InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
04 Resident Parking How does the planned cuts in resident parking affect you.
08 Empire Cinemas Our regular check on what’s up and coming at the big screen
11 Spicy Success Sweet Cumin owner Bini Ludlow to speak at the Women in Business Confernence on 8th March.
06 Bevirs Law Focus Nick Sewell gives us a few ideas on your New Years Resolutions
12 Swindon Sales and Lettings Are you a property landlord? Check out how you can guarantee your rental income.
22 Seven Capital Investment Check the latest development of the new plans for North Star Village
CONTENTS 2
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
19 Photo Competition What your name in the headlines? check out how to earn a bit of fame.
20 Phill Jupitus We catch up with the stand up comedian, coming soon to the Swindon Arts Centre.
22 Community News Whats happening in your local community.
25 What’s On Swindon
In association with Swindon Theatres, we bring you a selection of shows coming up.
27 Angus Mcpherson We check out news and updates from our very own PCC
28 Pets Feature Our monthly focus from Thameswood Vets, SNDogs and Wagging Tails.
34 Robert Buckland
Editors Comments
Robert updates us on the new Natwest Skills and opportunities fund 2018
Welcome to this the first copy of “InTouch Swindon”, inside this and every issue we will team up with local services and businesses and deliver up to date news and stories directly to your letter box. The team here at InTouch Swindon are always here to support local groups, services and charitable events and welcome your content if you need to reach out to a wider audience. You will also see throughout the pages of this publication that we do not flood the pages with multiple advertisers instead giving our advertisers a more personal connection with our readers. We offer editorial opportunities to all advertisers to give tips and advice in their sector and offer exclusivity to trades people ensuring the companies our readers contact for home improvement are trusted local companies. This exclusivity option also means we are not filling pages with multiple advertisers from the same sector, one plumber, one painter and decorator etc. Contact me today for more information on how you can have content included in our March Edition. Special thanks to Shaun Jones and the team at “The Swindonian” for providing local news and stories of success, search the web today at www.theswindonian.co.uk and get daily news updates direct to your tablet, phone or laptop.
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InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
LABOUR GROUP BACK CUT IN TOWN CENTRE & OLD TOWN RESIDENTS PARKING CHARGES
W
e Believe a more attractive charge would produce a new revenue stream for the Council and provide an attraction to home buyers wishing to locate to the Town Centre.” Responding to the Conservative administration’s announcement of this dramatic cut in parking costs for Town Centre and Old Town parking zone residents, Central Ward Councillor, Bob Wright, said: “I am pleased the Conservative administration have listened to the Labour Group’s call for a more affordable parking charge for residents in Town Centre and Old Town parking zones.
The Labour Group have supported an announcement that the Council looks set to reduce the annual parking permits for residents in Town Centre and Old Town parking zones by more than half, from £625 to £299 per year. In a motion going to tomorrow’s (25th January) Full Council Meeting, the Labour Group had called on the Council to reduce the prohibitive £625 charge on Town Centre and Old Town residents. The Labour Group say in their motion,“the current evening Town Centre Residents Parking scheme does not have a large take up and that this is likely due to the prohibitive £625 cost. As a consequence revenue opportunities have been lost and pressure is placed on the Town Centre’s limited free parking spaces.
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I submitted our motion on reducing parking costs because residents on average or low incomes would not be able to afford the charge the Council were offering. The new cut in parking charges is a much more affordable cost to residents.” Eastcott Councillor, Paul Dixon, who seconded the Labour Group motion on the Town Centre Residents Parking scheme, said, “This is really good news for residents in my ward who currently have to pay a huge fee if they do not qualify for an on-road parking permit. I will be urging Councillors to ensure a maximum range of car parks, including Spring Gardens Car Park, is available to residents who buy these permits. I would congratulate the Conservative administration on listening to the concerns expressed by residents and local councillors.”
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InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
NICK SEWELL ON HOW TO ADD A LITTLE LEGAL CERTAINTY TO YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS January is the time for making resolutions to give ourselves a fresh start for the New Year. It’s good to take stock and decide to eat less or exercise more but there’s so much more we could be doing to improve our lives and protect ourselves for the future. Here are three New Year Resolutions relating to the law that could be of great benefit to you and those who depend on you. 1.
Make sure you have a will and keep it up to date
2.
Protect against future ill health with a Lasting Power of Attorney
3.
Cohabiting couples: draw up a living together agreement
Make sure you have an up-to-date will in place Making a will is one the easiest and best things you can do to protect the interests of the people you care about. It’s also the only way of ensuring that your wealth is passed on in the way you want. Unfortunately, many people never get round to making a will, which means they are said to have died intestate. If that is the case then their wishes will not be known and their estate will be divided in a way laid down by law. It means their money may not go to the people they would have chosen themselves.
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If there is no will, children, grandchildren and even surviving spouses may have to take legal action to receive the inheritance to which they believe they are entitled.
