenever we pass away and whatever the cost. It guarantees that our wishes will be carried out and reduces stress for grieving loved ones. Other services offered by Lionheart include help with equity release and probate. The latter is required when we die and often the family need assistance. Lionheart can help with this and can access favourable and fixed rate fees. The firm's advice and further information costs nothing. The organisation welcomes enquiries and can be contacted on 01993 220281 and 07769 730616.
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Donna's praise for Slimming World help Donna Fox from North Swindon credits her local slimming world branch with helping her on her weight loss journey. Retired independent living advisor Donna, who has spina bifida and Type 2 diabetes, says the organisation's Redhouse group is welcoming as well as offering sound advice. She said: "I needed to control my diabetes by diet. "I initially lost quite a bit of weight by myelf, but I had, years ago, gone to Slimming World for a different purpose and knew that the Slimming World diet worked for me. "I decided to join the group in Redhouse in January of this year." Since then, Donna has lost 12-and-a-half pounds and reached her target weight. She added: "Slimming World is always welcoming and there is always lots of support. "It's almost like having your
own unique little family. We have a support group online and still manage to meet each other even if it's via Zoom and social media. "It's not a diet - it's a lifestyle. It's about learning what's right for you and working with those concepts." Donna uses the techniques learned at Slimming World to plan her own menus. Full details of the Slimming World programme can be found at www.slimmingworld. co.uk
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Swindon life under lockdown As Lockdown 2.0 came into force across England the Government stipulated that the public must now only go out to buy essentials, or for education/work, to exercise or for medical reasons. Many of the businesses at The Brunel shopping centre and The Crossing in Swindon Town Centre were permitted to trade during the lockdown. Some were operating differently, for instance offering take-away or delivery food only, or only a click and collect service, but for others it was business as usual. For essential food supplies Marks & Spencer food hall, Holland & Barrett, Grape Tree, Delikatesy Smaczek, Poundland and, until 14 November, Sainsburys were all open as normal. Opticians and registered podiatrists are this time being allowed to continue seeing patients so Boots Opticians, Vision Express and White Horse Opticians were all open, as is Professional Footcare. The
Non-essential businesses are closed
main Boots store, including the pharmacy, was also available for essential supplies and medicines. During the first lockdown many of The Crossing’s tenants successfully adapted their food businesses by introducing takeaway or delivery services so this time around none of the businesses had to stop trading. Sit-down dining was not allowed during the current restrictions so the seating areas had to be cordoned off, or removed, but all businesses
were able to either deliver food, or operate a take-away service. For this lockdown The Government allowed many retailers to operate click and collect services, albeit with certain rules in place, and so many of The Brunel’s other stores were now also able to trade in this way and a list of these is available on Facebook until the end of lockdown on 2 December. Charlotte Jarrett, Manager of The Brunel shopping centre,
situation. A Click, Call and Collect service continues to be available at libraries, apart from the West Swindon library which is fully closed. Several online library services are also available and the Home Library Service continues to run. The public toilets at Lydiard Park, Coate Water, Stanton Park, Barbury Castle and the town centre remain open. People are still able to visit council-run parks, as long as they adhere to Government guidance on socialising outdoors. However, at Coate Water Country Park the golf course is closed as well as the play area and the Coate Water Miniature Railway. There is no event hire or boating. Cafes at Lydiard Park and Coate Water remain open for takeaways only.
