September 2015 Swindon link by swindonlink6

No 400 September 2015

Swindonâ€™s largest free news publication. Est. 1978

In print, online & mobile Est. readership: 70,000 Advertising starts from just ÂŁ57 Contact us: T: 01793 781502 E: advertising@swindonlink.com

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400 EDITION

1978 to 2015 See page 4

Community news: P2 - P22

Swindon Wide: P23 - P35

Leisure: P36 - P47

Viewpoint: P54 - P55

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D-Day soldier receives French honour A Swindon veteran of the D-Day Landings has been recognised for his contribution to the Allied liberation of France in 1944. Now aged 95 and living in Moredon, Jim Trew has been awarded the rank of Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur by the French government. He has another European connection from the last year of the war when his unit was posted to Holland and he met his future wife Henny in a battered street in Nijmegen, shortly after the German occupation had ended. With remarkable clarity he recalls the day in 1938 when he joined the reserves of the Kensington regiment before being conscripted into the army, his subsequent posting to Iceland, and in 1944 landing on the Normandy beaches. He saw action with the 49th Division including the battle for Fontenay Ridge in the Odon river valley which saw the Germans lose hundreds of men and armoured vehicles. “It was the last organised armoured attack mounted by the Germans in Normandy and was an indication of the end of their fighting machine. Odon was awarded as

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Jim holding the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur a battle honour which appears on regimental flags.” The 49th Division then took part in the freeing of Le Havre and small towns in northern France up to Tilburg in Holland. Without assistance from any other units the Kensingtons liberated Vorselaar in Belgium. At the end of November 1944, Jim arrived with his unit to take up civilian billets in Nijmegen where the defence of the bridge was to take place that winter.

He recalls: “I drove into Rembrandt Strasse in Nijmegen and pulled up to see a lovely 15 year old school girl standing on the doorstep of the house next door to the house where battalion headquarters were based. Not a word or smile was passed, but something happened because four years later we were married.” Read the full story including how Jim courted Henny in the last months of the war and beyond at: www.bit.ly/jimtrew

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Magazine features sailor’s Dunkirk spirit

Ivor Frost from North Swindon with his daughter Diane The Autumn edition of Swindon Heritage magazine tells the story of a Swindon sailor who 75 years ago played a part in the ten day operation to evacuate over 338,000 soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk. Eighteen year old Ivor Frost was a young shop assistant from Rodbourne serving as an able seaman aboard the light cruiser HMS Dido when he rowed lifeboats to pick up men from the beaches and transport them to larger ships at sea.

His naval career saw him serve in all the major conflicts of the Second World War. Ivor collected a treasure trove of photographs which are featured in Swindon Heritage magazine which has published quarterly since 2012 and is run as a not-for-profit social enterprise by three local historians. Single copies can be purchased at Swindon Central Library. To find out more and to subscribe via: www.swindonheritage.com swindonlink.com n September 2015

£30,000 target to mark three decades The Open Door Centre day resource for adults with learning disabilities, is celebrating its thirtieth year and is aiming to raise £30,000. More than £11,590 is in the kitty and organisers are keen for supporters to boost the total by Christmas at events on: Saturday 19 September, 7pm: Anniversary Ball at Alexandra House. Tickets: £35; Saturday 3 October, 7.30pm: Choral Concert with Thamesdown Ladies’ Choir and the Janice Thompson Singers, St Barnabas Church; Friday 30 October, 7pm: Open Door Choir Concert, Gorse Hill

Community Centre; Sunday 22 November, 4pm & 8pm: Kentwood Christmas Cracker, Wyvern Theatre; Saturday 19 December, 7.30pm: Pegasus Brass Band Concert, St Barnabas Church, with Open Door Choir leading carol singing. For tickets contact Susan Pearson on 01793 512357. To find out more, drop into Love Open Door! at St Barnabas Church Hall, Gorse Hill every Friday, 10am to 1.15pm, for tea, coffee, homemade cakes or a light lunch. www.theopendoorcentre.co.uk

400 and still going strong This edition is a bit of a milestone for Swindon Link as it’s the four hundredth published since the first unnamed edition was distributed to around 500 houses in West Swindon in December 1978. Those quick on the maths, or who have grabbed a calculator, will have worked out that there have been 452 months since then. However for the first eight years Link came out as a community newsletter eight times a year, and in the 1990s for a few years we published 11 editions

annually, combining December and January. Nevertheless, giving away a magazine now with a print run of 28,000 which has always been entirely dependent on advertising for more than 36 years is an achievement of which we’re proud. Businesses are as keen as ever to advertise in the Link and we continue to sustain the quality of content to ensure readers are well served with useful, relevant and trusted information.

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Director: James Phipps Group Editor: Jamie Hill Associate: Roger Ogle Sales: Anita Jaynes & Dave Stewart Photography: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

ADVERTISING Call 01793 781502 or email: advertising@swindonlink.com Closing date for October adverts and editorial: 7 September October edition published: 26 September

Swindon Publications Ltd. Arclite House, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YN T: 01793 744677 E: publisher@swindonlink.com Our Statistics Est. Readership of 70,000 in print & c.20,000 monthly online visitors. Swindon’s largest free publication. Advertising starts from just £57. The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or electronic form is forbidden unless an advertiser or publisher has sought permission. Articles and photographs require similar authority. Swindon Publications Ltd. cannot be held responsible for goods or services or the copyright of content supplied by our advertisers. Reg. in England & Wales. No: 4513027, at Arclite House, Hillmead, Swindon SN5 5YN. Printed by pcp Telford

Royal visit to pay tribute to town’s flying hero HRH The Duke of Gloucester will be guest of honour at Swindon Remembers, on 15 September, a VIP commemoration organised by Swindon Heritage marking the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. He will visit the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Radnor Street to honour Swindon born pilot Squadron Leader Harold Starr, and all the pilots who fought for control

of the skies over southern England in the Summer of 1940. The Duke, an Honorary Air Marshal in the RAF, will meet members of Harold’s family, including 93 year old Peter Starr Mills from Dorset who attended Harold’s funeral on 6 September 1940. A flypast over Harold’s grave by Spitfires and Hurricanes of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

in tribute to the 544 pilots killed in the battle, including Harold Starr, will close the ceremony. HRH will then attend Swindon Station to name a First Great Western Class 43 locomotive SQN LDR HAROLD STARR. Read the full story at: www.bit.ly/bobvisit • See page 29 for details of Battle of Britain events.

A new vision for Swindon to be unveiled Swindon hasn’t exactly got the best name for itself, but a new and sustained marketing campaign is going to change negative outlooks according to borough council leader David Renard, right. He said all will be revealed at the council’s cabinet on 9 September: “The report to members will give the detail but essentially it is about creating a sustainable vision for the town. “We need a plan for the whole of Swindon over the next 15 years. It’s a town that we should all be proud of but there’s a lot of work to do to change people’s perceptions.” Part of the campaign is to make Swindon a cultural hub to visitors from around the world. Robert Hiscox, founder of the insurance empire and a noted art collector, who lives close by, has been involved with Swindon’s ambitious £20 million project to replace the museum and art gallery in Old Town. It is home to what experts rate as one of the most important collections of 20th Century British Art and includes works by Lucian Freud, Frank Auerbach, Henry Moore, LS Lowry and Maggi Hambling. There is also a notable ceramics collection. The proposed new gallery, to be built on the car parks in front of the Wyvern Theatre, will be the

centrepiece of a ‘cultural quarter,’ complemented by restaurants and bars, and a new performance venue. Coun Renard added: “Robert has done a great deal already by putting his name to the project as he is hugely influential. But it’s not just Robert, this is a joint project between the council, private enterprise and the Arts Council; hopefully together we will achieve what we want.” In an article published in The Telegraph on 18 August, Mr Hiscox said: "Swindon is not a tourist destination, but it has an art collection which everyone admires, a good ceramics collection, and a great science and engineering heritage. We want to combine all of those in the new museum and gallery. "If, by the time I die, Swindon makes people think of culture instead of ugliness, I will be a happy man." An initial bid for £12.5 million to the Heritage Lottery Fund was turned down in May, but a refined application will be submitted in 2016. The council has pledged £5 million with the balance coming from benefactors. A visionary artistic director is now being sought to spearhead the project. But Coun Renard believes cultural attractions are only one piece of the puzzle as the future engagement between the council and its citizens has to change. He said: “As local government Robert Hiscox with the Lord Lieutenant budgets are cut, we need to come of Wiltshire Sarah Rose Troughton at up with ways to work together the JMW Turner exhibition in to retain the facilities we need Swindon Art Gallery in October 2014 by bringing together the council,

the private sector and voluntary and residents’ organisations. “A good example of this is what happened to our leisure services which were transferred to GLL which is an independent trust. We had to cut our leisure budget but still managed to keep the facilities. “Swindon is a town that has some very good stuff going for it. There are excellent facilities and parks, but people see the town centre and judge us by that. With regeneration schemes such as Regent Circus, the Kimmerfields development around the bus station as well as the cultural quarter, it is not an impossible task to finally change people’s perceptions.”

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Quiz teams wanted Thinking about the ultimate exit We plan most aspects of our lives, often involving celebrations and telling the world about it via social media. But one area not discussed in much detail nowadays is death. Our views on the subject are quite conservative in the West but the trend is slowly changing. Lynda Bellingham’s struggle with terminal cancer and the dignified way she dealt with the issues, choosing to be open and frank about her struggle and ultimate passing was heart rending, yet admirable. The humorist and poet Clive James has

Get those grey cells moving after the holidays, dust off the dictionary or memorise Google. Swindon Cares needs teams of six to raise money for DASH (Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness) and Hop, Skip & Jump respite care for children with additional needs on Tuesday 8 September, 7pm for 7.30pm start, at the DeVere Village, Shaw Ridge, compered by Shaun Hodgetts of BBC Wiltshire. Entrance fee £40 per team. To enter call Jane Fox on 01793 502985.

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spoken eloquently on radio of his coming terminal moment. And with the recent advent of the worldwide death cafe movement, the taboo of learning more and speaking about the end of life is being challenged. In the spirit of trying to help people come to terms with the fact that all life ends, Hillier Funeral Service, which has served people in Swindon and surrounding areas since 1923, is holding its first open day on 12 September. The public are invited to a behind the scenes tour of the facilities at the Chapel of Rest in Rodbourne where Hillier staff will hopefully dispel some of the myths and unveil the mysteries surrounding the funeral service industry. Members of the team, alongside a range of experts will be present to discuss anything funeral related that you may be concerned or curious about. On hand will be ministers, civil officiants, a prepaid funeral plan expert and Hillier’s own bereavement co-ordinator. Lynda Woodward, office manager, said: “Our chapels, mortuary, workshop and fleet of vehicles will all be on show, along with a stunning horse drawn hearse. Light refreshments will be available free

of charge on the day. “We’ll also have a display of interesting information about funeral cultures around the world; in eastern Indonesia for example people refer to their deceased as ‘being sick or asleep’ and are cared for in designated rooms in the family home, being symbolically fed and even taken out on special occasions. “We are of course here to arrange the funeral and offer as much advice and support as we can when bereavement occurs. Giving some consideration to the end of life does help with the difficult decisions that have to be faced, particularly when emotions can be very raw. “We understand people may have mixed feelings about visiting a funeral director, but our aim for the day is for visitors to take with them a sense of freedom to be able to think about and discuss end of life needs beforehand. This could include what they would like for their funeral. It could be something as small as a favourite song or a big decision such as choosing between a burial or cremation, or just to be aware of some of the practical issues that need to be addressed when faced with bereavement.” www.deathcafe.com

Breast Cancer Now organisers looking for ladies who need pampering

Driving Breast Cancer Now locally, Geoff Beale, Gina Beale, Lynn Parfrey, Mandy Girvan, Stephanie Beale, Natasha Girvan, Paul Parfrey Breakthrough Breast Cancer merged earlier this year with Breast Cancer Campaign and the reformed Swindon & North Wiltshire Group of Breast Cancer Now is holding a Ladies Pink Pamper Night to help raise money for this new charity on Thursday 24 September, 7.15pm at the Marriott Hotel. There will be craft and trade stalls offering samples, as well as therapists giving taster sessions in massage, manicures and all those things that the ladies like to be

pampered with. Group leader Lynn Parfrey from Haydon Wick, who has organised these popular events for several years, said: “Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for vital research, as well as to promote awareness of the new combined charity.” Tickets purchased in advance are £5; more on the door. To reserve, contact Lynn Parfrey on 07840 222543 or email: swindon.bcnow@ gmail.com www.breastcancernow.org

October will see poetry everywhere Poetry Swindon Festival, now in its fourth year, is starting to gain a personality, writes Hilda Sheehan. Our hopes for the festival have always been to offer up events that are welcoming, enjoyable, and with a range of styles and moods. This year our short four and a half days will reach out to the Central Library, Savernake Community Centre, Richard Jefferies Museum, the Museum of Computing, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, the Wiltshire & Berkshire Canal, the Swindon & Cricklade Railway, and

Lower Shaw Farm. It will be a celebration of Swindon’s great heritage as well as poetry and we are very proud of what our town can offer the country, and the rest of the world. The festival starts on Thursday 1 October in the Central Library and you’re invited to bring favourite poems or your own poems to share. Swindon is a surprising town - like the best of poems, so come and enjoy it all with us. Find out more at: www.poetryswindon.org

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Trampoline park in the West set to open in November

Ballerina Jodie to perform in London competition Jodie Tielemans from Grange Park is one of a select group of dancers from across the world to enter the famous Genée ballet competition in September; she is thought to the first from Swindon to take part.

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The sign on the contractors’ safety fencing at the entrance to Link Centre’s sports hall can be read both in English and also in a style that, if you’re from a planet far, far away, would be easily recognised by a wise and powerful Jedi Master in the universe of Star Wars. With help from www.yodaspeak.co.uk he explained: ‘Being maintained, full access to library of West Swindon there is.’ GLL, managers of leisure centres across Swindon, have announced that the new ‘Extreme Trampoline Park’ at Link Centre will be opening in November. The sports hall, which previously housed the region’s largest climbing

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wall, closed at the end of June, and work is now well underway as part of a £2 million investment in the centre. GLL, which manages Link Centre under its Better brand, has relocated sports clubs and casual sports activities to other sports centres to make room for the trampoline attraction, whilst climbers will be able to continue their sport at the Rock Star climbing centre due to open in Stratton. The trampoline park, covering 1,200 square metres, will be a series of interconnected safety padded trampolines which can be used by up to 100 people at a time for nonstop freestyle workouts and play. The centre’s two squash courts are being converted into dedicated birthday party rooms and a new café is to be built in the mall. The new facilities will create approximately 25 local jobs and recruitment will start shortly for a range of positions spanning managerial roles to part-time casual vacancies. Paul Shearman, partnership manager for Better, said: “The trampoline park will be one of the very first of its kind in the UK. It will be open to everyone regardless of fitness levels, age or experience, with fully trained coaches on hand to provide expert help and advice.” GLL has also been carrying out repairs on the Link Centre lift which has been out of action for several months. The existing gym is to be fully re-equipped and the centre’s reception is to be relocated to the library/ice rink entrance.

