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MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM Welcome to our March edition of Anything Swindon magazine, we have a lot to celebrate in this issue with Mother’s Day and Easter both falling this month. Inside this issue, we have our usual updates from Drove Vets and SNDogs along with our new monthly feature from Gavin Ellis as he sets off on his journey around the world in “The year of the Gav”.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 04
TOWN CENTRE FOCUS
07
DROVE VETS AND PETS
08
THE YEAR “OFF” OF THE GAV
09
MOOVAHOME FUNDRAISING
10
MOVIE NEWS
12
SNDOGS UPDATE
14
BIZ SPACE FEATURE
18
OLD TOWN FESTIVAL 2016
19
JENSONS OF GORSE HILL
20
BRIGHTER FUTURES
Happy reading!
22
COUNCILLOR UPDATES
Graham and Ian
23
MP UPDATE
Follow us on Social Media:
26
VSF FEATURE
We meet with Ashley Cain of Moovahome as he discusses his fundraising intentions in 2016, Director Ashley Cain is undertaking the London Marathon as well as the Dart 10k, a river swim race in September, for the children’s charity NSPCC and a locally based charity called Rhi’s Goals. We have our latest update from Brighter futures as the team arrange this year’s Lads and Dads walk on Saturday 2nd April walk 10K around the scenic countryside of Royal Wootton Bassett, find out more on page 20. We would also like to welcome our newest readers in Wroughton, Wichelstowe and Badbury Park as the Anything Swindon Magazine expands its distribution routes across the town. Graham & Ian would like to wish you a very happy Easter, enjoy reading our March Edition.
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 15,000 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 NSBRC Main Feature St Page George’s Day Does ‘Best of Swindon’, IS0001 Loyalty Card Vinyl A5.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2016 15:16 1 Saturday 23rd April
Enjoy a fun-packed St George’s Day Festival on Saturday 23rd April where inSwindon will host another free family event brimming with traditional activities in celebration of St George’s Day.
Swindon Town Centre Loyalty Card
There’s something for everyone in your Town Centre…
inSwindon BID (Business Improvement District) Company is inviting visitors to come and enjoy a fantastic variety of free events throughout 2016.
Featuring performances from local dancers, a George and the Dragon medieval fancy dress competition, family activities and more, there will also be an opportunity to show off your talents live on stage!
ACCEPTED HERE
Following the success of the New Year, New You event in January, where the Juice Master, Jason Vale, visited the town centre for a day full of live ‘Juicy Demo’s’ and activities, it certainly gave us a taste of things to come.
That’s right - inSwindon will be hosting the ‘Best of Swindon’ Talent Competition, where 10 finalists will battle it out in front of the judges and audience to win a coveted prize - the chance to perform live in front of up to 10,000 people at this year’s Christmas Light Switch On!
Swindon Through the Looking Glass, Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th June InSwindon are working alongside the Brunel Shopping Centre, The Parade and Regent Circus to bring you a weekend full of surprises, quirky entertainment and utter madness! Celebrating the release of Disney’s Through the Looking Glass on May 27th in cinema’s nationwide, a hub of live activity will take place throughout the town centre, featuring street entertainment and giant 3D installations.
Easter Egg-stravaganza, Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th March Welcome in Spring with the family and hop on into town across the Easter weekend to experience an exciting range of spring activities, live children’s entertainment on the main stage at Wharf Green, prizes and more importantly - the chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself! The event will offer something for everyone to get involved in, with fairground attractions, face painting and arts and crafts, as well as a traditional Easter Parade, led by your favourite characters, local talent and you! So, come along and treat the family to a weekend of free Easter entertainment and activities.
Plus, there’s a chance to meet many of your favourite characters, including the Queen of Hearts, as well as live story-time with the Giant Caterpillar and competitions with amazing prizes. Wharf Green will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland, where all the family can enjoy a host of weird and wonderful activities, which include arts and crafts, giant games, children’s rides and a spot of tea and cake no less, in true Mad Hatter style. Don’t be late!
