1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR’S
04
Welcome to our December issue of Anything Swindon, Christmas is here, and the temperature is dropping considerably.
MAIN FEATURE Press release for next years Old Town Festival.
In this edition of Anything Swindon, we bring you great news regarding the 2015 Old Town Festival and discuss the newly formed committee with Commonweals very own Josie Williams.
07
PETS AND MORE Drove vets provide a valuable resource, also Wagging Tails & Swindon Needy Dogs.
We say goodbye to the Wyvern Theatres superstar and all round nice guy Richard Loftus, who, unfortunately, for Swindon will move on to pastures new in Watford from Mid-December.
10
We celebrate Swindon town centre being one of the specially chosen locations for the Coca-Cola truck tour and tell you more about when the visit will be brightening up the town.
11
GOOD LUCK RICHARD
12
COUNCILLOR UPDATES
Andrew Thompson from the Prospect Hospice updates us on their plans.
We have competitions to win tickets to the Swindon Wildcats and have also teamed up with Empire Cinemas for a great new look Cinema Releases section. With a family ticket to be won every month courtesy of Andrew and his team at Empire Cinemas Greenbridge.
A farewell feature. The latest in what’s happening from your local councillor’s.
13
Karen and Gareth of Swindon’s Party Warehouse talk to us about the early days, from their first mobile disco to a booming party venue like no other available for kids of all ages. We return again with our letters from Santa as seen on the opposite page. Order your letter from Santa by telling us your child’s name, their favourite toy and age and we will personalise a letter from the big man himself delivering direct from the north pole to your home mid-December along with a naughty or good certificate. Watch the kids eyes light up. Each letter sold will help towards Screaming Medias chosen Children’s Charity.
PROSPECT UPDATE
MP COMMENTS A quick update from Justin and Robert.
14
EMPIRE SWINDON MOVIE NEWS! Whats new at the Movies this Decemeber
17
PARTY WAREHOUSE We check out the fantastic Party warehouse
18
SCREAMING MEDIA What a difference a year makes.
We would love to hear from you as we approach the New Year, let us know your plans for fund raising or let us help celebrate someone special who has impacted you or a local service in 2014.
24
We hope you enjoy reading our December issue and wish you a very Merry Christmas and we will see you in the New Year.
27
WHAT’S ON? Stuck for something to do? Check out the what’s on section for ideas.
SPORTS Our monthly check in with SCOB.
Graham & Ian
32
MARTIN & CO FEATURE Dave Whaley takes over the office.
Follow us on Social Media: facebook.com/anythingSwindon @anythingswindon
Ed: Ian E: ian@screamingmedia.co.uk Ed: Graham E: graham@screamingmedia.co.uk Advertising: Telephone 01793 340065
Design: Screaming Media Ltd Artwork: Screaming Media Ltd Readership: 50,000 Circulation: 21,000
Main Feature
Dates for next year’s Old Town Festival have been announced following the recent election of the new committee. This traditional family event is on slightly earlier than usual in a bid to avoid the rain which seems to pick the week of Wimbledon and Glastonbury Rock Festival more often than not! Hence the dates for next year are Saturday 6th June – through to Sunday 14th June. Planned is a BBQ and Race Night in the Commonweal Marquee situated on The Lawn on Saturday 6th. Sunday 7th is the Family Fun Day also on The Lawn which features a range of fun events from community acts, fairground attractions, food stalls, a dog show and health and fitness alongside of course a multitude of stalls selling all manner of goods from cakes to tombola and crafts. This year hopefully sees the return of the Parade which is already attracting a lot of interest and was sadly missed last year. During the week there will be a number of activities, dates to be announced, from walks to a piano recital. The following Saturday 13th June there will be a pop concert in the Bowl, Town Gardens and the Sunday 14th in the Bandstand, Town Gardens it is hoped that there will be a Pets Service and a churches Songs of Praise. “I am very pleased with the committee line up this year who are really supportive and totally behind me and the festival. We are also very pleased to have professional company, Screaming Media Ltd, working with us on the festival brochure, banners and bill boards. This company are very much on the ball and I feel 100% confident that they will deliver quality products with in the set deadlines.” Said festival Chair Josie Williams who has been seconded by Commonweal School who are the festival’s community partner. Old Town Festival committee is:
Josie Williams – Chair Sheila Harrod - Festival Patron Heather Matthews – Vice Chair Caroline Pitt - Secretary John Wilson - Treasurer Jennifer Stevenson & Heather Matthews Events managers Josie Williams & Graham Worrallo Publicity & Promotions Katie Langan – Parade Coordinator Gerry Hannon – Sport & Wellbeing Manager Victor Chamberlain – Stalls coordinator Maureen Jones – Food stalls coordinator and Wood Street coordinator Cllr Nadine Watts, Bill Holmes & Caroline Pitt – Common Services & Locality
Keep up to date with festival news via our website www.oldtownfestival.co.uk and or the festival Facebook page - fb.com/groups/350698598314446 PAGE 4
Main Feature
Old Town Festival 2014 in Pictures!
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 5
Volunteer meetings: We require six volunteers plus one shift leader every four hours. Christmas Care, Providing temporary shelter for the homeless and lonely over Christmas Celebrating our 26th Anniversary. As Chair I am pleased to state that the Christmas Care Shelter is well organised and a safe place for volunteers and guests. It is our aim to help the homeless and lonely over Christmas. When our guests come in on Christmas Eve they can shower, have a complete change of clothing and foot wear. Our guests are welcome to breakfast (8am to 9.30am), lunch each day (1.30pm to 2.30pm) and a buffet in the evening, at no time in the 24 hours over the four days are our guests refused a hot drink or food.
