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NOTE FROM THE EDITORS Happy New Year to all our readers and welcome to our January edition of Anything Swindon. As is customary at the beginning of a new year, our thoughts turn to health and fitness. If you need a helping hand to keep to those New Year resolutions, read about the fantastic ideas Louise at Slimming World is offering to ensure you keep on track.
INSIDE THE JANUARY ISSUE 04
MAIN FEATURE
Our main feature comes from the guys at the NSBRC in Swindon.
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PETS AND MORE Drove vets provide more valuable advice, also a great piece by Wagging Dogs.
And you can get fit and raise money for a good cause at the same time! The Prospect Hospice talks to us about its plans for 2015; both runners and walkers are needed to start off the New Year fundraising programme. We are not alone when it comes to watching our waistlines. Drove vets discuss with us the implications of obesity in our cats and dogs, whilst Hilary at Wagging Tails reminds us that regular exercise for our pets means regular exercise for us too.
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COMPETITION UPDATES
New competitions and also an update on some of our prev winners.
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PROSPECT UPDATE
Andrew Thompson from the Prospect Hospice updates us on their plans for 2015
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COUNCILLOR UPDATES
The latest in what’s happening from your local councillor’s.
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Whats new at the Movies this January
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SLIMMING WORLD FEATURE
Looking to shed a few pounds in 2015? See what Louise and her team can offer
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WYVERN THEATRE
A review of this years Panto, Dick Whittington Starring Nigel Havers
We look back at our visit to the Wyvern Theatre where we lost ourselves in the performance of this year’s fantastic pantomime, Dick Whittington. Oh yes we did!
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WHAT’S ON?
Feeling lucky? We have regular competitions in which you can win family tickets to Empire Cinema and Swindon Wildcats.
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This month, we speak with the team at the National Self Build Centre ahead of their Self Build & Renovation Show – a must for anyone contemplating building or renovating. Our monthly update from Swindon College Old Boys takes a look at how their year ended, whilst for Head Teacher, Mr McAteer, it’s all about new beginnings as he talks to us about the Holy Cross School under construction on Queens Drive.
Ian and I are pleased to announce that in 2015, the Anything Swindon magazine will cover new areas of Swindon. Our page count will be expanded to ensure a fair balance of readable and editorial content with advertising. As more and more businesses enquire about marketing, we will continue to create a platform of informative content for Central Swindon residents, whilst offering local businesses the opportunity to reach a large audience. If you have plans for 2015 that you would like to share with us, please get in touch with the team at info@ anythingswindon.co.uk For all marketing opportunities, contact me at graham@screamingmedia.co.uk or drop in to our Town Centre office in Morley Street.
Happy reading! Graham & Ian
13 EMPIRE SWINDON MOVIE NEWS!
Stuck for something to do? Check out the what’s on section for ideas.
SPORTS Our monthly check in with SCOB.
Follow us on Social Media: facebook.com/anythingSwindon @anythingswindon
Ed: Ian E: ian@screamingmedia.co.uk Ed: Graham E: graham@screamingmedia.co.uk Advertising: Telephone 01793 977117 Design: Screaming Media Ltd Artwork: Screaming Media Ltd Print: Screaming Media Ltd www.screamingmedia.co.uk Readership: 50,000 Circulation: 21,000
NSBRC Main Feature
One of Swindon’s hidden gems!
