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MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM This month, we catch up with marathon runner, Janine Bowler, who recently completed phase one of her double marathon challenge. We speak with Swindon College Old Boys Rugby Club – the team has excelled in 2015! Read an update from this year’s Old Town Festival committee regarding the fantastic activities planned for Swindon’s largest family festival. We feature a fantastic four-page town centre pull-out, working in association with The Brunel Shopping Centre, The Parade and InSwindon Bid Company. Our regular update from Drove Vets offers useful information on vaccinations and the diseases they prevent in cats and dogs. The Prospect Hospice talks to us about a unique opportunity to board the Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. We hope you enjoy the April edition of Anything Swindon. If you would like your stories, events or activities featured in the magazine, please share them with us.
Happy reading! Graham, Ian & Kelly Follow us on Social Media: facebook.com/anythingSwindon
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 04
EASTER IN THE TOWN CENTRE
06
OLD TOWN FESTIVAL UPDATE
11
DROVE PETS
14
LABOUR PARTY UPDATE
15
CONSERVATIVE PARTY UPDATE
16
WHATS ON
17
INSWINDON FEATURE
18
THE BRUNEL SWINDON FEATURE
20
PEPPA PIG @ THE PARADE SWINDON
21
PROSPECT UPDATE
24
EMPIRE SWINDON MOVIE NEWS!
27
KING WILLIAM PLAYGROUP
28
COMPETITIONS PAGE
29
SPORTS SCOB GALLERY
30
FOOD RECIPE
31
GUEST INTERVIEW
33
JANINE BOWLER UPDATE
34
GONE IN A FLASH DIARY UPDATE
@anythingswindon
Ed: Ian E: ian@screamingmedia.co.uk Ed: Graham E: graham@screamingmedia.co.uk Advertising: Telephone 01793 977117 Designed & Printed: Screaming Media Ltd www.screamingmedia.co.uk Readership: 50,000 Circulation: 21,000 Online View 5,000 per month,
Your advert could be here? Call Anything Swindon today!
Town Centre Update
This Easter the town centre is hopping mad with things to do! Swindon’s town centre is home to many of the UK’s top retail names, as well as the place to find specialist independent shops and Restaurants. POPULAR children’s television character Peppa Pig will be meeting young fans at The Parade on Saturday 11th April. The meet and greets will take place outside Debenhams at various times throughout the day between 11am and 4pm and is completely free. Why not make a day of it and partake in retail therapy whist you’re in Swindon! The Parade has a brilliant array of fashion retailers including Topshop/Topman, USC, Deichmann, Schuh, River Island, BHS, Clarks and Debenhams. If you get hungry, pop into Costa, BHS Café, Debenhams Café, Greggs or Cornish Bakehouse and their delicious menus will certainly fill you up. Alternatively take a journey to the top of the town and visit the newly developed Regent Circus, Enjoy a meal from a selection of restaurants including Ask Italian, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Nando’s.
More from your town Centre on Page 17 - 20 PAGE 4
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PAGE 5
Feature
Old Town Festival Launch Night @ The Commonweal School Friday 8th May Plans are full steam ahead for this year’s Old Town Festival, 6 – 14th June, which promises to be a fantastic week of events for people of all ages. On Friday 8th May the festival brochure is launched. This is being produced by the excellent local company and the festival’s major business partner Screaming Media. The festival’s major community partner The Commonweal School are hosting the launch at the school from 6pm where the local press will be invited to attend. The programme will be distributed at selected venues shortly after this date.
