North West Swindon Link March 2018

LINK No 430 March 2018

Delivered door to door to 50,000 households across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000

Swindon Your Community Magazine

The Service Sector p39

North & West Edition

Swindon Life p27

www.swindonlink.com

Swindon Lives: Jago gets on his bike for cystic fibrosis p33

The Puzzle Page p47

Barn Owl Nursery flies high Community: P2-20

Swindon Wide: P21 - 29

Leisure: P30-39

p13

An exciting year ahead

Lydiard House in crisis after deal falls through By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

By Group Editor Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

2017 was an exciting year for Swindon Link but now 2018 has come along, flounced into the room and dramatically announced 'You ain't seen nothing yet!' Last year we expanded our operations with the launch of the East edition - taking the amount of homes we deliver to in Swindon to 50,000. That's over half the homes in Swindon and cements our place as the print media organisation with the biggest reach in the town. And this year is going to be even bigger. We're in the process of investing in our websites to make sure we give you, the readers, the best possible all round experience. Already you might have seen some changes with the stealth launch of our new logo last month which has been received very well. We are also looking at employing more staff to bolster our sales team in the next few months so watch this space if you fancy working for Positive Media Group. At the heart of everything we do is positive community news and, as always, please get in contact if you have a good news story for us. Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Associate: Roger Ogle Reporter: Claire Dukes Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart, Rosy Presley & Nataley Fryer Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography: Richard Wintle & Rachel Davis - www.calyxpix.com

The future of Lydiard House and Park has been thrown into crisis after plans to transfer the running of the landmark asset have fallen through. Lydiard House and Park will continue to be run by Swindon Borough Council after a disagreement with Lydiard Park Heritage Trust over the cost of restoring the property and the future running of the conference centre, thought to run into millions of pounds. A total of £850,000 had been set aside by the council to contribute to backlog maintenance works but after Lydiard Park Heritage Trust submitted its updated business plan in October, there was a disparity of millions of pounds. The latest development was made public in a statement from Swindon Borough Council on 16 February - a move criticised by Mike Bowden, chairman of the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust, who blasted the council for its 'unprofessional' approach in not making a joint statement and attempting to make political capital out of the rift. Mr Bowden said: "The Trust has no desire to take part in what seems to be a party political statement more in line with the elections in May than the wellbeing of Lydiard Park and House. Councillors from all parties need to focus on coming up with immediate solutions for the crisis that Lydiard Park and House finds itself in and a credible plan for the future sustainability of the site. "The reasons we were given by the council for their decision to halt this process was purely on legal grounds and we were meant to be

Happier times , Kevin Fisher, Sarah Finch-Crisp and Mike Bowden of the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust pictured in March last year after winning the tendering process

putting out a joint statement. The first we knew about the council's statement was when we were called by the BBC. We believe this is very unprofessional and that those involved should hang their heads in shame. "There is a very real crisis at Lydiard Park and House, especially with the conference centre's lease with Chartridge due to end in April and it is the council's plan to mothball that facility and if we are lucky provide a security guard. "We have seen in Swindon how the council treats their heritage assets like the Mechanics Institute and the Health Hydro and we need to ensure that by working with all parties that does not happen to Lydiard." In its statement, Swindon Borough Council says it has "reaffirmed its clear, long-standing commitment towards maintaining the popular heritage asset for the people of Swindon". It adds: “Talks to narrow the gap in valuations and the requested contribution from the council for the works ended without agreement. This, and a requirement for an operational subsidy, would have made any deal unlawful in light of the bidding process, as the council would be in breach of its

Best Value Duty under the Local Government Act 1999.” Coun Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Heritage, said in the statement: “Unfortunately, we are just too far apart in our valuations for how much backlog maintenance and operational subsidy is required and, as a result, it would be unlawful to proceed with the transfer. However, this is the point of the due diligence work, to help identify key issues. "This has highlighted that an agreement is not possible and that the Trust’s bid does not represent the best value for taxpayers in Swindon. “As we cannot continue with the transfer, the house and park will remain in council control, which will involve investing in Lydiard House, keeping the existing conference facilities running in the short term, before sympathetically enhancing them over the next few years.” The council’s cabinet agreed last March to endorse Lydiard Park Heritage Trust as its preferred bidder to take over Lydiard House and Park and to allow a period of due diligence to enable the Trust to undertake further work on its business plan.

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Swindon 105.5 celebrates decade of broadcasting Swindon 105.5 is celebrating a decade on the airwaves. The station, based at the Liden Centre is a non-commercial radio service which nurtures strong links with the community. As station manager Shirley Ludford puts it: "it's run by Swindon for Swindon," with about 120 local people involved in running the station. Funding for the station is provided by grants, donations, corporate support, fundraising events and support in-kind. Swindon 105.5 is the only locallybased station that's broadcasting 24 hours a day. Following a 4-week trial in 2006, the station applied for a licence in 2007 and launched ten years ago - in March 2008. This year the station is planning ten events to celebrate ten years including a party on Saturday 24 March at Swindon Town Football Club's Legends Lounge from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 available from the station and it includes a buffet, entertainment, disco and raffle. Station manager Shirley Ludford celebrates with some of the members of the Swindon 105.5 team

By station manager Shirley Ludford The town crier cried, the mayor led the countdown and dozens of people cheered as Swindon 105.5 was declared live and broadcasting as the town's community radio station. Presenters Shirley Ludford and Peter Heaton-Jones announced the first track of music and people danced to Dancing In The Street! The launch took place on 15 March 2008 at Swindon Town Football Club, where the station had studios for the first two years of its life, following a successful four-week trial two years earlier at the Bull Dog Pub with co-founder Ian Rowe. Shirley took on the role of station manager and set up studios and trained volunteer presenters. She said: “I describe the studios as an inverted Tardis! Loads of reach out into the community from tiny facilities.” Demand for training and 4

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volunteering continually grew and in 2010 the station moved to the Bentley Centre, Stratton Road developing three studios and a production suite. The number of volunteers and training programmes continued to rocket. Like most community stations, Swindon 105.5 was totally reliant on grants, donations and fundraising. 2013 saw a visit by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey, supported by MP Robert Buckland and Shirley was subsequently invited to the House of Commons to help put the case for some on-air sponsorship

and advertising to help support stations across the country. The bid proved successful, though the station still also relies on creative initiatives and grants to support its locally unique service. In 2014 the station received a Queens Award (MBE) delivered by HRH The Duke of Kent. Add in portable outside broadcast equipment from a Police & Crime Commissioner grant, a mobile staging unit to support local events from Smiths News, a lottery grant digital desk for one studio and a huge amount of good will, corporate support and volunteer engagement and the station enjoys the greatest mix of community reach and involvement in the Borough. 2018 The “Service to the Community Award” was received from the South West Business & Community Awards. Thousands of people of all ages and abilities have

developed skills including social, communication and digital, some becoming volunteers, some going on to further education or employment. Drove school children were the youngest in the UK to gain an NCFE certificate after completing a Station accredited course. Demand for support for people with autism has grown rapidly and there are many inspiring stories of individual achievements. On air, the Station broadcasts 24-hour a day broadcast with a wide range of programmes. Off air it is a unique training and volunteering service. All with the aim of working with, by and for Swindon, from a firm studio base since January 2016 at The Liden Centre, off Liden Drive. To get involved, find out about advertising your business or more, call Swindon 611555. Check out www.swindon1055.com

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Local groups interested in running Toothill Community Centre place bids Last month Community organisations were invited to submit informal bids to run a popular hub for local people in West Swindon. Toothill Community Centre was closed in January after the previous trustees resigned from their positions within the charity, handing the keys to the building back to Swindon Borough Council. The council fully recognisesd the importance of the community centre to residents of Toothill and the surrounding area and wanted to hear from local groups interested in taking a lease and managing the community centre. The community centre will offer the successful candidate an ideal base for operations in the heart of this part of Swindon. It also provides the opportunity to make a valuable difference to residents, offering an excellent platform for local engagement and for bringing people and

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groups together. A number of groups have previously utilised the centre, which was used for children’s parties, family events, meetings and is adjacent to a large free car park. Before the meeting Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Place, said:

“Toothill Community Centre is a real focal point for local residents and groups and we want to see the building fulfil its potential. “This building has good facilities and provides a good opportunity for an organisation to come in and deliver something really positive for the local community and

benefit residents.” A representative from the council was said to be available to show interested parties around the community centre, discuss the lease agreement and the other documents that are provided. Informal tenders were due to be submitted in writing no later than 28 February 2018.

Pool talk date set The Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool will be the subject of a talk at the next meeting of the Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group. Pool manager, Neil Montgomery will be the speaker. The meeting will take place at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 3QA on Friday, 9 March at 1.30pm. There is an entrance charge of £2.50 which includes refreshments. For further information, contact Ali on 01793 63442 or swindonosteoporosis@ googlemail.com

Backing dog charity

Hilary Coate's Wagging Tails home dog boarding have become a corporate sponsor for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People - having 'adopted a puppy' which they can follow through its training. Keep updated with the progress of Neve by heading to the Wagging Tails facebook group. www.facebook.com/ WaggingTailsSN

New chief constable

Previous assistant Chief Constable Kier Pritchard will take on the role of Chief Constable following previous incumbent Mike Veale’s decision to move to Cleveland Police. Kier Pritchard, who has served as a police officer in Wiltshire since 1993 and as ACC since 2014, will take on the new post on 5 March. The experienced officer also graduated from the Strategic Command Course in 2016.