A former student at Lydiard Park Academy and New College, Jodie spent 15 years perfecting her dance technique at Swindon Academy of Dance and has completed her first year of professional ballet training at The School of Ballet Theatre UK in Leicestershire. As part of the competition between 10 and 19 September dancers will work with renowned choreographers and teachers for five days before performing at the semi-finals, and then hopefully at the final. The Genée International Ballet Competition is an annual event organised by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). Also known simply as ‘the Genée,’ it is one of the most prestigious competitions attracting the finest young dancers from around the globe. Only students who pass the final RAD ballet exam with Distinction are eligible to enter the competition which has taken place almost every year since 1931. Ballet companies from across the world are always keen to see new talent emerging and keep a close eye on dancers who do well. Jodie said: “I can't wait to perform at the Genée, it's a fantastic opportunity to present my artistic and physical skills. All the important decision makers in the ballet world will be watching or at least taking an interest in who does well at the competition so you never know what doors it can open.” Watch Jodie talking about her hopes: www.bit.ly/Genee-JT

Singer aims for her talent to be spotted in Blackpool

Performing arts academy launches in Old Town

My Stage School is an exciting, ambitious and high quality performing Phoebe Madison from North Swinarts academy for all abilities, aged 2 don is hopeful her singing ability to adults, opening in September at is going to be recognised by judges Commonweal School. at the finals of Talent Fest UK on It is launched by Ellie Marsden, 28 September, but she’s looking for right, who used to run one of the sponsors to assist her with some of largest theatre school franchises in the costs of attending the show in the world. Her own list of credits Blackpool is impressive, taking her first profesThe 11 year old has raised sional role at the age of 9, followed thousands of pounds for diabetes by touring with pop bands, before charities JDRF and Diabetes UK discovering her love of teaching from singing at community events. young performers. She entered and won Junior Musical My Stage School will run in Old Solo and Junior Solo categories at Town on Saturday mornings with Talent Fest Wales in June which a free trial class on Saturday 12 will see her performing at Blackpool September, 9.30am to 10am for 2 to Winter Gardens amongst regional 6 year olds; 10.30am to 11.30am for finalists from across Britain. 7s to 18s. diabetes which requires injections The top prize is an all exEllie said: “We have high hopes several times a day. penses trip to Belfast to record an and ambitions for every child “Phoebe has done amazingly original track with producer Mickey attending My Stage School and will well to reach the national finals, Modelle, a professionally made perform shows and reviews every we’re all so proud of her,” said dad video performing the track and an term. Antony. “The chance to perform on appearance on a Talent Fest UK “I love every aspect of working a big stage with the prospect of programme to be shown on Sky with children, I feel I’m making a taking her talent further is really TV, accompanied by wide ranging difference to their development not exciting for her. promotion of the track. just as performers but as people. “We’d welcome any business or In May Phoebe asked friends “We’ve had so many successes of individual who would like to support children and young people being invited to her eleventh birthday her to achieve her dream.” party not to give her presents but selected for West End roles simply Help Phoebe at: www.justgiving. to make donations to her favourite from spotting potential. co.uk/phoebe-Maddison charities. She suffers from Type 1 “But it’s not just about audition

success. I get so much pleasure from students gaining confidence and the desire to perform to the best of their abilities. We call it the ‘infectious’ syndrome.’” Ellie has been planning her new academy in Swindon and similar initiatives in Stroud and Cheltenham for months and is itching to get started on getting to know students and working towards the first shows in December. Find out more about Swindon’s newest performing arts academy at www.mystageschool.co.uk or call 0208 642 3506 to book a place at the free workshop on 12 September.

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Public meeting to set out campaign to save Lydiard Park from intrusive housing

Battle lines drawn

A campaign has been launched for St Andrew’s Ridge ward to break People concerned about proposals away from Blunsdon St Andrew by Taylor Wimpey to build houses Parish Council. close to Lydiard Park have their This would form a new elected chance to express their viewpoint parish council which would be able about the project at a public meetto raise its own money for amenities ing on Wednesday 2 September, by its own council tax precept. It 6pm, at Lydiard Millicent Primary has not yet been decided if it would School SN5 3LR. be St Andrew’s Ridge Parish Council Organiser Tim Swinyard, Swindon or St Andrew's Parish Council. councillor for Lydiard and FreshThe move, which has taken the brook said: “Local councillors from long established Blunsdon St Swindon and Wiltshire have tried to Andrew Parish Council by surprise, work with Taylor Wimpey to ensure is spearheaded by Conservative the view from the park is not ruined Vera Tomlinson, who is one of the by a new housing estate, but to no Swindon borough ward councillors avail. They are determined to push for St Andrew’s. forward with a planning application She said: “People have been comto Wiltshire Council in the Autumn. ing to me for the past 18 months Protest in December 2014, from left, Wiltshire councillor Mollie Groom, “I hope people who live on both saying they felt undervalued by James Gray MP, Robert Buckland MP and Swindon councillors sides of the boundary between Blunsdon Parish Council and that Tim Swinyard and Nick Martin Swindon and north Wiltshire will they didn’t feel represented. rural setting. come together to discuss how to includes using only 11 per cent of “They asked if I would help “The government’s planning policy and I’m now spearheading the prevent this application being suctheir land holding and giving the rest gives protection to communities. cessful, and Swindon further intrud- to Lydiard Tregoze Parish Council. campaign. At the moment we are Both Swindon Council and Wiltshire collecting signatures and people ing beyond its present boundary.” South Swindon MP Robert Council have agreed local plans Taylor Wimpey held a public con- Buckland said: “It really is deeply have been uniformly supportive on which do not include development sultation meeting in November to disappointing that the developer the doorstep about the move saying next to Lydiard Park. Any application they would much prefer to have show off their plans for land in their is intent on ignoring the views of ownership for well over 20 years, residents and the Friends of Lydiard that runs contrary to a sound local their own representation to deal with a second in early June showing Park. The house and park are a jewel plan should be rejected.” with the issues that affect them. Robert Buckland MP and James refinements to their proposals for in Swindon’s heritage, and any “This would mean that we would 48 two to five bedroom houses. This planning decision must recognise its Gray MP hope to attend the meeting. be able to raise our own precept

swindonlink.com n September 2015

up over new North Swindon parish

Councillor Vera Tomlinson to make sure it’s spent where it’s needed like on play parks, road crossings and dog bins. “The problem is that Blunsdon is historically a village parish council and has not got much commonality with our side of the A419 which is made up of new housing estates with completely different needs.” According to Coun Tomlinson, the borough solicitor has stated that there would be no legal reason why a new parish council could not be formed if it could be proven that there was enough support. The decision could be made by the borough council and the Govern-

ment at a boundary review in about 18 months. Blunsdon St Andrew Parish Council chairman Ian Jankinson said: “This proposal was a big surprise to us. There had been no discussions with us and no-one in the parish had told us that this is what they wanted. The first we heard was from one of our parishioners who had been approached to sign the petition. “Since then we invited Councillor Tomlinson to one of our meetings so she could let us know about it. The one thing that struck us were the factual inaccuracies on the petition. “It’s a bit disappointing as we believe that our councillors have done a very good job representing all parts of the parish. In fact we have recently taken over the running of Redhouse Community Centre and have provided grants across the area. “I’m a bit worried that this campaign is being run purely out of self-interest on the part of councillor Tomlinson and not for the good of the community as a whole. “We don’t want a battle about this but we would like a discussion so that we can hear from people as to what their thoughts are on the subject."

You are invited to join us for ...

THE DORCAN ACADEMY OPEN EVENING Thursday 24th September 6pm-8pm (No booking required)

A TOUR OF THE DORCAN ACADEMY Tours are available at 9.15am to 10.15am and 2pm to 2.45pm on Tuesday 29th September, Thursday 1st October, Tuesday 6th October, Thursday 8th October, Tuesday 13th October (am only) and Thursday 15th October (pm only). To book a place, please telephone Mrs Sanders on 01793 544018 or email: csanders@dorcan.co.uk We look forward to seeing you!

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Millbrook: All good, early years provision outstanding Millbrook Primary School received an end of term boost when the report of an Ofsted inspection in June judged the school to be good with regard to leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, the quality of teaching and achievement of pupils. The early years provision is ranked as outstanding. The school was created by merging Freshbrook and Windmill primary schools in 2007, and in 2013 became part of the The Link Academies Collaborative Trust with Peatmoor, Shaw Ridge and Westlea primary schools. Headteacher Karen Pyman said: “Ofsted has tightened the inspection framework so we’re absolutely delighted with their judgement. I would like to say a huge thank you to staff, pupils, parents and governors for their hard work and support over the last four years. “Obviously our aim is to be outstanding in all areas and have built in improvements to next year’s plans. We always knew our early years provision was strong and this includes Caterpillars Preschool, so the inspectors’ comments that ‘children quickly settle into an extremely engaging and exciting environment’ and ‘they make an excellent start in

Millbrook youngsters with headteacher Karen Pyman, right, with from left, Alison Stone, Early Years Foundation Stage leader, deputy head Kirsty Williams, assistant head Helen Tucker their reading, writing and understanding of numbers’ are very pleasing. Congratulations go to our Early Years Team, led by Miss Stone and Mrs Larkin, who give children the very best start to their education and their time at Millbrook.” To become an outstanding school Ofsted says Millbrook needs to strengthen attainment in writing in Key Stage 1 and to give pupils more opportunities to practise their writing skills in different subjects. Pupils need also to be given more

demanding work when they are ready to move on to the next level, and time should be given to pupils to respond to the suggestions teachers make on how they can improve their work. The full report can be read at: www.millbrook.swindon.sch.uk

visit in early June. Behaviour and safety is rated as good and Year 6 pupils make better progress than others nationally in reading, writing and maths. Pupils’ social, moral, cultural and spiritual development is promoted well. However inspectors say progress could be better and teachers need Ofsted dispute to be clearer in their instruction Peatmoor Primary School - a partner whilst governors should question in the Link Academies Trust - has senior leaders more deeply. been judged by Ofsted inspectors as The school disagrees with this ‘requiring improvement’ following a viewpoint and has lodged an appeal.

Year 6 Open Evening HIGHWORTH WARNEFORD SCHOOL Shrivenham Road, Highworth, SN6 7BZ 9 £An79Academy Putting Excellence First

7th October 2015 at 6pm

OPEN MORNINGS Monday 21 September to Friday 9 October Highworth Warneford is an outstanding secondary school providing an excellent learning environment which allows pupils to thrive and develop their academic, personal and social skills. In our most recent Ofsted report (May 2013) pupils’ behaviour was described as ‘outstanding both in lessons and around the school’ and such behaviour makes a ‘strong contribution to their learning’. So that you can see for yourself the quality of our provision, we would like to invite you to visit the school on a normal working day. Each visit lasts for up to 1½ hours and will give you the opportunity to see lessons and meet pupils and staff. To book your visit please contact Mrs Lewis, Admissions Officer, on (01793) 767083 or email: llewis@warneford.swindon.sch.uk

Hear from our Principal and talk to our current students and staff, tour our facilities and find out more about life at St Joseph’s Catholic College. St Joseph’s Catholic College Ocotal Way, Swindon SN3 3LR 01793 714200 www.stjosephscollege.net swindonlink.com n September 2015

Flashmob sends tearful head into retirement Staff, children and parents at Orchid Vale sprung a surprise on headteacher Debbie Kalynka at sports day in the last week of term in July when they leapt into mass dance action to Mark Ronson’s hit Uptown Funk. In complete secrecy classes had been rehearsing for several weeks, but Mrs Kalynka had been offsite a bit as she was also executive head responsible for school improvement at Nythe Primary School, which she left in 2006 to launch Orchid Vale. “It was really overwhelming to see the whole school leap up and start dancing in front of me,” said Debbie. “I knew there had been rehearsals but didn’t realise it was all going to be coordinated for my benefit. It was lovely to see parents that I’ve known since the first day of Orchid Vale and others who have joined more recently. I had some wonderful gifts from parents, children and staff; I tried not to get too emotional but the tissues were never far away.” She opened Orchid Vale as a single form entry school in 2006 with under 100 children. At the time Mrs Kalynka said she wanted it to have a small village school atmosphere. But the baby bulge hit North

Debbie Kalynka, above, taken aback by the sports day dance for her benefit. Below, getting ready for Orchid Vale in April 2006 Swindon so temporary buildings sprung up and in September last year they were replaced by a large extension to provide for two forms of entry and almost 400 pupils. However the village atmosphere was retained and Ofsted in 2012 rated the school as outstanding in all inspection areas. “My husband recently retired from teaching and as manager of Swindon rugby club, so after 37 years in the profession we’re able to enjoy our first holiday during term time which is going to be quite strange,” said Debbie. “It was time to move on and let new ideas come

in; I’ve had a wonderful time at Orchid Vale and would like to thank the great staff and governors for their support.”

Great Western Academy delay Hopes that a new secondary school in North Swindon would be ready by September 2016 have been dashed as work to secure land to build it has not been completed. Earlier this year bids from New College to run a free school in North Swindon, and another by the Diocese of Bristol education board to manage a school in South Swindon were agreed by the Department of Education. A statement from New College on the New School North Swindon Facebook page says: ‘We will not be able to open Great Western Academy in September 2016 as planned. The Department for Education has not yet purchased the land for the school. ‘We are still very much aiming for a September 2017 opening. We are incredibly sorry to disappoint those parents of Year 5s who signed their support and whose children will not now benefit from the new school. We’d like to thank you all for your help and good wishes.’ A spokesman for Swindon Council said there are enough secondary places for the next two academic years but additional capacity is needed from September 2018.

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy “A global School in a local Community”

We are delighted to invite parents considering Royal Wootton Bassett Academy to visit during our Open Evening or Parent Tours You and your child will have the opportunity to look around our outstanding facilities and talk with the staff, students and the headteacher

Open Evening

6th Form Open Evening

Wednesday 16th September 2015 6pm to 8.30pm

Wednesday 14th October 2015 6pm to 8.30pm

An exceptional opportunity to join an “Outstanding” School

Ofsted Nov 2013 Awarded ‘Outstanding’ in every Category

“Standards of teaching are outstanding in all years” “Correctly described as a ‘global school in a local community’, the school has extensive links across the world and promotes tolerance, and a focus on enhancing the lives of others”

For further information on Years 7 to 11, please contact: Karen Hunt or Michele Pocock on 01793 841948 / 841954 Or email: Khunt@rwba.org.uk or Mpocock@rwba.org.uk

SIXTH FORM Opportunities for September 2016 available Access a variety of qualifications and benefit from outstanding teaching and learning during your time with us. For details please contact Hilary Stubbs by email at Hstubbs@rwba.org.uk

Our Ofsted grading has extended our teaching school status and the Academy has been awarded School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) provider status. This enables us to recruit and train our own trainee teachers from the Autumn Term. SCITT trainee teacher places available in both primary and secondary subjects for September 2016. For details contact Kate Hopkins by email at Khopkins@rwba.org.uk

Recently retired? There’s a whole new world of learning in Swindon Are you coming up to retirement, have you recently left work behind, or are you currently retired but looking to broaden your interests? Swindon University of the Third Age or U3A offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities and learning groups which aim to keep senior minds and bodies active. It provides the chance to do things always dreamt about when at work, develop new skills, explore new horizons and meet new friends. There are over 140 groups covering everything from birdwatching, rambling, learning a language, playing music, playing mahjong

and other table games, socialising over coffee or lunch, arts and craft, to exploring history and even a memory retention course called Use It or Lose It. The annual membership fee of £30 covers attendance at most groups. The Freshers Fair provides the chance to meet members and find out about groups and activities planned for the next year. It takes place on Saturday 5 September, 10am to 12.30pm, at St Joseph’s College, Ocotal Way, SN3 3LR. Find out more at: www.swindonu3a.org.uk

English, Mathematics and Science Fully qualified teachers Accelerated GCSE programme 11+ training and preparation Free assessment and first lesson Boost your child’s confidence

C N v hil E W ac ouc dca ce he re pt rs ed

School governors needed School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education and are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country. The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school and governors have an important part to play in raising school standards. The following schools are currently looking for governors. Westlea Primary, Langstone Way, SN5 7BT. For details and to enquire about joining, mail the clerk: apenfold@westlea.swindon.sch.uk www.westleaprimary.co.uk Westrop Primary, Highworth, SN6 7DN is seeking a governor with finance skills. For details contact Heather Large: h.m.large@btopenworld.com or 07746 359827. www.westropprimaryschool.org.uk

Farmor’s School - Fairford

Y6 Open Evening and Open Morning your future starts here... education for 11-18 year olds

Discover more at Basepoint Centre, Rivermead Drive on Thursday 17 September, 10am to 2pm.

Open Evening - Thursday 1st October 2015 - 5.00pm - 8.00pm (Talks at 5.30pm and 6.30pm)

Open Evening - Thursday 1st October 2015

5pm-8pm (talks at6th 5.30pm and 6.30pm) Open Morning - Tuesday October 2015 - 9.10am and 10.15am Open Morning - Tuesday 6th October 2015 please call 01285 9.10am and712302 10.15am to book.

Please call 01285 712302 to book

(Buses available from Swindon and Cricklade) (Buses available from Swindon and Cricklade)

www.farmors.gloucs.sch.uk www.farmors.gloucs.sch.uk Farmor’s School, ThePark, Park,Leafield Leafield Road, GL7 4JQ4JQ Farmor’s School, The Road,Fairford Fairford, GL7 swindonlink.com n September 2015

Lydiard Park Academy is now open to applications for places from parents of pupils starting their final year of primary school. If your child is in Year 5 or 6, please come and see what we have to offer.

