No 41 January 2020
GPS delivered door to door to 50,000 homes across Swindon with Est. overall readership of 125,000
Swindon
LINK Your Community Magazine
South & East Edition
Care and the Community Focus on Adult Social Care page 16
The Big Sleepout: town goes out in force to help the homeless Page 4 Who is your community Page 8 Science Swindon hero? Get nominating for Getting set for a festival of Pride of Swindon 2020 knowledge at Steam
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Page 20 Swindon gymnasts cartwheel to the top in regional and national competitions
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Care and the Community
Conservatives sweep to victory in Swindon
Swindon’s sitting Conservative MPs swept the board in the 2019 general election. In the South Swindon constituency, MP Robert Buckland polled 26,500 votes - a majority of 6,625, with a By Group Editor Jamie Hill vote share of 52.3 per cent. jamie@positive-media.co.uk Labour's Sarah Church The figures around the cost of tailed with 19,911 votes, adult social care in Swindon are representing 39.2 per cent eye-watering. of the vote, and the Liberal For the local authority £68.5 Democrat’s Stan Pajak secured million was budgeted for adult 4,299 votes - 8.5 per cent social care in the current financial vote share. year. In the South Swindon The annual Swindon Borough constituency, there was a voter Council budget is £142.5 million. turnout of 69.4 per cent of the This means that adult social 73,118 registered voters. care takes up 48% of the entire In the North Swindon budget. constituency, the picture It is more mind-boggling if you was similar, with MP Justin add children's social care into Tomlinson securing 32,584 the mix which costs the borough votes, a vote share of 59.1 £39.1 million a year. Meaning per cent and a majority of that social care in total is 75.5% 16,171. of the local authority's budget. Labour’s Kate Linnegar took So that is why this month we are 29.8 per cent of the vote focussing on adult social care in share with 16,413; and Katie our Heart of Swindon section and Critchlow took 8 per cent of look at different aspects of the the vote share with 4,408 care system from facilities to how votes. Green party candidate you can get involved. Andy Bentley won 1,710 votes, As part of this we look at representing 3.1 per cent of carers, care facilities and talk the vote. about how you can help and Their victory reflected huge what other ancillary services Tory gains across the country there are for those in need. - with many key Labour It is of great credit to the strongholds turning blue. Swindon community that we do The Conservatives have 365 all we can to look after those MPs, Labour 203, the SNP 48, in need whether it is elderly Liberal Democrats 11 and the relatives or people suffering DUP eight. from different health conditions. Sinn Fein has seven MPs, Next month we will be looking Plaid Cymru four and the at children's social care. SDLP has two. The Green Party and Alliance Party have Group Editor and Owner: Jamie Hill Deputy Editor: Ben Fitzgerald Reporter: Claire Dukes
Sales Admin Manager: Sue Roberts Sales: Dave Stewart and Rosy Presley Office Manager: Karen Randall Photography:
Calyx
one each. The Brexit Party failed to secure any seats at Westminster. The Conservative Party's Commons majority is its largest since Margaret Thatcher won a third term in 1987. South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “I would like to thank every person in South Swindon who voted for me, and I am hugely looking forward to serving my constituents here, once again, for a record fourth term. "Here in Swindon, we are going to crack on with the work of regenerating the local economy and our town centre, doubling the size of our great A&E at the Great Western Hospital, and levelling up schools spending to ensure every child in Swindon gets the start in life they deserve. "We’re going to change Britain, we’re going to make this an even better country to live in and we’re going to unite this country.”
And Justin Tomlinson, shortly after winning said: "We won every single ward in north Swindon. I've secured the biggest-ever majority, the largest share of the vote and the most votes in the history of any of the Swindon seats. "Nationally, the country was sick and tired of politicians arguing and not breaking that deadlock. They wanted to see it done and see politics unite to get Brexit done so we can start talking about funding the NHS and schools, more police officers and a strong economy delivering new jobs. "In Swindon, there's been 11,000 new jobs since 2010 and that's vital. Post-Honda, we need to keep attracting businesses to relocate, invest and grow to give us that next generation of jobs. "The people of Swindon thought we were best placed to do that because we encourage businesses to thrive."
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Got a community story or feature? Contact newsdesk at publisher@swindonlink.com or 01793 320043 swindonlink.com n January 2020
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All eyes on “Tomorrow”, Swindon’s first festival of science, technology and engineering
Families from Swindon and beyond will be able to explore the latest in science, engineering and technology at the Tomorrow festival at STEAM museum, in February. The Science Museum, UK Space Agency, and UK Research & Innovation will be joined by a host of top Universities and high-tech companies to present Swindon’s first festival of Science and Technology. The ‘Tomorrow’ festival is being developed by Science Swindon, a collaboration between local company, New Elements, and STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway and will bring together the latest scientific discoveries and cutting-edge technologies in this two-day event. The range of ticketed science
shows, talks and panel debates with government and industry will be accompanied by a free-to-enter interactive zone where visitors can meet the real scientists and engineers working at the cutting edge of research, and try out some of the latest technologies for themselves. Set amongst the backdrop of Brunel’s engineering legacy in Swindon’s railway heritage, the event will explore the future of Health & Medicine, Energy & Environment, Gaming & VR, Space & Astronomy as well as the Future of Travel. Recognising Swindon as home of the UK Space Agency, London’s Science Museum will be sending their popular space shows and workshops, which will run on both days of the festival. The action-packed show,
called Out of this World, will take visitors to the festival, to be held at STEAM museum in February, on a journey into space. Led by the nationally recognised Science Museum outreach team, they’ll discover what it takes to become an astronaut, launch a rocket, explore the Solar System and look for alien life. The show promises explosions, super-cool liquid nitrogen, eye-popping vacuums and even wee drinking! “This festival is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of the innovation in Swindon and the region,” said Ian Larrard, Director of the Business West Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative. “Swindon is at the forefront of tackling our greatest challenges and opportunities, from climate change to vehicles
of the future. Encouraging young people in Swindon to enjoy STEM subjects is critical to Swindon’s future.” “We’ve had a great response to the festival idea and are delighted that Business West have decided to support the event,” said Rod Hebden, from Science Swindon, a collaboration between New Elements and STEAM museum, in Swindon, who are running the festival. “We’ve got an incredible line-up of events and activities, so I’d encourage people to follow Science Swindon on social media, book tickets to the talks as soon as possible, and come along to the festival next month.” For more information, contact Rod Hebden on 07410113966 or rod@scienceswindon.com, or visit www.scienceswindon.com With support from...
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Liden school 'requires improvement' but staff praised Ofsted inspectors have found that Liden Primary and Nursery School requires improvement following a visit earlier this month. But inspectors also went on to praise the staff for working hard to continue to raise standards. The team said “teachers’ expectations of the pupils were not high enough, with the curriculum not planned and delivered sufficiently effectively to give pupils the depth of knowledge they need.” However, inspectors said that the school’s leadership team were aware of the problem and were taking action to address weaknesses. The Ofsted team praised the improvements made to pupil behaviour in class but said more still needs to be done. The report goes on to highlight the work of staff who support the wider educational experience of pupils at the school: “they
think carefully about enriching pupils’ learning. For example, they take pupils sailing and to museums. More pupils are taking part in extra-curricular activities because there is something for everyone. Pupils
enter regional mathematics challenges and young writers’ competitions and experience success. Pupils are proud of their ‘best work’ and their giant class sculptures of book characters displayed around
the school.” It was recognised that Liden Primary is recovering well after a ‘significant’ decline in its effectiveness with leaders having tackled a range of complex problems.