For more information please visit
www.swindontowncentre.co.uk @inSwindon
inSwindon BID Company Ltd
For Business For Shopping For Leisure Business Improvement District
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FREE Town Centre Loyalty Card Take advantage of great oers and discounts in many town centre stores
Get your Loyalty Card from
www.swindontowncentre.co.uk @inSwindon
inSwindon BID Company Ltd
For Business For Shopping For Leisure Business Improvement District
Town Centre Focus RC_ad_210x148_HR.pdf
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22/02/2016
08:29
GET SET FOR
AT THE
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Drove Pets Update Acupuncture is usually carried out once per week (for ten minutes per session), for the first three to six weeks, and then the frequency is tailored to the individual, in line with their condition and response. Some may require no further sessions, some infrequent ‘top-ups’, and others lifelong regular sessions. Response to the first treatment is often short, if at all, but the effects are cumulative thereafter, building in strength and duration with further sessions.
Acupuncture Acupuncture can be an effective in patients that more ‘conventional’ treatments have failed. It can also be used as a ‘first line’ therapy, and can be successful in conditions ranging from pain (for example, arthritis) to epilepsy.
About 10-20% of animals are ‘non-responders’these can be identified by a lack of response after the first few sessions. Some of the conditions that can be considered for treatment include:
• • • Acupuncture can be defined as ‘the insertion of a solid needle into the body for the purpos- • es of treating disease and the maintenance of • health’. It’s often surprising just how accepting cats and dogs can be of the needles- they • are small and can often be placed without • even being noticed. • • In fact, most patients present for repeat sessions looking keener than the previous time, • and rarely with hesitation or reluctance. In animals, it is an act of ‘veterinary surgery’, therefore only a veterinary surgeon can perform acupuncture.
It works by stimulating the nervous system, which in its purest form can modify the sensation of pain. In fact, the most common reason for performing acupuncture is musculoskeletal pain, for example arthritis and muscle strain. In arthritic patients, as well as modifying the pain associated with affected joints, acupuncture also helps to relieve trigger points (like the ‘knots’ that we experience in our backs). There is also evidence to support the use of acupuncture in wound management, as it stimulates nerve growth and increased blood flow, both of which will encourage healing. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of ‘acral lick granuloma’ (a condition that commonly features thickened skin with hair loss and inflammation, associated with repetitive licking). ANYTHING SWINDON
Arthritis; Back pain; Muscle pain; Hip dysplasia; Soft tissues strain; Chronic gastro-intestinal disease; Paralysis / paresis; Acral lick granuloma; Urinary and faecal incontinence; Immune dysfunction (for example, allergies and asthma);
• Epilepsy. If you think that acupuncture may be of benefit to your dog or cat, discuss it with your veterinary surgeon. Not all vets will offer this service, but if this treatment is suitable for your pet, and your vet is unable to do acupuncture themselves, they will be able to direct you to a vet that can.
For more information please see our website www.drovevets.co.uk Or our Facebook page for more details.
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE TELEPHONE:
(01793) 522483 www.drovevets.co.uk
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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The year “off” of the Gav I happened to be in Swindon on the weekend of the 50th Superbowl. I don’t know how much of this seemingly national celebration in America has leaked into British psyche, but I’ve been assimilating for the best part of 25 years. I even tried to impart some of my knowledge of this pastime to a current Swindonian, but to no avail, he only lasted until half-time. Due to time differences, this was nearly 2.30am, so he did well.
February, Limbo – How slow can you go? This month should have been filled with movement and images from around the world as my travels and adventure began. Instead, like Diana Ross, I’m still waiting.
To get into the American spirit, I order Ribs and wings from Swindon’s own Tennessee Chicken.
The bureaucracy, red tape and hoops you have to jump through when selling a property seem endless. When the film of ‘The year off of the Gav’ is made, February will not feature very heavily. At best it will be a montage backed by a semi-upbeat Coldplay song. The constant waiting and not knowing has however allowed me the time to catch up with U.K friends. I returned from Jersey on the 3rd February and have proceeded to meet with a few nearest and dearest.
