South East Swindon Link March 2026

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Editor's Note

By Jamie Hill

They are Swindon's unsung heroes. The men and women who keep the town ticking.

Of course, I'm talking about the huge number of tradespeople we have in the town who help us with everything from plumbing to painting and landscaping to lofts.

This month we have a special 'Home and Garden' feature which celebrates these lovely folk who go out of their way to ensure that our lives and our homes are enriched.

You can find this huge feature from page 22 and it is chockful of tips and contacts to make sure you get the most out of your home and garden.

We also delve into the upcoming all-council elections which take place on Thursday 7 May. There's already a lot of excitement brewing about this one, whichever direction your political inclinations take you.

Let's hope the people of the town vote in a way that is best for Swindon and not just on what is happening nationally.

As always in this space we recommend you subscribe to The Ink, our sister long-form analytical Substack, which is sent directly to your inbox and costs £5.99 a month.

To subscribe use the QR code below.

Swindon prepares for biggest local elections in 14 years

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Residents across Swindon are being reminded to make sure they are ready to vote as the borough prepares for local elections on Thursday 7 May.

All 57 council seats on Swindon Borough Council will be contested at the same time, alongside all parish council seats.

This is the first time since 2012 that all seats have been decided in a single election, and the results will determine the political composition of the council for the next four years.

The council aims to ensure that everybody who wishes to vote is able to do so, and is urging electors to bear in mind the various deadlines for registration and the rules surrounding issues such as valid identification and postal voting.

Sam Mowbray, council chief executive and Returning Officer for Swindon, said: “May’s elections will see every council seat across Swindon contested at the same time, making it important that electors look out for their poll cards being delivered in late March and understand what they need to do in advance of polling day.

“Anyone who wishes to vote by post should make sure they renew their application if required and those voting in person must bring an accepted form of photo ID.

"I would encourage residents

to prepare early to ensure they can take part.”

Following a public consultation, councillors voted unanimously at an extraordinary meeting on 12 October 2023 to change the election cycle to a ‘whole council’ election model.

This means that on 7 May this year, and every fourth year afterwards, electors in Swindon will vote to elect all borough councillors simultaneously.

It will also be the first election to reflect new electoral arrangements for Swindon introduced following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission in 2023-25, informed by several rounds of public consultation.

There are now 25 electoral wards in Swindon, consisting of 10 three-councillor wards, 12 two-councillor wards and three single-councillor wards.

The boundaries of 24 wards changed and one stayed the same.

Each councillor represents an

average of 3,109 electors.

As in previous years, electors voting in person must present an accepted form of photo identification at the polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include passports, photographic driving licences, older person’s or disabled person’s bus passes and Blue Badges.

A full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission website.

Electors who do not have an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

National changes to election law mean that postal vote applications now last for a maximum of three years.

For these elections, this affects electors whose postal vote was set up before 31 October 2023, as these expired on 31 January 2026.

The council’s Electoral Services team has contacted affected electors directly.

Anyone wishing to continue voting by post will need to submit a new application.

UPCOMING FEATURE

News from SBC

The demolition of Swindon Bus Station

Full clearance of the former bus station site in the town centre is on track to be completed by the end of this month (March).

As Swindon Link readers can see, the canopy has now been demolished and Swindon Borough Council’s contractors, Cognition Land and Water, are in the process of bringing down the main building.

Any brick, kerbs and other concrete materials cleared for processing will be crushed and reused on-site where possible. Steel and other materials with no further use will be sent off for recycling.

The vacant space has been earmarked for a new entertainment venue to replace the Wyvern Theatre.

Council launches major crackdown on fly-tipping

A major crackdown on flytipping is underway with Swindon Borough Council doubling down on its enforcement activities to catch those responsible.

Since the end of January, the council has issued thousands of pounds' worth of Fixed Penalty Notices across the borough.

The council’s fly-tipping team is now being supported by Central Swindon North Parish Council, which is using methods employed by the borough council to investigate flytipping cases, enabling more fines to be issued.

In 2025, more than 3,200 cases of fly tipping were reported to and handled by the council.

Since December, the flytipping team has introduced

new procedures, including marked tape, to identify to wider teams and residents that the incident is under investigation and to ensure that no one else tampers with the site or adds to it.

If someone is caught flytipping, they could be issued with a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice for small-scale offences or be prosecuted and fined for larger or more serious cases. In some instances, the vehicle used to fly-tip can be seized and crushed.

The council is urging anyone who spots fly tipping to report it immediately via the council’s website, where they will be asked to mark the location of the waste on a map and provide a short description of what has been dumped.

Support available from the council for residents who need it

Residents feeling the pressure of food, energy and household costs are being encouraged to make use of the wide range of support available from Swindon Borough Council.

Across the borough, community venues known as Welcome Spaces remain open to anyone needing a warm, safe environment to connect with others or access advice. A range of support is available on the council’s website for people struggling with energy costs, including advice on how to manage and reduce energy usage, as well as access to hardship grants that can help with fuel bills.

Those struggling to pay energy bills, in debt to their supplier, or unable to top up prepayment meters, should contact their energy supplier. Residents in Swindon and Wiltshire can also access free energy advice through the Centre for Sustainable Energy (Warm and Safe Wiltshire), by calling 0800 038 5722. Residents on low incomes may also be able to apply for a discount on water bills, offering further relief for households finding it difficult to meet rising utility costs. Thames Water offers financial support to residents who are struggling to cover the cost of their water

bill. Swindon Link readers might be eligible for several other schemes, including the WaterHelp scheme, if a water bill is more than five per cent of an individual’s net income.

Citizens Advice can be contacted on 0808 278 7813, for anyone struggling to afford enough food to discuss their options. This could include a referral to the food bank in Swindon or Swindon's Community Fridge at Gorse Hill Baptist Church.

A further list of 20 practical actions that may help ease financial pressures is available on the council’s website.

Council reminds residents to manage their Council Tax online

Swindon Borough Council is reminding residents that managing Council Tax online is a quick and convenient way to stay in control of payments and bills.

Thousands of Swindon households are already signed up for an online Council Tax account, allowing them to go paperless, check payments, view bills and update their details.

Residents who have not yet signed up are encouraged to switch to paperless billing by registering online at www. swindon.gov.uk/ctaxreg

Council tackling antisocial behaviour - and fear of it

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

The Swindon Borough Council member spearheading the council's response to antisocial behaviour (ASB) says information from the public is vital.