Old Town: Festivals, gardening and new members By Susanne Webb of Old Town Residents Association
We have had recent changes to our committee and we are in need of more active members! We hold our meetings on the third Monday of the month in the back bar of the Wheatsheaf pub in Newport St from 7.30pm onwards. Please feel free to come along and find out more about us. Volunteers are also needed for the Old Town Festival, let us know if you are interested. In other news we were understandably proud that our community gardens, entered for the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ award, IYN, were assessed as ‘Thriving’ level 4, an improvement on ‘Establishing’ level 3 last year. This is entirely due to the support and practical help from committee members and many friends of Old Town; we do encourage people to
come along and help with the gardens, full training will be given and there are many jobs which aren’t taxing. There are many improvements we intend to make in the coming year including installing a noticeboard to advertise our next sessions. Other discussions included the trees on Croft Road which will be pruned back where they overhang road signs. We were concerned that planning permission has been sought for three homes of multiple occupancy, HMOs, in the Eastcott area in Prospect Hill, Dover St and Lorne Street, with bin storage suggested on pavements. Regarding the Pope Bros site redevelopment, another application has been submitted. Residents are currently legally obliged to recycle by the council, but some flats like Godwin Court have no boxes or collections. There was no update on Corn Exchange,
although planning permission is being sought to convert the HSBC Bank building into apartments. The closure of Mill Lane is a hot topic at our meetings, with many residents wanting it to remain open. The proposed tunnel soon to be built under the M4 is being paid for by Local Enterprise Partnership money apparently. We also discussed dropped curbs and the fact they reduce parking spaces on streets. Installation of a defibrillator was suggested for the Winifred Street area, it's said they can be leased from the British
Heart Foundation. Jenny Connolly organised a litter pick recently, and although not a member of the committee, we were really pleased that Jenny organised this, and encouraged lots of residents to join in. Finally we talked about the measures being taken by SBC to mitigate the effects of high levels of pollution on Kingshill, closing the road to HGVs was muted at one time, but we do not know if this was going to be enforced. www.facebook.com/groups/ oldtownresidents swindonlink.com n January 2020
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£400k investment
As part of its commitment to supporting local communities, Taylor Wimpey is putting £400,000 into improving the area around its Ambrose Gardens development in Swindon. Through contributions agreed as part of the planning permission for the development, the housebuilder will put over £298,000 towards Swindon Borough Council’s Community Interest Levy. This can be spent on a variety of resources and infrastructure around the town, including education, culture, sports and sustainability projects. Taylor Wimpey is also pledging more than £96,000 to Swindon Borough Council to be put towards the maintenance of community facilities in Swindon. A total of £69,000 will be spent improving Wichelstowe play area and its surroundings, while £27,200 will go towards improvements at Swindon Polo Ground and £6,000 will be spent removing double yellow lines opposite the proposed access junction to Ambrose Gardens.
Search is on for Pride of Swindon hopefuls The search is on for community champions in Swindon, with the launch of the 2020 Pride of Swindon Awards. At the launch, attended by mayor Kevin Parry, Swindon 105.5's station manager Shirley Ludford welcomed representatives of charities and local businessses to the event. "It has been 12 years now that we have been recognising people who have done their bit in our communities. It is absolutely brilliant and this is a way of further acknowledging all that goes on in the community." One of the winners of the 2019 Pride of Swindon awards Glynis Hales - spoke of her charity work with Penhill Haven to create a wildlife area for the community
to enjoy. And Dr Jilly Huby, who was nominated last year for her work with the Great Western Hospital's charity, Brighter Futures, spoke of her fundraising exploits to pay for nine new incubators.
Mayor Kevin Parry said: "There are a great many individuals and charities in Swindon run by volunteers who give their time freely to help others not so fortunate. The Pride of Swindon Awards allows the work that these wonderful people are involved in to be recognised and celebrated." Nominations can made for: A volunteer who has given their time selflessly for years A child or adult who has displayed remarkable courage A person who has helped to reduce crime in your area An exemplary young person who should be recognised as a role model An extra special neigbour An employee who has gone the extra mile for those in the community. To nominate a person or organisation, complete a form on the Mayor of Swindon page at www. swindon.gov.uk by Friday, January 24.
Safety is priority
In SwindonBID is going the extra mile to ensure that people get home safely after a night out in the town centre.The town centre management company has organised for Taxi Marshalls to work on Saturday evenings. The scheme, which has been running for three years, helps people find a taxi at busy times during the night. The Taxi Marshal service operates in Swindon town centre from 11pm until 4am on Saturday evenings. BID Taxi Marshals are easily identified by their fluorescent jackets and radios.
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Homeowners can get a new look this year at NSBRC Homeowners looking for a fresh new look in 2020 are set to benefit from the National Self Build and Renovation Centre's (NSBRC) home show. From 31 January to 2 February the self-build centre will be hosting live demonstrations, one to one advice and guided tours for homeowners taking on their own DIY project. A spokesperson for the NSBRC said: "With three
days packed full of live demonstrations, seminars and an unrivalled line up of experts on hand to share their advice, this is an unmissable event for anyone thinking of self-building or renovating their home. "Whatever stage of your self-build or renovation project you're at, we're here to help you on your journey." The NSBRC's January and February show is free to attend. www.nsbrc.co.uk
Show highlights a More than 20 seminars, live demonstrations, case studies and panel debates each day a Guided tours of the NSBRC’s life-size exhibits a Free Self Build course taster sessions a One to one expert advice
swindonlink.com n January 2020
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Tackling fuel poverty Wiltshire High Sheriff David Scott is backing a campaign that helps the elderly and disabled pay their fuel bills. Since the Wiltshire Community Foundation launched its Surviving Winter campaign in 2010, it has raised more than £500,000 and given grants to more than 1,500 households in Wiltshire and Swindon. The Community Foundation works with Age UK Wiltshire and the Warm and Safe Wiltshire partnership to identify those most in need and gives them £300 towards their fuel bills. According to research by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy in June 2019, there are more than 30,000 households in Wiltshire and Swindon living in fuel poverty, which means they cannot afford to heat their home properly through the coldest months of the year - almost one in ten homes in the county.
Dementia set to soar The number of people with dementia in Swindon is set to soar by 50% in the next decade (from 2,600 people in 2019 to 3,908 in 2030), according to a report commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society from the London School of Economics and Political Science. The report predicts that as our population ages, a higher proportion of people with dementia will have higher care needs for longer, driving up the average amount spent on care. It shows more than 60% a year of social care costs in England will fall on people with dementia and their families. Previous research by Alzheimer’s Society has shown that someone with dementia will typically have to spend £100,000 on their care. Many are forced to sell their homes to pay for it."
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Youth project hits the ground running into 2020 By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk
A social enterprise youth project has hit the ground running in 2020. Since its inception in 2017 The Platform Project has created a youth magazine, moved into new premises and partnered with a digital marketing agency. The not-for-profit organisation offers courses - from fashion upcycling, vlogging and business management - for teens who may not flourish in mainstream education. Last month the youth organisation hosted an awards ceremony and open event to showcase its achievements and announce future plans for 2020. The Platform Project founder, Sadie Sharpe, says she can see a huge difference the project has made. She said: "Participants have been able to add projects to their CV which has secured them onto college
www.platformproject.co.uk
courses, part-time jobs and apprenticeships “It’s really esteem-boosting because they can see that it’s real. Over the last two years we’ve had such great results with those with low selfconfidence who are hard to engage - they’re actually going on to do great things because they can see how they fit in the world. It’s not a simulation, it’s not a classroom, it’s not pretend – it’s an actual real trading company and they’re making the decisions. “We’ve got great relationships with them. It’s like a little family.” This year The Platform Project has its sights set on Bristol
and has secured funding for its iDare Magazine to run throughout the year. Miss Sharpe added: “The biggest highlight for 2019 was moving into our new premises. The team has just kept growing and growing and their level of engagement and enthusiasm to keep coming in just speaks volumes. "In 2020 I am particularly looking forward to two things. One: formalising our youth enterprises to form a youth-led shared workspace. “Two: We’re in the process of commissioning a project to work with Bristol City Council to trial it as a pilot to see if it works in a different town or city.”