PAGE 6
We normally expect 70+ people for a turkey dinner on Christmas day and we can accommodate 70+ each day for food and company. We make the shelter as homely as possible, we provide easy chairs, TV, games, books etc. The shelter could not run without all the volunteers and we are always appreciative for those who give up their time over the Christmas period.
Shifts start at 7am onwards. Wed 19th Nov – 8pm Tue 25th Nov – 8pm Donation dates & times: Sat 6th Dec - 10am – 3pm Fri 12 Dec - 7pm – 9.30pm Sat 13th Dec - 10am – 3pm
We are also very appreciative to the schools and people who collect donations on our behalf and also the people in offices and businesses who donate and sponsor us. Thank you for all your help and time. The Pilgrim Centre will be accepting donations from the public on Monday 15th-19th on Dec.
care@christmascare.co.uk Chairman: Patsy Moloney 01793 642368
Pets Even sampling of some of the common Christmas decorative plants such as Poinsettia, Mistletoe or Holly berries can lead to seriously upset digestion; whilst the increasing use of burning candles carries a real danger to passing pets. Christmas ornaments, on the tree or elsewhere in the home, can be as bright and fascinating to dogs and cats as they are to humans. Youngsters may try to chew baubles or tinsel, risking a foreign body lodging in their intestines and an emergency operation on Christmas Day!
Vet Column by Drove Veterinary Hospital Christmas Dangers December 2014 The Christmas lights have been turned on and the stores are piled high with Christmas goodies. If you are organised then preparations are well under way and presents are hidden away for the big day. We all look forward to the Christmas break; hopefully a few days off with family and friends, and lots of good food and drink, but spare a thought for your pet.
Pets should not rule your life, but equally they should not be forgotten in your organisation of the holiday. By ensuring that temptation is not left on display, hopefully Christmas will be a stress free time for all involved, not just the humans!
If you need any further information then please contact your local Vet for advice.
While some sociable dogs are happy to be surrounded by lots of people, many dogs and most cats find extra visitors highly stressful. Dogs like their routine, getting up early, eating at regular times and daily walks. Often walks are forgotten, or shortened with all the extra present opening and food eating. Stomachs that are used to the same daily ration start being offered bits of turkey, sausage or roast potato. This can lead to an upset stomach and more stress, before we even think about the stolen chocolate (poisonous) or cooked poultry bones (deadly). Dogs are able to smell chocolate even if wrapped for a present, so keep edible gifts away from the base of the tree. The cocoa in the chocolate contains a chemical Theobromide, to which the canine heart is extremely sensitive.
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE TELEPHONE: (01793) 522483 www.drovevets.co.uk
Highly distressing symptoms of vomiting, muscle tremors and convulsions may, in some cases, end in fatality. Ironically, the rich and expensive dark chocolates, much favoured as presents by us humans, can be the worst type for dogs as they are rich in the deadly cocoa. To a pet, the sudden appearance of a tree inside the home, is understandably confusing and worthy of closer investigation, and unfortunately carries a number of risks to the inquisitive mind. The fir needles from a live tree and the water the tree may stand in can both be irritant to a sensitive stomach, whilst the decorative lights, their plastic shades and of course the electric cable which supplies them have all contributed to unfortunate and avoidable accidents when tested by the curious mouth. ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 7
Pets
An amazing 6 months for Wagging Tails in Swindon... After only establishing Wagging Tails in Swindon at the end of April, Hilary Coates was awarded the accolade of Franchisee of the Year by the directors, Lisa & Jim Suswain at the annual company conference in October. Hilary was both astonished and very proud to have achieved this recognition. ‘When I was chosen to run a Wagging Tails branch in Swindon, I could never have imagined how much I would enjoy it, but hearing from the many satisfied owners makes me realise just how much a service like ours can bring peace of mind to dog owners’. Simply put, Wagging Tails offers dogs their very own holiday, in the homes of carefully selected, licensed and insured carers, who have had many years of experience with dogs. Hilary would like to pass on special thanks to her wonderful team of carers. ‘I have found some dedicated people who will go the extra mile for the dogs staying with them, whether it is for 3 days or for 3 weeks. Owners can clearly see how much affection the carers have for their dog, which is their priority.’ She added ‘I try my best to ensure that becoming a carer is easy, by taking care of all the paperwork involved in licensing and insuring people, as well as being there should a carer need advice. I have great back up from our directors too, which is very reassuring. However, one of the most enjoyable aspects is calling in to visit carers with their canine guests, as a dog lover how could you ask for anything more?’ Steve, a carer since May, commented ‘Hilary will often pop over to visit if passing to see how the dogs and I are getting along and will offer advice when required’. Barbara also likes the fact that Hilary is ‘so supportive and ensures that everything is going well’. One of the nicest parts of being a carer is summed up by Niki – ‘being greeted by a waggy tail in the morning’. If there are people out there with a doggy sized hole in their life, then get in touch with Hilary to find out more about becoming a valued carer. You can c ontact Hilary on 01793 874777 or 07436 796115, alternatively go to www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn and look at the carer page.
PAGE 8
Hilary Coates being presented with her Award!
