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Christmas BookingsNow Being Taken in HongXin & The BanquetSN5 Restaurants Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor, 5EZ FREE Christmas Crackers for Early Bookings !
FREE Meal Voucher(s) for a Party with 6 or More Adults ! (booking required) 01793 877888 www.hongxin.co.uk Bring Oriental Banquet to Town Centre: The
BanOuet 盛 宴
Best Value in Town!
Include Desserts, Fruits, Salad, Sushi, Icecream ... Near Swindon Central Library
Tel: 01793 420059
www.thebanquet-restaurant.co.uk
In Hongxin & The Banquet: New Head Chefs with 20 Years Experience!
Enjoy Fruity Cocktails with your Christmas Meal!
Bring the Great Experience to Your Home (Takeaway):
n01793 877888 Fuwsiook Fantastic Offers
£6
on Our Website:
www.fusion-wok.co.uk
Tel: 01793 875 000
* Voucher For Cash Payment Only
For A Telephone Order Over £25 Please Inform Us Using the Voucher When You Place the Order *T&Cs Apply, No Cash Alternative, Can’t be Used with Any Other Offers
FREE Delivery (Min Order Applies, T&Cs Apply)
Pick up from Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor
MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM Welcome to our November edition of The Anything Swindon Magazine. This month we have our regular update from Drove Vets and the Brighter Futures charity organisers. The InSwindon Bid company announce dates and special guests for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch on. Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson talk to us regarding their recent activities supporting the people of Swindon. We meet with Louise Coles of Toothill who has just won over £1000 in prizes as a result of our recent anniversary Competition. We have a five-page sports and leisure feature as we meet with John Wilson of Westlecote Bowls Club and Lee Bowen development officer at Swindon Table Tennis League. We also introduce a brand new eating in and eating out feature as we team up with Swindon’s favourite restaurant’s and take away food outlets. Happy reading!
Ian and Graham Follow us on Social Media: facebook.com/anythingSwindon @anythingswindon
Design editor: Ian E: ian@screamingmedia.co.uk Editor: Graham E: graham@screamingmedia.co.uk Advertising: Telephone 01793 977117 Designed & Printed: Screaming Media Ltd www.screamingmedia.co.uk Readership: 75,000 Circulation: 25,000 Online View 5,000 per month,
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 04
COMPETITION WINNER
06
BRIGHTER FUTURES UPDATE
10
MOVIE NEWS
11
DROVE VETS AND PETS
12
SNDOGS UPDATE
14
VSF FEATURE
17
TOP TEN XMAS TOYS
18
EAT IN AND OUT FEATURE
21
FERNDALE PRE-SCHOOL
22
COUNCILLOR UPDATES
23
MP UPDATES
24
MAKIN MUZIC
26
TABLE TENNIS FEATURE
27
WESTLECOT BOWLS FEATURE
28
FOOTBALL UPDATE
31
TOWN CENTRE UPDATE
33
WHATS ON
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).
Prize Winner
Anything Swindon Magazine Anniversary Prize winner. In August and September, we gave our readers the opportunity to enter our £1000 prize draw as part of our one-year anniversary celebration. With over 10’000 entries, we can now announce the winner is mum of two Louise Coles of TootHill.
Here at The Anything Swindon Magazine we are delighted with the many entries for all of our competitions and to have over 10’000 people enter our anniversary draw, we are delighted. Louise is an online reader and entered through our Facebook page. All previous Issues of the magazine are available to read on our website - www.anythingswindon.co.uk
Louise went on to say...
“I am over the moon with winning the competition and it will help massively with Christmas coming up.” Louise will now celebrate with a variety of prizes including food vouchers, high street shopping vouchers and a brand new suit for her partner from Jenson’s of Gorse Hill.
We have monthly competitions to win Cinema tickets with Empire cinema Swindon, Tickets to the Swindon Wildcats and Family tickets to the Swindon Wyvern Theatre. Louise won family tickets too see this years Pantomime “Snow White and the seven dwarfs” starring Eastenders actor Adam Woodyatt.
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Louise can now celebrate with the following items from our Prize package: • • • • • • • •
Wyvern Theatre Pantomime Tickets Family tickets to the Empire Cinemas £50.00 Argos Vouchers Tickets to any league game at the SwindonWildcats A £50.00 My Little Pony toy from The Entertainer toy store Swindon A pamper package from Consol Tanning salon in Commercial Road Swindon A family photography session at SLN Photography in Royal Wootton Bassett Nice Clean Vouchers to the value of £50.00
ANYTHING SWINDON
• • • • • • • •
Pizza Express Vouchers worth £80.00 1 Months free Gym Membership courtesy of the Link Centre Swindon A meal for two at The Curry Place Rodbourne Gourmet Burger Kitchen Vouchers worth £60 Meal for two @ Rustico Restaurant Swindon A family meal at the Pig on the Hill worth £95 A takeaway meal courtesy of Curry Cottage Rodbourne to the value of £40.00 A £200.00 suit courtesy of Pete Dore and his team at Jenson’s of Gorse Hill
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Brighter Futures Update Giving your time can make such a difference - help Swindon Win! Could you give a few hours to make a difference to help cancer patients bring cancer care closer to Brighter Futures fundraising team are currently looking for volunteers to help with their fundraising events. We need people to help with our Reindeer Run to help with activities such as putting out route signage, marshalling and cheering our runners/reindeers over the finish line. In return we will make sure everyone is given an induction briefing, a Brighter Futures t-shirt and marshal vest to wear and is given refreshments throughout.