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) is one of Swindon’s hidden gems. Located on Junction 16 of the M4, just beside the Hilton Hotel, the Centre welcomes people from all over the UK who are designing & building their own houses or looking to renovate or improve their existing homes. In fact, since opening in 2007, almost a quarter of a million people have visited the Centre seeking independent building advice and support. This permanent Visitor Centre is unique, with no other venue like it in the UK. Harvey Fremlin, General Manager, says; “Our aim is to inspire, educate and provide impartial advice for our visitors so they can make well informed decisions during their projects. Visitors enjoy access to free advice provided by our ‘Technical Helpdesk’, staffed by our own experts with years of experience in construction & planning”. The huge Centre features a beautifully finished, timber frame show home by Potton and also hosts the ‘Trade Village’ (a permanent exhibition area), where hundreds of the latest products and services are on display, along with fantastic New Build and Renovation educational zones with PAGE 4
life-size examples of wall systems, roofs, foundations and much more. Open 6 days a week (TuesSun), the NSBRC hosts a variety of shows & workshops to complement its daily offering. Harvey tells us about their next event; “The new year is a natural time to consider making improvements to your home. We can help anyone considering an extension, loft conversion, conservatory or even buying a plot of land and building a brand new home. The ‘Self Build & Renovation Show’ is packed with presentations, guided tours and experts offering
free advice. We would love to see more people from Swindon discover our Centre and the show is the perfect time to come along. Tickets are free and we’ll even buy you a coffee!” More details of the Centre and the ‘Self Build & Renovation Show’ can be found at: www.nsbrc.co.uk FREE tickets can be claimed using booking code: Swindon2
Simply show your copy of ‘Anything Swindon’ to the NSBRC team on arrival to claim your free hot drink!
NSBRC Main Feature
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NSBRC Main Feature Here are our six top tips to making your own Renovation project a success. 1. Avoid a money pit! Renovating a house can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life and with careful planning can also be one of your best investments. A full structural survey is absolutely essential before you buy. A survey by a qualified expert will identify exactly what work needs doing and therefore if the project is economically viable.
3. Know the local area Just like when buying any home – get familiar with local property prices. You need to be wary of over-developing or specifying too high a quality home for the typical values in the neighbourhood.
4. Don’t forget VAT Unlike a new build project where VAT can be reclaimed against materials, this is not the case for most renovations. However – if the house was unoccupied for 2 years or more before any work commenced a reduced rate of 5% VAT on materials and labour can be charged by a VAT registered builder.
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Renovations are a great opportunity to improve the performance of the property and reduce its running costs by improving and increasing the levels of insulation.
6. Visit the Renovation House at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre!
2. Assess the properties potential Renovation is primarily concerned with making an existing dwelling into a better one. This might include extending the living spaces or developing attics or basements. Conversions turn a property that was previously not a dwelling into a home. For any project you need to work out the possibilities, calculate the costs and understand the value your work can yield.
5. Reduce your energy bills
Our Renovation House is typical of a property built in the inter-war years and has clearly had very little maintenance work done to it. As you move through this full-size house you will be guided through identifying and resolving the most common problems encountered during a project, taking you through the key stages from dilapidation to completion.
Enjoy a 30 minute audio tour or, at 2pm every Friday, walk around with our resident expert, Neil. Book your visit at:
www.nsbrc.co.uk
Competitions Update
Congratulations to all our previous winners! December Issue: Cinema Comp Winner - Lisa Sawyer... Well done! December Issue: Wildcats Comp Winner - Karen Reynolds... Well done! November Issue: Dick Whittington Comp Winner - Penelope Wood... Well done! November Issue: Wildcats Comp Winner - Jasmine Lim Well done! November Issue: Pizza Express Comp Winners x2 - Martin Hale, and Jo Haveral... Well done!
Win a Family ticket to a Family film of your choice! To win the tickets, When is Channing Tatums Date of Birth? Email your answer to us at win@anythingswindon.co.uk Answer to be recieved by 20th January 2015.
Win tickets to see The Swindon Wildcats! To win the tickets, Who are Swindon Wildcats playing on Sat 17 Jan 2015 6pm? Email your answer to us at win@anythingswindon.co.uk Answer to be recieved by 20th January 2015.
ANYTHING SWINDON
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Pets
A four pawed health kick for 2015! You don’t necessarily have to own a dog to gain these benefits as many charities are often looking for puppy walkers or dog foster families. Sandra Reeves took another route and joined dog boarding company Wagging Tails as a dog carer. She now welcomes guest dogs into her home for their holidays when their owners go away and in addition to the health benefits of having dogs around also receives a small payment for looking after her four-legged guests.
