1
FREE Voucher for a Booking of 2 Adults in 14-Feb in Banquet & Hongxin
Chinese New Year
Year of the
Monkey
Free Voucher for a Booking with
3 or More Adults in 7th-Feb! The
BanOuet 盛 宴
All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Lion Dance Show from
12:00 of 7th-Feb Sunday
40, Regent Street, SN1 1JL (near the library) thebanquet-restaurant.co.uk
01793
420059
Lion Dance Show from
12:45 of 7th-Feb Sunday
Pepperbox Hill, Peatmoor, SN5 5EZ www.hongxin.co.uk 01793 877888
MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM Welcome to our February edition of the Anything Swindon magazine, this month we have a variety of fantastic features including an update from The Brighter Futures Charity, who recently teamed up with Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club to bring us their first Lads and Dads event, read more on page 5.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 04
BRIGHTER FUTURES UPDATE
06
DROVE VETS AND PETS
08
THE YEAR “OFF” OF THE GAV
10
MOVIE NEWS
12
SNDOGS UPDATE
14
SLIMMING WORLD UPDATE
16
OLD TOWN FESTIVAL 2016
18
JAMIE CULLUM FEATURE
19
WHATS ON
Swindon only free Glossy magazine is now delivered to 25’000 homes across South and East Swindon and is read by a further 15’000 readers every month with our online version. With the lowest advertising rates and biggest reach across all local publications contact us today for more information about advertising your business or event from just £50.00 per month.
20
ESTELLE SCHOOL OF DANCE
22
COUNCILLOR UPDATES
23
MP UPDATE
Happy reading!
25
SWINDON EVANGELICAL CHURCH
26
VSF FEATURE
As proud members of the Old Town Festival Committee, myself and Ian recently met with the team joined by Chloe Thomas of the chosen charity Brighter Futures for the annual cheque presentation. To see how much last year’s event raised see page 16. The beginning of a fantastic new feature starts this month as we follow a great friend of mine Gavin Ellis, as he takes a year out to travel the world and visit places some of us can only dream of. Every month Gavin will update us on his travels in our new column “The year off of the Gav”. As you read through the pages of this month’s magazine, please remember that we are always looking for your stories of success and would love to hear from you, do not hesitate to contact us using the email addresses below or call us and chat with u personally.
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 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).
Brighter Futures Update NSBRC Main Feature
Brighter Futures Feature Update
Brighter Futures, the Hospital Charity in Swindon and Wiltshire, is currently running a £2. 9 million appeal in order to equip a new Radiotherapy Centre for cancer patients in Swindon by the end of next year. The centre which will be built and staffed by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is to be built on the site at Great Western Hospital however an appeal by Brighter Futures is already in full swing with more than £350,000 raised to date. The funds raised will help purchase two linear accelerators – the equipment needed to provide radiotherapy treatment to cancer patients. A local facility will make a huge difference to the lives of cancer patients, 680 of whom are diagnosed each year at GWH and need to drive to Oxford for their radiotherapy treatment. One patient who had to travel more than most is Jim Laing – here’s his story.
Unfortunately, at the time the two radiotherapy machines at the RUH were suffering a number of technical problems and he was advised that due to the requirement to have a full bladder when receiving treatment, it might be very inconvenient, uncomfortable and embarrassing to have long delays which are inevitably caused when machines malfunction. As a self-employed person, Jim also had to take into consideration the prospect of losing a number of earning opportunities for each day of his treatment. By chance, Jim met an oncologist at a conference and heard about the specialist cancer treatment centre at Velindre which had six linear accelerators and so he decided to have his radiotherapy treatment in Cardiff. The journey – a 130 mile round trip was almost the same distance as Oxford! It did, of course, require two crossings of the River Severne every day for six weeks! The good thing about this route was Leigh Delamare services. Jim was able to visit the toilet and then drink the required half litre of water almost exactly one hour before each treatment at Velindre. So, during his radiotherapy treatment, Jim and his wife clocked up almost 4,000 miles as well as crossing the River Severne nearly 60 times! It would be reasonable to argue that Jim did not have to go as far as Cardiff each day. He accepts that but he does, however, point out that when faced with difficult choices patients want not only the most accessible but also the best treatment available. He had built up a level of trust in his oncologist and was prepared to travel the extra few miles each day to Cardiff. There is not much you can tell Jim and his wife about the difficulties of travelling to hospitals, not to mention parking, but they are both sure of one thing:
Jim Laing is a former Head Teacher. When he was 52 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had to have a major operation. A few years later, Jim’s prostate cancer returned and as well as a short period of hormone therapy he faced the prospect of radiotherapy treatment, five days a week over a six week period. He was given the choice of Oxford or Royal United Hospital in Bath.
