July 2015 by Ian Butler

Years of Great

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MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM This month, We speak with Swindon College Old Boys Rugby Club – as the team has excelled in 2015!

INSIDE THE JULY 2015 ISSUE...

Read an update from this year’s Old Town Festival committee regarding the fantastic success of the 2015 festival fundraising efforts. We feature a four-page sports feature, working in association with Swindon Leisure and SCOB rugby. Our regular update from Drove Vets offers useful information on protecting our animals from the summer heat, and dogs in cars. The Prospect Hospice bring us an update on their charity activities planned for July and August. The Anything Swindon editors undergo a 12-week weight loss challenge with Slimming world, we are four weeks in and the losses have been amazing check out the first of 3 monthly weight loss updates. We hope you enjoy the July edition of Anything Swindon. If you would like your stories, events or activities featured in the magazine, please share them with us.

Happy reading! Graham & Ian 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 Designed & Printed: Screaming Media Ltd www.screamingmedia.co.uk Readership: 50,000 Circulation: 21,000 Online View 5,000 per month,

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OLD TOWN FESTIVAL UPDATE

WYVERN THEATRE FEATURE

SLIMMING WORLD UPDATE

DROVE VETS UPDATE

MOVIE NEWS

SCOB FEATURE

SWIMMING FEATURE

COUNCILLOR UPDATE

MP UPDATE

WHATS ON

PROSPECT UPDATE

FOOD RECIPE

Old Town Festival Update

This years Old Town festival has been a huge success and more than £1,500 has been raised for local charities during a week-long calendar of activities. A parade through Old Town and a Dog Show in aid of Swindon Needy Dogs at the Lawns, made for a fantastic day of fun with live entertainment and activities for all ages, the festival helped to raise £577 for Swindon Needy Dogs and a further £87.53 for Swindon Guide Dogs for the Blind. Dog Show organiser Jane Carter, of Drove Vets, said: “This was an absolutely fantastic day and its great to see so many owners and their dogs enjoying a fun day at the dog show, with every dog receiving a pink rosette the show ring was a sea of pink. Leading the annual parade through Wood Street on to the lawns were a variety of special guest princesses from Swindon’s Party Warehouse. Tinkerbell, Snow White and Frozen princesses Elsa and Anna, joined children of all ages for photographs and despite the beautiful weather Olaf also made an appearance. This year, the festival also supported the Great Western Hospital’s Brighter Futures’ radiotherapy appeal, with bucket collections raising over £1,000. Josie Williams, festival chairperson and Commonweal School’s Community Arts Development Officer, said: “What a fantastic result for this year’s Old Town Festival”

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s Old Town Festival. The Committee, volunteers, performers, stall holders, Drove Vets, Alan Holmes from Holmes Music, Party Warehouse, Screaming Media and many more. This is truly a community event! And thank you the general public for supporting the events. Please visit the Old Town Festival facebook page for more pictures. PAGE 4

Wyvern Theatre Feature

SOAP-STAR ADAM WOODYATT TO HEADLINE WYVERN THEATRE PANTOMIME The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon has announced that TV-soap legend Adam Woodyatt is to star in their Christmas pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Adam, who will play The Wicked Queen’s Henchman, is best-known for his role as Ian Beale in EastEnders, a part which he has played since the soap first aired 30 years ago. Adam also regularly guests on TV game and panel shows and has hosted programmes such as Value For Money, Dreamhouse and National Lottery Live. Adam is also no stranger to the stage and has starred in pantomimes for many years, including the Wyvern Theatre’s very own Mother Goose back in 1989 where he played Billy. His return is sure to delight Swindon audiences who will have the chance to boo and hiss when he takes to the Stage in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Adam Woodyatt said; “I absolutely love performing in front of an audience as it’s so different to camera - I love the reaction of the audience. I am very much looking forward to spending the Christmas season at the Wyvern Theatre, which I know has a reputation for staging outstanding pantomimes.” “I am really thrilled that one of the nation’s best-known actors is going to spend Christmas at the Wyvern.” said Theatre Director Derek Aldridge. “Adam’s recent live performances have received widespread critical acclaim and now he’ll be in 50 totally live episodes of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Once again the Wyvern will be presenting a pantomime for the whole family packed with laughs, songs, dances, heroes, villains and the news that Adam Woodyatt will lead this magical show is very exciting.” The Wyvern Theatre’s magical production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning sets plus, as audiences have come to expect from Swindon’s number one pantomime, plenty of audience participation. ANYTHING SWINDON

Adam Woodyatt will be joined on stage by Wyvern Theatre pantomime favourite, David Ashley. David returns to Swindon for a fifth year after playing Ugly Sister Windy Wendy in Cinderella, Abanazar in Aladdin, Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk and Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington.