Dog lovers wanted: Welcome a dog into your home for his holiday! While owners are away you will give their dogs love,exercise and companionship within your family home. If you are at home all day, have no children under the age of six, have no more than one dog of your own and would like to enjoy the companionship of guest dogs please get in touch AWARD WINNING HOME DOG BOARDING
Give a dog a holiday! Where happy dogs holiday
Hilary Coates Phone: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk
www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn/carers A franchise owned and operated under licence by Hilary Coates Ltd like us facebook.com/WaggingTailsUK
follow us twitter.com/WaggingTailsUK
Pets Being self funded, we rely on vast numbers of unpaid reliable volunteers, whether this is cake baking, walking the foster dogs, washing dog beds, down to our interim fosterers to name just a few of the many roles we take on. However, there is always something to be done and we would welcome offers any offer of help.
Swindon’s Needy Dogs..... a self funded non-profit making organisation was founded in January 2012. The group is made up of volunteers whose mission is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Swindon’s stray dogs along with other dogs in need. This is achieved through suitable re-homing, medical care, assessment and management.
People looking to provide a loving home can find our dogs via our website or Facebook page, those wishing to proceed can email us at swindonsneedydogs@gmail.com for an adoption application for
To raise awareness and much needed funds we constantly have fundraising events, these include monthly dog walks, jumble and table top sales; further information is available on both our website www.sndogs. org.uk and Facebook page.
Once a dog is picked up by our local dog warden, we are contacted and forwarded a photograph together with vital information which is placed on our Facebook page, in the hope we can reunite dog and owner. When this is not possible we try to place the dog in either one of our foster homes or with another rescue organisation. Unlike many rescue organisations, the dogs that come into our care are placed in foster homes where they receive one on one care and none of the stresses of a busy kennel environment. This means we are able to observe a dog’s behaviour and needs in the home, which leads to a more successful placement for the dog. We also assist in the costs associated with transporting the dogs to other organisations, and occasionally neutering, vaccination and micro-chipping our rescue dogs before embarking on their new life journey with the associate rescue.
ANYTHING SWINDON
completion and return. Application forms are assessed and suitable applicant details are passed on to the home checking team who will arrange an independent home check. For those who do not have access to the internet, please contact Swindon’s Needy Dogs on 0794 02 68 101. If successful, the applicant is then matched with a suitable dog, an introduction meeting is arranged and if everyone is happy the adoption process can be finalised. As dog lovers and owners we understand that becoming a pet owner is a major decision, leading the way with rescues, we offer pre-adoption trial periods where required. Our aim is for each of our dogs to find their perfect “furever” homes.
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
In the run up to Christmas we would like to remind people pets are a lifetime of commitment, not an impulse buy. Please make our jobs easier, avoid giving animals as presents and carefully consider before adopting a pet during the busy festive period.
Finally we wish you all a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year. From the Swindon’s Needy Dogs Team.
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 9
Prospect Update
Prospect Hospice’s fundraising calendar for 2014 comes to a close with a variety of fun activities with a distinctly festive theme in December. Throughout the month the Wroughton-based charity is asking supporters to take part in one or more of their festive fundraising activities, and with plenty of different ideas on offer there should be something for anyone wanting to raise funds for their local hospice. The popular Santa Collection Day takes place on 12 December, Christmas Jumper Days and Mince Pie MunchOffs can happen throughout the month, and a brand-new Christmas Shopping Dash between the charity’s Swindon shops will take place on Wednesday 10 December.
Details of all of Prospect Hospice’s Christmas fundraising activities can be found by visiting www.prospect-hospice.net/festive .
In addition, the charity is also offering its Easy Christmas Card idea for businesses, schools and clubs through which people can send a festive wish to their colleagues and friends while raising much needed funds for the hospice’s care.
For something a little more gentle Prospect Hospice’s Walk of Memories will take place again next year at beautiful Buscot Park near Faringdon, on Sunday 15th March.
“Christmas is always a very busy time for us,” says Prospect Hospice’s head of fundraising Sheryl Crouch. “For many people it is the time of year when they look to support a local charity, particularly one that touches the lives of so many people each year. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to be able to show what Prospect Hospice means to them.”
Looking further ahead, Prospect Hospice has also announced details of its first major fundraising event of 2015 when it stages its own annual running event, the Prospect 10k in Swindon on Sunday 22 February. Runners for this all-terrain event can register for just £15 at www.prospect-hospice.net/10k .
The walk, which is approximately 5km in length, is suitable for all the family. Registration costs £8 for adults, £3 for children or family tickets at £20. To register for this event visit: www.prospect-hospice.net/walkofmemories
Join your local hospice lottery
Every week some ne £1
per
play
£1,000
www.prospect-hospice.net/lottery
or call 01793 816190 to join
Pr spect Hospice
L t te ry 4
4
1
A chance to win, a way to care Registered with the Gambling Commission
Registered Charity Number: 280093
PAGE 10
Good Luck Richard
Richard is quite simply a theatre person... We spoke to Derek Aldridge of the Wyvern Theatre about Richards move to Watford. Richard Loftus became Marketing Manager of the Wyvern Theatre in August 2011 and has for the past 3 and a half years led the marketing and sales operations with unrivalled energy, passion and enthusiasm. Richard is quite simply a theatre person and loves every aspect of the industry – this is only matched by his organisational skills and when these two aspects of his personality are combined he is a force of nature. It means that in his time with us there are many examples of Richard going the extra mile to make a visit to the Wyvern very exciting. He didn’t just organise an Open Day for families as part of the nationwide Family Arts Festival – he organised the biggest and most successful Family Fun Day ever with over 800 families queuing to get into the building. He didn’t get just anyone to read the story of Dick Whittington to publicise the pantomime – he found the Lord Mayor of London and his wife who had written a version of the story and got them to Swindon to meet people. He didn’t just do a small amount of fundraising for our chosen charity of Great Ormond Street Hospital – this year he got 12 members of staff to walk for 30km through London as part of the Thames Pathway Challenge. There are so many examples of his innovation – introducing podcasts with cast members of forthcoming shows, working with Heart Radio and Swindon Advertiser on media partnerships with the pantomime and breaking sales records along the way. We all wish Richard well in his next job at our sister venue in Watford, but will truly miss his imagination and creativity. Screaming Media would like to wish Richard all the very best for the future... AMAZING!