Every week in the courts there are cases involving families who are in dispute because someone dear to them failed to make a will. If you already have a will then it is a good idea to make sure that it is up to date. If it was made several years ago it may no longer reflect your current circumstances, especially if you have separated and particularly if you are in a new relationship. Many people do not like the thought of making a will and the associations that go with it but it’s the only way of ensuring that your estate is passed on according to your wishes. A solicitor can make the process quick and easy while ensuring that all the paperwork is carried out properly in accordance with the law. Lasting Powers of Attorney could help protect your future Each year thousands of people create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to protect their interests in case their health and their mental capacity should start to deteriorate. LPAs enable you to appoint someone such as a family member or trusted associate to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the ability to do so yourself in the future through illnesses such as dementia. The property and finance LPA allows you to appoint someone to look after your financial affairs and the personal welfare LPA lets you grant an attorney
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
authority over such matters as health care and the kind of treatment you receive. There are safeguards to prevent the system being abused so you can prepare for the possibility of ill health secure in the knowledge that you can leave important decisions in the hands of someone you trust. If you do not have such arrangements in place then your family may have to go through complicated and time-consuming legal processes just to get the authority to help run your affairs for you. That is the last thing they want at a time when they will already be worried about you and your failing health. LPAs should be drawn up with the help of a solicitor to ensure that they accurately express your wishes and protect your interests. No one can be sure what the future will bring them in terms of their health, but LPAs can at least ensure that your interests are protected should the worst happen.
ENJOY YOUR LIFE
Many couples protect themselves by drawing up living together agreements which state in advance how their assets should be divided if they eventually separate. This can prevent disputes later if the worst does happen, and many couples find that the process of drawing up an agreement actually strengthens their relationship because they both feel more secure and settled.
If you would like more information about any of the issues raised in this article please do not hesitate to call one of our offices – Swindon 01793 532363 Royal Wootton Bassett 01793 848900 Calne 01249 814536.
How legal agreements can help cohabiting couples Cohabiting couples are often mistaken about their legal rights. Many believe there is such a thing as common law marriage giving them the same legal protection as married couples. Unfortunately for them, this is not true. Cohabiting couples have very few automatic rights and this can cause numerous problems. For example, if your home is in your partner’s name, then you will have no automatic right to stay there if you are asked to leave. Nor will you automatically be entitled to a financial share in the house, even if you helped to pay for it over several years. If you are cohabiting you should also remember that your partner does not have to pay maintenance for you if your relationship ends, even if you gave up your job to look after the children while he or she went out to build a lucrative career. They will, however, have to help support any children you have together.
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To win family tickets to a movie of your choice, please email us the words win tickets to the email address below? Please send your answer to us at hello@intouchswindon.co.uk Closing date for the competition is the 25th Feb 2018
Each month we will list the winner here, don’t forget to email before the closing date! Remember closing date for the competition is the 25th Feb 2018
Garden Room Focus For those who find the winter a difficult season to get through, snowdrops in the green are a must in your garden.
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Tuck them down 2-3” inches into the soil. Position the bulbs with the pointy end facing up. Feel free to plant early blooming snow crocuses, a perfect companion for snowdrops, in the same container. After planting, water well to settle the soil around the bulbs.
Ask AMS
60+ videos on YouTube ‘Ask AMS Accountancy’ I’m thinking of buying into a franchise. Is there anything specific I should do? Talk it through with an accountant. Decide on the business structure (e.g. Limited Company), bookkeeping records and VAT registration. Franchisees often pay large sums for different costs – but without paperwork to show the split between the items it’s potentially a big problem. Example: a franchisor asks for £10,000 to cover: licence, initial stock, equipment, training and support for several years. Each needs different accounting/tax treatment – so get a breakdown with the costs for each item. Without this, HMRC could seek to treat all costs as Capital expenditure resulting in a higher tax bill for you – at least in the first year of the business. Peter Bromiley ACA 01793 818400 @AMSAccountancy www.ams-accountancy.co.uk 21/11/2017 15:30
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
Spicy Success for Women in Business Founder of Wiltshire-based Sweet Cumin, Bini Ludlow has been announced as the second keynote speaker for this year’s Women in Business Conference, to be held on Thursday 8th March at Bowood Resort. Building on a lifelong love for food and culture, Bini set up Sweet Cumin in 2011, aiming to provide a unique environment for people wanting to learn about Indian food. The success of her training and courses led to the development of a range of frozen ready meals, a development which is bringing Sweet Cumin to homes around the country and beyond. Talking about “Big Goals, Small Details, Tons of Attitude”, Bini will share her recipe for business success. “I always had big, big goals” says Ludlow. “I wanted to sell curry to India!” To get there, Bini has gathered ideas, tips and must-dos from all sorts of places - she’ll share her insights and leave you wanted to put them into practice yourself.
Throughout the day, there will be time to network as well as discuss with a range of business support professionals and organisations in attendance.