Wagging Tails carer Sandra Reeves with Christmas guests Cyril and Olive New Year is often a time when people think about their health and resolutions to go to the gym or start a diet are made (and subsequently broken!). One thing that many people are unaware of is the health benefits of having a dog in the home. These benefits go far beyond the physical improvements associated with gym membership or dieting. Writing in the British Journal of Health Psychology Dr Deborah Wells reviewed a number of previous research papers concluding that dog ownership can be shown to help prevent us from becoming ill, facilitate recovery from ill-health, reduce levels of anxiety, loneliness and depression as well as enabling greater social interaction for owners. Health psychologist Dr June McNicholas agrees with this final point, observing that the opportunity for social interaction that comes with having a dog is a major reason for the increased health in dog owners while adding that, “For older people, an animal can fulfil the ‘need to be needed’, perhaps after children have left home. In some cases, the social support offered by an animal is greater than the support another human could offer.” Dog ownership obviously brings with it a large amount of responsibility and commitments something that many, for a number of reasons, are unwilling or unable to take on.
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“It is a great opportunity to meet so many different types of dogs and characters. It provides me with lots of long walks and I get to meet so many other dog owners when out and about, making lots of new friends in the process.”
To find out more about becoming a Wagging Tails carer please visit www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk
Drove Pets Update How can you tell if your pet is overweight? The common tell-tale signs can include;
Vet Column by Drove Veterinary Hospital
Obesity in Cats and Dogs
•
A sluggish demeanour
•
Excessive panting, especially in hot weather
•
Falling behind on walks
•
A reluctance to exercise. This compounds the problem, as fewer and fewer calories are used up and, consequently, stored as fat
As a simple test, stand over your animal and check if you can see a waistline. There should be a depression, even if only slight, behind the ribcage, rather than a bulge. Viewed from the side, the abdomen should not sag and, running your hands over the chest area, it should be possible to feel the ribs fairly easily.
Obesity has, unfortunately, reached epidemic proportions in this country for our counterparts we refer to as our pets.
A better way to approach the problem is to try and weigh your animal. Arrange a visit to your local veterinary practice where they will be able to proObesity has now become one of the most comvide you with an opportunity to discuss your pet’s mon nutritional problems we see in practice. weight problem, any worries you have and they will Statistics state that close to 50% of all dogs are always be able to start you on a controlled weight overweight and more than 20% of cats need to loss programme specifically designed for your pet. shed pounds. Older, indoor cats top all of these Remember that the best way to avoid your pet groups; some studies report obesity in 60% of becoming overweight is to feed them with a good these cats which is a worrying statistic to see. nutritional diet, correctly weighed out for their statIt is important to understand as owners that overure and weight but most importantly to exercise weight pets are unhealthy. your pet regularly and appropriately. They face a variety of weight-related diseases, and a shorter, more painful life. But our pets do Please don’t hesitate to contact your Vet – Rememnot decide when and how much they eat. As their ber in Every Fat Pet there is a Thin pet just longing owners, we control what they eat, when they exto get out! ercise, and ultimately, their weight. With obesity comes other potential problem which more com- If you need any further information then monly include; please contact your local Vetfor advice. •
Cardiac problems, due to strain on the heart and circulation
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Poor exercise tolerance and excessive panting
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Increased risk of developing chest conditions such as bronchitis
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Additional stress on the limbs, joints and spine
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Increased likelihood of arthritis, rheumatism and back problems developing
24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE TELEPHONE: (01793) 522483 www.drovevets.co.uk
In more severe cases with their excess weight your pets are also at risk to more complicated and life threatening conditions such as diabetes, cancer, liver disease, urinary problems (specifically in cats), reduced natural resistance to infection, poor immune system function and sadly a much shorter life expectancy. ANYTHING SWINDON
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Prospect Update
Prospect Hospice looks for both runners & walkers to get 2015 fundraising started. Prospect Hospice kicks off its New Year fundraising programme with a call out for runners and walkers to sign up for two very different events at the start of 2015. Now in its third year, Prospect Hospice’s 10k running event is a cross-country challenge that in previous years runners have joined as an early season test of their readiness for the season ahead. It has also attracted a good number of runners who have seen it as an opportunity to develop as runners and raise much-needed money for the Wroughton-based charity.