These were very well received. I highly recommend them. Hot and spicy chicken wings and succulent lamb ribs. I look forward to my discount when the 51st Superbowl rolls around – See you next February Swindon in the meantime look out for my journey updates inside The Anything Swindon Magazine every month xx
I was in Swindon for a long weekend, partly to instigate the formalities of my new website; gavellis.com (coming soon) but mostly to spend time with friends. In a crazy defiance of current protocol, I actually wanted to have real face time with the people that I love and not just ‘like’ a photograph of their children on social networking sites.
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To keep an eye on my travels visit the following: Instagram: gavellisiow Twitter @GavEllis_IOW blog: gavellis2016.blogspot.com
Local Fundraising
Moovahome Estate Agents are very much a community business and as such they are keen to give something back where they can. Whether that is supporting local projects, charities or individuals, it’s important they do this. This year, they are supporting two charities, the national one NSPCC and a local based charity called Rhi’s Goals.
at the same time is testing me. I am looking forward to it and have received some great support from clients and friends so far.
Throughout the year, every sale that Moovahome complete on, they will donate to both charities, pictured are Moovahome Director Ashley Cain as well as Sales Manager Alex Salsbury presenting a cheque to Rhi’s Goals for our November sales.
The money donated to Swindon Town in the Community will go towards the new foundation that was set up in memory of Rhiannon Brown who sadly passed away in January aged just 15. ‘Rhiannon was a larger than life person who in her own words wasn’t particularly academic. But she loved sport and football in particular. She was an integral part of the Girls Development Programme at Swindon Town and was the Goal Keeper in a team that went to the Junior World Cup in Sweden in 2013. This is a fantastic charity, set up in the name of a truly inspirational young lady’
In 2016, Director Ashley Cain is also undertaking the London Marathon as well as the Dart 10k, a river swim race in September, for the children’s charity.
Moovahome use video tours, premium online adverts and a one to one account manage to sell homes locally. Their fees are fixed at either £699 or 1%, depending on how involved you want to be. To get Moving or to donate,
Ashley said ‘The events I chose are both challenging and rewarding, but to train for both ANYTHING SWINDON
I know NSPCC were taken aback by our companies agreement to donate a percentage of each sale to the cause and the donations will go direct to helping prevent child cruelty’.
please get in touch at info@moovahome. co.uk or by calling the team on 01793522669
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 us when Batman V Superman opens at Empire Swindon?
A: March 25th B: March 26th or C: March 27th Please email win@anythingswindon.co.uk with your answer and your postcode by the 31st March 2016 “Congratulations to Susan Smith who won the February competition! Empire Cinema will be in touch� PAGE 10
Movie News
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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SNDogs March Update Please, please do ask your Vet to check that your dog’s chip is working when you take your dog in for its vaccinations or health check.
Registered Charity No. 1163257 SNDogs (Saving Needy Dogs)
However, don’t forget that it is also a legal requirement for all dogs to wear a collar and tag, with their owners name, address and telephone number on it.
FORTHCOMING SNDogs EVENTS COME AND MEET SOME OF OUR DOGS AT OUR MONTHLY DOG WALK: Saturday 26th March at 10.30am at Coate Water, Swindon.* Saturday 30th April – 10.30am at Coate Water Swindon,
Did you see us up at the Steam Railway in Old Town? The SNDogs team were there over the last weekend in January with lots of the dogs needing homes! As well as rescuing dogs and promoting the welfare of dogs, SNDogs also promotes animal responsibility - so now is a good time to bring your attention to a legal requirement for dog owners, coming into force from 6th April 2016 – MICROCHIPPING!
Walk your own dog and come and meet some of the dogs looking for homes.