Lottery Boost for Swindon Civic Voice’s Town Centre Project By Jamie Hill jamie@positive-media.co.uk
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Swindon Civic Voice will run a year-long project in 2020 that will focus on Swindon’s central retail core and surrounding traffic circulation. Announcing the award, Chair of SCV Angela Atkinson outlines the project: "Swindon Civic Voice will explore the development of Swindon’s town from its origin in the mid-1880s, through its transformation in the 1970s, up to the present day. "We‘ll pull together information from historic records, maps and memories and share this early years material in an exhibition in Swindon’s Central Library in early February. We’ll follow that up with a second exhibition illustrating the range of proposals floated in recent
years, each with a view to improving the range of housing, shopping and cultural facilities in the town centre. "The project will conclude, at the back end of 2020, with an exhibition on future proposals. This will offer an opportunity for residents to give their opinions concerning the future character of the area. "This project is timely, due to the range of recent proposals, including the current Local Plan development which looks ahead to 2036. "We intend to work closely with Swindon Council planners to understand their approach to the issues of our town centre. Our attention to the town centre will dovetail with the Heritage Action Zone project on the GWR Railway Village Conservation Area. "We’ll use our social media platforms and our website to share the learning from this project. "It’s our aim and hope to
engage residents in shaping the future of their town, with further discussions based upon the knowledge pulled together throughout the exhibition process. The aim of Swindon Civic Voice is to bring information and people together to air both their concerns and future wishes. "SCV would especially like to meet and work with some of the more knowledgeable social media contributors, whose sharing of photos have been inspirational to Swindonians interested in the evolution of the town centre since 1945. "It’s time to share and shape our town centre for the future." Full details of how to contribute to the project or become a member of Swindon Civic Voice will shortly be available through Swindon Civic Voice’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ swindoncivicvoice/ and the SCV website: swindoncivicvoice.org. uk
swindonlink.com n January 2020
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The school profile: New College Welcome to New College "For over 35 years we have been providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to change their lives through high-quality teaching and learning. We are proud of the huge contribution our college has made to the development of skills across our communities."
Get to know the schools in your area. This issue: New College Address: New College Dr, Swindon SN3 1AH Contact: 01793 611470 Website: www.newcollege.ac.uk
Taylor Churchill Former Royal Wootton Bassett Academy pupil A Levels: Business, Economics and Sociology “New College has helped me find my purpose. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but my Business course inspired me – I now have my own clothing brand and an unconditional offer for university.”
Carole Kitching – Principal and CEO
About the college New College Swindon is a highly successful and respected Further Education (FE) College, providing a friendly, inclusive and supportive learning environment for learners from across Swindon and Wiltshire since 1984. We deliver academic (A Levels, GCSEs) and vocational (e.g. BTEC) qualifications, degree-level courses, Apprenticeships, leisure, professional and business courses; and from 2021 will be the first provider in Wiltshire to offer the new T-Levels in Digital, Childcare and Health and Science. The College is also a key partner in the new £21 million Swindon Institute of Technology. In 2018/19, there were over 10,000 learners, including 3000 16-18 learners and 7000 aged 19+. Our OFSTED rating has consistently been “Good” for over 20 years and our learners achieve very well. SE January Master pages.indd 12
Create, Shape, Enhance Your Future! Progression
Our dedicated Employability Team fosters links with local companies and runs initiatives that are crucial to the success of our learners. Students take part in work experience, coaching and mentoring, business tasks and employer visits that allow them to develop the transferable skills needed to successfully progress on to university or into a career.
Fantastic facilities
New College has specialist industry facilities for course areas including; a theatre, two dance studios, sports hall, art, photography, media make-up and recording studios as well as a substantial IT infrastructure, with over 1500 computers. Other services available include: venue hire; gym subscriptions; 3G pitch hire and hair and beauty treatments.
Student success
We have a 98% A Level pass rate, with 71% grades at A*-C and our A Level/value added scores are the highest of any other state school or college in the Swindon area. 58% Distinctions were achieved for the BTEC Extended Diploma. We are also 14th out of all Colleges nationally and 1st across local colleges in the National Achievement Rate.
Maya Momi Former Dorcan Academy pupil Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care “The staff and teachers are very supportive and empowering. My teachers have always pushed me to strive for greatness and challenge myself and they were very helpful with University and job applications. I am now studying a BSc in Children’s Nursing at Kings College London and I hope to eventually work in Paediatric Intensive Care.” 06/01/2020 12:18
Swindon helps the homeless Homeless charity celebrates biggest sleep-out solidarity event Volunteers share their story behind joining Threshold's Big SleepOut Jemma Kay Hilden & family
By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk
A homeless charity has raised more than £20,000 as part of its biggest annual sleepout yet. Swindon residents braved the elements last month at the Supermarine Sports Club to fundraise for Threshold Housing Link. The event, which the charity says is the biggest solidarity event with the homeless to take place in Swindon - aims to raise awareness of homelessness in the town and fundraise for Threshold's support services. On the night the charity received £20,600 in pledges and saw 178 people partake – including ‘Friends of Threshold’ from as far as the Netherlands and Florida – where a record number of children attended. Speaking of the event Michael Keenan, Threshold’s Chief Development Officer, said: “It was such an absolute pleasure hosting Threshold's Big Swindon SleepOut, supported by our fantastic team of volunteers and event sponsors. We are pleased that so many people had the courage to brave the weather and the compassion to raise funds for the vital work that Threshold undertake. “In every sense this year’s event was the most successful Sleep Out the charity has ever hosted in our 47 years of working for Swindon’s homeless community. In terms of participants attending on the night, together with 22
Fire Cadets and supporters who gathered at the Swindon Fire Station, with ‘friends of Threshold’ who joined satellite sleeper events in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, Zurich, Switzerland and Naples, Florida, we therefore saw 178 people participate in Swindon’s longest running annual homeless solidarity event. “It is impossible to create at an event like this a real sense of the suffering experienced by individuals who cannot wake up after a night on the streets and return to a home with a warm bed, food in the cupboards and a sense of security that being housed provides. Across the globe, SleepOut events are held to raise awareness for local homeless issues and to raise crucial funds for the organisations struggling to support the homeless. The event this year was not nearly as rough as a night in a car park or sleeping in an alcove of a store front in the high street." Former Threshold service users also came out in solidarity for the charity. Poetry was performed by Matty Blades, who although now living independently, was previously homeless for 15 years before being assisted by Threshold some years ago. He said: “I met the most wonderful people. It was such a great event, great people turning out for such a great cause, what could be more important than that?" People wanting to donate can do so via www.thl.org.uk/ support-us/donate
“Our family works to do what we can in our community, wherever that leads us. Having weathered a few storms, from mental health related issues, to a house fire in 2017, it's driven us to help others and volunteer whenever we can. "I'd highly recommend this event for families, anyone can do it. It's the incredible people you meet, everyone coming together and putting ourselves in the other people’s shoes for just one night, all the while aiding Swindon’s homeless charity to do more of the amazing work they do."
Amy Massey “After childhood, my teenage years and young adult life were filled with trauma and abuse, there was no surprise I would suffer with addiction problems and homelessness. "My life has now completely changed, and I couldn’t have done it without that starting base and the specialist care that Threshold gave me - that chance to change. I cannot stress enough the invaluable support and life progression that Threshold give to people who need somewhere to live. So many of us are only one one traumatic event away from being homeless."
