Intouch Swindon March issue

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

06 Bevirs Law Focus Hugh Ellins gives us a few ideas on landowners and telecommunications

11 Affordable Housing what exactly is affordable housing? Check our the feature on page 11.

15 Air Ambulance The Wiltshire Air Ambulance test out its new helipad in Semington

08 Empire Cinemas Our regular check on what’s up and coming at the big screen

13 Steam Museum The Steam Museum has a bit of a face lift to help visitors enjoy there visit.

17 What the Romans did for us Royston Cartright provides the first installment of his look back to past of Swindon

CONTENTS 4


Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

19 Anti Terror National campaign launched to encourage the public to help defeat terrorism

20 Dan Snow Well-known historian and TV Presenter recounting anecdotes of memorable experiences

23 What’s On Swindon

In association with Swindon Theatres, we bring you a selection of shows coming up.

24 Community News Whats happening in your local Community.

27 Angus Mcpherson

We check out news and updates from our very own PCC

28 Pets Feature Our monthly focus from Thameswood Vets and SNDogs

32 RWBAT feature Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust going from strength to strength

34 Robert Buckland

Editors Comments

Robert updates us on some of the latest developments in the area.

Welcome to this the latest 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. We have some great editorial features this month. Contact us today for more information on how you can have content included in our next issue. 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. Special thanks also to Rob Pannell for submitting this months cover photo. Office 36 The Shaftesbury Centre, Percy St, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2AZ Phone: 01793 554795 E-mail: info@intouchswindon.co.uk Online: www.intouchswindon.co.uk

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

LANDOWNERS BEWARE – TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT Generally, landowners think that telecommunication equipment is “a nice little earner”. The Operator takes a small area of land, pays over an annual rent – which is periodically reviewed upwards – and all that with little, or no, inconvenience. Whilst that is right, there have always been traps for the unwary. The increase in telecommunications is considered to be beneficial to the economy and therefore the legislation and code are beneficial to the Operator.

Given the advantages to the Code Operator under the new Code, can a landowner just refuse to allow new telecommunications equipment to be placed on his land? Regretfully, if the Operator wants to place telecommunications equipment on land, and if there is no agreement, it can make an application to the Court who will, in certain specific circumstance, approve the necessary Order permitting the equipment to be installed on terms it decides.

The new Electronic Communication Code brought into effect under the Digital Economy Act 2017 has made the position of the Operator stronger and financially more advantageous.

Because of the newness of the provisions there is no guidance as to how the Courts will react but generally a negotiated settlement is preferable.

The principal changes are that:

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The blog does not deal with the details of the new Code. Because of the intricacies of the new Code, any landowner should seek advice before entering into an arrangement with a telecommunications operator.

1.

The Operator will now be able to assign its interest in the equipment without restriction albeit subject to giving a guarantee similar to an AGA.

2.

The right to share equipment without paying an increase in the rent.

If you require any further information please contact me on:

3.

The right to upgrade the equipment without paying an increase in the rent.

Telephone: 01793 848900 Email: hugh.ellins@bevirs-law.co.uk

4.

The method of calculating the rent has been altered in a way which should lead to lower rents.

The new Code only affects new arrangements so those who already have arrangements, tenancies or licences may well try to keep those going for as long as possible. The Legislators have thought of that and have incorporated transitional provisions to make the new Code applicable to old tenancies or licences albeit with certain modifications.


Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

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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 10th April 2018


Congratulations to Andrew Staley for winning the February Competition. Well done, good luck for March Remember closing date for the competition is the 10th April 2018


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“Spring is finally fighting its way through and we can enjoy the colour afforded to us by seas of bulbs. Now’s the time to take stock of your bulbs and there health. Are you bulbs coming up without flowers (blind)? This is a problem caused by lack of nutrients which can be made worse by overcrowding of bulbs or naturalising in lawns which are particularly greedy for nutrients. Have a look at your bulbs, lift any clumps that are coming up blind and separate, replanting around a third to a half in the same spot but spread out and either discard or replant the rest in other parts of your garden. This will give them more room to spread their roots and less competition for valuable nutrients. The second step and one to carry out even if your bulbs aren’t blind is to feed them with a general purpose fertiliser (be careful that it’s lawn friendly if your bulbs are in a lawn). This is best done when they are actively growing but adding feed throughout the year will top up levels within the soil so the nutrients will be ready for the bulb to take up”.