PAGE 4
Giving patients in the Swindon area an option of receiving high quality radiotherapy at the Great Western Hospital is not an ‘extra’, it is essential.
Brighter Futures Update
Why not take part in Brighter Futures next event? Brighter Futures have teamed up with Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club to bring you our first Lads & Dads event. Join us on Saturday 2nd April 2016 from 12pm where we will take you on a 10K walk around the scenic pond area behind the club house back to the Rugby club for a pie & pint or sausage roll and a soft drink for the kids followed by a 2 great games of rugby.
ril 2nd Ap m 2016 fro 12 noon 10km walk followed by two rugby games at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club.
Families are 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. This event is a great chance for lads and dads to get behind the Radiotherapy Appeal.
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
Registered Charity No. 1050892 CS41800 NHS Creative 2015
Entry is open and it will cost £18 per adult and £15 per child. This event is open to any age and everyone will receive a certificate and medal at the end.
Fun fair and family fun day at the club house
Visit www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk or call 01793 605631
To enter just visit the Brighter Futures website on www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk or call the fundraising team on 01793 605631
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 5
Drove Pets Update
From 6 April 2016 all dogs in England must be microchipped by law Talk to your vet or vet nurse today about microchipping British Veterinary Association PAGE 6
www.bva.co.uk
Drove Pets Update
“Free ‘Chips’ at Drove Vets !” To help owners comply with the law, Drove Veterinary Hospital are holding a FREE Microchipping event on Saturday 20th February at our main hospital, 252 Croft Road, Swindon, SN1 4RW from 12.30 pm to 3pm, when the 1st 25 dogs to walk through our doors will be microchipped completely Free of Charge. But please don’t panic if you can’t get to this event, we will be Microchipping all Dogs for just £10 or Free if your dog is a member of our Pet Health Club. As of 6th April 2016 the Government is bringing in Compulsory Microchipping for ALL dogs, to help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets, relieve the burden on animal charities and local authorities and protect the welfare of dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership.
ANYTHING SWINDON
“We want to help Swindon Dog owners get their Dog Microchipped at an affordable price as Microchipping is a simple solution that gives peace of mind to owners. It makes it easier to get their pet back if it strays and easier to trace if it’s stolen” The Microchip event on 20th Feb between 12.30 – 3pm will be on a 1st come first served basis and is open to all dog owners in Swindon, whether registered with Drove Vets or not. The more the merrier!
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
PAGE 7
The year “off” of the Gav
What would you do if someone were to offer you a complete life change? A system reset, if you will. A chance to start again. No more boring job that is clearly beneath you and has been driving you mad for the past 5 years, no fixed location, no boundaries, no set starting point or finishing time, an offer to try and do all those things you said you would, visit the places you said you should and become the person you always wanted to be. No rules and seemingly no catches. Except one, one quite large one. Everything that you had built up stops, today. Your lifestyle, your routine, your home and also your marriage. Lock stock and barrel, gone.
I have always tried to be ‘the glass is half full’ kind of guy and feel that even through the whole upheaval of separation, my wife and I have remained close friends, a little uneasy at times but still courteous, understanding, empathetic and most importantly of all, humorous. Ironically all the things that drew us together in the first place. The word amicable doesn’t really do it justice. She is still my best friend and that isn’t something you can just switch off. So, this is where I find myself. All the dreaming and thinking and hoping and everything that I have put off or swept under the carpet amid a myriad of excuses is now doable, sitting waiting for me to grab it with both hands. And that’s what I plan to do. Out of the figurative flames of my old life springs my new one. A decent lump sum of equity from the sale of our flat, a mediocre attempt at a contingency fund and I’m off. To keep an eye on my travels visit the following: Instagram: gavellisiow Twitter @GavEllis_IOW and my blog: gavellis2016.blogspot.com
PAGE 8
Movie News
Win four tickets to a Film of your choice! To win the tickets, Please tell us who is playing the lead charachter Deadpool?