The Haven was opened in January 2019
Council’s homeless winter housing scheme returns this month Swindon Borough Council's Temporary Winter Housing Provision (TWHP) scheme returns for 12 weeks from 12 January. This year, 12 guests will be given a space in the TWHP and will receive close personal support with the aim of encouraging them off the streets and into safe, long term accommodation. Last year the scheme successfully housed five guests into permanent accomodation.
The scheme, which provides a safe refuge for an identified group of entrenched rough sleepers, will be run by the charity Swindon Night Shelter. TWHP is being funded by a £20,000 grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with Swindon Night Shelter providing the rest and the Council providing the building. www.swindonnightshelter.uk swindonlink.com n January 2020
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The rising cost of adult social care Cubs spread fe Adult social care is Swindon Borough Council’s largest expense - by a significant margin. According to the council’s annual report 2019-20, the authority has to find £489m next year - £346.5m of which will be offset by income. This means the net expenditure will be £142.5m, with a need to raise a large proportion of this money through Council Tax. The budget is used to provide hundreds of services to residents of the borough such as waste collection and road maintenance. But the biggest proportion of this expense,
by far, is adult social care. In recent years, demand for children’s and adults’ services has increased significantly,
with £68,454 allocated for adult social care and £39,186 allocated for child social care in 2019/2020.
Swindon Carers Centre - supporting thousands of helping hands Across the town, thousands of people are being cared for by an army of people who help them to live normal lives. And in many cases, these carers don’t even see themselves as such. Carers can be anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who cannot manage without the extra support. They can be looking after someone who is elderly, frail, may have a physical disability, long-term health condition, mental health issue or a problem with substance misuse. A 15-year-old girl looking after a parent with an alcohol problem, a 40-year-old man caring for a partner who has terminal cancer or an 80-year-old woman looking after her husband who has Alzheimer’s disease - the range of people who fall into this category is hugely varied and crosses all social and cultural barriers. But people who carry out this important work are often reluctant to reach out for support either because they 16
are unaware of the help available or don’t want to burden other people. As a result, they can often miss out on various rights, benefits and support which may help them in their role. Swindon Carers Centre, based at Sanford House in Swindon , was established to support carers in the town. Swindon Carers Centre is a charitable organisation which is part of the Carers Trust Network. Swindon Carers can help by:
- providing information, - signposting to other relevant organisations, - providing one-to-one support, - including assistance in accessing services, - benefits advice, - access to breaks and complementary therapies - training sessions and selfhelp groups - Emergency card schemes For more information log on to www.swindoncarers.org.uk or call 01793 531133
A group of Isambard Cubs visited Ridgeway Rise residents to spread a little festive cheer. The youngsters helped to make Christmas decorations, brought sweet treats for everyone and took turns visiting less mobile residents in their rooms. Ridgeway Rise is a purpose built luxury care home in St Andrews Ridge that offers residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. The cubs prepared pretend campfires with twigs, and yellow and orange tissue paper which they sat around for a camp sing song. The staff said that the cubs’ rendition of Kumbaya,
How to get a job in care
There are several organisations in Swindon who are looking to recruit people. A job in care can make a real difference in the lives of those they support each and every day. Carewatch is a specialist home care provider with a local office in Swindon. Committed to providing the very best in care, they support independent living at home, through a wide range of services. They are currently recruiting and can be contacted through their website at www.carewatch-swindon.co.uk First City provides flexible homecare. Their highly trained nursing staff are extremely competent and are always instantly able to provide a first-class health and social care service, regardless of how specialist. They are currently recruiting and can be contacted through their website at www.firstcitynursing.co.uk White Horse Care Trust is also recruiting. They are a Wiltshirebased care trust charity dedicated to providing residential and nursing care to adults with learning and other physical disabilities. They provide a range of residential and nursing care services in 13 separate locations within the county. For more details visit www.whct.co.uk
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trigger of the start o were g session Young connec the bra life is f Alzhe said: “ Society for five deliver group. topic a me. Th and de knowle
Focus: Adult Social Care
ead festive cheer with Ridgeway Rise residents triggered some fantastic memories for some of the care home residents. Before the start of the activities, the cubs and leaders were given a dementia friends information session, to better understand the condition. Young people built a model of neuroconnections to understand how complicated the brain processes are and how difficult life is for someone who lives with dementia. Alzheimer’s volunteer Kinga Dabrowska said: “I’ve been volunteering for Alzheimer’s Society, as a Dementia Friends Champion for five years and it was the first time I had delivered a session for such a young age group. Their response to such a complex topic as dementia amazed and inspired me. They were extremely engaging and demonstrated undeniable thirst for knowledge.”
Group leader Fiona said: “It’s so important for our cubs to understand more about the impact of dementia on our community. After Kinga’s amazing briefing, they just loved spending time with
Services are just a call away
Swindon Borough Council’s Adult Social Care service offers a range of support services including advice on living at home, getting out and about, care homes and housing options, health and wellbeing, legal and financial issues and how to be a carer. For more information about all aspects of adult social care provided by Swindon Borough Council see the council’s website at: https://localoffer.swindon. gov.uk Or to talk directly to a
member of the Adult Social Care team, use the following numbers: Adult Social Care: 01793 463333 (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm Friday. Emergency Duty Team: (Social Care): 01793 436699 (Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 8.30am, and on Fridays from 4.30pm all the way through to 8.30am on Mondays, with a 24 hour service on Bank Holidays)
the residents, whether singing around a makeshift campfire or helping with some Christmas craft, the night was a great success for all involved.” www.ridgewayrise.com
Auxiliary Care links
Swindon Hearing Specialists is run by Les Cavilla, who has over 15 years experience in both the local Great Western Hospital audiology clinic and private sectors. He is your independant hearing care provider that can see you at a time convenient to you. www.swindonhearing.com Judith Furse - Judith provides braille transcription services www.swindonbraille.co.uk
Ridgeway Health & Wellness www.ridgewayhealthand wellness.co.uk Shaw Chiropractic Clinic www.shawchiropracticclinic. co.uk The Chiropractic Health Centre www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk Reiki Swindon: Paul Driscoll www.reikiswindon.co.uk
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Cold and Flu Season: What You Need to Know It’s that time of year, where it's impossible to go out without passing someone with a spluttering cough. We speak to Dr Parvin Farkhani, Private GP at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital, to learn about the differences between cold and flu, plus what you can do to protect yourself. What causes cold and flu? Common cold and flu are both respiratory infections caused by viruses. Flu can be caused by specific viruses called influenza virus type A and B, however, common cold can be caused by many different types of viruses. Whilst the common cold can happen at any time of year, the flu is more common between October to March. How does it spread? You can catch the flu in the same way as you would with the common cold which is by contacting the droplets spread by the infected person. This could be from sneezing, coughing or physical contact with a person e.g. shaking hands. Alternatively, surfaces
contaminated by the saliva can also spread the infection. However the infection is spread, the route of entry is always the same, via the mouth, nose or eyes. Common cold symptoms The common cold mainly affects the nose, throat, larynx and sinuses. It lasts for a few days, usually no longer than a week. The most common symptoms are nasal congestion, runny nose, dry throat and congested sinuses. Fever onset is rare and would usually be mild. Ultimately, the common cold does not cause any serious complications and the majority carry on with their daily activities despite the infection. Flu Symptoms With flu, the symptoms are a lot more severe – and the onset rapid. You will normally feel so exhausted that it prevents you from continuing with daily activities. A persistent fever above 38C and severe body aches are common, with the possibility of a sore throat, cough, headaches, shivering,
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and diarrhoea or vomiting. Most symptoms of the flu improve within three to seven days, but tiredness can continue for over a week. Is flu really more dangerous than a cold? Seasonal flu can be associated with complications, such as pneumonia which is sometimes life threatening. Other complications may include sinusitis, bronchitis and an ear infection. If you experience a wet cough combined with a persistent fever and breathing problems you should seek medical advice immediately. If you initially see an improvement, but then start to deteriorate again, you should also seek advice as this can be a sign of complications or a superadded bacterial infection. Is there a way to treat these infections? Prevention is key. The flu vaccine is the best defence, but practising good hygiene, washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with infected people all play their part too.
