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MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Welcome to our October issue of The Anything Swindon Magazine.
04
NSBRC FEATURE
This month we catch up with Harvey and the team at the National Self Build Centre as they prepare for the Big Green Home Show.
06
SLIMMING WORLD UPDATE
07
SWINDON EVANGELICAL CHURCH
10
MOVIE NEWS
11
DROVE VETS AND PETS
13
BRIGHTER FUTURES UPDATE
21
5 PAGE TOWN CENTRE FOCUS
24
COUNCILLOR UPDATES
25
MP UPDATES
26
THAMES PATH CHALLENGE
27
WHATS ON
28
FOOTBALL AND SCOB UPDATE
We have our regular update from Drove Vets as we look at Dental Awareness in our pets. The Brunel Shopping Centre share with us their plans to raise awareness for breast cancer. Brighter Futures charity organiser’s Jennifer and Chloe update us as hundreds of cyclists pedalled their way around Wiltshire in a bid to bring radiotherapy treatment to Swindon. Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson talk to us regarding their recent activities supporting the people of Swindon. Swindon College old Boys celebrate a fantastic start to the new season. And we would like to say congratulations to Louise Coles of Toothill who has just won over £1000 in prizes as a result of our recent anniversary competition, look out for our special winner feature in the November Edition. Happy reading!
Ian and Graham Follow us on Social Media: facebook.com/anythingSwindon @anythingswindon
Design editor: Ian E: ian@screamingmedia.co.uk Editor: Graham E: graham@screamingmedia.co.uk Advertising: Telephone 01793 977117 Designed & Printed: Screaming Media Ltd www.screamingmedia.co.uk Readership: 75,000 Circulation: 25,000 Online View 5,000 per month,
The Anything Swindon magazine is now working with The woodland Trust, Supporting the campaign to protect precious ancient woods by supporting the ones that are damaged and fight for those under threat. Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. Over the last 40 years or so, we have acquired more than 1,000 woodland sites covering over 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885).
Nsbrc Feature
The BIG Green Home Show Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October 2015 Your key to creating a greener home! With gas & electricity costs continually rising – and as we head into the colder months – our energy bills are brought sharply into focus. We would all like to create more efficient & sustainable homes, but knowing where to start and how to make the right decisions for your house can often be a puzzle. Whether you’re looking to increase your loft insulation, replace leaky windows & doors or install renewable energy sources such as solar panels or heat pumps there are so many options. The experts, seminars and live demonstrations at The Big Green Home Show will help you decide what’s best for you and your home.
Free Expert Advice Renowned for the quality of its expert presentations and relaxed, open approach, the NSBRC has brought together an unrivalled line-up of experts that include Eco consultants , Architects, Project Managers, Designers and Planners – all of whom are on hand to offer their guidance and advice. If you’re planning a major project, or are simply after a second opinion before making a key purchase, bring your plans and sketches along to the show and take advantage of the free one-to-one sessions. The NSBRC’s own expert team will be on hand to take you on guided tours of our fantastic
Life Size Renovation House and Self Build Journeys – answering your questions along the way.
Three Theatres Three theatres will feature a wide range of seminars each day exploring everything from Budgeting, Plot finding, the latest Building Regulations and Planning news.
The ‘Build It Theatre’ features keynote speakers, discussing current ‘green’ developments, from government incentives to current building regulations and will include talks from; The Passiv Haus Trust, finance specialists Buildstore and Property expert Kate Faulkner.
PAGE 4
The ‘Sovereign Theatre’ offers presentations from dozens of exhibitors showcasing their very latest solutions and building systems and each day the latest products and technologies will be put through their paces in the ‘Live Demonstration Zone’.
Piers Taylor Piers Taylor is a Chartered Architect, a former Studio master at the Architectural Association, Design Fellow at the University of Cambridge, a founding director at Mitchell Taylor Workshop. He is co-presenter of hit BBC2 series The House that £100K Built. Piers will be at the Show on Saturday (24th) to meet visitors and offer advice along with delivering the headline presentation at 1pm. Piers says: ‘Self-building in a sustainable fashion has never been more important or more relevant, and I am delighted to be part of the Big Green Home Show, at the NSBRC in October, where people can discover how to build better houses in a more environmentally friendly way’
Kate Faulkner & The Property Clinic Kate Faulkner is one of the UK’s leading property experts. Kate provides independent up to date and individual advice on how to buy, sell, rent, invest, renovate, maintain or build a property. Kate regularly appears on BBC Breakfast News, Your Money, GMTV, ITV, Radio 4 You and Yours among others and will be at the Show with her ‘Property Clinic’ featuring a plethora of industry experts and associations offering free advice to help you with your project. The BIG Green Home Show is easy to get to with the NSBRC located right on Junction 16 of the M4 and parking is plentiful and FREE!
