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MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM January. Almost universally, the least popular month of the year. Cold, dark, boring, and worries of Christmas over spending all resonate with some aspect of some people’s lives perfectly. In fact “Bah Humbug!” is far better suited to now rather than last month. Here at the Anything Swindon Magazine, we want to help you forget all of the negativity and remember the good stuff. By now most of us are considering the New Year’s resolutions discussed amongst many at one minute past midnight on New Year’s Day. Whether you are reading this early or later in the month how many can hold their hands up and say they are positively living out their resolution. Get fit, Lose weight or stop smoking are just a few resolutions we hear about every year. But do we carry them out? Tell us about your plans and celebrate your success, maybe 2015 was a great year for you, and you want to share your story with us. You may have read our Slimming World Diary starting in June last year, well I am happy to confirm that we are still visiting Sabrina every week and have personally achieved my target weight while Ian has lost an average of 1 stone every month totalling a massive loss of 7 stone before Christmas. If two chunky lads in an office can one day decide to act out a resolution six months later than originally planned, then anyone can do it. We hope you enjoy our January edition and wish you a very happy 2016, and don’t forget to share with us your stories of success.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 05
TOWN CENTRE FOCUS
06
BRIGHTER FUTURES UPDATE
08
MOVIE NEWS
09
KEYSWIZARD FEATURE
11
DROVE VETS AND PETS
12
SNDOGS UPDATE
14
SCREAMING MEDIA FEUTURE
21
ED BYRNE FEATURE
22
COUNCILLOR UPDATES
25
FLIC WILTSHIRE IN 2016
29
WHATS ON
26
FOOTBALL UPDATE
Graham and Ian 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).
Town Centre Focus
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PAGE 5
Brighter Futures Update NSBRC Main Feature
Brighter Futures Feature Update
We launched our Radiotherapy appeal on 28th May last year. Sadly, each month at Great Western Hospital 284 patients receive a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is predicted to rise by 16% over the next 10 years and affect one in three of the population. Brighter Futures is the Hospital Charity based at Great Western Hospital but serves the community facilities across Wiltshire too. It aims to purchase the equipment which delivers radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients and stop them having to make on average, 40 This was the first year that we organised a journeys of at least 70 miles each time to cycle ride with a range of distances including receive their care at Oxford or Bath. 30, 70 and 100 mile routes, starting and finishWorking in partnership with Oxford University ing at Great Western Hospital in September. Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who will build The Ride for Radiotherapy raised more than £23,000 which is amazing and already we and run the facility, Brighter Futures need to have named a date for 2016 – 11th September. fund the equipment. We hope to encourage more people to cycle the 70 miles which is equivalent to one jourTo date we have raised just over £300,000 ney our cancer patients make each time for and have a pledge from an anonymous Trust radiotherapy treatment. for £100,000 so are really pleased with the appeal so far. Local residents of Swindon have been so generous and we hope they continue to support us in 2016. People have run for the Charity using their own places in events such as Swindon Half Marathon, the Hackpen Hill 10k, Chippenham Half Marathon, and challenge events like Tough Mudder.
We also ran our first Ball at the Village Hotel which was themed Black and White – this raised £6,500 with an auction and raffle. Finally the year was rounded off with more than 500 Reindeers running around Coate Water Park in aid of the appeal. Our Reindeer Run on 6th December raised £15,000 which gave fundraisers the chance to walk, jog or run to finish at the hospital with a great medal, certificate, goody bag and enjoy mince pies and hot drinks. In 2016 we’ve a whole host of events and initiatives that you can get involved in.
Thamesdown Ladies Choir helping launch the appeal in May 2015
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Come and listen to our speakers and get motivated at Outrun 2016 on 12th January at the Marriott Hotel. You’ll hear a range of speakers who will tell you their tales of how they set out to achieve something great and challenge themselves in the process.