Cllr Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, explained: "We can't do this without the support and the input of the public, and we need to give something back to them - and what we're giving back is the reassurance and the response of Community Street Wardens actually attending and dealing with the issue that is being raised."

Cllr Grant highighted a number of efforts in the local authority's ongoing work to tackle ASB.

A major one is aimed not only at making the town centre safer but ensuring people are aware that it is safer. Last August the town centre, along with Broadgreen, was made

the subject of a Public Spaces Protection Order, and since then more than 30 fines have been issued, many of them to people misusing ebikes.

Cllr Grant said at the time:

“We’re committed to creating a town centre where people feel safe and want to spend time in. The PSPO is an important step in supporting our police partners to take action against a number of individuals whose behaviour has a negative impact on the area.”

With the council currently working to regenerate the town centre as part of the Heart of Swindon initiative, Cllr Grant noted, tackling antisocial behaviour there was crucial.

“We can have all the big plans and all the aspirations that we want, but if people are afraid or feel uncomfortable coming into the town centre they aren't going to work."

The number of reported ASB incidents fell by 18 percent in the three years to December

according to recent figures. Another PSPO covers dangerous and unauthorised car meets across the borough. Such gatherings, often held in industrial estates and public spaces, have caused significant disruption to local residents and businesses as well as damage to the local environment.

The council is one of only two local authorities in the countrythe other is Wigan's - to adopt the the UMAY personal safety app which includes journey and route planning tools, interactive maps highlighting safe spaces and access to trained volunteers who can offer reassurance, support and advice when needed.

The app is downloadable from app stores.

Other measures include an ongoing crackdown on flytipping, with eight £400 fines issued during a two-week period spanning the end of January and the beginning of February alone.

GET READY TO VOTE

Borough Council and Parish Council

To take part, make sure you have registered to vote and applied for your preferred voting option before these deadlines:

• Register to vote by midnight on 20 April 2026

• Apply for a postal vote by 5pm on 21 April 2026

• Apply for a proxy vote by 5pm on 28 April 2026

Scan the QR code to find out more or visit swindon.gov.uk

The South Swindon Parish Council Column

By Neil Hopkins Chair of South Swindon Parish Council

Who South Swindon Parish Council Are

With local elections approaching, it’s a good idea to explain who we are and what we do.

A parish council is the first, most local tier of government. We’re solely focused on enhancing the quality of life within South Swindon. We do that over three main areas: representing the local community; improving services; and tackling issues.

With that in mind, here’s some of our stand-out moments from the past month.

Harry Scott Memorial Bench

On Tuesday 10th February, we proudly unveiled a memorial bench at Buckhurst Field honouring the life and legacy of legendary Walcot ABC boxing coach Harry Scott, who dedicated over 40 years to supporting young people across Swindon.

Through boxing, Harry gave hundreds of young people structure, discipline and confidence, offering a path away from

antisocial behaviour and substance misuse. He also achieved significant boxing success, coaching 10 national champions, including 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jamie Cox. Harry received numerous awards during his life recognising his contribution to Swindon, including the Mayor’s Award for Services to the Community and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Swindon Advertiser.

The unveiling ceremony was a fitting tribute with over 40 of Harry’s family and friends, community members, donors, and local councillors in attendance, reflecting the volume of lives Harry touched. The bench now stands near the play park at Buckhurst Field, a place full of young energy and community spirit, as a permanent thank you from South Swindon to a man who gave so much.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

South Swindon Parish Council is leading a new borough-wide thermal imaging camera loan scheme to help residents identify heat loss in their homes and improve energy efficiency.

We’ve purchased six thermal imaging

cameras, which residents can borrow for free from the Broadgreen Parish Offices, Old Town Library, and Badbury Park Library.

Energy costs continue to affect many households. The scheme helps residents identify where their homes are losing heat and make informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements. The cameras are easy to use, attach to your phone, and can be borrowed for up to seven days, for free.

South Swindon Parish Council is leading the initiative. We worked with other Swindon parishes to coordinate a joint purchasing, which helped secure better value for money and that the scheme extends across the borough.

Find us on Facebook and Instagram . Contact Details

Address: South Swindon Parish Council Office, Gladstone Street, Swindon, SN1 2AU

Website: www.southswindon-pc.gov.uk

Email: enquiries@southswindon-pc.gov.uk

Memorial bench for beloved boxing coach unveiled

South Swindon Parish Council has unveiled a memorial bench honouring boxing coach Harry Scott.

The bench, at Buckhurst Field, honours the life and legacy of the late Mr Scott, who dedicated over 40 years to helping young people across Swindon improve their lives and stay off the streets.

Located near the play zone and play park at Buckhurst Field, the bench was officially unveiled during a ceremony attended by family, friends, community members, donors and local councillors.

This is the second bench dedicated to Mr Scott in Swindon; the first overlooks the pond in Queens Park, where Harry used to take his young family and enjoyed jogging in later life.

Mr Scott was a coach at Walcot Amateur Boxing Club for over four decades, and head coach there for over three. He helped to shape the lives of hundreds of children and young adults throughout Swindon, particularly in the Walcot area.

Harry trained 10 national champions, including Jamie Cox, the 2006 Commonwealth Games winner at Light Welterweight.

Harry died aged 86 on 20 April 2025 at Great Western Hospital following an illness. Harry left behind his wife, Doreen, his son, Harold, and daughters Monica and Yvonne. Harold, who performed the ribboncutting at the ceremony, was delighted by the turnout.

Speakers who paid tribute during the ceremony included Walcot and Park North Parish Councillor Steve Allsopp, who said: "The council are honoured to install this bench, standing as a permanent 'thank you' from a grateful town to a man who gave so much of himself to ensure our youth had a future."

Four new community hubs for Swindon neighbourhoods

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Swindon Borough Council will open four new community hubs across the town.

The aim is to bring a range of services and support together in local buildings so residents can access help closer to where they live.

The hubs will open in phases during the rest of this year and will be based in existing wellused locations across Swindon.

The sites are Park Library and the Reuben George Centre in Park South, due to open in February; The Meadows in Penhill, opening in March; Central Library, opening in April; and West Swindon Library, which is expected to open later in the year.