To celebrate the launch a Bollywood Theme Night has been arranged by two members of the committee, Jennifer Stevenson, Music Co-ordinator and Heather Matthews, Vice Chair. “The Bollywood themed evening is on the same night as the press launch, but at the slightly later time of 7pm. All are welcome to join us for an evening of fun which
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includes performances of Bollywood dance, a henna painter, quiz, raffle, disco dancing and a licensed bar. We are very lucky to have the curries donated by the Taj Majhal from Shaw, West Swindon,” said Heather. Tickets for the event, including curry, are £10 each and can be booked via www. swindontickets.co.uk or by tel: 0844 8221737, or by popping into the shop, Creative Kabin, 28 Morley Street, Swindon. It will be a fantastic night’s entertainment and a superb way to thank our sponsors and celebrate with local residents and their friends and family. The festival relies heavily on the time and goodwill of the committee who are a committed and friendly group of people who go that extra mile for the community. “ The idea for the Bollywood night came from when Heather and I were having a meal at the Jewel in the Crown and we asked Mr Ali’s son-in-law if they would like to be involved in this year’s OTF. He told us about a very worthwhile charity the Radiotherapy Appeal for Swindon which would mean that Swindon people would not have to travel to Oxford for treatment. Heather liked the
idea of this charity and it won the committee vote when we were looking at a charity to support this year.
“I have been involved with the music business all my life and was asked to joined the Committee 6 years ago. It’s good fun and nice to put on entertainment for the people of Swindon. Heather is a friend of mine and had helped out in previous years. Heather decided to join our committee last year, and was voted in as vice chair,” said Jenny.
Please check out our Facebook page and website www. oldtownfestival.co.uk for up to date info on this year’s festival. Josie Williams, Festival Chair.
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The last event, a “Bee Gees� tribute night was a great success and sold out within weeks, order yours today to avoid missing this great event. To purchase your tickets please visit Tesco Extra:
Ocotal Way, Swindon, SN1 2EH PAGE 10
Drove Pets Update “Drove Vets proud to be sponsoring & running Old Town Festival Dog Show on 7th June 2015“ Wanted Dogs of all shapes & sizes, pedigree , cross breeds, scruffy, naughty & nice! Everyone welcome 2 legs & 4! See www.drovevets.co.uk , www.oldtownfestival.co.uk or Facebook for more details. death, even despite the best efforts of the veterinary team. It is spread by both inhalation and ingestion. Unfortunately, there have been numerous cases in and around Swindon over the past few years, and I had the sad displeasure of witnessing the devastating effects first hand.
Vet Column by Drove Veterinary Hospital It’s commonplace for people to get their cats and dogs vaccinated on an annual basis. Some people call this a ‘jab’ or a ‘booster’. However, many people don’t necessarily know which diseases they are vaccinating their pet against or, indeed, why they are vaccinating them at all. Also, there are ideas floating around that suggest pets don’t need to jabbed every year, or even at all. We can separate vaccines into ‘core’ and ‘noncore’ diseases. The core vaccines are recommended for all cats and dogs (although there will be unique circumstances when certain pets should not, or cannot, be vaccinated). The noncore vaccines are only required for those pets whose local environment or lifestyle put them at risk of getting certain diseases. For dogs, there are three core vaccines: Distemper causes signs ranging from coughing through to fits, and unfortunately can result in death. It is spread by airborne droplets, discharges from the eyes and nose, excrement (that’s poo to you and I), and urine. It has been well-controlled by vaccination, but it also occurs in wild animals, and therefore can re-enter the dog population. Hepatitis has two types. It’s spread by inhalation (breathing) and ingestion (eating). One type causes signs ranging from fever through to vomiting and diarrhoea, and can result in death, especially in puppies. This is a rare disease now, due to effective vaccination programmes, but these need to be continued to prevent further outbreaks. The other type causes an infection of the respiratory tract- one cause of ‘kennel cough’. Parvovirus most commonly causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, and very often results in ANYTHING SWINDON
There are a number of other commonly administered ‘non-core’ vaccines for dogs, including parainfluenza, leptospirosis, kennel cough and rabies. For cats, there are also three core vaccines: Herpesvirus (‘flu’) causes signs ranging from conjunctivitis to fever. It is spread by direct contact between cats, and can result in them becoming carriers, with recurrent symptoms throughout their life. It is quite common. Calicivirus (‘flu’) causes symptoms ranging from ulcers in the mouth to arthritis. It is spread by direct and indirect contact with infected cats, in the secretions from their eyes and nose. It is common, and very contagious. Panleucopenia (‘enteritis’) is very similar to parvovirus in dogs (see above). There are two commonly administered ‘noncore’ vaccines for cats- leukemia and rabies. The frequency at which each of these vaccines needs to be administered varies between each of the diseases, the products used, and also based on the specific circumstances of your pet. Your vet will be more than happy to discuss the individual circumstances of your pet, and work out a personalised vaccination programme for you. Irrespective of the specific requirements for vaccination, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) strongly supports annual health checking, in order to consider the entire health and wellbeing of your cat and dog. This is a time when your vet can give your pet a thorough check-over, discuss any specific health concerns that you have (or that they identify on examination), as well as routine parasite treatment and diet- and vaccinations form just one part of this.