A: Burt Reynolds B: Ryan Reynolds or C: Debbie Reynolds Please email win@anythingswindon.co.uk with your answer and your postcode by the 18th Feb 2016 “Congratulations to Monika Turczanska who won the January competition! Empire Cinema will be in touch� PAGE 10
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 11
SNDogs February Update
Registered Charity No. 1163257 SNDogs (Saving Needy Dogs) This month I thought we should focus on some of the dogs that have been with SNDogs for a while and are looking for their forever homes! Many of these dogs have been over looked because of their age, colour or simply their look. All our dogs are neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped. If you feel that you have room in your family for one of them, please get in contact via our website: www.sndogs.uk
Charming CHARLIE is an older, Collie Cross and was rescued from a dog pound. He is gentle when taking food and knows commands of sit, paw and wait and will sit at roads before crossing them. Charlie gets on well with dogs of a similar size to himself and cats but is not too keen on small dogs. He travels well in the car although sometimes needs a help hand to get up. Charlie would be fine living with children over 8 years of age.
See Charlies full profile
CHARLIE – SNDOGS
Hi I am BUZZ, I am a male Podenco and was rescued from a Spanish dog pound and I am looking for a home. At the moment I am very skinny and because of this I don`t like sharing my food with other animals, but my foster my puts her hand in my food. while eating, which is odd but ok. Otherwise I am fine with other dogs, cats and children.
See Buzz’s full profile
BUZZ – SNDOGS
PATAS (Pat) is an older male lurcher type dog and would make a great friend to someone! He enjoys walks and really deserves a sofa to call his own. He is a little over whelmed with the dogs in his foster home, so currently hard to tell if he would enjoy living with another dog, however we think he would enjoy living with just one or two dogs who are not too bouncy.
See Patas’s full profile
PATAS – SNDOGS
Charismatic KESTER loves the great outdoors. Being a shy gent it takes him time to come out of his shell around you, especially if you’re a man. But once he knows you he will never want to leave your side. Kes is gentle to walk although he does like to have a little run even with his old injured leg (All healed now). He does not like being in the car and can find it very stressful. Kes is happy to live with other dogs, as they will keep him company and teach him how to play and be with you.
See Kester’s full profile
PATAS – SNDOGS
Marvellous MEGAN is an older staffie girl who has been waiting so very long in her foster home in Cirencester for her own special home. Megan is a sweet, loyal, affectionate girl who likes to be with you and involved in all you are doing. She adores cuddles and is waiting patiently for the chance to be someone’s best friend. Megan shares her foster home with another dog, but she can be a bit bossy and likes all the attention so would prefer to be an only dog in her new home. Megan would be fine with older children (10). Megan loves her walk and generally ignores other dogs when she’s out but is not too keen if dogs come too close to her. At home Megan is quiet (her fosterer has never heard her bark), obedient and is clean and dry in the house and OK to be left alone for up to four hours. Could you be Megan’s special person and make her dreams come true?
See Kester’s full profile
PATAS – SNDOGS
COME AND MEET THE ABOVE DOGS AT OUR MONTHLY DOG WALK: Saturday February 27th 10.30am @ Coate Water – meet behind the Cafe (these may change due to the on-going Alabama Rot situation) 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
ING 2016 COM RY RUA FEB
EXTREME TRAMPOLINE PARK LINK CENTRE
Our unique bounce arena is heading your way. With a mix of fun features, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned online or through social media to hear about our launch.