If you are infected, remember that neither condition requires antibiotics, and these are only ever indicated if you develop complications. While your doctor may issue a prescription for an antiviral flu medication, over-the-counter medications will often ease symptoms, such as decongestants for the nose and painkillers for aches, pains and fever. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, rest until your body fights the infection off, and to stay away from other people to avoid the risk of passing the virus to others. If you’re concerned about your health but finding it difficult to see a GP, BMI The Ridgeway Hospital offers rapid access to private GP appointments. To find out more call 0800 096 2694.
How high is your blood pressure? By Shalbourne Private Health Care’s cardiologist Dr Tom Hyde. Around a third of UK adults have high blood pressure levels, though many are unaware of it. That’s because high blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms. Persistently raised blood pressure can increase our risk of heart disease, strokes, aneurysms, kidney disease and vascular dementia. But you can reduce your chances of high blood pressure and, if you are diagnosed, it can be treated. You can get your blood pressure checked by a health professional, or you can buy a home blood pressure monitor. The British Hypertension Society has information about validated monitors you can buy at bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/forhome-use/. Everyone’s blood pressure fluctuates, so one high reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem. These steps can help you reduce your blood pressure: • Reducing your salt intake.
• Cutting out smoking. • Taking more exercise. • Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 18.5 and 24.9. Check yours at www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthyweight/bmi-calculator/. • Drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. • Checking with your pharmacist which over-thecounter medicines may raise your blood pressure. • Sleeping well. Try to relax with a bath or easy read before bed, avoid using mobiles and PCs before sleeping and have a quiet and dark bedroom. Shalbourne Private Health Care is proudly provided by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Call 01793 646060 or 01793 646061. www.theshalbourne.co.uk
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Improve your lifestyle Let’s face it, most of us have indulged ourselves over Christmas. But as the new year dawns, many of us resolve to eat and drink less, and exercise more – only to find our motivation disappearing within weeks. Hannah Coleman, a specialist dietitian with Shalbourne Private Health Care in Swindon, says it is easier to adopt a healthier lifestyle long-term if we obey some simple rules. We need to be clear in our own minds about why we want to do it, we need to be able to fit it around our normal lives - and we need to enjoy it.
“Eating well and getting regular exercise greatly reduces your chances of developing chronic illnesses and increases the likelihood that you will enjoy a long, active life,” says Hannah. “But it’s far better to make changes that you – and your family – can live with long term. Most of us can make minor tweaks to our daily lives that will help us avoid ill health. “Try getting off the bus a stop
earlier, or walking briskly to the shops rather than taking the car or ordering online. “At home, walk around while you’re on the phone, use a push lawn mower to cut the grass, and make gardening a regular activity. "Or join a walking group, and make some new friends at the same time. "If you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll enjoy the exercise that comes with it.”
Enjoy eating your way to better health Too many calories or unbalanced diets rich in processed foods can be a threat to health. Fortunately, many of the foods that are good for us are also delicious. • Starchy foods should make up just over a third of our diet. Choose higher fibre wholegrain varieties, such as high fibre pasta and brown rice. • Fruit and veg should also make up just over a third of our diet. Aim for at least five 80g portions of fruit and veg a day. • Dairy contains protein and vitamins, as well as calcium which can help protect us from osteoporosis. Choose lower fat
versions, such as semi-skimmed milk, and yoghurt with 5g of sugar or less. • Protein, our bodies’ building blocks, can be found in fish, eggs, meat and pulses. Pulses are low in fat and high in fibre (which is great for your gut and can lower cholesterol levels). If you increase your fibre intake, drink more water too. • If you’re a meat eater, go for lean cuts, eat moderate amounts of red meat and make bacon, sausages and other processed meats an occasional treat. • Some fats are good for you in moderation. Look for unsaturated fats on
Log onto your healthier lifestyle • For tips, myth busters and facts about eating and drinking healthily www.nhs.uk/oneyou • For information on walking groups and routes - www. wiltsswindonramblers.org.uk
• If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can find useful advice at www.nhs.uk/live-well/eatwell/vegetarian-and-vegandiets-q-and-a
labels – rapeseed, olive and sunflower oils are all “good fats”. Oily fish such as salmon, fresh tuna and sardines contain omega 3 fatty acids which are good for heart health. All fats are high in calories, though, so eat moderately. • Sugary foods – cake, chocolate, sugary soft drinks, ice creams – should all be on your occasional treat list. • Swap salt for herbs and spices for added flavour or zing. • Government recommended maximum limits on alcohol are two units a day, but try several alcohol free days a week.
Private health care in Swindon Shalbourne Private Health Care is proudly provided by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. To find out more call 01793 646060 or 01793 646061.
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Swindon gymnasts spring for gold at British Championships By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk
An elite squad of Swindon gymnasts have come out on top at the British and South West Championships – competing against acrobatic gymnasts from across the globe. Four teams from Evoke Gymnastics - based at the Oasis Leisure Centre – achieved places in the top five at the British Championships last May. Lydia Mulvey and Natalia Gilbert, both aged 12 at the time of winning - won the top spots and took away five gold medals. Mixed pair, Tilly-Rose Sawyer, 10, and Kailen Hardy-Heavens, 11, won bronze. At the South West Championships last October Evoke equally came away victorious as Lydia and Natalia took the silver and Tily-Rose and Kailen won gold. The acrobatic gymnastics
is a competitive sport where gymnasts work as a team to perform balances, dances and tumbling. Set to music, the gymnasts work in pairs or groups to create original routines. Led by former Cirque de Soleil artist and a two times world champion, Nikita Sukhanov, the coach says the team has gone from strength to strength. Speaking of the team's successes Mr Sukhanov said: “Amazing results by our team this year. "Overachieving the plans that were set in the beginning of the year our partnerships took Gold, Bronze, fourth and fifth places at the National Finals competing against the best clubs in the world and finishing the year with four Gold and two Silver medals at the South West Championship. I’m very pleased.” www.facebook.com/Evokegym
Lydia Mulvey and Natalia Gilbert
Tilly-Rose Sawyer and Kailen Hardy-Heavens
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Swindon Life
Celebrating town living
Wiltshire Air Ambulance gets snapped up for Sony photography exhibition Wiltshire Air Ambulance will feature in a photography exhibition by award-winning Sony Europe imaging ambassador Terry Donnelly. Terry spent three days with the pilots and paramedics to get a unique insight into the charity’s work and to capture images of them during their daily duties. He has now selected more than 40 images to exhibit to the public at the Royal Photographic Society national headquarters in Bristol from 9 to 12 January, before returning to Wiltshire at Chippenham Town Hall from 13 to 17 January. Wiltshire Air Ambulance chief executive David Philpott said: “From the very first moment Terry met with us to discuss this project at the idea stage, he has been a consummate professional.