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PAGE 13
Labour Updates OLD TOWN - Cllr Nadine Watts It is a great result for Old Town residents that Taylor Wimpey has withdrawn their application for 62 dwellings on land off of Croft Road, following the planning inspector’s report on the Local Plan being published. I’m sure that local residents will be pleased and relieved. I am glad that we have finally got this result and this area of land will remain as a rural buffer to the Wichelstowe development. I am pleased that East Wichel is very close to having its own convenience store. Residents have been asking for this, since people first started moving in to the development back in 2009. The proposed site of the store in Trevello Road is a central location which will make it easy for all East Wichel residents to get to, which is good news. Hopefully the license application will cause no great issues for residents during the consultation of the license application (until 8 April) and we get the new traders in to the convenience store very soon.
Councillor Nadine Watts - Old Town - 07595071381 - nadine.watts@live.co.uk PARK SOUTH – Fay Howard We’ve reported a number of streetlights that have not working and seen them repaired. Please let us know if there are any with problems in your street. Litter too appears to have increased in some areas, we’ve been reporting & cleaning up where there’s been particular problems. We will be working with members of the Parks & East Walcot community forum and organising clean up days, with litter picking equipment from the councils community team.
PARTY IN THE PARKS This is now confirmed and will be held on Saturday September 12th. Drop into Restore next to St Johns Church for more information, to get involved or to book a stall. Keep the day free! Councillor Fay Howard
Email fayhoward@live.co.uk Tel 07952350656 Twitter @cllrfay
Positive Plan for a Better Swindon As a local resident I believe that Swindon is a town with huge potential. However many people tell me that they feel that the Tories haven’t delivered the change our town needs. That’s why I have launched our Positive Plan for a Better Swindon. I am determined to deliver the real change Swindon needs.
Our plan includes: >> Action to restore Swindon as an economic powerhouse and get our young people back into work. >> An ambitious vision for the regeneration of our town centre - with our railway heritage at its heart. >> A long term plan for a University for Swindon and for a new school for North Swindon. PAGE 14
>> A roadmap for a transport system fit for the 21st century including a new Northern Link Road. >> And action on the Cost of Living including Labour’s two year energy price. Delivering change and tackling the big challenges has been a central part of my life. I work as an environmental advisor. I am also a local Councillor in Swindon and I have helped to deliver real change for the community. I secured a new Youth Club for my ward, I helped drive forward the regeneration of the local shopping area, and started a community cleanup campaign. I also recently took the lead to resolve the Averies Waste Crisis and stop waste being dumped at the Groundwell Park & Ride.
This shows what we can achieve for this town if we work together. If you want to get in touch with me you can drop me an email to mark@ markdempsey.org.uk or call me on 728262. You can also read our Positive Plan for a Better Swindon at www. northswindonlabour.co.uk. Our case is simple Swindon can and must be better. The General Election is the chance to choose a better future for our town.