Following Government guidance on the closure of venues, the council-run Steam Museum is temporarily closed and the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery also remain closed. Any weddings and civil partnerships booked at the council’s Register Office will not take place during the lockdown period but parents can still register births. The council’s customer services centre is closed for face-toface queries, but residents can continue to get in touch via the website or over the phone. Some non-essential housing repairs for council tenants have temporarily ceased, but emergency and urgent housing repairs continue. Parking enforcement continues as usual, but the Bristol Street and Brunel North car parks are closed. All other car parks remain open. Council leader David Renard
said: “We recommend you check that the retailer or food business you need to visit is open before you plan your essential trip. Most businesses are using their social media or website to communicate the details of how they are operating so please make sure you check there first. Or you can phone them. A list of phone numbers for The Brunel and The Crossing businesses is on our website, www.thebrunel.co.uk.” For further information visit www.swindontowncentre.co.uk
Promise that council services would suffer minimal impact Swindon Borough Council was quick to reassure the public once the second lockdown was announced. It promised that the new restrictions were expected to have only a minimal impact on its services. Council leader David Renard praised what he described as the outstanding community spirit displayed by the people of Swindon during the pandemic. In line with the national guidance, the council's Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) remains open, with the current booking system in place to allow for social distancing on site and to ensure residents and staff are kept safe. Waste and recycling collections continue as normal, but services may need to be prioritised should resources be affected due to the current 16
said: “We are doing all we can to keep as many of our services running safely and effectively. "The measures we introduced during the last lockdown, such as the new booking system for the Household Waste Recycling Centre and the Click, Call and Collect service at our libraries, have helped to minimise disruption this time around. “However, there are some cases where this just isn’t possible within the national guidance. "Officers are working hard to keep our staff and residents safe, and that will continue to be our priority. “I would like to thank the public for their continued understanding throughout this difficult period. "The community spirit which Swindon has shown during the pandemic is outstanding; long may that continue.”
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Swindon life under lockdown Council care home opens the bubbly for COVID-safe family visits
Christmas has come early for residents at Fessey House care home after staff allowed family visits to restart in a COVID-safe environment – and they even cracked open the bubbly. The staff at Fessey House, a Haydon Wick care home run by Swindon Borough Council, have created special spaces to allow family members to visit residents safely. The visits launched last week and saw guests able to see their relatives through a window and speak to them through a specially-installed intercom. Similar arrangements are being made at fellow councilrun home Whitbourne House in Park South, where a small marquee has been set up outside the conservatory to enable family members to use an intercom system to communicate with their loved ones.
The council was anxious to make visits as welcoming as possible for loved ones and as reassuring as possible for residents. Widespread concerns have been raised nationally about the impact of lockdown restrictions on care home residents and their visitors.
Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “The covidsecure spaces have been extremely well received at Fessey House and I am sure the marquee we have put up at Whitbourne House will prove equally as popular. I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff for putting them together. “Last week was a very emotional experience due to the length of time families have been apart. We tried to make the visits as welcoming as possible with a red carpet and a glass of bubbly on arrival for both the family member and the residents. “For some residents it was the first time they have been visited by family for quite a while and it’s important to remember that during these difficult times, some more vulnerable members of our community have had a really tough time.”
Regular contact with familiar faces has been credited in various studies with helping to reduce the impact of conditions such as dementia by giving patients more of a focus as well as simply improvng general wellbeing. Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s
Lockdown grant lifeline for Swindon rough sleepers Swindon Borough Council is to receive £650,000 from the Government to provide secure accommodation for rough sleepers. The money will allow the council to provide ‘move on’ accommodation for people sleeping rough, or at risk of sleeping rough. It is part of the Government’s Next Steps Accommodation Programme, which supports local authorities and their partners to prevent people from returning to the streets. The council is matching the £650,000 with an extra £350,000, which will bring the available total up to £1 million. This, the council says, will allow it to purchase 10 singlebed properties to house rough sleepers under the Housing First scheme. Housing First focuses on ensuring people are provided with accommodation and are given specialist,
tailored support to enable them to keep their tenancy. The properties will be added to the council’s housing stock and clients will initially be temporary tenants. Work is currently under way to identify suitable properties to purchase. Coun Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “I welcome this extra money from Government, and the additional funds from the council, which should go a long way towards allowing us to continue the work we are doing for rough sleepers in Swindon. “Some of our Housing First clients have challenging and complex needs, and some may have been unable to sustain tenancies in the past. "A lack of available accommodation is sometimes a hurdle in allowing us to progress our Housing First
The grqnt will allow the council to provide more help (picture posed by model)
approach, so being able to purchase these extra properties and provide more intensive, individualised support is a huge step forward.” As part of the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ initiative, which launched at the start of the first lockdown back in March, the council worked with its partners to ensure rough sleepers were housed.
A total of 25 rough sleepers, which included those who were at risk of rough sleeping, were given accommodation at the Great Western Hotel on Station Road, and food and essential supplies were provided for them throughout their stay. The council will continue to work with staff there to ensure rough sleepers are housed.