Cllr Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “Our plans for community hubs are about making it easier for residents

to get the help they need, close to home, in places they already know and trust.

“By bringing different organisations together in the heart of our communities, we want to make it simpler for people to drop in, have a conversation and get the right help at the right time."

The hubs will bring together council services alongside support from health partners, voluntary and community organisations and other agencies. The aim is to make it easier for residents to access

advice, guidance and practical support in one place, without needing to navigate multiple services or repeat their story.

While the services available will vary by area, support is expected to include housing and homelessness prevention advice, employment, skills and training support, youth and community services, health and wellbeing support, access to voluntary and community organisations and financial and welfare advice, including Citizens Advice Swindon.

New retail spaces ready to open at historic Carriage Works

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

As part of the work to bring Swindon’s historic Carriage Works back to life, three commercial units are ready to open.

The London Street units have been designed so they are a blank canvas for incoming tenants to put their own stamp on the space.

They’re now available to let as commercial spaces, with businesses including retail, cafes, bars and galleries being encouraged to enquire about their availability.

Cllr Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “It’s great we are now in a position to open these ground floor units and bring another important piece of our heritage at the Carriage Works back to life.

"We’re optimistic they will be filled with businesses soon to add vibrancy to the area."

The building, once part of the largest locomotive carriage works in the country, was built in 1876 as part of the Great Western Works and was a symbol of Victorian industrial innovation.

However, following the closure of the town’s railway works in 1986, the building and surrounding area sat empty until 2018 when the first phase of work to regenerate the site was completed.

This saw the opening of The Workshed, a business incubator for entrepreneurs, pioneers and creative thinkers. The incubator provides office space

for digital, tech and creative businesses, while also acting as a co-working space for anyone in need of a desk for the day. Phase two then quickly progressed with the Cultural Heritage Institute, run by the Royal Agricultural University, a film-making space for Create Studios, and the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) being opened in recent years.

Businesses interested in renting out the new spaces, or any other Carriage Works location, can visit carriage. works

Art group hosts exhibtion

Haydon Wick's Tuesday Art Club is hosting an upcoming exhibition in March.

The exhibition is to be held from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March between 11am and 4pm, in the ground floor meeting room at the Haydon Wick Parish Council Offices in Thames Avenue.

The group's membership is made up of amateur artists whom are mainly self taught, of varying abilities and use various media.

The members pay a modest monthly subscription which has not changed since the group was formed a few years ago. This covers mainly the cost to hire the meeting room, workshops, demonstrations and social events. The group are friendly and meet to paint and draw whatever they fancy at the parish council offices every Tuesday at 10am for two hours.

No formal teaching is given but demonstrations are given occasionally by club members and help is always available if needed. Members supply their own art materials etc.

The group is also a member of the Society for all Artists (SAS).

Black and White Cat Club to host Championship Show

The Black and White Cat Club will be holding it’s annual Championship Show Day in Royal Wootton Bassett this May.

The event on Saturday May 9 from 12.30pm to 4pm, will be held at the Wootton Bassett Memorial Hall and caters for pedigree and non-pedigree cats. £4 entry, £2 concessions.

A new musical dawn at The Vic as bandmates take over

By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com

The Vic in Old Town has been taken over by local music scene legends Antony Willis and DJ Harman.

The pair have taken over from Violet McLaren and Darren Simons who ran the pub for the past 12 years, and they finally got the keys for the venue on Monday.

DJ and Antony are currently in two of Swindon's most popular bands - Wild Isles and SN Dubstation, with DJ also playing in JB and the Mojo Makers and Anthony as part of Shades of Seattle.

DJ said: "We've both grown up in The Vic. We're both musicians as you know and our aim is to keep this venue at the centre of the Swindon music scene doing what it's doing."

Antony said: "All of my Swindon music memories come from here. It's always The Vic. I've done live sound here. I've done the bar here and I've been playing here for years. If we didn't take it over, we'd be regretting it for the rest of our lives."

The bandmates will be continuing their full time jobs, at least at the start, with DJ carrying on as a music teacher and Anthony in digital marketing.

Antony added: "There's going to be a lot of changes in our

lifestyles as we get to grips with things. It's going to be a lot of very hard work from both of us. Luckily we've inherited an incredibly strong team who are part of the business. It's a welloiled machine at the moment that we've taken on."

Antony said: "The Vic is not really a pub pub. It's a destination that people come to so we don't have the same problems as other pubs. It's got that heritage and culture that's been built over years. We have things like The Wacky Wednesdays and the Sunday Sesh which are always extremely busy."

DJ said: "One of the things we would like to do is encourage more touring acts."

Antony said: "We'll be looking at small and incremental changes over time. As we're still working in other jobs it means we can take a few more risks especially early on. Try a new genre here and there. Live music is for everyone ultimately. "We want to be a part of the Swindon community and speak to everyone and work together. If live music in Swindon does well, we'll do well."

To see The Vic's listings visit thevicswindon.com

Why Join a Male Voice Choir? You Might Surprise Yourself

Have you ever felt a harmony so powerful it sent a shiver down your spine? That’s the magic of a male voice choir – and you don’t need to be a trained singer to be part of it. Swindon Male Voice Choir has been part of the Swindon community since 1919. They’re a welcoming group of around 30 men who enjoy performing at concerts and events across the area, and are always keen to welcome new voices.

A male voice choir is built on four-part harmony: Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone and Bass. Each section sings a different

line of music, but when those notes come together something remarkable happens.

The higher voices add brightness, the baritones provide warmth, and the basses give depth and strength. Individually the parts are simple enough to learn, but together they create a rich, uplifting sound that’s far bigger than the sum of its parts. It’s a sound you don’t just hear – you feel it deep within.

One of the biggest myths about choirs is that you have to be “able to sing”. In reality, many men who join have little

or no previous experience. You don’t need to read music or perform solos. Voices develop naturally with practice and encouragement, and new members are supported all the way. Of course, singing is only part of the story. Weekly rehearsals are friendly, relaxed and full of laughter, and they often end with a wellearned drink and a chat. Many members say the choir is really important to their wellbeing and mental health.

To join call David Babington on 07766 754524 or email dbabington@compuserve.com

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Reported graffiti cleared by the Council

In early February, graffiti was cleaned up at the newly reopened Health Hydro as part of work which sees Swindon Borough Council clear graffiti from council owned buildings and structures every week.