The BIG Green Home Show runs from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October with tickets £12 per adult. Anything Swindon readers can claim FREE tickets by booking through www.nsbrc.co.uk and selecting booking code: Magazine
Picture by Paul Jacobs (2015) ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 5
Slimming World Update
Anything Swindon’s Ian & Graham’s Diary Update Ian’s Update
Graham’s Update
There are a few reasons why I decided that enough was enough and I needed to look at losing weight. Firstly from a health point of view, being excessively overweight and in my midforties I am at a higher risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. Secondly I was constantly getting out of breath while playing football with my son... something needed to change!
Losing weight was not something I thought I needed, but when the opportunity came along to write a diary for Slimming World I gave it my all.
At the start of my Slimming world journey, I was a bit sceptical of another weight loss program after trying quite a few weight loss programs in the past. But I can honestly say the Slimming World program is by far the best, and I have lost more weight while still enjoying life.
It’s easy to continue eating the same things and for most of us we can become content with our lifestyle.
My first weigh came in at 1 stone 6lb above my ideal weight for my age and height, this alarmed me because then the acceptance of being overweight was something I had not thought about.
I was very much content with my lifestyle, now I’m happy and feel I joined Slimming World on the 26th May and to more confident date I have a lost 3 stone 10 pounds... I can’t beand much fitter lieve the change in just a few months. I am etching ever closer to my 4 stone award and still have than before my some way to go to my target. I can’t recommend Slimming World journey. enough to anyone who is looking to shed a few pounds to look no further than Slimming World.
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*More people in the UK choose to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss group.
PAGE 6
save
up to
£5
– ask in group for more details
Swindon Evengelical Church
Holiday at Home 2015 The week of July 27th-31st saw the fourth of our annual event for over sixties entitled ‘Holiday at Home’. Around sixty folk each day joined us for a day of events based at our church on Devizes Road. The idea behind the event is to provide a ‘holiday at home’, with chance to enjoy a change of scenery, relax and be waited on for a few days, in a welcoming ‘holiday’ atmosphere. Each day began with coffee and home-made biscuits and the morning activities included film shows, crafts, word puzzles, quizzes, knit and natter table or just chance to chat with friends old and new.
We were so grateful especially to our team of teenage helpers for so willingly giving up a week of their holiday to serve at the week-long event. By popular request we are already planning Holiday at Home 2016 and would be so please to welcome others to join us. We hope to run Holiday at Home 2016 from July 25-29th at Swindon Evangelical Church.
Crafts included making bird feeders, greetings cards and home-made sweets and paper flowers. All activities were optional and everyone found things to enjoy. The full morning programme soon gave way to lunch time and a delicious cooked meal, with pudding to follow. One of the members of the church gave a ‘Thought for the Day’ over our after-dinner coffee and then we returned to the main hall for afternoon entertainment. We enjoyed a ‘Pointless’- style quiz, armchair aerobics and a highlight was the Friday concert arranged and performed by young people from the church. Their musical talents were greatly appreciated and the Pastor, Paul Williams gave a closing talk to round up the week. Every day we finished with tea and cakes and on Friday the cooks treated us to a cream tea. It was a very happy week and greatly appreciated by those who attended. Each year we have an outing on the Wednesday and this year we had a delicious lunch at Twelve Oaks Golf Course, Highworth, before visiting the beautiful Hidecote Manor Gardens in the Cotswolds. Twenty eight helpers from the church ran the week for church members and also the many vistors from the local community.
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 7
Find the New 65 plate MG6 and MG3 at our showroom on Drakes Way
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ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 9
Movie News
Win four tickets to a Film of your choice! To win the tickets, Please tell us which of the following is the first James Bond film?