If you would like to help make our events run smoothly then contact the fundraising team on 01793 6705631 for an informal chat or email us on fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk Swindon Borough Council agree to more parishes say over whether it wishes to parish the current nonparished areas. The reason the Council is seeking to do this is in order to transfer streetsmart services such as grounds maintenance, street cleaning and pothole filling to the new parish councils that will be the elected body running the parish. Recently Swindon Borough Council has agreed to look in to parishing all the current non-parished areas of Swindon. The Council have agreed to instigate a Community Governance Review which will consult residents of nonparished areas on whether they would be interested in being parished. This process will be completed in one year’s time and will give the Council a steer on residents’ views on the parishing of non-parished areas. However the Council will have the final PAGE 6
The Council hopes that by transferring these services to parish councils the quality of these services would be better than the streetsmart services the Council could provide in the future. The Council is hoping to save £5m through the transferring of these services and it is likely residents will have to pay more in their overall counciltax bill through a new parish precept. The debate about the principle of parishing the current non-parished urban areas of Swindon has only
just started so if you’d like to find out more please contact your local councillors. The non-parished areas of Swindon includes:
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Wichelstowe Old Town West Swindon Walcot, Parks Eldene, Liden Central Swindon Gorse Hill Pinehurst Penhill Moredon Rodbourne Rodbourne Cheney
Cllr Jim Grant Rodbourne Cheney Councillor
Kentwood The choir with a difference
Presents CHRISTMAS CRACKER Don’t miss your annual start to the Christmas festivities. Kentwood Choir bring you a wonderful show full of seasonal surprises and Christmas cheer.
CRICKLADE LEISURE CENTRE
CHRISTMAS
FAYRE
Featuring the wonderful Aldbourne Band, Our guest Phil Steventon (vibraphone) and the Open Door Choir celebrating their 30th Anniversary.
SUNDAY
15TH NOVEMBER
Wyvern Theatre
1PM – 4.30PM
Sunday 22 Nov 2015 at 4:00pm Sunday 22 Nov 2015 at 8:00pm
OVER 40 STALLS INCLUDING:
Tickets: £14 *A 50 pence per ticket booking fee applies, capped at six per order. Fee-free booking for Wyvern Friends; Groups of 10+ please call 01793 524481 to buy fee-free.
GIFTS & JEWELLERY, FOOD STALLS, CHILDREN’S TOYS, HERBAL REMEDIES AND LOTS MORE... PLUS
Book early to avoid disappointment
FREE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES RAFFLE & REFRESHMENTS
ENTRY £1 (ADULTS) CHILDREN FREE
CRICKLADE LEISURE CENTRE Registered Office: Stones Lane, Cricklade Wiltshire SN6 6JW. Reg Charity No:1125605
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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WHY CHOOSE SOLIDOR? Put simply, Solidor make the very finest composite doors in the market today, packed with features and market firsts that aren’t available on any other door on the market. Unique colours, exclusive high security hardware and beautiful features are just some of the reasons why high quality installation companies offer our products, while consumers demand them. We continue to invest in new materials and in a product development programme to ensure we stay ahead of the pack. We also offer the market’s most comprehensive environmental policy, we’ve called it our ‘Green Promise’. Wherever you are in the UK, there’s a Solidor installer that can help transform your front door into a stylish and stunning entrance to your home. Solidor, ask for it by name. • • • • • •
17 colours inside and out Unique 48mm solid core door Chamfered or sculptured door frames Exclusive door furniture The most secure locking system Specify a Solidor product today for the very best in quality, design and lasting performance. If you’re unsure, ask for it by name.
The specification of our doors is unmatched in the composite door market, thanks to the unique solid timber core construction of our doors and exclusive trading agreements with specialist partners for door furniture and hardware. Our 48mm deep doors are also 10% thicker than our nearest competitors, helping making them more secure and energy efficient. Solidor have been designing, engineering and manufacturing composite doors in the UK since 2004 and our original doors still stand the test of time today. The collection is an outstanding range of industry leading, solid laminate timber core composite doors that combine classical, modern or futuristic styling with a full range of secure by design locking, providing a stunning, high quality and secure entrance to any home.
ANYTHING SWINDON
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 which actor plays President Snow? “For a clue read the above!”