Adam Woodyatt will star in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Wyvern Theatre from Sat 5 December 2015 Sun 3 January 2016. Book tickets today for the fairest panto in all the land at swindontheatres.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.

WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK

TEL: 01793 977117

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Slimming World Update

Anything Swindons Graham & Ian Slimming World Diary update # 1 of 3 Last month Ian and I met up with Slimming World Team Developer Louise Robins to discuss giving our readers an insight into losing weight while still enjoying the foods we both so dearly love. We agreed that the easiest way to give our readers a true account was to throw ourselves into a 12-week plan. With a combined weight of 33 stone 6lb, we knew we needed to lose a few pound. We made arrangements to book in with the Westlea Slimming World Group and met with Sabrina, who is the consultant for this group. “I’d heard of Slimming World but thought it was for older ladies and felt embarrassed about attending, plus I thought

they were going to announce my weight when I joined.” All that aside everyone was welcoming, and Sabrina and her support network is so supportive. As a bonus, we were surrounded by some lovely people none of whom are the old ladies I had expected to see, and everyone at the group had exactly the same goal as myself and Ian Because of our new member talk our first group lasted around 90 mins and around an hour each week after that. We have now attended the group four times and at each weigh in we can both boast a loss on the scales, simply by following a few simple steps and ensuring we eat to plan.

In four weeks, we have lost a combined weight of 23lb and have seen a great visual transformation in our faces and bodies. Not only are we feeling better but we are looking better and feeling a sense of confidence in our appearance, with eight more weeks to go who knows what will happen.

Check back next month to see our progress.

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H&M comes to The Parade H & M, Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M), is delighted to be relocating its store in Swindon to The Parade this summer. The new store, located on The Parade, will open on Thursday 2nd July at 11am. To celebrate, customers in the queue will receive a wristband entitling them to 25% off all fabulous products in store to shop during opening day. The store will occupy a sales area of over 20,000 square feet, offering H&M collections for women, men, teenagers and children. The opening has created around 15 new jobs in a mix of full and part time positions.

through out the day and plenty of fun activities for the little ones, including balloonmodelling and face painting from 11am to 5pm. H&M has been present in the UK since 1976, having opened the first H&M store in Brent Cross Shopping Centre, North London. H&M now has a portfolio of 251 locations across the UK and Republic of Ireland as well as our largest store hm.com.

“We are excited to be relocating our store in Swindon and bringing more fashion and quality products to our customers in a sustainable way “ says Carlos Duarte, Country Manager H&M UK & IE. “It’s exciting to continue to expand nationwide, throughout the UK, reaching both new and existing customers”. David Rodger, Standard Life Investments, said “We’re delighted to welcome H&M to The Parade in a deal that will create more jobs for Swindon as well as a new fashion destination for the town centre. H&M committing to Swindon as well as the recent Regents Circus development shows that it is town with huge growth potential.” On launch day there will be various fun activities in-store for everyone to enjoy whilst shopping. On launch morning, goody bags will be handed out to customers in the queue. There will also be a DJ on the decks

PAGE 8

YOUR NEW FAVOURITE STORE IS OPENING AT THE PARADE SWINDON!

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PAGE 9

“Can I come and stay with you for my holiday?”

ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO ‘TAKE THE PLUNGE’? Wagging Tails have teamed up with Newfound Friends to arrange a Rescue Day on behalf of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Home dog boarding company looking for dog lovers to join our team of carers and welcome dogs like Rosie for a holiday. Must be at home during the day with not more than 1 dog of your own. Ideal for someone working from home, house person or retired. Would you like a small additional income?