For more information visit www.betterextreme.org.uk BetterExtremeTP
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: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398
Slimming World Update After six months on Slimming world I managed to reach my ideal weight against my height of 12 stone, but the real success story in the Anything Swindon office is Ian’s massive loss of 8 stone, “IN JUST 7 MONTHS”. Although I am very pleased to have reached my target weight, The real success is Ian…… myself and Ian are the same height and when I heard his target weight was the same as mine I was in disbelief, however with hard work and determination Ian has now achieved this. From a 46-inch waist to a 32-inch waist Ian is, in fact, the same size as I am (maybe a little bit slimmer but don’t tell him, as he will get a big head). Inside our January Edition, you will remember I mentioned New Year resolutions, weight loss, quitting smoking to name a few. Well, I thought it an excellent idea to share our success after seven months of Slimming World as a bit of encouragement to those already looking to lose weight and be healthier. You may be aware we started our journey in June 2015 to give our readers a diary over three months at Slimming world. The way slimming world opened our eyes to weight loss while still allowing us to eat the good stuff was a very welcome prospect. The first three months of the plan saw some great results with myself losing three waist sizes and Ian losing four notches on his belt with trousers now five sizes smaller in just a short period. I started at a weight of 13 stone 7 lbs while Ian weighed in at a massive 20 stone 1lb. Although a fantastic achievement for Ian, he takes as much pride from supporting other group members in their weight loss journey and while spending a lot of time at the gym and running two businesses. He still takes time out to ensure he is offering his full support to the Westlea Slimming World Group, Ian’s Wife Dorothy and Mum Linda have also achieved their targets.
Ian
Graham PAGE 14
If you are looking to lose weight or you are considering no longer attending the groups or online weight loss programmes, just take a look at the pictures in this column and see for yourself the transformation that can be achieved with the right support and hard work. Remembering, that Slimming World is not a weight loss plan that cuts out all of the great things in life. For more info and how to join visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 15
Old Town Festival 2016
Old Town Festival cheque presentation to local charity Brighter Futures
The Old Town Festival committee recently presented a cheque for £1500 to Chloe Thomas of the GWH Brighter Futures Appeal to build a Radiotherapy centre in Swindon. “The committee are so pleased to support this local worthy charity that will aid a great many people in Swindon. Each year we ask for members of the public to nominate a local charity and this is voted on by the committee. We are looking for a charity to support for 2016, so please send your nominations to myself josie@commonweal.co.uk before 19th February. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the committee for all their hard work
in producing such a fantastic series of events last year. I have every confidence that they will do the same this year, they are a great team and freely give of their time to entertain the people of Swindon,” said Josie Williams, festival chair and community arts development officer at Commonweal School. “We are blown away with the support from Swindon Old Town Festival. It was such a great event and we were so pleased to have been a part of it. The £1500 donations brings us closer to the £350,000 mark which makes such a difference to the appeal and helps bring cancer care closer to Swindon,” said Chloe Thomas, Brighter Futures Community & Events Fundraiser. Part of this amount was raised by two special events on Sunday 14 June 2015. The Old Town Partnership of Churches celebrated their 46th birthday in the Bowl in the Town Gardens and raised £240.
Picture caption 9639 L-R back row Graham Worrallo & Ian Butlar from Screaming Media Ltd, John Wilson, Caroline Pitt, Daniel Pitt, Victor Chamberlain, Gerry Hannon, Mutsai Hove Bird, Bill Holmes, Pat & Godfrey Room from the Old Town Partnership of Churches. Front row: L-R Josie Williams, festival chair, Heather Matthews, vice chair, Chloe Thomas from Brighter Futures, Maureen Jones, Cllr Nadine Watts. *Photography by Ollie Kirby, student at Commonweal School.
The event featured a worship event on the Bowl stage, stalls, displays and refreshments. It was hosted by Godfrey Room, chair of the Partnership, which includes Christ Church with St Mary’s, Bath Road Methodist Church and Immanuel United Reformed Church. The coordinating committee was chaired by Daniel Pitt and contributions were made by the Partnership church leaders, choirs and congregations, Messy Church, uniformed organisations including Guides, Tai Chi and Thursday Fellowship. A good time was had by all.
The Old Town Festival dates for 2016 are Saturday 11th – 19th June. Booking is now open for stalls and food outlets, also for the parade on Sunday 12th June. If you would like to be considered for a slot in the Commonweal Performing Art Marquee on Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th then please email josie@commonweal.co.uk. Further info can be found on www.oldtownfestival.co.uk An Open Gardens event was organised by Mutsai Hove Bird. A total of 6 Old Town Gardens large and small were opened to the public. As well as viewing the natural beauties of the gardens, visitors could sample craft stalls and refreshments. £289 was raised for Brighter Futures, and a further amount donated to the charity Zhest, (Zimbabwe Health Education and Sustainability Trust ) which raises funds for schools in Zimbabwe.