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The Business Brief Local partnership is a winning brew for Arkell’s and Eclipse By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk
Two leading Swindon-based businesses are showing that when it comes to beer, local is definitely better. Eclipse Labels, which based in Equity Trade Centre, has been supplying Arkell’s Brewery with labels for their bottled beers for over seven years. The business now supplies over 250,000 labels a year, including for the brewery’s Christmas ale, Sir Noel Ale, which is now hitting the supermarket shelves. Alex Arkell, Head Brewer at Arkell’s, said: “Locality is a big thing for us, and that includes the provenance of our ingredients - our hops and barley - as well as our labels. “Since we started working with them in 2013, Eclipse has grown very quickly but their quality has always remained outstanding. The quality of our labels is one of the most important things we do as it is the most customer-facing element of our business. “They’ve been fantastic in everything that they’ve done – and even gone the extra
mile to help us keep track of our labels. Dave Nutley, our Eclipse sales manager, even came to our brewery label store recently to sort through and reorganise the thousands of labels we have, helping us keep on track with stock levels.” Labels for the food and drink industry is a specialism for Eclipse Labels, who also design and supply labels for the cosmetic and nutritional
supplements sectors. Managing Director Darren Abbott, added: “We’re very proud of our relationship with Arkell’s and seeing our labels on their bottles on shelves across the country and going the extra mile is something our team often does for all of our customers. “We particularly enjoy working with local businesses and are also very keen
with improved support and enhanced solutions, whilst delivering the superb service Smarter is known for. “Covid-19 has forced many businesses to adjust to the changing demands of their customers and reflect how an online presence is no longer a ‘nice to have’ it’s a ‘must have’. We are ready to support those businesses which wish to step into the future when it comes to marketing their products and services.” Smarter Media, is a specialist SEO & Pay Per Lead digital marketing agency based in Gypsy Lane, Swindon, with founder Karl Paul now taking the role of Chairman. He said: “It has always
been my plan to step into a Chairman role for Smarter Media when the time was right to do so and pass on the baton to a skilled and committed MD. This allows me to implement our hugely ambitious plans and to deliver excellence “With Emma at the helm we
to support British-made technology with our recently acquired label printing and finishing machines. By using the latest technology we can often provide a faster and higher quality service, which underpins everything we do for all of our customers, no matter which industry they operate in.” For further information on Eclipse Labels, visit www. eclipselabels.com
New MD takes over at digital marketing agency Smarter Media By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk
Emma Carter, a former director at communications company Excalibur, has been appointed as the new managing director of digital marketing agency Smarter Media. Emma, 40, has taken on the role to support Smarter Media as it grows its business working with clients to drive visibility and sales through intelligent online marketing. She said: “I am so excited to be joining the team at Smarter Media. As demonstrated over the last few years, Smarter is an ambitious, fast growing business and I intend to continue this growth,
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can really move forward and we’re proud to be able to do this during such a difficult year for business." This announcement is part of the company’s growth plan and comes just a few months after the launch of Smarter’s new Pay Per Lead service. swindonlink.com n December 2020 19 20/11/2020 10:17
The Politics Page
Welcome news in the fight against covid the NHS. At the time of going to press (mid-November), Swindon’s case rate was well over 200 per 100,000 of the local population. This is higher than the South West average, but not quite at the national average. It is hard to believe our case rate is four times higher than when we were placed on the Government’s watchlist back in the summer, which just goes to show how transmissible the virus is and how it can sweep through our communities. It is hoped the lockdown will help bring case rates down across the country, but it’s up to all of us to do our bit to give us a fighting chance of being able to enjoy Christmas with our loved ones. The ‘Hands, Face, Space’ advice has become part of
our everyday lives but it is no less important now than it was when the pandemic first took hold. Whether you are at home, or at your place of work, it is so important you follow the public health guidance. For the very latest information and answers on what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe visit www.gov.uk/ coronavirus One of the key messages we have been reiterating to local people in recent weeks is the advice on car sharing. Vehicles are the perfect enclosed environment to enable the virus to spread. Evidence from some of the outbreaks we have seen in Swindon have shown that car sharing has often played a big part in the spread of the disease. We know many people rely
on having to car share in order to get to work and, if you absolutely have no choice, it is crucial you following these important steps. Wear a face covering, keep the windows of the car or vehicle open, sit as far away as possible from people inside the car, and clean the car after every journey including any touch points such as door handles. Remember to wash your hands before and after and try to share the car with the same small group of people. Share a car if you really need to, but not the virus.