Offering:  your child the opportunity to become the best that they can be; supported and challenged to achieve outstanding examination results, to be confident, motivated and well prepared for their future;  traditional values and a strong pupil ethos rooted in mutual respect and shared goals;  a highly professional staff which embraces the latest innovations in teaching. The quality of teaching is rated as at least ‘good’ by Ofsted twice in the last four years;  the full range of enriching opportunities. All clubs are free and cover a vast range of activities from English, Maths and Science enrichment to arts, music and sport. This is on top of several house competitions and many performing arts school productions;  our unique Gifted and Talented Academy programme, designed with the input of leading national experts, which provides a range of additional opportunities including the chance to join a bespoke scholars programme in Key Stage 4;  a Sports Academy programme that supports students to develop their sporting talent, whilst balancing the needs and importance of their academic studies and sports training;  excellent specialist facilities and a safe, friendly environment. ● Lydiard Park Academy 6th Form with a full range of courses

from September 2015.

Open Evenings: Tuesday 8th September Wednesday 9th September Come and see the school, meet the students and our teaching staff from 5.30pm to 8pm

Open Mornings: Wednesday 30th September Thursday 1st October Come and see the school in session during a guided tour and informal discussion with the Principal between 9.30am and 11.00am.

Live in North Swindon and think Lydiard Park Academy is too far away? Not so. We have commissioned our own bus service that starts at Abbey Meads near Wallmart. It picks up in Redhouse, Oakhurst, Taw Hill, Peatmoor and Shaw. Fares are kept in line with Thamesdown bus services with a monthly student pass available. Lydiard Park Academy guarantees that bus transport will always be available for new or existing students from these areas. Applications for September 2016 will be handled by the Local Authority and parents should apply using their standard online admissions form. 224 places will be offered for Year 7 entry in September 2016.

‘Community Mobiliser’ explains her role at garden village As the houses get built in Tadpole Garden Village in North Swindon, Anna Smart, right, has the responsibility for helping the residents build their community around them. The design of the Crest Nicholson led development is inspired by the Garden Cities of Letchworth and Welwyn, where the layout, landscaping, open space and public realm are vital elements in creating a healthy, happy and integrated community. Anna explained: “My role is to engage

and motivate people to become involved and invested in where they live. Moving to a new community can be difficult – especially if you don’t know anyone. It can often be difficult to join in with activities and events. Equally it can sometimes take a long time for things to get going. My role is to accelerate this process, enabling community links through events which residents want - anything from a pamper evening, to a Big Lunch, to a walking group - I’m here to make

Residents and visitors enjoyed a fun day at Tadpole Garden Village on 16 August where they planted a community garden and learned about local projects

it happen. I will also be producing a regular newsletter and updating the website to make sure all residents are aware of what is available on their doorstep.” Tadpole Garden Village will be owned by a Community Interest Company, or CIC. What this means in practice is that all residents pay an annual service charge (along with other stakeholders such as the school and those occupying retail units) and in return they get a say in how the estate is managed. In due course there will be a nature park managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, sports facilities, public art and allotments. Eventu-

ally the public open spaces, some roads, selected pieces of public art, street lights, some allotments, the play areas and the website will be transferred to the CIC, and will be maintained on behalf of the CIC by Preim. Anna said: “I love being involved in the idea of a community where you know your neighbours, where people look out for each other, and where there is always something going on. Doesn’t that sound like a great place to be?”

Saturday 5 September 1pm - 6pm Brook Park, Redhouse Vintage tea tent, hog roast & BBQ, Three Castles Brewery beer tent, games, activities & bouncy castles, live music all afternoon, Brighter Futures raffle Facebook: NS Fun Day

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Haydon toddler group looking forward to starting in new room

LittLe Foxes ChiLdCare & eduCation

FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS Established 1986 The Common, Brinkworth, Wilts Tel: 01666 510356

Just a 15 minute drive from West Swindon & Priory Vale on B4042

l l l l

An independent family run nursery offering quality care and education within a safe, secure, stimulating environment for all babies and children from 0-5 and an out of school club for children aged 5-11 years Open: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.30pm, 51 weeks of the year Full, part time and term time places. Government funding for 3-5 year olds High staff to child ratios with qualified and experienced teaching staff and nursery nurses Nutritious 3 course meals, hydro pool, multi sensory room, school hall with gym apparatus, secure gardens, mini bus for trips out and about

Debbie Musa-Eggie, left, with members of Busy Fingers After a nervous few months worrying where they might meet, long running parent and toddler group Busy Fingers will be continuing at Haydon Centre in a refurbished room. Earlier in the year centre managers GLL announced the group’s room would be converted into a gym. Busy Fingers, which first met in the mid-1980s and currently has 150 parents and children attending different sessions, wondered if they could continue. But after long negotiations, GLL agreed to replace the wall between the studio and

spinning room with a folding door. Organiser Debbie Musa-Eggie said: “It means we will have the use of both rooms which is almost equivalent in space to what we are used to, along with access to an outside area. We are still negotiating storage for all the equipment we have, but we’re glad to be able to carry on at Haydon Centre.” The group hopes to restart on 17 September but call Debbie on 07515 647578 to confirm. Facebook: Busy Fingers Swindon • See details of the new gym at: better.org.uk/leisure/haydon-centre

HaydonleigH Primary ScHool I am talented. Together we are amazing.

Open Day Saturday 19 September

everybody welcome from 10am to 1pm Tour all parts of our now fully open school building, see the wonderful Foundation Stage classrooms in the new extension. Come and obtain an insight into how our school works, meet our talented staff and confident children in action, with displays of our class work and examples of all the amazing things we do. There will be two presentations by the Headteacher Mrs Frances Billinge at 10.30am and 11.30am. We are a happy school where visitors immediately feel the atmosphere of welcome, excitement, vibrancy and calm.

Priya and Joel enjoy the school trim trail

Haydonleigh Primary School Haydon Court Drive Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1JP Tel 01793 700443 The Early Years classrooms at Haydonleigh

swindonlink.com n September 2015

www.haydonleighschool.co.uk

Just waiting for children to start exploring their imaginations

preschool gymnastics where an early start makes a world of difference!

Becky, centre, with her deputy Sarah Hendrey, and business partner parents Richard and Celia Shore A new nursery serving North Swindon opens its doors on 2 September and owner Becky Shore is looking forward to welcoming the first youngsters. Situated in the former Moredon Children’s Centre in Montrose Close, the nursery has places for 40 two and three year olds - and there are a few places still available. “It’s very exciting,” said Becky, who grew up in Moredon and attended the primary school that once stood on the site next to the nursery building. “We’re now Ofsted registered and ready to go. “Our open day in mid-July went

really well, with lots of parents and children visiting and signing up to start with us. “During August they’ve been dropping in to meet the staff, play with the toys and generally get used to the nursery rooms. “It’s always been my dream to open my own nursery and we’re almost there. Imagination Day Nursery will be all about providing children with an outstanding experience.” To register for a place contact Becky: becky@imagination-childcare.co.uk or call 0750 1919 057. www.imagination-childcare.co.uk

daily classes for the under 5’s

01793 822262

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

Jo Jingles to integrate music, lyrics and actions from toddler TV favourite Nationwide preschool music and movement franchise Jo Jingles has been selected by DHX Media and iChild as preferred partner with the Cbeebies hit show In The Night Garden to bring a range of specially themed music programmes to children across the UK. The new programme delivered via Jo Jingles classes will include key characters, songs and dances from the toddler TV favourite including Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka. Songs from the show will be sung in the form of an easy medley that the children can learn in sections and the theme will be introduced during classes in the Autumn term as a special welcome to ‘Jo’s new friends from In The Night Garden’. Swindon franchisee Susan Mulrain said: “We’re so excited and thrilled to be associated with such a popular mainstream TV show, it is a great opportunity to get young children active and excited

about music and dancing alongside some fun and easily recognisable characters. “We have produced a full programme that can be used across our classes for babies and young children starting in September.” Over 10,000 children attending sessions for walking (2 years), 2 to 3 years and mixed age group classes will be able to join in. The joint nationwide campaign aims to promote the benefits of regular exposure to music and movement from an early age. Exclusive themed posters, stickers, certificates and a take-away activity book produced by iChild will be provided to all parents and children at Jo Jingles classes to help learn the lyrics and will feature activities for the children. See the Jo Jingles advert above for contact details. Find out more at: www.jojingles.com/inthenightgarden See more In the Night Garden activities at www.iChild.co.uk

Please call us at Windmill Hill to arrange a nursery tour just for you and we will look forward to welcoming you to our Outstanding Nursery

swindonlink.com n September 2015

St. John’s Haydon Wick On Thames Avenue next door to Morrisons

ASAP (Alcohol Support & Advice Project) launches community support groups

Contact: Revd Raymond Adams Tel: 634258

Sunday 9am Services 11am

Traditional communion service Eventful, contemporary worship with children’s groups meeting www.stjohnshaydonwick.org.uk

Open to all, serving tea, coffee, cakes & light lunches Fridays and Saturdays: 10am - 2pm

New Life Church - Swindon Committed to the mission of loving people and changing lives for the best in CHRIST Join us each Sunday morning for an awesome time of worship and the Word. 10am to 12 noon at Roughmoor Community Hall Swinley Drive, Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5AP For more information, visit: www.new-life-church.co.uk Contact: Pastor Matthew Hamza on 0789 1001572

West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partnership Please join us in worship on Sunday mornings Westlea Church, Westlea School: 10am St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze - the church in the park: 10am Holy Trinity, Shaw: 10.30am Toothill Church: 10.30am For details of these and our other services call the Partnership Office on 01793 874221 Email: wspartnershipoffice@gmail.com Website: WSwinlyd.org.uk

Anglican • Baptist • Methodist • United Reformed Church

swindonlink.com n September 2015

ASAP team, from left, Jane Cook, Sarah Davies, Sharon Austin, Nigel Fry, Kim Smith, Dave Gordon, Neil Webdell A new approach to support anyone with alcohol related issues - either by misusing alcohol themselves or being affected by the behaviour of friends and loved ones under the influence - has been launched. Initially Alcohol Support & Advice Project or ASAP is being targetted at Highworth, The Parks/Walcot and North Swindon. If you would like support in overcoming your addiction but are unsure what to do, ASAP can offer advice or take you along for an assessment. For those who are struggling with people around them, ASAP can give emotional and practical support that covers all the family regardless of age.

ASAP is available at: North Swindon Library: Mondays, 10.30am to 12.30pm; Pinehurst, Pinetrees Centre: Tuesdays, 11am to 1.30pm; Highworth Library: Tuesdays, 10am to 4pm (from 15 September); Penhill Community Centre: Wednesdays, 10.30am to 1pm Restore, St John’s Church, Park South: Wednesdays, 10am to 12noon. ASAP is also looking for volunteers and peer mentors to fill supports roles within the team. Training and supervision will be provided. For details contact: asap. swindon@cri.org.uk or call 01793 401720 or 07786 688509

Making a difference to local people Volunteers provide vital support to organisations in Swindon and the people they are working with. Here are a range of opportunities to participate in. Swindon Intermediate Care Centre is a re-ablement centre for patients treated at Great Western Hospital who require help to become independent again and live at home. You will be helping provide patients with tea or coffee, chatting, helping with lunch and general duties on the ward as required. Love gardening? DASH is looking for volunteers for their allotment project in Cheney Manor to work independently alongside adults with Aspergers, but are not required to act as a support worker. Regular or one off help would be much appreciated. The Penhill Luncheon Club provides pensioners with a warm and safe place to socialise, as well as a cooked meal. The club runs on Wednesdays and needs assistance to set up the tables, as well as helping with serving food, washing up and clearing away afterwards.

The Emporium of Loveliness charity shop raises money for education projects in the Gambia. Helping out in the shop is ideal for anybody with a passion for beautiful clothes, quirky designs and unusual fabrics. Swindon College is looking for volunteers to help with literacy and numeracy classes. This could mean helping an individual or a group, or doing some administrative tasks. Classes run during the daytime and in the evening. To find out how you can get involved in these or any of the many other volunteering opportunities contact Volunteer Centre Swindon on 01793 420557 or email: info@ swindonvolunteers.org.uk Or drop into 1 John Street, Swindon between 11am and 3pm Monday to Friday to discuss options in person. See the new Do-it website: www.do-it.org

Militant Swindon woman portrayed in new film: Suffragette If you’ve never heard of Swindon schoolteacher Edith New before, you soon will, writes local historian Frances Bevan. In Suffragette, which hits cinemas in October, Helena Bonham Carter plays Edith, one of the leading lights in the Votes for Woman campaign, alongside Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan. With an ironic twist, Bonham Carter is the great-granddaughter of HH Asquith, the Liberal Prime Minister who strongly opposed giving women the vote.

two windows, both tactics that the suffragettes were later to employ to great effect. Although many Liberal MPs were in favour of women’s suffrage, Asquith remained a lifelong opponent. His government introduced the practice of force feeding imprisoned women on hunger strike to further their protest behind bars. Attacked for using a method deemed as ‘torture’ by the medical journal The Lancet, Asquith went on to introduce the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill Health) Act 1913, which became known as the Cat and Mouse Act. Instead of forcibly feeding the women who went on hunger strike they were released when they became dangerously weak and then promptly re-arrested when they became stronger.

Beautiful flowers for all occasions to include weddings, funerals and gift flowers Delivery to Swindon, Swindon villages & Marlborough

Contact:

01672 539840 or 07825 871984 kerry@poppywillow-flowers.co.uk www.poppywillow-flowers.co.uk

Celebrating a leader

Edith Bessie New was born in 1877 in North Street, the daughter of Frederic New, a railway clerk at the GWR Works and his wife Isabella, a music teacher. Frederic was killed in a railway accident before Edith’s first birthday, leaving Isabella to raise her three young children alone. By the age of 14 Edith was working as a pupil teacher at Queenstown Infants’ School. After gaining her teaching certificate, she moved to London to work in the tough, dockland area of East Greenwich. Inspired by the challenges faced by her mother, Edith spent a lifetime campaigning for equal rights for women and was the first suffragette to chain herself to railings outside 10 Downing Street, where she later returned to break

In yet another venture supported by Swindon Heritage magazine, local historians will be delivering a series of events including a guided walk around Old Town looking at places of significance in Edith’s life in the week before the screening at Cineworld, Regent Circus in October. There will also be an illustrated talk about Edith and the Votes for Women campaign at a date and venue to be confirmed. And to get the real suffragette experience, and to reflect on the position of women in society over 100 years ago, there will a march and rally at Regent Circus where costumed re-enactors will deliver a selection of rousing speeches once spoken by Emmeline Pankhurst and the campaigning women. More detail will be provided in the October Link Magazine, including the release date and timing of special showings in Swindon. Facebook: Swindon Suffragette Support the purchase of costumes and props for the recreation of the Suffragette rally at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/swindons-suffragette/ swindonlink.com n September 2015

Swindon Theatres Autumn outlook The next few months on the Swindon theatre scene at the Wyvern and the Arts Centre are packed full of amazing shows. In September, the Olivier Award Winning Jaqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather (23 to 27 September) will be performed, in contrast to Agatha Christie’s murder mystery And Then There Were None (28 September to 3 October), La Traviata (16 September) and Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ (29 September). There will also be numerous tribute acts, including ABBAmania and Jackson: Live in Concert. In October, a play showing the darker side of celebrity, Game Face by P. Hynds, is performed at Swindon Arts Centre on 3 October. Comedians from across the country will be performing during October, with the likes of Mark Thomas, Joe Lycett, Dan Clark and Sean Hughes. Horrible Histories Live on Stage returns with their new Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders shows (see below). Then Nigel Havers above, seen by many as King Rat in last year’s Wyvern panto Dick Whittington, makes another appearance in the Oscar Wilde classic, ‘The Importance

swindonlink.com n September 2015

of Being Earnest’ (27 to 31 October). Expert wildlife cameraman Doug Allen, whose work includes Blue Planet, Life and Frozen Planet, will share his adventures filming in the wild and under the sea at the Arts Centre on 3 November. Agatha Christie’s Verdict (11 to 14 November) is followed by comedian Rob Beckett, star of BBC 2’s Mock The Week, on 29 November. Then it’s panto time again with Eastenders star Adam Woodyatt, returning to Swindon after a long absence, in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, from 5 December to 3 January. See the listings for September on pages 30 and 31. To book shows at the Wyvern and Swindon Arts Centre, call 01793 524481 or www.swindontheatres.co.uk

Get ready to celebrate a landmark in the town’s history In 2016 it will be 175 years since work started on building what was to become a huge railway repair works on flat, green fields below the hamlet on the hill of less than five hundred houses essentially the beginning of modern Swindon. Celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary in 1985 were cancelled because of lack of support and outright opposition following the decision to close the works after a long campaign to keep it open. So next year is an opportune time to bring Swindon together to celebrate its illustrious and industrious past and to look to the future, to throw off the negative viewpoints and cynicism that exists amongst some and to project a new attitude towards the town that is now home to some 220,000 people. Ian Surtees at Steam Museum is coordinating a range of projects and wants to hear from more schools and community organisations who want to be involved as Swindon 175 partners. He said: “175 years is more than just about history and heritage. We’d like to hear of ideas and initiatives that will get the people of our town involved to ask the question: why are you here? “We have agreement in principle with the National Railway Museum in York that two famous products of Swindon railway works will return to the town. King George V and City of Truro are iconic locomotives. Exhibitions and special events are being planned at Steam and Lydiard House. “But we need lots of smaller events which are relevant to residents, in schools and neighbourhoods. “A big launch is being planned for November when we will publish a programme of activities. It would be good to have conversations with local organisations by then, but we will be able to add new items throughout 2016 at a dedicated website that is being developed. If you have an idea about how 2016 should be marked, email: isurtees@swindon.gov.uk

A graphic story across 175 years Although the start on building the railway repair sheds commenced in 1841, the town is well known for building a great deal more since then. Swindon based graphic designer Paul Gentleman has come up with a logo that incorporates 6 historical cues which remind us that the town is famous for the GWR and more. On the left is railway engineer Sir Daniel Gooch, who made the recommendation to IK Brunel and the GWR board in September 1840 that Swindon should be the site for railway workshops. Then there’s City of Truro – the first steam locomotive to travel at 100 mph, epitomising the skill and innovation of the designers and workers of Swindon. Above the N is the hooter which stood

tall above the railway works buildings, its loud blasts heard for miles around, acting as the audio clock for all who worked ‘inside’ and the town as a whole. The town’s contribution to the Allied effort in World War II is shown by a Spitfire, many of which were built here, while Hurricane parts were made in the works. Look for the Garrard turntable which made Britain rock in the 60s. Since the 1970s Swindon has been shaping the Mini at the Pressed Steel Fisher Plant in Stratton which opened in 1954. The iconic car represents how the town has become a major manufacturer of automobiles and the inclusion of the car drives the logo into 2016 and into the future.