Conservative Update The General Election has been called and apologies on behalf of all the candidates for all the election leaflets you are receiving – one thing is certain we will all be keen to win, roll on Thursday May 7th… Good luck to all candidates! I have been proud to be the MP for North Swindon for the last 5 years. As a fellow local resident I have always been hard-working, visible and approachable – I was even voted the 3rd most helpful MP in Parliament and I have an excellent record of speaking and voting, making sure Swindon’s voice is heard. Since 2010, unemployment has fallen by over 60%, with 8,100 more people now in work and 7,010 new apprenticeships. We have seen 5,345 new start-up businesses and the £30m Regent Circus development kick-starting development alongside the £140m local infrastructure funding. I have led the successful campaigns to secure the new Secondary School for North Swindon and the new Speedway Stadium, a welcome boost for our local community. Swindon is a town on the up and I hope to continue as your representative. Justin Tomlinson North Swindon Conservative Candidate Swindon Conservatives, Unit 17 Dorcan Business Village, Swindon SN3 5HY 01793 522123 - www.justintomlinson.com
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Whats On?
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Tuesday 7 April 2015 to Wednesday 8 April 2015 The Snail and The Whale at Wyvern Theatre Told in Tall Stories’ (creators of the Gruffalo and Room on the Broom stage shows) unique style, The Snail and the Whale combines physical storytelling, live music and lots of laughs – for everyone aged 4 and up. W: swindontheatres.co.uk T: 01793 524481 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Tuesday 7th April Swindon’s Needy Dogs Rumble through the Jumble Methodist Church Hall, Ermin St, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon from 10.00am to 12.00pm Price: 20p on the door A jumble sale in aid of Swindon’s Needy Dogs (SN Dogs), a group of volunteers set up to help pound dogs and pet dogs in the Swindon area. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Saturday 28 March 2015 to Sunday 12 April 2015 The Easter Bunny at Roves Farm Join the Easter Bunny Hunt around Roves Farm and catch him if you can! Plus... new-born babies around every corner and ‘springtastic’ crafts to be made including fluffy chicks, Easter pictures and cards! W: rovesfarm.co.uk T: 01793 763939 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Wednesday 8 April 2015 Once Upon a Time - Lydiard House and Park An interactive seasonal story time, featuring ‘The Tiny Seed’. Ideal for under 7s. T: 01793 466664 Price: £2.00 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Sunday 12 April 2015 Tree Fu Tom - Wyvern Theatre The world of Treetopolis comes to your theatre as we invite you to do Tree Fu and help Tom save the day! This brand new show, packed with adventure, fun, music and participation, sees Tom take to the stage in his first nationwide tour - be part of the magic. W: swindontheatres.co.uk T: 01793 524481 Price: £13.50 / £11.50 .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Every Saturday Self Build Educational Tour - National Self Build & Renovation Centre Self Build Educational Tour at National Self Build & Renovation Centre W: nsbrc.co.uk T: 0845 223 4455 From 12.00pm .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Saturday 18th April 2015 Beer fest 2015 / Mecca Swindon Beerfest UK brings the “Oktoberfest” theme to the UK with fine real German ales from across the breadth of Germany, for more info www.beerfestuk.com. £12 in advance. .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Sunday 3rd May 2015 Swindon Autism / ADHD Family Fun Day Swindon Rugby Club from 12 to 4 Cakes, Stalls, Fair rides, Face painting, Miss Wiltshire and much more. .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Email us at info@anythingswindon.co.uk to have your event listed in the above section. Please email before the 20th of the month. Entries received after this date may not be printed. PAGE 16
inSwindon Feature
Your Swindon Town Centre About us What is inSwindon BID? inSwindon BID is a Business Improvement District (BID), set up in 2007, which promotes, manages and co-ordinates operations and events in the town centre. It is mainly funded by retailers and other businesses within the town centre area. In February 2012 the company was successful in a renewal to secure the future of the company for a further 5 years at a vote taken on by the Business Improvement District investors. The company manages the Street Team Ambassadors, the Town Centre Loyalty Card, the Security Radio Network, plus events and major campaigns such as the Christmas Lights Switch on, as well as providing business support and training to investors. If you are interested in hiring event space to promote your business or event, please get in touch. For more details on inSwindon BID, visit our website www.swindontowncentre.co.uk
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PAGE 17
The Brunel Swindon
The heart of Swindon shopping
www.thebrunel.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
PAGE 18
chocolate eggs or an Easter egg hunt for the kids, so Sainsbury’s and M&S have everything you need. Fancy baking up a storm in the kitchen? Waterstones have a wonderful range of cookery books so why not try making your own cupcakes this Easter! Lush have a scentsational range of Easter bath bombs, we love their ‘hoppity poppit’ bath bomb. If you’re craving that sweet fix, try their ‘Cupcake’ face mask, a great alternative for those avoiding the extra pounds over Easter.