A: Kiefer Sutherland B: Donald Sutherland or C: Angus Sutherland Please email win@anythingswindon.co.uk with your answer by the 18th Nov 2015 “Congratulations to Susie Taylor who won the October competition! Empire Cinema will be in touch” PAGE 10
Drove Pets Update In cats, heart failure is usually due to cardiomyopathy. Heart rate may cause problems because it is too fast or too slow. It is possible even in animals to fit pacemakers if required. Failure to move blood in a forward direction either due to pump failure (cardiomyopathy) or valve insufficiency will result in back pressure and overflow into tissues. This may result in fluid build up in the abdomen (ascites) or in the chest.
Heart Failure This is a common problem in older dogs, also seen occasionally in younger dogs and some cats. As everyone is aware heart disease is a life threatening illness and so is of major concern in both human and veterinary medicine. The most commonly presenting symptoms of angina and heart attacks do not occur in domestic animals (except pigs), as they do not get arteriosclerosis (furring up) of the arteries supplying the heart muscle.
In dogs, fluid in the chest collects in the lungs resulting in a soft cough, whereas in cats fluid collects around the lungs resulting in difficulty breathing but no cough. Any condition causing an increase in size of the chambers of the heart and disrupted blood flow could result in small blood clots forming in the heart (thrombus). These thrombi may at any time pass out into the circulation (embolism).
They will ultimately lodge in smaller blood vessels. This may result in many symptoms The heart is a muscular pump, which pushfrom sudden death; loss of use of the back es the blood around the body. The direction legs (esp. cats); sudden onset kidney failof blood flow is controlled by a series of ure; brain damage etc. one-way valves. Problems occur when one or more of the valves do not work properly; the muscle of the pump is diseased (cardio- Once the type and severity of the heart failmyopathy); or the rate at which the heart ure has been established, specific treatment pumps is inappropriate. can be started which in many cases will be successful for months or years. Valve problems may be congenital. We see heart failure due to congenital valve If you have any problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels where the mitral valve is abnormal (dysworries or concerns plastic) and consequently does not close forming a tight seal; also in Boxers where please do not hesitate the cause is more commonly aortic or pulto contact your local monary stenosis (narrowing of the valves). In either situation we will hear a murmur. veterinary surgery. Many dogs that we see with heart failure have valvular insufficiency that they have acquired with age. In dogs, cardiomyopathy is usually breed related with large breed dogs such as Dobermans and Irish Wolfhounds being particularly affected. In certain breeds such as Dobermans, there are schemes to investigate the genetics of the condition. ANYTHING SWINDON
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE TELEPHONE: (01793) 522483 www.drovevets.co.uk
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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SNDogs Update NOVEMBER’S DOG OF THE MONTH CAN YOU GIVE KESTER A HOME?
Registered Charity No. 1163257
SNDogs (Saving Needy Dogs) November Update! Our new website www.sndogs.uk, went live a couple of weeks ago – check it out for all the info you need about adopting, fostering, up-coming events, where you can meet some of our dogs, Kester is around 6 years old and loves the great volunteering opportunities as well as an Amazon outdoors. Being a shy gent it takes him time to Wishlist! come out of his shell, especially if you’re a man, but once he knows you he will never want to Have you ever thought about fostering a dog? leave your side. A foster home is a stop gap between an old life Kester is gentle to walk although he does like to and the start of a new life. Dogs that come to have a little run even with his old injured leg (All us have either been found as a stray and in this healed now). He does not like being in the car case we would have very little information on and can find it very stressful. Kes is happy to live the dog or the dog has been handed in by an with other dogs, as they will keep him company owner unable to continue to provide for their pet. and teach him how to play and be with you. He Sometimes these dogs have medical conditions can live with older children. or need socialisation.
If you can give Kester a home please email
SNDogs will provide food, collar, lead, harness, sndrescue@gmail.com bed toys etc and will cover vets bills if necessary - we do ask that you can take your foster dog to and from the vets for treatment such as neutering, vaccinations etc. If you are interested in fostering a dog please email sndrescue@gmail.com.
FREE
SNDogs EVENTS IN NOVEMBER Saturday 7th November – 11am – 3pm SNDogs Christmas Craft Fayre –@ Moredon Community Centre, Moredon Swindon The only place you need to go for all your Christmas goodies! Saturday 14th November 1.30pm - 4.30pm SNDog will be at the Swindon Talking News Christmas Craft Fair, St Andrew Methodist Church, Moredon Road, Swindon selling Chrismas goodies, stocking fillers and doggie treats. Saturday 21st November 10am – 2pm SNDogs will be in Swindon’s Town Centre Come and say hello to the dogs looking for homes 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. PAGE 12
Every Thursday during term time. Swindon Evangelical Church 6.00 - 7.00pm 17-19, Devizes Road, Old Town www.swec.org.uk 01793 541153 All primary school age Registered Charity No. 1129912 children welcome.