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Memories and experiences of Swindon exhibited outdoors Hot on the heels of Entertaining Swindon, an exhibition of photos and artifacts charting 30 years of community arts, drama and music in the town at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, French artist Laurence Dube-Rushby living in Salisbury has assembled a collage of photographs telling the story of Swindon from ancient days to the present across large display boards on the hoardings around the building site on Temple Street and Regent Street. With the help of local history groups, including Swindon Society, she collected images, memories and comments relevant to a mile radius of the site of the proposed new Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, next to the Wyvern Theatre. Swindon Society joint secretary Diane Everett, said: “It’s lovely to see important events in the town’s history set out in a timeline. I hope this will encourage people to see the good things about the town. There really is a lot here; I’d say stop knocking it.”

Above, outdoor history lesson. Top: Diane Everett, with a photo of her and friends at Butlins fifty years ago

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Recording the changing face of Swindon in photographs

Founded in 1972, Swindon Society meets on the second Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm at Goddard Park School, Welcombe Avenue, SN3 2QN. The society’s image collection is a fascinating visual insight into the social history of the town and the monthly programme of illustrated talks gives the pictures both context and a point to learn and discuss. Coming up in the Autumn are: September: A small selection of images from the collection of Denis Bird, one of Swindon’s most important photographers in the 1960s and a founder of the society. October: The history of the Goodenough’s removal company. November: An illustrated talk about Swindon in the past. December: Christmas social January: Jon Ratcliffe focusses on cellars, towers and tunnels. February: The founders of Swindon Heritage will talk about two and a half years publishing their magazine dedicated to the town’s history. Find out more about the society by calling Andy Binks 07968 246792 Facebook: The Swindon Society www.theswindonsociety.co.uk

Take a tour of studios across the town Masterclass for novelists at home of writer It’s a special treat to be able to visit studios and find out how things are made and explore the creative journey which goes into making a piece of art. Over 50 local artists in 39 venues are inviting you to visit them during Swindon Still art. Jane Milner-Barry’s working space, Open Studios awaiting visitors on Saturday 5, Sunday 6 September and Saturday 12 will dispense an original work in a and Sunday 13 September. box; surprises for all who put a coin Many different media will be on the slot. show – from traditional oil painting Swindon Open Studios provides and pencil drawings through to mod- four free days at some beautiful ern kiln glass and textiles. There will venues, often with interesting be also stone and metal sculptures gardens and many providing as well as textiles, photography, lino refreshments. Whether you want to cuts and mosaics. New for this year browse or buy, all are welcome to is a stop-frame animation workshop visit a few locations or lots. run by Create Studios, at Cineworld, The brochure with details of Regent Circus. participating venues and a studio There will be art to buy ranging location map can be found in librarfrom several hundred pounds for ies and shops and also: unique works down to more affordwww.swindonopenstudios.org.uk able pieces including prints and View the SOS promotional film cards. And no-one should miss Tim made by Nicky Walker at: Carroll’s £1-a-go art machine which www.bit.ly/SOS2015video

Richard Skinner, novelist, poet, essayist and director of fiction at major publishing house Faber and Faber, will be talking to and providing tips for budding novelists on Saturday 5 September, 10am to 4pm, at Richard Jefferies Museum, off Marlborough Road, Coate Water. The day, funded by Arts Council England, is suitable for writers of any experience. Richard said: “You will be meeting and talking to likeminded people and doing lots of fun, stimulating writing exercises. “I hope you’ll come away from the day feeling positive, curious and

ready to have a go.” Book a place via: www.richardjefferies.org • The museum is the birthplace and home of arguably Britain’s first nature writer and ecologist, Richard Jefferies (b. 1848, d. 1887). The Victorian was a journalist, essayist, novelist and philosopher with a passion for the countryside and the richness of nature. Owned by Swindon Borough Council since 1926, the house is now managed by a team of volunteers from the Richard Jefferies Museum Trust.

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Church in the park is one of the top 100 in Britain in need of conservation

Paul Gardner describing the St John Triptych to the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby when he visited St Mary’s in September 2014. The Reredos can be seen in the background behind the alter

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The fundraising team at St Marys Church in Lydiard Park has resubmitted an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for financial help to preserve the historic interior. The HLF turned down the first grant application in October 2014 and the new bid refocuses the application on the conservation of the extensive medieval wall paintings. These have been identified by the Church of England as some of the artworks currently most in need of conservation in their 100 Church Treasures Appeal which aims to preserve an important part of the nation’s heritage and make it available to be enjoyed by the public. The St Mary’s fundraising appeal has recently been successful in securing a grant from the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust & Allchurches Trust to undertake urgent conservation of the 18th Century Reredos and East Chancel wall. This is the ornamental screen behind the altar on the east wall of the church.

This will address long standing damage and water penetration. It will also help to inform the approach to the conservation of the historic interior and the extensive medieval wall paintings. This work will take place during the Autumn. Appeal chairman Paul Gardner said: “We believe carrying out the work to the Reredos in advance of the Heritage Lottery decision means that the public are able to see that their donations to our appeal fund are being used to continue to restore and conserve the beautiful interior of the church.” The appeal has now secured over £185,000 towards a locally raised target of £298,000 to support the bid to Heritage Lottery Fund for £795,000. In July St Mary’s celebrated the 400th anniversary of the installation of the St John Triptych, the multi-panel artwork depicting the St John family tree. www.stmaryslydiardtregoze.org.uk

Swindon Trauma Group conference and concert Swindon Marriott Hotel Friday 2 October: 9.45am to 5pm Refreshments and buffet lunch included in the cost: £50 There will be talks on a range of trauma related topics and different approaches to treatment and therapy for sufferers and support for family and friends. 8pm to midnight Isla St Clair, above, presents ‘Eyes Front,’ a live performance combined with unique film footage;

a nostalgic, poignant and humorous look at the effects of music in wartime. Tickets: £50 includes three course meal. Tickets for conference and evening function: £90 All proceeds to Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis as this year’s nominated charity. To book tickets, contact: 07505 476139 or mail: info@swindontraumagroup.org.uk www.swindontraumagroup.org.uk

Swindon Remembers One of The Few A week of events organised by Swindon Heritage in advance of the national commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Swindon will witness a flypast by the Battle of Britain memorial flight to honour the 544 RAF pilots killed between July and September 1940, including Squadron Leader Harold Starr who is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery The programme of events in September to commemorate the life of this Swindon born pilot: Tuesday, 8th, 7.15pm, Swindon Central Library* - Illustrated talk: Harold Starr, One of ‘The Few’. Graham Carter, editor of Swindon Heritage, tells the story of Swindon’s own Battle of Britain hero. Wednesday 9th, 7.15pm, Swindon Central Library* - Illustrated talk: Flying a Spitfire Pilot Phill O’Dell explains what it’s like to fly the iconic Second World War fighter. Thursday, 10th, 7.15pm, Swindon Central Library* - Illustrated talk: Secrets of the Spitfire. Swindon author Lance Cole talks about his groundbreaking books on the plane’s design. Saturday, 12th, all day, Swindon Town Centre: Battle of Britain Vintage Day. 1940s-themed displays, stands, stalls, music and dancing, plus full-size replicas of a Hurricane and a Spitfire. Sunday, 13th, 10am to 4pm, Radnor Street Cemetery. Guided walks, free burial register look-ups, war graves trail, displays, music and refreshments. Bring the family and a picnic. Monday 14th, 7.30pm, The Beehive, Prospect Hill. Flying a Lancaster Bomber. Sqn Ldr Stuart Reid (Retd), who flew the Lancaster for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for 11 years, talks about his experiences. Tuesday 15th, 12.50pm. Flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in honour of Sdn Ldr Harold Starr and the rest of ‘The Few’. Visible in the town centre and other parts of Swindon (more details to be released at a later date). *Tickets for talks at the Central Library cost £1.50 (library members) or £2.50 (non-members) per talk. Discount for all three talks: £3.50 (library members), £6 (non-members). Tickets from the Help Desk on the ground floor of Central Library, tel: 01793 463792, and all other Swindon libraries. The events are being organised by Swindon Heritage in conjunction with Paul Gentleman and Caroline Black who requested the flypast on Battle of Britain Day. Supported by First Great Western

Swindonheritage @SwindonHeritage Page sponsored by @SLHaroldStarr #Swindonflypast

See more details in the Swindon Heritage Battle of Britain souvenir edition sponso red by First Great Western via www.swindonheritag e.com Pictured above, part of the Battle of Britain Memorial in Kent

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Singers without experience welcome Swindon Community Choir restarts on Monday 21 September, 7.30pm to 9.30pm Central Community Hall, Emlyn Square £6 including refreshments. Shaw Singers begin again on Tuesday 22 September, 3pm to 4.30pm Lower Shaw Farm, Old Shaw Lane. £4 including refreshments.

Both choirs are fun and friendly and suitable for everyone whatever your experience of singing. For more information call 01793 875184 or visit: www.swindon.singtastic.co.uk

WHAT’S ON MUSIC Friday 11th, 7.30pm

The Manfreds. Paul Jones, the original front man of Manfred Mann, is joined by Mike Hugg on keyboards, Tom McGuinness on lead guitar, Rob Townsend on drums, Marcus Cliffe on bass guitar and Simon Currie on saxophone/ flute. £20.50. Wyvern

Sunday 13th, 7.30pm The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Fronted by award winning singer/ songwriter Clive John and featuring Jill Schoonjans as June Carter, the show takes the audience from the 1950s up to 2002 and all the stops in between. £20. Wyvern Wednesday 16th, 7.30pm Bob Dylan & The History of Rock ‘N’ Roll. With wit and style, Michael Gray traces how rock ’n’ roll arrived for the teenage Robert Zimmerman and follows his career through the decades using great records and rare footage. £13. Arts Centre Friday 18th, 7.30pm & Saturday 19th, 2.30pm & 7.30pm The Cast of Stage Struck. Music and dance, with a smattering of comedy, for the whole family. £11. Arts Centre Sunday 20th, 7pm Jackson Live in Concert. All-live vocals, superb musicians and dancers, fabulous costumes, and of course all the signature dance moves associated with the undisputed King of Pop. £20. Wyvern

FILM Wednesday 30th, 7.45pm Two Days, One Night (15). Sandra has just been released from hospital to find that she no longer has a job. According to management, the only way she can hope to regain her position at the factory is to convince her co-workers to sacrifice their yearly bonuses. Sandra must confront each of them to win a majority of their votes. SFS. Arts Centre Swindon Film Society (SFS) films are for members only. It is possible to join at any film showing swindonlink.com n September 2015

Friday 18th, 7.30pm & Saturday 19th, 2.30pm & 7.30pm Regional Youth Ballet. A glittering display of ballet from a number of classical pieces, with a cast of highly trained local dancers aged 8 to 18. £12. Wyvern

OPERA

Saturday 12th, 7.30pm Abbamania. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of ABBA. £20.50. Wyvern

DANCE

Wednesday 16th, 7.30pm La Traviata presented by Russian State Ballet and Opera House, sung in Italian with English surtitles. A tragic and resonant tale of society and morality, La Traviata combines compelling characters with powerful melodies, making it one of the most popular operas of all time. £30 to £36. Wyvern

EXHIBITION Until 7 November, Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm Entertaining Swindon. An exhibition of the performing arts in Swindon 1955 to 1985 with appearances from Swindon Folksingers Club, Mollie Tanner and the Tanwood Dancers, Swindon’s Brass Heroes, Theatre des Bicyclettes. Free. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th Swindon Open Studios. See page 27 for details

TALK Saturday 5th, 7.30pm Simon Weston. In one of the most horrific moments of the Falklands War troop ship RFA Sir Galahad was bombed by Argentine planes. Aboard was Simon Weston. He tells his story with no holds barred. £16.50. Arts Centre

Fundraising Quiz night in aid of Swindon Cares Tuesday 8 September DeVere, Shaw Ridge. Event and ticket details at www.swindoncares.co.uk Jumble Sale in aid of Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group Saturday 19 September 10am until 12 noon Clothes and shoes, bric-a-brac & books as well as home-made cakes St Barnabas Church Hall, Gorse Hill

SWINDON CHILDREN & FAMILY Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th Sat 1pm & 4pm; Sun 10am & 1pm Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. An enchanting and magical musical story of elves and princesses, as well as Gaston the Ladybird. £14.50 £16.50. Wyvern Sunday 6th, 12noon to 5pm Old Town Sausage and Ale Trail. Stalls in Wood Street and the Arts Centre forecourt will be offering a huge range of food and drink as well as live music and children’s activities. Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 27th. Wed 7pm; Thurs 10.30am; Fri 10.30am & 5.30pm; Sat & Sun 11am & 3pm

DRAMA Thursday 10th, 7.30pm Dracula’s Ghost. An original stageplay concerning the actual story of Count Dracula - prepare for nothing but the bloody truth. £11. Arts Centre Friday 11th, 7.30pm Nicholas Nickleby. Enter the world of Charles Dickens in the company of his great great grandson Gerald Dickens as he performs Dickens’ masterpiece playing every character himself. £15.50. Arts Centre

Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th, 7.30pm Curtain Call. Presented by Phoenix Players, this funny, fast-paced comedy gives an hilarious insight into the daily demands put upon a theatre manager. £9, to book call 07517 698083. Arts Centre Tuesday 29th, 7.30pm The Picture of Dorian Gray. Set Hetty Feather. A terrific adventure in the decadent world of Victorian story about Hetty on her escape London, a beautiful young man, from the Foundling Hospital from Dorian Gray, becomes infatuated by best-selling author Jacqueline an exquisite portrait of himself. £16. Wilson. Guide age 7+. £16 to £25.50, Arts Centre groups discount available. Wyvern Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October. Mon to Sat, 7.30pm; COMEDY Thurs & Sat, 2.30pm Thursday 10th, 7.30pm And Then There Were None. A Jethro. Armed gripping mystery presented by the with nothAgatha Christie Theatre Company. ing more than £18.50 - £27. Wyvern a microphone and delivered to VENUES you in a warm Arts Centre Devizes Road SN1 4BJ. Cornish accent, Tel: 01793 524481 Jethro has the Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Avenue rare ability to SN2 1EP. Tel: 01793 445401 paint hilarious pictures in the mind Roves Farm Sevenhampton of his audience. £20.50. Wyvern Nr Highworth SN6 7QG. Saturday 12th, 7.30pm Iain Lee vs Radio. Award winning radio and TV presenter Iain Lee picks some of the most hilarious moments from the history of the wireless. £16. Arts Centre Friday 25th, 8pm Funny Business, Jimmy Carr’s brand new stand up show. £26. Oasis Leisure Centre