Old Town Festival is a partnership between Commonweal School, Screaming Media Ltd, Swindon Advertiser, Drove Vets, 105.5 Community Radio, Swindon Does Arts and Swindon Borough Council.
Screaming Media and The Anything Swindon Magazine Owners Graham Worrallo and Ian Butler also added to our collection with a cheque for £200.00. “we are very proud to support the Old Town Festival and the work that it does for local charities” ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 17
Jamie Cullum Feature
Young Pianist in the Borough of Swindon to play Jamie Cullum’s Beloved Yamaha Grand Piano! young people in Swindon to play on and it really does make a difference to inspire the next generation,” said Josie Williams the school’s Community Arts Development Officer who is organising the festival alongside Commonweal’s Music Leader Kirsty Driver. Prior to the evening concert students will have the opportunity to take part in a masterclass with music teacher Jon Driver who will also close the recital with some classical pieces. The masterclass aims to give students tips on how to improve their performances and piano technique. This St Patrick’s Day will have a very special meaning to some very lucky young pianist from across the Borough of Swindon. Young people up to the age of 18 can sign up to take part in the Swindon Youth Piano Festival held at Commonweal’s C6 auditorium on Thursday 17th March and will have the opportunity to play on Jamie Cullum beloved Yamaha Grand Piano!
The event is a sharing opportunity and not a competition. Any young person across the Borough of Swindon can apply irrespective of ability. If you have a child, or know of a child who would benefit from taking part in this event then please email Josie josie@commonweal.co.uk or tel 01793 427860 to obtain an application form. The deadline for application is 12th February 2016. Jamie paid a visit to the school in September and performed and talked about his career to an invited audience.
“We were very fortunate last January to win Jamie’s beloved Yamaha Grand Piano, by popular vote following a national competition. The piano is used on a regular basis for piano lessons and concerts. It is fantastic that we are able to have this wonderful piano for all PAGE 18
Further info tel Josie Williams, community arts development officer: 01793 427860 or email josie@commonweal.co.uk
WHAT’S ON?
WHAT’S ON?
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
PAGE 19
Estelle School of Dance Pat Bennett who is a life member of the Royal Academy of Dance, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and The International Dance Teachers Association, Opened The Estelle School of Dance in 1958 with just 2 Pupils. Since then she has been entering students for examination in Ballet, Tap and Modern Dance. Every two years Pat produces a Musical at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre with proceeds from each show being donated to local charities, Shows such as The Wizard of Oz, Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland to name a few. Pat and the Estelle School of Dance recently donated a staggering £5000.00 to The Wiltshire Air Ambulance as a result of her successful production of Hans Christian Andersen. Apart from The Wyvern Theatre Pats students can be seen performing at Fetes,
Hospitals and Senior care homes, in recent weeks several students have been dancing in Cinderella with the Immanuel Drama Group. Rehearsals are now under way in preparation for the next Wyvern Theatre Show Peter Pan which can be seen at the Wyvern Theatre between the 23rd and 25th of June. Estelle School of Dance has a reputation for fairness, Loyalty and supporting each other, so if there are any children out there interested in joining simply pop along and you never know you may find yourself flying off to Neverland. Classes are held at Immanuel Hall on Upham road and All Saints Hall, Southbrook Street, Ferndale. For more information, call 01793 520420 or email:david.k.rebbeck@btinternet.com
UP AND COMING HOME FIXTURES:
Check The Wildcats site for more info: swindonwildcats.com
Sun 14th Feb: vs Basingstoke Bison, 6pm Sat 20th Feb: vs Peterborough Phantoms, 5.45pm Sat 5th March: vs Guildford Flames, 5.45pm Wed 09th March: vs M’ Keynes Lightening, 7.45pm
PAGE 20
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
Before
After
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 ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL:01793 977117