“He worked closely with the aircrew and our charity staff to tell a story of what we do in pictures and we can’t wait for everyone to see his work.” Terry is the holder of four fellowships in photography with four different organisations and has had work exhibited in over 25 countries earning in excess of 230 international awards. Mr Donnelly said: “My sincere thanks goes out to all at Wiltshire Air Ambulance for granting me access in such an open and honest manner to obtain the photographs for the exhibition. “To witness amazing people providing an incredible service at close quarters was something I will never forget. “The support from Sony during this project has made this project possible and the printing of the exhibition by Fotospeed has made the exhibition a reality.” swindonlink.com n January 2020
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Swindon Town: Fans are daring to dream of League One By Alfie Howlett publisher@swindonlink.com
Belief is flowing around the County Ground with abundance and fans are beginning to dream that Richie Wellens and his team will be booking their place in League One come 25 April. At the time of writing, Swindon are top of the tree by three points and have just won six games in a row. Swindon also won six games in a row in 2006 and 2012 and encouragingly both teams secured promotion in 2006 and 2012. Other positives saw the return of 2012 league winning captain Paul Caddis to the County Ground. However most notably it seems Swindon have managed to fix their form against less competitive teams below them. When I last wrote, I stressed the importance of keeping the league's leading marksman Eoin Doyle. However despite Doyle's continuous scoring I
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now believe there would be two worse players to lose than Doyle who are pivotal to Swindon's style. I am talking about tough tackling midfielder Anthony Grant and the relentless worker Jerry Yates. Despite being contracted on loan until the end of the season, there is a clause where Yates can be recalled by parent club Rotherham in January. This is unlikely, however. If Swindon don't have Yates then I think Eoin Doyle scores fewer goals. Yates is the hardest working player I've seen play in a Swindon shirt. He runs his socks off and closes the ball down like a dog with a bone. His selfless service allows his strike partner Doyle to receive more chances. Yates does all this while being in double figures for the season in the scoring charts. Anthony Grant's loan spell expires in January however it looks likely that he won't be playing his football in 2020 in
Shropshire for Shrewsbury, his parent club. Grant, 32, was forced to train with the youth team at Shrewsbury before joining Swindon in the summer. So we could see Grant joining Town on a permanent deal. Grant is a catalyst for Swindon attacks and he rarely loses a tackle therefore his qualities are a must have for Swindon. Swindon this year have found a ruthless edge to their play when playing against less competitive teams below them. Previously, Town would struggle to break down teams that played with 10 men behind the ball and tried to nick a win through a set piece. As a result Swindon have suffered some embarrassing defeats in previous seasons to
teams of this description. However, this season Swindon have managed to find the break through against teams that are less competitive. This is pivotal for any promotion chasing side as you need to pick up the easy three points to climb up the table. Lastly, I shall end with the good news of ex-league winning skipper Paul Caddis returning after seven years away from the Wiltshire club. Caddis has two good feet and can play as a versatile full back. His experience could come as gold for Swindon at the end of the season. Is it written in the stars for Town and Caddis? Will they be 2019\20 League Two champions on the 25th of April?
The cycling column: access to the countryside is vital By Becky Cox: Swindon Cycle Campaign Lots of people complain about Swindon, but I think that there are lots of things to be positive about in our town. Having been born and bred here I was quick to move away and see the ‘real world’ at 18, see how much greener the grass was. After living in various parts of the south west, I came to realise that my home town wasn’t all that bad after all. The main reason for this thought was that I really appreciate having good access to the countryside. I love walking, cycling and generally exploring nature. Swindon itself is surrounded by stunning countryside which is so easily accessible by quiet roads and paths. This is unlike many other places, where busy roads or coastlines segregate access. Swindon benefits from the Marlborough Downs to the south, Cotswold Water Parks to the north and the Vale of the White Horse to the east. I could go on, but there is so much to explore around our town. I know that I’m not the only one
that feels this way and there are many other individuals and clubs who make use of this. Having access to the countryside is vital for our wellbeing and physical health. Day House Lane forms one of these key links to the countryside from the urban area of Swindon, passing Coate Water Park and providing a low trafficked route towards Liddington, Marlborough and further afield. Swindon Cycle Campaign were recently alerted about proposals to temporarily close this vital link in association with works to the M4 Junction 15. The importance of this route to walkers, cyclists, horseriders and joggers cannot be understated. This is why we are now working with Highways England to try to find an alternative to the closure of this vital link. If you would like to find out more or get involved in helping to provide an alternative to the closure of this route please get in touch with our infrastructure volunteer: dick.millard@btinternet.com
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Honda Civic 2020: 'Outstanding handling and ride comfort' By Motoring Writer Leigh Robinson publisher@swindonlink.com
Honda’s Swindon built Civic has revealed a range of upgrades for their 2020 model, with exterior styling enhancements and improvements. All Civic models have been pretty good cars over the years and this refreshed number is no different, great to look at and great to handle. The upgrades also include full LED headlight clusters, and redesigned LED daytime running lights and new 16-inch alloy wheels are available for the entry-level model, while mid and top-range models can be styled with sporty 17-inch alloys for customers wanting a more dramatic look. The Civic continues to be versatile and practical, with the added benefit of an electric eight-way adjustable driver’s seat available. The refreshed infotainment system connects the driver with the car seamlessly and
incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Civic retains its range of highly-efficient and powerful engines, with CVT or six-speed manual transmissions. The 1 litre VTEC Turbo unit, with 126 PS and 200 Nm of torque, achieves NEDC CO2
emissions from 107 g/km for the CVT-equipped model, and WLTP fuel economy from 49.6 mpg. The larger 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo petrol option produces 182 PS and 240 Nm of torque, with emissions from 128 g/km for the six-speed manual model and combined fuel economy
I love the sound of Italian. It’s a poet’s dream, the way it sweeps over you like a romance, whispers internal rhyme even in casual sentences. Add Italian hand-gestures and you’ve got a performance. Sometime in the future I want to read Italian poets in the original, Dante for example. I have translations. They are inspiring but I feel they miss something and I want to feel that something. Here’s the beginning of a love poem,
L’Infinito (The Infinite), by Giacomo Leopardi:
Maurice Spillane: Italian is pure poetry By Maurice Spillane publisher@swindonlink.com
I took up Italian last year. I’d a smattering of the language from business trips over the years: please and thanks, basic greetings, and I wouldn’t have died of thirst in a trattoria. I used the app, Duolingo, and CDs, all of which were fine but I lacked a voice, a real Italian to converse with. And behold, I met Imma when I joined an Italian course in New College. She’s a delightful teacher, a giggler who’d brighten anyone’s evening, so encouraging and very specific. I’m back to being a schoolboy: my homework done, revisions completed, always on best behaviour. I’m sure everyone in the class would agree she spoils us: sweets on the table, wine and Italian deliciousness at end of term. If you fancy something brave to do this coming year, look up New College.
Always to me beloved was this lonely hillside And the hedgerow creeping over and always hiding The distances, the horizon's furthest reaches. But as I sit and gaze, there is an endless Space still beyond, there is a more than mortal Silence spread out to the last depth of peace . . .
of 46.3 mpg. Honda’s recently revised 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine offers 120 PS and torque of 300 Nm, combined with emissions of 90 g/km when equipped with the sixspeed manual transmission, and fuel economy of 62.8 mpg. The refreshed Civic retains a sophisticated chassis set up that delivers outstanding handling and ride comfort. The Civic continues with safety features which are complemented by Honda SENSING active safety and driver assist technologies, installed on all grades. The safety system incorporates Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System and Traffic Sign Recognition. Customers will be able to test drive 2020 Civic at their local dealer from January 2020, with deliveries starting the same month. Prices will be from around £20,000.