Tel: 01793 763939 Swindon Information Centre, Central Library SN1 1QG. Tel: 01793 466454 Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road SN1 4BA. Tel: 01793 466556 West Point Country Music Club at Ferndale Club, 131 Ferndale Road SN2 1BX Tel: 07910 111825 Wyvern Theatre Theatre Square SN1 1QN. Tel: 01793 524481 Confirm date, time & price with venue

Remember A Charity in September Remember A Charity in your Will Week, the annual awareness drive designed to encourage more people to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will takes place: 7 to 13 September. Find out more about how to help over 140 member charities at www.rememberacharity.org.uk

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Big band night to benefit Swindon MS Therapy Centre Les Bruce Big Band with vocalist Hazel Godden Saturday 26 September, 7.30pm Ellendune Community Centre, Barrett Way, Wroughton SN4 9LW Tickets £8, children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult To book call Swindon MS Therapy Centre 01793 481700 or Visitor Information Centre, Central Library 01793 466454

Past members of SYM sought Swindon Young Musicians is 50 years old this year and still thriving with over 200 young people learning and making music in the town today. Thousands have been part of SYM over the last five decades, many of whom still play regularly or occasionally - or would like to if they had the time. The Friends of SYM are inviting alumni to celebrate this milestone

at a special weekend for former members to meet old friends, share memories and play some music. A series of free events is planned from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November in the SYM home at The Platform on Faringdon Road and a special concert will take place at the Wyvern Theatre on Saturday 14 November. See up to date details at: Facebook: SYM50th

Still going strong and bang up to date

Mid-week MS group An evening social group for people with MS and other neurological conditions is being set up at Swindon Therapy Centre. Mel Whitton who has MS benefitted greatly from attending the centre when she was first diagnosed and unwell. It gave her the opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation and feel supported. But when she was able to return

to work she wasn’t able to meet others with MS socially as there were no evening services available. So she’s set up Midweek Socialites, which meets at the centre fortnightly on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm for anybody unable to attend the centre during the day. If you’re interested in joining contact the centre on 01793 481700 or mail: mwilmot88@googlemail.com

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Reggae legends UB40 will be performing at Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon on Friday 16 October. The tour is in support of their critically acclaimed album Getting Over The Storm which was released two years ago. They will have played over 90 gigs by the time the tour ends on 24 October in Cardiff. Naming themselves after the unemployment benefit form at a time of sky high joblessness of the 1970s, UB40 formed in 1978, before releasing their debut album ‘Signing Off’ in August 1980 – considered by many to be one of the greatest reggae albums ever released by a

British band. It was the start of a career that has since seen the band have over forty UK top 40 hit singles and achieve sales of over 100 million records, making UB40 one of the most successful British groups of all-time. Their hits include ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ and ‘Falling in Love with you’. ‘Getting Over The Storm’ received 5-star reviews from the UK’s music press on its release in September 2013 and is a top 30 seller. It was selected as BBC Radio 2’s Album Of The Week. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

No spin on this commentator at charity evening in September England’s fantastic wipe out of Australia in the summer’s Ashes series will no doubt be high in the list of questions for former England spin bowler and now Test Match Special commentator, Phil Tufnell, on Friday 11 September. He played 42 tests taking 121 wickets, and over 1,000 wickets across all first-class matches. Cricket might not be your thing but Phil has become a well known personality after winning I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and from appearances on They Think It’s All Over, A Question of Sport and Strictly Come Dancing. An Evening with Phil Tufnell at DeVere Village on Shaw Ridge will raise money for Swindon Cricket Club and the Younite Outreach Project. Younite raises money for Silver Bells schools and Melon Mission for destitute children and orphans in the Rift Valley of Kenya. In the last three years the charity

has organised trips for volunteers from local colleges to work with the 600 children as teaching assistants, to help cook food for the youngsters and be involved in practical projects. Silver Bells is currently building a new kitchen to replace one which is both inadequate and dangerous, and recently completed a classroom Fundraising is extremely important as the two projects are largely run by volunteers who rely on donations to keep them going. Find out more about enabling life changing opportunities both for the people who take part in Younite trips and also the children and staff at Melon Mission and Silver Bells: www.yoproject.org.uk Tickets for An Evening with Phil Tufnell are available from the DeVere or by contacting Jon Watton at Yam Promotions Ltd on 01793 726171 or 07782251712.

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If it’s on, it’s in.

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One of the largest indoor bowls club in the region is looking for people interested in continuing to play through the colder months, and those who would like to discover the game. The first members of Swindon Manor Indoor Bowls Club played at the Oasis Leisure Centre until Swindon Council helped set them up in new premises in disused commercial premises at Cheney Manor Industrial Estate when the Oasis was sold for refurbishment, as part of the North Star leisure development. The new venue has four regulation sized bowling rinks, two full size

snooker tables, a kitchen, bar and refreshment seating area. The club runs twelve men, women and mixed bowls leagues as well as casual bowling sessions. Members also play regular fixtures against other towns and in regional leagues. A group of coaches run sessions for beginners and bowlers who have only played outdoors. There is also a Saturday morning junior section. Bowls has always been thought of as a game for older people but young people and families are encouraged to come along and have a go. Find out more by calling Barbara Moody on 01793 722410 or see: www.swindonmanoribc.co.uk

Discover Stagecoach on 5 September Stagecoach Theatre Arts School is holding an open day where youngsters aged 6 to 16 can sample acting, singing and dance classes designed to take children on a journey of discovery. Now located at New College, this well established name in performing arts with a proven record of delivering quality dance, drama and singing lessons will

boost confidence and creativity. Classes are available for 4 to18 year olds. Register for a place on the 5 September discovery day by contacting Stagecoach Swindon principal Sheryll Fox: 01793 791746 or email: swindon@stagecoach. co.uk See the advert on page 5. www.stagecoach.co.uk/swindon

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Golf club offers youngsters a ‘hole’ lot of fun until the end of September Basset Down Golf Club, just to the south of the M4, has seen a tremendous takeup of their summer holiday golfing project offering youngsters the chance to try two new sporting innovations. The first is the introduction of a six-hole football golf course, which combines the skills of football with the rules of golf. Using a standard football, players have to sink their balls into enlarged holes, using just their feet, taking the fewest possible shots. “Football golf is the fastest-growing sport in the UK, and we’re proud to be the first club in Swindon, and one of the few clubs in Wiltshire, to offer it,” said site owner Juliette Nutland. Basset Down is also the first in

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It’s been fun to be the test bed for a new way of enjoying the game.” Although schools will be back soon the Football Golf and Treasure Island Adventure Golf courses will be open until the end of September. See details in the advert below. Basset Down Golf Course was established by fourth generation dairy farmer Will Nutland and his wife Juliette the UK to offer the Treasure Island in 2005. The nine-hole, 3,170-yard 9-hole ‘Instagolf’ course. Designed by fast-growing Swindon course is played over 100 acres of start-up HM Adventure Golf, players mature parkland. A major project navigate their way around a course to extend the course to 18 holes is festooned with obstacles, characters well underway. Find out more about the course and pirate sounds. Juliette added: “The whole course and the driving range, as well as membership at: fits into a container, and can be www.bassetdowngolfcourse.com transported to different locations.

HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

Relationship Problems Bereavement Self Esteem Depression Workplace Issues Speak to Matt in strict confidence and benefit from ongoing support. For adults over 18. £15 per session. Call 07734 253189 for an initial phone consultation.

Give Football Golf A Try! FOOTBALL GOLF

FOOTBALL GOLF

The fastest growing sport in the UK is quick and easy to learn - it’s also great fun for all the family. You don’t need to be a great footballer or an expert golfer to enjoy a round of Football Golf! You just need to be ready to have some fun!

ADVENTURE GOLF! Wind your way along this 9 hole course using your putter and your skill. Listen to the sounds of pirates and look out for colourful, life sized characters along the way!

f.com l o g y il m a f n o swind

793 812336 0At1Basset Down Golf Course!

from

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Only a mile from M4 Junction 16. Take Wroughton exit, continue to Salthrop following brown tourist signs for half a mile. We’re on the right! SN4 9QW! swindonlink.com n September 2015

Health check offer

Free NHS health checks are available at West Swindon Library at Link Centre on the following Fridays:

Brownies travel to air ambulance HQ following flying visit to Purton

4 September, 9 October, 6 November and 4 December, 10am to 1.30pm.

www.swindonhealingrooms.co.uk

To be eligible you must be between 40 and 74 years of age and not on medication for diabetes, cholesterol or blood pressure. All results are given straight away.

07503 633242

To book an appointment call the library on 465555

FITNESS CENTRE www.lspersonaltraining.com PRIVATE GYM

GP REFERRAL

ONE-TO-ONE TRAINING

FITNESS TESTING

COUPLES & SMALL GROUPS

SPORTS THERAPY & MASSAGE

PAY-AS-YOU-GO CLASSES NUTRITION & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Unit 8, Star West, Westmead Drive, Swindon SN5 7SW tel 01793 680898 mob 07793 573487 email info@lspersonaltraining.com

Where families get ﬁt and healthy for free! Alive ‘n’ Kicking is a fun, free 10-week programme for children and young people aged 5-16 years. If you think your child is above a healthy weight and you would like further information about Alive ‘n’ Kicking . Call Emma Sperring on:

01793 465412 or email

ESperring@swindon.gov.uk Alive ‘N’ Kicking

@ANK_HQ

swindonlink.com n September 2015

The Brownies handing over the cheque to paramedic Steve Riddle at the WAA base in Devizes Girls from 1st Purton Brownies travelled to Devizes in early August to present the Wiltshire Air Ambulance with a cheque from a special fundraising evening. The event took place following an unexpected landing outside the Brownies meeting place in June when the helicopter flew in on standby incase a casualty from a motorcycle accident in the village needed airlifting. Brownie leader Jo Sully said: “Thankfully the injured motorcyclist did not require air rescue but the Brownies wanted to find out more after seeing the air ambulance close up. “A volunteer from the charity came to talk to us about the work of the air ambulance and the girls decided to hold a raffle with cake stall, plant sale and games which raised £171.44 in just over an hour thanks to the generosity of the Brownies’ family and friends.”   The visit was a hit with the girls.

Brownie Arabella, 7, said: “I liked seeing the air ambulance at home and Steve who is a paramedic showed us inside the helicopter. It was really interesting.” For details about places in the group, contact: jo.sully2@gmail. com

Cycle the county to keep the helicopter flying Wiltshire Air Ambulance is asking people to get on their bikes and raise money for the charity in the Wiltshire Big Wheel and Wiltshire 100 on Sunday 6 September. Riders can choose from a 12 mile family challenge, a 45 mile or 100 mile route. All the rides begin and end at The Green in Devizes and take in the Vale of Pewsey. The longer routes go as far as the Wylye Valley and Salisbury. Book a place by calling: 01380 739453 or see details at: www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk

Kids can get going in September Jon Dunn, Healthy Weight Alive ‘N’ Kicking Project Officer writes Alive ‘n’ Kicking offers free healthy lifestyle programmes for families with 2 to 16 year olds. In September a series of meetings for different age groups starts at venues around the town. Toddlers Alive ‘N’ Kicking is for pre-school children and their families. A 7 week programme starts at Drove Children’s Centre on Tuesdays, 2pm to 3pm, and at Gorse Hill Children’s Centre on Wednesdays, 10am to 11am. The Juniors Alive ‘N’ Kicking programme for 5 to 11 years olds is an action packed, fun way to learn about being healthier, eating well and getting active through playing

games and trying new activities. A 10 week programme starts at Oasis Leisure Centre on Mondays, 5pm to 6.15pm and Wednesdays, 5pm to 6pm. The Seniors Alive ‘N’ Kicking is for over 12 year olds who want to make a change to their diet, activity levels and lifestyle. In September a 10 week programme starts at Link Centre on Tuesdays, 5pm to 6.30pm and Thursdays, 5pm to 6pm. Parents who are worried about their child’s weight and want them to eat more healthily and be more active can find out about joining one of the programmes by contacting Jon Dunn on 01793 465412 or email: JDunn@swindon.gov.uk Or see the advert on the left.

Leader receives award for commitment over three decades

Professional Consultations, Non Surgical Treatments, Cosmeceutical Skin Care RGN, BSc Hons Independent Nurse Prescriber

01793 727352 07425 176084 www.dermafillersswindon.co.uk info@aegleradiancesplendorltd.co.uk Aegle Radiance Splendor Ltd

Helen with her certificate and Abbey Meads Brownies and their leaders Gemma Matthews, Sally Boleyn, Sophie Matthews and Wiltshire North County Commissioner Jo Sully 1st Abbey Meads Brownies have reason to celebrate as their leader Brown Owl Helen Matthews has been recognised for 30 year Service Award. She started her Guiding journey in Falmouth before coming to Swindon where she assisted packs in Old Town and Greenmeadow. She launched 1st Abbey Meads in 1998 with 14 girls. Nowadays more than 24 girls attend meetings and also enjoy trips to the zoo, pack holidays and events with other Brownie

packs such as the bug hunt at Stanton Park in June. All leaders are volunteers and Helen is assisted by Sally Boleyn (Snowy Owl), Sophie Matthews (Robin), Gemma Matthews (Kingfisher) and Brownie parents. New leaders are always welcomed. You don’t have to be a former Brownie or Guide to take part. If you enjoy having fun with children, email: north-swindon-girlguiding@ hotmail.com or see: www.girlguidingwiltshirenorth.org.uk

On guard say Oakhurst Brownies

Are You In Pain? We Can Offer Effective, Affordable Treatment Get to the root of your problem:

Tel: (01793) 887801 www.shawchiropracticclinic.co.uk

IF YOU SUFFER FROM: • Backache & Leg Pain • Neck, Shoulder, Arm Pain • Head Pain • Numbness • Arthritic Pain • Sports Injury • Injury after Accident

SANDRA E. DAVIES D.C. Doctor of Chiropractic BCA Member • GCC Registered Member of the College of Chiropractors

THEN YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CONSULTING A CHIROPRACTOR

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5 Ramleaze House, Shaw Village Centre, Swindon SN5 5PY

TAKE A HEALTHY STEP this FORWARD Take a healthy forward Autumn! Learn to step Ballroom Dance THIS AUTUMN!

this Summer!Dance LearnTO to BALLROOM Ballroom LEARN DANCE

Ballroom Dancing in Swindon

New classes start on New classes start on Wednesday 9th September 2015 Wednesday 22nd April, 2015 at Red OaksBallroom Primary Dancing School, 7.00pm Redhouse Way, Swindon for Beginners

Oakhurst Brownies pulled on face masks and wielded plastic fencing foils in July when they learnt the elements of fencing with Neil Bromley of Swindon Fencing Club. Since making an appeal for leaders in the March Link, three helpers have come forward to assist Snowy Owl Karen Kingston who said: “It’s tremendous that new leaders have joined as we’ve been able to offer places to more girls, and organise more activities. “Long gone is the idea that Brownies are old fashioned. The children really love being in the

group and enjoy working on projects with other girls to gain badges. They say which badges they want to work for and help choose which activities are organised. “Over the last few months we’ve run a cycling proficiency course, been pond dipping in Stanton Park and patrolled Oakhurst picking up litter. “It’s sad that so many girls want to join and we have to keep putting them off due to lack of help.” Find out more by emailing: 1stoakhurstbrownies@gmail.com www.girlguidingwiltshirenorth.org.uk

(LearnBallroom Waltz & Quickstep) 7.00pm Dancing for Beginners 8.00pm Ballroom Dancing (Learn Waltz Quickstep) for& Improvers (Learn FoxtrotDancing & Tango) 8.00pm Ballroom for Improversat (Learn Foxtrot more) Red Oaksand Primary School Hall Redhouse Way Redhouse, Swindon For more information about joining a class, For more call: information about joining a class, please 07789974866 please call - p.anslow.123@btinternet.com 07789 974 866 or email: or email - p.anslow.123@btinternet.com orvisit visitourour website: or website - www.dancewithpatanslow.co.uk

www.dancewithpatanslow.co.uk

swindonlink.com n September 2015

PAINFUL FEET? Mrs Lesley Taylor MCFHP, MAFHP, MIIR, MAR

Corns, Calluses, Verrucas, Thick Nail or Ingrowing Toenails Call Freephone 0808 108 8545 or 01793 849914 Clinic at: 113 High Street Royal Wootton Bassett