Follow car-sharing advice to prevent spread of covid People in Swindon who rely on lifts to get to work are being encouraged to take extra precautions to keep themselves safe and to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Vehicles are the perfect enclosed environment to enable the virus to spread as it is more difficult to social distance. Since the start of the pandemic, car sharing has been linked to some of the covid-19 outbreaks in Swindon. Now Swindon Borough Council’s Public Health team is reminding workers to only car share if it is absolutely essential. You can reduce the risk of transmission by not car sharing
if at all possible but if you must then: • share transport with the same people each time • minimise the group size at any one time • ensure the driver and passengers wear a face covering • open windows for ventilation • travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow • face away from each other • consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle • ensure the car is cleaned between journeys using
standard cleaning products - make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch Throughout the pandemic, the council has helped local businesses by handing out car sharing kits, which include leaflets, hand sanitisers, wipes and face coverings. Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “We know some residents have no other way to get to work and car sharing is the only option open to them. The message is clear: ‘share a car, not the virus’. “Vehicles are the perfect incubator for covid-19 and
we need to do everything we can to stop it being passed from person to person. We have worked with a number of businesses over the last few months on the risks posed by car sharing, which is why we produced our car sharing packs. The car sharing advice is critical if we want to reduce the spread of the virus and stop our NHS from becoming overwhelmed this winter.” Advice on car sharing can be found on the Government’s website - https://tinyurl.com/ y2u3l4ee Swindon businesses who would like further advice should email CovidResponse@ swindon.gov.uk
Changes to waste and recycling collections over the festive period
website in December for more information. The same will apply to food waste collections due to take place on Friday, 1 January 2021. Figures suggest that the UK creates up to 30 per cent more waste over the period. In an ongoing effort to increase the recycling rate, the council will be providing extra services over the festive period.
From 21 December to the end of January crews will be collecting additional recycling, providing it is presented in sturdy containers. Excess cardboard must be broken down into manageable pieces and bundled neatly next to recycling boxes. Additional recycling may be collected by a second vehicle at a different time so please don’t be
alarmed if it’s not all collected. The crews will not be collecting extra non-recyclable waste. Real (not artificial) Christmas trees will be collected from 4 to 29 January.Residents should ensure that all decorations are removed and that it can be lifted by two people. Trees must be visible from the road and larger trees must be cut down into manageable pieces.
Waste and recycling collections will not be taking place on Friday, 25 December and Monday, 28 December. Residents with collections on those days will receive a hanger on their bin with information. Residents can also check the council 20 swindonlink.com n December 2020 NW December 2020.indd 20
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Words by Jamie Hill
Swindon Borough Council Leader David Renard's monthly column We received welcome news last month of a breakthrough in our fight against covid-19 just as we entered this second lockdown period. At the time of writing this column, hopes are high that two coronavirus vaccines could begin to be rolled out to priority groups before Christmas, which would be fantastic news and a huge step towards returning to some form of normality. But, we are not there yet and, even if we begin to see a vaccine being distributed to our most vulnerable and some of our key workers in the next few weeks, we all have a massive part to play this winter to try to suppress the spread of the virus and avoid overwhelming
Swindon Council leader David Renard
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Words by Jamie Hill
Popping up for The Swindon and Wiltshire Pride popup shop is set for a return, thanks to the support of the local community. The temporary store will be open for selected weekends throughout December. Phoenix Stewart, the charity's community engagement manager, said: "We brought back the Pride pop-up space in June as a way to engage with the community face to face. Over 350 people visited the shop over seven days with many coming out for the first time since lockdown. We're delighted to be returning in the run-up to Christmas." To help make the space safe, the charity launched a campaign for donations including screens and sanitisers. Phoenix added: "The community have been absolutely paramount in helping us to return. We'd like to thank all those who donated, as well as inSwindon and The Brunel Shopping Centre, who have been extremely supportive in making this happen." The shop will provide a safe space and a chance to meet the committee, as well as an opportunity to pick up Pride Christmas gifts raising money for Swindon and Wiltshire Pride 2021, which is sponsored by Nationwide Building Society. The store will be open in The Brunel Centre on selected dates until Sunday, 20 December.