The Brunel Easter Gift Guide & Entertainment Get the kids active in the garden over the East School holidays, Argos have a great selection of outdoor games. Why not enjoy a family picnic at the same time with a lovely picnic set from Cargo. Easter doesn’t all have to be about chocolate, although it is a good excuse! Instead kit the kids out with a new outfit, M&S and Boots Mini Club have a fab range for the little ones. Or you could treat yourself to a new outfit from Warehouse and for the hubby one from Blue Inc.
The Entertainer have plenty of things going on in store up to 22nd April including an in store Easter Egg Hunt: Find all the eggs hidden in the store. One overall winner will receive a £100 Entertainer Gift Card and one winner per store will receive an Easter Egg! Free Easter Activity Sheets to help keep your little ones amused. A Play-Doh Competition to win fantastic PlayDoh Prizes bundles! A DreamWorks Home Competition to win a private screening of the new DreamWorks movie Home and a DreamWorks Home Activity sheet. Plus loads of demos to keep the little ones happy of Transformers Robots In Disguise and learn how to make Easter Loom presents.
There is something for everyone at The Brunel, the heart of Swindon shopping this Easter. And don’t miss Shaun the Sheep fresh from his flockbuster movie on 1st & 2nd April! Appearing at intervals from 11am.
To satisfy that sweet tooth Sweets Galore has a great range of traditional and American sweets. Easter wouldn’t be the same without ANYTHING SWINDON
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PAGE 19
Peppa Pig
Come and See
at The Parade
Saturday 11th April At intervals between 11am and 4pm
Peppa Pig Š Astley Baker Davies/ Entertainment One UK Limited 2003.
www.peppapig.co.uk
For more details: facebook.com/ParadeSwindon @the_parade
PAGE 20
theparadeswindon.co.uk
Prospect Update
Luxurious train experience and family bike ride on fundraising calendar for Prospect Hospice A taste of the very best in train travel, and a springtime bike ride for all the family, are just two of the fundraising activities Prospect Hospice is asking local people to register for in the coming months.
Limited spaces are available and bookings are being taken on a first-come, first-served basis, and people can register and find more details by visiting: www.prospect-hospice.net/britishpullman
The charity, which cares for and supports more than 5,700 people across Swindon, Marlborough and north Wiltshire each year, is offering a unique opportunity to board the Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, on Saturday 7 November. The Gala Dinner experience, which whisks passengers away for an evening of sumptuous food and wine on the train’s elegant carriages, will evoke the golden age of train travel, an era when supreme comfort and fine dining were very much the order of the day.
“It promises to be a unique occasion for the lucky 110 couples who will spend an evening aboard the beautiful 1920/30’s art deco Pullman carriages in November,” says Sheryl Crouch,
Before then, however, the hospice is putting on a fundraising occasion at the other end of the wheeled-transport scale, with its Sunday Bike Ride between Swindon and Marlborough on Sunday 10 May. The ride, which follows the historic Swindon and Marlborough railway line, sets off from both towns, with the option to turn back from the midway point, or to cycle on to the end of the route and back, with refreshments available for participants at the midway point. Details of the Sunday Bike Ride can be found at www.prospect-hospice.net/bikeride.
Join your local hospice lottery Prospect Hospice’s head of fundraising. “We are certain that it will be an experience that will live long in the memories of everyone who goes.”