“We have been delighted at how popular our 10k event has become in just two years,” says organiser Mike Kennedy. “It’s definitely a challenging run over all kinds of terrain, and if previous years are anything to go by, you can be sure there will be mud, but it’s become a popular event for local runners, and we are hopeful that even more runners will sign up for this year’s 10k.” The Prospect 10k is on Sunday 22 February 2015, starts and finishes at the Nationwide Pavilion on Piper’s Way, and registration costs £15 per runner, with a suggested sponsorship target of £100.
Prospect’s Walk of Memories at Buscot Park on the 15 March is a much more peaceful event, and is suited to the whole family. This calm and reflective event, which allows out-of-season access to the beautiful grounds of Buscot Park owned by Lord & Lady Faringdon, it is an easy walk of around five kilometres, and is often completed in memory of a loved one. Registration for the Walk of Memories is £8 per adult and £3 per child, and there is a suggested sponsorship target of £80 per person or £150 for a family. For further details of these two events, and to view more of Prospect Hospice’s fundraising events calendar for 2015, Please Visit www.prospect-hospice.net/supporter
Join your local hospice lottery
Every week some ne £1
per
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£1,000
www.prospect-hospice.net/lottery
or call 01793 816190 to join
Pr spect Hospice
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A chance to win, a way to care Registered with the Gambling Commission
Registered Charity Number: 280093
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Reduce your fuel bills this winter with great value home insulation through Safe & Warm! Swindon Borough Council has now reopened its insulation scheme for this winter and is looking to help those households who meet the following criteria: Cost Cost
for cavity for loft wall insulation insulation
Receiving income or disability benefit
Free
Free
Over 80 years old or Registered disabled or capable of being registered disabled
Free
Free
Over 70 years old or Council Tax Band A or B property or Child under 4 (and must be Council £50 Tax Band A, B or C)
£50
Swindon resident not in any of above groups
£99
£99
All grants are subject to available funding, eligibility criteria and technical survey, and homes may need to be built before 1992 to qualify.
This offer is expected to end by 31st March 2015. These measures are still the most effective ways of reducing heating bills, so act now and feel the benefit! To arrange your free no-obligation survey through the only Local Authority backed scheme in Swindon contact David Miles on t: 01793 463679 or e: dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk Homes in certain parts of Swindon attract 100% funding regardless of the above criteria - we’ll check this as well! Swindon Safe & Warm
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Councillor Updates Old Town News - Cllr Nadine Watts - 07595 071381 - nadine.watts@live.co.uk Angel Ridge play area looks fantastic. It is very nearly complete. At time of writing, we are waiting for the tarmacking to be finished. The official opening should be in January. Following public concern regarding planning application S/14/1683 for a biomass burner on the Central Trading Estate, Signal Way, I have called this in to be considered by the planning committee. This should be discussed early next year. As always, it is good to go out and speak to residents in Old Town and help with any local issues. Please let me know if there is anything that I can help with.
Application for 62 Dwellings at Croft Road As the local councillor for Old Town I wanted to write to update you on the latest information regarding the planning application from Taylor Wimpey for 62 dwellings at the bottom of Croft Road. I opposed this planning application, as it is not in the local plan and I think this land should act as a buffer between the existing houses on Croft Road and East Another extension of time of the application determination date has been agreed. A decision on this proposal should now be made this month. Taylor Wimpey is awaiting the Planning Inspector’s report on the proposed modifications for the emerging local plan which is due out soon. From what I have heard from planning officers, it doesn’t seem that the Local Plan will change significantly enough to influence the outcome of this application. The decision is almost certain to be to refuse this planning application. It would actually be preferable for residents, if Taylor Wimpey were to withdraw the application (which I believe they are considering), as there would then be no opportunity for them to take the planning application to appeal. I am aware that this has been going on for some time now. As soon as there is more news residents can be reassured I will let them know. Rodbourne Cheney Councillors We have every sympathy for people currently suffering the effects of the road works in and around Rodbourne Cheney. We argued prior to the commencement of the works, and continue to argue, that these works, while necessary, should have been better scheduled so that so much disruption could be avoided. To tackle the traffic problems in the long-term, your local councillors have long campaigned for a road linking Thamesdown Drive with Great Western Way. Both MPs support the road and we cannot understand why, when Central Government