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Swindon Dragon Boat Festival returns By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

On Sunday 24 June the sixth Swindon Dragon Boat Festival will take place at the Coate Water Country Park. The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, will see teams of 12 to 17 paddling Dragon Boats across the Water Park in a battle to become the 2018 Champions. Racing will start at 10am. Expecting to be bigger than last year, the event will reach out to families and spectators as well as budding rowers. Around 14 teams have entered the racing already with more teams are welcome. The event gives teams a great chance to have a fun day out and in doing so they can raise money for a charity of their choice. There will be a fancy dress competition for the best dressed team and lots of

medals and trophies to be won. Each team can be made up of between 12 to 20 people, from work colleagues, pub members, club members or charity workers. The entry fee is £500 with an initial deposit of £150. Once a team is registered then the Rotary Club will set up a ‘Just Giving’ page for the team members to raise money for their chosen charity. All the funds raised via Just Giving will go direct to the chosen charity. As well as teams battling it out on the Water Park there will be stalls, musical entertainment, barbecues, a beer tent and lots more for all the family and participants to enjoy on the day. Entry and further information on the event can be found through the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix Dragon Boat website www.swindondragonboat.org. uk.

The Rotary Club of Swindon North recieves a wave of entries for Swimathon, April 2018 The Swimathon and its associated Grand Draw are being held in aid of the Wiltshire-based charity Inner Flame but swimmers can also raise funds for any charity of their choice. Entries are invited from teams of 4 to 8 people, who are prepared to swim in relay for an hour, and happy to collect at least £25 sponsorship each. The money will go on a 50/50 basis to Inner Flame and to the team’s selected charity. It’s a fun event with the overall aim of raising lots of cash for charity. Inner Flame offers training and mentoring to disadvantaged 16 to 25 year olds. Its programmes help them progress their lives and move towards employment. In partnership with Swindon College it has been running the Prince’s Trust Team Programme

Last year's Swimathon

since 2012. Last year it formed a partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon Sport and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to deliver Get on Track, a year-long training and mentoring programme. David Wreathall, founder and trustee of Inner Flame, said: “I’m delighted the Rotary Club of Swindon North has chosen Inner Flame as the main

beneficiary of their Swimathon. Many local businesses support us and amongst them is the Swindon Link Magazine which happens to be one of the Swimathon’s sponsors. Another is Better (The Link Centre).” For information visit the Rotary Club of Swindon North website - www.rotary-ribi.org or speak to Ken Winslow on 07710 228697.

Plans proposed to safeguard the future of Lydiard Park A five-point plan to safeguard the future of Lydiard Park has been drawn up by members of Shaw Residents’ Association in the wake of repeated planning applications to build on the land. Chairman of the Shaw Residents’ Association Kevin Fisher explained: “For many years speculative developers have attempted to gain planning permission for housing developments within the park’s ‘essential setting’ The most recent attempt by Taylor Wimpey resulted in more than 600 letters of objection from members of the public, community groups and statutory organisations.” The application was withdrawn weeks before the decision date. Mr Fisher added: “It is time, through local plans, tools available within the national planning policy framework and by creating a conservation management plan that we

strengthened the representative policies for Lydiard Park and make it clear to any would-be developer that their chance of winning at appeal are very slender indeed, no matter how deep their pockets. “My personal belief is that the area bordered by the M4 to the south, Hook to the west, Lydiard Millicent to the north and the existing urbanisation of Swindon to the east, should be protected from any further residential development or any other development which is unsympathetic to the character of the Historic Park, Garden, House and Church. "That will maintain the rural context of the grade II listed

park for future generations.” The ‘Joint Statement for the protection of the essential setting of Lydiard Park’ proposes: As part of the current Swindon and Wiltshire local plan reviews, ensure the ‘essential setting’ boundary is used as the designated ‘historic parks and gardens’ area. Build the protection of Lydiard Park’s essential setting and wider context into the vision, priorities and pledges of both councils. Since the ‘essential setting’ identifies the minimum area required to protect the registered landscape, set up a committee comprising

representatives from the endorsers of the joint statement (and others as appropriate) to agree a wider area of protection. Any recommendations should then form part of both council’s local plan reviews and the ‘joint spatial framework’. Have the essential setting and in particular the extensions to the essential setting designated as ‘local green space’. Develop a ‘Conservation Management Plan for Lydiard Park’ which will require any speculative future development applications be submitted in accordance with its guidance. Lydiard Park is included in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest at Grade II and contains a grade I listed House and Church. The proposals have received endorsements from community groups, statutory organisations, as well as South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and North Wiltshire MP James Gray.

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Children wrote and told stories to residents of Swindon care home A Swindon care home continued its mission to forge closer links between its residents and the younger local community, by celebrating National Storytelling Week (27 January to 3 February). Following the success of visits from a local nursery, Abbey House care home in St Andrew’s Ridge bridged the generation gap further by linking with a Year 6 writing club from local primary school, Abbey Meads. Eight children visited on Thursday 1 February to read and discuss stories they have written specifically for the residents. The school’s writing club have previously visited the residents at Abbey House, which has a focus on dementia care, and went away inspired to develop their stories, based around the theme of a snowman. Kinga Dabrowska, customer relations coordinator at Abbey

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House said: “I have been struck by the incredible impact children have had on our residents at previous events, so I’ve been really keen to develop more links with local schools and nurseries. Dementia can make some people withdrawn, or even challenging in social interactions. But in the presence of children, it all seems to subside. “As for the children – they simply do not see limitations in people in the way adults do, and remain their usual playful selves." Miss Hewitt, the Abbey Meads teacher leading the project, added: “At Abbey Meads School we believe in ‘paying forward’ – or doing good deeds – and the children in Year 6 have been keen to do this by making a link with Abbey House. We are currently writing stories in school and it has given the children a real purpose for their writing.”

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Speedway and greyhound stadium enters the final lap After more than 15 months of delays, Stadia UK has announced the final phase of detailed planning for redevelopment of its Speedway and Greyhound Racing arena at Blunsdon. The reserve matters application now proposes the new stadium be developed on the site of the existing stadium, retaining the position of the existing race tracks. Under the new plans, the speedway and greyhound race tracks are being shortened to improve racing and are being fitted with new lighting and a new safety fence. The focal point of the complex will be a new customer and racing facility. The two storey building will accommodate more than 700 customers and provide balcony viewing over the race tracks together with a new racing kennels complex, new speedway pits and changing rooms, a youth training facility, lecture rooms, offices and a

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combined community/customer cafe and bar. Clarke Osborne, Chairman of stadium owners, Gaming International said, “This has been a hugely frustrating and expensive year for us in Swindon, with the ongoing delays surrounding the site wide drainage design, whilst our new customer and racing facilities sat waiting in a car park in South Wales. “However, out of this adversity has come an improved design which will maintain excellent orientation with the Abbey Meads development and most importantly, will allow us to work at speed in delivering

what will be a fantastic speedway and greyhound racing facility for Swindon. “We will see the stadium out of action for a maximum of two weeks. "We are ready to start work as soon as we receive the green light and have a realistic programme to have the Robins racing on their new track this season. “Our commitment from the outset of this project is to ensure continuity of speedway and greyhound racing and this remains. It is logistically challenging and will involve some disruption for our greyhound owners, trainers and customers, but it will be worth

it as we produce what I hope will be the best race track and greyhound welfare facilities in the UK. “More detail of our plans and programme will flow in the months to come, but for now I would like to thank our team and the Swindon BC officers for their hard work and dedication to find and perfect the design solutions and to our greyhound racing owners and trainers and to our greyhound and speedway racing customers for their patience.” Terry Russell, Chairman of the 2017 Champion Speedway Team, the Swindon Robins said; “Good positive news at last. The Robins were the top speedway team in the UK in 2017 and we are ready for our new Stadium. "My thanks to all the team at Gaming International for their hard work and determination and my sincere thanks to the thousands of Speedway supporters for their patience.”

Young fencing star invited to represent England Talented young fencer Ellouise McConnell is looking forward to representing her country. The 11-year-old, who trains regularly at Lydiard Park Academy, has been recognised as a rising star after her performance at the British Youth Championships at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield in May. Ellouise won bronze in the U12 girl's epee. And now she has been invited to be part of the England U13 fencing squad who will represent their country at the Challenge Wratislavia International competition in Poland, running from 22-26 March. The event is an international fencing tournament for children under 15 held in Wroclaw, Poland Ellouise, who trains three times a week with her professional coach Stuart Smart, said: "I really like going to the competitions, I enjoy the challenge and I can't wait to take part in the competition in Poland." Her coach Stuart said that Ellouise was an ideal student. "One of her strengths is that she listens carefully and takes on board advice that I give her. She's also really tough and is

Bereaved parents are being offered support at a special support day running on June 9 in Highworth Community Centre. The Support Day offers understanding, encouragement and support to any parent who has suffered the death of a son or daughter in any circumstance and at any age. The event offers the chance to meet and share with other parents who have suffered the death of a child. The day will be led by Bereaved Parent Support Co-ordinators Kath and Mike Coulson and their team. They lost their eldest son Philip, then aged seven, in 1994. Tickets cost ÂŁ22 per person. For information call 029 2081 0800.