(* due to the on-going Alabama Rot situation – please keep an eye on our facebook page for venue update)
DOG OF THE MONTH
CAN YOU GIVE ASHLEY A HOME? Ashley can’t bear to be parted from you and is very new to living in a home. Ashley walks well on a lead, but can be nervous of bigger dogs and some people. She does enjoy playing a little bit with other dogs but then she’ll always come back for cuddles and kisses.
A fine of £500 can be handed out from this date to owners whose dogs aren’t microchipped or their details on the microchip aren’t up to date. When a dog is re-homed, it is up to the new owner to check that the dog is microchipped – if it is then the previous owner needs to update the microchip with the required changes (address, tel no. & email address) but if the dog is not microchipped then it is up to the new owner to get it done. It is really important that people regularly check that their dogs micro chip is still working – to highlight this SNDogs recently had a stray dog handed into us – when the owners rang to say that it was their dog, we said that it couldn’t be because the dog didn’t have a chip but the owner said it did – it was their dog but the chip wasn’t working! PAGE 12
Ashley would be better suited to someone experienced with owning dogs and preferably a home with more than one dog, so she can learn how to live in and behave in her home. Ashley is suitable to live with children 10+ years. Ashley would suit a home without cats or smaller dogs.
If you can give Ashley a home please email sndrescue@gmail.com 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. Visit our website for more info... www.sndogs.uk
OW KN BOO
EXTREME TRAMPOLINE PARK LINK CENTRE
Our brand new trampoline park is now open.
Book now at www.betterextreme.org.uk linktrampolinepark @linkcentreTP Better Extreme Trampoline Park - Swindon
Better Extreme 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:
s al ce ci rvi . er e m g s ble om tin ila C cut va a s as also
gr
Regular lawn mowing from ÂŁ12 per visit Call 01793 477800
Driveway Cleaning See our website for details
GardenRoomSwindon.co.uk
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BSS House Feature
BSS House in Cheney Manor, Swindon, provides offices as well as a range of commercial units that can be rented as workshops, studios or for storage or light industrial purposes. We also offer a meeting room that can be hired by the hour and a mailbox service. We are located within Cheney Manor Industrial Estate and were the first business Centre to open in Swindon, and as such we now have a well-developed business community. Customers benefit from three unloading areas, an onsite cafĂŠ, CCTV and ample free car parking spaces.
ANYTHING SWINDON
Business rates are included in the rental charges for all of our offices and units, regardless of their size. Our flexible licenses allow you to sign up for as little as one month and move in on the same day. We also provide offers to help you reduce your costs when moving to us.
For more information contact us on 01793 613456
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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BSS House Feature
Nimble Thimbles Quality Fabrics, Wool & Haberdashery Alterations & excellent Sewing classes
www.nimblethimbles.co.uk Dress Fabrics & Patterns Quilting Fabrics Nimble Thimbles machines Sewing Nimble Thimbles Yarn & Patterns Knitting Nimble Thimbles Riley Blake, Michael Miller & many more Nimble Thimbles King Cole & Red Heart Patons, Nimble Thimbles Wide range of Haberdashery Open Nimble Thimbles and much more 10am - 5pm Mon - Wed Nimble Thimbles Free Parking 10am - 6pm Thu Closed Fri 10am - 4pm Sat Closed Sun Nimble Thimbles Nimble Thimbles
See web site for sewing, quilting & crafting classes 27 BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind Est, Swindon, SN2 2PJ Tel: 01793 950750 Mob: 07799 605045 nimblethimble@virginmedia.com
Nimble Thimbles
www.nimblethimbles.co.uk
Nimble Thimbles
Nobody Bullies a Ninja But as a parent you want much more than that for your child... 3 Confidence 3 Focus 3 Discipline 3 Fitness 3 Respect 3 Concentration
Brand new purpose built DoJo Classes kept small All ages & levels welcome Call now to book your place
07727 653852 www.bujinmartialarts.com Bujin Martial Arts at... Unit 69, BSS House, Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2PJ
Old Town Festival Update
Plans are full steam ahead for the 2016 Old Town Festival! There is something for everyone with entertainment from a wide range of performing arts folk from across the Borough. Tails are wagging with joy as the dog show is once again supported by Drove Vets.