Ask AMS

60+ videos on YouTube ‘Ask AMS Accountancy’ I pay National Insurance both in my job and on my self- employed work, is this right? With income from more than one job, or from selfemployed plus employment, you could be paying National Insurance (NI) on both. For 2017/18, complete form CA72A at www.gov.uk/ defer-national-insurance and send it to HMRC. If you have two or more jobs and earn more than £866 p.w. (£3,750 p.m.) in one of them over a year, OR you earn over £1,023 p.w. (£4,430 per month) combined for two or more jobs, HMRC will notify one of your employers to deduct Employee’s NI at 2% instead of 12%; If you are self-employed AND employed, HMRC will automatically defer the NI (class 2 & 4) on your selfemployment income when you submit your SelfAssessment Tax Return. Peter Bromiley ACA 01793 818400 @AMSAccountancy www.ams-accountancy.co.uk 21/11/2017 15:30


Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

What exactly is affordable housing?

With news that Swindon Borough Council are set to build 149 affordable homes on land alongside Queens Drive, assuming permission is granted by the Cabinet next week, questions have been raised about what exactly is affordable housing? In January 2016, then Prime Minister David Cameron promised the government would contribute towards the building of new affordable homes pledging £1.2bn over the following five years to build starter homes.

But what exactly is meant by affordable? The government’s definition when it comes to renting is

easy to understand. Affordable homes should cost no more than 80% of the average local market rent. When it comes to home ownership, it is not quite so clear. In August 2007 the Strategic Housing Market Assessments recommended 25% of gross income as the figure for what was affordable. The government definition of affordable housing published in 2012 states ‘a property must be provided at a level at which the mortgage payments on the property should be more than would be paid in rent on council housing, but below market levels.

It must also be able to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households.’ Back in 2016, housing charity Shelter came up with their own definition of ‘affordable housing’ stating the rent or mortgage payments should cost no more than 35% of your household income after tax and benefits. Whichever calculation Swindon Borough Council use to decide on the affordable housing status will no doubt please some and not others but news that there will be another 149 homes available for those less well off to purchase should be applauded. Editorial content in association with

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

STEAM Museum Swindon’s STEAM Museum has unveiled a new visitor parking area at the popular railway museum, following a six week construction project to improve the drainage and surfacing that has blighted the visitor attraction for many years. Working in partnership with McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, the Council-managed project has created six dedicated coach parking bays and much needed parking for blue badge holders directly outside STEAM. The project, which has been 12 months in the planning, gathered momentum when Councillor Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, championed the museum’s application to secure the external funding for the essential improvement works to the museum frontage. Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for STEAM said: “We have worked in partnership with McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon to make this area more appealing and welcoming to the many thousands of visitors who visit both STEAM and the Outlet Centre each year. “First impressions are so important when visiting a heritage visitor attraction like STEAM,

and I’m delighted to see an end to the large puddles which have greeted STEAM’s visitors and coach companies for some time.” The project was funded by developers Section 106 contributions set aside for public realm improvements within the town and the contract was successfully completed by Swindonbased contractor Lake Edge Limited, following a thorough tendering process. Ian Surtees, Income Generation Manager at STEAM, said “It’s been a rewarding project to manage and help turn an area which was prone to excessive

flooding into a versatile and attractive parking facility for STEAM and Swindon Designer Outlet customers. “We had to find a cost effective, but aesthetically pleasing surfacing solution to accommodate the high volume of traffic to this location and I’m really pleased with the end result.” The car park was constructed using specialist system Golpla® manufactured in the UK by Geosynthetics Limited. This is made from high quality recycled plastics with gravel reinforcement and erosion control and is used at many heritage sites throughout the UK.

Editorial content in association with

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

Wiltshire air Ambulance lands at new base for first time

Wiltshire Air Ambulance carried out its first landing on the helipad at the charity’s new airbase at Semington, near Melksham, yesterday (Tuesday 20 March). This exciting milestone was followed by the official handover of the airbase to Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The building will now be fitted out before the charity’s fundraising, administrative and operational teams move in by this summer. David Philpott, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “Today has been a significant day in the history of Wiltshire Air Ambulance with the handover of our new airbase. We are now in the final phase of the building work as we undertake the fitting and equipping of it before it becomes operational. “Our primary contractors, Rigg Construction (Southern) Limited, and our architects and project managers, CMS, have ensured that our new home has the best possible facilities for our helicopter, our pilots, para-

medics and our charity team to enable us to continue to save lives in the future. “We have received amazing support from people for our new airbase, including donations, and we’d like to thank everyone for their backing.” Currently the charity leases offices in Calne for its fundraising and administrative team and leases the hangar at Wiltshire Police headquarters in Devizes for its helicopter and aircrew. The new airbase has a Flight and Operations Centre for its aircrew, a hangar for the helicopter and medical equipment, offices for the charity team, training suite and a visitors’ viewpoint. Kevin Reed, Head of Facilities and Security at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, has led the new airbase project on behalf of the charity and said the site at Semington was chosen after an exhaustive search.