Give dogs a holiday! Where happy dogs holiday

Hilary Coates

Taking place at the South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre at the Cotswold Water Park on Sat Sept 19th, we require sponsored volunteer casualties. More details can be found at www. waggingtailsuk.co.uk. Any companies out there wishing to be involved, please contact Hilary on sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk

Phone: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk

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• Record information about the vehicle (make, colour, license plate number) • Alert the management of the business. • Call the police on 999, the Fire brigade or the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line 0300 1234 999 • Stay with the dog until help arrives.

Summer is already here and despite the fact this issue has been discussed over and over, now and then you still hear about dogs being found alone and locked inside cars on warm days. If you ever find yourself in a situation like this here is what you should do:

PAGE 10

VERY IMPORTANT – The Police, the Fire Brigade or the RSPCA can break the car window to access a dog in distress. Members of the public are not allowed to break the car window unless the police gives permission. If you find a dog in a critical condition in a car and feel you need to break the window YOU MUST phone 999 and ask the police for permission to do so.

Drove Pets Update Signs that your pet is suffering from heat stroke can include panting, excessive salivation, difficulty to breath, almost gasping. In some cases where a pets body temperature has increased to above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) you may see them vomit, their gums appear to be bright cherry red in colour, appear depressed or even lethargic. In the most severe cases he patient can appear extremely disorientated, collapsed, seizure or sadly result into a comatose state.

Vet Column by Drove Veterinary Hospital DANGER…HEAT STROKE - The Silent Killer When animals are exposed to hot and humid temperatures alongside their inability to effectively cool themselves down like humans through sweat and removing themselves from an area, inevitably they will suffer with the condition we call Hyperthermia, an abnormally high and dangerous body temperature. Hyperthermia results in the body’s core temperature rising drastically to above 40 degrees Celsius. Once the body exceeds 41, 5˚C to 42, 5˚C cellular function is seriously affected and unconsciousness and even death can follow. Situations that can lead to heat stroke are; •

Pets left out doors in hot and humid weather with no shade or water.

•

Exercising your pet in hot humid weather even if you have water available is putting your pet at risk.

•

Leaving your pet in a closed car in direct sun or on a warm day even with cracked open windows can be deadly. Panting a normal physiological means to cool off actually saturates the air with water vapour making the air in the car warmer and consequently even more difficult for an animal to cool down. Young and old animals are more sensitive to high temperatures because they cannot acclimatize effectively.

•

Heavy coated dogs (Husky ,German Shepherd, Chow Chow)

•

Animals with medical problems. History of seizures, heart or lung disease should never be exposed to hot humid temperatures.

•

Certain breeds with short snouts such as Shit Tzu, Boxers, Pekinese, Bull dogs and Persian cats are particularly susceptible due to their flat faces that make breathing difficult anyway. ANYTHING SWINDON

If you believe that your pet may be suffering from heat stroke and is showing any signs you must act quickly and reduce their body temperature. The main objective is to cool your pet down as fast as possible to bring the body temperature down back to a normal range. If your pet is outdoors or in a car get them out of harms way and into a cooler environment away from direct heat. Check to assess if they are able to breathe and try to establish the severity of the condition, but remain calm because if you panic then they will too. You now need to contact your veterinary practice and explain what has happened and that you are on your way down, all veterinary practices treat heatstroke as an emergency and they cannot nor should not wait for an appointment later on in the day and need to be treated immediately. To start to cool your pet down you could at this stage place cool water soaked towels on their head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen and if available put your cars air conditioning on to aid the cooling process. You must remember NEVER put the animal into a bath or such like area filled with cold water as this can then send the body into shock, which in itself could kill them.

Heatstroke is an avoidable condition! So let’s beat it together.... 24 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE TELEPHONE: (01793) 522483 www.drovevets.co.uk

WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK

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PAGE 11

Movie News

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Win four tickets to a Film of your choice! To win the tickets, Please tell us when Ted 2 is coming in July 2015

A: 1st July

B: 25th July

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Please email win@anythingswindon.co.uk with your answer by the 20th July 2015 PAGE 12

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making the right and passionate to providing the highest standard of service to our clients and candidates.

suit your skills or recruitment needs. Administrators Swindon £7 - £8 per hour

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All you need to do is get in touch: Contact our team on 01793 488057 Email info@cdrecruitment.co.uk Or visit cdrecruitment.co.uk PAGE 14

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PAGE 15

Step back in time with Wiltshire Vintage Music Retro fun with 78 rpm records played on a wind-up gramophone