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 11
Councillor Updates Old Town News - Cllr Nadine Watts - 07595 071381 - nadine.watts@live.co.uk The Angel Ridge play area should be completed at the beginning of December. It is a fantastic design and I know many residents are eagerly awaiting its completion. An official opening is provisionally planned for Saturday 13 December. More details to follow. The biomass application at the Central Trading Estate (S/14/1683) is on a very much smaller scale than what was proposed at Cheney Manor. A small joinery business are seeking to burn waste wood to heat the building. The only aspect that actually requires permission is the flue that projects approx. 1m through the roof. The internal ‘water heating boiler’ does not affect the exterior of the building and is not subject to planning controls. I opposed planning application S/OUT/14/0859 for 62 dwellings at Croft Road, as it is not in the local plan and I think this land should act as a buffer between the existing houses on Croft Road and East Wichel. Another extension of time of the application determination date has been agreed. A decision on this proposal should now be made by mid December. Taylor Wimpey are awaiting the Inspector’s report on the proposed modifications for the emerging local plan which is due out in mid December. I do not believe that there will be any changes regarding the 5 year housing land supply. The decision is almost certain to be to refuse this planning application. It would actually be preferable for residents, if Taylor Wimpey were to withdraw the application (which I believe they are considering), as there would then be no opportunity to appeal. I am aware that this has been going on for some time now. As soon as I have any more news, I’ll let you know. I enjoyed attending the Old Town Lights switch on on Thursday 27 November. Another fantastic event supported by the Old Town Business & Professional Association. I wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! Kind Regards Nadine Watts Park South Your Councillors Fay Howard, Derique Montaut & Neil Heavens wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas & all the best for the New Year. Green Waste bags to be removed: All unsightly bags of dumped green waste should now be removed as work on this was due to be complete by the end of November. If you see any dumped bags the number to report them on is Streetsmart Tel 445501 or 466453 out of office hours. Path Improvements: We are pleased to have seen part of the path along Priory Road and much of the footpath in Thornbridge be re surfaced. They were uneven & in need of repair. What are your concerns? We have been dealing with issues varying from anti social behaviour, housing repairs, litter & planning concerns. If there’s a local issue concerning please you do get in touch. Councillors Surgeries: Our surgeries continue on the 1st Saturday each month THERE IS NO SURGERY IN JANUARY as The Shop is closed. Next surgeries Feb 7th, March 7th at The Shop, Cavendish Square 1011am Or do give us a call Fay Howard Tel 07952350656, Derique Montaut Tel 07711556261, Neil Heavens Tel 07900561502 Rodbourne Cheney Councillors The Council business that sorts household waste to produce refuge derived fuel and save on landfill tax, SCS, is in discussions with a Swindon based company to also deal with plastic waste, http://recyclingtechnologies.co.uk/ This is a proper organisation that is funded by governments and the people involved are the who’s who of the scientific community. In essence they recover the oil that went into making plastic. They do this by pyrolysis. We are very supportive of their plans which involve creating the next stage of the pyrolosis process at Waterside, Cheney Manor. It will be at 20% scale yet will consume all the useable plastic collected by the Borough Council. They heat the plastic in a reduced oxygen environment to convert it to gas then separate the gasses and recover them all other than CO2 that results from combustion. The combustion that does take place is to drive the self-contained process after start up. It’s the same CO2 that comes out of any domestic heating system and no more than half a dozen of them in fact. Only up to 5% of actual volume comes out as solid waste and taking into account that the initial material going in was containers the actual volume will be less than 0.5%. The percentage of recovered hydrocarbons is the highest yet developed anywhere and this is the most advanced physical process we know about. The recovered fuel is in a wax type form and can be used even in internal combustion engines. The most likely end user for the fuel is marine shipping. Des Moffatt and Peter Watts visited the test plant at their site and were astounded by the energy recovered by way of a Lister diesel engine driving a generator from such a small quantity of material going in. There are no plans to use the resulting recovered fuel at Waterside. The equipment will be housed in an existing building at the recycling centre at Waterside. There are no transport implications, waste plastic already goes to Waterside and given the density of the resulting fuel paste, outgoing traffic will be greatly reduced.Everyone knows that indestructible waste plastic is the most polluting and intractable of problems, this is a process worth supporting and all in the public life of Swindon I have spoken to are supportive. Councillors Jim Grant- 07814380178 Des Moffatt- 07709066707 Peter Watts- 01793 529163
PAGE 12
Mp Comments Monthly update from Robert Buckland MP (South Swindon) and Justin Tomlinson MP (North Swindon)