three years ago our aspiration was to find a location to build the best possible airbase to bring together our charity and operational teams and to have full control over our future. “The site at Semington is ideal because it is centrally located and will allow our helicopter to reach all parts of Wiltshire within 11 minutes, as it currently does now from its base in Devizes. In addition, as there is no ambulance station in Melksham our paramedics with their critical care skills will provide enhanced medical cover for the area for emergencies such as road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests and strokes.” The fly in and handover of the new airbase took place a few days after Wiltshire Air Ambulance marked its 28th anniversary. During that time its highly trained aircrew have undertaken thousands of missions and saved countless lives. Editorial content in association with

He said: “When we became a stand-alone air ambulance 15



Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

MY SWINDON AND YOURS and estates on which you live and how they got their names, we wil reveal all here.

MY SWINDON AND YOURS. In each edition of this magazine I will be telling you a little of my beloved Swindon, its history and its past and how we got to where we are today, From the Roman settlements at the time of Christ to the modern estates of the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

From the treasures in Swindons four Museums, in Old Town, at Coate Water, and the two Railway ones plus Wroughton Aerodrome most of which many of us have never seen to the future that we hope to see in our Town. From the great people of this Town and the influence they had in shaping our Town and our Country as well.

From the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th century’s and the coming of the Canals to Swindon, and then to Gods Wonderful Railway and the longest factory in the World. From the Norman landlords after 1066 to the Goddard family, and their influence on the Town, and from the first industries like Quarrying by the Romans, to the building of Spitfires in the Second World War.

From the affluence of the Folks on the Hill to the Work houses of the poor and the way that the Trade union movement came from distroying farming machinery to making Swindon workers some of the best paid factory workers in Britian.

From the history of Swindon buildings like the Mechanic’s Institute and its lending library, the first in Britian, to the Start of the N.H.S which was a copy of ( from the cradle to the grave ) the policy of the G.W.R.

From the great writers and poets like Richard Jefferies, and Alfred Williams, that told the story of Swindon and its surrounding area to modern day Writers and how they see this Town of ours.

From the Parks and Gardens of the Town to Coate which in the past I have called the Jewel in Swindon’s Crown.

And from the hundreds of history books that have been written about Swindon, we will dip into and relate some of the most intesting facts and pictures around and about in our Town.

From the names that Swindon has had in its past to the streets

Were the Moonrakers from Swindon, many of us think so, and what were all those tunnels for in Old Town. From our first Newspaper by William Morris the Advertiser in 1854 which charged a penny and changed the rules on the price of papers thoughout Britain to this Magazine and what modern technology can achieve. From the arrival of the Irish Navigators ( Navvies ) working

on the Canals to the Welsh settlers who built the Rolling Mills in the Railways and had their own Estate and Chapel in Westcott Place called Cambria, the Roman name for Wales. We have always been a multicultured society and today well over 100 languages are spoken in our Town. This is just a snippet of what you can expect from this Magazine and your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Let us have your story’s and memoirs of Swindons past, remember we have to get them down on paper to make sure that others generations read them in the years to come, you are all Swindons history in the making.

Roy Cartright 17


Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

National campaign launched to encourage the public to help defeat terrorism

Wiltshire Police is supporting a national campaign encouraging the public to help us defeat terrorism by reporting suspicious behaviour and activity. The ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) public awareness campaign launches today (Tuesday 20 March). The threat from terrorism to the UK continues to stand at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. The threat has twice risen to ‘critical’ for brief periods over the past year. From London to Manchester, the country has seen five tragic attacks in the UK over the past year with 10 others thwarted. Alongside security partners, police are working tireless18

lyto tackle the threat and are experiencing broadly 30 per cent more counter terrorism work than a year ago.

real life foiled plots, which will show examples of terrorist-related suspicious activity and behavior, as well as attack planning methodology.

Newly-appointed Assistant Commissioner of Specialist Operations (ACSO), Neil Basu, praised the public’s willingness to ACT in response to last year’s unprecedented rise in terrorist activity, which resulted in record numbers of people contacting the police through online referral forms and the confidential hotline to report suspicious behaviour and activity.

A call to action will encourage the public to report suspicious behaviour and activity via the online tool (gov. uk/ACT), helping the police to prevent terrorism and save lives.