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07870 480981 PAGE 16

SCOB Feature

What a year for SCOB RFC – promotion an beaten by Withycombe RFC who becam But what would a season be without an end of season do…. At SCOB RFC we call it the Dinner & Dance. This year’s event certainly had both as the DeVere Village Hotel hosted over 100 players, WAGs and club alumni spanning the full 52 year history of the club. As with every end of season do awards make up a big part, the Dinner and Dance is no exception – although this year started with two very different awards. Firstly Top Try Scorer Charlie Grabe was given a full round of Happy Birthday

as he celebrated turning 33 while ‘Old’ Old Boy and Head Coach Mark Lea was awarded Life Membership to the club by Chairman Darren Astley.

Next up Martin Stewart and Danny Goggin were given extraordinary awards for their outstanding contribution to trying to ruin the clubs upstanding after a particular 2nd XV event mid-season. They gracefully accepted their ridicule and both agreed never to drink heavy spirits pitch side again….

Next came the main awards which started with Martin Ste ing excelled with the 2nd XV. Jon Chivers and Mathew All tively – keeping it in the centres. Both Mat and Jon have h the club standing up and becoming a cornerstone in the 2 leading from the front. Mat has similarly stepped up, ceme the centre and showing the true club man he is both on an the season.

nd Southern Counties Champions, narrowly me South Western Counties Champions!

ewart being given Most Improved player of the year havlen were given 2nd XV and 1st XV captains choice respechad exceptional seasons with Jon, a relative new boy to 2nd XV backline – able to play any position and always enting his partnership with new boy Tucker Blinkhorn in nd off the pitch throughout

The final award of the night is always the biggest; Players Player. It is a trophy that for a long time adorned only the mantelpiece of former 1st XV captain Greig O’Brien, however in recent years has been hotly contested by current 1st XV captain Gareth Davis and 1st team pain in the…. Sorry, openside, Eoin Crean. Again, it was a hard fought battle, but Gareth retained the trophy having received the most votes again this year and topping off what he will openly call his most successful season ever.

After the awards are over, the party begins and anyone who has been to a SCOB party knows just how good they are….

A special thank you to all involved in the 2014-15 season with extra thanks to Josh Haynes, Tommy Farr and Dan Cooper who all decided to leave the club this season to pursue interests elsewhere – and in Dan’s case to take up the successful family sport of running! Just remember, the door is always open.

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Learn to swim

G KIN BOO NE NLI YO EAS

LEARN TO SWIM WITH BETTER

We’re now offering more lessons than ever! With the expansion of our Better Swim School we’re teaching swimming lessons six days a week. Our full and varied programme is taught by experienced instructors in partnership with the Amateur Swimming Association. Our online Home Portal tool makes it easy for you to make payments and track your own or your child’s progress in the pool. What better way to learn an essential life skill.

Find out more or book your lessons today at www.better.org.uk/swimschool

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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PAGE 20

18/06/2015 09:34

Learn to swim

Better Swimming facilities in Swindon Swimming is a life skill that everyone should have. With summer fast approaching and holidays on the horizon what better time to learn and gain confidence. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone that just needs to regain skills lost over time, our swim school can help. We provide group lessons for children aged 4 and over as well as parent and toddler sessions and adult lessons. All of our lessons/sessions are instructed by A.S.A (Amateur Swimming Association) qualified staff and are undertaken in a controlled environment.

Our Swim Schools are available at: • Dorcan Recreation Complex – St Paul’s Drive, Covingham, Swindon 01793 423134 • Health Hydro – Milton Road, Swindon 01793 616323 • Link Centre – Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon 01793 877323 • Oasis Leisure Centre – North Star Avenue, Swindon 01793 507110 Each Centre provides a slightly different programme throughout the week – for more information visit our website below or or contact the individual Centre listed above.