“Positivity, ambition and attention to detail are my watchwords” she adds. The story of Sweet Cumin’s success completes the lineup of inspirational speakers and expert-led workshops at the conference, an annual event held on International Women’s Day to celebrate women in business, providing an opportunity to learn, share and connect.
“We’re delighted to be showcasing so much local talent and success” said Jolyon Rose, conference coordinator. “Our speakers are bound to inspire.” The conference is organized by The Enterprise Network (TEN), a Wiltshire Council initiative to support business across Swindon and Wiltshire, and supported by Swindon Borough Council and the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Tickets cost just £37 per person which includes lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Further details and ticket reservation online at www.theenterprisenetwork.co.uk/wib For more information email Jolyon. Rose@wiltshire.gov.uk Editorial content in association with
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InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
News SevenCapital has submitted its detailed planning application for the indoor ski slopes and leisure park at the Oasis site. This comes just over two months after the developer’s outline planning for the £270 million scheme was approved, and only seven months since it first took the reins in July 2017. Plans for North Star Village, SevenCapital’s proposed name, include: two indoor ski slopes and a family snow play area all with real snow, a 12-screen cinema including the UK’s largest IMAX screen, 19 lane bowling alley and trampoline centre. The plans also include a 130 bed hotel, a new fitness gym and space for restaurant and retail units along with a 900-space car park.
John Watkins, Director at SevenCapital said: “Since we took on the project in July we have worked tirelessly to ensure that we deliver a comprehensive scheme that will be of significant benefit to Swindon and put the town on the map.” “We understand the importance this development holds within the community and as we originally promised, have submitted our full proposal well within the nine months we anticipated. “The plans we have proposed are designed to transform the North Star site into a world class leisure destination and we are confident that the scheme will be well received by Swindon Borough Council.”
The existing Oasis Leisure Centre, on which SevenCapital recently carried out remedial works and which already attracts 615,000 visitors per year, is also encompassed within the proposal and will be set to benefit with the expected 3.3 million yearly footfall forecast the North Star Village will attract.
Pending full planning approval, SevenCapital plans to be onsite to begin works before the end of the year. For more information on SevenCapital visit www.sevencapital.com Editorial content in association with
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At V.S.F. Ltd we have been helping people turn their old, impractical garages into modern and useful spaces for the last decade. Our experts can take on pretty much any project, from refurbishing your rundown concrete garage ensuring you have a secure storage space for years to come, to erecting a completely new one for you, or transforming your garage into an up-to-date and ultra-functional utility room. It doesn’t matter how old your garage is or what condition it is in, V.S.F will give it a new lease of life or totally transform it to add value to your home. Whether it’s just a replacement roof that is needed or a full refurbishment, V.S.F. will take care of every aspect, from the technical survey through to the installation. You don’t even need to empty your garage we will empty it for you if necessary, do the job and then leave everything spotless when we have gone. You won’t even know we have been there, apart from the wonderful space that we leave behind. V.S.F. can reduce or extend your garage, block up doors with panels, take out panels and add new doors. We can reduce or increase garage door sizes, install new windows or change your roof from flat to apex. The options for your garage are virtually endless - and we will work with you at every stage to ensure you get just what you want. Marcus Jeffreys, strategic consultant for the company, said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring that from your initial contact to completing your installation,
whether it be a refurbishment or a replacement garage, every aspect of your installation is managed correctly, ensuring that the installation and completion dates are met. “In present times, when the building industry has a reputation for not fulfilling deadlines and shoddy workmanship, we take pride in offering you a pleasant buying experience. This means providing quality products installed by trained personnel and on the date promised. “We are also proud to be able to provide quality products at a fair market price. We are always continuing to improve our products and negotiate the best prices so that we can offer our customers value for money.” Safety, too, is paramount for us. With so many garages of the age and type that we work on containing potentially hazardous asbestos, our experience is all the more important. All our operatives are certified asbestos removers meaning that they can remove the asbestos safely and legally from your garage and also hold valid waste carriers licences to allow legal transportation of your asbestos to our depot. And on top of all this, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. So, for the best storage, utility or living space you can get, contact V.S.F. For more details, visit our website at www. vsfgaragerepairsuk.com or give us a call on 0800 917 9550.
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InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
Have we got your
attention
W
Cover Photo Competition e are looking for photos that will be used as the cover photo for up and coming issues of the inTouch Swindon Magazine Get your name in the headlines and showcase your photographic skills.
Entries to be sent to the editor to the details below, Photos must be Hi-resolution and using the specification as shown below: A5 Portrait - 210mm High x 148mm Wide, Full colour or black and white. Send to info@intouchswindon.co.uk, credits will be acknowledged in the magazine that you are be featured in.
Be creative, the inTouch team.
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InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
PHILL JUPITUS Stand-up comedian, poet, improviser, and TV stalwart Phill Jupitus brings his brand-new show Juplicity to Swindon next month.