The council is encouraging residents to report graffiti on its website by searching for “Report graffiti”. For commercial properties, it’s the responsibility of the owner to

take pride in their surroundings and arrange removal. When there is evidence, such as CCTV footage, the Council will work with Wiltshire Police to take action against those responsible for criminal damage. In November 2025, enforcement action saw a 24 year old man fined hundreds of pounds for graffitiing buildings in the town centre.

Swindon to Oxford rail service on track

Council leaders in Swindon and Oxfordshire have welcomed Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy's confirmation of Government support for progressing a two-hourly direct rail service between Swindon and Oxford.

The regular rail link would build on a successful Saturday trial, which saw Great Western Railway operate direct Saturday services between Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford that called at Swindon.

Lord Hendy’s response, the council chiefs say, acknowledges the strong local and regional interest and recognises the strategic importance of linking two of the country’s fastestgrowing economies with better rail connectivity.

The Minister’s letter to Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins marks a significant milestone in the campaign to secure a permanent service between the two places.

Last month, councillors in Swindon backed a motion by the Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Kevin Small, calling for a direct daily service to boost the economies of both Oxfordshire and Swindon.

Cllr Small said direct services would boost commuting, tourism and supply-chain connections, while providing quicker, greener travel and reducing congestion on the A420.

The successful trial showed the service was well used by passengers and confirmed there is sufficient track capacity without requiring new

infrastructure, which was a key factor in making the case to the Government.

Cllr Robbins said: “This is exactly the kind of practical, high-impact improvement our region needs and we have worked tirelessly to make the case that Swindon deserves better, more sustainable transport links.

"The Minister’s response shows our message is getting through.”

The council says the positive step reflects years of coordinated evidence-gathering by England’s Economic Heartland (EEH), after connectivity studies consistently highlighted Swindon to Oxford as a corridor where improved rail services would deliver substantial economic, environmental and social benefits.

These studies are part of wider work assessing how the region can reduce car dependency, expand sustainable options, and unlock new economic potential.

The Minister’s support also aligns with the ambitions of councils across the region to establish a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), which could unlock up to £18.7bn in additional economic output by 2040.

A strengthened Swindon to Oxford rail link would form a cornerstone of this future regional transport strategy, improving labour mobility, growing supply chains, and supporting innovation across the Thames Valley economic area.

Cllr Robbins added: “The detailed evidence from England’s Economic Heartland has been vital in strengthening our case and showing that this service isn’t just desirable, but also deliverable, cost-effective and essential for future growth.

“This is more than just a rail service. It’s a foundation for a more connected, prosperous, and strategically co-ordinated Thames Valley as well as being a sign of the progress we can achieve."

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Interview: David Marx is the author of XTC: I Am the Audience, a book due for publication on 31 March which explores the legacy of the legendary Swindon band through the thoughts of over 200 fans around the world

By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com

Of the more than 200 contributors to XTC: I Am the Audience, David Marx estimates that between a quarter and a third mention the Beatles.

The Swindon band - arguably Swindon's best-known musical export - may not have achieved the astonishing commercial success of the Beatles, but when it comes to musicality, originality, songwriting and sheer talent the two musical forces are often mentioned in the same breath by fans, critics and figures in the industry.

David Marx has his own thoughts on the comparison, saying of XTC: "They're revered for a number of reasons. One is because they stopped touring in '82. That gave them a certain mystique. Then they went on to make some really highly unique, original, beautifullyrecorded albums. Skylarking in particular. Nonsuch is my favourite.

"Because they never sold in gazillions like, say, REM or Bon Jovi or whoever you want to mention, they became quite culty, and they became quite revered throughout the planet because of that.

"XTC are kind of a unique, mysterious band who still belong to the fans.

"It's like Liverpudlians talking about the Beatles at the Cavern prior to when they got massive. They were their band, and I think a lot of XTC fans consider XTC as their band.

"They're kind of special, kind of unique for that very reason, because they didn't get massive, they did stop touring and they did continue in the studio much like the Beatles did.

"The Beatles stopped touring

in '66 but continued making phenomenal albums, and the same applies to XTC.

"And then there's the musicality. Musically, every album's different, they always move on, they never repeat themselves, and all the components are correct."

In addition to fans, input for the book comes from a number of major industry figures, not least XTC's own Andy Partridge in the form of a previously unreleased section of an interview given to David in the 1980s.

David's own connection with the band is a personal one and goes back many years.

Although now based near Bruges, he grew up in Swindon, attending a number of local schools including, latterly, Park, where his friends included early XTC member Barry Andrews, who now lives in Stroud.

"We'd been mates for a couple of years prior to that, and when he joined I went to see them play.

"I think I saw all his gigs with XTC until he left, which i think was in '78. He came straight round to my house and said, 'I've done the dirty deed, I've left XTC - let's go for a drink!'

"And I was playing in a country band or something at

Voice, the Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, NME and various publications in France.

David released his first book, a volume of poetry called called Lying in the Arms of Venus de Milo, in 2022.

Although an author as well as a journalist and musician, he does not consider himself strictly the sole author of XTC: I Am the Audience - not in the conventional sense.

"The book is essentially written by fans from all over the world. All I've done is put it all together, edit it, assimilate it, put it in chronological order.

the time, and he said, 'You're wasting your time with a country band, come and play with me.' So that's what we did. We played together for maybe the next two or three years.

"The first thing we did was a EP called Town and Country which was released on Virgin, then a single called Rossmore Road which was also on Virgin, some live tracks on an albumLive at the 101 Club - that was on Polydor.

"We played quite a lot, and that morphed into a band called Restaurant for Dogs."

David left Swindon at 19, and Barry Andrews, who was a little older, also moved.

Always a musician, David also became a music journalist.

"I lived in London for a number of years, lived in New York for a number of years, did some recordings, got my own Revolver record label, put out a number of albums.

"Basically I've always been a writer and always been a musician, and when I came back from New York I did a Masters."

This was in Ethics, his first degree having been in Humanities.

He has written for an array of publications including Sounds, Music Maker, teenage magazine Jackie, the Village

"I've written a few bits in it. I've written about when I went to see them at the Lyceum when they were still with Barry, I've written the introduction. I've written about 10 percent of the book, maybe 15, but the main bit is written by people from all over the world, from Idaho to Tokyo, all over. Australia, Europe, Britain.