Affordable Personal Care for Your Feet Treatments: Nail cutting (feet & hands) Nail deformities & ingrowing toenails Nail infections Verrucae treatment Corns & callus treatment Diabetic foot care Contact Joan Schofield MCFHP MAFHP 07763 908167 Hours to suit your busy lives

www.healthy-happy-feet.co.uk

Mark Altree Hypnotherapy

Confidential, Professional Therapy

‘Be Happy, Be You, Be Free’

Help available for smoking, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias etc For your free initial consultation contact Mark: The Enterprise Centre, High Street Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7HH

Office: 01793 238950 Mob: 07793 432484

For more information visit: www.markaltreehypnotherapy.com

Mark Altree MIAEBP IAPH

Rachel Gale MAFHP MCFHP

FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONAL CLINIC & HOME VISITS AVAILABLE

Specialist foot care treating: • Corns / Callus • Cracked heels • Fungal nails • Verrucas • Diabetic foot care • Specialised nail cut & file • Ingrowing & thickened nails • Cream & foot massage Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

07878 033992

www.solespa-swindon.co.uk Oakhurst clinic • FREE PARKING

Nominate someone for a sports award The Swindon Sports Forum will celebrate the town’s finest at its first awards evening to be held at the County Ground on Thursday 19 November. The awards will recognise the contributions of clubs, athletes, volunteers and officials who play their part in making Swindon a vibrant sports community. Sports Forum chair Dave Bell, said, “This is great opportunity for clubs to say thank you to their volunteers, without whom sport in Swindon simply wouldn’t happen. We as a

forum also want to acknowledge their efforts and the contribution they make”. There are 11 categories in the awards including coach, club and team of the year, as well individual sports personality and for the unsung hero whose voluntary commitment has been significant. Nominations for the awards which close on 16 October can be made at: www.bit.ly/swindonSA

Smoking addiction can be dealt with Adverts, hear-say and assumptions reinforce the idea that we can be ‘addicted’ to anything, writes hypnotherapist Mark Altree. It particularly applies to smoking. But in fact the need is simply imagined and because this belief is so strong, so is the idea that nothing can be done about it. But most addictions are mental rather than physical and we can do something about them. Think of the times where you ‘needed’ a cigarette to get you through a bad situation. If they

didn’t exist what would you have done? Failed? Probably not. Collapsed in a heap? Crumbled to dust like they do in cartoons? The reality is that you would have been fine, the situation would still have been what it was, it wouldn’t have magically become easier but you would have got through it - by yourself. A cigarette would be an accessory you didn’t need and of course would have harmed you. So, are you addicted or do you think you are? If you want help contact Mark via the advert above.

Join a warm and friendly group near you today... Mondays 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Avenue Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1QQ. Consultant: Sharon 07841 119082 Mondays 7.30pm Bridlewood Primary School, Chartwell Road Redhouse, Swindon SN25 2EX. Consultant: Lisa 07414 540866 Tuesdays 6.30pm Abbey Meads Community School, Hugo Drive Abbey Meads, Swindon SN25 4GY. Consultant: Paula 07733 082579 Tuesdays 7.30pm Tregoze Primary School, Sleaford Close, Grange Park Swindon SN5 6JU. Consultant: Jo 07815 838944 Tuesdays, 7:30pm Westlea Primary School, Langstone Way, Westlea Swindon, SN5 7BT. Consulatant: Sabrina 07791 809504 wednesdays 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Moose Hall Eastcott Hill, Off Bath Road, Swindon SN1 3LS. Consultant: Steve 07791 041411 wednesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Francis School, Taw Hill Swindon SN25 1UH. Consultant: Heather 07816 860840 Thursdays 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm St Johns Church, Thames Ave. Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1QQ. Consultant: Sharon 07841 119082 Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road. Consultant: Leanne 07727 614751 Fridays 9.30am Community Room, St Francis School, Taw Hill Swindon SN25 1UH. Consultant: Heather 07816 860840 saTurdays 9am & 11am Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road, Swindon SN5 8LY. Consultant: Lou 07784 098022

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Dressability takes on paralympic role Runners and racemakers wanted British athletes with “Obviously we for Swindon Half Marathon disabilities could be were really pleased It’s back for the to be asked,” said twelfth year, now Sharon. “As a fashunder new manageion house ASOS have ment, re-energised limited experience for runners and designing and fitting with community clothing for people spirit at its heart. with disabilities so Organised by we’re passing on our SEQOL Charity, the knowledge built up event on Sunday over 15 years since 11 October, offers Sian Barrie founded the charity. a range of challenges to choose “We’ve met the designers from from: the half marathon, a five mile ASOS to discuss the points they multi-terrain, a two mile fun run should consider when creating garments for the athletes and will be returning to discuss details as we get nearer the Rio Paralympics in September 2016.”

Fashion show help needed

Discount on offer for therapy course Dawn Morse of Core Elements is offering training courses in massage therapy and sports and remedial massage therapy. The Sports Therapy Association accredited courses have been designed by Dawn in accordance with National Occupational Standards. She is a qualified teacher and has a masters degree in Sports and Health Sciences. She has eight years experience of teaching sports massage therapy and anatomy and physiology with the University of Bath. The Level 3 massage therapy certificate will provide students with the skills to deliver therapeutic massage. The Level 4 sports & remedial massage therapy diploma will enable students to offer sports massage, deep tissue and remedial massage as well as injury treatment. The full diploma is accredited by the Sports Therapy Association which offers free membership and enables students to become part of

a professional body. This is the only 2 week intensive sports and remedial massage diploma accredited by the STA in Swindon. The course runs at Jurys Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon with week one in February 2016 and week two during March 2016. The intensive delivery format enables students to maximise their learning and practical skills training, with the aim of starting their new career as soon as they have passed all assessments. Core Elements is offering a £300 early bird booking discount for the full sports and remedial massage diploma when booked before 30 October 2015. Core Elements also provides CPD training in anatomy for yoga and the science of stretching and will soon be providing CPD training in kinesiology tapping, and is currently the only provider of hot yoga classes in West Swindon. See details at: www.coreelements.uk.com

CLARE DUNCAN-HAWES

FREE SPINAL HEALTH CHECK • NECK PAIN • BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • SPORTS INJURY • CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Free 20 minute consultation to assess if Chiropractic will benefit you. Please call

01793 602454

Chiropractic is a natural and safe approach to help the problems above and many more such as knee and elbow pain, repetitive strain, heavy lifting injury, etc. And we can help young and old alike.

54 Basepoint Centre, Westlea, Swindon www.cjduncan-hawes.co.uk

Clare Duncan-Hawes BSc (Hons) MSc DC Member of the British Chiropractic Association & College of Chiropractors. Registered with GCC

is Ea co r un ly ts B Av ir ai d la bl e

Dressability is putting on a series of fashion shows at Asda Walmart in North Swindon on 16 and 17 October, with help from members of Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group modelling Asda’s Autumn range. Volunteers are needed to assist on an information stand and to collect donations. Hair stylists and nail technicians are also invited to offer their skills. For details contact Andrea Hawker on 01793 512878. www.dressability.org.uk

and a 1km wheelchair race. Individuals, teams and corporate entries are all invited - and you can raise money for charities of your choice. If you are not entering but want to get involved, help make this the best Half Marathon yet by becoming a volunteer racemaker, or visit on the day to enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on the participants. For details of volunteering and to enter online, see: www.swindonhalfmarathon.org.uk

THE CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTRE

the most stylish at next year’s Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro. And with the help of Swindon charity Dressability, they’re likely to be the most comfortable. As the only charity in the country that adapts everyday clothing worn by able bodied people for the specific requirements of individuals with disabilities, Dressability was introduced to the British Paralympic Committee by one of its trustees, the BBC journalist and broadcaster Andy Stevenson, who himself is differently able. Dressability manager Sharon Tombs, above, said: “We were invited to present our experience of adapting clothing so that people with disabilities can wear fashionable clothing which have hidden zips and fastners, or have been tailored so that the waistband of users in wheelchairs don’t rub their backs.” When the contract to supply day wear for the paralympic athletes was awarded to ASOS, Dressability was asked to act as design consultants.

Massage Therapy Diploma By Dawn Morse MSc

Sports Massage Therapy Diploma & Massage Therapy Certificate Swindon Based Courses Start February 2016

Pilates, Hot Yoga & Ashtanga Yoga Classes in West Swindon & Old Town Book Now for September www.coreelements.uk.com

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Cyclist with promise

Sam’s the Wildcats iceman in the community

Swindon Wildcats ice hockey club have appointed Sam Bullas as their community development officer responsible for delivering the Wildcats in the Community programme on a local and regional level. The popular forward is well qualified for the role as he has a foundation degree in sports coaching and a first class BSc in sport studies. He is also currently in the process of completing a Masters in sports Dorcan Academy pupil Jamie coaching science. Kimber, 14, came fifth out of 59 On the practical side Sam is in the Prudential Ride London U16 ideally suited, having had work girls Grand Prix in July, one of five girls representing the South Region. experience in primary and secondary schools, coached teen A member of the Cotswold Velsrijden club she is also the South hockey camps in Canada over three Region individual pursuit champion summers and also at numerous Okanagan Ice Hockey Camps in for her age group and is one of Britain over the last four years. six 14 to 16 year olds in the club Wildcats general manager Steve on the British Cycling Olympic Nell said: “Putting Sam’s experiperformance pathway for future ence alongside his hockey playing champions. career at Nottingham and Swindon Cotswold Velsrijden is the only ensures the Wildcats in the Comclub in Swindon which accepts munity programme will be in good children (under 12 & youth) into hands moving forward. their team. Find out more: www.laatste-ronde.cx "It is great to have someone of

Sam's calibre already within the organisation and I’m very happy he has taken the position. “It is an important time for the programme as it moves to charity status; he is perfectly suited to help us do that and continue to grow our involvement in the community." Sam himself is looking forward to

the challenge: "I was really pleased to be offered the job. As a Cats player I already know how important the community programme is. It introduces future Wildcats to the game through Kids Go Free games and Learn to Play sessions as well as promoting sport and healthy lifestyles in general." Sam can be contacted on 01793 886857 or samuel.bullas@ swindonwildcats.com Find details about Wildcats in the Community by clicking on the community tab at: www.swindonwildcats.com

Home fixtures in September Sat 5th, 5.45pm

Bracknell Bees

Sat 12th, 5.45pm Peterborough Phantoms Sat 19th, 5.45pm Bracknell Bees Sat 26th, 5.45pm Manchester Phoenix Wed 30th, 7.45pm Milton Keynes Lightning

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Expansion to town’s bus network

• Free estimate at your home or work • We now complete all repairs in our workshop| • We will collect and return your car, free of charge, the same day

swindonlink.com n September 2015

From 1 September Thamesdown bus users will be able to benefit from additional buses to and from New College and Great Western Hospital, as well as an enhanced commuter Service 27 to Windmill Hill and a revised service from Park South to the town centre. The current non-stop service to Great Western Hospital will become an all-stop service and so enable more passengers along the route to access both the hospital and college. Services currently numbered 16X will become Service 16, and the frequency will increase to every ten minutes on Mondays to Fridays, instead of every 12 minutes. On Saturdays the frequency will increase from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes. Commuters to Windmill Hill will benefit from an enhanced service during weekday peak commuting hours, with the merger of services 27 and 28 into a revised service 27. The frequency of these buses will improve from the current two buses per hour to up to four per hour. Park South residents will see a change to the route of service 18 to make it more reliable. From Whitbourne Avenue, the buses

will operate on an anti-clockwise loop following Cranmore Avenue to return to the town centre. This service will no longer go to Coate Water. There will be minor timing changes to service 12 from Croft Campus, which will still leave at 5.07pm but subsequent stops will be up to 5 minutes later to improve reliability. Several service 48 journeys will also be brought forward by 10 minutes in order to improve reliability. Peter Oliver, Thamesdown’s commercial director, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to introduce improvements to the network. By increasing the frequency and stops on service 16, we hope to make sure that no-one needs to wait very long to catch a bus to the hospital. “We’ve also identified where we think the public will benefit from additional buses and so boosted the number that serve workers at Windmill Hill. ”A new town services timetable booklet and services 46/48 leaflet is available from the Thamesdown Transport Travel Shop on Fleming Way. See details of the services and the timetable changes at: www.thamesdownbus.com

The new Suzuki Vitara – a step up in style and substance For years, in a rather low profile way, Suzuki have been selling competitively priced cars that have been good to drive but rather lacking in the social graces as it were. Interiors were functional but displayed rather a lot of hard, plain plastic that gave the passengers a bit of a low-rent vibe. Those days are gone, writes Geoff Maxted of www.drivewrite. co.uk The new Vitara represents a real step up in quality. There's still some robust plastic on the dash and door sills but now it's subdued and textured to deliver what should be a hard-wearing finish – just right for a busy family. Otherwise, in this range-topping SZ5 version, the inside is a pleasant, airy place to be thanks to the big sunroof. The seats are supportive and, on the test car, were upholstered in a leather/suede mix. The Vitara falls under the heading of 'crossover' which means it has plenty of storage and ample legroom without being massively cumbersome like a full-size SUV. The cascading piano-black dashboard is blissfully button free with most functions controlled through a touchscreen or via the leather

steering wheel. Some controls are a bit fiddly but on the whole it works well. The sat-nav is accurate with voice guidance that is clear though it sounds a bit strict. Some drivers might like this. Electronics that you will actually use are all on board with cruise, USB, Aux and climate control as well as a standout Bluetooth system with music steaming. The boot offers a reasonable 375L of space or 710L with the rear seats folded. Perfectly adequate plus the boot has hidden depths, literally. There's security storage beneath the false floor and beneath that is the spare wheel well. Our test car had a kit installed – we'd recommend

going for a space-saver spare. Traditionally, Suzuki are masters at delivering good four wheel drive systems and the new Vitara features the latest AllGrip technology which is simplicity itself to use. Leave it in Auto (eco) and the car will drive two wheels but will switch drive to the corner with the best grip should the need arise. Sport mode makes maximal use of four-wheel drive in accordance with accelerator inputs. At low and mid-range engine speeds, the system alters the accelerator/torque characteristics to optimise engine response and cornering. When things get muddy, icy or snowy just

click over to snow mode for added all-wheel security. Four wheel drive can be locked too to get the car out of sticky situations; a great system. For additional safety SZ5 models get Radar Brake Support providing early warning of a possible front end shunt. The Suzuki Vitara is good to drive and we saw a consistent 42mpg from the 1.6 petrol motor (there's also a diesel). We made do with a five-speed manual gearbox but Suzuki now offer a new six-speed box of cogs which will make for more relaxed motorway cruising. The car has kerb appeal and is one of the more attractively designed crossovers. You can specify the car with an 'Urban Pack' for extra embellishments or choose the more 'off-road' look of the 'Rugged Pack'. There's a selection of funky colours to choose from with the option of some great two-tone paint jobs. As mentioned, this car is top of the form with pretty much everything on it. Even so it only costs £21,099 which, in the crossover world, is something of a bargain. It's also available in 2WD form in SZ4 and SZ-T versions with prices starting around £14k. Highly recommended.

THE ALL-NEW SUZUKI VITARA. IT LIVES. FROM £13,999.* †

Rugged SUV Design. Advanced Safety. ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive. Request a Test Drive today: suzuki.co.uk/pebley

Pebley Beach Swindon

West Swindon Motor Park Paddington Drive Swindon SN5 7SB 01793 816800 Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Suzuki Vitara range mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 emissions (g/km): Urban 42.1-61.4 (6.7-4.6), Extra Urban 55.4-76.3 (5.1-3.7), Combined 49.5-70.6 (5.7-4.0), CO 2 emissions 131-106 g/km.