Is there anything Phill Jupitus hasn’t done? A DJ on BBC 6 Music, team captain on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, poet who supported Billy Bragg in the 1980s, TV and film actor, improv player, and musical star of Hairspray and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, he’s now returning to the live arena for a new stand-up tour in which he gets to be two people. “I have a lot of material to choose from for this tour,” says Phill about his punloving stand-up, poetry and music show, Juplicity. “The thing that really works for me is that I support myself as Porky The Poet, so he goes out and does 40 minutes to start the evening. Because of Buzzcocks and other jobs I was given, I let Porky and the poetry slide but after about a decade I came back to it and wrote new poems, often just chucking stuff out on Facebook for mates to read. Combined with the old poems, and factoring in chitchat between them, I had about an hour of material.” With Porky’s poetry supporting the straight 20
stand-up, he’s also got a proven track record of live music behind him from his time with the all-star Idiot Bastard Band. “The songs for this tour are now solid; all that comes from the time I was in the band with Neil Innes and Ade Edmondson.
own personalities for material and then in your head negotiating how much you keep back. Initially there was some resistance to me discussing things on stage about my family. One of my daughters, Molly, married her American girlfriend and emigrated there, so what you get is a starting point: gay marriage is a trope that’s very much in vogue at the minute and dovetails with what’s happening in the world with Trump and so on. As a comedian you are a person in a society within the world; all you have to do is look at things and shift your camera angle. All comedians can do is put a wider lens on a situation so that it resonates with people.”
Because I’ve spent time away from touring stand-up, you get better at doing it by building the source material. For the autumn tour I’ll do two hours a night: 40 minutes poetry, quarter of an hour of songs, and the rest is stand-up.” In terms of the stand-up element, Juplicity will draw on his own life, one that Phill describes merrily as both ‘chaotic’ and ‘flaky’. “Sean Lock has a phrase, which was both inspiring and worrying, about comedians mining our
As with many acts who take to the road for a lengthy period, the show that is conceived at the beginning might not exactly replicate the one which exists by the end. “What happens on the tour becomes added to the tour,” Phill insists. “It snowballs as it rolls down the hill of the dates. I wish I had the discipline of my comedy brothers and sisters and say ‘it’s about this!’ By the end, who knows, it could be about my love of the bridge work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Still, that would do well in Bristol.”
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
One of the trials for a comedian on the road is that endless turnaround of doing a gig, eating late, heading for the hotel, travelling the following day to the next town and repeating the process potentially for months. Phill Jupitus has worked out new routines which work better for him. “I’ve changed the tour pattern in that I now eat before the shows. I used to have lunch on the day of a show because for years I told myself that I liked the energy of being hungry: turns out, no I don’t, because you’re actually irritable. So before a show now, I have a proper knife and fork dinner, and it makes me feel like a new guy on stage. The other thing I try to do, depending on the actual geography, is travel to the next town after a gig, so I’ll wake up where I’m playing that night. Again, it’s a very different energy to what you’re doing because you’re in situ which also gives you stuff to talk about in the first ten minutes of the show. And wherever I am, I look for art galleries and museums, I’ve got a thing about record shops, bookshops,
and second-hand tat shops where I might be able to find old badges. Everywhere I go, I try to find those five things.” When Phill started off on his path in entertainment, he probably never thought he’d find himself on a stage, in lots of make-up, belting out a show tune. But that’s one of the paths he’s landed on, with large-scale touring productions such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Spamalot and Hairspray now nestling on his CV. “My agent phoned up and said, ‘there’s a casting director in the West End who wants to talk to you about being Count Fosco in The Woman In White’. I was like, ‘what! I don’t sing!’ ‘Well, they think you do’. Turns out they’d seen me do the intros round on Buzzcocks and felt I could hold a tune. So I took some training and auditioned and they said, ‘maybe not this time, but do you want to be Wilbur in Hairspray?’ I went to see it and even though I’m watching Mel Smith as Wilbur thinking, ‘yeah I could do that’, I kept looking at Michael Ball as Edna and thinking, ‘that looks like a lot of fun’.”
As fate would have it, he was offered the part of Edna instead. “I was thrown into it, three months in a dress, wig and lipstick. I’d just come out of 6 Music and felt a bit adrift: ‘do I want to do stand-up again or this or that’, and then Hairspray comes along and then Spamalot comes along. As a stand-up, you don’t think, ‘this is it now’: there are always other options. That’s why there’s a little resentment about stand-ups because we’re so adaptable.” It’s hard to know exactly what’s down the next road for the ever-adaptable Mr Jupitus, but for now he’s enjoying the cut, thrust and edge-of-the-seat jeopardy that only live comedy can truly provide. “I think I’ve found a way of monetising a social dysfunction. I’ve always maintained that there’s something slightly wrong with arts and crafts types putting themselves in the most confrontational situation, which is standing in front of strangers and trying to get them onside.” Whether he’s dressed as a woman in a musical, performing poetry or doing personal standup, Phill Jupitus is keeping everyone on his side.