Now he is launching the second phase of the ‘ACT –Action Counters Terrorism’ campaign, featuring a new 60-second film based on

“We have been saying for some time now that communities defeat terrorism, and these figures demonstrate just how important members of the public are in the fight to keep our country safe,” says ACSO Neil Basu. “Since the beginning of 2017 we have foiled 10 Islamist and four right wing terror plots, and there is no doubt in my mind that would have been impossible to do without relevant information from the public.”


Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

Of the nearly 31,000 public reports to Counter Terrorism (CT) Policing during 2017, more than 6600 (21.2%) resulted in useful intelligence – information which is used by UK officers to inform live investigations or help build an intelligence picture of an individual or group. Research carried out by CT Policing suggests that while more than 80% of people are motivated to report suspicious activity or behaviour, many are unclear exactly what they should be looking for. The second phase of the ‘ACT –Action Counters Terrorism’ from CT Policing aims to educate the

public about terrorist attack planning and reinforce the message that any piece of information, no matter how small, could make the difference between a lethal attack or a successful disruption. “Like other criminals, terrorists need to plan and that creates opportunities for police and the security services to discover and stop these attacks before they happen” says ACSO Basu. “That could be someone buying or storing chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reasons, or receiving deliveries for unusual items, it could be someone embracing extremist ideology, or searching for such material online.

“This new film has been made to try and help people understand recent terrorist attack-planning methods, but also to demonstrate that each report from the public can be one vital piece of a much larger picture. Superintendent Dave Minty, of Wiltshire Police, said: “This campaign is really important – communities defeat terrorism therefore it is vital that we make sure the public are aware of suspicious activity and how they can report it. We want people to continue to feel alert but not alarmed. “Throughout the week we will be sharing messages across our social media encouraging members of the public to ensure they feel well informed about how to report suspicious online content or behaviour.”

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

An Evening with Dan Snow comes to the Wyvern Theatre on Tue 10 July and will feature the well-known historian and TV presenter recounting anecdotes of memorable experiences from his very successful career as an historian and broadcaster.

Otherwise known as ‘The History Guy’ Dan will also research and include historical facts and stories relating to the specific area/ town of each theatre on the tour and will be aided by the use of digital screens. Q: Can you please talk us through the motivation behind doing your first live tour, “Dan Snow: An Evening with ‘The History Guy’”? A: When you’re making television and podcasts, it’s very lonely. You sit by yourself and think, “Is anyone watching?” That’s why TV presenters take to Facebook Live. That gives you the number of viewers at the bottom of the screen. It might be only five people, but at least you know someone is there! 20

Q: Tell us more. A: Doing live events at book festivals and book launches is a huge treat because you get to meet people. It’s an enormous boost to the confidence to know there are people out there following what you do! The tour is the first time I’ve done this in an organised way where we’ve been able to build a proper show. It’s a great chance to meet people and say thank you to those on whom my career depends. I’m really looking forward to it. Q: What will you be talking about in the show? A: A large chunk of the show will be about local history. It will have direct relevance to the place we’re in. That’s not difficult to write. Just looking

Q: Do members of the public help with your research? A: Yes they do. I get lots of messages on my Facebook page. There is so much history out there it’s ridiculous and I find the stories that people send me fascinating. Also, it’s easier to become knowledgeable in an aspect of history. It’s not like physics where you need a $300 billion particle accelerator in the house to become an expert. I am really looking forward to interaction with the audiences at my shows. Q: Do people want to recount their personal histories, too? A: Yes they often want to tell me all about their family history or the part their family played in history, like a soldier in the First World War. A huge number of people tell me stories about their ancestors. They will say something like, “My father was the first black RAF pilot.” Listening to them, you realise how many firsts there are. Q: Is your hope that you can captivate audiences with your infectious enthusiasm for your subject? A: Yes! History is not all about dead kings, old libraries and dust . It’s everything. It’s your parents’ eyes meeting across a crowded room and why we are who we are and why we


Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

are speaking English and why it’s acceptable for women and men to mingle together. I hope people walk out of the theatre saying that they had a really good time. I also hope they leave having thought deeply about the past of their town, their country and their world. Q: Can you expand on that? A: The first question I’m always asked at events is, “What’s the best place you’ve ever been to?” They expect me to say something like Angkor Wat. But perhaps weirdly, I just love this country – there is so much character and history here. Wherever you go in Britain, there are so many stories. For example, you can visit a place just outside Manchester and find the perfect Industrial Revolution era textile mill where global industrialisation began. Q: So history is constantly beckoning you towards it? A: Absolutely. I drove up the M3 recently to interview a Second World War veteran. On the way I visited Odiham Castle in Hampshire. It was built by King John, it was besieged twice and various people were murdered there down the centuries. The M3 is a road I use all the time, and I had never heard of Odi-

ham Castle before. There is so much history on this island just waiting to be discovered. It’s such a treat. We may complain, but we do have a great respect for history. I’m half Canadian, and in Canada they would simply bulldoze a historic site and put a new building in its place. We are so lucky that we have preserved so much in Britain. Q: Can you give us an example? A: I recently spoke to a 94-year-old Second World War veteran. He told me that Montgomery pinned the medal on his chest after D-Day. I said to him, “Let’s end this conversation. I’m coming to see you now.” The podcast is also so important for breaking news. When the story recently broke about the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the UK, I immediately got Marc Morris, legend of Norman studies, on the phone and recorded him for my podcast that evening. The podcast gives you such freedom and immediacy. Q: Did you inherit your love of history from your family? A: Yes. My dad is fantastic on the heritage side. I inherited that from him. He has relentless energy and was always taking us to different places as children. Also, my Welsh grandma,

Nain, was a huge storyteller. She taught me to give history a human element and to bring it alive. I hope my history is very real and vivid because of her. Q: So were you were introduced to the joys of history at a very young age? A: Yes. Every weekend as a child, I was taken to a historical site, a castle, palace or a museum. I got History Stockholm Syndrome as a boy, and now I’m inflicting it on my own children! I don’t bother asking them how they feel about it. They seem to tolerate it – they don’t know any better! Two weeks ago, I took my two-year-old daughter to HMS Victory. It was just another day in the office for her! Advance tickets for Dan Snow: An Evening with ‘The History Guy’ are available from swindontheatres.co.uk or on 01793 524481. Dan Snow also runs his own online TV Channel, History Hit TV (tv.historyhit.com/), which brings you great history documentaries and podcasts, and has a regular ‘history’ slot on The One Show.

Wyvern Theatre - TUE 10th JULY BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 21


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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


The Great Jaydini Easter Magic Show| 4-6 year olds Wyvern Theatre - THU 5 APRIL Enter the funny and magical world of The Great Jaydini, a talented and professional magician whose unique style puts together a blend of comedy and magic suitable for ages 4-6.

BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 Tweedy The Clown - Slapstick and Symphony Wyvern Theatre - SAT 7 APRIL The comedy and slapstick legend and star of Gifford’s Circus and Cirque Berserk, returns with a brand new theatre show for all the family! Tweedy has an impressive repertoire of comedic talents which have made him one of the most respected and popular clowns the country currently has to offer. He decides to put on a new show to show off these skills, unfortunately classical musician Ludvink Loyal thinks he’s there to put on a classical symphony concert. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 T42nd Street presented by TYT - Wyvern Theatre - FRI 13 – SAT 14 APRIL 42nd Street, ‘The mother of all showbiz musicals’ (as stated by a National Newspaper recently after its re-launch in the West End) is the song and dance, American dream fable of Broadway, featuring the iconic songs: We’re In The Money, Lullaby of Broadway, Shuffle Off To Buffalo, Dames, I Only Have Eyes For You and 42nd Street. Following in the success of CATS and Footloose, Tanwood Youth Theatre present this fantastic show with a full, live professional Orchestra. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 That’ll Be The Day - Wyvern Theatre - TUE 17 APRIL The UK’s premier Rock & Roll production That’ll Be The Day returns with another brand new show! Highly acclaimed for its stunning LIVE entertainment value, That’ll Be The Day is an outstanding celebration for all true fans of the golden era of popular music. This latest production features a fantastic new-line-up of smash hits spanning the 50s, 60s & 70s, plus more side-splitting comic sketches, all performed live on-stage! Prepare for an unforgettable night of nostalgia, laughs and ROCK ‘N’ ROLL! BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 Hazel O’Connor, See You Again - Swindon Arts Centre - SUN 29 APRIL Sumptuous songs with a soulful, introspective lyrical depth helped by Cormac de Barra’s exquisite harp.Seamless forays into pop blues and soul, and the familiar silken gravel of O’Connor’s voice. The expressive power of her singing, her songwriting craft and warm, strong personality here with Cormac De Barra’s expert playing of the Irish Harp

BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481

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TEL: 01793 977117 ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE FROM ONLY £27 PER MONTH

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

Community NEWS tion you can visit the Council’s planning portal at www. swindon.gov.uk/publicaccess. The reference number for this application is: S/18/0265 Nythe Doctors Surgery The Nythe Doctors Surgery is set to close with all its patients being transferred to the Eldene Doctors Surgery. As a patient of this surgery I find it disappointing we are being moved to a surgery quite a distance from the Coleview area.