Cancer care group

keen to push herself to succeed. And finally she has a key ingredient that makes a good fencer... patience. She has the ability to wait for her opponent to make a mistake and is able to exploit that opening." Ellouise's sisters Madison, 8, and Scarlett, 5, are looking forward to cheering her on. En Garde! Ellouise McConnell who is set to join the England U13 fencing team in Poland

Barn Owl nursery flying high after inspection Youngsters and staff at Barn Owl pre-school are celebrating after receiving a glowing report from Ofsted. The education watchdog gave the nursery, based in Haydon Wick Primary School, a 'good' rating in all four areas they looked at during their visit on 30 October 2017. Effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching learning and assessment; personal development, behaviour and welfare; and outcomes for children were all praised by inspectors. Among the areas singled out for praise were the fact that the children were said to be 'happy, confident and settled'

Bereavement help

People affected by cancer can now come together as part of a new group and have their collective voices listened to by experts from the Great Western Hospital. The Swindon Cancer Partnership Group, which will meet four times a year, gives cancer patients a platform to share their thoughts and give them direct access to specialist medical staff. For more information, contact the GWH Cancer Team on 01793 646152 or at gwh. gwhcancerpartnership@nhs. net.

Charity quiz night

and enjoy 'positive relations with staff'. They also praised manager Claire Graham as 'an ambitious manager who is committed to ensuring that children receive good quality care and education'. Claire said: "We are delighted with the recent Ofsted result of good. "It highlights our committment

as a team to deliver quality care and education to each individual child in our setting. "Overall it was a very positive experience and we continually evaluate our practice to ensure outcomes for children are consistently good we also pride ourselves on our partnerships with parents and would like to thank them for their continued support."

Swindon Therapy Centre, a charity which supports those with MS and other neurological conditions, is holding a fundraising quiz night on March 16. The event, which starts at 7pm, will be held at Swindon Supermarine Community Room in South Marston. Tickets cost ÂŁ10 and can be bought from Swindon Therapy Centre or by contacting 01793 481700. Entry includes food and a bar is available to purchase drinks. swindonlink.com n March 2018

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‘Snowasis’: detailed plans submitted by developer SevenCapital has submitted a detailed planning application for the North Star site in Swindon. This comes just over two months after the developer’s outline planning for the £270 million scheme was approved. Plans for North Star Village, SevenCapital’s proposed name, include: two indoor ski slopes and a family snow play area all with real snow, a 12-screen cinema including the UK’s largest IMAX screen, 19 lane bowling alley, 27,000 sq ft indoor trampolining centre, food and beverage units sized between 900 – 6,200 sq ft and up to 46,000 sq ft of complementary retail units. The plans also include a 130 bed hotel, up to 16,000 sq ft of space allocated for a new fitness gym and a 900-space car park. The existing Oasis Leisure Centre, on which SevenCapital

recently carried out remedial works and which already attracts about 615,000 visitors per year, is also encompassed within the proposal and will be set to benefit from a 3.3 million average footfall that CBRE has forecast the North Star Village will attract. John Watkins, Director at SevenCapital said: “Since we took on the project in July we have worked to ensure that

we deliver a comprehensive scheme that will be of significant benefit to Swindon and put the town on the map. “We understand the importance this development holds within the community and as we originally promised, have submitted our full proposal well within the nine months we anticipated. “The plans we have proposed are designed to transform the

North Star site into a world class leisure destination and we are confident that the scheme will be well received by Swindon Borough Council.” Pending full planning approval, SevenCapital plans to be onsite to begin works before the end of the year. For more information about SevenCapital - the developer behind the scheme - visit www. sevencapital.com.

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Judges decide who should be honored for 2018 award By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com

A judging panel drawn from the voluntary and business community of Swindon met to decide on who should be judged winners of this year’s Pride of Swindon awards. An impressive shortlist of 33 worthy nominated individuals and 16 teams was whittled down to a field of eight winning individuals and five winning teams after an agonising process of discussion and debate. Names of the winners are being kept close to the organisers’ chests ahead of the awards ceremony at the Steam Museum on March 22. Individuals and teams who have been selected as a certificate winner and those who have been earmarked for a Pride of Swindon Award will be invited to attend the

Last year's winners and members of the judging panel gather on the steps of Borough Council Offices at the launch of the 2018 Pride of Swindon Awards

ceremony at which the winners will be announced. On the judging panel overseen by head of the Zurich Community Trust Pam Webb were representatives from Swindon Link, Swindon 105.5,

Swindon Advertiser, Voluntary Action Swindon, the Volunteer Centre Swindon, Nationwide, Zurich, McDonald’s, and the Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson . This year is Pam Webb’s

first in the chairman’s role - a post previously filled by the late Tony Martin who died in September at the age of 61. His contribution will be honoured at the ceremony later this month.

Sixty seconds that give premature babies the best start Keeping premature babies attached to their mother for just one extra minute during delivery can dramatically improve the little one’s chances of survival. Ninety per cent of all premature arrivals at the Great Western Hospital now benefit from the simple yet significant procedure. This leading performance in delayed cord clamping makes the Swindon hospital one of the best in the world for offering the treatment. By not cutting the umbilical cord until at least 60 seconds after birth, a baby’s risk of developing serious brain bleeds and gut complications is significantly lowered. It’s just one of a number of positive headlines to have materialised from GWH's Special Care Baby Unit following an ambitious yearlong quality improvement drive. The project saw the team focus on ten simple actions, 16

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which have been found to have the most positive impact on the health of preterm babies, and apply as many of the interventions as possible to every birth at the hospital. Dr Sarah Bates, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, said: “Having a premature baby is one of the most testing experiences a parent can go through, but families coming here should feel reassured by the work that’s happened over the last 12 months. “Not only have we increased

delayed cord clamping from 15 per cent of births to 88 per cent, we’ve seen really encouraging results in other important areas, such as newborn nutrition. “It’s a clear indication that our teams are doing everything they can to ensure all babies receive the best possible start to life.” Data from the project revealed the time taken for babies to receive their mother’s milk has improved, from more than a day this time last year to just a few hours

after birth at the beginning of 2018. It means that mums can give their little one the essential nutrients they need much quicker than before. A state-of-the-art breast pump, which was donated to SCBU by neonatal charity New Life, has played a massive part in helping the team reduce these crucial waiting times. While the full extent of the project’s success remains to be seen, early indications suggest the combined improvements have led to an overall reduction in the number of babies suffering serious brain injury, which paves the way for an improved quality of life. Dr Bates said: “I am so proud of the entire team of midwives, doctors, nurses and pharmacists, who all volunteered for this project because of their incredible passion for supporting premature babies at the time when they need it most."

Tickets available for Swindon Charity Ball

Get your skates on for the Urban Rider Games

The annual Swindon Charity Ball will have a Bollywood theme this year. The event, on Saturday 12 May 2018, will be held at the Swindon Marriott Hotel and will raise money for the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal. Proceeds will support a project to build a new radiotherapy centre at Swindon's Great Western Hospital. Presently approximately 700 patients a year have to make the 70 mile round-trip journey to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford for radiotherapy. Brighter Futures aims to raise £2.9 million to contribute towards the purchase of important clinical equipment within the building. At the end of December, due to the efforts of the local community and support of corporate partners, organisers

Talented skaters, BMX and scooter riders are set to descend on Swindon to take part in the 4th annual Urban Rider Games. The not-for-profit event will be taking place on 30 March, in the ATBShop Skate Warehouse in Hawksworth Industrial Estate. Last year's event attracted about 500 spectators and riders. More than 120 competitors took part. The aim of the event is to raise awareness for better free facilities for young riders. The Oasis Skatepark is now in a

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have raised more than £2 million. A further £900,000 is needed to meet the fundraising target. Live music will be provided by '24/7' after the meal. Tickets cost £80 per person or £800 for table of 10. On the night there will be the opportunity to raise more money by purchasing raffle tickets, entering the silent auction and the main auction. Contact Sue Harding, Charity Ball secretary, susanjharding@ btinternet.com or phone 01793 813147. In addition to the ball, there is a Charity Golf Day on Friday 9 March 2018 at Broome Manor Golf Club: The cost per team of four is £280. Contact Tim Hanley tim@ lakeedge.co.uk for an application form.

dilapidated state and it’s the same story with many across the UK. Organisers want councils to take the riders seriously and provide them with new parks or renovate the old ones. The Urban Rider Games started four years ago, as a way to showcase the street sports talent in Swindon and prove the need for better free facilities in Swindon. To find out more contact Diana Kirk on 01793 523244 Email: diana@atbshop.co.uk www.atbshop.co.uk/ urbanridergames

International Women's Day - Empowering women with Freedom Kit Bags

As International Women's Day takes place this month Claire Dukes looks at the great work of Swindon campaigner Rosa Matheson whose pioneering Freedom Kit Bags have just been chosen as Reshma Field's style company Ishbel's Wardrobe's charity of the year. Reshma Field: "Why have I chosen Freedom Kit Bags to be my charity of the year? "Well, in the first instance I like to support local causes. So, while the people it helps are in Nepal, this charity is run by a local lady, Rosa Matheson, and her husband. "Freedom Kit Bags sets out to empower Nepalese women and girls at the most basic level: menstruation protection. Can you imagine what it must be like not to have that? These women can’t go to school or work or go anywhere at all when they have their periods. "With Ishbel’s Wardrobe I help women to feel empowered by giving them the knowledge and tools to be confident in themselves. I do this by establishing the colours that suit them by which I mean the tones and shades that really flatter their own skin tone. I then establish their “clothing personality” where I look at their body shape as well as their character, dreams and aspirations, in the most fundamental way you can imagine. "Freedom Kit Bags empowers women to feel confident, gain an education and be treated with dignity and respect. Empowerment in this context means enabling these women to take control of their lives and access education and other basic rights - rights that my daughters and I take for granted."