A: Dr. Yes B: Dr. No or C: Dr. Maybe ? Please email win@anythingswindon.co.uk with your answer by the 18th Oct 2015 “Congratulations to Dean Ford who won the September competition! Empire Cinema will be in touch� PAGE 10
Drove Pets Update
Pet Dental Awareness Tooth and gum disease is one of the most common conditions seen by vets. It is not the case that older dogs and cats lose their teeth, this can be prevented with awareness and simple home care. Have you had a look in your pets mouth?! If he or she is amenable (don’t get bitten!), try lifting their gum. The teeth should be white with pink gums. Your local vet will be happy to arrange an appointment to check and discuss your pets’ dental health or treatment with you. Tell tale signs of dental disease are: • • • • • • • •
Bad breath Yellow/brown teeth Red or bleeding gums Pain or swelling of the jaw or face Reluctance to eat /pick up food or toys Weight loss Rubbing face/pawing at mouth Excessive salivation
Pet dental disease is not the same as humans. In dogs, periodontal disease is more common, where the tissues around the tooth become infected with accumulation of tartar (calculus) causing gingival (gum) recession with infection. If untreated, the tooth loosens in the socket causing inevitable discomfort and eventual loss of the tooth.
The canine and feline mouth is not a clean place - it’s full of bacteria! The bacteria grows on the tooth surface forming plaque. Most of this is removed by the tongue or with hard food or chews, but any plaque left becomes thickened. This is calculus/tartar (the browny deposits seen on the tooth surface). As this layer thickens, it presses on the gum, causing irritation, inflammation and allowing the bacteria to infect (gingivitis). The gum recedes with the socket infected and the tooth loosens. Oral infection can spread to tonsilitis and pharyngitis. Worryingly, the bacteria absorbed into the blood supply will be carried to other organs. For example, in older dogs and cats, heart conditions (endocardiosis) can be due to bad teeth. Kidney and liver problems also!
What can be done? Prevention : The amount of plaque on individual dogs’/cats’ teeth varies and can be reduced easily with special foods or chews/ toys and regular homecare, i.e. brushing. This may sound daunting but pets can be taught to accept a toothbrush. Daily brushing is the most effective way of reducing plaque. Use a specially formulated brush or an old human one (ideally a soft one). There are special gels and toothpastes at vet clinics. Do not use human toothpaste as it is not well tolerated and contains foaming agents, which are not meant to be swallowed. If your pets’ mouth looks/smells unsightly, he/ she may need a dental procedure. Make an appointment for a check - up. If the vet/nurse deems this necessary, your pet may need antibiotics before the procedure. Pets require anaesthetic to clean their teeth, so older pets may need a blood test first to check that their liver and kidneys are healthy enough. A descale of tartar will remove the bulk of the dirt and you can continue at home with the preventative measures of brushing/specific foods/chews/toys.
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE TELEPHONE: (01793) 522483 www.drovevets.co.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 11
Registered Charity No. 1163257
SNDogs (Saving Needy Dogs) Welcome to the new SNDogs monthly update – each month will feature ‘Dog of the Month’, upcoming SNDog events, where you can meet some of our wonderful dogs looking for homes plus info about who we are and how you can help and get involved. For those who don’t know, SNDogs was founded in 2012 and is a foster-based dog rescue (dogs are placed in foster homes instead of a stressful kennel environment). They are solely reliant on a team of amazing volunteers to promote and fundraise, attend events, walk the foster dogs in all weathers and carry out home checks ….….. not forgetting the ‘Crafty Ladies’ who make delicious home-made cakes and amazing craft items which are sold at various events. Finally, as my word quota for this month is nearly up - in August we received some fantastic news SNDogs has been awarded Registered Charity Status by the Charities Commission - what does it mean, well...it should make fundraising easier! SNDogs EVENTS IN OCTOBER
OCTOBER’S DOG OF THE MONTH CAN YOU GIVE MEGAN A HOME?
Saturday 31st October, 10.30am – 12.30pm SNDogs Halloween Fancy Dress Dog walk @ Coate Water, Swindon. Come and walk your dog and meet the dogs that are looking for homes (meet behind the Café at 10.30am) . Halloween dog treats will be handed out for a small donation to SNDogs. Saturday 31st October 10am – 12.30pm Animal Charites Day @ St Barnabas Church, Cricklade Rd, Gorse Hill, Swindon. SNDogs will have a stall selling Christmas cards, diaries and a tombola And a date for your diary ……… Saturday 7th November 11am – 3pm SNDogs Christmas Fayre @ Moredon Community Centre, Moredon Swindon Get into the Christmas mood with the the SNDogs Crafty Ladies who will be selling delicious home-made cakes and bakes and Christmas gifts. If you would like to help SNDogs please Donate via PayPal - swindonsneedydogs@gmail.com or bank transfer to (Co-op) Swindon’s Needy Dogs, Account No. 65622481 sort code: 089299 For more info about SNDogs please visit sndogs.uk or Facebook SNDogs PAGE 12
Megan is an older, Staffordshire Bull Terrier aged about 9-10 who has been waiting over two years for her own special home. She is a sweet, loyal, affectionate girl who adores cuddles and likes to be with you and be involved in all you are doing. Megan would prefer to be an only dog in her new home and is fine with older children (10+). Megan is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped.