Brighter Futures Update
Jamie Andrews promises to be an amazing key note speaker with tales of his solo 5,000 miles run across Canada dressed in a Superhero costume! We have a range of events and initiatives in 2016 which will give people a new challenge and will also help our cause. Why not consider trekking the Great Wall of China or Macchu Picchu or running in a half marathon or Brighton marathon? Alternatively you can walk the Ridgeway on midsummers eve… Take a look at our events listing below but if there’s something you’ve always fancied doing for charity and it’s not listed below, get in touch with the team for a chat.
• • • • • • • •
Outrun 2016 – 12th January 7pm – Marriott Hotel Lads and Dads Walk – 2nd April Places in Brighton Marathon – 17th April Wine Tasting Evening – 8th April Jump for Radiotherapy – Skydive – 5th June Ride for Radiotherapy – 22nd September Black and White Ball – 15th October Reindeer Run – 4th December
ANYTHING SWINDON
Dr Dawn Porter #thetimeis now campaign
Contact the Brighter Futures fundraising team below for more information. Email: fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk Tel: 01793 605631 Web: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Movie News
Win four tickets to a Film of your choice! To win the tickets, Please tell what year is the Above Dads Army film based in?
A: 1944 B: 2004 or C: 2014 Please email win@anythingswindon.co.uk with your answer and your postcode by the 18th Jan 2016 “Well done to Charlotte Greenwood who won the Dec competition! Empire Cinema will be in touch� PAGE 8
Key Wizard
A Look Inside Keyswizard Music Studios When there is a chance to realise something you once dreamed of, how can you make it happen? After spending years in front of a microphone as a musician, synth player and keyboard wizard, Jason Sidebottom knew that he wanted to be behind that recording console. So with a leap of faith and some excellent coaching skills from Swindon’s Outset business team, he decided to start up his own music studio business. Jason says, “From the initial concept, I wanted to create a a studio that would allow a musician to get more from their rehearsal time than just playing songs. There’s the creative element that needs to shine through.”
“It’s how I visioned my studio to be. Bright and spacious, comfortable, the best gear and the best experience from a musicians point of view. It has to be that way because I spend most of my time in there!”
favourite songs has never been easier, and whether it’s putting down a few ideas they’ve had or just having a fun time, they’ll always get that engineered sound with the recording technology that’s available here.”
Jason is currently supplying professional backing tracks for vocalist to record over.
If you are interested in rehearsals or fancy the experience of recording your own CD, contact the studios at Unit 70 BSS House. Their website is www.keyswizard. co.uk or call Jason on 07783 837217.
Jason goes on to say, “ From my experience, you won’t get that if you are working hard at rehearsal. By providing a naturally comfortable environment, you can achieve that element.”
He says, “My customers are loving their superstar experience at the studios. Cutting their own CD’s with their
Based at BSS House in Cheney Manor, it was a former purpose built studio unit that supplied the foundation for his own concept. “The hard work was already done.” Jason explains, “The geometry of the rooms, the acoustic insulation, even the height of the ceilings. It was there ready to go. I had spent many hours rehearsing in those rooms years before when the studios were previously known as Zero7, but I really wanted to name them after my own moniker… Keyswizard.”
ANYTHING SWINDON
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TEL: 01793 977117
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Drove Pets Update Check airway by putting your hand in front of the nose & feeling for air movement and checking that the chest is moving. If the animal is not breathing, start artificial respiration. Check the heart to see if it is beating. Place your hand on the chest just below the elbow to feel for a beat. Make the animal comfortable and prevent heat loss by covering with a coat, cardigan etc.