Old Town Festival is supported by 105.5 Community Radio, Anything Swindon Magazine, Screaming Media Ltd, Christ Church, The Commonweal School- A Performing Arts Academy, Swindon Advertiser and Swindon Borough Council.
Dates for your Calendar They did an excellent job last year, very well organised and worked very well with the committee. This year we are introducing the 105.5 stage which will broadcast next to the dog show ring and church cafe. There will be small electro acoustic acts to entertain dog lovers and some interesting tails short and tall! Do you have a talented dog who can sing or dance? Do you have any funny stories about your pet? If so, come over to the 105.5 stage and chat to roaming reporter and the face of 105.5 Community Radio, the lovely Shirley Ludford. Funfair, parade, stalls, lush food, archers, knights in shinning armour, interesting walks .... simply enjoy some fun and relaxation with friends and family. Have you marked the dates on your Calendar? Over the coming months we will feature some of the acts and give you an insight to what makes them tick!
By Josie Williams, Festival Chair and Community Arts and Press Liaison Officer at Commonweal School. PAGE 18
11th - 18th June 2016 Lawn and the Bowl Stall pitches are still available for the Lawn, Sunday June 12th. Forms can be downloaded from the website www.oldtownfestival.co.uk. The parade is also open for application. Please email Kitty Langan for details. katie.leanne.sarah.langan@gmail.com
Advertising Opportunities in the Official 2016 Program
Contact Graham @ Screaming Media on 01793 977117 or email to info@screamingmedia.co.uk
Advertsing Feature
SUITS YOU SIR!! Jenson’s of Gorse Hill launch a brand new suit range in Swindon this April Digel - The Menswear Concept is an international fashion label with an innovative vision and creative spirit. Discover their range of suits and jackets, shirts, ties and coats at Jenson’s from April. Proper business suits, casual everyday outfits and perfect wedding styles. Jenson’s Of Gorse Hill will also stock a range of mix & match suits, allowing you to freely combine different size jackets and trousers.
Owner Pete Dore talks to us about the new range. “Here at Jenson’s our high standards of service and sustainability govern our actions – day in, day out. Digel’s target group is individualists with a sense of quality for whom confidence of style and affordable contemporary clothing for every occasion are essential. We are pleased to welcome the brand to Swindon and offer our customers of old and our customers of the future a fantastic variety of suits not on the high street.”
WHY DIGEL? QUALITY Our products offer high quality and maximum wearing comfort at a reasonable price. FUNCTIONALITYWhether it’s protection and additional functions or innovative materials – we are always one step ahead. Our criteria are determined by our customers and we tailor our products to suit their needs. CONFIDENCE OF STYLEWe offer a variety of products and guarantee that our customers are impeccably dressed at all times for every occasion. MODERNITYWe have a keen sense for the latest trends and are creative in our designs. We add fashionable touches and are globally recognised. The Digel collections are offered in more than 40 countries worldwide. Digel customers can buy the products in more than 3000 shops. always in tune with the times.
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
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Brighter Futures Update Six months later, Fred began his course of radiotherapy treatment at Oxford Hospital. Initially, Fred thought he could drive himself to his appointments but after the first few days he realised that this wasn’t going to be possible. Radiotherapy for a prostate cancer patient has to be delivered on a full bladder and the delicate balance of managing this and dealing with the side effects of treatment on the journey home, meant that the journey itself became extremely stressful for Fred.
ril 2nd Ap m o r 2016 f o 12 no n
Sign up today at www.entrycentral.com/Ladsdads
10km walk followed by two rugby games at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club. Fun fair and family fun day at the club house To raise money for the Radiotherapy appeal Entry is £18.00 per adult and £15.00 per child (under 18)
Includ pie & es a plus m pint* e certifi dal & cate *Children’s food provided
CS41800 NHS Creative 2015
Registered Charity No. 1050892
Visit www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk or call 01793 605631
Join us on Saturday 2nd April walk 10K around the scenic countryside of Royal Wootton Bassett to finish back at the Rugby club for a pie & pint (or sausage roll and a soft drink for the kids) followed by 2 great games of live rugby.
s at Join u Park rd ia d y L on Swind 2016 y a M h 8t
This event is a great chance for lads and dads to get behind the Radiotherapy Appeal and help bring cancer care closer...