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his year's planned sociallydistanced Swindon Open Studios Art Fair has been postponed from the weekend of 21 and 22 November. Organiser Deborah Battaglia said: "It was always a bit of a risk to be organising an art event during these times of pandemic, but it was felt that we should look forward with optimism. However, here we are in lockdown again!" It is hoped that the event will go ahead over the weekend of 12 and 13 December. If it does, the venue will be Eastcott Studios and MAMS Gallery on Eastcott Hill as previously planned. Pieces will include glass mosaics by Jackie
2020 Open Studios
Primrose, ceramics by Lisa Lowe, prints by Deborah Battaglia, Swindon-themed gifts by Donna Bradley and jewellery by Rosie Tozer.
Deborah Battaglia said when announcing the original dates: "Swindon Open studios has, over the years, become a big event on the calendar for local art lovers, and autumn would usually be a time of great activity with artists preparing to open their studios to the public. "We are living through strange times with covid-19, and it was clearly not going to be possible for artists to welcome the public into their own homes. "However, with the offer of Eastcott studios as an exhibition space, it has been feasible to put on a socially-distanced Christmas art market, with a gallery for paintings at the front of the building through to a covered open-air courtyard for table-top
stalls and ceramic studios. "We have created a one-way system through the front gallery and into the covered courtyard, exiting at the rear of the building, with antibac stations along the way. Visitors are requested to wear masks according to current regulations." Regular updates can be found at www. Swindonopenstudios.org
Poetry: Make your own Poetry Video Poetry column with Maurice Spillane of Poetry Swindon
I live in a cottage that was the epicentre for Swindon’s cobblers, back in the days. My father used to repair our shoes when we were kids so I had hopes that the cottage would have the sweet smell of leather and stitching and polish and that I may even hear the haunted sound of tack hammer on the last, but there was no such luck. However, when I tell guests about the cottage’s history I can, in my head, visualise a cobbler, Liam O’Connor (pictured), who lived in Mallow,
“WHAT IS A HUG” - A poem sent in to us by Wendy Eyres A hug can say “how are you” A hug can say you care And if you need a friend You know I’ll always be there A hug can say “don’t worry” 22
in County Cork, where my uncle was the blacksmith. Smells and sight and sounds still pervade my senses.
In my last book, I wrote a poem about the Mallow cobbler and about my uncle the blacksmith and the blind fly-maker, and my lovely crazy aunt, all legacies of the long ago. Later I went back and made a Poetry Video. You can see it on vimeo.com/181692488. The video ends with the lilting singsong accent of that wonderful cobbler.
not, you still have your senses and memory, if you’re lucky. Go down to the library or search the Internet for a poem you can relate to, maybe something from school days. Then ramble into Swindon and the environs and make a Poetry Video. It’s easy enough with a smartphone.
Why am I telling you this?
You can overlay your voice reciting the poem after you edit the video. What a surprise that will be on Christmas Day when you WhatsApp your family and friends, the near and those farther away than normal.
Whether you’re a poet or
Here are a couple of other
Things will turn out, you will see So, when you feel you need a hug You can count on me
I hope you know this is true As where in the world would I be Without you to give all my hugs to
A hug can say “I’m sorry” I did not mean to be unkind I don’t know what I was thinking Had other things on my mind A hug can say “I love you”
A hug can say “please don’t be sad” I am sure things really can’t be that bad You can always count on me, to
poetry films to inspire you: vimeo.com/180018813 and vimeo.com/188641435 No poetry around Swindon this month but we’ve our fingers crossed for 2021. Happy Christmas, dear readers! www.mauricespillane.com help you through Whatever it is that’s worrying you To give a hug is easy You just open your arms up wide And say, “A hug will never hurt you To try just come and step inside”
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Ghost tells own ghost story
CULTURE
Words by Barrie Hudson
A
Cirencester-based author wrote much of his debut novel on a mobile phone at his local pub.