Rosa Matheson: "A few years back I, along with some female friends, resurrected International Women’s Day in Swindon. People, especially men, often ask 'why a day just for women?' It may, in a more educated, sophisticated ‘West’ seem illogical, until you begin to bore down and find what lurks underneath. The current pay scandal at the BBC and the 'Me Too' campaign highlights this. So we need just ‘one day a year’ to highlight women's issues but also we need a day for women to come together for solidarity, for celebration, for empowerment, speaking, singing and dancing in many languages, but speaking with one voice to help each other. Freedom Kit Bags is one way women can help other women. These three local business women

are playing an important role for Freedom Kit Bags by helping less fortunate women, whilst empowering themselves through their own talents and business."

Thursday 8 March: International Women's Day Tuesday 6 February marked 100 years since women won the right to vote, and this month will see women, and men, across the globe celebrating International Women's Day. The theme this year is #PressforProgress to continue to activively support gender parity within global communities and the work place.

Voter ID pilot to take place at local elections Swindon will take part in a national Voter ID pilot at this May’s local elections. The pilot will require residents to bring their poll cards with them to enable them to place their vote in the local elections on 3 May 2018. The purpose of the pilots is to reduce electoral fraud and they are being run in four other local authorities (Watford, Bromley, Gosport and Woking). Although Swindon does not have an issue with electoral fraud, national figures from the Electoral Commission indicate alleged electoral fraud through voter impersonation more than doubled between 2014 and 2016. Councillors agreed to take part in the pilot, following the Council meeting last November. The pilots are being overseen and funded by the Government and are the first in a series to allow the Electoral Commission and Cabinet Office to evaluate 20

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the impact of asking for ID before a decision is taken on whether or not to roll it out nationally. Registered voters who wish to vote at a polling station will receive a poll card by the end of April. If on the day, voters lose or forget their poll card they can still vote if they bring any one of the other forms of ID listed below: - Passport (UK, EU, Commonwealth) - Photocard driving licence including a provisional licence (UK, Crown Dependency or EU) - Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card - Biometric Immigration Document - EEA Identity Card Cllr David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I think it is only right the Government looks to update the way we vote." www.swindon.gov.uk/VoterID

Open day at Moredon Primary and Nursery School By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

On Friday 23 March Moredon Primary & Nursery School will be hosting an open day in their Nursery for prospective families. Liz Matthews, Moredon Primary & Nursery School's Associate Marketing & Communications Director, said: "Moredon has a wonderful tradition of not only academic achievement but also success in music, drama performances,

close links with the local community and celebrating every child’s learning journey. Registration is now open to enrol children ages 3 (as of September this year) and over to Moredon’s Primary and Nursery School, who are also a part of The White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust. "To book an appointment, please give the office a call on: 01793 600344." For further information visit www.moredon.swindon.sch.uk”

New volunteering service launches in Swindon

£11.5m infrastructure scheme welcomed by MP

Swindon is the third town in the county to benefit from the launch of an exciting new service. Care Home Volunteers was set up in 2013, as an independent charity, to recruit, train and support volunteers who then spend quality time with older and individual residents in care homes – and now this innovative service is coming to Swindon. Care Home Volunteers is now looking for caring, friendly and compassionate volunteers to support individual residents by providing social contact and friendship. They would love to hear from people who are interested in a new and fulfilling volunteering opportunity that enhances the well-being, health and enjoyment of life, for older people in care homes. No previous experience is required, and full bespoke training and ongoing volunteer support is provided as an integral part of the service.

Justin Tomlinson MP has welcomed the announcement of £11.5 million in infrastructure for two separate schemes in Swindon; the Kingsdown Bridge and the Rowborough Eastern Access for the Eastern Development Area. The government has announced £866 million investment in local housing projects to ensure that infrastructure is in place before major housing developments come through, making sure that the impact of new homes, which are much needed for the next generation, is lessened. This funding will support work that will make developments viable and get much-needed homes built more quickly. Without this financial support these projects would struggle to go ahead or take years for work to begin. This government is committed to building 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s so more people are able buy a home of their own. The funding

The service has a great deal of local support including local care homes, health and social care, the voluntary sector and local MPs. Jeni Burchell Swindon Volunteer Coordinator, said: “This is such an innovative and important service, that works closely with local care homes to enhance and complement the care that is already provided. For further information visit www.carehomevolunteers.org. uk/inf or call Jeni on 07922 507848.

announced is the first wave of funding from the £5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund which is part of a programme to fix the broken housing market that has left too many struggling to afford a place of their own. This latest investment will fund key local infrastructure projects including new roads, cycle paths, flood defences and land remediation work, all essential ahead of building the homes. Justin said: “As a local resident, I have tirelessly campaigned for this funding. “It’s great news that we have been allocated £11.5 million in funding to support projects which will help ensure we build the homes people need more quickly.”

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Lifting the lid on the issue of income inequality By Tom Wilkes

Throughout 2017 The Equality Trust published a series of articles about Economic Inequality. Since we started the series, the richest 1,000 people in the UK increased their affluence by £82 billion and they now have the same collective wealth as the poorest 40% of UK households. The UK is still among the most unequal developed countries in the world where we now have levels of wealth inequality not experienced for 100 years. Why does this matter? Income inequality, the gap between the richest and the poorest in a country, damages everyone. It is not just those at the bottom, the gap damages those at the top as well.

People living in countries which are less equal in economic terms such as the USA and the UK, do worse across a range of social and health-related issues than countries which are similar but more equal, such as

Scandinavia and Japan. Rates of divorce, mental illness, alcohol and drug addiction, premature death and crime are all increased. The poorest may suffer the most but economic inequality also

afflicts the prosperous. Everybody is affected either directly or indirectly. In Swindon we have a broad range of businesses, including major companies and relatively high levels of employment. Even though this gives us a stronger economic base than some other towns, income and economic inequality is still present and harmful to everyone. Learn more about this vital issue. On Thursday April 12 the Executive Director of The Equality Trust will be speaking in Swindon. 7pm at the Baptist Church, Gorse Hill. The Equality Trust is a registered charity that works to improve the quality of life in the UK by reducing economic and social inequality. Go to www.swindonequality. btck.co.uk for further details.

Swindon named among the country’s best towns and cities Swindon continues to have one of the best-performing economies in the country, according to a leading independent think tank. The latest Centre for Cities Outlook report, published last month, provides an annual economic performance index of the 63 largest cities and towns in the UK and shows that Swindon is ranked seventh in Britain when it comes to the rate of productivity per worker – up three places from a year ago. Swindon’s GVA (Gross Value Added) per worker is £59,500, higher than the national average of £56,600 and greater than that of cities such as Aberdeen, Portsmouth and Bristol. Swindon is also outpointing many large towns and cities in terms of its employment rate. The town’s employment rate is also significantly higher than the national average of 74.2 per cent. 22

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Cllr David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “These figures are hugely encouraging and it is great to see our town yet again posting such impressive economic figures. “It is further evidence, if any were needed, that Swindon is a great place to do business, with a skilled workforce and house prices still significantly below the national average. “The Centre for Cities report highlights how the economy is changing and the need to be

able to adapt to automation and new technologies. Swindon is ideally placed to respond to this challenge and has demonstrated this over many years. "In fact I am confident that Swindon will continue to go from strength to strength.” Cllr Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Skills, said: “To have the seventh most productive workforce in the country is a tremendous achievement.