PAGE 21
Councillor Updates Walcot and Park North Councillors Steve Allsopp, Emma Bushell, Abdul Amin
The Council is currently consulting residents on plans to make Walcot West, Walcot East and Park North into a parished area. The council’s intention is to do this to all parts of Swindon that are currently non-parished. We will be holding 3 meetings over the next 3 months to ask residents their views on the subject and to answer any questions. We believe a referendum must be held so the people of Park North and Walcot can decide whether or not they want to be part of a parish. The Council argues that this move is necessary to protect services in the area. Parishing could mean that local people have a greater say over services and facilities in their area. However, residents in Walcot and Park North will be subject to paying an additional amount on their council tax bill through a new Parish Precept. The parishes will gain control over services such as maintenance of green areas and some community buildings. The first meeting is scheduled for January 27th 18.00-20.00 at Immanuel Church, Upham Road. Provisional meetings are scheduled for February 17th 19.00-21.00 at Walcot Dome, Burghley Close and March 16th 19.00 – 21.00 at Goddard Park School, Welcombe Avenue. Please note these meetings are not yet confirmed. Please contact Emma Bushell on emmabushell@yahoo.co.uk or 07876 430582 for confirmation. Councillor Nadine Watts – Old Town & East Wichel. nadine.watts@live.co.uk - 07595 071381
Marlborough Park - a detailed planning application (S/OUT/15/2051) has been submitted for 91 dwellings and 74 retirement dwellings and an outline proposal for up to 313 dwellings, public open space and play area. Old Town Bridleway - improvement works to the access to the Old Railway path from Mill Lane have now been completed. Tismeads Crescent/Croft Road – work should now have been completed to flatten the roundabout at this junction. Hopefully the road closures didn’t inconvenience motorists too much. Springfield Road Crossing Concerns – I am meeting with local residents and Council officers to discuss people’s safety concerns regarding crossing this road, especially when walking to and from school, near the junction with Croft Road. I’ll let you know how this meeting goes. Hesketh Crescent Play Area - work is progressing, People should be able to enjoy the new play area soon. South Locality Meeting - Wednesday 30 March, 7pm at Chiseldon Primary School. Police and Council updates, as well as public questions. Hope to see you there. Old Town Festival Dates – Family fun day on the Lawns and parade will be on Sunday 12 June. There will be a concert at the Bowl, Town Gardens on Sunday 18 June.
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 January has ushered some very important news for our NHS, both locally and nationally. On Monday 11th, the Prime Minister announced a range of new measures which form an investment package of almost a billion pounds to enhance mental health services across the country. I’ve done a great deal of work on this in South Swindon and in Parliament, so I’m pleased that the Government has agreed to a complete overhaul of the system, and put mental health on an equal footing with physical health. The new investment in this integrated, multidisciplinary approach will ensure more complete coverage around the country. If you want to find out more about this announcement, take a look at my website. Just one week later, the proposed Radiotherapy Unit at the Great Western Hospital was finally given the green light. And as doctors and patients across our town celebrated the news, healthcare bosses delivered more good news; announcing that Swindon’s overall long-term financial support was secure thanks to a major increase in funding. For too long, cancer patients from Swindon have suffered the pain & discomfort of having to travel hundreds of miles every year in round-trips to Bristol & Oxford for treatment. Securing this new facility, right at the heart of the GWH, and delivering a five-year cumulative investment of £127 million means that patients in Swindon will benefit from both of these significant improvements. When Dr. Crouch first alerted us to the unfairness of the funding formula and the problems facing the delivery the Radiotherapy Unit, Justin and I were only too happy to offer all the assistance we could and I am delighted with these announcements.