Cllr Barrie Jennings Stratton Parish Councillor Hello, my name is Barrie Jennings and I am a Parish Councillor in Stratton. I will be updating you on issues that affect Lower Stratton and Coleview. Eastern Villages Road Network Consultation Events Swindon Borough Council have just done another round of consultation events about the Eastern Villages Road Changes. Unfortunately the consultation event on Saturday 3rd March at Grange Leisure was called off due to the snow storm. Despite assurances the Council hadn’t made a final decision on these issues, the Council have proposed yet again to not switch off the Greenbridge Roundabout traffic lights during off-peak times and have proposed building a £23m bridge over the A419 linking 24

up to Merlin Way that will only be accessible to public service vehicles (busses). To make matters worse, the Covingham Councillors have said they think the Council should scrap the new bridge entirely. Both the Council’s plan and the Covingham Councillors proposal, protect Covingham from the extra traffic, leaving it all to go through the White Hart Roundabout and Oxford Road. As an Oxford Road resident myself I find this unfair. Warnborough Road Application for 15 Homes A planning application has been submitted for 15 homes on land at 5 Warnborough Road (in between 3 Warnborough Road and Ashlar House). The application is now out for public consultation. To read details of the planning applica-

Some residents have been in contact with me to say that a bus is needed to be reintroduced along the old 20 Bus route which passed through Coleview and Eldene. I support these calls and am looking in to what solutions can be offered to Coleview residents who do not own a vehicle to get to the new surgery. Selina House Planning permission has now been given for 8 new flats on the now derelict, former Selina House Care Home site on Oxford Road. Contact details: If you have any local issues or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can call me on 07944740562 or email 1strattonjennings@gmail.com


Community NEWS Eastcott Labour Team Ward Update

Community Clean-Up at Leighfield Close Thank you to everybody who helped with our community clean-up in Leighfield Close several weeks ago. Imtiyaz led the clean-up and knows how important having a clean and tidy community is to Eastcott residents. The Community Clean Up in Leighfield Close follows your us doing previous Community Clean Ups in the area, including in Newhall Street. Labour’s Clean Ups come on top of Labour majority South Swindon Parish Council enhancing grass cutting and street cleaning services, while freezing your annual Parish tax. Kingshill Air Quality We back Council action to tackle Poor Air Quality in Kingshill. Swindon Borough Council has found a section of Kingshill

Road is currently in breach of the government’s annual air quality objective. Air pollution if not addressed has been associated with a number of adverse health effects. In declaring an Air Quality Management Area Order the Council will be able to apply for additional funding from DEFRA to address air quality.

Swindon. A HMO application is currently outstanding on appeal at the old Stanwells shop and a shared house application has been submitted at the former Nicholls Butchers Shop on Kingshill Road. The Eastcott Labour Team have campaigned against and objected to overdevelopment and inappropriate HMO applications in Eastcott and Kingshill.

We would like to know your views on how the Council can reduce air quality in the Kingshill area. Any comments we receive will be fed in to the Council Steering Group.

Eastcott Labour Team

Labour Call For HMO Licensing

Imtiyaz Shaikh, Eastcott Labour Candidate & South Swindon Parish Councillor Mobile: 07894543786 Email: imtiyazshaikh135@yahoo.co.uk

We have called on Swindon Council to develop a Licensing Scheme for Houses of Multiple Occupation like Labour-led Oxford City Council have established. The number of Houses of Multiple Occupation has more than doubled in the last 10 years in

Councillor Paul Dixon, Labour’s Eastcott Councillor Mobile: 07454 736 769 Email: p.dixon8@ntlworld.com



Angus Mcpherson

Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

SHINING A LIGHT ON WOMEN IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Not only does the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon allocate the budget for Wiltshire Police, but he also commissions a number of services that work alongside the police and criminal justice system including victim support, offender interventions and drug and alcohol programmes among many others.

She works with Wiltshire Police and partner agencies to identify service gaps and alongside key stakeholders’ aims to improve areas within the Criminal Justice System to ensure that victim’s voices are heard and that outcomes have a positive impact on offenders.