"The first bit, obviously, is a hell of a lot of Swindon. It's quite pertinent to Swindon, (a) because XTC are from Swindon and (b) because, I'd say, the first 30 or 40 articles are written by people from Swindon, all about going to see them at The Affair [legendary Swindon club in Theatre Square whose subsequent incarnations included Po Na Na], even going to see them during their matinee days when they just sold orange juice and had loads of 14-year-olds gobbing and jumping up and down!

"As they became more and more well-known I sort of grew up with them in a way, whether it was through The Affair or through Barry, so I've always been on the periphery of their career.

XTC: I Am the Audience is published by Sorrento Books and is due for release on 31 March. Full details can be found at www.sorrentobooks.co.uk

Making sure Swindon gets the future it deserves

A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins

One of the things I’ve heard time and again from residents is that they want a council that backs Swindon — confidently, proudly, and with a clear plan for the future.

That’s exactly what our administration is doing. Over the past year, we’ve been working hard to put Swindon back on the map, whether at national investment forums talking about the new drone companies coming to the town or through the focus on regeneration of our town centre and the exciting plans for Knowledge Central.

That sense of renewed ambition has been noticed before — investors have described our approach as “a real breath of fresh air” when we’ve showcased Swindon. We are determined to bring

pride in Swindon back to the town and welcome the Government’s Pride in Place investment into Penhill and Walcot.

We also need the financial muscle to deliver lasting improvements right across the town, and that’s where our proposal for a Municipal Wealth Fund comes in.

Inspired by the 'Public Wealth of Cities' approach, this isn’t about raising new taxes — it’s about making better use of the assets we already own and responsibly investing the money we are set to receive from the Wichelstowe Joint Venture.

For Swindon, that means

making sure our publiclyowned assets — from car parks to development sites — are working hard for local people. It means generating returns that can be reinvested into frontline services, community spaces and the regeneration projects that will transform the heart of our town.

This fits perfectly with the work already under way: creating new cultural and employment space at Carriage Works, supporting local enterprise and building momentum around our 'Make It Here' identity.

It also aligns with our missionled approach to reducing inequality, building a better Swindon and meeting our environmental commitments.

As I’ve written before, we are determined to deliver better, more responsive services for residents — even in the face of tough financial conditions and

the legacy of underinvestment we inherited.

A Municipal Wealth Fund is a practical, proven tool to support that mission.

By capturing the value already created in Swindon, we can keep more money circulating in our local economy, protect services and support the kind of growth that benefits everyone.

It builds on the same principles of community wealth building that I’ve championed previously and demonstrated through increasing the proportion of money we spend with local Swindon businesses.

Most importantly, it helps us build a town we can all feel proud of.

Swindon is moving forward with purpose. This fund will help us go further and faster — backing our communities, strengthening our economy and making sure Swindon gets the future it deserves.

Implications of the 2026 Swindon Borough Council budget

A column by borough council Conservative Group Leader Cllr Gary Sumner, left, and Deputy Leader Cllr Dale Heenan

“Without approval from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to capitalise some of its running costs, Swindon Borough Council will be unable to meet its statutory obligation to set a balanced budget for 2026/27.

"Based on the position reported to the Cabinet in December 2025, General Fund reserves will not be sufficient to bridge its forecast budget gap of £27.8 million.”

These are the opening words to an independent review of the council finances commissioned by Swindon Borough Council.

The council's financial problems are not 'we say, they

say'. Text on a page that you can read yourself.

What this means in plain English is that the council is agreeing a budget which is spending tens of millions more than it can afford.

The Government is being asked to approve selling property for a second year to cover the overspend. If the Government says no, Swindon is bankrupt. There is no year in the future where this support stops.

Imagine you live in a house and own a car. You lose your job and struggle to pay your bills. You sell the car, use the

money to pay off your bills, and pay a monthly lease for a car. Twelve months on, you still struggle so have to sell the house. Now you lease a car and pay rent. Problems continue so what do you do now?

This year has seen SBC receive nine County Court Judgements and businesses threatening legal action. This is not normal. Strange that it is always someone else's faultLabour councillors even blamed sick staff.

£5m turned into £10m and now it's £22m. There is a £50m overspend over the next three years. This is AFTER all savings, and all transformation plans have been considered.

Again, evidenced in official documents. Do you see the benefit from these extra millions?

What would we do differently?

We proposed more than £5 million in savings with no impact on front line services. This is £5m AFTER our own spending plans. We would refurbish the Wyvern Theatre while working on a new entertainment venue at the MECA, build a new Café at Coate Water, invest in the Country Parks, construct new play areas at Stanton Park and Moulden Hill.

Unemployment keeps increasing in Swindon so we would establish a Swindon "Enterprise Zone" to support companies to expand or relocate here to create jobs. We would introduce zero tolerance for fly tipping and increase visible maintenance in the town and villages, and work with parish councils to increase tree planting, clear blocked gullies and culverts and remove graffiti.

New homes ready now. Are you?

High specification, quality and energy efficient homes situated in the charming villages of Purton and Shrivenham. It’s easy to see why you would want to move into a new Cala home – and as soon as possible.

3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes

Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm

Prices from £399,000

Restrop Road, Purton, Wiltshire, SN5 ABP 01793 225 440

Bingham Turner Way (off the A420 roundabout), Shrivenham, SN6 8GY 01793 239 846

BUSINESS PROFILE

Business Profile - Cala Homes

Business Type - New homes housebuilder

Web - www.cala.co.uk

Cala Homes invites househunters to discover an exceptional way of living in the picturesque villages of Purton and Shrivenham.

Cala developments offer the perfect blend of rural tranquillity and great connections with easy access to the M4, Swindon and the Cotswolds.

Enjoy the benefits of living in sought-after areas rich in cultural and historic heritage, with excellent local amenities, schools and transport links.

The high street is just a short walk away with the convenience of nearby shops, restaurants and cafes.

You’ll also appreciate the sense of a close-knit community with a busy calendar of events in these villages.

Our premium homes are thoughtfully designed with high quality specification and sustainable features. We also have tailored incentives across selected plots to help make your dream move happen. Discover your Cala home at one of our nearby developments.

Cala at Cross Trees Park, Shrivenham is a stylish collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes in the charming village of Shrivenham connected by footpaths, cycleways and a primary school and high street just a walk away.