Tree, Garden Services & Landscape Maintenance Call Peter on:
01793 238114 07818 477447
Before
After
All kinds of Garden Work Trees Pruned, Topped & felled Over Fencing, Turfing & Grass Cutting 25eYreieanrcse Path’s & Patio’s Laid Exp Hedges Trimmed All types of Rubbish removed Family Run Business Full Liability Insurance
Before
After
P.W Tree & Garden Services pwtreeandgarden@yahoo.com ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Advertisement
feature PAGE 14
Anything Swindon Discount ANY8
V.S.F Ltd. When it comes to getting the most out of a garage, then come to the ONLY NATIONAL firm that specialises in their refurbishment and conversion.
At V.S.F. Ltd we have been helping people turn their old, impractical garages into modern and useful spaces for the last decade. Our experts can take on pretty much any project, from refurbishing your rundown concrete garage ensuring you have a secure storage space for years to come, to erecting a completely new one for you, or transforming your garage into an up-to-date and ultra-functional utility room. It doesn’t matter how old your garage is or what condition it is in, V.S.F will give it a new lease of life or totally transform it to add value to your home. Whether it’s just a replacement roof that is needed or a full refurbishment, V.S.F. will take care of every aspect, from the technical survey through to the installation. You don’t even need to empty your garage we will empty it for you if necessary, do the job and then leave everything spotless when we have gone. You won’t even know we have been there, apart from the wonderful space that we leave behind. V.S.F. can reduce or extend your garage, block up doors with panels, take out panels and add new doors. We can reduce or increase garage door sizes, install new windows or change your roof from flat to apex. The options for your garage are virtually endless - and we will work with you at every stage to ensure you get just what you want. Marcus Jeffreys, strategic consultant for the company, said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring that from your initial contact to completing your installation,
whether it be a refurbishment or a replacement garage, every aspect of your installation is managed correctly, ensuring that the installation and completion dates are met. “In present times, when the building industry has a reputation for not fulfilling deadlines and shoddy workmanship, we take pride in offering you a pleasant buying experience. This means providing quality products installed by trained personnel and on the date promised. “We are also proud to be able to provide quality products at a fair market price. We are always continuing to improve our products and negotiate the best prices so that we can offer our customers value for money.” Safety, too, is paramount for us. With so many garages of the age and type that we work on containing potentially hazardous asbestos, our experience is all the more important. All our operatives are certified asbestos removers meaning that they can remove the asbestos safely and legally from your garage and also hold valid waste carriers licences to allow legal transportation of your asbestos to our depot. And on top of all this, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. So, for the best storage, utility or living space you can get, contact V.S.F. For more details, visit our website at www. vsfgaragerepairsuk.com or give us a call on 0800 917 9550.
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TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 15
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Chrismas Toy Guide Top Ten Last Christmas parents had a mad scramble to get their hands on the must-have toy children wanted in their stockings - the Elsa Snow Glow doll. And this year youngsters still won’t be able to ‘let it go’ when it comes to Frozen - as a different version of the Disney Queen makes the list of the top ten most wanted children’s toys this festive season.
1. INTERACTIVE TRACY ISLAND, £80 Put on the International Rescue communicator & John Tracy will set the countdown to launch a Thunderbird vehicle as the latest situation unfolds!
2. SKATE & SING ELSA, £40 All singing, all dancing and all skating via remote control, the doll will continue to delight Frozen fans while driving their parents crazy!
3. I-QUE INTELLIGENT ROBOT, £65 By using speech-to-text technology I-Que can move, ‘think’ and speak. He can tell jokes, make cheeky sound effects and test its owner’s IQ with games and quizzes.
4. LITTLE LIVE PETS – CLEVER KEET, £60 Clever Keet replicates a real parrot and can be taught to talk, sing, dance and swing on a perch. This feathered friends even drives his very own cart.
5. ONCE UPON A TIME PRINCESS ROSE PEPPA, £20 Peppa’s appeal continues with tots and this year they’ll all want this interactive toy who sings ‘ring a ring a roses’ when her hands are held.
6. KINETIC SAND, £20 Kinetic Sand is modern day Play Doh. It’s easy to shape and mould so children can use it to create any shape they want. Parents will be pleased to hear ‘it sticks only to itself and not to you’ so it’s easy to clean up after play.
7. 3D MAKER, £40 The 3D Maker is a revolutionary toy that allows children to create 3D masterpieces from scratch using gel pens and the UV Creation Station.
8. MY FRIEND FREDDY, £40 My Friend Freddy Bear is a cuddly toy that also comes to life thanks to being linked to a free app available on iOS or Android smart device.
9. SHOPKINS ‘SCOOPS’ ICE CREAM TRUCK PLAYSET, £20 This playset will bring a taste of summer to Christmas as children will be able to push around their own ice cream van and set up their own picnic area with the accompanying table and umbrella.