“We also have huge potential for growth with hundreds of digital micro businesses and, of course, large-scale development in the pipeline not to mention the huge regeneration plans to create a regional leisure destination at North Star. “It was extremely pleasing to see the town faring well in terms of skills and our ability to attract people with the right skills to live and work here, based on Swindon’s affordability and quality of life, gives us a distinct competitive advantage over other areas in the country. “We are also working with Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the education sector to make sure that we are producing people with the right skills to suit the changing job market." The Centre for Cities Outlook report can be found at: www. centreforcities.org/publication/ cities-outlook-2018/

From the archives: By Roger Ogle

Proposals for innovative building that became a town landmark Variously nicknamed the glass cigar, torpedo or the zeppelin, one of Swindon's must-see buildings on the edge of Peatmoor Lagoon, opposite the Chinese Experience restaurant, received planning permission on 2 March 1998. It was designed as a call centre for mobile phone business Cellular Operations by the Richard Hywel-Evans architectural practice who had the brief to create an iconic building to put the business on the map. The other important requirement was to create a humane call centre to attract and retain staff. Part of the building was let to Ford Magic which provided assistance to customers with disabilities. The building featured employee relaxation areas, themed washrooms

and a fountain activated by the operation of the lift. Construction took less than ten months and staff started to arrive in January 1999. In early 2003 Cellular Operations was bought out by Vodafone. Despite hopes that the

Swindon site would continue, it was soon declared surplus to requirements and 480 people were made redundant at the end of the year. The building was empty for several years. After refurbishment in 2012 it was split into three large units.

These are currently occupied by Excalibur IT mobile and integrated communications, which provides accomodation for Link magazine. Jaywing brand awareness call centre is also located there and one unit is available to rent.

Mark Smith unveils plans in1998

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Advertising Feature

Have a cracking time at the Brunel over the Easter break Entertain the children at the Brunel Shopping Centre over the Easter Holidays. The children may be excited at the prospect of the holidays but for parents and carers, two whole weeks can feel like a long time. The team at the Brunel Shopping Centre know only too well what a challenge it can be to entertain the youngsters so they have put together a free programme of activities and entertainment. On Friday 30 March and Saturday 31 March, the Easter Bunny will be hopping into the

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shopping centre to meet the children and to give out free chocolate eggs. You can catch up with him between 11am and 3pm on the upper level of The Brunel Plaza, between Marks & Spencer and Boots. Sunday 8 April sees the start of the week-long Swindon Fringe Festival at the centre. There will be music and theatre performances, workshops for children to learn magic, juggling, music and drama plus arts and craft activities, musical performances and storytelling. And to stop the tummies

rumbling, the centre’s new food hub, The Crossing, is now open and serving a range of meals and snacks to cater for all tastes. A visit to the wonderful new Desserts and More parlour is a great treat for all the family, and is already making headlines with their ice cream kebab! And to finally wear them down, you can pay a visit to Kiddin' Around, the great new indoor soft play centre (charges apply). It’s open between 9.30am and 6pm Monday – Saturday and

10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays. To find out more about facilities and prices for soft play see: facebook.com/ kiddinaroundswindon Remember it is still only £2 to park for four hours in most car parks in Swindon Town Centre, and the Brunel North and West multi-storey car parks have direct access to the Brunel Shopping Centre. To find out more about Easter activities, plus opening times of shops and The Crossing see www.thebrunel. co.uk and facebook.com/ TheBrunelSwindon

Volunteers provide vital support to organisations in Swindon and the people they are working to support. Could you make a difference to the lives of local older people in a care home? Care Home Volunteers are looking for people to support and befriend older people in homes located in North Swindon, Old Town and Wroughton. Just a couple of hours a week could make a real difference Do you enjoy sport and physical activity? Volunteers are wanted for Live Well’s Inclusive and Active projects to help individuals with disabilities and health conditions. Supporting activities like Ice skating, football, swimming, cycling and trampolining will bring participants enjoyment, improved health, skills and confidence.

Do you enjoy the outdoors and local heritage? The Swindon branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal is looking for outdoors volunteers to join our work parties doing general maintenance of the canal and its environs, or you can help with our trip boats, or at events and in the group's information centre Do you like cats and want to help raise funds to support their welfare? Swindon Cats’ Protection shop is looking for volunteers to sort, prepare and price stock along with serving customers To find out how you can get involved please contact Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557 or email info@swindonvolunteers.org. uk . They are at 1 John Street Swindon SN11RT and open 11am -3pm Monday to Friday.

Join Lydiard Youth Football Club Lydiard Youth FC are making preparations to expand their football club with the introduction of at least four new age groups to complement their existing teams. The club actively encourages children of all ages to take part and play in a safe, friendly and positive environment, that enables young people to enjoy, develop and build relationships with their teammates. The club are currently recruiting and canvassing local schools to offer opportunities

to children to become part of their club. The club wish to invite any child, particularly aged between 5 and 10 years old, to join one of the new age groups that the club are implementing in preparation for the 2018/19 season. New teams will be entered into the North Wiltshire Football League, these being Under 7, Under 8, Under 9 and Under 10 teams. Contact Simon Bradbury at lydiardyouthfcrecruitment@ gmail.com

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Plans in the pipeline to secure future of Health Hydro Plans to secure the future of Swindon’s Health Hydro as a sustainable leisure facility that retains its key heritage aspects is at the centre of an options appraisal that will be carried out over the next few months. Swindon Borough Council, which owns the Milton Road leisure facility, and its operator, charitable social enterprise GLL, will commission the study following the completion of a conservation plan and condition survey. A council-funded conservation plan has highlighted the many important heritage features of the building and included a detailed measured survey. GLL paid for the condition survey, which concluded that although the building is structurally sound, the nature of it means there are always maintenance, renewal and repair activities required. According to the survey, £1.7 million needs to be spent on maintaining the Victorian

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building over the next 10 years. The council and GLL are working with a steering group that includes representatives of heritage groups and the swimming clubs as key stakeholders. The group has been closely involved in commissioning the work to date and will continue to do so in the future. The options work will use the conservation plan and condition survey to identify viable options for the whole

building, recognising its current main leisure uses in the shape of the main pool, Turkish baths and gym, while conserving and enhancing the heritage aspects of this important building. Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Place, said: “The Council and GLL recognise the importance of the Health Hydro as a heritage asset and that there are challenges around the running costs, the backlog maintenance and the small

pool. We are working closely with the Health Hydro steering group to come up with a sustainable solution for one of the town’s most important buildings.” Daniel Rose, Director of the Trust said ‘We have been pleased to work as part of the Hydro steering group which was formed following deep concerns regarding the future of the building 12 months ago. The Trust has been pleased with the work carried out by specialist consultants to create the conservation plan which reaffirms how significant the Health Hydro is not just in Swindon but nationally and internationally. We now look forward to working with stakeholders in the creation of an Options Appraisal which we hope provides a clear route to ensuring the building is protected into the future and continues to be an accessible and well loved local building.”

Swindon Life

Celebrating town living

Swindon super star, Maisie Sly, debuts in Oscar nominated film Rachel Shenton’s heartfelt tale of a deaf child who is struggling to communicate was brought to life by Director Chris Overton. Writer and Actress Shenton (Switched at Birth) stars in the film, alongside newcomer Maisie Sly and Rachel Fielding (Secret Diary of a Call Girl), The Silent Child has won over twenty awards since its world premiere at Rhode Island International Film Festival and has now been nominated for a 2018 Academy Award. The Silent Child centres around a profoundly deaf four year old

girl named Libby who is born into a middle class family and lives in a world of silence until a caring social worker teaches her the gift of communication. Director Chris Overton began his career as an actor and worked with industry greats such as Joel Schumacher and the Oscar winning director Roman Polanski. The Silent Child is Chris’s first short film and what would arguably be one of his most challenging, with the lead actress being a profoundly deaf five year old girl who communicates only in British sign language. The Oscars are to be held on Sunday 4 March.

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Swindon Spotlight

YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTH AHEAD In the community l Founder of Wiltshire-based Sweet Cumin, Bini Ludlow, has been announced as the second keynote speaker for this year’s Women in Business Conference, to be held on Thursday 8 March. Tickets cost £37 Further details and ticket reservation online at www. theenterprisenetwork.co.uk

Book now... SWINDON FRINGE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN APRIL

From 4 April to 15 April, there’s something for all ages to enjoy, including fabulous comedians, fun family shows, exciting workshops, and live music. Never has it been a more exciting time to for you to witness artists testing their new material and getting your feedback on their performances. Unlike some of the bigger events across the UK, the Swindon Fringe, or “the Swinge” as it is affectionately known, does not charge those who take part. The Swinge welcomes both local and international acts that are both daring and thought-provoking. This is an opportunity to watch acts perfect their material prior to the Brighton Fringe in May and the Edinburgh Fringe in August. For more information, simply go to the official website: www.swindonfringefestival.com

JUPLICITY

QI favourite and much-loved comedian Phill Jupitus will be taking his latest show, Juplicity, to Swindon Arts Centre March 11. Our reporter had a chat with Phill and this show promises to challenge convention, as well as opportunity to badge swap with the man himself. Tickets at £17.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

BIRDSONG

Marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, Birdsong is the hit, critically acclaimed stage show based on the world famous novel by Sebastian Faulks which will be taking to the stage at Wyvern Theatre March 20 to March 24. Tickets at £16 to £25 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