Mouth – to – nose resuscitation:
“Animal First Aid” What do you do if you come across an accident? If you know the basics of first aid, you may be able to prevent the animals suffering, help its owner, and perhaps even save the animal’s life. Animal first aid is: the immediate treatment of the injured animal, using facilities or materials at hand to help you. The aims of first aid are: • • •
To preserve life To prevent the condition from worsening To promote recovery/prevent suffering
Firstly – assess the situation (is the animal in danger of more injury, does it need moving immediately, or the traffic stopping etc. You need to assess how you can safely help – do not put yourself in danger). Don’t panic, take a deep breath and try to think logically. A – Airway (check that there is nothing in the mouth causing a blockage.) B – Breathing (is the patient breathing) C – Circulation (is the animal’s heart beating) Control any haemorrhage (bleeding) Approaching an injured animal An injured animal is very likely to be frightened, and a frightened animal could bite or scratch anyone who approaches, even if they know that person. Approach gently and quietly, reassure the patient with your voice. If the animal tries to bite you may need to make a temporary muzzle. You could use a looped shoe lace, sock, scarf or belt to tie around the mouth, but do not muzzle if the patient is having breathing problems or has facial injuries.
If the patient is unconscious Tilt the head sideways so that the tongue falls out – pull the tongue forward to clear the airway. DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGERS IN THE MOUTH. ANYTHING SWINDON
Pull tongue forwards. Close mouth and cup fingers and a thumb around it to create an airtight seal. If the mouth is not sealed then any air you blow into the nose will escape through the mouth, instead of going into the lungs. If the patient is large you may need both hands. It is recommended that you wear a face mask when attempting this, but if none is available and you want to continue, then try to be careful not to inhale any saliva. Do not over inflate the lungs or the delicate lung tissue could be damaged. Gentle puffs that just cause the rib cage to lift are best blowing at one second intervals.
Cardiac massage: If the heart is not beating, lay the animal on its right side. Place the heel of one hand on the rib cage behind the front leg. Cover this hand with the heel of the other hand. Pressure should be applied at half-second intervals for small animals, and one second intervals for larger ones. For very small dogs and cats the heart is massaged by compressing the ribs between the thumb and forefinger. If there are two people available both artificial respiration and cardiac massage can be done together. If you are alone, cardiac massage is for 5 seconds, then inflate the chest once, continue again: heart for 5 seconds – breathing for 1 second. Repeat.
Bleeding: Cover a bleeding wound with anything to hand: a handkerchief, sock, scarf etc, apply pressure, unless there is anything sticking out of the wound – pressure could make this worse. Just cover and if possible, lightly keep dressing on with tape, shoe lace, scarf, sock etc … Telephone a Veterinary Surgeon as soon as possible.
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE TELEPHONE:
(01793) 522483 www.drovevets.co.uk
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SNDogs December Update DOG OF THE MONTH Registered Charity No. 1163257
SNDogs (Saving Needy Dogs) The New Year is all about Resolutions and wanting new challenges for the year ahead – so why not think about volunteering with SNDogs? Volunteering with us is very rewarding - you’ll make lots of new friends – human and doggy ones and trying something different is fun - you may discover skills that you never knew you had!
CAN YOU GIVE ZEUS A HOME?
Zeus is approximately 4 years old and a medium sized podenco, He had a hard start and is now learning all about being a dog. He can be a nervSNDog volunteers come from all walks of life and ous boy and can be skittish around loud noises and the amount of time you can commit differs for loud harsh voices and of dogs bouncing up to him, each person but we all have one thing in common especially those he doesn’t know
– a desire to help the dogs who find themselves in our care, loving new homes as well as to promote the welfare of dogs - the only stipulation is that you are over 18 years of age!
Zeus loves making you happy , plays well with his foster sisters whom he knows and trusts, the nudges and cuddles he asks for , the helicopter tail when he is happy and his expressive ears, that help SNDogs have lots of volunteer opportunites: show you what he is thinking , he tries to please Fundraising - help out at various fundraising but isn’t always sure what you want of him and you events – this can be a street collection, bag pack- need to be patient, and help guide him.
ing in a supermarket, jumble sale, a school fete or helping out at a dog show.