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ANYTHING SWINDON
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PAGE 23
Movie News
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WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Win four tickets to a Film of your choice! To win the tickets, Please tell us the colour of the Hulk when he turns angry? A: Pink B: Yellow or C: Green Please email win@anythingswindon.co.uk with your answer by by 20th April 2015
Good Luck! PAGE 24
Ask AMS
Advice for small businesses
What expenses can I claim through my Company on top of mileage? When staying away overnight, you can claim for the costs of accommodation. You can also claim Incidental Overnight Expenses, not necessarily for business but items such as toothpaste, phone calls to family etc. (receipts not needed), up to £5 per night in the UK and £10 outside the UK. -When staying with friends/family, claim for a meal, a gift, or a contribution to bills. Claim the actual amount and keep receipts if possible. -Claim for property rental, utilities and Council Tax. Site costs for staying away in your own caravan. A very large subject but it’s worth checking http:// www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/ eim30050.htm Lorraine Crocker - Expenses Advisor AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon SN5 7XF 01793 818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
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PAGE 25
Churchfields Academy Logo
1.
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Churchfields Academy A Passion for Excellence
Visit Us Come and see why Ofsted Graded us as Good in 2013 Tours can be set up at any time for students wishing to transfer from Primary or another Secondary Call 01793 487286 www.churchfields.org
Join us at Swindon Evangelical Church to find out more about God’s gift of eternal life. Sunday service 10:30 5th April 17–19 Devizes Road Old Town 01793 541153 office@swec.org.uk www.swec.org.uk
PAGE 26
Charity No:1129912
Feature
King William Playgroup 25th Anniversary King William Playgroup will celebrate its 25th anniversary on 23rd April 2015, having opened its doors in 1990 to just 7 children, at King William School. Due to popular demand a larger space was required, so in 1999 moved to Savernake Street community hall. 25 years on, with 48 children now on their register, the charity run playgroup is still going strong, thanks to a fantastic and enthusiastic team of staff, voluntary parent-led committee and continuous support from the local community.
Teresa Smith, the playgroup manager, has worked at the setting for 13 years “I’m committed to ensuring that needs have been fulfilled. The past few years have been very busy, extending provision, securing the current building as well as fundraising, I’m very proud to have been a part of it” The next steps for the playgroup are to develop the outdoor space, generating a vibrant all-weather area, with the provision of multipurpose surfacing, canopy shelters, fencing and planters, with an estimated cost of £20,000. The funds required for this project are extensively more than any bake sales could possibly hope to raise. The playgroup are eager to hear from anyone: charities, clubs or groups, who may consider the playgroup as a “good cause” to donate to and support. If your organisation is able to help in any way at all then please contact the playgroup on: 01793 527678 or email: kingwilliamplaygroup@hotmail.com REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1029486REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1029486
our 25th
Tracey McGunigall, was one of the founding members, volunteering initially and later employed as a member of staff. She says: “It’s been amazing seeing my children and now grandchildren attend the setting. I still get great joy when a person remembers me and says hello, whether 5, 15 or 25 years old!”
Friday 17th
Doors open at 7:30pm for 8pm
As part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations, the playgroup are hosting a quiz night on Friday 17th April. The aim is to not only raise valuable funds, but to welcome back families and staff for a reunion. The night is open to all, so any regular quizzers are also very welcome.
Savernake Street Old town, sn1 3lz
Licensed Bar &
The playgroup made a giant leap in 2014, when after extensive fundraising and hard graft, funds were raised to gain their own building, also in Savernake Street.
Book early to avoid disappointment
Helen Frijia, the Chairperson said
Contact: 01793 527678 or 07882211456
“The new building looks amazing; bright and inviting with great facilities, everyone comments on the improvements.” ANYTHING SWINDON
£10 per team max.6 people kingwilliamplaygroup@hotmail.com
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Competitions Update
Congratulations to the following March 2015 issue winners: Richard Olner - Wins 4 tickets to see a film of your choice at The Empire Cinema Kevin Mccarthy - Wins tickets to see Paul Merton at The Wyvern Theatre Kelly Kemmett - Wins Tickets to see The Swindon Wildcats
Win four tickets to a film of your choice! To win the tickets, Please tell us the colour of the Hulk when he turns angry? A: Pink B: Yellow or C: Green
Please email win@anythingswindon.co.uk with your answer by by 20th April 2015
Win tickets to see “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT” To win the tickets (time & date tbc), Which famous Neighbours star played the role of Joseph? Email your answer to us at win@anythingswindon.co.uk Answer to be recieved by 20/4/15
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Chapel of Rest: 92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, SN3 4NN – 01793 832072
www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk PAGE 28
Sports and Fitness
“Oh when the SCOB, go marching on….”