BLACK SHEEP APPRENTICE

Swindon rock band Black Sheep Apprentice celebrate the launch of their new album, Born To Walk Alone. Inspired by the likes of Johnny Cash, and Nick Cave, the band present their own unique genre of country music at Wyvern Theatre March 29. Tickets from £11 to £13.50 www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Venues Arts Centre, Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Tel: 01793 524481 www.swindontheatres.co.uk Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square SN1 5BP. Tel: 01793 420649 The Platform, Faringdon Road, Swindon SN1 5BJ Phoenix Theatre, New College Drive, Swindon, SN3 1AH. Tel: 01793 732889 The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX. Tel: 01793 534238 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Tel: 07340 758497 St Michael’s Hall Lechlade Road, Highworth, SN6 7HQ. Tel: 01793 763907

Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Tel: 01793 763939 Shoebox Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN. Email: shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 530328 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 The Victoria, 88 Victoria Road, SN1 3BD. Tel: 01793 535713 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 - www.swindontheatres.co.uk Confirm date, time & price with venue

l The next Wanborough Farmers' Market is on Saturday 17 March, from 9am to midday in Wanborough Village Hall. The usual stalls will be joined by the Wanborough Community Cafe which raises money for a local charity. l On Sunday 25 March local Tae Kwon Do group, North Wilts TKD, will be holding an open charity event to raise funds for Uplands School from 11.30am. For further information contact northwiltstkd@gmail.com l Shaw Singers is looking for new members. The group meets on Tuesdays and is a drop-in singing session at Lower Shaw Farm from 3pm to 4.30pm. Songs are taught by ear and word sheets are provided. £5 including tea and cake. l Bowie Experience is a breathtaking concert celebrating the music of the world's greatest pop icon, David Bowie, at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre March 10. Bowie Experience continues to amaze audiences with an astounding attention to detail, bringing the golden years of David Bowie to theatres across the globe. So, put on your red shoes and Let's Dance! swindonlink.com n March 2018

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Spaces available on a two week adventure to Vietnam in September By Claire Dukes claire@swindonlink.com

Vietnam is rife with picturesque views and Asian culture, but it also beholds a complex and poignant history. The country itself, just off the South China Sea, continues to be a popular travel destination for both backpackers and those wanting a luxurious getaway. Some of Vietnam's cultural and jaw-dropping hotspots include Halong Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and its capital Hanoi. Swindon based Travel Company Younique Travel Adventures (YTA) have launched trips to Vietnam for 2018, bringing a new dynamic to the destinations they offer. YTA will be running trips to Vietnam for groups, individuals, and families throughout the year. They currently have a pre-arranged trip running in

Vietnam fact file Its cultural history combines a range of influences from French colonialism, Japenese art, and American trades. If you're looking for love, Sapa, up in northern Vietnam, hosts a Love Market every Saturday. If you're into exploring, you can go underground and venture through tunnels hidden in caves near Saigon. If you visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, you'll also be able to witness the largest cave in the world. September and this is available for anyone over the age of 18 to join. Spaces are limited. To find out more you can call 01793 317937, email info@yoproject. co.uk or go to www.ytauk.co.uk

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Swindon Lives IN CONVERSATION WITH: Jago Hartman By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com Jago Hartland is planning to cycle from Bristol to Paris - and what makes this feat of endurance more impressive is that the 20-year-old is redefining what can be achieved by someone with cystic fibrosis. He will join 70 other people taking part in the challenge for the charity Above and Beyond to raise money for hospitals in Bristol where he has been treated. But unlike his fellow cyclists, Jago is the only one with CF. The hereditary condition, which affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine, affects breathing and leaves those with the condition having to endure frequent lung infections. But Jago, who was diagnosed with CF at the age of 13, is refusing to let it hold him back. “I like to keep myself fit, and that is also important for me as people with CF have to really take care of themselves. A lot of people take their health for granted but those with CF don’t have that luxury.” To keep himself in shape, Jago exercises for at least a couple of hours each day, explaining that if he didn’t, his fitness levels would deteriorate faster than those without the condition. He also uses a nebuliser to breathe in enzymes to help break down the mucus that accumulates in his lungs. “It’s a constant battle. I used to also suffer from stomach problems but I’ve

recently started eating a vegan diet and since then I’ve not had any problems.” He explained that at school he had always struggled with his health, and was frequently off school as a result of his undiagnosed illness. His sister Millie also had CF and died at the age of eight before he was born. And two of his four other siblings also have CF. Jago’s mother Serena Stevens set up Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre in her memory. “When I got my diagnosis it all began to make sense - the school was really understanding and helped me through this.” After leaving school Jago, who lives at the 10-acre Elemental sculpture park in Somerford Keynes founded by his dad,

David Hartland, has found that he is best suited to working outdoors and has worked as a gardener, dog walker and house sitter. His love of the outdoors has led him on a number of travel experiences in Nepal where he plans to return in June, helping to market tours for an independent travel company. In addition, Jago does a lot of work helping to raise awareness of his condition and to help support others with CF that they don’t need to be defined by their illness. “One of my favourite CF sayings is ‘a life unlimited’ and that’s something that I try to live by. When I was 16, I decided to set myself a challenge of raising £1000 a year for different charities.” His fundraising exploits have led him to run the Great South Run for the Starlight Foundation and to fund an orphanage by taking part in the World Challenge Expedition in Cambodia and Vietnam. He has also taken part in the three peaks challenge to raise funds for the Cystic Foundation Trust. He admitted that his plans to be the first person with CF to conquer Mount Everest were scuppered last year when someone else with the condition achieved this first but now has his sights set on becoming the first person with CF to trek to the North Pole. To sponsor Jago visit his webpage at https://b2p2018.everydayhero.com/uk/ jago swindonlink.com n March 2018

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Citroen C3 Aircross: C'est incroyable!

W

ith its bold, chunky styling and blunt face the Citroen C3 Aircross is the replacement for the previously popular C3 Picasso. It’s bigger and it’s better. Citroen have always made an effort to be a little different and the style of their vehicles is uniquely their own. The Aircross is no different. There are no less than 85 funky paint variations available. On The Inside There’s method in the design. It is clearly the intention of the company to focus first and foremost on comfort. This is a very roomy car. Even with a tall driver, rear seat adult passengers have plenty of legroom whilst still managing to accommodate over 500L of luggage in the generous boot. The 2/3 person rear seat is a flat-folding, split-folding,

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sliding bench to accommodate more in various configurations. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for long loads, making the car very versatile. With the range-topping ‘flair’ variant, the car comes loaded with kit as standard, but the lesser levels of trim are still well specified. For example, the pictured model is in mid-range ‘Feel’ trim and costs around £16,000. The test car though also had many options, like special paint and panoramic sunroof, bumping the price up to a healthy £19,120. All the vital safety

equipment is on-board and there are a host of technology choices to make the C3 Aircross bang up to date on connectivity. The interior is very attractive with a 7” touchscreen and some nice, colourful touches. Built for comfort not speed, the well cushioned ride is pleasing around the town and on the open highway. No complaints there. On The Road The car comes with five or six speed manual gearboxes or an auto and these are dependent upon specification.

The tested car had a five speed manual with a lever throw that’s too long for sporting driving, although ratios are selected easily enough. There’s no 4x4 option but buyers can specify ‘Grip Control’ sufficient to handle a snowy car park, for example. Under the bonnet was a terrific,1.2L, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with 110hp. Fast it is not with 62mph coming up in 11.3s from rest but on the go this diminutive engine is lively and responsive. I really enjoyed driving it and still achieved over 40 miles to the gallon. Competitively priced in this packed sector, the Citroen C3 Aircross makes for an enjoyable and different choice. Geoff Maxted DriveWrite.co.uk

Butternut, red onion & pumpkin seed salad

[serves 4 as a side] Pair the sweetness of butternut and roasted red onions for a fantastic winter side salad. To turn it into a full meal, add cooked Puy or dark green lentils, goat’s cheese or feta and perhaps some strips of roasted red peppers.

1 tbsp red or white wine vinegar (or use more balsamic) 1 tsp Dijon mustard, or to taste ¼ tsp crushed garlic, 1 bag of mixed salad leaves (100–150g) salt & black pepper

3 red onions, sliced into 1cm-thick discs 6–7 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 medium butternut squash, peeled & cut into chunks a few thyme sprigs (optional) 30g pumpkin seeds pinch of hot smoked paprika

Heat the oven to 190°C/ Gas 5. Keeping the onion discs whole, place them in a roasting tin and drizzle with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, the balsamic vinegar and a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the tin with foil and

roast for 30–40 minutes on a low shelf in the oven, until the onions are soft and sweet. Place the squash chunks in another roasting tin, toss with a further tablespoon or so of oil to coat and a good sprinkling of salt and roast for around 30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelised, throwing in the sprigs of thyme halfway through the cooking time (if using). While the vegetables are roasting, put the pumpkin seeds in a small pan with a teaspoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt and a pinch of paprika. Toast over

a medium heat, stirring or tossing frequently, until lightly browned, then transfer to a plate to stop them toasting further. Make a simple vinaigrette: whisk together the vinegar, around 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the mustard and garlic to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Put the salad leaves in a large salad bowl, pour over the dressing and toss to combine. Scatter over the butternut, onions and seeds. For more amazing RIverford recipes go to www.riverford. co.uk/recipes

between nations but between people. It does feel uncomfortable these days with so much shield banging going on around the world. I reflected on that recently when I read this poem by Yehudi Amichai called “The Amen Stone”. Here’s an extract: On my desk there is a stone with the word “Amen” on it, a triangular fragment of stone from a Jewish graveyard destroyed many generations ago. But now the fragments are

gathered up in loving kindness by a sad good man. He cleanses them of every blemish, photographs them one by one, arranges them on the floor in the great hall, makes each gravestone whole again, one again: fragment to fragment, like the resurrection of the dead, a mosaic, a jigsaw puzzle. Child’s play.