The above fuel consumption figures are based on an EU test for comparative purposes only and may not reflect real driving results. Vitara range: Vitara SZ4 1.6 Petrol Manual available at £13,999 to Vitara SZ5 DDiS ALLGRIP Manual with Rugged Pack available at £22,549. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. Offer subject to availability for vehicles privately registered between 1st July 2015 to 30th September 2015 from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. *Model shown is a Vitara SZ5 1.6 petrol available at £18,499 on the road (Single-tone metallic paint available at an additional cost of £430, Dual-tone paint available at an additional cost of £800.) †Optional extra for SZ5 models only, optional ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive available at additional cost.

swindonlink.com n September 2015

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

Tel: 01793 875451 or 07940 247152 www.freethfencingandgardenservicesltd.com

Gardens success Colourful September in Prospect The West Swindon Open Gardens in June saw 251 paying visitors viewing 15 gardens in the Nine Elms area to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Swindon Smash youth mentoring. £1,788 was raised from entry fees, refreshments, plant sales and raffles, plus a corporate donation. The event is coordinated by Shaw Residents’ Association who also organise litter picks in the area. The next one takes place on Saturday 19 September. Meet at 10.30am outside the Village Inn.

D.A. DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS ❐ Block Paving ❐ Landscaping ❐ Fencing ❐ Decorative Stone ❐ General Maintenance For a professional and affordable service, free consultation and written quotation

Tel: 01793 878062 or 07866 523898

Two events in September will brighten up late summer days and provide good memories for the • Garden/site shaping, winter months. levelling, clearance Run the Rainbow on Saturday 12 • Footings, trenches & ditches excavated September is a brand new fund• Hardcore sub-bases & roadways/tracks raising event to support Prospect • Concrete, tarmac, hedge Hospice - a 5km multi-terrain & stump removal run where you’re plastered with • Soil screening/debris removal powder paint around the course • Micro excavator, minimum access at Wroughton Airfield, so that you width required: 29” (730mm) arrive at the finish line all colours C.P.C.S Licensed • Fully Insured of the rainbow. Wearing a white Call Steve to discuss your needs t-shirt is recommended. and receive a free estimate For a completely new fundraising Tel: 01793 848708 or 07967 341567 experience, click on the support us www.earthmovingservices.co.uk tab at: www.prospect-hospice.net

Earthmoving Services

UNITS 19-20 KENDRICK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SWINDON WILTS SN2 2DU

TEL: 01793 536784 SANSUM SAND & GRAVEL SUPPLY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND TRADE CUSTOMERS BRICKS, CONCRETE BLOCKS, CELCON BLOCKS, BLOCK PAVING, PATIO SLABS, SAND, GRAVEL, TOP SOIL, BARK, CANTABURY SPAR, LANDSCAPE FABRIC, DRAINAGE CHANNELS, BUILDING CHEMICALS, ROCK SALT AND CEMENT

www.sansums.co.uk 44

swindonlink.com n September 2015

For a quieter, but no less colourful, form of fundraising, the annual Prospect Hospice Garden Fete on Saturday 5 September, 12pm to 4pm, in the grounds of the hospice in Wroughton is always a great day out. There will be traditional stalls, games, family entertainment and refreshments. It’s also a good opportunity to meet hospice staff and volunteers. There is no on-site parking but there will be a free park and ride service from Nationwide House, Pipers Way provided by Thamesdown Transport.

GAZEBO

LANDSCAPING

GENERAL GARDEN MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHED 1992

• Fencing - closeboard, panels etc. • Drives & patios - slabs, concrete, shingle • Patio cleaning, grass cutting, gardens tidied up • Turfing, grass seeding • Ponds & pergolas

Tel: 07711 253508 freshwind@blackberry.orange.co.uk

LANDSERVE

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Professional care `````` for your garden Grass cutting - regular maintenance Landscaping - Patios & Paving - repairs & cleaning Decking and Fencing Hedge cutting & pruning No Job Too Small. All works insured

Call Martin Emery MI Hort.

for free quotation on 01793 703306 or Mobile 07771 956294

Glos Garden Services Ltd Company Registration No. 09302713

Now covering the Swindon area offering complete tree and gardening services.

15% off

with this advert For a free quote, call Henry on 01793 238632 or 01452 347964 or 01452 913633 www.glosgardenservices.co.uk All major credit cards accepted

A & S

FREE

ESTIM

ATES

TREE & LANDSCAPING

ALL TYPES OF GARDENING, LANDSCAPING AND FENCING WORK UNDERTAKEN Garden Clearance, Turfing Tree Pruning, Maintenance Fencing & Decking, Block Paving Patios, Paths, Drives Please call for a FREE, No obligation estimate Customers are entitled to a 14 day cooling off period

01793 238 267 07747 721 281

AandSbowers@live.co.uk www.aandslandscapingservices.com Unit 6, Calcut Park, Cricklade SN6 6JR

• Regular lawn mowing

• Full garden

maintenance service

• Hedgecutting, pruning and weeding

• Planting, clearance and much more

For a free no obligation quote call Cliff on 01793 703986 or 07973 391 668

Email: gardencareswindon@hotmail.com

HERITAGE TREE CARE

PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS Comprehensive service Qualified staff Fully insured • Pruning and Shaping • Felling and Removal • Hedge Cutting • Stump Grinding • Tree Planting

Free quotations and advice Call Ian Walding (N.C.Hort N.D.Arb)

01793 790210 07971 566880

Email: treeman@iwalding.freeserve.co.uk

• All Traditonal Fencing • Decking •Gates •Sheds • Pergolas & Planters • Timber supplies • Insurance Repairs

Call today for a free quote

01793 850457 or 07809075792 www.lindenfencing.co.uk

CLIFF WHITEWAY SERVICES Lawn & Hedge Cutting Maintenance General Garden Tidy Turfing Give your garden a makeover Call John Dowell on 07892 436198 or 01793 421651 j.dowell@live.co.uk

For all your home & garden needs Patios Decking Paths Turfing Walling Fencing Driveways For a free quote call Cliff on

Tel: 01793 731418 Mobile: 07808 355487

Established locally for over 8 years References available

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Landlady has plans to turn North Swindon pub into the village hall Debbie Young, the new landlady at The Jovial Monk on St Andrew’s Ridge, pictured below, was the barmaid for two years; now she’s celebrating taking over the license of the Arkell’s pub and has plans to bring back the community. She said: “I started working on Sunday lunchtimes and one evening a week, but I loved it so much that my hours grew. I jumped at the opportunity to take over when the pub came available. The prospect of the 400 houses being built between St Andrew’s local centre and Abbey Stadium is exciting. “More homes means more customers,” she said. “The new residents will find themselves in the centre of a ready-made local community, with the pub at its heart. I want it to become home to

lots more groups, from WI meetings to exercise classes. “We’ve got a huge conservatory which I don’t charge community groups to use. Think of The Jovial Monk as the village hall where you can pop in for coffee, read the paper or log-on to our free wi-fi.” Debbie has also re-established the pool team and is looking for people to join the darts team. The long running golf society has had a successful fundraising year and raised over well over £3,000 for Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group and Swindon Town Football in the Community. See the advert on page 24.

Members of the Jovial Monk Golfing Society presenting cheques to Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group and STFC Football in the Community

Walk for Freedom in aid of moonbears The Swindon Animals Asia Support Group is organising another circular Walk for Freedom around Peatmoor Lagoon and Shaw Forest on Sunday 6 September, 11am. The group has pledged to raise £12,000 to adopt a moonbear who they have named Florence and has been rescued from captivity where bears endure the painful extraction

of their bile for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Organiser Sarah Chilvers said: “Bring your friends, family and canine companions and join us on a wonderful walk and help us raise funds for Animals Asia’s new sanctuary in Vietnam. Every step you take, every pound you raise will help Animals Asia rescue more bears

Mack makes his mark in the doggy world MISSING CAT!

Please help find Jiji!

Jiji is a beautiful orange, black and white, medium to long haired cat. She went missing from the High Street in Burbage on 2nd August. She is spayed and microchipped with an AVID microchip from the USA. Jiji is greatly loved and missed. If found or you have any leads to her whereabouts, please contact: 01672 811799 or 01678 555000

FOSSE DOGOTEL & CATTERY CRICKLADE ROAD, CIRENCESTER

NOW OFFERS DOGGY DAY CARE !!

AS WELL AS OUR USUAL FACILITIES

There are many famous luminaries that come from Swindon - Diana Dors, Billie Piper, Melinda Messenger, Jon Richardson and Mark Lamarr to name a few. But a name that is more famous than them all if you happen to be a dog-lover is Mack - one of the star attractions at an event over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Mack is a very well-known Bouvier des Flandres owned by Janet Garrett of Janet’s Puppyskool in Haydon Wick who is celebrating her 60th birthday. Mack appeared in Annie on the Wyvern Theatre stage in 2013 when he was only a year old and his fame has spread since with many film

Janet’s Puppy Skool Have fun teaching your dog good manners and behaviour at one of our friendly classes

and television appearances. At this year’s National Bouvier Club Bank Holiday Rally in Shropshire, one of the highlights of the programme, is a Puppyskool

kept in appalling condition and give them the chance to live in a cruelty free and happy environment.” Registration is a £10 minimum donation (children are free). It’s also free for sponsored walkers. For details and a registration form contact: sarahchilvers66@hotmail. com www.animalsasia-swindon.co.uk

demonstration with Mack taking the lead and showing other Bouviers what he can do. Janet said: “This is the third time that Mack has been asked to demonstrate elements of his training having done it once before for the bouvier club and the other time for the APDT – Association of Pet Dog Trainers at Crufts last year. He was an incredibly popular attraction at their Crufts stand and showed off things like fetching my keys, finding me a tissue if I sneezed or a pen if I needed to make a note.” And as you can see from the picture by Bob Lustin, Mack is also something of a model too. See the Puppy Skool advert below.

Pet Boarding, Dog Day Care and shop supplying Quality Food, Toys and Equipment

3 Playskool class for puppies 3 Adult beginners/improvers 3 Senior Skool/advanced classes 3 One to one advice & training 3 Fun agility workshops

www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk APDT Member (01066)

01285 860200

info@fossedogotelandcattery.co.uk www.fossedogotelandcattery.co.uk

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Janet Garrett DipCABT (QCF-Level 4)

Tel: 01793 727158

janet@janetspuppyskool.co.uk

We at Barkimber have a strong passion for the welfare and happiness of all our guests and we believe that their holiday should be at least as much fun as yours! Barkimber Pet Care, 7 Packhorse Lane, Purton, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 4HU Tel: 01793 771285 • E:mail: enquiries@barkimberpetcare.com

Mayor passes on Lions fireworks funds

The Mayor with Lions Club members and representatives from STAN, Swindon Down’s Syndrome Support Group and the Olive Tree Cafe The Mayor of Swindon Andrew Bennett presented cheques of over £1,000 each to three charities on behalf of Swindon Lions in mid-July. The recipients were Swindon’s Downs Syndrome Group, STAN (Swindon Talking Newspaper for the hard of hearing) and the Olive Tree Cafe in Manor Garden Centre which supports people recovering from mental illness.

Swindon Lions holds fundraising events throughout the year and is particularly well known for organising the very popular bonfire and fireworks display at the Polo Ground in November. New members are always welcome to help with the voluntary service activities carried out by club members. See details at: www.swindonlions.org

Agent working with the surge

The family team from left: Christopher, Paul, Alan, Stephen, Kevin Swindon and North Wiltshire has seen a massive upswing in rental market prices this year according to local estate agents Alan Hawkins from Royal Wootton Bassett. “It’s definitely a landlord’s market out there and if you are thinking of renting your property, now would be the time to do it,” said Stephen Hawkins. “Throughout this year we have seen the rental market prices increase by around 10 to 15 per cent with the national average reporting an increase between 2.7 per cent to 4 per cent still over the past 3 months. “We are finding that tenants are fighting each other to be first to view new properties that come onto the market.” The estate agent has also seen house sales prices rise nationally by

3 per cent in the past quarter which means the shortage of properties gives an advantage to sellers. The family run and owned business started in 1998 by Alan and Janet Hawkins has now grown to include four sons, Stephen, Paul, Kevin and Chris, along with three secretaries. Stephen added: “It is definitely time to sell or let your property and we are the most active agent in the area with more sold and let properties than anyone else for the last six months. We are all family here, and this sets us apart from others in terms of personal service and approach without compromise. Why not pop in and say hello over a coffee and meet the team?” Contact Alan Hawkins Estate Agent via the advert right.

We are an independent family owned and run agency offering over 50 years of combined property experience servicing, Royal Wootton Bassett, Purton, Lyneham, Swindon and surrounding villages. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a professional and personal service that only a totally committed family team can provide.

26/26a High Street Royal Wootton Bassett Wiltshire SN4 7AA

Sales: 01793 840222 Lettings: 01793 855222 www.alanhawkins.co.uk

swindonlink.com n September 2015

SERVICE SECTOR

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

D E Carpentry DLS Property Services Ltd

For all your carpentry needs k Door hanging

Kitchens & bathrooms supplied & installed from start to finish

k Kitchen fitting

Plastering • Floor & wall tiling Plumbing • Electrics Facias, soffits & guttering Part/full house refurbishments

k Real wood and laminate flooring

Providing plumbing services to clients throughout Swindon

k Fitted wardrobes

30 years experience

k 15 years experience

For a free estimate from a Home Improvement Specialist please call David on

Call 01793 514069 or 07885 972172

Tel: 01793 338275 Mob: 07796262942 Email: info@dlspropertyservices.com

e: ellisj10@sky.com

Web: www.dlspropertyservices.com

www.delliscarpentry.co.uk

• • • • • • • • • •

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

Approved Electrician Approved Electrician Part P Registered Part P Registered

• Extra Sockets/lights Extra Sockets/lights • • Fuse Board Upgrade

• •

• Fuse Board Upgrade andInspection Inspection • Testing Testing and • Complete Complete Rewires 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

Semi-retired Plumber 24hr emergency call out

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS ● Repairs to all upvc doors and windows ● 24 hr boarding up service and lock change ● Hinges, Window/Door Locks and Handles etc. Call Jamie for free advice and quote on all aspects of upvc. We will beat any like for like quotation

01793 940089 or 07526 647673

OAP discount on request Tel: 01793 271185 Mobile: 07813 950899

• Kitchen/Bathroom Installations • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing • Tiling • Minor Electrical • Carpentry • Garden landscaping/Maintenance • Patios & Decking

Tel: 01793 721677 Mobile 07919415849

GASTECH

SWINDON GAS SERVICES

THE INDEPENDENT GAS SPECIALISTS

www.swindongasservices.co.uk

• Servicing, Repairs, Installation • Central Heating (including Combination boilers and Warm Air) • Landlord Safety Checks • Cookers, Fires, Water Heaters

142573

SERVICE CONTRACT SPECIALISTS

FOR GAS SERVICE CALL 01793 848800 6 Templars Way Industrial Est, Marlborough Rd, W. Bassett SN4 7SR

www.gastechwilts.co.uk

01793 847517 ★ boiler changes ★ boiler breakdown ★ full central heating systems ★ heating system upgrades ★ power flushing ★ bathroom suites ★ all types of plumbing work undertaken ★ no call out charge ★ 15 years experience 550065

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

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Design to Installation All Work Guaranteed Quality Finish And Attention To Detail Is Assured

Tel: 01793 324116 Mob: 07788 621772

www.ashdownbk.co.uk

FREE CONSULTATIONS & ESTIMATES

Call Mark: 01793 887766 Mob: 07979 267757

217129

24 YEARS EXPERIENCE Installation & Servicing NG & LPG ✓ Boiler & System Upgrades ✓ Breakdown & Maintenance ✓ Bathrooms, Showers & Wet Rooms ✓ Power Flushing / Descaling ✓ For ALL your plumbing, heating & gas requirements call Assured on

07845 90 80 60 or 01793 700 820

Tel: 01793 748333 Mob: 07733897039

hwheating@googlemail.com

ASHDOWN

• Leaks & burst pipes • Blocked drains, sinks & toilets • Immersions & hot water cylinders • Tap washers & ball valves • Complete bathrooms refitted • Dishwashers & washing machines plumbed in • Radiators changed

swindonlink.com n September 2015

Friendly, reliable service

FOR ALL YOUR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

Misted or Broken Windows?

upvc-swindon@hotmail.co.uk

J&R Plumbing

www.assured-plumbing.co.uk

A&J DEVELOPMENTS LTD 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

• • • • •

Home Improvements General Building Extension & Renovations Kitchens & Bathrooms Plastering & Decorating

• • • •

Gas Safe Registered 190354 Plumbing & Heating Boilers Electrical Installations

• Fencing & Sheds • Decking & Patios

Call Andy on 07779 300121 or 01793 825005 aecampbell6@googlemail.com

SERVICE SECTOR

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

J’s Electrical ✭ Extra sockets and lights ✭ Shower and cooker installation ✭ Fuse board replacement ✭ Complete re-wiring ✭ Security lighting ✭ P.A.T. testing ✭ 24 hours

• Extensions • Driveways • Conservatories • Patios • Garden Walls • Fencing All general building and landscaping projects undertaken NO JOB TOO SMALL Call Stewart on

NO JOB TOO SMALL Mobile: 07985 195893 Tel: 01793 320447

01793 670115 or 0784 182 6390

Also general plumbing, tiling & plastering

for a Free Estimate

WARMSHIELD SERVICES LTD

559105

Tel: 01793 753341

www.heatingswindon.com

Painter, Decorator & General Handywoman • • • •

Free no obligation quotes Fully insured Interior/exterior work Gardening services grass cutting and hedge trimming • No job too small • Reliable, honest, friendly service

RepaiRs, installation, Maintenance FRee FREE Quotes! QUOTES! EXCELLENT seRvice! SERVICE! excellent Call Call Justin: Justin:

Tel: 593 Tel:01793 01793 871 826322 Mob: 748 Mob:07503 07503 210 210748

justinhallplumbing@gmail.com justinhallplumbing@gmail.com

t: 01793 692149 m: 07780 915446 e: ajh.decor@gmail.com

DJR General Builders Ltd Competent, reliable and fully insured.