www.better.org.uk/swimschool ANYTHING SWINDON

WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK

TEL:01793 977117

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ANYTHING SWINDON

WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK

TEL:01793 977117

PAGE 23

Councillor Updates Councillors Joe Tray, Teresa Page & Paul Baker This month your Councillors in Penhill and Upper Stratton have been busy fighting to maintain the Number 20 bus that runs through our ward, this bus is a vital service that is essential to many for access to the Hospital, Doctors (Merchiston) and for shopping. The withdrawal of this service leaves many people stranded and in particular those in Wildern square, who are left with walking to either Beechcroft Road or Hobley Drive, these are mainly our more elderly residents and that walk is not achievable. We are having local people sign a petition to make sure we can have a debate and try to persuade the Borough Council to change their mind and maintain this vital route, we have been joined by Councillors from the Stratton St Margaret Parish, who also are willing to fight to maintain the service. If you would like to sign our petition please contact Councillor Joe Tray on j.tray@ntlworld.com or call 07813170202 Nadine Watts – Councillor – Old Town & East Wichel – 07595 071381 - nadine.watts@live.co.uk It was fantastic to be involved in the Old Town Festival. It has been brilliant to be a committee member for the last 3 years. I would like to thank all of the committee for their hard work and dedication. The week long events included a parade, family fun day on the Lawns, organised walks, open gardens and concert at the Bowl. It was great to see so many people enjoying this popular event. Looking forward to next year’s already! Thank you also to the Old Town Business Association who did an amazing job with their “Tenner Fest” highlighting what the excellent shops in Old Town have to offer. This culminated in the “Foods of the World Day”; another well attended event in Wood Street. Residents in Marlborough Park have had some issues with parking. I am working with Council officers and Nationwide to help alleviate this problem. The decision note has been signed off for the East Wichel bus gate Traffic Regulation Order. This means that signage and linage can be looked at before this is brought into operation. We are still awaiting the report on the parking restrictions. Cllr Claire Ellis 07783 841953 claireellis@hotmail.co.uk I am delighted to join Brian as one of your Conservative Ward Councillors. I have already hit the ground running, meeting with Community groups and reporting many concerns from residents. If you would like my assistance then please do get in contact. I would also like to say how pleased I am that Cllr Brian Mattock have been re-elected as Deputy Leader of the Council. Kind regards, Claire

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 24

Mp Updates An update from Justin Tomlinson Shortly after the General Election, I took a call asking for me to attend a meeting with the Prime Minister within the hour. After a short wait in reception the Prime Minister invited me in and formally invited me to join the Government as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled People – a Ministerial role within the Department for Work and Pensions. I have now spent over a month in this role, and although it has been thoroughly hectic with lots of late night reading, it is clear that I have been presented with a unique opportunity to challenge negative attitudes to disability in order to improve quality of life. This involves supporting disabled people into employment, raising aspirations, encouraging entrepreneurship and most importantly, offering disabled people the same opportunities to reach their goals as non-disabled people. Local visits (or re-visits in most cases) have included Uplands School, the Chalet School, Enterprise Works, Swindon Therapy Centre for MS, the Olive Tree Café, Swindon Carers, Swindon Mind and DASH (Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness). I am immensely proud of the local groups that we have here in Swindon when it comes to helping those with a disability, and I look forward to continuing to support them. I also look forward to keeping residents updated on my work as a Minister, although my utmost priority still remains as the MP for North Swindon, and helping my fellow local residents will always come first. MPs Office, 1 Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE - 01793 533393 justin.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk www.justintomlinson.com

An update from Robert Buckland Running the extra mile for Swindon charities Robert Buckland MP is swapping his suit for a pair of shorts and running shoes for this year’s half marathon! Robert will be running alongside Cllr Claire Ellis (Old Town) and seasoned marathon runner Cllr Keith Williams (Shaw) to raise money for ‘CALM’ (Children’s Cancer and Leukemia Movement) and ‘Hop Skip and Jump’ which offers respite care for children and young adults with disabilities and special educational needs. Robert says, “I am proud to be raising money for two fantastic local charities which are committed to the care and support of children, young adults, and their families in Swindon. After all my walking during the election, I wanted to keep up the momentum so I’ve been running several times a week. The half-marathon is going to be a real challenge, but one that I’m eager to take on”. The Swindon Half Marathon takes place on the 11th October 2015, so keep your eyes peeled for your Member of Parliament on the day! Location, location, location! On Monday 22nd June, Robert Buckland MP will be opening a new constituency branch office in Wood Street in Old Town! “This is part of a new approach which Justin Tomlinson and I are taking. We will continue to work jointly as part of a strong team for Swindon, with branch offices giving us a much more visible presence within our local community, offering greater accessibility for residents”. Robert added, “We shall be keeping the 01793 533393 number with a call menu service to further improve the response to residents. Both Justin Tomlinson and I are deeply committed to providing a visible service within our local community so this is the first stage of a new branch office system. Justin and I both feel that this is a new and innovative way forward”. Twitter: @robertbuckland Facebook: https://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

PAGE 25

Whats On?