You’ll be well connected for straightforward journeys to

Swindon, Oxford and Reading and have an endless mix of shops, pubs, restaurants, heritage and culture on your doorstep.

Our sustainability features include Solar Panels, Hive smart heating and Electric Vehicle chargers as standard.

With family homes ready to move into you can book an appointment to view today.

Call 01793 239 846 or visit www.cala.co.uk/crosstreespark

Cala at The Orchards in Purton offers the opportunity to be part of an exclusive new

as access to scenic walking routes on your doorstep.

With final four and fivebedroom homes remaining, now is the perfect time to secure one of our exceptional homes at The Orchards.

Underfloor ground floor heating, air source heat pumps and luxury Amtico flooringall come as standard.

With final homes, you wouldn’t want to miss out.

Call 01793 225 440 or visit www.cala.co.uk/theorchards

Cala also offers clients the chance to keep their move

community of just 47 homes bordering countryside with the neighbouring towns of Cirencester, Malmesbury and Royal Wootton Bassett. Just a short walk from the high street and schools as well

simple using its part exchange service, in which Cala buys their existing home at a fair market price and removes inconveniences such as chains and agency fees. For full terms and conditions visit cala.co.uk

More than 150 years of experience

Established in 1875, Cala Homes boasts a rich heritage of over a century in the housebuilding industry. A spokesperson said: "We are passionate about finding you your dream and delivering exceptional service along the way.

"Every Cala home benefits from a 10 year NHBC warranty with the first two years of the warranty provided by us so you can enjoy peace of mind from the day you move in. Get in touch today or find your dream home at www.cala. co.uk/swindon."

Appliance Repairs

Domestic Appliance Repairs

Tel: 07950 181701

Basics Domestic Appliances

Tel: 01793 525807

OvenGleamers Swindon West

Tel: 01793 250858 / 07506 086426

Electrical

Grace Electrical

Tel: 01793 434141

J’s Electrical

Tel: 07434 588731/01793 278612

Estate Agents

Moovahome - moovahome.co.uk

Garage Doors

Garolla

Tel: 01793 205084

Dimensions Garage Door Specialists

Tel: 01793 940096

Gardening and Landscaping

Albion Gardening

Tel: 07733 091136

Luke’s Landscapes

Tel: 01793 939052/07377 061066

JMF Tree Stump Removal

Tel: 01793 296544

Ski’s Trees (tree surgeon)

Tel: 01793 330812/07828 910093

Home and Garden

Earthmoving Services

Tel: 01793 848708/07967 341567

Heritage Tree Care

Tel: 01793 790210/07971 566880

Landserve Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Tel: 01793 703306/07771 956294

Freeth Fencing & Garden Services

Tel: 01793 875451/07940 247152

SM Building and Landscaping

Tel: 07841 826390

Green Planet Gardening

Tel: 01672 705059/07828 181817

Heating and Plumbing

SN Heating

Tel: 01793 753169/07711 938094

Rightio

Tel: 01793 461787

Plumbers 365

Tel: 01793 461316

Haydon Wick Heating Services

Tel: 01793 748333/07733 897039

RJ Pearce Plumbing and Heating

Tel: 01793 870472/07747 723606

JPC Plumbing

Tel: 01793 524452/07767 478503

MPS Heating Services

Tel: 01793 522579/07816 621772

Kitchens

RWB Kitchen Design

Tel: 07771 701557

Painting, decorating & plastering

Dukes Plastering

Tel: 07568 366388

All Aspects Plastering and Decorating

Tel: 07869 344366

Plasterworx

Tel: 01793 763625/07899 937232

A&M Decorating & Carpentry

Tel: 01793 729354/07900 835116

Property Maintenance

TCS Swindon/Total Clearance

Tel: 07739 485239

Homelovers

Tel: 01793 434141/07801 366054

JL Waste

Tel: 01793 339589/07780 616668

Oakleaf

Tel: 01793 932570/07790 283186

Joe's Doors

Tel: 01793 250867

Roofing

NTL Roofing

Tel: 0117 3226866/07887 335060

Complete Roofing Services

Tel: 01793 239742

Home and Garden

It was back in 1644 that English judge Sir Edward Coke said: "Every Englishman's home is his castle" or words to that effect, and the idiom is as true today as it was back in the period of the Civil War. Ok, in Swindon we might not have Roundheads

and Cavaliers trying to scale our castle walls, but in Swindon a person's home is still their sanctuary. In this edition we celebrate those hard workers who keep our homes ticking, from plumbers to solar energy installers and from estate agents to DIY stores.

Transform Your Home with confidence at the NSBRC’s Renovation Workshop!

Dreaming of a home that’s smarter, more sustainable, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle? Whether you’re extending, upgrading, or future-proofing your property, the Renovation Workshop is your go-to event for expert advice and practical guidance.

Designed for homeowners looking to improve space, reconfigure layouts, reduce energy bills or enhance accessibility, this workshop brings together industry professionals under one roof.

From structural upgrades and insulation improvements to modern heating systems and planning rules, you’ll gain the knowledge to renovate smarter and stay on budget.

Take advantage of free 1-21 consultations with specialists, attend presentations, and explore the full-size Renovation House Exhibitshowcasing the key renovation stages during an expert-led guided tour. Plus, don’t miss the brand-new Retrofit Zone, where you’ll learn how to

Live Well, Your Way: Where Comfort Meets Community: Stowe Central Redefines Later Living in Swindon

Moving home later in life can mark an inspiring new chapter, one filled with comfort, connection and confidence.

Stowe Central, a new Life in Place development from Anchor, offers exactly that. This thoughtfully designed collection of spacious two-bedroom apartments for those aged 55 and over sets a fresh benchmark for independent later living.

Stowe Central is more than modern, low-maintenance homes; it is a carefully planned community created to support wellbeing and sociability. Each apartment maximises natural light and space and includes a private balcony with calming canal views, perfect for quiet moments, while still being part

of a vibrant neighbourhood. At the heart of the community are its elegant shared spaces. Residents can relax in the lounge, join activities with neighbours, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting beside the Wilts & Berks Canal. A dedicated guest suite makes hosting family easy, and the development is pet-friendly.