10. LEAPPAD PLATINUM, £120 LeapPad Platinum is the next generation hi-res Wi-Fi learning tablet for children with a fast, powerful processor. * Infomation courtesy of The Daily Mail
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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The winter guide to dining @ home, supported by MECA & Anything Swindon Why go out this Winter ....?! Here is a spotlight of our favourite restaurants to get delicious food delivered right to your door! Freshly Cooked Italian Food, Authentic Stone Baked Pizza, Italian Wine & Beer
EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED FOR THE PERFECT NIGHT IN, ALL DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR... 20% OFF TO ANYTHING SWINDON READERS QUOTE AT OUR CHECKOUT ‘ANYTHINGXMAS’
TEL: 01793 251 000 • 7 NIGHTS A WEEK TEL:01793 251000 WEB: RUSTICOPIZZA.CO.UK - 96-97 COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWINDON, WILTSHIRE SN1 5PL Swindon’s freshest contemporary Japanese Sushi and noodle bar right in the heart of the town centre. Free Delivery for Orders over £15.00 within 2.5 mile radius Delivery charges may apply or deemed too far for service 5.30pm to 10.30pm / Sundays 9.30pm
To Order Telephone: 01793 521353 / 01793 523539 188 Victoria Road, Regents Circus, Swindon, SN1 3DF
www.yumeswindon.com WELCOME TO THE CHINA KITCHEN Enjoy ‘OUR FAMOUS SAVER DEAL’ - FOR £14.95 Choose any three dishes from our menu (not including Aromatic Crispy Duck) - Then choose either ‘Egg Fried Rice’ or ‘Plain Noodles’ Go LARGE for an extra £1 and receive FREE Spring Rolls - FREE Fortune Cookies - FREE Chopsticks Delivery charges may apply if delivery is over 2.5 miles.
51 COMMERCIAL RD, SWINDON SN1 5NX TEL: 01793 486868 WEB: CHINAKITCHENSWINDON.CO.UK
7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM -3AM Have you tried our Peri Peri ?
10 Victoria Rd SN1 3AJ Tel: 01793 533 809 30 Gorse Hill SN2 8AA Tel: 01793 534 800 Order Online: www.tennesseechicken.co.uk Swindon’s premier and most prestigious venue returns with Live Comedy at its best!
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A once monthly experience with some of the most sought after comedians on the comedy circuit in the UK and Europe.
The winter guide to eating out, supported by MECA & Anything Swindon This Winter visit some of our favourite restaurants to get delicious food and an excellent dining experience.
Celebrate your Birthday! Celebrate your Birthday and receive a 3-Course Meal worth £50! Whether it’s your own birthday, or you're organising something special for a loved one, celebrate with Fratello’s by bringing a group of 6 or more and the Birthday guest, as our gift, eats for FREE!
12 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3AJ Tel: 01793 574 444
Tel: 01793 523570
Locally renowned and we offer the most delicious oriental cuisine in a stylish contemporary setting. We look forward to seeing you soon.
2 for £14 Lunch 7 Days a Week
ALL YOU CAN EAT
Sunday to Thursday - £18.95 per person Friday to Saturday £21.50 per person Children under 10 half price
11 - 12A THEATRE SQUARE SWINDON WILTSHIRE | WWW.SWINDONRENDEZVOUS.CO.UK
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE
WWW.KENZO72.COM FOLLOW US ON
TWITTER & FACEBOOK A brand-new eating & drinking experience in Old Town, Swindon, where mystique & mixology with an oriental influence will greet you
TEL: 01793 521538
72-74 GODWIN COURT, OLD TOWN, SWINDON, SN1 4BS
Pasta & Pizza
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE
MONDAY - SUNDAY WITH THIS MAGAZINE QUOTE ANYTHING SWINDON Freshly Cooked Italian Food, Authentic Stone Baked Pizza, Italian Wine & Beer
TEL:01793 251000 WEB: RUSTICOPIZZA.CO.UK - 96-97 COMMERCIAL ROAD, SWINDON, WILTSHIRE SN1 5PL TICKET AND DINNER
Show starts 8.30pm doors Open 7.00pm and close at 8.pm
Tickets £6* in advance, £8 on the door Regents Circus, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1PR 01793 251111 www.mecaswindon.co.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
£12.00* Choose from one of three pasta dishes and a side of garlic bread or salad supplied by RUSTICO. PAGE 19
PAGE 20
Ferndale Preschool
Charity Number: 1040790 Ofsted registered EY492979 During the summer Ferndale Preschool moved from their former location in Wiltshire Avenue to premises at All Saints church hall, Southbrook street. This location is where they originated from almost 50 years ago.
The preschool also benefits from the large enclosed landscaped garden with lawn and paved areas giving the children opportunity to play outside all year round, using a wide range of equipment. A team of highly qualified and experienced staff help all the children to develop as unique individuals at their own rates.
The preschool provides a safe and friendly environment for children aged 2-5 years of age and prides itself on the quality of care given. The large hall allows children the freedom to move and play in a safe and stimulating environment. Each child keeps the same keyworker throughout their time at preschool, building up a relationship of trust which in turn boosts the child’s confidence and self esteem.