Robert Buckland writes.... The end of November marks Carers’ Rights Day. It’s an opportunity to highlight the incredibly valuable work done by the country’s millions of carers, young and old. It’s an issue on which I’ve campaigned long and hard and it’s something that touches my family personally. As a backbench MP, I led the campaign to change the law to enhance the rights of young carers. I am also working locally with the Swindon Carers Centre who are doing some great work to support young carers in the town. We know that the official number of young carers - about 400,000 - is only the tip of the iceberg because many are not identified, let alone receive the support that they need. If young carers don’t get the same level of support as adult carers, we risk leaving them alone with difficult caring situations which can permanently damage their life prospects. I will continue to do what I can in the Houses of Parliament to raise these issues, and locally to support carers. As a parent of a young carer myself, I am aware of at least some of the pressures and difficulties that are placed on their shoulders. There is lots of work to be done — but the recent changes to the law are a huge opportunity to improve support for young carers and their families. Justin said, “Swindon is a growing town with a growing economy. Outset Swindon does amazing work supporting so many people who want to contribute to that growth. It is thanks to the wonderful staff, volunteers and entrepreneurs that they have reached this fantastic milestone of 100 business start-ups.” This month we also received the latest unemployment figures for Swindon. We were both delighted to see that unemployment across Swindon has dropped dramatically by 48.8% since 2010, whilst youth unemployment has fallen by 42.7%. Nationally, we have seen the biggest annual fall in unemployment since records began. This is fantastic news and we are proud that this Government is backing small businesses and enterprise with lower jobs taxes and better infrastructure, while reforming welfare so that work always pays. Our long-term economic plan is working as increasingly more people in Swindon are taking home a pay packet and supporting their families. Justin Tomlinson MP writes… Myself and Robert Buckland MP, were amongst the guest who attended Swindon’s recently-opened UTC (University Technical College) for its first business partnership event. The £10 million UTC, which is based in part of what was once Swindon’s Great Western Railway, opened its doors to the first set of students in September. A new concept in education, UTCs specialise in engineering and technical skills for students aged 14-19. Through both the curriculum and the design of the building; the aim is to provide a workplace environment for students rather than the feel of a classroom. The building certainly adds to the professional feel of the UTC as both the old school building and water tower on the Bristol Street site have been built into the new campus. We have already seen unemployment and crucially youth unemployment fall by over 50% in Swindon since 2010. Our local economy is strong and growing. The UTC will play a vital part in helping us go further by equipping the students with the real tangible skills needed and shaped by our local businesses. We will continue to support the UTC, encouraging local businesses to work with them. The UTC is a wonderful addition to our town, and is a fantastic way of giving youngsters fresh opportunities whilst honouring our town’s engineering heritage. Please contact us if we can be of any assistance on any local or national issues: Write/Phone: MPs Office, 1 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE - 01793 533393 Email: robert.buckland.mp@parliament.uk justin.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk Websites: www.robertbuckland.co.uk www.justintomlinson.com
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 13
Movie News
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Win a Family ticket to a Family ďŹ lm of your choice! To win the tickets, who plays Bilbo in The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies? Email your answer to us at win@anythingswindon.co.uk Answer to be recieved by 20Th December. PAGE 14
4.9% Apr Finance Available On All New Kia’s
Picanto: From £7995
Sportage: From £17,500 and £600 Deposit Contribution To check out all our offers and see what people are saying, visit us at Kia.co.uk
Come and Visit us at our Swindon Showroom Fish Brothers Kia Mannington Roundabout Swindon SN57YQ 01793
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
642591
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 15
Text WIN SWINDON to 60033 to find out more *
onWIN d in w S / k .u o c i. d .r w w or visit w ^
Enter today
Celebrating a new degree intake *Standard network rates apply Full Terms & Conditions available at www.rdi.co.uk/terms
PAGE 16
Feature work and many late nights we had created ‘Little London’. An exclusive themed party venue for 5 to 11 years olds. ‘Little London’ has an art and craft room, a boutique, a candy stall, a bakery and our own rainforest cafe. Children take part in many activities from icing cakes to making keyring’s.
Well where do I start? I’m Karen and my husband, Gareth and I, are the owners of ‘Swindon Party Warehouse’ 7 years ago and fed up with our ‘normal’ jobs we wanted a new venture so we brought ourselves a mobile disco.....don’t know why but it seemed like a good idea at the time! Neither of us had any experience of operating a disco but with the help of Google, Gareth managed to suss it out and became a good DJ (well I would be bias!) At the time we were proud parents to 3 children so we certainly had an insight into children’s parties. I would often end up volunteering to help out at their friends parties and after watching the parents rushing around to ensure that everyone was fed, watered and having a good time I quickly realised that the birthday child’s parents were lucky if they even got to take a photo of their child, let alone enjoy the experience with them.
We provide a stress free party. All you need to bring is a birthday cake and your child! In March of this year we opened Toddler Town, a make believe role play town for ages 1 to 4 years. Toddler Town has a vets, a hospital, a construction site & a castle to name a few. Toddler Town also offers an exclusive venue to host parties from and due to its popularity we also offer ‘stay and play’ sessions. In September of this year we launched our first themed party...Frozen! Which has proven to be extremely popular.