Stowe Central also provides reassurance when it matters most. A 24/7 Anchor On-Call system and a location manager help residents maintain independence with confidence. Flexible and affordable ways to buy make the move even more accessible. Visit Stowecentral.org.uk or call us at 01793 225 530 to find out more.

reduce emissions, lower costs and make your home more comfortable using energyefficient solutions, renewables, and smart tech.

Whether you’re just starting your home improvement journey, or are midway through, you’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to take the next steps.

Book your free tickets for the Friday 13 and Saturday 14 March event today and turn your renovation vision into reality!

A blooming garden with Toomers

At Toomers Country Store & Garden Centre we pride ourselves on the quality and range of plants we have in store. After the wet Winter, our team are ready for a sunny Spring! (fingers crossed).

We are always on hand to offer you expert advice and help you choose the right plants for your garden.

As well as our beautiful outside plant area, we also have many fantastic deals on our wide range of garden products and accessories including compost, pots, tools, plant feeds and controls for pests and disease.

We will even help load items into your car for you, as well as offering a local delivery service.

We are a sixth-generation family run business, and have been in Swindon since 1850,

Wiltshire Windows - Creating Space the Smart Way

As more homeowners look for practical ways to improve their living space without the upheaval of moving, single-storey extensions and conservatory renovations are rapidly growing in popularity. The appeal is clear — fast installation, minimal disruption, and beautiful, usable space all year round.

At Wiltshire Windows, we are proud to be transforming

homes across Wiltshire and the surrounding areas using the innovative HUP building system. This modern construction method allows us to create high-performance extensions far more quickly than traditional builds, while still delivering exceptional quality and thermal efficiency. Whether it’s replacing an outdated conservatory with a warm roof system or

adding a brand-new singlestorey extension, homeowners are discovering how easily they can unlock valuable extra space for family life, entertaining or simply enjoying their home more.

With speed, efficiency, and comfort at the forefront, it’s no surprise that HUP extensions are becoming the go-to solution for smart home improvement.

with the garden centre on Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent since 1983. It’s not just gardens that we cater for, we have a wide range of pet food and accessories, as well as horse and animal feeds – all at great prices. We are a one-stop-shop for everything you’d need for your gardens and animals. We are dog friendly, so please bring them in to see us and they are certain to get a treat from one of the team.

While you visit us, stop off at the Potting Shed Café for a light lunch or a delicious cake and coffee. www.toomers.co.uk 01793 771766

If you’re considering extending or upgrading your conservatory, Wiltshire Windows is here to help bring your vision to life.

www.wiltshirewindows.co.uk 01793 727668

Home and Garden

Gardening with care and pride

Enterprise Works provides high-quality timber products while making a real difference in the community. We supply timber, sheds, fencing, and wooden posts to trade professionals and individuals, all pressure-treated and FSC approved for durability and sustainability.

Operating from our own site in Swindon, we offer reliable same-day, next-day, and nominated deliveries throughout the local area. By choosing EW Timber, customers are not only getting excellent products—they are directly contributing to a project that empowers people and strengthens the community. Trade supplies available … Support the local community. www.enterpriseworksswindon.co.uk 07932 109856

Dress your kitchen to impress

To breathe new life into the heart of the home, John Jacques, owner of Kitchen Makeovers Swindon, has shared his tips for dressing your kitchen to impress — without breaking the bank.

Tip 1 – Incorporate patterns

Using patterns has been an emerging trend since 2025 – and it looks like it’s here to stay. There are ways to embrace this on a permanent level, such as tiles; however, there are other ways such as soft furnishings to incorporate unique designs on a budget.

Tip 2 – Curate your storage spaces

This includes decanting goods into matching jars, having dedicated spaces for products, using drawer dividers and creating custom solutions – an ASMR TikTok ‘put my food shop away with me’ dream.

Tip 3 – Let it all out

Having glasses, plates or goods on display can give the space a more personal and livedin touch through open shelving, glass-fronted doors or organising items on your countertop.

Tip 4 – Tone into a trend

While millennial grey has been at the

Green Planet Gardening is a family-run business with over 40 years of experience in landscaping and fencing. Based just outside Royal Wootton Bassett, we serve Wiltshire and the surrounding areas.

We’re big enough to cope and small enough to care, working closely with every client to achieve their goals. From patios and decking to turfing, fencing and tree felling, we deliver high-

forefront of home design for the last few years, it’s time to move on to bigger, brighter and calmer things. The Pantone Colour of the Year is 11-4201. Known as Cloud Dancer, it is described as ‘a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence'.

Tip 5 – Lighting that illuminates your mood

Pendant lights over islands or kitchen tables with the option to replace light shades and bulbs give you the flexibility to reinvent your space whenever you feel like a change.

Meanwhile, spotlights and strip lighting inside cupboards or underneath work surfaces can make the space seem much brighter.

Tip 6 – Love the planet

We founded Kitchen Makeovers with a commitment to sustainably sourced products, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t include this in one of our tips! When giving your kitchen a facelift, consider using recycled materials, sourcing from ethical suppliers or purchasing from somewhere like Vinted to give unwanted items a new home.

For more visit kitchenmakeovers.co.uk

Control your energy costs by going solar with Tile Energy

Tile Energy is a forward-thinking smart solar solutions company dedicated to helping homeowners and businesses take control of their energy future.

With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, investing in solar has never been more important, and choosing the right partner makes all the difference.

At Tile Energy, we prioritise honest, expert advice tailored to each client’s

Steven Waldron at Premier Flooring offers no obligation quotations carried out in the comfort of your home for carpets, vinyls and laminates. All products and installation are guaranteed.

Call on 0800 0614188 / 07812655250 or email Premier.flooring@ymail.com

property, usage patterns and long-term goals. Every system is carefully designed using high-quality solar panels, advanced inverters and battery storage solutions to maximise efficiency, reliability and return on investment.

What truly sets Tile Energy apart is our commitment to service. From the initial consultation through installation and beyond, our experienced team ensures a smooth, stress-free process. We take

quality workmanship built to last and designed to complement your home.

Whether creating a new outdoor space or enhancing an established garden, our skilled and dedicated team are on hand to provide reliable service, attention to detail and complete customer satisfaction at every stage of your project. Contact us at 01672 705059 for a free no obligation quote.

EweMove Swindon

EweMove Swindon, your dedicated local estate agents offering a fresh, people-first approach to buying, selling, letting and renting homes across Swindon and the surrounding villages.