Swindon: • Beehive Pub – Tuesday 12 January, 7.30pm • Open Mic – Monday 20 January, 7.30pm Regent Hotel, Victoria Road Felice Anno Nuovo http://mauricespillane.com/ felice-anno-nuovo
Kicking off the New Year in
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Swindon Spotlight
YOUR GUIDE TO THE MONTHS AHEAD In the community l Organisers of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride festival have announced the LGBTQ+ event will return for its 12th year this Summer. The vibrant community festival will return to the Town Gardens, Old Town, on Saturday 8 August 2020. The theme for this year will be ‘We Are Family’. www. swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk
Book now... LITTLE MIX TO PLAY KINGSHOLM STADIUM IN JULY 2020
The world's biggest girl band, Little Mix, is returning to Gloucester next summer performing at Kingsholm Stadium in July 2020. X-Factor winners - turned the world's biggest girl band - Little Mix have confirmed they will be performing at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, on Thursday 9 July 2020. The band said: “Performing live is our favourite thing to do as a band, we love it. Our last Summer tour in 2018 was one of our favourites ever, so we can’t wait for some more brilliant outdoor shows this year. We want everyone to come party with us in the sunshine!” Pop fans can expect to be hearing tracks such as ‘Woman Like Me’, ‘Shout Out To My Ex’, ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Wings’ as part of Little Mix's Summer Tour 2020. www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
GAGA FOR A STAR IS BORN THIS WAY
This brand-new theatre show A Star Is Born This Way is taking the UK by storm. Multiaward-winning Lady Gaga tribute impersonator Donna Marie brings A Star is Born and Gaga's biggest hits to the Wyvern Theatre Saturday 7 March. Tickets: £25.50 www.swindontheatres.com
ALL NEW CIRCUS OF HORRORS
The new Circus of Horrors show will be a celebration of 25 years and will include an amazing amalgamation of acts all driven by a rock n roll sound scape. The Britain's Got Talent finalists head to the Wyvern Theatre 21 January. Age guidance: 16+. Tickets: £22 - £29 www.swindontheatres.com
LUCY PORTER IS NO BROWN OWL
TV favourite Lucy returns to Swindon with another fantastic stand-up show. At Brownies, Lucy thought she’d be prepared for anything as long as she had her emergency 10p for a phone box, and knew how to tie a Fisherman’s knot. Join her journey 7 March. Tickets: £19 www.swindontheatres.com
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
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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
l Swindon Wellbeing & Arts Festival will be back in 2020. For now you can register your interest for displaying work, running events or just promote your arts sessions. Email Charlie Paradise: cparadise@swindon.gov.uk l The Gin To My Tonic Festival brings together more than 100 different gins from across the UK and beyond. The festival will take place at Steam Museum 1 May. Tickets: £14pp. www.thegintomytonic.com l Race for Life returns to Lydiard Park Sunday 17 May. This is a 5k for everyone. "This is thousands of people uniting with one purpose - to raise valuable funds for life-saving research." www.raceforlife. cancerresearchuk.org l Swindon JobFest returns to Swindon for its sixth year, Tuesday, 4 February (National Apprenticeship Week), at Swindon's Steam Museum. Young job seekers will be given the opportunity to network, meet prospective employers, attend seminars on setting up your own business and receive careers and apprenticeship advice. www.swindon.gov.uk
Confirm date, time & price with venue
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Panto review: Sleeping Beauty was a Christmas cracker! By Ben Fitzgerald ben@swindonlink.com
You can’t have a decent pantomime without a convincingly evil villain. And when the evil fairy Carabosse takes to the stage, this is what you get! In a puff of smoke and shimmering green lights EastEnders and Coronation Street favourite Michelle Collins egged on the crowd to the point of hysteria with a scenery-chewing performance that raised the roof. Sleeping Beauty at the Wyvern Theatre, with a script written by CBBC star Chris Jarvis, who also stars in the show, contains all the essential ingredients that you would expect in a cracking Christmas show with a few extra quality extras. Into the mix go… cheesy jokes (for the children), double entendres (nicely aimed above the heads of the younger members of the audience),
a frustratingly hilarious ‘it’s behind you!’ section, a host of catchy songs and some brilliant dancing from the supporting cast. As well as someone to hiss at, you simply have to have a brassy dame. And Matt Rixon, the son of ‘Stars in their Eyes’ presenter Matthew Kelly, throws himself into the role with full-on bosom-hitching sassy attitude, bouncing off Chris Jarvis in a hilarious comedy
partnership that had the whole of the Wyvern Theatre rocking with laughter. There were cheeky topical jokes aplenty, along the lines of… I’m going to have a Brexit Christmas dinner this time around… Just like a normal Christmas dinner but without Brussels. The young cast of professional polished performers playing the prince, princess and supporting dancers were
brilliant and ensured that the whole show romped along at breakneck speed in a haze of silly, colourful and wonderful drama. Oh and keep an eye out for the spectacularly realised dragon. A show not to be missed! Sleeping Beauty runs at the Wyvern Theatre from 7th December to 5th January. For tickets and information see: www.swindontheatres.co.uk
REVIEW: Moira Buffini’s ‘Dinner’ by DTC – 'marvellous entertainment' By Claire Dukes claire@positive-media.co.uk
Dinner parties tend to go one of two ways. Or, so I thought… The first is that you've somehow managed to axe out all the people you dislike and end up having a marvellous time with amazing food, good wine and fabulous company. The second is that you end up awkwardly trying to not give eye contact to the boring couple for fear of being locked in drab conversation, whilst trying to avoid causing a huge argument because your ex is sat at the other end of the table. At the end, you say your fake goodbyes and hope to hell that's it for another year. Then, as I found out, there's a third way. You know, the one with Primordial Soup for starters, Apocalypse of Lobster for the main, Frozen Waste for dessert and for the evening entertainment - instead of Trivial Pursuit and some After Eights - think about how you
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would murder someone, how you would commit suicide and be forced to speak the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Yes, Darkroom Theatre Company played out their version of Moira Buffini's 'Dinner'. The environment and tone were set perfectly from the off. The former C&A store in the Brunel Centre was transformed into a Macbethian-style cold manor, in which this black comedy slowly unravelled. Think of a really slow car crash that you can't help but watch. It's sharp, satirical and gloriously entertaining. The dinner party is held by the most sinister and pedantic of hostesses - Paige (Laura James) - to celebrate her husband's
- Lars (Kevin Bray) - bestselling self-help book. It would become evidently clear that the book could have proved quite useful to all dinner guests including the eco-warrior/ free spirited artist - Wynne (Ella Thomas) who has her own thing with Lars - the know-itall and sensitive intellect - Hal (Paul Marks) - and his new girlfriend/'newsbabe' - Sian (Cerys Hodgkin). But that's not all. As it turns out Wynne's politician boyfriend left her and much to Paige’s dismay there’s an empty seat. But it just so happens that what this dinner of horrors needs is a van driver - Mike (Harry Freeman) - who crashes in the fog and is in need of a telephone (and some passive aggressive table
talk). The final character is not a guest, but the silent waiter whom Paige is having on the side. It was a fittingly long play. Yes, our hostess Paige (James' savagely hilarious bitch of character) drags the guests through one of her infamous dinner parties to reveal the grotesque nature of the bourgeoisie - a table so consumed by themselves that they don't understand the irony of the dishes. Until, of course, our not-so-silent waiter reveals his grim true purpose to serve the coldest course: revenge. 'Dinner' rang to me as 'The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie' (Luis Buñuel) meets 'Weekend' (Jean-Luc Godard) - a complete dishevelment of the bourgeoisie, with all the favourable stereotypes who played their part to a tee. It had everything you wanted: scandal, fake happiness, murder and allegorical meals. Indeed, a terrible dinner party but marvellous entertainment. swindonlink.com n January 2020 25 06/01/2020 12:18
By Ben Fitzgerald
Swindon Lives WITH: Paula Vernon
M
oonraker’s manager Paula Vernon began her career in the pub trade 27 years ago, when she took her first job with Swindon brewery Arkell’s, and she hasn’t looked back. And she’s keen to share her positive experience of working in the trade with others who might want to follow in her footsteps. “When I started, I didn’t even know how to pull a pint! I absolutely love it, I honestly don’t know what I else I would do if I didn’t run a pub!” After a two-week training course at the Sun Inn, Paula embarked on her first stint behind the
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bar, working at the Dolphin in Rodbourne. Since then she has worked at the Wheatsheaf in Stratton before her current role. “You have to be prepared to work hard, but the rewards are there if you have a passion for it. Being a pub manager is wonderful sociable job. It’s important to be friendly and welcoming, I treat everyone the same, and don’t have any favourites.” Paula, 50, works alongside a team of 10 at the pub, including her daughter Selena. She said: “I’m lucky to have a great team here at the Moonrakers, we all pitch in and help each other and it all runs
well. It’s nice to work with my daughter, she’s my right-hand woman! I enjoy working for Arkell’s, I’ve been with them all this time and I’ve always been well treated. They are a lovely company to work for.” Arkell’s have launched a recruitment campaign to encourage more people to consider working as a pub manager for them - the longestablished family owned brewery is aiming to find managers for the Village Inn at Liddington, the Bell Inn at Purton Stoke and the Priory Inn at Tetbury. For more information see: www.arkellsrecruitment.co.uk
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SERVICE SECTOR
BATHROOMS & KITCHENS, BOOKKEEPING, CLEANING, DOUBLE GLAZING,DRIVES & PATIOS, ELECTRICAL SERVICES, GARAGE DOORS, GAS & PLUMBING
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Tel: 01793 700637 or 07963 637748
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Home Improvements UPVC & Aluminium Double Glazing Specialists Doors & Windows Composite Doors Fascias/Soffits/Guttering
Independently owned & operated To arrange for a free estimate call
Call Leonard Fuller, A.I.C.B, qualified bookkeeper with over 20 years’ experience.