is keen to put money into local infrastructure projects, Swindon Council are not also fully supporting the road. Your local councillors will continue to campaign for the road. Councillor Jim Grant- 07814380178; grant4gt@btinternet.com Councillor Des Moffatt- 07709066707; fendessy@yahoo.co.uk Councillor Peter Watts- 01793 529163; peterwattsrodbournecheney@live.co.uk Penhill & Upper Stratton Councillors- Joe Tray, Teresa Page, Paul Baker Councillors In December agreement was reached for a new polling station in Penhill after complaints earlier this year from some elderly and disabled residents in Penhil who were struggling to vote because of the distance they had to travel to the polling station. The new polling station is the Penhill Children’s Centre. At the behest of calls from local residents and local councillors, Swindon Council are currently investigating the possibility of alleviating the parking challenges in Penhill through creating the capacity in council homes for tenants to park their cars, therefore reducing the numbers of cars parking on the road. The Council will be in touch with tenants about this. Councillors Fay Howard, Derique Montaut & Neil Heavens We wish you all a very Happy New Year. Whilst the Conservative Council has reduced the number of Children’s Centres, please be assured that Goddard Park Children’s Centre remains open. There is family support work and a number of groups running in Park South. ‘Songs, Rhymes & Storytime’ Tuesdays 2-3pm at Park Library and ‘Little Fishes’ Parent & toddler group 10-11.30am on Thursdays at St Johns Church. If you need to get in touch, our next Councillor surgery is on Sat 7th February 10-11am at The Shop or, please contacts us on Tel 07952350656. Stratton St.Margaret and South Marston Update We have had a busy few months working on a variety of issues relating to the Council’s budget, planning, highways, welfare benefits, tree planning and supporting local events. We are available to meet residents on the first Saturday of each month from 10-11 at Grange Drive Community Centre or are happy to arrange to meet residents at other times. If we can help with any issues please do contact us. Residents should also have received our recent survey and we welcome all responses. Councillors Russell Holland rholland@swindon.gov.uk Colin Lovell colinplovell@gmail.com John Haines cllrjhaines@hotmail.co.uk PAGE 12
Mp Update
Swindon MPs Pledge To Support Carers Local MPs, Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, have spoken out on national Carers’ Rights Day to support Carers UK’s campaign urging people caring for ill or disabled loved ones to find out about the financial and practical support they are entitled to. There are an estimated 19,480 carers across Swindon and around 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK, who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours, saving the country an estimated £119 billion each year. Justin & Robert have both worked closely with local and national organisations to highlight the vital work of carers and are looking forward to the forthcoming national Carers Trust Reception, which will see carers from Swindon visit Parliament. Robert Buckland MP said: “Carers are fulfilling a vital role in our society, but too often they go without the support they need because they don’t know about the support available.” Justin Tomlinson MP said: “We must all play a role in helping to identify and support people who are looking after ill, frail or disabled loved ones and making sure they get the right information and advice about the support they are entitled to as early as possible.”
Autumn Statement Changes Locally we have been feeling the benefits of this strong economic progress. Since 2010, 7,400 more people in Swindon have found jobs - a staggering 50% fall in unemployment. Whilst 7,010 people have started an apprenticeship and 86,074 Swindon residents have received an income tax cut in the last 4 years. But there is still more to be done to ensure that this progress continues and to reward those who have worked hard to contribute to our national recovery: •
A cut in Stamp Duty to 98% of homes in the UK, saving £4,500 on an average family home
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Abolishing the planned rise in fuel duty so that prices at the pumps continue to fall
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Abolishing the 55% death tax so that pensioners can pass on their pensions cash free
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An increase in the personal tax allowance, equivalent to a tax cut of £825
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Scrapping Air Passenger Duty for children, a welcome boost for local families
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VAT rebates for hospices (Prospect) & Air Ambulances (Wiltshire)
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A 25% ’Starbucks tax’ on the profits of large multi-national corporations who divert their profits offshore
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A new tax on banks which will see them pay an extra £4 billion each year
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An extra £2bn per year for the NHS
• An extra £1.2bn to extend GP Services The prosperity of households, job creators, schools, the NHS and other vital elements of our society, depend on a healthy economy and these important measure will help to deliver these.