Photography by Jade Williams.
“Swindon College Old Boys RFC Proudly Sponsored By”
Devilled Mackerel Recipe This amazing oily fish, which is related to the tuna, is very nutritious and high in Omega 3. It is a great fish to enjoy after the excesses of the festive season. It is easy to prepare and cook and is also economical. During the winter months they go to colder deep waters coming back to warmer waters to spawn in vast numbers. They are aggressive predators by nature and are relatively easy to catch by fishermen of all ages and abilities using a spinney or feathered hooks. Fresh mackerel should be stiff with bright eyes and bright red gills. Mackerel are rich in taste so creamy buttery sauces are not ideal accompaniments for this fish, I find that raw tomato works well and cuts through the oiliness. We at The Lobster Pot Fishmongers in Wood Street Swindon or Cobbs Farmshop Hungerford can prepare your mackerel either filleted or headed, cleaned and gutted. The fillets can be pan fried skin side down in a little oil or the whole fish can be baked in the oven or simply grilled. Devilled mackerel which is a favourite with Rick Stein is very easy to prepare. To make the devilled sauce mix some spices, ground cumin, ground coriander, madras curry powder and chilli powder in a bowl. Then add some seasoning, a little vegetable oil and a some tomato paste and mix together. Make some slashes in the side of the fish and rub the spice mix into the fish. Bake in the oven or grill for about 8-10 mins until cooked thru. Serve with some boiled rice and a tomato and red onion salad and accompanied with a mint and fresh coriander yoghurt. So go on be a devil and try this spicy recipe.
Tel: 01793 671050 www.woodstreetfoodhall.co.uk Wood Street Food Hall, 22 Wood Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4AB
Guest Interview
Stewart Francis Guest Interview When it comes to putting a show such as Pun Gent together, packed as it is with killer gag after killer gag, there’s one faculty that Stewart Francis will be relying on more than any other. “Remembering them all and in the right order is the tricky part of my style of comedy,” he confesses. “I approach it the way I do a script, so there are chunks that lead on to other bits while one joke will tell me that I’m at the end of a certain chunk. It’s the only way I can do it. But the beauty of being a one-liner guy is that while there’s a flow, I could still pop a joke in from the middle of nowhere that I might have forgotten to do earlier and it won’t be distracting: it’s just another one-liner.”
As well as pursuing the sitcom dream, Francis will be taking his comedy to new heights in early October. Quite literally, when he takes part in Stand-Up On Everest, a Save The Children charity event also featuring fellow Canadians Glenn Wool and Craig Campbell, New Zealander Rhys Darby, and Irish wags Tommy Tiernan and Ardal O’Hanlon. Accompanied by around 50 comedy fans (and medics), they’ll take part in a nine-day trek to perform on a purpose-built stage at Base Camp. “I’ve altered a few dates on the tour to make sure I could participate in it as it’s really a once-ina-lifetime sort-of experience. I’m in the gym pretty regular as it is, but closer to the date I’ll be taking stairs more, as ridiculous as that sounds. But I’m good to go, coach.