Megan has her own Facebook page: Megan SNDogs. Please call 07940 268101 or email sndrescue@gmail.com
Brighter Future’s Update
Brighter Futures’ Radiotherapy Appeal She said: “Travelling to Oxford every day for six weeks was a really long haul but luckily, I had support along the way from my friends and family. Having this cancer treatment available in Swindon would have been so much easier for me and so many others. Hundreds of cyclists pedalled their way around Wiltshire and Oxfordshire last weekend in a bid to help bring radiotherapy treatment to Swindon. Riders of all ability took part in the first ever Ride for Radiotherapy event on Sunday 20 September to raise money for Brighter Futures’ Radiotherapy Appeal. The event was just one of many fundraisers organised by Brighter Futures, the charity of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, this year as it attempts to raise £2.9 million to equip a dedicated radiotherapy at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. Currently, cancer patients living in Swindon who require radiotherapy treatment are forced to make a gruelling 70 mile round trip to the nearest radiotherapy centre in Oxford – a journey which often has to be repeated every day for up to seven weeks.
“I hope that by cycling 30 miles, I have been able to help future generations of cancer patients get the treatment they need closer to home.” Speaking about the event, Tracey said: “It was a really good day and such a great set up, thanks to everyone for all their hard work. Comparatively speaking, riding the bike was the easy bit. I look forward to taking part again next year and challenging myself to do the 70 mile route and maybe even the 100 mile route the year after.”
For more information about the Radiotherapy Appeal, visit www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.
The event, which saw cyclists tackle a route of either 30, 70 or 100 miles, has so far brought in more than £13,000, bringing Brighter Futures’ appeal total to more than £170,000. Tracey Middleton, who works at Honda in Swindon, previously had to travel to and from Oxford for radiotherapy. She joined two of her colleagues, Betty and Gill, in the 30 mile route and has so far generated £2,000 in sponsorship money.
on 17th October 2015 at Village Hotel Swindon Live Music & Disco Raffle & Silent Auction Arrival from 6.45pm dinner at 7.30pm. Tickets: £45 per person. (Includes arrival drink & a 3 course meal with tea & coffee)
Raising money for
To book tickets call 01793 605631 or E-mail: fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 13
Tree, Garden Services & Landscape Maintenance Call Peter on:
01793 238114 07818 477447
All kinds of Garden Work Trees Pruned, Topped & felled Fencing, Turfing & Grass Cutting Path’s & Patio’s Laid Years ce Hedges Trimmed Experien All types of Rubbish removed Family Run Business Full Liability Insurance
Over 25
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PAGE 14
Search online for RAF Recruitment: ICT Technician Chef Catering and Hospitality Specialist Logistics (Supplier) Aircraft Technician (Avionics) Vehicle and Mechanical Equipment Technician Musician Aerosystems Engineer Officer Communications Electronics Engineer Officer Air Traffic Controller Aerospace Battle Manager
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0345 605 5555 /rafrecruitment
ANYTHING SWINDON
@RAF_Recruitment
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TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
Swindon Town Centre
SWINDON TOWN CENTRE
CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER COME AND JOIN IN THE FESTIVE FUN!
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PAGE 17
BR0065 Brunel Anywhere Swindon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2015 15:51 Page 2 Swindon Town Centre
Ladies we want your bras!
Yes, you read right. We are collecting bras in aid of Against Breast Cancer in October. Erika Roe, who was made famous for her topless streak at Twickenham Rugby Stadium in the 1980s, will launch a charity breast cancer appeal and bra exhibition in Swindon’s Brunel Centre on October 5th. The shopping centre has teamed up with Against Breast Cancer (ABC), the charity that funds pioneering research into new treatments and tools for earlier diagnosis, and will be collecting used bras to raise money for the charity. The focal point for the centre’s Bra The Brunel campaign will be a month-long exhibition of actual bras that have been donated by a myriad of famous names. This will include the famous fur bikini top worn by Swindon’s own Diana Dors at the Venice Film Festival in the 1950s. Ladies of Swindon are being asked to take their unwanted bras to the special donation bins that are now in place around the shopping centre. For those willing to make an extra donation, The Brunel is asking for a £1 coin to be taped into each cup. An extra pound in each cup would be even better!
www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1121258
Enter our
Bra bins are located at: Marks & Spencer Lingerie Department (first floor) • House of Fraser Lingerie Department • Evans/Wallis Canal Walk Ann Summers Regent Street • Wyvern Theatre Foyer • Opposite Sainsbury’s (Ground floor) • Opposite Waterstones (Ground floor)
Competition at www.thebrunel.co.uk and win!