DPAG Magical Mystery Bus Tour = Daily - from Thursday 9 July 2015 to Friday 10 July 2015 Dorcan Performing Arts Group proudly present a family friendly feast.... Featuring songs from The Lion King, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Into the Woods, Billy Elliot, Thriller, Cinderella and many more. At Dorcan Academy, Covingham, Swindon Tickets : Adults £4.00 each Concessions/OAPs £2.50 each /Tickets available from 01793 339344 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Dirty Dancing Tribute at Village Urban Resort Swindon - Friday 10 Jul 2015 Grab a partner and dance along to all the hits from Dirty Dancing! For just £25 per person you can enjoy a 2 course set dinner, tribute act and disco. W: village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/swindon T: 0871 222 4620 From 7.00pm to 1.00am Price: £25.00 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Mid-Summer Fayre at Lotmead Farm = Daily from Saturday 11 Jul 2015 to Sunday 12 July 2015 The Mid-Summer Fayre features a fascinating display of old tractors and agricultural implements together with some more up to date machinery that will help show how a working farm keeps in motion. Then of course, there’s always time for an ice cream or a delicious snack from our Farm Store as well as the fun of picking your succulent strawberries. T: 01793 790137 for more information ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... WrdeUp Festival - Saturday 11 Jul 2015 Highworth Junior football club Raising money for Prospect hospice, WrdeUp Festival is bringing you fun, food and great music! Get a slice of pizza whilst jamming to Michael Jackson’s greatest hits performed by the Michael Jackson Tribute band whilst the kids run wild bouncing on bouncy castles and smiling gleefully from mounds of ice cream. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12th July in Queens Park. 11.00-12.00 I will be playing music while people arrive and settle 12.00-12.30 Mayor will say a few words and welcome people 12.30-12.50 first act of the day Elliott James a young vocalist 13.00-13.15 Singing some songs from the shows a young lady called Karah 13.25-13.50 Elvis is in the building say no more 14.00-14.20 Another young man Tommy J 14.30-15.00 Shaheen and her Bollywood workshop. 15.00-15.45 It’s a kind of magic with Razzamataz something for the youngsters. 15.45-16.30 YMCA people are encouraged to dress up like the village people and have a go at simulating the moves, there will also be march of the mods to try out, finishing with music. There will also be Cream teas with the Mayor, a host of stalls around the park and food and drink from the cafe. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Royal International Air Tattoo 2015 at Royal International Air Tattoo Daily from Friday 17 Jul 2015 to Sunday 19 July 2015 The Air Tattoo, one of the UK’s premier outdoor events, returns to RAF Fairford this summer with an extravaganza of entertainment for all the family! ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Pride Launch Night Party - Saturday 18 Jul 2015 at The Mailcoach Function Room The Pride 2015 are hosting an Army themed launch party with cocktails, jelly shots and great live music! Head down to the Swindon & Wiltshire Pride 2015 Launch Night where Army dressup will be greated with a free jelly shot! Great music and funky dance moves will fill the lively atmosphere so bring your friends and have a laugh. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... To have your event listed, please email us before the 19th of the month to info@anythingswindon.co.uk

PAGE 26

ANYTHING SWINDON

WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK

TEL: 01793 977117

PAGE 27

Broom Manor Golf Complex

7 Day Season Ticket

Just ÂŁ52 pm

(Including Free Gym Membership)

PAGE 28

Prospect Update

New experiences for everyone with Prospect Hospice Prospect Hospice’s fundraising team are inviting people to come and find out about the joys of volunteering with them at an open evening at the hospice in Wroughton next month (5 August). The charity, which last year raised more than £7m towards its care and support for thousands of people, is looking for new recruits to join its current volunteers to help out at the extensive range of fundraising events it puts on each year. The open evening, which starts at 6.30pm, will be an opportunity for would-be volunteers to meet the team, chat with some current volunteers and to talk about the kind of events they enjoy attending. Anyone interested in attending can call 01793 816161 or email fundraising&events@prospect-hospice.net to confirm their attendance.