PHILL JUPITUS Swindon Arts Centre - SUN 11 MARCH BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481
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InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
Community NEWS An Update from Central Swindon North Parish Council
We are now moving into our first full year of operation and we have worked hard to continue to maintain & develop local services for our residents. This year we have maintained the Library provision at Moredon Rodbourne Cheney, Pinehurst, Even Swindon and Penhill by providing direct support after SBC removed funding in 2017. Statistics just in from SBC, who collate the information on our behalf, suggest that usage is remaining steady with particularly high demand for our Computer systems. With this in mind the Parish Council has part-invested in new updated IT equipment which will be fully installed this February combined with faster fibre optic internet access. We are now also directly managing two of our busy community centres in Penhill & Pinehurst which play host to hundreds of bookings every year from small birthday parties to wedding receptions. The Parish Council are currently refurbishing the well-used Chapel Street Public Toilets in Gorse Hill with new lighting, internal decoration, external repairs & hand washing facilities. The programme should be completed by March 2018. We continue to proudly administer 700 allotment plots as well 22
as directly maintain many of our green spaces/football pitches and verges throughout our Parish and we would welcome any comments you may have on our green areas and how we could improve them. Lastly we are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Reeves as our new Parish Manager/RFO who joins us after a recruitment process in December 2017. Andy joins us after serving Swindon Borough Council for over ten years.
I very much enjoyed chairing the public meeting at Grange where residents aired their views and concerns. Some of the key concerns residents raised included: • Traffic on Highworth Road and Swindon Road- how the Council intend to address this • Difficulty for residents in Oxford Road and its side roads in getting out of their driveways • Grange Drive being converted from a residential road to a major through road. Because of the strength of feeling amongst residents, the Council have had to amend their original plan to close the Merlin Way and Ermin Street junctions to the White Hart Roundabout, which is fantastic news.
If you have any questions or comments please call us on 01793 466499 we’d like to hear from you or you can email clerk@centralswindonnorthpc.gov.uk you can also visit our website at www.centralswindonnorth-pc.gov.uk
News from Stratton Parish Councillor, Cllr Barrie Jennings Hello, I am Barrie Jennings and I am a Stratton Parish Councillor. Here is an update on issues related to the Lower Stratton and Coleview area.
A new junction linking Ermin Street with Oxford Road is now proposed to be created which will mean there will need to be more traffic lights down Oxford Road. The drawings can be found through the following link: - www.swindon.gov.uk/ info/20134/new_eastern_villages/874/new_eastern_villages_transport_infras StARC, the residents’ campaign group of which I am a member, are still campaigning to get the Council to agree to: • Switch off the traffic lights at Greenbridge Roundabout at off-peak times;
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018 Barrie Jennings continued.
• Make the new bridge over the A419 (often referred to as the Great Stall Bridge) open to all vehicles and not just busses and other public service vehicles. A419 Sound Barrier I am disappointed to inform you that Swindon Borough Council has decided to no longer fund a sound barrier on the A419, protecting Stratton residents from the noise of the dual carriageway. The Council had progressed with plans to construct a sound barrier that would protect residents in Covingham and parts of Stratton- like Watermead, Gifford Road, Kenwin Close and Retingham Way- from the noise impact of the busy A419. However funding for this project has been withdrawn. Marshgate Biomass Boiler Application Some residents will remember a planning application last year to erect two 10m high chimneys in the Averies Yard at Marshgate, as part of a new chipped waste biomass plant. The Council refused this application but the applicant subsequently appealed this to the Regional Planning Inspector. The appeal has now concluded and the decision has been to uphold the Council’s decision and reject this unwanted planning application. Great news! Cllr Barrie Jennings Phone: 07944 740562 1strattonjennings@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATES! Date issued: 5th February 2018 We’ve confirmed the dates for the 2018 Stratton Stroll and Stratton Festival.... **GET YOUR CALENDARS** Stroll: Saturday 23 June 2018 Festival: Saturday 7 July 2018 The Parish Council is now on the look out for exciting performers, stall holders, local traders and children’s activities. If you know anyone or would like to be involved yourself please get in touch with Jo or Emily on (01793) 823761 / events@ strattonstmargaret.gov.uk Stratton Councillor to champion crowdfunding for local historic chapel A Stratton St Margaret Parish Councillor is inviting local residents, charities, groups and businesses to help to raise £2,000 and restore the former Green Road Chapel in Stratton St Margaret, and turn it into a community asset. The chapel is in the heart of the historic centre of Stratton St Margaret; it was built in 1869 by non-conformists and is now under the care of Stratton Saint Margaret Parish Council. This charming example of gothic revival is in need of restoration and a new purpose, and the Parish Council want to ensure it can become an asset for the community.