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 North Swindon MP welcomes boost to local health care The NHS is one of our precious British institutes and I am proud that this Government has committed to invest £10 billion extra per year, as well as an extra £1.2 billion for GP services and a £5.3 billion Better Care Fund to help integrate health and social care locally. And there was a fantastic announcement for Swindon last week as NHS England also confirmed that the proposed £2.9 million Radiotherapy Unit at the Great Western Hospital had finally been given the green light. Set to open in late 2017, this facility will mean that patients from Swindon and the surrounding area will in future be able to receive vital treatment in their own town without having to travel over an hour to the nearest Radiotherapy in Oxford. Fighting cancer is a traumatic ordeal for both the patient and their families. I got fully behind the campaign alongside Robert Buckland MP and Dr Peter Crouch, Chair of the Clinical Commissioning Group, to secure this new treatment provision so that people in Swindon will no longer have to embark on regular long journeys whilst fighting cancer. A big thank you to every single volunteer who got behind the Radiotherapy Centre Appeal campaign to help raise funds – without your commitment this decision would not have been made and on behalf of everybody in our town, I am extremely grateful for the fundraising efforts that yet again highlights the selfless generosity of local residents. Another local campaign that we have been involved with has been focused on addressing the national funding formula which saw Swindon receiving less than its fair share of healthcare funding compared to other areas of similar size and demographics. After a number of letters to the Chief Executive of NHS England and discussions with the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the NHS has announced the decision to amend the formula; resulting in an increase in cumulative investment in the Swindon CCG healthcare economy of £45 million over five years, with investment up from £82 million to £127 million. Both announcements comes as a big win for patients across Swindon.
MPs Office, 1 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE - 01793 533393 justin.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 23
Swindon Evangelical Church
Church for all ages Church for all nations Last time we showed some of our activities for the older generation. This time we are looking at recent activities for children. During November and December, some local primary schools took part in a new venture called ‘Christmas Unwrapped.’
In January the church had the opportunity to celebrate the cultures of the different nationalities that come regularly. 21 countries, ranging from Spain to Romania, to Iran and India, the Philippines, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, to Brazil and Jamaica, were all able to show off the uniqueness of their country in displays, presentations, national costumes, national songs and dancing before having the opportunity to sample of their cuisine. Well over 100 of us enjoyed the event that brought together such a diverse group of people.
Year 3 children from Robert Le Kyng, Lethbridge and Lawn primary schools came to the church to explore the true meaning of Christmas. The sessions involved meeting a puppet, hearing the Christmas story, dressing up, making a Christmas card, decorating a cake and matching some pictures and sentences of the Christmas story. Every child took home a goody bag, with their card and cake in, plus a free book about Christmas. Christmas Unwrapped has been well received by all the primary schools involved.
Construction Crew!
This Easter time we will be holding our Holiday Bible Club ‘Construction Crew’ which is free and open to all primary-aged children. We will have lots of fun and learn about builders in the Bible. We will learn about the builders who built a house, the people who built a tower, Noah who built a boat and the rich man who built a barn. PAGE 24
HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB for primary aged children Tues 5th - Fri 8th April 10am-12:15pm For more details or to book a free place please ring or email
Charity No:1129912
17–19 Devizes Road, 01793 434630, hbc@swec.org.uk
swec.org.uk
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
ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 25
Advertisement
feature
PAGE 26
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.
Advertisement
feature ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
PAGE 27
Call us today to reserve your space!
01793 977117 PAGE 28
Pearce Funeral Services 1 Groundwell Rd, Swindon, SN1 2LT 01793 422422
"The closest Funeral Director to the Register"
Professionally Qualified A Truly Personal & Compassionate Service For You And Your Loved One
Pre Payment Funeral Plans Available Included in The Good Funeral Guide since 2011, In Recognition Of Our Quality Of Service
'John (centre), Tracy and David - Here for you when needed most'
Home Visits Available
Chapel of Rest: 92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, SN3 4NN – 01793 832072
www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk
Churchfields Academy Logo
1.
2.
3.
Churchfields AcademyPearce Every Classroom, Every Lesson, Every Student
Funeral Services
92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon, SN3 4NN
01793 832072
Visit Us
Professionally Qualified A Truly Personal & Compassionate Service Come and see why Ofsted Graded us as For You And Your Loved One Good in 2013 Pre Payment Funeral Plans Available Good Guide since 2011, ToursIncluded can be setinupThe at any timeFuneral for students In Recognition Of Our Quality Of Service wishing to transfer from Primary or another
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
www.churchfields.org
www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk ANYTHING SWINDON
WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK
TEL: 01793 977117
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
PAGE 30
EtaEtion FoR l nsu C
Planning Applications, Building Regulations, Home Extension, New Build + many more services by Ben Williams single storey extension 01793 920265 ben@benwill.co.uk
designed from
ÂŁ199
44 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX
08000 88 60 90 consol.eu