www.bookkeepingswindon.co.uk
Abacus Cleaning Services Carpets, Rugs and Fabric Upholstery
BOOK-KEEPING Can’t face doing the books after a hard day’s work?
For a prompt professional service call Andy: 07969 350160 / 01793 610286
• Driveways • Patios • Block Paving • Patterned Paving • Landscaping • Fencing • Garden Designs • Tarmacking Reliable - Tidy - Prompt Check us out on Contact Leslie Coneley:
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swindonlink.com n January 2020
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MBING
SERVICE SECTOR
GAS & PLUMBING, LANDSCAPING SERVICES, PAINTING & DECORATING, PLANS DRAWN, REMOVALS, ROOFING, WINDOWS
M.P.S. Heating Services
Combi Boiler Swap from £1300 Gas Central Heating Repairs & Servicing We will guarantee to BEAT any like for like quote!
Semi-retired Plumber SURESTOP SWITCH installed for hard to get at or seized stop cock
CALL 01793 522579 or MOBILE 07816 906437 Email: matt@mpsheating.co.uk www.mpsheating.co.uk 67416
• Disabled extra high toilets fitted • Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in
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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.
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• Felt Roofing • Liquid Plastics • Single-Ply • Slate and Tiling • Fascias and Guttering • General Repairs • Free Estimates Over 40 years experience in the industry
Call Nick on 07973 872266 swindonlink.com n January 2020
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24 Good; 28 Very Good; 33 Excellent.
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Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
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31 29
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P T O
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P
There is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, you should not have to guess.
31 34
R Y E
SUDOKU
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How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Target scores:
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ACROSS
DOWN
1. Fervidly hot (8) 8. Declare not guilty (6) 9. West of Scotland resort (4) 10. Mingle (3) 11. European peninsula (6) 12. Extremely forceful (8) 15. Wore away (6) 16. Cried out sharply (6) 20. Loftier (6) 24. ------ Stone, US actress (6) 27. Vulnerability (8) 28. Beast (6) 29. Hostelry (3) 30. ---- Domini (4) 31. Mass flight (6) 32. Innkeeper (8)
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 12. 13. 14. 17. 18. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
Eraser (6) Gasped (6) Pitched tents (6) Looseness (6) Equals (anag.) (6) Having limits (6) Singlet (4) Long cry of pain (4) Small pond (4) Resound (4) South American country (4) Completed (4) Extension (6) Greek letter (6) Zest (6) Small harpsichord (6) Attack (6) Citrus fruit (6)
7 5 9 4 1 3 2 6 3
5
3
2 5 7
9 7 8 9 5 3 7 7 1 6 9 1 8 3 2 9 6
TECHNOCRATS SNORE
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which, when placed correctly in the grid, will form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
SOLUTIONS
Echo; 18 Peru; 19 QUICK Done; 21 Annexe; 22 CROSSWORD Lambda; 23 Relish; 24 Across – 1 Tropical; Spinet; 25 Assail; 26 8 Acquit; 9 Oban; Orange. 10 Mix; 11 Iberia; 12 Vehement; 15 NONAGRAM Eroded; 16 Yelped; 20 eyot; pert; piety; pity; Taller; 24 Sharon; 27 poet; poetry; port; Exposure; 28 Animal; porter; property; 29 Inn; 30 Anno; 31 PROPRIETY; pyrite; Exodus; 32 Hotelier. report; repot; retro; retry; riot; rioter; rite; Down – 2 Rubber; 3 rorty; rote; roti; ryot; Panted; 4 Camped; terry; tier; tipper; 5 Laxity; 6 Squeal; tippy; tire; tope; toper; 7 Finite; 12 Vest; 13 topi; topper; tore; Howl; 14 Mere; 17 torr; trey; trier; trio; trip; tripe; tripper; trippy; trope; troy; type; typo; tyre; tyro; yeti.
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MAGIC SQUARE host; once; scar; tern.
7
2 7 1 5 8 3 6 4 9
6
9 5 4 7 2 6 1 3 8
6
6 3 8 9 1 4 5 7 2
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8
4 8 7 2 6 5 9 1 3
5
3 6 9 8 7 1 4 2 5
4
1 2 5 4 3 9 7 8 6
3
5 1 2 3 9 7 8 6 4
2
MAGIC SQUARE
8 4 6 1 5 2 3 9 7
1
NONAGRAM
7 9 3 6 4 8 2 5 1
QUICK CROSSWORD
Terms and conditions apply: visit better.org.uk/terms for details. Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6SX Inland Revenue Charity no. XR43398
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MONDAYS 5.15pm Liden Community Centre, Barrington Close SN3 6HF - Lisa C 07840 105363 TUESDAYS 5.30 & 7.30pm Gorse Hill Baptist Church, Cricklade Road, SN2 1AA - Kaz 07728 711164 TUESDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Meadowcroft Community Centre, Addison Crescent SN2 7JX - Rebecca 07816 281940 TUESDAYS 7.30pm Swindon Rugby Club, Greenbridge Road, SN3 3LA - Lisa W 07897 340665 WEDNESDAYS 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill SN1 3LS - Vicky 07917 653700 WEDNESDAYS 7.30pm Coleview Community Centre, Towcester Road SN3 4AS - Lisa C 07840 105363 THURSDAYS 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Paul’s Church Centre, St Paul’s Drive SN3 5BY - Kate 07795 024352 THURSDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm Polish Community Centre, Walton Close SN3 2JU - Gill 07707 031305 FRIDAYS 9.30am Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill SN1 3LS - Rebecca 07816 281940 FRIDAYS 9.30am & 11.30am Swindon Rugby Club, Greenbridge Road SN3 3LA - Lisa W 07897 340665 SATURDAYS 8.00am & 10.00am Moose Hall, Eastcott Hill, SN1 3LS - Rebecca 07816 281940
Grab your friends and family - 5 join together for £5
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Bring along your Antiques & Jewellery for a FREE valuation with Thomas, OR members of his team from Special Auction Services
Monday 13th January 10am to 3.30pm
Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG Valuations are by appointment only To arrange a time, please call 01635 580595 or contact us via the website
www.specialauctionservices.com
Special Auction Services
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