The following Saturday (18 July) sees Prospect Hospice host its annual outdoor fundraising swim at Bowmoor Sailing Lake. For those who fancy a fundraising event with a touch of glamour and decadence, there is still the opportunity for people to take part in Prospect Hospice’s Belmond British Pullman Experience in October, booking for which closes at the end of July.

For further details on these events, please visit our website: www.prospect-hospice.net/supporter

The hospice has some varied fundraising events planned for July and further afield. On Saturday 11 July the charity presents its Barbury Horse Trials lunch, featuring a two course summer lunch with wine at one of Europe’s most prestigious equestrian sporting events, the Barbury Horse Trials.

Equestrian legends Zara Phillips, AP McCoy, Andrew Nicholson and John Francombe are among the legends expected to take part on the day, and guests will hear from a top rider before lunch is served.

Join your local hospice lottery

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ANYTHING SWINDON

WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK

TEL: 01793 977117

PAGE 29

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

 Home Visits Available

'John (centre), Tracy and David - Here for you when needed most'

Chapel of Rest: 92 Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, SN3 4NN – 01793 832072

www.pearcefuneralservices.co.uk PAGE 30

Ask AMS

Advice for small businesses

What expenses can I claim through my Company on top of mileage? When staying away overnight, you can claim for the costs of accommodation. You can also claim Incidental Overnight Expenses, not necessarily for business but items such as toothpaste, phone calls to family etc. (receipts not needed), up to £5 per night in the UK and £10 outside the UK. -When staying with friends/family, claim for a meal, a gift, or a contribution to bills. Claim the actual amount and keep receipts if possible. -Claim for property rental, utilities and Council Tax. Site costs for staying away in your own caravan. A very large subject but it’s worth checking http:// www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/ eim30050.htm Lorraine Crocker - Expenses Advisor AMS Accountancy Ltd. Swindon SN5 7XF 01793 818400 www.ams-accountancy.co.uk

ANYTHING SWINDON

WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK

TEL: 01793 977117

PAGE 31

Holiday at Home

Why not join us for a week away from the normal routine? Mon 27th-Fri 31st July from 11am-4pm An event for over sixties starting with coffee and including a cooked lunch, craft, quizzes, concerts and a thought for the day. Cost per day ÂŁ4-trip extra. At Swindon Evangelical Church, Devizes Road, Old Town. See our website for more details: www.swec.org.uk ofďŹ ce@swec.org.uk or call: 01793 541153 Charity no: 1129912

PAGE 32

Broom Manor Golf Complex

ANYTHING SWINDON

WWW.ANYTHINGSWINDON.CO.UK

TEL: 01793 977117

PAGE 33

Wedding Feature

BBQ Fish It is now officially the start of the outdooor season which means long walks, cycling in shorts, festivals, and most importantly al fresco drinking and dining. A couple of years ago I was asked to talk about bbq’d fish on Radio Berkshire. This proved to be a bit of a shock because also on the programme was a representative of Weber BBQ’s; whose knowledge of outdoor dining put me to shame. However, after the show I was so inspired by what could be achieved on a bbq that I managed to pursuade my wife that we needed a top notch outdoor cooking facility. My bbq is sparked up as soon as there is a break in the clouds and has seen many a memorable meal including one of our best christmas dinners ever. The secret of a great bbq is making sure you use good quality charcoal, this obviously doesnt apply to gas bbq efficionados who come from another planet! Make sure the coals are white hot and that the temperature is manageable otherwise the flames and smoke can spoil the food. You can slow roast or cook a large joint of meat by simply placing it to one side of the coals so it is not subject to direct heat. Steaks are perfect for cooking directly over the coals as the chargrilled effect brings out the best flavour of the beef. Although most of us cook the usual chicken, sausages and burgers on our ‘outdoor cooking facility’ the most amazing and quickest thing to cook is fish. In Greece they adore the dorade, which we know as gilt head bream. This meaty fish responds well to direct heat and has a sweet flavour, ideal with pepper spiced rice. Salmon is another great fish on

the bbq, this is great cooked on foil and placed on a bed of herbs. For something a little special try placing some smoking chips soaked in water on the coals as this will give a wonderful aroma to the fish and enhance the flavour. If you want a bigger meatier flavour we have superb swordfish in stock. This is becoming very popular and has the consistency of chicken and is not overly fishy. I mentioned it in my article the other week accompanied with a good fresh salsa. Fish is a good talking point and will impress the the most seasone bbq’ers.