Dog walking - the dog walking team take some of the ‘new arrival’s and those not yet in foster homes for walks (be prepared to walk in all weathers!) Most dogs need two walks a day; we rely on our volunteers to ensure the dogs get the exercise that they need to remain healthy and happy. Fostering – do you fancy welcoming a dog into your home whilst it is looking for a new permanent home? – fostering is very rewarding and the dog can be placed with you – sometime for a few days/weeks to a few months - food, treats and vets bill are all taken care of by SNDogs. Cake Baking - good at cake baking and craft making? Our Crafty Ladies Group make delicious cakes and amazing crafts to sell at many of our events. Home Checking - we need to know if homes are suitable for our dogs and need people who can respond quickly to homecheck requests local to them. It helps if you are an experienced dog owner but SNDogs can provide full training. ONE WARNING! … you will fall in love with all the dogs and want to take them home with you! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! SNDogs relies entirely on donations - there are many ways you can help SNDogs. Donate via Paypal – swindonsneedydogs@gmail.com or bank transfer to (Co-op) Swindons Needy Dogs Account No. 65622481 sort code 089299. We also have an Amazon Wish List – search for Saving Needy Dogs. PAGE 12
He is a good boy with a big heart and would love a family to call his own!
If you can give ZEUS a home please email sndrescue@gmail.com
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NO JOINING FEE THIS JANUARY Walk, run, swim, or cycle yourself healthy with no contract and no joining fee until 31st January.
Join your local Better leisure centre today at www.better.org.uk/swindon
Proud to be fundraising for Sport Relief. Terms and conditions apply, visit www.better.org.uk/terms for details. Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland). Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398
ANYTHING SWINDON
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PAGE 19
Churchfields Academy Logo
1.
2.
3.
Churchfields Academy Every Classroom, Every Lesson, Every Student
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
There is something at Swindon Evangelical Church for everyone. See www.swec.org.uk for more details. ofďŹ ce@swec.org.uk 01793 541153 PAGE 20
Charity no. 1129912
Ed Byrne
ANYTHING SWINDON
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Councillor Updates Councillor Jim Grant, Rodbourne Cheney Councillor. 01793 485159, grant4gt@btinternet.com Future of Lydiard Park & House There is a current debate taking place over the future of Lydiard Park and House. The Conservative administration on Swindon Borough Council wishes to transfer the Park and House to another operator who would be expected to run Lydiard without any subsidy from Swindon Council. Swindon Council’s Conservative Cabinet has said that they wish to do this as they believe Lydiard requires a significant council-taxpayer subsidy and that this could bring an opportunity to attract more investment in to Lydiard. The level of public subsidy currently required for Lydiard has been much debated with the Friends of Lydiard, an independent charity dedicated to supporting Lydiard House and Park, disputing the figures. Council figures have also shown that budgeted spending on Lydiard increased by £230K in just two years and nobody can explain where this extra money has been spent at Lydiard, which has raised further doubts on the suggested subsidy. The Friends of Lydiard charity has started a petition calling on the Council not to hand over Lydiard to the private sector which has attracted 7,500 signatures and there will be a public meeting on January 12th 2016, at 7pm at the Lydiard Park Academy, where the Councillors will be invited to debate this issue with local residents interested in the future of Lydiard. If you are unable to attend this meeting you can also get in touch with your local councillors to express your views or find out information about Lydiard’s future. Cllr Jim Grant Councillor Nadine Watts – Old Town & East Wichel. nadine.watts@live.co.uk - 07595 071381
Councillor Nadine Watts – Old Town & East Wichel – nadine.watts@live.co.uk - 07595 071381 Programme of works to improve approximately 90 traffic signs in the Old Town area is due to take place between Monday 23 November and Friday 11 December. People in Swindon are being urged to look after their health and take the necessary precautions as temperatures drop. The flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce harm from flu. Fitting draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors helps efficiency. If you’re struggling to pay the heating bill you may be eligible for a Warm Home Discount.
• • • • •
Corn Exchange - progress is being made with legal agreements. Hopefully it will be signed by end of the year. Town Gardens footbridge - Now out for tender. Hesketh Crescent play area - Contractor has now been appointed. Work should start w/c 30 November and be completed in February. East Wichel – Bus lane is now enforceable. Decision still to be made on the proposed parking restrictions. Date of next South Locality Meeting: Tuesday 26 January 2016 – Wroughton Junior School, Main Hall.