Work has already started with the removal all the weeds and overgrowth and the roof is now secure and watertight. The next aim is to restore the floor and do what is necessary to the brickwork. Councillor Matthew Davis who is leading the restoration project has said: “We’d love to give the chapel a new lease of life, maybe as a space to get married, to use as a place of remembrance for those coming to the cemetery to pay their respects to loved ones, or as an exhibition space for our thriving local arts group (the list goes on)”. To find out more about the project follow the Friends of Green Road Chapel on Facebook: m.facebook.com/ groups/1716778575288791 Beechcroft Library is bricking it! Beechcroft Library - Your Community Hub will launch its longawaited Lego Club on Saturday 10 February from 10.30am – 12.00pm. At this extra special launch event there will also be a display of models by a Steam Brick Show exhibitor together with a free draw with fantastic Lego prizes. The Club, based in the local library in Upper Stratton, will then meet every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. During the half term the club will also be open Tuesday to Friday 10.30am until 12 noon Everyone is welcome to attend this new club that is for big kids as well as small. There will also be hot drinks available to purchase from the Library’s in house coffee shop. 23
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
Community NEWS Nadine Watts & Jane MilnerBarry. Old Town & East Wichel Ward Councillors
Old Town Library The Old Town Library has been refurbished and now contains a room which is entirely focused at young children and includes 2 murals designed by children’s book illustrator Fred Blunt. The library still contains an adult section and it is still possible to order books. A new carpet is to be fitted in the adult section and new computers are still to be installed. This should all be completed early in the New Year. This re-opening was a result of the Labour majority Parish Council securing additional hours for the Old Town library, which will also be staffed parttime. The work that has been done on the Old Town Library has been absolutely fantastic. We would encourage Old Town residents to take a look at the new library.
Corn Exchange Nadine and Jane are pleased to report that the contracts for the Corn Exchange were signed before Christmas. There are exciting times ahead for Old Town. We look forward to a consultation with residents and a planning application being submitted in the near future.
Pipers Way Nadine and Jane welcome the news that a new bus lane along Pipers Way is now at the detailed design stage. The scheme will also include widening the footpath on Pipers Way into a footway/cyclepath. The associated works are programmed for early this year. With Old Town and Wichelstowe continuing to grow, it’s important to have the right infrastructure in place to deal with this growth. Hermitage Surgery At the last Full Council Meeting Nadine tabled a motion calling on the Council to come to an arrangement with the Hermitage Surgery over parking arrange-
www.tennesseechicken.co.uk Old Town: 10 Victoria Road, SN1 3AJ. 01793 533809 Gorse Hill: 30 Cricklade Road, SN2 8AA. 01793 534800
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ments. Because the surgery no longer has a dedicated GP for that practice they are now employing more clinicians, which is excellent news as for the first time in a long while they are increasing their patient list. However the surgery’s staff car park is not big enough to accommodate the number of new clinicians to be working in the surgery, leaving the new clinicians nowhere to park. It was unaffordable for the surgery to pay for extra council parking season tickets for all its staff, which is why Nadine asked for the council to come to an arrangement. Sadly this motion was rejected by the ruling Conservative administration. Contact details If you have any local issues or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact your Labour councillors. Call 07595 071381, 07864 839746 or 07799 866396 or email oldtown@ swindonlabour.co.uk.
The Best of Queen Performed by Flash - Wyvern Theatre - FRI 2 MARCH Flash have been paying homage to the world’s most theatrical and dramatic rock band, Queen, since 2002 and in that time have had a huge impact on audiences across the world. Italian born front man, Claudio Desideri plays a uncannily realistic ‘Freddie’ with just the right look, stage persona and from an early age has trained and developed a vocal range capable of performing these iconic songs, recreating the magic that made Queen live shows so very special. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481
The Voice Kids Charity Concert in aid of U Support Children’s Charity Wyvern Theatre - SUN 4 MARCH The stars of The Voice Kids bring you an amazing charity concert in aid of U Support Children’s Charity. Including the winner Jess Folley and Swindon’s own Lewis Blissett together with an incredible line up from The Voice Kids. This charity concert is not to be missed, with ticket proceeds going to help this worthy cause. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 The Western Players Bedroom Farce - Swindon Arts Centre WED 7 – SAT 10 MARCH Trevor and Susannah, whose marriage is on the rocks, inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest; three couples whose own relationships are tenuous at best. Taking place sequentially in the three beleaguered couples’ bedrooms during one endless Saturday night. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481