There are also regular progress meetings with parents/ carers. The EYFS curriculum is followed covering 7 areas of learning. Children are supported by the preschool during the transition to school. Ofsted rated the preschool as good in all areas at the last inspection in 2014.
Staff regularly engage with parents, offering additional help if a child needs extra support in their development. The staff monitor children’s development using online learning journals, which parents can access at their convenience.
Ferndale preschool is a non profitable charity managed by a committee of parents.
01793 513639 ferndale.preschool@hotmail.co.uk All Saints Church Hall, Southbrook Street Providing a safe and Friendly envoiroment for 2-5 year olds.... Qualified, Expereienced staff to deliver.... A wide range of experiences & activities meeting the curriculum.
Session times - Term time only •
Mon, Wed, and Fri 9-12 and 12.15 - 3.15 * * All day option available
•
ANYTHING SWINDON
Tuesday and Thursday 9-12
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
PAGE 21
Councillor Updates Penhill and Upper Stratton Councillors- Joe Tray, Teresa Page & Paul Baker We have to report a very disappointing outcome following the recent full council meeting at Swindon Borough Council, which considered the popular petition campaign to have the number 20 bus re-instated. Your Penhill & Upper Stratton Councillors had proposed at the Full Council Meeting for the replacement of this essential route. We were supported by the Labour group of Councillors but unfortunately we lost the vote to the Conservative majority who did not see the need for this bus route, and opposed the motion asking for it to be re-instated. This bus was put on originally when the Great Western Hospital opened to help people from the North East of Swindon access the hospital, it was used by many for this reason including nursing staff to simply get to work, due to the issues of parking at the GWH. The bus was also used for shorter trips to the doctors surgery in Stratton and for shopping, this was a popular option with our older generation. This loss will leave many of our senior citizens stranded with no option but to use taxis if they can afford it. Fly tipping seems to be on the increase in the Penhill and Stratton area, I would like to thank those that alert me to this anti-social behaviour so I can arrange for the mess to be cleared. Why people feel the need to spoil our area and seem too lazy to use the recycling centre at Cheyney Manor I will never know. Please keep your eyes open for any persons doing this so it can be reported Myself and Teresa hold an open surgery the 2nd Saturday of each month at Beechcroft Library please drop by if you have any issues. Councillor Nadine Watts – Old Town & East Wichel – nadine.watts@live.co.uk - 07595 071381 Hesketh Crescent Play Area – work should start early November and refurbishment completed in February. Old Town Autumn Let’s Look After Event – it was fantastic to be involved again with this event. A group of volunteers and I worked on the flower bed by the Marriott Hotel, while others did areas by Mr Cod and Newport Street. Excellent community spirit and great to see a real difference being made in Old Town. Old Town Lights Switch on Event – looking forward to attending the Old Town lights switch on event on Sunday 29 November. I am sure the new lights will look brilliant. Community Grants – I was very happy to support 2 applications by organisations in the Old Town ward. The first was funding for a new shed and installation of a tap at the Community gardens in East Wichel. The second was for the installation of a kitchenette and storage cupboard at Community Centre@Christ Church. This will make the space more usable and many people would benefit from this. The community centre puts on a wide range of activities. More information can be found at: www.book-online.uk/cccc
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 Updates
Justin Tomlinson MP Hooks-a-Truck to clean up problem pavement parking Local MP Justin Tomlinson took on the challenge of cleaning up the streets at the Conservative Party Conference this week, when the charity Guide Dogs offered him the chance to learn more about the daily difficulties faced by people living with sight loss. The charity used a unique twist on the fun-fair game, Hook-a-Duck, to highlight the campaign to outlaw irresponsible parking and Mr Tomlinson became the guide when he helped a rubber duck navigate a stream full of obstacles. There are nearly two million people in the UK who are living with sight loss and by 2050, there could be nearly four million. So it’s more important than ever that our streets are safe for people who are blind or partially sighted. Justin said..“I have been a keen supporter of Guide Dogs UK ever since my election in 2010. Having actively campaigned to change the law on the installation of audiovisual announcements on public transport, as well as raising awareness of the dangers of electric vehicles; I will continue to work hard to support blind and partially-sighted people by championing the work of Guide Dogs UK.”
MPs Office, 1 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE - 01793 533393 justin.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk
Robert Buckland Update On Sunday 11th, I traded in my suit for a t-shirt, shorts and trainers for Swindon’s Half-Marathon. I managed to finish the run in just over two and a half hours, and I am proud to have raised more than £600 for two fantastic local charities which are committed to the care and support of children, young adults, and their families in Swindon: ‘CALM’ (Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement) and ‘Hop Skip and Jump’ which offers respite care for children and young adults with disabilities and special educational needs and which has a centre at Upper Shaw Farm in West Swindon. To everyone who supported me through my training, donated to my ‘JustGiving’ pages and took part in the run, my sincere thanks. Business will continue as usual here in Swindon. If you have any local or national issues to raise, or would like information about my upcoming advice surgeries, then please get in touch with me using the following contact information:
Twitter: @robertbuckland Facebook: www.facebook.com/robertbucklandmp Or you can contact my Swindon Office: Tel: 01793 533393 Email: robert.buckland.mp@parliament.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
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Choir Feature
Christmas comes early for members of Makin’ MuZic. Christmas comes early for members of Makin’ MuZic. They start rehearsing old and new festive songs in September, ready for a series of performances in December. Hopefully, this insight will tempt you along to join in their concert come Christmastime. Makin’ MuZic is a community choir, welcoming all comers with no requirement to audition. Their beginnings are rooted with Zurich and, to this day, they both fundraise for the Zurich Community Trust and also take their music to those who can’t always come to see them, such as assisted living homes, or therapy centres.