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Movie News
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN Win a Family ticket to a Family film of your choice! To win the tickets, When is Channing Tatums Date of Birth? Email your answer to us at win@anythingswindon.co.uk Answer to be recieved by 20th January 2015. Good Luck! PAGE 14
For your
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10%
ANYTHING SWINDON DISCOUNT
Quote Ref: ANY10
Health & Beauty
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Slimming World Feature There are also vacancies for experienced managers to help co-ordinate the work in the area and ensure that Slimming Worlds unique support is available in every community. “What appealed to me about the role was that I was able to fit it in around my full time role as a training manager. Slimming World provided me with all the training and support I needed and there are no qualification requirements. There really is someone supporting you every step of the way in your journey as a Consultant, just like there is for our members.”
New Year, New You, New Career? Joining a Slimming World group can open the door to many opportunities. Not only can you lose weight the Extra Easy way, and receive support through magical IMAGE therapy, you could find yourself in the shoes of a Consultant. Louise Robins joined her local Slimming World group, primarily to lose weight. This January she will be celebrating her third year as a Slimming World Consultant. “I will never forget the day I opened my doors at my Slimming World group, I was blown away. The Consultant role had never been something I had considered until a Team Developer came along to the group where I was a member and spoke more about the role. She really made me consider how I could go out and make a difference, just like my Consultant had done with me.” Slimming World are experiencing unprecedented growth and are now on the search for more Consultants to meet the requirements of Swindon & the surrounding areas. Louise Robins says: “We’re going through a period of growth. In 45 years millions of people have changed their lives with
Slimming World’s brilliant combination of a hunger-busting eating plan, increased activity and weekly group support. With obesity at an all-time high – 30 million adults (62%) in the UK are overweight or obese – and government predictions that 80% of men and 70% of women will be overweight or obese in the next decade – the demand for our unique warm and friendly approach has never been greater. “At Slimming World we have the best eating plan in the world where members can, and do, lose weight without ever having to feel hungry,” says Louise. “We have the best understanding of the psychology of slimmers and we choose Consultants for their empathy, warmth and understanding. We have the best training in the business too. Every Consultant who comes on board goes through an intensive programme and is awarded diplomas in aspects of nutrition and successfully running their own slimming business.” Slimming World is looking for people who have lost weight themselves with the club, who can share their own weight-loss success to build a fabulous career.
If you are interested in the Consultant role, an opportunity event is being held at Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road on Saturday 10th January at 1.30pm. “At the opportunity event you will learn, more about the role without any form of pressure or hard sales technique. Personally I attend 3 nets before deciding to apply for the role” if you would like to attend the event you can call Louise on 07784098022 or call Penny at Slimming World headoffice on 0844 892 0434 or email penny@slimmingworld. com quoting reference RT500. “Being a Consultant is life changing in so many ways. There is no better feeling than helping people lead healthier lives, seeing members come off medication, and helping members achieve their dreams. Louise runs two sessions on a Saturday Morning at Freshbrook Community Centre, Worsley Road at 9am and 11am. Slimming World run groups throughout the town and you can find your nearest group by visiting www.slimmingworld. com or contact Louise directly for more information. “We look forward to welcoming you at a group soon”
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Nigel Schofield, Senior Consultant picks up a national award. 2014 ended on a high note for Will writing company Farsight Wills of 32 Commercial Road, Swindon. Nigel Schofield, Senior Consultant has picked up a national award for business levels achieved throughout that year. Nigel said “This has been our best year by far and it’s nice to receive recognition of that”. Now it’s time to look toward 2015 and persuade those people who have organising a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney on their ’to-do list’ to get it done. It is so easy to put in place and you definitely have a sense of relief once it’s sorted. PAGE 20
A Night at the Wyvern Theatre
Dick Whittington
A rags to riches story! No festive season would be the same in Swindon without a visit to The Wyvern Theatre for the Annual Pantomime production. The Screaming Media team came together for a night of fun at this year’s performance of Dick Whittington, before long we were Booing, Cheering and in some cases crying with laughter.