For Nigel Laight, publishing a book is merely the latest chapter in an extraordinary life which has seen him live and work everywhere from Tasmania to Arizona. His first novel, Dandy, a Higher State of Nonchalance, was inspired by an idea he had for a short film about a ghost reminiscing over its life. The urge to write - but not the opportunity - had been with him since childhood. Mr Laight said: ""When I was nine years old I wrote a poem for the class and the teacher took me aside and said they'd entered it into a competition. "Apparently I'd won the competition - this was in 1981. Ever since then I've always written poetry, for theatre companies, for friends and odds and ends, and I always wanted to write a novel but never had the time or patience." The author was born and raised in the Cotswolds and was educated at both a
boarding school and a grammar school. Having long dreamed of escape and seeing the world, he managed to get away in his early twenties, and his travels saw him have dozens of jobs all over the world. Those jobs included sailing tall ships off the coast of the USA, Bristol and Cornwall, and around Europe. "About two or three years ago," he said, "I was working for a printer and I started to get an idea of a short film about a ghost that lived in a house with an old woman, and to do everything from a ghost's point of view. "I got interested. Why is the ghost like he is? What was his life? I started to jot little notes down and the next thing I knew I'd started writing it on my phone. I wrote about six chapters on it. "I couldn't get the plot out of my head. I think they call it pantsing, where you write by the seat of your pants. I had the idea of his name, how he got the name as a nickname. "Before that, I've been divorced, I've been homeless three times, I've lived at sea, I've had over 50 different jobs, I got
mugged in Poland at Christmas and had all my money taken and was rohypnoled, had my arm dislocated, was found in the street. "It was just lots and lots of bad luck and it kept stopping me, and then eventually I was like, 'Right, sod it.' I just sat in my local pub every night with my phone and got it all out there." Nigel had thought obtaining a publishing deal was still a matter of walking the streets of London with a manuscript, but soon discovered that times have changed. Dandy, a Higher State of Nonchalance is available on Amazon Kindle and can be ordered as a paperback. "I spent a year writing it on my phone, a year trying to find a publisher and eventually doing it on Kindle on my own - and I think I've done okay!" The author added that a sequel, telling the story of a major character from the first, had already been completed. He started writing it in a hostel in the Spanish desert while walking the Camino de Santiago trail. swindonlink.com n
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HOME Construction is underway on the final homes at a new housing development in Swindon, where there are now just a few properties remaining for sale. Bellway is building 201 new homes at Tadpole Rise, part of the wider Tadpole Garden Village which is also nearing completion. The new neighbourhood includes open space, playgrounds, a new supermarket and primary and secondary schools.
Work comes to an end at Tadpole for sale at Tadpole Rise, with a range of four-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes currently available. Prices for four-bedroom houses at Tadpole Rise currently start from £342,995, with the price of the final three-bedroom house to be confirmed. For more information or to book an appointment to visit the sales office and showhome, visit bellway.co.uk or call the sales team on 01793 351515.
There are now 18 houses left
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MOTORING
Mini Electric : What a car it is!
Next year Honda production in Swindon will come to an end but thankfully there will still be a motoring connection with the town because BMW continues to use a factory for the MINI, regarded as Britain’s most loved brand.
Leigh Robinson: Motoring writer
BMW’s Plant Oxford is part of MINI production triangle along with Birmingham where the engines are built, while in Swindon the body pressings and sub-assemblies are put together. The original Mini, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1959, was born out of the Suez crisis oil shortage and the demand for affordable motoring. Now there is the MINI Electric which is one of 13 electrified vehicles the BMW Group currently offers and this will be increased to a total of 25 electrified models on the road by the end of 2023. 24
Despite the fact that the industry is suffering because of covid, MINI has just launched the Paddy Hopkirk edition, which Swindon has a hand in - a limited edition of 100 cars available to order now in the UK and based on the MINI Cooper S 3-door Hatch. And what a car it is! In honour of the Northern
Irish rally driver and inspired by the historic rally winning model, the special edition is Chili Red with a white roof and features the famous starting number 37 livery. Patrick Paddy Hopkirk clinched the first victory behind the wheel of the classic Mini Cooper S number 37 at the Monte
Carlo Rally in 1964, driving the small British car with his English co-pilot Henry Liddon, The winning streak at the Monte Carlo Rally continues to inspire MINI fans all over the world to this day. Hopkirk’s signature also appears on the decorative trim strip on the passenger side. The MINI Navigation Pack and Comfort Pack are included in the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition as well as auxiliary headlights in Piano Black, a key cap with the start number 37 and the Waistline Finisher in Piano Black for the trim strips between the body and the greenhouse. The MINI Paddy Hopkirk Edition is available to order now at retailers nationwide and is priced from £27,405 on the road. The Mini was originally priced at £500! Customer deliveries begin this month.