Sadly cancer is predicted to rise by 16% over the next 10 years and affect one in three of the population. Fred Bassett tells us his story of why he feels it is so important. Fred began a six month treatment of Casodex which is a female hormone-based drug used to treat prostate cancer and produces symptoms of the menopause including hot flushes and fluctuating emotions.
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over 16 ye ars old
Run 5K or 10K
And help bring cancer care closer
CS42251 NHS Creative 2016
The rest of the family is then welcome to meet the boys at the finish line and celebrate with a family fun day with a fun fair, bouncy castle, face paint & live music. Every month 284 people from around Swindon and Wiltshire are given a cancer diagnosis at Great Western Hospital. Our cancer patients have to make the journey to Oxford for their radiotherapy treatment.
£15 per ad ult £10 per ch ild
Entry includes a certificate and medal. Prizes for best fancy dressed. Prize for the highest fundraiser. To enter go to www.entrycentral.com/superhero Registered Charity No. 1050892
Have you got what it takes to be a hero?
CS42251 Brighter Futures Super Hero Run poster A4.v3.indd 1
26/01/2016 08:42
Join us on Sunday 8th May at Lydiard Park, Swindon for our first Superhero Run! Can you take on this rumbling challenge? Choose which hero you will be and run, jog or walk 5k or 10k. In return for your bravery we will reward you with a medal & certificate.
Sign up today www.entrycentral.com/superhero
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
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Councillor Updates Report from Cllr Joe Tray, Penhill & Upper Stratton ward. j.tray@ntlworld.com This month we have seen a poll that was requested by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council. This was following the request from Swindon Borough Council for the Parish to take on the cost and responsibility for “Street smart services” (grass cutting, attending flower beds and litter picking etc.). The Parish council asked for a poll of the residents on their views as many on the Parish Council felt this was a form of double taxation, when we the residents pay for these services with our council tax, to then be asked to pay again through our Parish precept seemed unfair. The result of the poll was nearly 90% of those voting were against taking on these services from Swindon Council. The poll was paid for by the Parish but Swindon Borough council were responsible for organising and running the poll, I do apologise for those who could not vote and were restricted due to no Proxy votes, no postal ballot and what appeared to be a mix up on where to vote. As I said that was the responsibility of Swindon Council. Also the returning officer incorrectly announced the result, but this was changed later. Following the result and listening to what the residents are saying, the Parish council has declined taking on any of these service from the Borough. A view we support.
Councillor Nadine Watts – Old Town & East Wichel. nadine.watts@live.co.uk - 07595 071381 Parishing - Following a public meeting on 17 February, the overwhelming majority of people who attended were against the imposition of parishing and were in favour of a referendum. Parishes would be responsible for delivering services such as minor repairs to roads, maintenance of open spaces and play areas and street lighting. Not only will taxpayers end up paying more, but the level of service delivery will vary according to where you live. Please let me know what you think. Hesketh Crescent Play Area Refurbishment – work is progressing well and the improvements are scheduled for completion in mid-March. A community planting event will follow. It will be fantastic to have a new play area here. Townsend House – it is great to see that work has now started on Townsend House in Bath Road. It is to be redeveloped in to 15 one and two-bedroom apartments for key workers (employees who work in essential public services). There has already been a lot of local interest and it should be finished in August 2016. South Locality Meeting – Wednesday 30 March at 7pm at Chiseldon Primary School, Castle View Road, SN4 0NS. This meeting offers an opportunity to ask questions of councillors, Council officers and police.