This is where my mind went into overdrive and I decided that I wanted to create a venue that could offer a stress free party for the parent but a personal memorable experience for the child. But we knew we needed to learn to crawl before we walked, so we started offering mobile children’s parties, where the party was controlled by me. Our first few bookings were certainly learning experiences. I remember sitting down and writing out a script of what I was going to say, how long I needed for each song and I even tried to estimate how long it would take 25 children to play pass the parcel! After a while though we were in the swing of it and was confident enough to start offering school disco’s. We quickly built up a good clientele of schools across Wiltshire who would book us for their end of term disco’s. Throughout all of this my dream remained the same, to set up my own venue. So after 4 years we decided to embark on our next venture, to find ourselves premises and boy was that fun (sarcasm!) After many failed planning applications and pregnant with our fourth child we decided enough was enough but by chance we discovered BSS house in Cheney Manor Ind Estate. They were happy to offer us a unit. After 8 weeks of very hard
ANYTHING SWINDON
Next year we will launch many more themed parties and who knows maybe a 3rd unit! Details about what we offer can be seen in more detail on our Facebook page ‘Swindon Party Warehouse’ or you can call us on 07749 711 100. We are more than happy to show you around our venues.
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 17
Celebrating a great 12 months! Screaming Media was set up in 2012 by Ian Butler as a design and web agency supporting local companies with design for products such as logo’s, leaflets, posters, and web design. Working from home alongside his full-time job as a business and finance manager Ian took to his design work part time. Supporting just a few local business and with over 20 years’ experience in design Ian took a leap of faith and soon resigned his 50k per annum to further launch his services. In November 2013 Ian teamed up with Graham Worrallo and his company Fun Loving Media; a print and marketing company mainly focussed on the Isle of Wight and in the West Midlands. This Partnership soon leads to new relationships with both large and small local business looking to stretch their annual marketing budget further. Now offering a variety of products from Web Design, Workwear, Billboards, Vehicle Graphics, Signage, door to door distribution and Design services nationally. Screaming Media offer a full marketing package boasting up to 50% savings against the national average on all marketing and print materials proving high-quality print does not need to be expensive. Teaming up with Tesco Uk in January of 2014 with a unique idea Screaming Media now offer billboard activity in Swindon and Oxford. This medium will attract new customers and gives local business an affordable alternative to roadside billboards, at a third of the cost the boards target footfall in excess of 150’000 shoppers. This is a real high impacting marketing tool in their portfolio with five boards at each location. In August this year Graham & Ian Created and launched the “Anything Swindon Magazine” as a platform of informative content for the Stratton Area. In time, Screaming Media realised that a huge part of Central Swindon had no platform like Anything Swindon Magazine and before long they had moved from printing and distributing 5’000 copies to a huge 21’000 every month. Their aim was to bring a new style local magazine to people whilst ensuring a fair balance between advertising content and readable, informative detail. With competitions and local news a feature every month Anything Swindon is read by an estimated 50’000 readers every month making this magazine the highest impacting platform throughout Central Swindon. More recently Screaming Media have teamed up with Wiltshire’s largest door to door distribution company. AJG Creative can now add a huge 190’000 doors to Screaming Medias distribution service, covering areas in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. Screaming Media offer a new business starter package for anyone looking to take the leap into their own business. Recognising the initial expense when setting up a new venture Screaming Media offer a package containing web design, logo design, banners, business cards and a roller banner for just £249.00. In January 2015, Screaming Media working in partnership with AJG Creative will open a unique full marketing and print shop in Morley Street. “The Creative Kabin” will offer a one stop location for all materials for any size business.
A selection of available products!
Asiana Anything Swindon Nov 14.pdf
1
24/10/2014
12:31
2 Hoopers Place, Swindon,SN1 3RA
Book your Christmas party with us early/mid week & we will say thanks by giving a
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
FREE BOTTLE OF WINE per every 6 diners
*Ts&Cs Valid on house red & white wine only,party must be held Sun-Wed. Management reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Wine is to be consumed on our premises at the time of your party. Other terms may apply.
free bottle of wine when you book with us
Opening 8th December at
Swindon Designer Outlet
Great Western Outlet Village, 1-111 Kemble Drive, Rodbourne, Swindon, SN2 2DY
Can’t wait?
Visit giraffe at Tesco Extra, Ocotal Way, Swindon, SN1 2EH www.giraffe.net giraffesnaps
PAGE 20
giraffetweet
girafferestaurants
Blue Christmas From responsible dad, to convicted drink driver - in the ash of a blue light. It takes much longer than people think for alcohol to pass through the body. Whatever the circumstances, don't risk a drink drive conviction over the festive period.
STEER CLEAR OF
MORNING AFTER
morning-after.org.uk
DRINK DRIVING
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 21
Does your child love to dance? Would you like to put their creative energy to good use and offer them a chance to learn new skills? Or maybe you're looking for a friendly adult fitness class for yourself? We offer dance classes in a range of styles including Street, Freestyle and Lyrical as well as flexibility, strengthening and adult fitness classes. Our classes start at 2 years and go through to adult so we really do have something for everyone. We also offer the chance to take part in competitions, exams and local performances. Please find us on Facebook and check out our reviews to see what some of our current parents and students think!
YOU’RE INVITED to a FREE dance class
Contact Jess on 07415346998 or hello@studiojacademyofdance.co.uk for a copy of our timetable or to book your free class*!