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Like a lot of people I'm always on the search for a good Sunday roast. There's just something comforting about the gravy-soaked meat, potato and assorted veg combo that makes me salivate at the prospect. So on one particular Sunday, myself and my two young girls, aged seven and 13, went on a quest to find that perfect roast and our quest took us to The Patriot's Arms in Chiseldon. We had heard very good things about this pub especially as it had become such a vital community cog during the coronavirus lockdown providing and delivering meals to the shielded and the vulnerable. It is managed by Sunny Patel and chef Sanjay Dogra, who recently changed the
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FOOD & DRINK
Review by Jamie Hill
The Patriot's Arms The perfect Sunday roast destination pub's name back from The Smokehouse to The Patriot's. I've got to say on going into the pub, I love what the pair have done to the place. The garden especially looked fab and you could instantly see what love and care they had taken with the pub. The atmosphere was friendly and convivial even with the extra covid measures in place. It felt homely which is just what you want in a pub. My daughters and I each picked one each of the three roasts on offer - beef, lamb and pork. The portions were generous and it looked and smelt delicious.
The beef especially was cooked just to my liking with redness still visible meaning it hadn't been overcooked.
The gravy was lovely and thick too, the spuds roasted to perfection and the rest of the veg was great as well.
I manage to steal a bit of both my daughters roasts too (something that a lot of dads can relate to) and I've got to say that both the lamb and the beef were perfectly cooked too.
All in all I don't think I could have picked a better pub in the Swindon area for my perfect Sunday roast destination and I'll definitely be back. www.patriotarms.co.uk
New business delivers chilled drinks to people's doors
A recently-founded Swindon firm delivering home drink orders is going from strength to strength. Drink At Home is run by Deano Kennett and offers a large range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. Drinks are delivered readychilled, eliminating the need for them to be refrigerated for hours. There are also strict proof-ofage-rules. Mr Kennett said: "I've always worked in hospitality - I've been in the industry for many, many years, mainly in catering equipment. "I took a severance package in March, to take redundancy, as many people are with covid, and decided that I wanted to do something different for myself. "So instead of working for somebody else I thought I'd set something up. I basically researched everything."
He came up with the idea for Drink At Home after rejecting the notion of going into the takeaway business. "There are many, many takeaway companies in Swindon. It wasn't an option because there were so many people doing it. "I live right next to the Nine Elms pub and had conversations with them on and off, to rent the space at the
back of the pub, and now I'm fully licenced." He did borrow one idea from the traditional takeaway industry, however. "To get the interest out there I printed a bespoke flyer, and I did it deliberately in the style of a takeaway menu. "I thought that by doing it that way in that style, that if people had it through their letterbox they'd keep it with
their takeaway menus - their curries, their Chinese menus and so on. "I printed 10,000 of those initially and got them out in early August, end of September, and I've printed another 3,000 since then." Success is growing, said Mr Kennett, and added: "It's early days. I think we're in week eight or nine now, but it's going quite well. "It's growing. We've increased our social media side on Facebook, Instagram and Linked in. "Repeat customers are starting to come through. Month one, which was September, we couldn't really gauge it because everybody was a new customer. "Month two, we were getting quite a lot of repeat business and that's carried on." The Drink At Home website is drinkathome.co.uk
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CYCLING Cycling column with Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign
It feels wrong to say but in some ways I quite enjoy lockdown, notably the quieter roads and chance to slow down. Less traffic on my local streets also means that I feel more confident to make more journeys with my little boy on my bike. Despite being a fairly confident and regular bicycle user, the busy roads remain the main thing that discourage me and many others from cycling with children. Over the last few weeks we’ve had great fun together on my bike. Every dropoff and pick-up from the childminder’s has been another mini-adventure. He loves watching the world go by and occasionally bounces to encourage me to go faster. Generally speaking, we’ve
LINK