Going green for Paddy's Day

fun. Though, there was one exception. A few years ago on the last Where will you be on St. day, Ireland played France Patrick’s Day? I’ll be in green and had Ireland lost, England amongst English friends would’ve won the Six Nation on watching Ireland play England points. in the last match of the Six Ireland easily won and Nations. allegiances slowly changed as I’ll happily cheer for England the game wore on, which was in any other game, and why hilarious. wouldn’t I? I’ve lived and How wonderful a world we worked here for 25 years, my would have if international wife is English and a local lad rivalry could be conducted I know well, Jonny May, plays with the same intensity and for England. Equally, my English friendliness as rugby. friends support Ireland against It could be the panacea other teams and it’s all great for all engagement, not just Poetry column by Poetry Swindon’s Maurice Spillane

• Open Mic – Monday 12 March, 7pm at Richard Jefferies Museum. It’s great fun! • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 13 March, from 7pm www.poetryswindon.org swindonlink.com n March 2018

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Claire Dukes and comedian Phill Jupitus talk QI and his latest show Juplicity

I only found out three days prior to the interview that I would be having a chat with Phill Jupitus. It was deadline week and needless to say I was a little unprepared. But I had written down the bread and butter of questions and convinced myself, whilst agressively brushing my teeth, that everything would go swimmingly. And it did. As I was brushing up on ‘research’ the phone rang at exactly 9.15am – right on time. I answered and had to admit to Phill that I had somewhat ended up down a QI rabbit hole on YouTube. Lucikly he laughed, and we dove straight in. Phill’s been on QI for over 10 years and has become, as he put it, “part of the furniture” so the nerves of being on programme have disappeared. I said it’s quite nice when new panel guests admit they’re intimidated to be on the show, (I’d be bricking it) and as it turns out new guests are often purposely sat next to him for that exact reason. As fun fact, which he learnt on QI, Phill asked me “Do

you know that they put goats in with racehorses? It’s because goats have a calming effect on the horses, so they put them in there before the races”. This obviously led me to ask, “are you the goat on the QI panel?” “Yes, apparently I have a calming effect of the new visitors” he remarked. This now makes a lot of sense. A few minutes in and I’m chatting away as if I’d met the guy before, and with that my own nerves galloped away. Phill’s own show, Juplicity, seems to be the next logical topic. When asking what it’s all about, he explained: “People often ask me what I do, and I’m not really sure what I do – genuinely don’t know. I mean I’m a presenter, a stand-up comedian, a poet, and I sew, so the show contains elements of all the things I do. There’ll be music because I

was in a band, I will also be bringing back Porky the Poet with new material, and you know a bit of performance art as well. “The fourth wall! Ah yes I am definitely mucking about with that. So for example at the interval I will just say ‘interval’, I don’t go anywhere. I won’t be performing the whole time but I won’t leave the stage during the show” he explained. “I find it weird [the process of going to a show] cause you go to the bar, get a drink, wait, and then the performer comes on, does their bit and then leaves. What I want to do is deformalize the moment where we start, so when people arrive I will already be on stage listening to records.” Tickets are still availale for Juplicity at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre, March 11. wwwswindontheatres.co.uk

swindonlink.com n March 2018

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Advertising feature

Celebrations at Studley Grange There is so much to celebrate this month at Studley Grange Butterfly World, Farm Park and Craft Village. Studley Grange Butterfly World and Farm Park are expecting lots of new arrivals. But first is the celebration of mothers. Yes, it’s Mother’s Day on 11 March. Treat your mother to a lovely day out at the Craft Village, indulge in a delicious home cooked meal at the Butterfly café and then treat her to something fun and unique: from yummy activities at Chocolate Comforts and Cake Creations to jewellery workshops, pottery painting and perhaps a little pampering, there is lots to do and lots to create for our wonderful mums this year. And there will even be a raffle draw where a lucky

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someone can win a quilting kit! Then the excitement begins as, having already welcomed their first lambs on the first day of February, the staff at Studley Grange Farm Park are hoping for more to come towards the end of March, when their Wiltshire Horns are due. Also expected, hopefully in time for Easter, are the equally cute kids (baby goats) and if you're lucky you might just spot a little Joey (baby wallaby). And of course, there are lots of butterflies emerging, including the beautiful, large Atlas Moths and with the warmer weather approaching there will be plenty flying in the tropical houses. Please visit www. studleygrange.co.uk or call on 01793 852 400.

SERVICE SECTOR

GARDENING AND SERVICES GARDENING ANDLANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING SERVICES

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FREETH FENCING & GARDEN SERVICES LTD Est. 1990 35 Spencer Close, West Swindon ❖ Fences, gates & sheds supplied and erected ❖ Landscaping ❖ Trees pruned and felled ❖ Rubbish removed ❖ Patios and shingle laid ❖ Wood chip & compost supplied ❖ Turfing and grass cutting ❖ And all aspects of garden maintenance

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• Fencing supplied and fitted at excellent rates • • Grass Cutting & Hedge Trimming • Tree Pruning & Garden Clearance • • Planting - Trees/Shrubs • Tree & Chainsaw Work • • Sheds • Patios, Paths & Gravel • • Waste Carrying Licence • • Carpentry Work • Odd Jobs • • Gutter, Fascias & Soffit Cleaning • Window Cleaning • • Laminate Flooring • Painting & Decorating • swindonlink.com n March 2018

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SERVICE SECTOR

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BOOK-KEEPING Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work? Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.

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aerials & satellite systems

O N

Phone: 07502 442726 or 01793 734379

VA T

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• • • • • • • • • •

Extensions Garage & Loft Conversions Conservatories Garden Walls Patios & Fencing Plastering Wall & Floor Tiling Laminate & Wood Flooring Block Paving Painting & Decorating All our work is carried out to your complete satisfaction

Contact: Pete

Tel: 01793 932 570 Mob: 07790 283 186

MILESTONE

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● General carpentry ● Fitted kitchens/bedrooms ● Laminate and solid flooring ● Replacement doors ● Skirtings/architraves ● General building maintenance

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Home Improvements & Building Services • • • • • • • •

General building maintenance Garage conversions Bathrooms and Kitchens 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: 07969 350160 / 01793 430109 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk

Building/Groundworks & Hard Landscaping Extensions, Garage & Loft Conversions Driveways & Patios All building work undertaken All work guaranteed, FREE quote and advice Mob: 07956 301957 Tel: 01793 348597 www.haynesconstruction.org.uk

SERVICE SECTOR

CLEANING, COMPUTER SUPPORT,APPLIANCE ELECTRICAL, GARAGE DOORS BUILDING SERVICES ACCOUNTANCY & BOOKKEEPING, AERIALS, REPAIRS,

Abacus Cleaning Services

THE CLEANING & IRONING SERVICE

Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery

House cleans start from £18 per house. Around £30-35 for a large 4 bed.

Hard Floors Cleaned & Sealed Carpet & Upholstery Protection Treatments Insecticide & Anti-Static Treatments Spot & Stain Removal

Weekly, fortnightly, monthly, end of tenancy or one off cleans.

Fully Insured, NCCA member

Ironing £18 per basket, returned next day.

Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call

Call 01793 875665 07780 625244

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Computer problems? Let us help Est 2002

For all your computing needs • 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 25 years experience, call 01793 320 439 or 07799 337 918 E: info@compucareuk.com www.compucareuk.com

COMPUTER SUPPORT

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

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered

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• • Testing andInspection Inspection Testing and Complete Rewires • • Complete Rewires No job too small! • • No job too small!