On International Women’s Day 2018, it seems fitting to celebrate the impact that the wider office makes to the criminal justice system. It is fair to say that it is historically known as ‘a man’s world’ however more and more women are now Carolyn said, “I spend a lot of time working both in court and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome travelling around the county to various meetings visiting lots of diffor both victims and offenders. ferent people. Meet Carolyn. “To be in a job where I can help to shape the future of the Criminal Prior to joining the Officer of the Justice System to make a positive Police and Crime Commissioner difference to people’s lives is very (OPCC), Carolyn had worked with fulfilling. Wiltshire Police for three years as an Out of Court Disposal Manager. I am also fortunate enough to work with some amazing, innovative and Now working alongside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Angus passionate people, both within our office, within the partner agencies Macpherson she concentrates on the criminal justice system and reha- and the people in our communities. bilitation for offenders.

“I get quite passionate about the rehabilitation of offenders and I find it really motivating knowing that the work I do makes a positive difference.” And when asked what the best piece of advice she had been given Carolyn added, “It’s actually a famous quote, ‘if you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got.’ “I find it’s so true, not only in my personal life, but also when I think about my work.”

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

Watch out

easter eggs about! With Easter approaching the amount of chocolate around the house increases and so the risk of chocolate poisoning for our canine companions increases.

So what to do if your dog eats chocolate? Contact your vet immediately! If you know the quantity your dog has eaten this can help the vet determine if the dose is of toxic levels.

Although chocolate poisoning is very common in dogs and frequently makes them ill, fatal cases are rare. There are many other items which can be irritants and some which are potentially danger-

If the chocolate was recently eaten your vet may induce

ous to our pets, here are some of the more common around Easter: • Daffodils • Conkers & Acorns • Onions, leeks and garlic • Grapes (and their dried fruits) • Xylitol – Sweeter, often found in sugar-free products

Chocolate poisoning is common in dogs due to its availability in a range of products meaning dogs can often access large quantities in a short period of time. Chocolate contains two chemicals that can be toxic to pets, theobromine and caffeine. The amounts of theses vary from product to product, for example white chocolate contains smaller quantities then dark but toxic effects can occur after only a relatively small dose. 28

vomiting to remove some of the chocolate before it is absorbed. Activated charcoal is often used to absorb any toxins, and other treatments can include, fluid or drug therapy, monitoring of heart and temperature. Signs of chocolate poisoning can include: • Vomiting / Diarrhoea • Lethargy • Panting • Hyperactivity / restlessness • Thirst • Increase heart rate •Tremors and or convulsions

There are many other items which If your concerned your pet has eaten or come in contact with something that may be harmful then please contact us on 01793 526780 for advice. For more information and advice, the nurses and receptionists at Thameswood Veterinary Clinics are always available for support. www.thameswoodvets.co.uk


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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 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.

We would say a BIG ‘Thank You to Nationwide Building Society (Optimus House) in Swindon who donated the monies raised from their Dress Down Day in January – we were also invited along to Optimus House at the end of February to have a stand and hold a raffle where we raised £116.61.

become an Ambassador for SNDogs. Sparky is well known for his daily weather reports and each day he wears a different hat for his weather forecast. Sparky will be at our monthly dog walks at Coate Water in Swindon and at some of our events throughout the year. Search Sparky the Weatherdog on facebook

‘Big Thanks’ also to Cath and her regulars at The Bakers Arms in Stratton for their continued support. visit our website www. sndogs.uk and fill out an Application Form. DOGS LOOKING FOR THEIR NEW HOMES

So far in 2018 - 26 dogs have found their new homes and the Good News is that Shadow who was featured last month is now living with a new family in Thatcham, Berkshire. Sparky The Weatherdog has 30

PIMMS PIMMS is a male sent hound who was found in a pound in Spain and was on the kill list.

MOLLY

MOLLY is a female Pachon Navarro breed. She was in an awful state a year ago when she was rescued from the fields. A cricket ball size hernia, bleeding sores all over her body from Leishmania. After the treatment, operation and lots of TLC she is a lovely healthy dog just on a tablet a day. As with this breed she likes exercise but plenty of cuddles as well. If you can offer either PIMMS or MOLLY a home please contact us! 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.


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Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust going from strength to strength it is following the vision of the Trust which is built around the one word of ‘Excellence.’

The Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust (RWBAT) is led by National Leader of Education (NLE) George Croxford. He also remains Headteacher of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy which is a National Support School and leads the RWBAT Teaching School Alliance/Challenge Partners Hub of 31 schools. This year saw exceptional success for Royal Wootton Bassett Academy which was named as one of the top 20 schools in the South West in the Sunday Times publication which helps parents pick their children’s school by identifying 2,000 highest achieving schools in the UK. In 2013 RWBA became the first school in the UK to be rated Outstanding in all categories in two consecutive Ofsted reports after the framework changed dramatically in 2009. George CEO said “This suc-

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cess is also good for the Trust as it shows what our schools can achieve. Lawn Manor which was the first school to open under the newly formed Trust and has made an exceptional start. LMA is already very nearly oversubscribed for Year 7 in September 2018 and the numbers are going up in all years as word gets around about just how good our school is. Lawn Manor opened with the aim of creating a brand new ethos and had a completely new behaviour policy. We have been so impressed by this that we have adopted it across the whole trust.” Lawn Manor in its first year has done amazingly well, working with its local community by raising money for Christmas Care or by visiting residential homes and Nurseries. The school has already shown that

Across the Trust there have been lots of opportunities for pupils and staff to work together. Year 11 attended an assembly by Angela Bell, RWBA Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form and over 30 Lawn Manor pupils attended a sixth form experience day where they had the opportunity to try the various subjects on offer at RWBA. In November pupils from both schools were invited to the Field of Remembrance Service at Lydiard Park. To engender some competitive fundraising among staff and students the Trust embarked on Movember where it raised awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK. In February the schools shared their first joint residential, a skiing trip to Italy where staff and pupils from both schools had a great week of fun. George Croxford said he wanted the schools to strengthen each other and to build capacity for the future. Talks are underway to expand the opportunity for Lawn Manor pupils to include a sixth form as the school grows. The philosophy of the Trust is that we can achieve more together and this is exactly what is happening.


Lawn Manor Headteacher Sandra Muir echoed the words from George by adding ‘Our senior team and staff have had lots of opportunities for shared practice, on February 9th we held our first joint Teacher Training Day which was a big success. Staff from both schools came together to focus on pupil wellbeing and also looked at moderation across the Trust which ensures we are accurately projecting pupils results. There are more opportunities planned for cross school working and we are really excited about the future for Lawn Manor pupils and the wider community. Our parents have been really supportive of our high expectations around the ‘Lawn Manor Way’ and welcomed the steps taken to ensure success for their children. We are extremely grateful to them for continuing to support us as numbers for

our second year look to grow to maximum in Year 7. By working together we are ensuring the high expectations and aspirations that will ensure each pupil leaves Lawn Manor with the best possible examination results. Our vision at Lawn Manor is ‘Inspiring and Creating Futures for All’. Our new school has certainly set off to an excellent start to make the vision a reality The Chair of the Trust Marion Sweet said “The Trustees are pleased that the two Academies are working so closely together and we are looking forward to the challenge of the future for RWBAT as it strives to become an exceptional Multi Academy Trust with Good and Outstanding Academies as partners within the Trust” For more information on Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust please visit www.rwbatrust. org.uk

www.swindonnightshelter.org.uk

We are a Christian run charity serving those who are homeless, vulnerable and struggling in our area by providing a Night Shelter. We also work with local supermarkets and other businesses in Swindon, to collect and distribute Charitable Waste to those who need it. We currently support over 30 charities and other services as well as individuals in need Find out more at:

www.swindonnightshelter.org.uk swindonnightshelter


Intouchswindon.co.uk // MARCH 2018

Robert Buckland Triple killer to spend longer behind bars following intervention by Solicitor General, Robert Buckland A man who murdered his expartner will spend more time in prison after South Swindon MP, Robert Buckland, who is the Solicitor General, referred his original sentence to the Court of Appeal as unduly lenient. Theodore Johnson, who had previously been convicted of the manslaughter of 2 former partners, attacked and killed his 51 year old ex-partner after she ended her relationship with him. Johnson, 64, was originally sentenced to life imprison-

ment with a minimum term of 26 years in January at the Central Criminal Court. The minimum term was increased after the Solicitor’s action, meaning Johnson will now serve at least 30 years behind bars. Robert Buckland QC MP presented the case personally to the Court of Appeal. Speaking after the hearing he said: “This was a vicious and brutal attack which ended in the tragic death of a woman. The offender is a danger to women and his crimes deserved tougher sentencing.

This month I also welcome the news that The Big Lottery fund have endorsed funding for four groups in South Swindon. The 1st Dorcan Scout Group will receive £9,999 to fund their activities. Horizons Health and Wellbeing Centre will receive £8,520 to boost their social activities such as arts and crafts. Help people to gain new skills and fund one-toone support on impacting issues. Swindon Christian Community Projects will receive £9,969 fund staff and storage costs for a foodbank. Lainesmead Primary Schoolwill receive £10,000 for outdoor climbing equipment; improving access to beneficial activities for children. Robert said, “It is great news for Swindon to be a part of this excellent scheme which has a fantastic impact on local communities across the country.”

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