FREE Dance Class
www.studiojacademyofdance.co.uk *usual class price applies after your invitation has been redeemed
PAGE 22
Let our memories drift to festivities past Let our minds be nostalgic once more Let the positive feeling fill us up fast Let us love and laugh as we did before Let our thoughts be compelled by this magic Let our hearts grow 3 times in size Let us make this good thing a habit Let us enjoy but also empathise Let us receive joy in the act of giving Let us be more righteous and clear Let us keep old faith and good living As we head into a new year At this time of year more than ever As we celebrate with family and friends Remember how it feels to be together And hope that this kind of kindness never ends Let me see the wonder in your eyes Let me be that child again Let me hold that feeling magnetised Let me wish good will to all men Let the nights light up all around the world Let the day be as pure as we found it Let the nightlife rejoice in spirit and voice Its not what’s under the tree but who’s around it
“Lights and Nights” By Gav Ellis @GavEllis.IOW
Pearce Funeral Services 1 Groundwell Rd, Swindon, SN1 2LT 01793 422422
"The closest Funeral Director to the Register"
Professionally Qualified A Truly Personal & Compassionate Service For You And Your Loved One
Pre Payment Funeral Plans Available Included in The Good Funeral Guide since 2011, In Recognition Of Our Quality Of Service
Home Visits Available
'John (centre), Tracy and David - Here for you when needed most'
Chapel of Rest: 92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, SN3 4NN – 01793 832072
www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 23
Whats On?
Santa’s Grotto, November 17th 2014 - December 24th 2014 at 12:00am - every Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Brunel Centre, Swindon
Swindon Festive Market 2014 at Canal Walk inSwindon BID Company Daily - from Thursday 4 December 2014 to Sunday 21 December 2014 From 9.00am to 5.00pm
A Railway at War at STEAM Museum. Daily from Saturday 29 Nov 2014 to Wednesday 31 Dec 2014
Dick Whittington at Wyvern Theatre. 01793 524481 Price: £13.50 - £28.00. From 6th Dec 2014 till 4th Jan 2015
Wessex Male Choir’s annual Christmas Concert will take place at St Mark’s Church, Church Place, Swindon SN1 5EH on Friday 19th December 2014. The choir will be accompanied by guest artists the Pegasus Brass Band. This will be the choir’s first Christmas concert under their new Musical Director, Katrine Reimers. They look forward to welcoming you to a musical evening to start the celebration of Christmas. The concert starts at 7.30pm, and doors will open at 7.00pm. Tickets are £12 per adult (free for under 16yrs, though a ticket is still required to ensure a seat.) Tickets are available from 01285 869955, or tickets@ wessexmalechoir.co.uk. Please bring a cushion with you for comfort.For further information on the choir, www.wessexmalechoir.co.uk
UP AND COMING HOME FIXTURES:
Check The Wildcats site for more info: swindonwildcats.com
Sat 6th Dec: vs Manchester Phoenix, 6pm EPIHL Sun 13th Dec: vs Telford Tigers, 6pm - EPIHL Sun 27th Dec: vs Bracknell Bees, 6pm – EPIHL / CUP ** WIN TICKETS TO THE WILDCATS! ** To win home tickets to see The Wildcats, who will they be playing on Wed 28th December and where? Email your answer to us at win@anythingswindon.co.uk Answer to be recieved by 20Th December. Editors decision is final. PAGE 24
The Coca-Cola Truck is Coming to Town... To many of us, the sight of Coca-Cola’s iconic ‘Holidays Are Coming’ advert signifies the start of the Christmas season. Soon, people across the nation can be set for even more festive joy as the unmistakable Coca-Cola Christmas truck makes a return, embarking on a nationwide tour starting on 28th November. Swindon’s town centre is one of the specially chosen locations for the Coca-Cola truck to visit and will be brightening up the town on Saturday 13th December- from 12pm at Wharf Green under The Big Screen. Stopping at 45 locations up and down the country, the iconic Coca-Cola truck will give fans the opportunity to take part in a unique experience by getting up close and personal to the famous vehicle. At Swindon’s stop, you can take your chance to take pictures with the truck as it lights up (just like the advert!), whilst enjoying a snowy winter wonderland setting and a refreshing Coca-Cola or Diet Coke as a choir sings Christmas hits. We look forward to seeing you there to share a Coke- or two!
Low deposit & nothing to pay for 3 months* on 1,000s of cars. Your part-exchange could be used as your 10% low deposit.*
carshop.co.uk/swindon Drakes Way, Swindon, SN3 3BW.
0800 781 7735^
Representative 13.1% APR *This offer is available until 31 December with the 3 month deferred payment option being added to the end of the loan i.e a 48 month agreement will be extended to 51 months. See website or visit in-store for full Terms and Conditions. Finance is subject to status and a minimum deposit of 10% is required. You will not own the vehicle until all payments are made. Applicants must by 18 or over and a Guarantee/ Indemnity may be required. Finance is provided by Santander Consumer Finance, RH1 1SR. †Terms and conditions apply. ^Calls may be monitored for training purposes. Cars shown for illustration purposes.
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
Sports and Fitness
Well what a month for Swindon College Old Boys. The 1st XV nearly maintained their unbeaten streak, but fell at the hands of a very well drilled Reading Abbey team (who now sit top of the league having dropped only one bonus point so far this season) to hold second place in the league. In the cup they progressed through to the Final which will be played at North Dorset RFC on the 29th November vs. Blandford and could see the Old Boys win their first piece of silverware for a number of years. In the second team an emphatic win of Melksham in the league was reversed a week later as they came back faster, stronger and with a couple of 1st teamers to bolster their squad and seal their place in the 2nd XV semi-final, but with our guys never disheartened they have secured their place in the middle of the table and have the ability and strength in depth to push for the top of the league.
Every up, must have its downs and some nasty injuries continue to haunt the Swindon College with veteran Number 8 Matt Mckee rules out until after Christmas with hamstring issues and Fly Half Ross Saville out until December next year having detached his bicep during the bout with Reading Abbey. Nevertheless the strength in the SCOB squad continues to grow as the club welcomes Jamie Park, Lewis Hook and Tucker Blinkhorn to the club.