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 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 22
Mp Update
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FLIC “Read More About it in 2016” As we begin a new year, many of us will reflect upon the year that has just passed, whether that’s a personal reflection or from a business point of view. For many of us it can be both.
Over the past year the team at FLIC’s main focus has been to bring you all of the latest and breaking news in Swindon. FLIC is a local business, which has grown rapidly over the past three years. FLIC Highlights from 2015 have included attending the EDF Energy South West Media Awards where we were delighted to be awarded the honour of ‘Website of the Year’ Mark Neilson, FLIC MD, said “It’s a major achievement to receive this award, especially considering the media industry heavy weights that normally populate these lists. This is testament to the hard work, commitment and creativity of the brilliant team we have built over the last couple of years and the support of the local community, who have embraced the site and helped it grow” After winning the award, it was straight back to work in preparation for the launch of
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our brand new website. The new site gives readers the chance to access all of the latest news even faster – as well as a whole host of local information including details of events, charity, sporting and business news as well as reader promotions, competitions and news from local schools and colleges. “FLIC stands for: ‘For Local Independent Coverage’ and our goal is to make a positive contribution to the local community and to support other local businesses, charities and organisations. With over 250,000 unique users per month and a social media following of over 20,000, FLIC is a great way to increase your brand awareness and have our readers link straight through to your website, by choosing one of our specialist advertising solutions. We will work with you to ensure that your brand and your business catch the attention of our readership. If you would like to promote your business on FLIC call Helen Marks on 07765 066564 Or if you have a story, we’d love to to hear from you. To get in touch with us email: newsdesk@flicwiltshire.com or call 01793 847881 Rebecca Wood, News Editor
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PAGE 25
Sports - Football
Stratton Wolves and Foxes - End of year 2015 gallery
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Tree, Garden Services & Landscape Maintenance Call Peter on:
Before
01793 238114 07818 477447
After
All kinds of Garden Work
Trees Pruned, Topped & felled Fencing, Turfing & Years Grass Cutting ce Path’s & Patio’s Laid Experien Hedges Trimmed All types of Rubbish removed Family Run Business Full Liability Insurance
Over 25
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I set up PW tree and garden landscaping services over 25 years ago to offer a high quality of service. My attention to detail, I have built up a reputation for quality gardens. Most of my business derives from repeat custom or referrals made by satisfied customers, which demonstrates quality of service and passion for landscape gardening.
Our complete gardening service includes:
All landscape work undertaken Decking, patios and fencing Garden maintenance and advice Complete landscape design service One off jobs and regular visits Hard and soft landscaping projects New fences erected, old fences repaired Natural & artificial turf supplied & laid Overgrown gardens cleared Driveways, paths & patios Gravel & ornamental stone Garden sheds cleared & replaced
Property & General Maintenance:
All kinds of block paving, patios & path ways cleaned, sealed & restored Tree Services Trees Felled Trimmed Shaped & Pruned Fruit Trees Pruned Hedges Trimmed Boxed & Shaped Shrubs Pruned & Shaped Grass cutting
P.W Tree & Garden Services pwtreeandgarden@yahoo.com
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
Pearce Funeral Services 1 Groundwell Rd, Swindon, SN1 2LT 01793 422422
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www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
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PAGE 29
Town Eyecare Your Local IndependentOld Optician 102 Victoria Road
At Old Town Eyecare we take pride in offering a personal service. We have over 1000 frames to choose from including designer brands such as Hugo Boss and Ted Baker. If you’re interested in contact lenses you can book in for a FREE trial.
Old Town Swindon SN1 3BD
T: 01793 511327 F: 01793 512084 E: info@oteyecare.com W: www.oteyecare.com
Call us today or visit our website for more information.
01793 511327 www.oteyecare.com
10 2 V I C TO R I A R OA D, SW I N D O N , S N1 3 B D Fi nd u s opp os ite the Post Of f i ce
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EtaEtion FoR l nsu C
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