1st Prize - £100 Gift Card 2nd Prize - Family ticket to Goosebumps Film 3rd Prize - RL Stine Goosebumps Book Package Competition run in partnership with Waterstones and Cineworld Cinema, Regents Circus
PAGE 18
BR0065 Brunel Anywhere Swindon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/09/2015 15:51 PageSwindon 1
Town Centre
The heart of Swindon shopping
www.thebrunel.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
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PAGE 19
Model styling fashion by Monsoon
@The_Parade
facebook.com/ParadeSwindon
Swindon Town Centre
inSwindon Street Team The inSwindon Street Team patrol the Business Improvement District (Commercial Town Centre) and are here to assist with both retailers and shoppers in the Town Centre. Our friendly team consists of James, Diane and Grant and they are only too happy to provide visitors to the town centre with helpful advice and support. They have a wealth of knowledge on the retailers in the area, the loyalty card, what’s on in the town centre and so much more!
James, Diane and Grant
The Street Team help to maintain a safe, clean and friendly environment and they look forward to welcoming you to the Town Centre soon.
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
PAGE 21
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PAGE 22
@RAF_Recruitment
Better leisure facilities in Swindon
Greenwich Leisure Limited has been running Swindon’s leisure facilities for approximately 6 months now. Under the ‘Better’ brand our leisure centre and sports facilities still run the same group exercise programmes, sports courses and activities as before. Our Centres are: Croft Sports Centre. Marlborough Lane, Old Town, Swindon. Tel: 01793 618669 • Ball and Racquet Sports • Outdoor Football Pitches • Cricket Nets • Group Exercise Classes • Room Hire • Birthday parties
Haydon Centre Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick, Swindon. Tel: 01793 721526 • Group Exercise Classes • Ball and Racquet Sports • After School Club • Sports Courses • Hi 5 Holiday camp
Delta Tennis Centre Welton Road, Westlea, Swindon. Tel: 01793 872699 • Indoor & Outdoor Floodlit ...Tennis Court • Cardio Tennis Fitness Class • Birthday Parties • Room Hire
Health Hydro Milton Road Swindon. Tel: 01793 616396 • Swimming Pool (including ...Swim School) • Turkish Baths • Gym • Group Exercise Classes
Dorcan Recreation Complex St Paul’s Drive, Covingham, Swindon. Tel: 01793 423134 • Swimming Pool (including ...Swim School) • Group Exercise Classes • Ball and Racquet Sports • Indoor and Outdoor Foot ...ball/Basketball and Netball
Link Centre Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon. Tel: 01793 877323 • Ice Skating • Swimming Pool (including ...Swim School) • Fitness Classes • Gym • Health Suite • Ball and Racquet Sports • Crèche
Oasis Leisure Centre North Star Avenue, Swindon. Tel: 01793 507110 • Swimming Pool, including ...giant water slides, wave ...machine water cannon and ...interactive under 5’s play area • Swim School • Gym • Group Exercise Classes • Ball and Racquet Sports • Outdoor Football • Crèche • Up and Coming Concerts ...and Shows All Centres also can cater for Birthday Parties and Room Hire for whatever the occasion. Whatever activity you enjoy, you’re sure to find something you love at your local Better leisure centre. With all these activities on your doorstep what Better way than to become a member, during June we are offering NO joining fee and there’s no long term contract either.