With a series of sell-out tours under his belt (previously he’s been on the road with the likes of Tour De Francis and Outstanding In His Field), and with the experience of writing and performing jokes for a quarter of a century, one thing this UK-based Canadian knows is how to structure a live comedy show. “This one was good to go at the end of last year, but I used the time in between to see if I could come up with a new gag that could bump out one of the ones that might not be quite so strong. But it’s nice to have an arsenal of gags; it’s comforting to know when the show is more or less ready and that I’m closing in on the magical hour. I’ve got some technical things that I’ll be doing on this tour and that will take up some extra gorgeous moments.” When it comes to his stand-up career, Francis has spoken before of heading off into the sunset to pursue other creative avenues. “I’m always optimistic that my current tour is my last. But threesomes with shemales and coffee enemas don’t pay for themselves, so the reality of the situation is that I have to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m not being maudlin in saying it’ll be my last tour; I’m hopeful that a sitcom comes along and all my creative energy goes into that. I’m a one-trick pony in the sense that I like to focus on one thing at a time. And I’m an eternal optimist so if the sitcom does happen then in all likelihood this would be my last tour.” ANYTHING SWINDON
Website: www.stewartfrancis.com Tickets: www.livenation.co.uk/artist/stewart-francis-tickets DVD’s & Book:
www.stewartfrancis.com/shop.html Stand Up On Everest 2015 trek: www.standuponeverest.co.uk
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Feature
Janine Bowler Zurich Barcelona Marathon Update “It always seems impossible until it’s done” is what I told myself on the Zurich Barcelona Marathon start line last Sunday. Nelson Mandela was right too, and it was certainly an alternative way to 1) see such a beautiful city and 2) spend Mother’s Day! The foreign crowds were very quiet unless they knew you specifically, which made those last few miles really tough but the thought of the money I’d raised for the Zurich Community Trust (ZCT) and everyone following me back home, kept my heart powering my legs all the way to the finish.
Aside from fitting in the training, the last four weeks building up to Barcelona included me taking part in a ZCT Treadmill Challenge in our work cafe (Team Barcelona v Team London!) and spending a day in Run Swindon’s window on Wood Street as their live shop dummy (raising funds and handing out cupcakes). I sort of figured a long time ago that life is short, and far too short to blend in, so no fundraising ideas seem crazy anymore. Everyone’s generosity has been incredible. My fundraising total currently stands at £2,220 as I head towards my 4th London Marathon next month.
Not resting on my laurels, I’m holding a cracking Easter Egg hunt at the Sun Inn, Coate, on Sunday 29 March, starting at 11am, a cake bake at work and whatever else I can muster.
I originally set myself of a target of £2K for both marathons but having smashed it preBarcelona (thanks to too many to mention!) I’m hoping to get to £2,500. Also, still a little weary from the last race, I might ease off the long runs between now and London and rely on some muscle memory (hoping it does exist).
Once again, thanks to so many friends, Zurich colleagues, Screaming Media, Dial My Dessert, Marc Blackwell Photography and Swindon Homes Direct. The support I’ve had, as I’m now days away from my 4th London Marathon (my 5th for ZCT) has been truly overwhelming. And will this be when I break my PB of 4:09? You never know. If you can help, then please visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/janinebowler
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Feature
My Tattoo Removal Month Three This Month I visited Gone in a Flash laser treatments for my 3rd appointment for tattoo removal, on arriving at the Jennings street surgery Heather Cooke ensured I was medically suitable for my next treatment and asked about my experience so far. I confirmed my satisfaction in the process and despite the procedure being painful even for the biggest of men, I was pleased with the appearance of the Tattoo after just two treatments.
Heather recently started treatments in Chippenham at The Picturehouse Tattoo Studio working alongside some of the UK’s leading tattoo artists, this is obviously a huge step for Gone in a Flash laser treatments and a very exciting time for Heather and her team. With prices starting from as little as £30 per session, it makes removing tattoos and hair on a permanent basis more accessible than you would expect. To book a consultation with Heather Cooke at Gone in a Flash laser treatments call 07824 629487
You will see from the images taken 5 days after my 3rd treatment, the removal is certainly well underway. Heather mentioned she has had some great feedback from her clients with both service, cost and most importantly the results that her clients have gained. Heather has been inundated with enquiries for both Tattoo and hair removal since launching Gone in a Flash just four months ago.
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1 week after 3rd treatment and not completely healed
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