The Upbeat Beatles - Wyvern Theatre - FRIDAY 16 MARCH As the name suggests The Upbeat Beatles are a rockin’ band with tight musicianship and powerhouse vocals! You’ll be jumping from the word go! There isn’t a band to touch them - 8 bars of Twist and Shout and you will know why! No other band performs this song like the Upbeat Beatles! From the depths of the Cavern to the Apple roof top, through Beatlemania, America, Sergeant Pepper to Abbey Road, their attention to detail will draw you into the world of the Beatles like no other show. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 Carl Hutchinson Live! - Swindon Arts Centre - SUN 25 MARCH One of the UK’s most in-demand comics Carl Hutchinson returns to perform his hit show at Swindon Arts Centre. Expect killer gags, highly entertaining stories and the trademark twisted logic that has made Carl a must-see fixture in the comedy world, it’s fair to say that ‘Hutchinson has it all’ (BroadwayBaby). From tales of pulling sickies as a teacher to his family upbringing and wrestling with his favourite vices, this new show is easily the most brutally honest and hilariously self-deprecating outing for this Geordie comedian. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481
PAGE 16ANYTHING SWINDON
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PAGE 19
Angus Mcpherson
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
AVERAGE INCREASE OF £1 A MONTH TO POLICING PRECEPT AGREED Following a public consultation, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson has today (1/02) set the police and crime element of council tax for 2018-19. It will go up by one pound per month for the average property (band D) meaning the current contribution of £14.19 per month to local policing will increase to £15.19 per month. The increase, unanimously supported by the Police and Crime Panel today at Monkton Park in Chippenham, will help to protect community policing and prevent further cuts. Mr Macpherson said: “I am pleased that we have had a positive response from the public throughout the consultation; at area board and locality meetings, through social media and the website. “The consultation clearly showed that the public are in favour of the increase with 70% of respondents supporting the rise. “As a Force, Wiltshire Police has seen the second highest change in the country in emergency incidents when comparing 2015/16 with 2016/17, yet the funding we receive from central
government doesn’t recognise the increasing pressures we face. “In fact we receive the fourth lowest funding per head of population in England and Wales.” Since 2010, Wiltshire Police has received £19 million less from central government but have been responding to more crimes and sup- “I will continue to fight for fair porting more members of the public funding for Wiltshire so that we get a reasonable share of the national year on year. funding pot. The increase in the policing part of local council tax will provide an additional £3 million and means that the 445 police officers and 131 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Community Policing Teams (CPTs) will be protected.
“I am pleased today that the Police and Crime Panel have recognised the result of the consultation, the strength of the case, and have endorsed the precept.” Teams (CPTs) will be protected.
Mr Macpherson added, “I am pleased to be supporting local policing. This increase will help close the funding gap, and whilst savings still need to be made Community Policing Teams will not be affected. “Unfortunately this will not mean more officers on the beat; however it certainly will not mean any less. And whilst we’re able to maintain our services this year, we’re hopeful of being able to invest a substantial sum into them next year. 27
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
Be aware and minimise the risk... There are simple solutions to help keep your children safe and protected from animal related diseases and, especially, parasitic infections. The thought of a pet in your household having worms may be a disgusting revelation, however, there are a significant number of households living with dogs and puppies which have worms. The roundworm, Toxocaracanis, is of particular
Youth clubs are monthly appointments which are free to health club members, where the nurse will check weight and development, provide advice on training, administer worming and flea control, clip nails, provide advice on neutering, breeding and any 28
risk to young children as, although rarely, some egg larvae migrate through body tissues to behind the eyes and cause retinal lesions. Thankfully there are easy solutions for parents, whether of children, fur-babies or both, for effective preventative measures; • Monthly worming treatment for dogs • Pick up dog faeces and dispose of correctly • Do not allow animals to foul in areas of garden used by children
other concerns you may have. Your trained nurse will see you through the first year of your lives together and you can ask any questions you have during your meetings or in a simple phone call to someone who knows you and your puppy. Because every visit is full of fun
• Never let animals share food, lick plate, lick faces • Ensure children/adults wash their hands before handling/ eating food
For more information and advice, the nurses and receptionists at Thameswood Veterinary Clinics are always available for support. www.thameswoodvets.co.uk
and treats for your pet your puppy will love coming back and with bonus freebies along the way so will you!
Contact your nearest clinic for more information or to book in.
Take a fresh look at PetShed
• Many products at everyday low prices, cheaper
than other Pet Stores, and major supermarkets. • Loyalty schemes on most Pet food brands giving even more savings to our customers • Borders Pet Foods. Our own quality Dog Food range, made from top quality ingredients, to match products such as Canagan, Wainwrights, Simply, Lilys Kitchen, Eden and many others. • Better ranges than any other store in the area. • A specialist store for Small Pets and Wild Bird Care. • Independent Pet Store of the Year in the UK for 2016 • Fully Trained Staff, giving free and impartial advice
No wonder PetShed is Swindon’s favourite Pet Store
Studley Grange Leisure Park Hay Lane Wroughton SN4 9QT (with the garden centre and Butterfly world)
01793 853724/840300 petshedonline.co.uk
find us on facebook, twitter and instagram
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
Registered Charity No. 1163257 SNDogs (Saving Needy Dogs)
SNDogs are very pleased to be back as a regular feature in the new InSwindon Magazine for 2018. events, foster a dog or two and do homechecks and adoptions .