At EweMove Swindon, we believe in the personal touch. Whether it’s your first home or your third, we guide you through every step of your property journey. From the first valuation phone call, through negotiations and advice, right up to the moment your keys are handed over. As your local EweMove Estate agents we don’t see a property as a sale, but as a story - your story. ewemove.com

01793 236598

pride not only in delivering exceptional workmanship, but also in providing outstanding aftercare support. Our clients know they can rely on us for ongoing monitoring, maintenance guidance and responsive assistance whenever needed.

Tile Energy is powering homes and businesses with smart, sustainable energy solutions built to last.

tileenergy.uk

01793 228777

Whether you’re buying, moving, improving, or reviewing your current mortgage, it’s important to understand your options. I’m Sasha Dobner, a local mortgage and protection adviser with Mortgage Advice Bureau. I help individuals and families make confident, informed decisions with clear, straightforward advice. Remortgaging or additional borrowing can sometimes be a practical way to fund renovations or garden projects — investing back into your property and potentially increasing its value over time. I’m always happy to have a friendly, noobligation chat. sasha.dobner@mab.org.uk 07584 651884

Home Choose Carpets, run by Trevor Salter, offers the carpet superstore that comes to you with free no obligation measuring and quoting. 01793 812995 07860882588

homechoosecarpets@hotmail.com www.homechoosecarpetsswindon. co.uk

Leaks

A perfect evening of poetry at The Pulpit in Swindon

We’d a cracking poetry evening in the Pulpit Pub in Old Town a few weeks ago to kick off Swinterfest. Lovely landlady Linda hosted us –what a gem she is. And there lies my anxiety about poetry evenings.

Maurice Spillane: Of Poetry Swindon

We wanted it to be a success with a good audience, for myself and Tony Hillier as MCs, for poetry in Swindon, for Jamie at Swindon Link who organised Swinterfest and especially for Linda.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve travelled to an event where I was guest poet to find an audience of ten. And worse, to be told that was a better turnout than normal.

But not this time. Standing room for most of the evening, a lovely audience that listened and applauded and laughed and went ‘aaagh’ at

Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer

With a quarter of the season remaining, Swindon enter the last turn well within the race to breast the tape.

But they’ve been hurt with cuts and scars, some of which they’ve failed to heal from day one.

There’s a curious mood around The County Ground. If you’re not a frequent visitor to SN1, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there’s an eager optimism to see what the remaining weeks hold.

After some great cup runs, football, and matches, Swindon should finish in the top seven and they have every chance of fighting for the top three. Yet I’m not quite believing. It does seem inconceivable that I’m about to criticise a Town team in the promotion picture in March. I’m certainly 100 percent behind the team, but I can’t say that I’m backing

the sad bits.

The highlight was open mic. Several came prepared and newbies read a favourite poem. What a joy. And then Aggie got up, a lovely young woman, petite and shy, and sweet as they come and read a poem that was anything but. No spoilers, all I’ll say is that she brought the house down. I want to hear more, Aggie!

We’d a few serious poems. One that hit nerves at this unpredictable time with 61 wars around the world, unpredictable Trump and few strong world leaders, was WB Yeats’s The Second Coming:

Turning and turning in the

STFC: The jury is out

The Robins. I remember earlier in the season describing Swindon’s performances as Jekyll and Hyde, sometimes within games, sometimes across weeks. At times they’ve gotten away with it, on occasions they haven’t.

In the summer haze, I put it down to timing. I thought that Town would quickly rectify their shortcomings.

To a degree they have, they’ve been plastered up, but the wounds might still be too raw for promotion. I pen this after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Shrewsbury, coming after four consecutive victories, before five defeats on the spin. You get the idea.

In most of Town’s defeats you’ll leave knowing that they’ve been beaten by the better team - on that day. There’s no injustice, and when it happens you can tell from

widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;

Surely the Second Coming is at hand.

It’s worth reading the full poem on the internet.

www.mauricespillane.co.uk

minute one. It’s a strange feeling to have, especially about a team which on paper is so strong.

Swindon’s record against those they’re racing against is lacklustre, but overall, their form against those below is bordering on spectacular.

It raises an interesting question, one which I think plays into the current narrative. Are Swindon good enough? Are they worthy of the top three?

It’s a position which Town have occupied for most of the campaign. However, to reach that destination, they’ve recorded few notable wins and offered several glass half full performances. As we all know, Swindon, on their day, can be supreme. But whether they’ll be worthy of that title is still yet to be determined. They need to start being the better team, or

else they won’t have a leg to stand on.

One thing which I’d love to see is the removal of the 3-5-2 formation in favour of a 3-4-3. I’d like to think that it has become clear that the extra midfielder, often Darren Oldaker, restricts Swindon’s direct attack. It becomes too slow and leaves the wingbacks isolated and narrow.

With the 3-4-3, Town have exciting attacking width and can really attack the channelsparticularly new signings Junior Hoilett, Michael Olakigbe, and Fletcher Holman.

This also gives the star man Aaron Drinan more license to entertain. I believe that this change is a must.

Fears and moans over, Swindon have the chance now to prove me wrong and achieve something special.

Keeping you on track with FREE Emergency Bike Repair Kits & Courses

Swindon Cycle Campaign has been busy working with Swindon Travel Choices and partners from the community, preparing to roll out a network of 'Emergency Bike First Aid Kits' that people can access should they need to mend a puncture or tweak their bike whilst out and about.

These kits are plastic tubs containing consumables (such as inner tubes, puncture repair kits, tyre levers and a pump) which are kept in a staffed location to be loaned out to cyclists. They will be placed in locations that are open to the public, such as libraries, community centres and leisure centres. A similar scheme runs in South Gloucestershire - see betterbybike.info/schemesand-initiatives/emergencybike-repair-kits/

Swindon Cycle Campaign

volunteers will help to monitor the kits and ensure they are replenished.

There is funding for 15 locations initially, but if successful the network can be expanded using other sources of funding.

In addition to the kits being launched by the end of February, a series of basic bike maintenance courses will be held to equip people with skills and confidence to undertake simple repairs to their bikes.

The whole project is being funded by Travis Perkins who distribute small grants through their Social Value Fund.

A webpage is available that shows where the kits can be found, and more details of the coursesswindoncyclecampaign.org/ emergency-bike-repair-kits/