Sign up on-line at www.better.org.uk/memberships or call one of the centres above to join! ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
PAGE 23
Councillor Updates Dale Heenan: “Welcome to our first article in Anything Swindon. We hope this will be another way that you can receive news and updates about how Cllr Kevin Parry, Cllr Richard Hurley and I work all year round for local residents in 150 words! Weight restrictions have been fairly controversial over the summer. The Merlin Way restriction ended after it lasted the legal maximum period of 18 months, and instead the HGV ban will applied to Kingfisher Drive. This will mean we continue to tackle heavy good vehicles cutting through Covingham as a way to reach Dorcan Industrial Estate. We have long championed the weight restriction on Merlin Way, and are pleased to confirm that it is making a come back so that no HGV’s, including any future construction traffic, can use the road during the early morning and evenings when people are back from work or school. Nythe Parish Council is expected to appoint it’s new Clerk and Maintenance person, and aside from a couple of early hiccups, many residents have said how much better the estate is looking now the grass is being cut properly and litter is being collected. A lot more work to do yet! Please contact Kevin, Richard or I, or visit our website www.eastswindon.com to join our popular local email newsletter” Old Town Ward Update: The Grand opening of the extension at Westlecot Bowls Club. We were really pleased to be invited to the opening of the Bowls Club newly completed extension, where the new facilities were welcomed by both existing and new members. It is well worth a visit and we know they would be thrilled to see new people of any age. Marlborough Park/Pipers Way Development: It is great to hear that the developer will be submitting a detailed planning application at the end of this year. Hesketh Play Park: The play area is out to tender and will start shortly. Advice Surgeries: Our Monthly advice surgeries continue at Croft Sports Centre from 10 – 11am, the first Saturday of each month. Cllr Brian Mattock and Cllr Claire Ellis Councillor Nadine Watts – Old Town & East Wichel – nadine.watts@live.co.uk - 07595 071381 Hesketh Crescent Play Area Refurbishment – Work should start on site on 28 September. We are aiming for the refurbishment’s completion by mid-November. It will be great to have a new play area here. Corn Exchange: There have been some delays getting the legal agreements for the Corn Exchange development in place. I have been told the start date for building work will now be late 2016 which would see it opening by Christmas 2018. Dewell Mews: Additional double yellow lines are now down in Dewell Mews following requests from local residents. Townsend House - A planning application has been submitted for the currently derelict Townsend House on Bath Road to be redeveloped in to 15 one and two-bedroom apartments for key workers (employees who work in essential public services). The next Locality Meeting is on Monday 5 October at 7pm at CommunityCentre@ChristChurch, where local residents will have a chance to ask questions of their councillors. Hope to see you there. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any local concerns or issues.
Anything Swindon is completely un-biased and we welcome comments from all parties. All parties, please send your views to us at info@anythingswindon.co.uk To reach us no later than the 15th of the month. PAGE 24
Mp Updates
Local MP supports Breast Cancer fundraiser This month I was delighted to show my support for women with breast cancer by dressing up in pink. This was part of Breast Cancer Now’s flagship fundraiser, Wear It Pink, which will take place on Friday 23rd October. Wear it Pink, the UK’s biggest pink fundraiser, calls on supporters across the country to ditch the day-to-day colours and pull on some pink to raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving breast cancer research. Launched in June 2015 with the ambition of ensuring that no one dies from the disease by 2050, Breast Cancer Now is the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, created by the merger of Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Right now breast cancer is at a tipping point. Every year in the UK around 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and sadly nearly 12,000 women still lose their lives to the disease. This is why we all must come together to support Breast Cancer Now’s cutting-edge research, and, in Wear It Pink, there is a fun and simple way for everyone to get involved. I joined fellow parliamentarians in wearing it pink in Westminster to encourage people across the UK to get involved. Now in its 14th year, wear it pink raises over £2 million each year for world-class research into breast cancer, and this year it is back and bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before! Together, we can make a big difference for women with breast cancer, now and in the future; I hope everyone in the local community will join me in wearing it pink on Friday 23 October and show their support for Breast Cancer Now. MPs Office, 1 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE - 01793 533393 justin.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk
Robert buckland Update Parliament returned for its usual September session recently, and as your MP I have been in ‘back to school’ mode. It’s been a very busy month, and I’ve been meeting local residents and attending various events across Old Town. The atmosphere at the Old Bank on Wood Street was buzzing on Sunday 13th for a fundraiser to promote its activities in supporting young women with breast cancer. Aurora centres offer a range of support to cancer sufferers and their families, in addition to wellbeing programmes and beauty treatments. I pay tribute to the work of Aurora and other charities/organisations supporting people with this terrible disease. Next month I’ll be running the Swindon half-marathon to raise money for ‘CALM’ (Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement), as well as ‘Hop Skip and Jump’ which offers respite care for children and young adults with disabilities and special educational needs. I am proud to be raising money for two fantastic local charities which are committed to the care and support of children, young adults, and their families in Swindon. I was also delighted to attend the grand opening of the Westlecot Bowls Club with Councillor Claire Ellis and Club President John Wilson on Friday 18th after extensive refurbishment works. Parliament has risen to allow the Party Conference to take place, but I am carrying on my work as usual here in Swindon. I’ll continue to hold regular advice surgeries on Fridays in various locations around Swindon. Twitter: @robertbuckland Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertbucklandmp Or you can contact my Swindon Office: Tel: 01793 533393 Email: robert.buckland.mp@parliament.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Feature
Friends trek 50K in memory of loved ones Friends Esther Newman, Denise Glover and Emma McArdle took part in the Thames Path Challenge on Saturday 12th September. The annual event, in its fourth year, covers distances of 25, 50 or 100k. Across the weekend of 12/13th September 2015, over 4,000 challengers took on the Thames Path Challenge for various charities. The route heads upstream from Putney Bridge to Runnymede of Magna Carta fame at 50km. Esther Newman HR Manager at Churchfields Academy completed her second Thames Path Challenge for CLIC in memory of her sister Zoe Rhodes Taylor who died at the age of 6 from Leukemia. CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. CLIC provides clinical, practical and emotional support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. For more information, please visit www.clicsargent.org.uk Esther said ‘this is the second time on the Thames Path, in 2013 I did the 25k with colleagues from Churchfields and raised over £600 for CLIC. The charity is very important to me which is why I decided to do it for CLIC again and also challenge myself to double the distance. The route is beautiful down the Thames River and we met many people along the way, its great to meet new people and hear their reason for completing the challenge, which is not only a tough physical challenge but a real mental one too. I was 16 when I lost my sister, knowing that this money will help families of children with cancer and leukemia means that I am giving something back. The times we had together were made special because of CLIC, we were able to remain a family while Zoe had treatment in Bristol by staying in a ‘home from home’. This meant we were able to spend our last Christmas together in Bristol. I can never thank CLIC enough for the memories of this precious time which I will have forever. Denise Glover went to school with Esther and remembers the difficult time when Esther lost her sister which is why she also chose to complete the challenge for CLIC also. Denise said ‘Having my own child now I cannot imagine what families of those who have an ill child must go through, every penny helps, we had a great day and it was worth the blisters’. Emma McArdle who is a Fleet Specialist at TH White Ltd completed her first long distance challenge in memory of her friend Yolly (Mariola). PAGE 26
“I’m fund-raising for Multiple Sclerosis Society in memory of my friend Yolly who despite suffering never moaned about her condition and smiled every day. I have lost 5 stone over the last two years; Yolly was my inspiration so I wanted to finish off with something to challenge me both mentally and physically. The Thames Path certainly did that but we were pleased that we managed to complete the 50K course in just less than 9 hours. The MS Society is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to beating multiple sclerosis; investing in world class MS research to find the cause and cure for this devastating neurological condition and providing vital support, information and services to those affected. Esther added ‘we trained for almost 4 months to build up the stamina for the all-day event, it was a real challenge but the accomplishment afterwards was well worth it. If anyone is looking for a challenge I would recommend they look into taking part next year. We have raised over £1000 between us, over £700 for CLIC and just under £400 for the MS Society. There is still time to support us and if anyone who would like to donate they can visit the just giving pages: www.justgiving.com/Esther-Newman2/?utm_id=25 www.justgiving.com/Denise-webb3/?utm_id=22 www.justgiving.com/Girlracer30/?utm_id=22
ANYTHING SWINDON
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TEL: 01793 977117
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Football Update
Stratton Juniors Signing On Day Aug 31st 2015 It was great to see the community coming together and playing football and we hope you agree that the move to Meadowcroft is a positive step forward for the club. A great show of support from family and parents even though the sun didnt shine the players still had a fun afternoon.
Founded in 1993 and based at Liden Primary School in Swindon, we pride ourselves in being a community led football club where we lead our teams to have fun and develop our players to fulfil their potential.
“We’re always looking for new players and new sponsors.” If interested please get in touch. Call Graham on 07446 828963 or email gworrallo@gmail.com PAGE 28
Scob Update
A positive start to the season! For SCOB RFC it has been a positive start to the season with the club reaping 6 points from a possible 16 across both teams. The 1st XV have started with two narrow defeats against Beaconsfield and Bicester, teams which finished in the top half of Southern Counties in the 2014/15 campaign. Both matches were close affairs with the Old Boys proving that they are more than capable of competing in the league and that they should, very much, be targeting a top half finish (currently 8th after two games).