We would like to take this opportunity to say a BIG Thank You to everyone who has supported SNDogs over the past year – whether by volunteering and fundraising for us, making up dog shoeboxes for Christmas, donating food, bedding, toys etc or being a donation point for us – without you, we wouldn’t be able to continue doing what we do.
If you are able to help out for a few hours each month please visit our website www.sndogs. uk and fill out an Application Form.
DOGS LOOKING FOR THEIR NEW HOMES
ROSI is an approx 3 year old, Rottie X GSD size, but such a gentle soul! She does not like cats! She is a medium sized young lady gets on well with other dogs and loves children. If you can offer either SHADOW or ROSI a home please contact us!
Last year was a record breaking year for us with lots of homechecks being done and 105 dogs found their forever homes. So far in 2018 - 14 dogs have found their new homes. We are always looking for VOLUNTEERS to help us at 30
SHADOW is a 1yr old, male, black lab. He needs active home who will provide training. He is very eager to please. Suitable for children over 10yrs. He can live with another dog and is fine with cats and small furries.
SNDogs relies entirely on donations - there are many ways you can help SNDogs. Donate via Paypal – swindonsneedydogs@gmail.com or bank transfer to (Co-op) Swindons Needy Dogs Account No. 65622481 sort code 089299. We also have an Amazon Wish List – search for Saving Needy Dogs.
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
BECOMING A DOG CARER Are you missing the company of a dog in the house but don’t feel it’s right for you to have your own dog at the moment? Do you have a friendly welcoming dog of your own and would like to offer another dog the chance to experience a holiday home with you? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then read on. Dog owners are increasingly searching for a friendlier, more personal place for their dog to spend its time when they are away and the home boarding company Wagging Tails is seeing demand rise year upon year. Hilary Coates, who runs the SN Postcode branch, would love to welcome more
Dog lovers wanted: Enjoy the company of a canine guest!
Open your home to a friendly dog for his holiday. Whilst owners are away dogs get the love, exercise and companionship of your loving home.
Contact us now to find out more... AWARD WINNING HOME DOG BOARDING
Give a dog a holiday!
dog carers to her team. “I have had such demand in the first part of the year, I am rapidly running out of spaces for some lovely dogs to have their own holidays. If you are an experienced dog owner, have a secure garden and are home based, then please give me a call to find out how I can help you become a dog carer.” Barbara has been a carer for nearly three years and considers it “the best job I’ve ever had. I love the different characters that come and spend their holiday with us, it’s so nice to hear how much the owners appreciate us too.” For further details about becoming a Wagging Tails carer, give Hilary a call on 01793 874 777 or drop her a line on sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk.
Where happy dogs holiday
Hilary Coates Phone: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn/carer-enquiry A franchise owned and operated under licence by Hilary Coates Ltd
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10 %
you
O
FF r fir st te rm fee
The Gemma Short School of Dance & Theatre Arts Conveniently based location on Victoria Road, Swindon, the school provides fully equipped studios and excellent teaching. Students aged 3 and above will be offered many disciplines including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, National, Drama, Singing and Musical Theatre. The school also offers many adult classes as well as Music, Movement and Make Believe for 1-2 year olds. Students will be offered examinations in all subjects and also be encouraged to perform in our showcase evenings.
Please contact Miss Gemma for your free trial on 01793 847567 or 07788244732. W. gemmashortschoolofdance.co.uk E. info@gemmashortschoolofdance.co.uk
Book your tour today... The Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust exists to ensure that the pupils, staff and parents in each Academy benefit from ‘Excellence in Education’. Lawn Manor Academy
Royal Wootton Bassett
T: 01793 487286 W: www.lawnmanor.org
T: 01793 841900 W: www.rwba.org.uk
Excellence in Education T 01793 841900 | E info@rwbatrust.org.uk W www.rwbatrust.org.uk
InTouch Swindon // FEB 2018
Robert Buckland
NatWest Skills & Opportunities Fund 2018 NatWest have recently announced their Skills & Opportunities Fund 2018. This is a brilliant prospect for not-forprofit organisations to access much needed funding. NatWest have said: “At NatWest we want to help build better communities for everyone. To achieve that aim, we’re seeking projects that will enable people in disadvantaged communities to develop, cre-
ate or access the skills and opportunities they need to build their financial capability skills or to start or develop a new business now or in the future.” Within South Swindon, the fund has already provided £35,000 to Prime Theatre. This was one grant of the £2 million made available across England and Wales under the fund in 2017. NatWest seek to provide crucial funding to notfor-profit organisations.
Robert Buckland QC MP has spoken in support of the fund, remarking that: “The Skills and Opportunities Fund provides a great chance for our already excellent local charities, social enterprises, community groups and state-funded schools and colleges. Make sure to get your applications in quickly as the deadline is in just a couple of weeks!”
In order to access this fund, apply between the 5th & 23rd February 2018. Please follow the link below for more information on The Skills & Opportunities Fund as well as FAQs and where to apply. http://skillsandopportunitiesfund.natwest.com/
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