SPORT The last few weeks have been the definition of turbulent. From the departure of Richie Wellens to the arrival of John Sheridan and yet again another early FA Cup exit. Just under six months ago Swindon were confirmed as League Two champions, however that is now a distant memory for so many reasons. Firstly Swindon have lost their manager, Richie Wellens to Salford City. Wellens led Swindon from 18th to 1st in just 16 months and with it implemented an easy on the eye style of play affectionately dubbed "Wellensball". Losing Wellens is far from ideal. However the man that's been brought in to replace him, John Sheridan, is trying to limit the damage. Sheridan was appointed on 13 November. The ex-Republic of Ireland 26
Let’s Ride – Lockdown in the Saddle also enjoyed such positive exchanges with others when we’re cycling together. I hadn’t realised that a baby on a bike was such a spectacle! ‘That kid is having a great time, he’s loving life!’ commented one teenager smiling from a bench. An older couple waved hello to us as we passed them on a ‘shared path’ (that’s a path designed for people walking and cycling). A man on his way home from work admired our travel arrangement – with baby, mum and baggage all neatly balanced on two wheels. On some of our rides we’ve tried out some of the council’s recent upgrades to cycle infrastructure – on Marlborough Road and the Old Town Railway Path. Admittedly I was very cynical when I first heard about them; however, to my relief, they
did make me feel a little bit safer. I felt like I had the same right to be on the road as any other user (and rightly so). These painted white lines offer no physical protection from motor vehicles and still enable vehicles to park and drive in, but they are a positive start. I understand it presented a good opportunity for the council. Whilst I’m just a little resentful at the relatively few pennies being spent on walking and cycling when compared to the millions that continue to be spent on our ever expanding highway network, understandably the local authority wants to ‘test the waters’ before making their case for more permanent, protective infrastructure. Similarly, the recent resurfacing and drainage works to the Old Town Railway track has been encouraging. It’s now
It's harder to defend for STFC at the moment International has previously managed Carlisle, Oldham and Plymouth. As well as this the 56 year old has a wealth of experience at this level and has previously worked with chairman Lee Power at Waterford. Sheridan has been appointed to attempt to secure League 1 status amidst the uncertain climate that many clubs find themselves in. Which brings me on to my second reason why this season is so different to the last. Although Swindon suffered injuries last season on their way to the title it's already minimal compared to this season. Swindon have been especially hard hit with defensive injuries which has led to their frailties at the back. With Paul Caddis being the only regular feature of the back line they have struggled
to build a solid defensive unit, and as a result have seen individual errors beginning to creep into the team. If anything John Sheridan's first game in charge of Town displayed all that was healthy and all that was wrong at Swindon. The 3-3 draw at Shrewsbury once again showcased Town's impressive attacking strength and their defensive insecurities. If Swindon want to be successful in the third tier then they need to stop having to score three goals to at least get a point. However Town's fortunes could soon be set to change with the return of key players. One player I believe deserves an enormous amount of credit this season is Arsenal loanee Matt Smith. The midfielder is the first name on the team sheet due to his consistent
usable year-round for more people, particularly those who aren’t such big fans of being caked in mud! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that by the time this is published we’ll have received news on whether the council’s second bid for access improvements to the path were successful. Currently it is mostly accessed via steep, unsurfaced or stepped paths. Further improvements could really make a difference. Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer
performances. Last season the reds were so successful with the holding midfield partnership of Anthony Grant and Michael Doughty. Grant would sit back and protect the back 4 and Doughty would get on the ball and try to carve teams in half with his passing. With Doughty leaving the game earlier on in the season, the role has fallen to Smith and he sure has filled the void nicely. With the festive period closing in and the league table beginning to take shape it's crucial that Swindon can fix their defence and begin to reap the rewards of their attacking strength. I believe there's no reason why this can't happen and Swindon will soon pull away from the drop zone.
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TRADE PAGES
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Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting
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Mobile: 07973 663367 www.swindonheating.co.uk
CALL US 24/7
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n PLUMBING & HEATING n GAS & ELECTRIC n IN THE HOME
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