The 2nd XV under the new leadership of long time Old Boy Tom Perrett have had a better start, losing narrowly to Pewsey Vale who were relegated from Dorset & Wilts North 1 at the end of last year before going on to comfortably beat Sutton Benger in their own back yard. For now it seems that the strength in depth that was nourished and the investment that the Old Boys had
Gareth Davis 1st XV Captain
Tom Perrett 2nd XV Captain
in 2014/15 is paying off – the Second XV are established and looking strong and the First XV are building towards that first emphatic win which should, if all goes to plan, manifest when they travel to Bletchley on the 26th September.
For anyone interested in joining a club that is evolving please contact the club via www.scobrfc.org, on Facebook ‘Swindon College Old Boys RFC’ or Twitter @ SCOB_RFC. Alternatively you can email secretary@scobrfc. org. We offer great membership benefits to players and social members alike and are always interested in welcoming new faces irrespective of previous experience in the game. At SCOB RFC it has been about the social as much as the rugby for over 50 years.
The end of the season is a long way away and with 20 games still to play it is still far too early to call, but for now it’s looking good.
Photography by Jade Williams.
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Come and see why Ofsted Graded us as Good Tours will take place from 5pm
registration number: 7044299 : 51 Windsor Rd, Swindon, SN3 1JU T number: 211113680
Principals Presentation will be at 6.00pm Call 01793 487286 www.churchfields.org
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Kentwood The choir with a difference
Presents CHRISTMAS CRACKER Don’t miss your annual start to the Christmas festivities. Kentwood Choir bring you a wonderful show full of seasonal surprises and Christmas cheer. Featuring the wonderful Aldbourne Band, Our guest Phil Steventon (vibraphone) and the Open Door Choir celebrating their 30th Anniversary.
Wyvern Theatre Sunday 22 Nov 2015 at 4:00pm Sunday 22 Nov 2015 at 8:00pm
Tickets: £14 *A 50 pence per ticket booking fee applies, capped at six per order. Fee-free booking for Wyvern Friends; Groups of 10+ please call 01793 524481 to buy fee-free.
Book early to avoid disappointment
Ask AMS
Advice for small businesses
Should I set up a pension through my Company (owned with my wife)? Or pay it from my own income?
Firstly, you should consult a Financial Advisor to set up a pension scheme. If the Company pays for the contributions, you’ll both share the tax relief. If you make the contributions from your own income after taxes, you will receive all the tax relief. If one of you is a Higher Rate Tax payer (taxable income over £42,385), then you should try to make sure that the tax relief goes to the higher earner. However, from April 2016, the new dividend tax will make company pension contributions much more advantageous than personal pension payments paid from dividends. Peter Bromiley ACA @AMSAccountancy AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon SN5 7XF 01793 818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
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Tesco Extra Community Room
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The room is spacious with conference style seating for up to 20 people with tea and coffee facilities; there is no charge for the use of the room but bookings will need to be made if you or a group you represent would like the space. With toilet facilities and internet access through four computer screens situated in the room I am sure we will be taking bookings immediately. Our community room is available free of charge for relevant community activities that focus on areas such as health, education, housing and employment, crime and disorder.
Please contact us: swindon@communityattesco.co.uk for more information. ANYTHING SWINDON
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TEL: 01793 977117
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GET YOUR ! N O TAN
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October Half Term Day Trips Wed Oct 21
Globe Theatre - Elizabethan Experience (inc. tour) Dorchester (Market Day) & Weymouth
Thu Oct 22
Coronation Street: The Tour & Free Time at Deansgate Cribbs Causeway Shopping Centre, Bristol IKEA & Cribbs Causeway Shopping Centre, Bristol
Fri Oct 23
Elvis at The O2 Dyrham Park & Bath
Sat Oct 24
London (Kensington or Park Lane) St. Paul’s Cathedral & Free Time
Sun Oct 25
Westonbirt Arboretum - Autumn Colours
Mon Oct 26
Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham Cadbury World & Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham London (Kensington or Park Lane) Tower Bridge
Tue Oct 27
Salisbury (Market Day) Wilton Shopping Village & Salisbury (Market Day) Moreton-in-Marsh (Market Day) & Bourton-on-the-Water Cotswold Wildlife Park London Eye & Thames Cruise
Wed Oct 28
Basingstoke (Market Day) Milestones: Hampshire’s Living Museum Brooklands Museum Kingston upon Thames Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth Southsea The View from The Shard & Borough Market Borough Market, London
Thu Oct 29
Legoland: Brick or Treat Windsor or Eton London (Kensington or Park Lane) London Zoo
Fri Oct 30
Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter Thorpe Park: Fright Night
Sat Oct 31
London (Kensington or Park Lane) HMS Belfast, London
LOCAL PICK-UP POINTS
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