Berkeley Farm Development Swindon Borough Council turned down the Berkeley Farm housing application but unfortunately the developer appealed the decision and the Inspector allowed this appeal. This is devastating as the decision of the Inspector means that we could have applications for housing all over Wroughton and Swindon. The only way to stop this is by Judicial Review. Your 3 Conservative Borough Councillors and your MP immediately requested that the Borough Council apply. I can inform you that at a cabinet meeting I recommended that the Borough Council apply and this was unanimously supported. The process can take up to 9 months, hopefully this will prevent any further hostile housing applications.
Regards Cllr Brian Ford Cabinet Member for StreetSmart & Highway Maintenance
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
Robert Buckland Update As ever, I am deeply involved with local issues, whether it be traffic problems or GP services across our area. After the frustrating and disappointing decision by the Planning Inspector to grant the Berkeley Farm application in Wroughton, I have been speaking with Swindon Borough Council and have made my concerns known to my colleague Brandon Lewis MP, the Planning Minister, because this result could seriously affect the Borough’s new Local Plan and the developing Wroughton Neighbourhood Plan. The Council will now seek permission from the Court to launch a Judicial Review. In Old Town, I recently chaired a meeting with local residents and Swindon Borough Council about traffic access to Croft School & Leisure Centre. It was a productive meeting and a number of suggestions were put forward, so I am confident that an effective traffic management plan will be agreed in the near future. As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a local or national issue that you would like to raise at one of my regular surgeries. Please get in touch with my office if you would like to book an appointment (01793 533393).
Twitter: @robertbuckland Facebook: www.facebook.com/robertbucklandmp Or you can contact my Swindon Office: Tel: 01793 533393 Email: robert.buckland.mp@parliament.uk
Justin Timlinson MP I am honoured to have been made a Vice-President of the disability charity Special Effect, which aims to use advanced technology to adapt video games to enhance the quality of life for people with physical disabilities. Special Effect visit people to find out exactly what they want to play, and what they need to play it. They then match, modify or create equipment to lend to them, and give support so they can get the best out of it. Regardless of a person’s disability, there is never a situation that is too challenging for the tech specialists at Special Effect. What’s more, as a person’s disability changes over time, Special Effects go back again and again to make sure that those who they support get a chance to keep playing to the very best of their abilities. Fundamentally, Special Effect don’t charge for anything that they, and they don’t sell any equipment. The aim is simply to do whatever it takes to raise the quality of life for disabled people. As part of my new role as Vice-President, I was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister, along with representatives from the games industry, to open the new Special Effect Games Room which will allow more disabled people to enjoy video games. As the Minister for Disabled People it is a key ambition of mine to ensure that disabled people get to enjoy the same activities as non-disabled people. As a huge fan of video games myself, I am delighted to be part of an organisation like Special Effect which is helping to break down barriers and provide these opportunities for everybody and it was a real pleasure to show the Prime Minister more of this brilliant charity.
MPs Office, 1 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE - 01793 533393 justin.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Secondary
'John (centre), Tracy and David - Here for you when needed most'
Based in Stratton St Margaret, for your extra convenience we also have offices at 1 Groundwell Road, 300 yards from the Registrar’s Office, an easy place to call into after registration. We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 01793 487286 92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, SN3 4NN – 01793 832072 or 1 Groundwell Road, Swindon, SN1 2LT – 01793 422422.
Call
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PAGE 25
When all you want to do is move!
THINKIN
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HE IS RISEN! GREAT NEWS FOR SWINDON
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.
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” JOHN 11:25
See www.swec.org.uk for more details.
PAGE 26
If one of you is a Higher Rate Tax payer (taxable income over £42,385), then you should try to make sure that the tax relief goes to the higher earner. However, from April 2016, the new dividend tax will make company pension contributions much more advantageous than personal pension payments paid from dividends. Peter Bromiley ACA @AMSAccountancy AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon SN5 7XF 01793 818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
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