SCOB PLAYER OF THE MONTH “GARETH DAVIS”
This month’s player of the month is Gareth Davis; the skipper has led from the front, rallied his boys when necessary and charged the defence. His defiance against Reading Abbey spurred a second half comeback and his vision around the park has put the College where they are today.
Players of the Month Sponsored by
Anyone interested in joining Swindon College Old Boys please visit www.scobrfc.org or head to Wroughton Leisure Centre, 18:30 Tue and Thurs.
Special thanks to Jade Williams for the photography.
“Swindon College Old Boys RFC Proudly Sponsored By”
Look great this Christmas The latest in sunbed technology, only available at
SPECIAL OFFER
tanning from just
30p
You must be over 18 to use a sunbed.
a minute
open 7 days a week no appointment necessary
www.gloden.co.uk PAGE 28
Swindon studios:
• 15 Faringdon Road SN1 5AR • 134 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill SN2 8AG
Churchfields Academy Logo
1.
2.
3.
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
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 29
Come
along
& PRAISE JESUS the
KING KINGS of
This
CHRISTMAS
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:2, The Bible 17–19 Devizes Road Old Town 01793 541153 office@swec.org.uk www.swec.org.uk PAGE 30
reassuringly better than all other window and door companies all priCes inClude dOOr, Frame, Fitting and vat nO Hidden eXtras
Coloured Doors from £959
UPVC Front Doors from £714
Comp Door with side-panel from £1695
Coloured composite doors from £959
Stable Doors from £1055
Composite Door with integrated blind from £1119
We offer THE BEST finAnCE packages and the lOWEST rATES for finance in the country
UPVC Back Doors from £659
Bi-Fold Doors from £2500
Patio Doors from £949
French Doors from £1049
COST
120 Monthly payments at only
9.9% APR
Equivalent Weekly Amount
£1,000
£12.93
£2.98
£1,500
£19.39
£4.47
£2,000
£25.86
£5.97
£2,500
£32.32
£7.46
£3,000
£38.79
£8.95
and... nO
dEpOSiT TO pAy
Working with:
“Our doors are better and more secure than any other door”
9 out of 10 customers
have recommended grIme 2 sHINe to a friend or family member Call us Free:
INCoRpoRatING
0800 322 322
www.g2sgroup.co.uk
“We are the best”
swindon: Unit 5, io Centre, Radway Rd, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 4WH showrooms also at: Gloucester, Salisbury, Melksham, Bristol & Bridgend
The G2S Group reserve the right to withdraw any offer without prior notice. Photographs and illustrations are for illustrative purposes only, copyright belongs to the G2S Group. Finance available subject to status. Please ask for details. Many more styles and colours available. Worked finance example: Borrow £2,000.00 pay £25.86 per month for 120 months at 9.9% APR per month. Total amount payable £3,103.20 charge for credit £1,103.20. Representative APR 9.9%. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 31
Feature
PAGE 32
Feature
A change in ownership at Martin & Co Swindon is great news for local landlords and tenants, as Dave Whaley has taken over the office. Existing clients will recognise Dave as the Branch Manager, as he worked in the office’s established lettings and property management department for the last year, assisting local landlords and tenants with their property needs.
With over 20 years’ experience as a commercial landlord and recent experience as a domestic landlord, Dave understands the high level of quality service required in the industry and knows the local market well. “Swindon has a large private rented residential property sector, due to its high density of household name employers. This provides exciting opportunities for investment landlords and contributes to a thriving local market.” With over 30 years’ business management experience, Dave has a wealth of knowledge of what it takes to run a successful business. Building on six years as a self-employed principal, Dave has extensive knowledge and experience in the property industry and is fully committed to further developing the business and the portfolios of the offices’ existing clients.
When the opportunity to take over the business arose, ambitious Dave was keen to take on the challenge. “Taking on the Swindon office felt like an obvious step for me,” said Dave. “Since working in the office, it didn’t take long for me to spot the business opportunity and I wanted to input my core values into the business – honour, integrity and great customer service. I know the clients and local market well and feel passionate about growing the business even further.” ANYTHING SWINDON
“The key to operating a successful lettings business is, really listening to each client’s specific needs and aspirations, designing and delivering a bespoke service to achieve them,” said Dave. “You need to know your territory and profession so intimately that every pitfall is avoided and every opportunity is seized! And that is what I strive to do.”
dedicated sales department to meet local demand and to help investment landlords build successful portfolios by combining strong income yields with exciting capital growth. And that just marks the start; Dave and his team have already set an all-time monthly record for lets and income and recruited an experienced Senior Negotiator to join the team. Dave is determined to continue raising the bar even further and to continue to grow the business month after month. “This is only the beginning of what we have to offer. I have an ambitious growth strategy and would like to continue to grow the business over the next five years through acquisitions and may also take on additional staff to help expand the business further. “My goal is to continue providing property investors in the area with the advice and support they need to help them manage and grow their portfolio. You really need to get to know and understand your client’s needs and ambitions to be able to help them.” You can visit Martin & Co Swindon in the town centre on Commercial Road to discuss your property needs. Or alternatively you can contact the office directly on 01793 487760 or email them at swindon@martinco.com.
But although the keys have changed hands it’s still business as usual in the Swindon office. Since taking over the office Dave has transformed the business, and has already started implementing a WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 340065
PAGE 33