The cast were fantastic in bringing to life the story of Dick Whittington, Coronation Street star Nigel Havers was transformed from on screen rat to King Rat and was fantastic in his performance, David Ashley returned to the Wyvern Theatre playing Sarah the Cook in true Dame Style creating much of the laughter throughout.
This magical production was bought to life with an abundance of comedy, Beautiful sets and fabulous costumes, as is tradition with the Wyvern Theatre’s annual pantomime, Dick Whittington gave us plenty of audience participation and even lost a few of us in a moment of embarrassing booing and jeering.
Great Venue, Great Show, Great Cast. We will definitely return for next year’s performance of Snow White & The seven Dwarfs!
Next Years Panto runs from Saturday 5 December 2015 until Sunday 3 January 2016. Check out the Wyvern Theatre website for more information or to book tickets. swindontheatres.co.uk or call the Ticket office on 01793 524 481
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Property Section
I have noticed recently that maisonettes in Swindon provide good Yields. Talking with a prospective landlord last week we got around to the subject of Maisonettes and whether they would make a good investment. (This particular landlord already has a portfolio in the Oxfordshire area and was looking to spread out into Wiltshire, but with a limited budget). Maisonettes are not always the first choice for investors but they do rent well, either furnished or unfurnished, and can generally offer good yields due to the attractive purchase price. Provided the property is sensibly priced then they can provide a great option for landlords and are well worth considering for the first time investor. We spent some time looking in detail, at three properties currently available for sale within the SN5 postcode area. One needed some refurbishment work and the other two were almost ready to go, once a few legal requirements were put in place. Taking legal costs, pre tenancy work, agency fees etc. into account, all three properties can achieve a yield of over 6%. When you also look at the current increase on sale prices, any one of these properties could see a capital growth of over 4% per year based on recent performance. So when looking to invest it pays to spend some time looking at what the market has available and really doing your sums. Do not be too optimistic and work on hard facts. Talk to your agent, as they should understand how the market is preforming. Alternatively you can always talk to me, Dave Whaley at Martin & Co Swindon for complimentary advice on 01793 487760. (Various sources were used in compiling the information)
Property Section
Moving Forward 2015 will be a significant one for Chappells Estate Agents who are based in the Old Town. Darron Bailey has joined the firm, working with Colin Cox who established Chappells in 1986. Building on the firm’s 28 successful years at the heart of Swindon’s residential property market, Darron brings a wealth of fresh ideas and many years’ experience to the team. The property market has been strong throughout 2014, and with the Chancellors recent news about the Stamp Duty reforms, should perform well in 2015. If you are considering selling your property in 2015 and want an Estate Agency who works hard for you, using traditional courtesy combined with the most modern techniques, talk to Chappells!
Call Darron on 01793 618080 or email at darron@chappells.uk.com
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Whats On?
Immanuel Church, Upham Road, Swindon, SN3 1DH 10 January to 17 January 7:30pm to 9:30pm £6 Tickets/£5 Concessions 01793 506169
Lydiard Wedding Show
The Brunel Centre Wedding Show
Lydiard House Conference Centre Wedding Show
The Brunel Centre, Swindon, Swindon, SN1 1LF
Lydiard Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA
25 January 2015 10:30am to 4:30pm
Life Drawing Workshop
11 January 2015 11:00am to 3:00pm
hello@whitewed.co.uk 07765 705669
Jack & the Beanstalk
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Indoor Car Boot Sale Savernake Street Social Hall, Savernake Street, Swindon, SN1 3LZ 25 January 9:00am to 11 am eastcottcommunity@yahoo. co.uk 07765400223
UP AND COMING HOME FIXTURES:
Check The Wildcats site for more info: swindonwildcats.com
Sat 03rd Jan: vs Guildford Flames, 6pm EPIHL Sat 10th Jan: vs Manchester Phoenix, 6pm EPIHL Sat 17th Jan: vs Telford Tigers, 6pm EPIHL Sat 24th Jan: vs Peterborough Phantoms, 6pm EPIHL Sat 31st Jan: vs Sheffield Steeldogs, 6pm EPIHL
WIN TICKETS TO THE WILDCATS!