Now made up of over thirty members, the choir has been able to extend beyond general performances to also entering the Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival two years running, winning their class both times! Focussed more on enjoying music, rather than competing, 2015 saw the attention go back to concerts for pleasure, performing to a packed house at the Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Chapel in June.
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Makin MuZic is a close knit community formed over the past 7 years since its inception as a Zurich staff choir. Now made up of people from all kinds of organisations, the post work rehearsal time provides much needed mid-week relief for everyone. Some members knew one another prior to joining the choir, others have formed close friendships thanks to weekly rehearsal time, and new members are welcomed with open arms. The choir will be open to new members again in January and would be delighted to see you.
The Christmas season is such a fun time to be a part of a choir. Racing through The 12 Days of Christmas never fails to raise a laugh, the tenors and basses get lots of practice at pretending to be bells, the sopranos test their range with a few descants and the poor old altos sing a lot of the same note!
For more information about the choir and our upcoming events, check out our website www.makinmuzic.org
Table Tennis Feature “In terms of the top players and their achievements”. Tom Maynard is an England international represented them in China open and English open ranked top 10 in England men’s before injury. Current Nottingham Grand Prix champion. Played full time for professional clubs in Belgium and Switzerland. Current British league Premier player. Dan Ives played formerly for professional club in France and creator and CEO of table tennis daily. LEFT IS LEFT BEN JOHNSON, LEE BOWEN DEVELOPEMENT OFFICER SWINDON TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE AND RIGHT IS CHRIS OKE OF SWINDON ACADEMY.
As you know that many grass roots sports engaged at the Link Centre, for many years, had to find alternative venues, due to the new owners wanted to build a Trampoline Park, which is not a recognised sport only a leisure activity. Sanfordlink Table Tennis have been coaching there for 30 years and have been going for 50 years. Will the help of current owners and Swindon Sports Forum, the support from Table Tennis England we moved to Dorcan Complex earlier July. Sanfordlink have been heavily involved in after school coaching which started at Churchfield’s and Swindon Academies, which saw more pupils taking up the sport, which has resulted in Sanfordlink TTC increasing their numbers of participate playing the sport, and kept many pupils active. For the future we are planning to visit more schools in 2015/16, and hope to centralise the coaching eventually. Early July the first Inter - School event took place at Swindon Academy, the first of its kind. PAGE 26
Sanfordlink are relocating their coaching sessions to Swindon Academy on 11th September, which is essential to the sport and long term development for the club, Swindon, Wiltshire and nationally. To celebrate the opening night we will have the present John Burtenshaw the chairman Table Tennis England for this Region, and we are also planning to have 2 top table tennis players to do a exhibition. Also Swindon league will be present, and Swindon Sport Forum have been invited too.
Full time table tennis coach and former coach at Bristol table tennis Academy. Dan travelled to Sweden met the formerly World No 1 Waldner and Pearsson Former European champion. He visited China to be meet the top Chinese players and which was shown on Table Tennis daily. Also they will doing some coaching whilst they are there too, and they will both do a demonstration too. For more information please check out our website: sanfordlinktabletennisclub.co.uk
LEFT IS TOM MAYNARD No 5 IN ENGLAND AND DAN iVES FOUNDER OF TABLETENNIS DAILY AND A PROFESSIONAL COACH.
Bowls Feature
Westlecot Bowls Club holds a unique position in the Swindon and District Bowls community, being the only combined outdoor and indoor bowling facility in the greater Swindon Area. With two outdoor greens, a five-rink indoor green and recently refurbished lounge, kitchen and cloakroom facilities, Westlecot is one of the outstanding sports facilities in the County.
Situated in Old Town, off Springfield Road, and now over a hundred years old, Westlecot started as a men only outdoor Bowling Club in 1910 and lady members began playing here in 1967. The second outdoor green was added in 1972 and the indoor hall was built on in 1982. From 1983 the Westlecot Indoor Bowling was formed in its own right and both Indoor and Outdoor Clubs have independent Committees running each section.