Connected Connected Electrical Electrical && Property Services Property Services Call Geoff : 07824 314080 or Tel: 07824 314080 or 01793 703308 01793 703308 Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Email: connectedelectrical01@gmail.com

Certified Electrician

Chrome sockets and switches

NICEIC Domestic Installers (D606759)

Home extensions/rewires

Reliable Local Company

Replacement fuse boards

• Re-Wires, Alterations & Additions • Inspections, Testing & Certificates • Consumer Units Replaced • LED Lighting Installations • Emergency Lighting • Fix Wire Testing

01793 877677 office@enlan.co.uk www.enlan.co.uk

Kitchen & bathroom electrics Data cabling/office conversions Garage/garden power Decorative lights Fault finding/repairs Free help and advice

Fully insured to £2m

Call Dan: 07791 791513 Email: dan@boylectrical.co.uk Visit: www.boylectrical.co.uk

swindonlink.com n March 2018

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SERVICE SECTOR

CARPENTRY, CLEANING, COMPUTER ELECTRICAL, DOORS GARAGE DOORS, GARDEN BUILDINGS & SHEDS,SUPPORT, HOME IMPROVEMENTS, KITCHENSGARAGE & BATHROOMS Services

(Household Maintenance) Handyman

• 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 For a free no obligation quote call Gary on

Electrical Automation • Up & Over • Roller • Sectional • Repairs • Unit 8, Central Trading Estate Signal Way, Swindon SN3 1PD

Tel 01793 940096 Email enquiries@dimensions.org.uk www.dimensions.org.uk

G R SERVICES

D E Carpentry For all your carpentry needs k Door hanging k Kitchen fitting k Real wood and laminate flooring k Fitted wardrobes k 15 years experience

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

Call 01793 514069 or 07885 972172 e: ellisj10@sky.com www.delliscarpentry.co.uk

M. Newman

Carpentry & Fencing Services

• • • • • •

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

Doors hung Skirting & architrave Laminate flooring Fitted wardrobes Traditional fencing Garden waste removed No job too small Free quotations given

email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

DECORATING & CARPENTRY • Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen & bathroom refits • Internal alterations No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

Call Mark: 01793 881336 or 07526 345636

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

MJP Home Creations Creation Born Of Perfection Specialists in kitchens bathrooms and wetrooms Design and installation, plastering, plumbing, electrics, underfloor heating and tiling

Contact Matthew Pollard: 07779 318717 info@mjphomecreations.com See our customer testimonials: www.mjphomecreations.com

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Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms & Bedrooms Tiling & Worktops Laminate Flooring Skirtings & Architraves Dados & Coving Doors & Decking And much more

For a FREE no obligation quote call now on 07874 021004 or 01793 701797

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS • Kitchen/Bathroom Installations • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing • Tiling • Minor Electrical • Carpentry • Garden landscaping/Maintenance • Patios & Decking

Tel: 01793 721677 Mobile 07919415849

SERVICE SECTOR

GARAGE DOORS, HOME IMPROVEMENT, KITCHENS & BATHROOMS, PAINTING & DECORATING, PLANS DRAWN PAINTING & DECORATING, PLANS DRAWN, PLUMBING

DECORATOR INSIDE AND OUT

FREE ESTIMATES

01793 321981 07775 840236

DECORATOR Quality painting and decorating at an affordable price 40 years experience No VAT Free estimates For professional, reliable and friendly service call

GBD Services 01793 979282 or 07453 966627

or

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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

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RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work • Central heating • Bathrooms & showers

7 YEAR GUARANTEE on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers

• Competitive rates • All work guaranteed

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For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

203455

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installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock

All types of domestic plumbing work undertaken. Small jobs welcome. Fully insured.

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Quality Plumbing & Heating Est. 30 years • Central heating installation • Boiler servicing & repairs • Replacement boilers • Bathrooms & tiling • Power showers • Outside taps Reg: 128966 All plumbing work undertaken Reliable service, realistic prices

Kevin Rolfe Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367 www.swindonheating.co.uk swindonlink.com n March 2018

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SERVICE SECTOR

PLUMBING & ROOFING, HEATING PLUMBING & HEATING, REMOVALS, SAND & GRAVEL, TILING

Plumbing

& Heating ❉ Quality bathroom suites fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring, all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, machines installed 302877 Free estimates

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

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Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

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07845 90 80 60 or 01793 700 820

www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

TILING WALL & FLOOR SPECIALIST Please call Leon for a free quote

TEL: 01793 330975 MOB: 07919 255673 Email: leon.jack@hotmail.co.uk

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Conservatories

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GILES BROS FLOOR & WALL TILING SPECIALISTS Free Quotes Call Lee on 0771 8102 921 Call Mike on 0778 8444 084 or 01793 520526 Find us on Facebook

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SERVICE SECTOR

SKIP HIRE, TOOL HIRE, UPHOLSTERY, WARDROBES, WASTE REMOVAL, WINDOWS

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45

Talking politics South Swindon MP Robert Buckland (Con) One of my main priorities as your local MP and a local parent is to ensure that all children and young people in Swindon receive a highquality education. I am passionate about making sure that young people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential regardless of background, so I welcomed the recent figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency which show the proportion of 18-year olds from disadvantaged areas applying for University has risen to record levels. Nine in 10 young entrants to full-time first degrees in 2016/17 went to state school, the highest level recorded. Many universities are making a

big effort to make higher education more accessible, but there is still more work to be done, which is why the government has introduced major reforms through the Higher Education and Research Act to create more competition and choice that will promote social mobility. I am pleased that housebuilding in Swindon has received a recent welcome boost after it was announced that the Government has awarded our town £11.5m from the Housing Infrastructure fund to speed up building in two major development areas. The New Eastern Villages (NEW)

Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr David Renard (Con) You may have heard by now that Swindon is taking part in the Government voter identification pilot at this year’s local elections. This year, residents will be required to show their poll card or another form of ID to be able to vote. This pilot is an important step in making sure that our democracy is protected and brought in line with the standard ID requirements of the 21st century. The requirement to show ID is there to protect you, make sure you get what you asked for and prevent fraud. Voting is no different, and in many ways is far more important. Voting influences the lives of you and your family on a daily basis, and as we saw in the EU referendum, can be decided by small margins. It only makes sense that we provide ID at the polling station in order to make sure everyone’s vote is accurate. This pilot will also have the added benefit that your voting experience will be much faster if you use your poll card as ID. Each poll card will contain a unique barcode that will take a matter of moments to scan compared to a poll clerk having to look up your name in a long list. If you have elderly relatives who vote please help them remember their poll card and let your friends know if you think they may not have seen the messages, especially if you know anyone voting for the first time. You will be getting a letter this month asking you to register to vote and decide your voting method. This letter will let everyone know about the pilot. Poll cards will then be sent to all registered voters in April so make sure you keep them safe for 3 May. For more information you can visit www. swindon.gov.uk/VoterID

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swindonlink.com n March 2018

will receive £5m, which will be used to build a new link under the Great Western Railway line, providing a direct route into the proposed Rowborough development from the A420. The link will provide essential access to Rowborough, which is part of the New Eastern Villages. Around 2,380 new homes will be built on a site to the north of the A420. An additional £6.5m has been awarded to the Kingsdown Bridge project, which will allow a further 1,650 homes to be built. I am extremely supportive of more housebuilding in Swindon

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson (Con) Three years ago the Government introduced a new special educational needs and disability (SEND) system in England in order to do more to meet the needs of autistic children and young people. Since then we have delivered new stand-alone and mainstream education places for children with Autism, ASCs and SEND, and importantly, we have increased high-needs funding for local authorities. Last year there was an additional £92.5m worth of funding and this year we are providing an additional £130m. As somebody who has campaigned for increased funding, and as the former Minister for Disabled People, I am really pleased to see more support going to those on the autistic spectrum. To further ensure this issue remains a priority, I have lent my support to the National Autistic Society and Ambitious About Autism campaign to introduce a national autism and educational strategy. Elsewhere, one of the big issues that I have campaigned relentlessly on since I became the North Swindon MP in 2010, is to ban the third party sale of puppies and end puppy smuggling. A ban would mean anyone looking to buy or adopt a dog will either deal directly with the breeder or with one of the nation’s many animal rehousing centres. This will stop unscrupulous traders from selling puppies to make as much profit as possible with no regard for the health and welfare of the animal. With all this in mind, I was delighted when the Government set out measures last week to clamp down on unscrupulous puppy breeders and ensure the welfare of animals. These include banning the sale of puppies under 8 weeks old and stopping the breeding of dogs with serious genetic disorder; as well as a requirement for sales to be completed in the presence of the owner and the introduction of compulsory licencing for breeders.

in accordance with our Local Plan and I am pleased that the government has awarded £11.5m directly to Swindon from the Housing Infrastructure Fund. I am delighted that The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have announced that they will open a hub in the redeveloped Carriage Works. The UWTSD hub will be a focal point for post-graduate and professional development courses in cultural heritage and architecture. I strongly supported this initiative and met University of Wales senior representatives in order to help get it over the line. The UWTSD hub will also offer a further way to help regenerate our heritage buildings both now and in the future.

Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Labour Group Leader In the 3 May Local Elections, Swindon will be taking part in a national Voter ID pilot. The pilot will require residents to bring their poll cards or another form of valid Photo ID with them to enable them to place their vote. The decision to take part in this pilot is a completely political decision. It was an idea created by the Conservative Government and has been gleefully championed by the Conservative Party in Swindon and four other areas in the country that are Conservative controlled. Swindon has no record of Voter Fraud, so there is no reason why this trial should be happening here. Also the cost of this voter trial will be in tens of thousands that will have to be met by the taxpayer, a huge waste given the current cuts taking place to local services. However Tory Councillors have forced this trial to happen and I want everyone to do all we can to make sure people aren’t disenfranchised as a result of these new voting requirements. The fact is, unlike before, if people lose or do not bring their poll card or a form of valid Photo ID they will not be able to vote. Forms of Photo ID that will be accepted by the council to allow you to vote on the day include: Passport (UK, EU, Commonwealth), Photocard driving licence, Biometric Immigration Document or EEA Identity Card Having said that if the voter turnout does reduce and we find people being turned away from the polling station as a result of the Tories’ political decision, I think the Leader of the Council would need to consider his position.

swindonlink.com n March 2018

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