SEE PAGE 07 PAGE 24
‘A large selection of suitable cars at good prices’ 31st July
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PAGE 25
Why, when you’re close to leaving Do you get a sudden emotion? Is it the strain and the heaving? Or the result of loyal devotion You leave with the wishes of others And the promise to keep in touch With those who are now like brothers And those that won’t miss you as much You start to enjoy your surroundings As you always hoped you might You thoughts are of new groundings The tunnel opens up to the light You think of the effort and hours That got you to where you are But now you will use all your powers To wish on a new shooting star The newly acquired work skill To which you’re now attuned Kept with gestures of goodwill And memories festooned The negative energy some bought To obscure your working days Will be dismissed without a thought And there, you hope it stays So keep the best bits of your time As you move to pastures new Look ahead as up you climb Looking back just to bid adieu
PAGE 26
“Forward Thinking”
By Gav Ellis @GavEllis.IOW
Sports and Fitness
What a month for Swindon College Old Boys…. Dorset and Wilts 1st XV Case Champions and starting to build a convincing lead over 3rd place rivals in the Bucks, Berks and Oxon premier.
The 1st XV have spent much of the last three weeks celebrating their emphatic win over Blandford in the final of the vase which now puts them on a journey that could end at Twickenham on the day of the Aviva Premiership final. The next round will be against Hungerford at the end of January, but with SCOB keen to have as much rest as possible, as they make an attempt to take the league and the RFU Senior Vase, they have proposed a winner takes all clash that would combine a league and cup fixture on one day.
The 2nd XV have been barnstorming and the return of veteran players Chris Ebeneezer, Alex Hill and Scott Buchanan to the ranks has only improved the confidence of the side as they made it four wins on the bounce and added pressure to the teams in Dorset & Wilts 2 North. The league is tight with only 5 points between 2nd and 6th….. Special mention must go to Callum Gibbs who was given man of the match against Bath Saracens for his will, commitment, tenacity, two great tries and his general development over the past 12 months.
The November player of the month is James McLaughlin taking the 1st XV award following his two scores in the first 8 minutes of the Vase Final and Callum Gibbs taking the 2nd XV award for the aforementioned reasons. Special mentions go to John Chivers who has been exceptional since joining SCOB and has become a try scoring sensation in the centre.
SCOB PLAYER OF THE MONTH James McLaughlin
Player of the Month Sponsored by
Anyone interested in joining Swindon College Old Boys please visit www.scobrfc.org or head to Wroughton Leisure Centre, 18:30 Tue and Thurs. Special thanks to Jade Williams for the photography.
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PAGE 29
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www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk PAGE 32
Exciting times for Holy Cross Primary School
looking forward to admitting 60 children into 2 Reception classes in September 2015, which will be followed by further expansion over the coming years’.
Having been chosen to expand, in order to meet the demand for school places in the town centre, Holy Cross Primary School on Upham Road admitted Reception Class pupils for the first time on 1st September. The expansion will continue next year with 60 Reception Class places being available for the September 2015 intake. Holy Cross will be relocating into a brand new school building that is currently under construction on Queen’s Drive with completion due in July 2015. Headteacher, Mr Tony Mc Ateer, said ‘once we found out that the school was expanding we recruited a highly experienced Foundation Stage Leader, Jayne Rutherford, who has done a fantastic job setting up the Reception classroom and outdoor facilities and has expertly led a dedicated team of staff. The children settled in very quickly and are thoroughly enjoying the excellent resources and facilities. Everyone at the school is very excited about the new school on Queen’s Drive which will offer wonderful, purpose-built facilities and we are
ANYTHING SWINDON
For further information about the Reception places that are available in September 2015 at the new school on Queen’s Drive, ring the school office on 01793 527679 or email admin@holycross. swindon.sch.uk or visit the school website: www. holycross.swindon.sch.uk. Applications for places can be made at the following link: http://www.swindon.gov.uk/el/el-schoolscolleges/ el-schoolscolleges-places/el-schoolscolleges-places-primaryschoolplaces/Pages/el-schoolscollegesprimaryschoolplaces-howtoapply.aspx
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PAGE 33
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