ANYTHING SWINDON
The indoor playing carpet was originally laid with its underlay directly onto boards on a concrete floor. Over the years, this concrete base had naturally worn and despite attention to the carpet and underlay over the first 33 years, the Club decided a replacement floor was required. Eighteen months ago the decision was taken to take up the old floor and replace it with a new carpet on laserlevelled boards. The result is a top-rated indoor bowling hall, but at quite a cost. Fortunately, sound financial management planning enabled the club to finance the cost without further borrowing. The Executive Committee, responsible for policy and infrastructure decisions, had plans to modernise the main club house and kitchen facilities following the indoor floor replacement but had to look for a funding source. A successful bid to the Sport England Inspired Facility Lottery Fund resulted in Westlecot winning £64,000 to help towards the planned modernisation. This work was completed in September this year and has seen a transformation in the Club facilities. WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
The improvement in kitchen facilities, both men’s and ladies’ changing rooms, and integration of the lounge area and Indoor hall have given Westlecot the look of a fully integrated bowling club. Spectator accommodation for the whole indoor hall has improved considerably which is perfect for big tournaments and inter-club competitions. Westlecot are always looking for new members and we do cater for players of all ages and abilities, from absolute novices to players at the highest level. Our Indoor Club boasts full and junior England international bowlers and the Outdoor Club has many past and current National Champions. We also have less-competitive players who come to bowl at our regular social sessions, as well as league games in a variety of leagues, both indoors and outdoors. We like to think of ourselves as a friendly and social club, and catering for all.
If you would like to know more, ring John on 01793 694455 and book a visit to have a look round.
TEL: 01793 977117
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Football Update
Stratton Juniors Image Gallery
LIDEN CFC U8 Founded in 1993 and based at Liden Primary School in Swindon, we pride ourselves in being a community led football club where we lead our teams to have fun and develop our players to fulfil their potential.
“We’re always looking for new players and new sponsors.” If interested please get in touch. Call Graham on 07446 828963. PAGE 28
A BETTER WAY TO KEEP FIT IN SWINDON Whatever activities you enjoy, you’re sure to find something you love at your local Better leisure centre. Activities and facilities include*: • Fully equipped gyms • Swimming pools • Group exercise classes • Racquet sports • Lessons and Courses Choose from a variety of pre-paid and pay & play membership options. Available at: Croft Sports Centre Delta Tennis Centre Dorcan Recreation Complex Haydon Centre Health Hydro Link Centre Oasis Leisure Centre
For your nearest centre and to join today visit www.better.org.uk/swindon
*Terms and Conditions apply. Activities and facilities may vary from centre to centre. 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
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10 2 V I C TO R I A R OA D, SW I N D O N , S N1 3 B D Churchfields Academy Logo Fi nd u s opp os ite the Post Of f i ce
1.
2.
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3.
Churchfields Academy A Passion for Excellence
Open Evening Thursday 24th September 5.00 - 7.30
Come and see why Ofsted Graded us as Good Tours will take place from 5pm
registration number: 7044299 : 51 Windsor Rd, Swindon, SN3 1JU T number: 211113680
Principals Presentation will be at 6.00pm Call 01793 487286 www.churchfields.org
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designed from
Town Centre Update
inSwindon announce chart toppers Union J to headline the big Christmas Light Switch On! inSwindon have announced that boy band Union J will perform as this year’s headline act for the Swindon Town centre Christmas Light Switch On.
This year’s event will see an exciting variety of live entertainment starting in the afternoon throughout the town centre, before the main stage [kicks-off] at 6:15pm in Wharf Green.
Diane added, “Year on year we aim to offer variety to really captivate our audience and this year is no exception. ‘We’ve got it all’ this Christmas and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Swindon’s town centre to join us throughout this magical season.” On the back of their first UK Headline Tour, ‘An Audience With Union J’, the band will hit the main stage at Swindon’s Wharf Green on Thursday 19th November. George, Josh, Jaymi and JJ first appeared on our screens in 2013 on ITV’s X-Factor, where they wowed audiences and progressed to the live shows, eventually finishing in fourth place. With two top-ten albums and a UK & Ireland Arena Tour supporting The Vamps, the band have recently revealed they’re working on a third album. The announcement comes after a week of anticipation across social media and press to launch ChristmasFEST, which sees a series of festive events, live entertainment, offers and competitions across Swindon Town Centre. inSwindon BID Manager, Diane Powell said, “Christmas is such a special time for Swindon and we’re thrilled that Union J have chosen to join us for what promises to be an amazing evening. We can’t wait to reveal the rest of our line-up for 2015 in the coming weeks.” ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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Ask AMS
Advice for small businesses
Should I set up a pension through my Company (owned with my wife)? Or pay it from my own income?
Firstly, you should consult a Financial Advisor to set up a pension scheme. If the Company pays for the contributions, you’ll both share the tax relief. If you make the contributions from your own income after taxes, you will receive all the tax relief. If one of you is a Higher Rate Tax payer (taxable income over £42,385), then you should try to make sure that the tax relief goes to the higher earner. However, from April 2016, the new dividend tax will make company pension contributions much more advantageous than personal pension payments paid from dividends. Peter Bromiley ACA @AMSAccountancy AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon SN5 7XF 01793 818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
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ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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