• Boiler breakdowns and maintenance contracts from £15/month • Boiler servicing from £59 + VAT • Landlords Gas Safety and PAT testing • Boiler and heating systems upgrades • Full central heating designs and installation • Power flushing / Descaling Combi • General plumbing boilers from from tap washers to £1,350 full bathroom suites + VAT • Free no obligation quotes u 10% discount with this advert (quote ref WL 2714) u £500 off any new boiler installed

Alison J Hook

The Plumber you’ll Recommend!

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

All aspects of building and maintenance work carried out to private and public properties.

Affordable luxury fitted wardrobes, measured, manufactured and fitted from only £495 Made to measure, floor to ceiling, a wide range of traditional and modern designs in various finishes For a free brochure and no obligation quote Call 01793 827188 www.mryprojects.co.uk

Please call for a free quotation. 01793 871660 (Office) Mob: 075151 25060 derek.richardson5@virginmedia.com 24 The Elms, Nine Elms Swindon SN5 5XA

ELECTRICIAN

ACP

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: 07969350160 /01793 435513 www.acphomeimprovements.co.uk

Extension & Garage Conversion Specialists • • • •

Project Management Alterations / Renovations Garden walls / Patios / Decking Conservatory bases No job too big or small! Fully insured. 18 years experience Call Neil now for a free, competitive quote on

Chrome sockets and switches Home extensions/rewire Replacement fuse boards Kitchen & bathroom electrics Data cabling/office conversions Garage/garden power Decorative lights Fault finding/repairs

• Electrical installations • Modifications • Fault finding • Inspection & Testing • Domestic & Commercial • 24/7 Emergency call-out • Part P & IET Certified

Fully insured to £2m Free, no obligation quotes and advice for the Swindon area

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

0800 1357063 or 07967 155502 or email:

Call Darren on 01793 629 629 www.crannistech.co.uk

info@benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk benchmarkconstructionswindon.co.uk 24/7 Emergency Call Out • All Works Guaranteed • Reliable & Affordable

All types of electrical work undertaken • House extensions, alterations & rewires • Fault finding & repairs • Fuse board repairs & replacements • Testing & certification • Kitchen installations - cookers & appliances • Intruder alarm systems • Bathroom installations • Supplies to garages & out-houses • Lighting & socket outlets • Exterior lighting & power • 24 hour emergency call out

Swindon’s Heating & Plumbing Specialists • Full Central Heating Installations • Boiler Replacement, Servicing & Repair • All Plumbing & Maintenance Services • Full Bathroom Installations • Landlord & Letting Agent Services • Renewable Energy Installations

Fully qualified, NAPIT & Part P Approved Electricians

01793 847575

www.wired-electrical.co.uk

info@wired-electrical.co.uk

01793 878636

523887

Power Flus hing Agent

www.CentraHeat.co.uk

CentraHeat.co.uk

www.

07739 357617

swindonlink.com n September 2015

SERVICE SECTOR

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

BATHROOMS

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Plumbing

& Heating MJP Home Creations

❉ Quality bathroom suites

fitted - tiling, electrics, flooring all taken care of ❉ All types of plumbing undertaken - leaking taps, pumps, tanks, burst pipes, 302877 machines installed

Free estimates

01793 876600 07748 964433

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

Approved Plumber

mjplumbing64@gmail.com

DECORATOR

DECORATING & CARPENTRY

Call 01793 721455 or 07976 885203

No job too small • Rooms left tidy daily Free no obligation 24 hour quotations

www.trevorwyse.com

Call Andy: 01793 729354 or 07900 835116

DOUBLE GLAZING

ELECTRICIAN

Doctor Glass

repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks

Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671

Do better business! Promote what you do on paper and online @ swindonlink.com Call Sue Roberts to discuss our combined advertising packages

01793 602540 50

• Interior/exterior painting and decorating • Wallpaper • Tiling • Coving • Laminate flooring • Doors & skirting replacement • Kitchen & bathroom refits • Internal alterations

swindonlink.com n September 2015

DECORATOR

DECORATOR INSIDE AND OUT • High class painting and decorating • 30 years experience • Competitive rates • Interior & exterior • References available • Reliable friendly service, all work undertaken For free quotation call Paul on

01793 321981 07775 840236

INTERIOR H EXTERIOR WALLPAPERING H COVING H

• 20 years experience • Competitive rates • No job too small • Reliable & friendly service • Free estimates

Call Stuart on 01793 727659 or 07809 368051

HEATING & PLUMBING

RJ PeaRce Plumbing & Heating ltd

SAFE & SHAW

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Over 20 years experience in plumbing & heating work

✓ EXTRA SOCKETS / LIGHTS ✓ SECURITY LIGHTING/FIRE ALARMS ✓ GARDEN LIGHTING & OUTDOOR SOCKETS ✓ SHOWERS/COOKERS INSTALLED ✓ FUSE BOARD REPLACEMENT ✓ COMPLETE RE-WIRING FREE QUOTATIONS, NO OBLIGATION

Please call Paul Eastham on 07769 883717

• Central heating • Bathrooms & showers • Competitive rates

7 YEAR GUARANTEE

on Worcester Bosch Ri Si and Cdi boilers

• All work guaranteed • No job too small

Accredited Installer

For further details call Richard on 01793 879156 or 07747 723606

HOME MAINTENANCE Services

(Household Maintenance) Handyman

• Plastering • Carpentry • Garden Maintenance • Decorating, Coving • Groundwork • Tiling • Bathroom & Kitchen Installation • Fencing & Patios • Power Jetting • Building, installing partition walls, loft boarding & repairs Competitive Rates, Flexible Hours, Reliable, No job too small

For a free no obligation quote call Gary on

Mobile: 07764 511933 or Tel: 01793 879069

203455

PLANS DRAWN

PLASTERING

Loft conversion & extension specialist. Complete house design and commercial work undertaken.

BSJ PLASTERING & DECORATING SERVICES

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

All areas of Plastering, Decorating and Refurbishment undertaken

• Ceilings and Walls Plastered • Coving • Rendering • Painting & Decorating - Internal & External • Complete Home Improvements undertaken • Free quotations

Please contact Brian Jones

Mobile: 07976 572905 Home: 01793 725834

Professional, reliable and friendly service www.swindonplasterer.com

SERVICE SECTOR CARPENTRY

Paul Rhind

J S Property Services

Bathroom suites and kitchens fitted

UPVC windows & doors Conservatories, fascias and guttering Roofing & building maintenance

Home & Garden Improvements General General carpentry carpentry Fitted Fitted kitchens kitchens // bedrooms bedrooms Laminate Laminate and and solid solid flooring flooring Replacement Replacement doors doors Skirtings Skirtings // architraves architraves Decking Decking and and patios patios General General building building maintenance maintenance

Telephone/fax: 01793 874807

Free Free estimates estimates Call Call Jamie Jamie on on 704309 704309 or or 0777 0777 594 594 8833 8833 www.jspropertyservices.co.uk www.jspropertyservices.co.uk

DECORATOR

FREE TREVOR WYSE ESTIMATES Professional INTERIOR & Painter & Decorator EXTERIOR

Quality painting and TREVOR WYSE decorating at an Professional Painter affordable price

&D eco rat or

Painting, decorating, ceramic tiling

ain

ter

Wallpaper Specialist REDUCTIONS FOR Coving • Dado Rails • Tiling Call OAPs

Call 01793 721455 or 01793 07976 885203 334823 or 07788 572043 www.trevorwyse.com

Doctor Glass & Decorator 40 years

repairs & replaces cracked, Wallpaperexperience Specialist broken or VAT Coving Dado No Rails • Tiling misted •double Free estimates glazed windows 01793 721455 or ForCall professional, reliable and friendly service call

07976 885203 Also hinges and locks

GBD Services 01793 979282 Call: 01793 854448 or 07453 966627 www.trevorwyse.com or 07976 219671

HEATING & PLUMBING

HOME MAINTENANCE

Quality Plumbing & Heating

G R SERVICES

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

PA I N T I N G A N D D E C O R AT I N G

BUILDING SERVICES

A C h a n g e o f Co l o u r

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

Experienced in all aspects of interior and exterior decorating ✓ Domestic, commercial & letting ✓ Specialist in insurance claims & DIY 'rescues’ ✓ Competitive rates (no VAT) ✓ Excellent references ✓ Registered & recommended by the Painting & Decorating Association ✓ Age UK Registered ✓ Full public liability insurance Free advice and quotations contact Darryl Bevan on 01793 497461 or 07919 671307

Doctor Glass

repairs & replaces cracked, broken or misted double glazed windows Also hinges and locks

Call: 01793 854448 or 07976 219671

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

Tel: 01793 881905 Mobile: 07973 663367 www.swindonheating.co.uk

www.grservicesswindon.co.uk

TILING

email: grservices@hotmail.co.uk

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

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 swindonlink.com n September 2015

SERVICE SECTOR

GET SOMEONE IN, REPAIR AND IMPROVE: YOUR GUIDE TO HOME MAINTENANCE

ACCOUNTANCY

CJD

ACCOUNTANCY LTD

Craig Dell FCCA

Chartered Certified Accountant Over 20 year’s experience for all your accountancy & taxation needs including: • Self Assessments • Sole Traders • Partnerships • Limited Companies • Available evenings and weekends • Fixed fee quotes • No VAT • First consultation free

Tel: 01793 343255 M: 07557 399987 Email: cjd.accountancy@virginmedia.com

AERIAL SERVICES

Shaun Guard

TV AERIAL SERVICES Poor Reception Solved Aerials repaired & supplied TVs - Hung on your wall and tuned Extra TV Points - For aerial and Sky (In HD!) Sky TV - Also Foreign Language TV

AERIAL SERVICES

Aerial Solutions • Does your picture freeze and break up? • Would you like TV points in other rooms? • Do you want Freesat or Sky installed?

Then contact your local VAT free aerial and satellite installers

01793 744957

Call Swindon 01793 474720

50% off digital aerials

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swindonlink.com n September 2015

Chris Payne

aerials & satellite systems ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

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Call 07709 453949 emanjayupholstery@gmail.com swindonlink.com n September 2015

A momentous visit for young Scout from West Swindon Having been in Scouting since the age of ten, I find it incredible to think of all that I have been lucky enough to experience in such a short space of time. Without doubt, attending the World Scout Jamboree in Japan has been the best in my entire life. My jamboree experience began roughly 18 months ago when I was selected from over 100 candidates to be part of the Wiltshire Jamboree Unit, a group of 27 Scouts and three leaders from across the county. Instead of travelling with

n Jack with a reminder of home

Jack Deeley, 17, who lives in Sparcells, an Explorer Scout with 2nd Cricklade Sampson Unit, describes a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Japan in early August friends and family like most people who go abroad, we were a group of complete strangers, united only by our common goal of going to Japan. Over time, through training camps, fundraising activities and social events, we became firm friends and I am sure that we will remain for n The Wiltshire unit holding the chain of peace cranes with Scouts from their link years to come. solidarity patrol who were helped to attend the jamboree and camped together and After selection, the shared activities. The youngsters from Georgia, Armenia, Tajikistan, Belarus and next, and perhaps Moldova could only communicate in Russian and some English greatest obstacle to overcome was raising the required tions to a variety of audiences and differences are unimportant. Fun £3,500. We each had to dedicate encouraged as many younger people and companionship are universal a lot of our spare time to car boot in Scouting as possible to attend a languages, especially when sales, 8-hour long bag packs, baking jamboree in the future. combined with our connection competitions as well as collecting This year’s jamboree brought as Scouts. When listening to the used stamps. It’s true that you get together 33,000 Scouts from over foreign version of an English song, nothing without hard work, but I 150 countries. Having never been to it’s good to clap along to the tune have also learnt that there are many music festivals or similar, this was even if you don’t know the words! who will help you along the way, if my first taste of large-scale events. We had the privilege of visityou are willing to take the time to Surrounded by such a vibrant mix of ing Hiroshima on 5 August, the talk and be friendly. As part of the young people, you come to realise day before the 70th anniversary journey I have also given presenta- that language barriers and cultural Continued opposite

eD itat n im ed l Ofte l a u r eq ly n neve o & One ara The n o arb La c

Re-ignite your passion for Italian cuisine! There’s no great secret to Italian cooking – use only the freshest produce and cook each ingredient with care. It’s the philosophy we live by at La Carbonara, and you can taste it in every dish, from our Beautiful Italian fish dishes to our chargrilled, melt-in-the mouth Fillet Steak Rossini. For a true, authentic taste of Italian cooking, look no further than LA CARBONARA

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13/08/15 15:43

Jack in Japan (continued) of the dropping of the first ever atom bomb. In preparation for our visit, our unit created 1,000 origami peace cranes in honour of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who attempted the same goal while in hospital with leukaemia as a result of the radiation. Around the Children’s Peace Memorial upon which her statue stands are glass cabinets filled with cranes of all different sizes and colours brought by visitors from around the world, where we also placed ours as

a symbol of our hopes for peace. For me, the jamboree has served as a reminder of all that Scouting has to offer young people today, and an inspiration to make friends and have adventures all over the world. The idea that Scouting is boring and outdated is completely wrong; while some traditional activities remain, the movement also has a big part to play in enabling greater understanding and respect between people of different nations and cultures.

Starbucks master is raising money to buy cows for Rwanda

Monika Nowak, the award winning coffee master who manages the Starbucks cafe at DeVere Village on Shaw Ridge, is on a mission to collect enough money to buy at least one cow for a family in Rwanda - and has plans to raise enough for several. In May she was selected as the UK representative to travel to the African nation as part of the Starbucks Origins Programme. With coffee masters from 22 European countries she visited coffee farms in the mountains around the capital Kigali to meet growers and see coffee processing methods. Monika said: “It was an amazing experience to meet the farmers and the communities that depend on them. Everywhere we went we were welcomed with dancing celebrating coffee and were expected to join in. “Considering the conflict and the horror of civil war in the early 1990s, it was incredible to meet such happy people rebuilding their country. We were humbled by the experience and came back wanting to do more.” Starbucks is committed to helping coffee growers improve their farming methods and the quality of their produce and arranges trips for staff around the world to

farms in Rwanda, Costa Rica and Vietnam. So important is coffee to the Rwandan economy that Monika and colleagues met the president of the country. Monika added: “In 2009 Starbucks launched Rwanda Send a Cow so that customers can help buy livestock to sustain families. A cow provides milk to keep children healthy, its manure helps nurture coffee trees and overall boosts annual family income from $200 to $600 which helps pay for health care, education, electricity and running water. And the farmers commit to donating young lifestock to a neighbouring farm. “Starbucks originally donated 57 cows and there are now 114.” There is a Send a Cow collecting box at the serving counter at DeVere. Monika’s target is £1,000, but she’s planning a range of fundraising projects such as a fun run to set a record for the most people dressed as cows. “I’ve had so many offers of help from customers and contacts for this project,” said Monika. “Together we can make a difference” To contribute, visit the Starbucks outlet at the DeVere or donate online at:

www.justgiving.com/SbuxRwanda2015 swindonlink.com n September 2015