To prevent the fish or meat sticking to the grills always put a little oil on a cloth or kitchen towel and wipe the grills when they are hot. It is safer to use tongs for this because of the heat. Don’t be tempted to turn the food too quickly as this can also lead to it sticking to the grills. One very important thing to remember is never, ever mention or gloat out loud that you are having a bbq as this will upset the weather gods and we all know what means!

Tel: 01793 671050 www.woodstreetfoodhall.co.uk Wood Street Food Hall, 22 Wood Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4AB PAGE 34

44 Commercial Road Swindon SN1 5NX

08000 88 60 90 consol.eu

August Day Trips Sat 1

LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) LONDON ZOO Sun 2 LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) GREENWICH (Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory etc.) WEYMOUTH Mon 3 CORONATION STREET: The Tour & Free Time at Deansgate WESTON SUPER MARE Tue 4 BOUGHTON HOUSE inc. Guided Tour of House & Estate by Coach COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK (Market Day) & Bourton-on-the-Water BRIGHTON Wed 5 BOURNEMOUTH POOLE LONDON EYE & THAMES CRUISE LEGOLAND WINDSOR & ETON Thu 6 GUERNSEY FOR THE DAY (Inc. Continental Breakfast) CARDIFF BARRY ISLAND LONGLEAT (Inc. Safari & all other attractions) Fri 7 BUCKINGHAM PALACE and Time in WINDSOR WESTON SUPER MARE Sat 8 BLETCHLEY PARK: Home of the Codebreakers MILTON KEYNES: Shopping & Market London! Plus Free Time LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) Sun 9 FESTIVAL OF QUILTS, NEC GUNWHARF QUAY, PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD, PORTSMOUTHH SPINNAKER TOWER, PORTSMOUTH SOUTHSEA LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) TOWER OF LONDON Mon 10 BOURNEMOUTH POOLE

LOCAL PICK-UP POINTS

COVENT GARDEN, LONDON Tue 11 COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK (Market Day) & Bourton-on-the-Water WEYMOUTH Wed 12 WESTON SUPER MARE CADBURY WORLD & BULLRING SHOPPING CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM BULLRING SHOPPING CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM Thu 13 BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND TIME IN WINDSOR TORQUAY PAIGNTON BRIXHAM SAVILL GARDEN & FROGMORE HOUSE Fri 14 SIDMOUTH SEATON TRAMWAY & SIDMOUTH ALTON TOWERS Sat 15 LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) NATIONAL GALLERY & TATE BRITAIN Sun 16 BOURNEMOUTH POOLE LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) LONDON ZOO Mon 17 WOOLACOMBE, LYNMOUTH & NORTH DEVON TOUR MONKEY WORLD

Tue 18 GUNWHARF QUAY, PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD, PORTSMOUTH SPINNAKER TOWER, PORTSMOUTH SOUTHSEA COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK (Market Day) & Bourton-on-the-Water PEPPA PIG WORLD (Paultons Park) Wed 19 BUCKINGHAM PALACE and Time in WINDSOR WEYMOUTH CARNIVAL FISH & CHIP RIVER CRUISE AND TEWKESBURY (Market Day) Thu 20 LYME REGIS & BRIDPORT THORPE PARK THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD & BOROUGH MARKET BOROUGH MARKET Fri 21 BOURNEMOUTH POOLE LEGOLAND WINDSOR & ETON Sat 22 GUNWHARF QUAY, PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD, PORTSMOUTH SPINNAKER TOWER, PORTSMOUTH SOUTHSEA LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) WESTFIELD LONDON SHOPPING CENTRE Sun 23 Plus Free Time LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) LONGLEAT (Inc. Safari & all other attractions) Mon 24 WEYMOUTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT (Audio Tour) & Free Time Tue 25 BUCKINGHAM PALACE and Time in WINDSOR COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Market Day) & Bourton-on-the-Water WESTON SUPER MARE Wed 26 HIGHGROVE GARDEN TOUR WITH LUNCH AND SCENIC DRIVE W BOURNEMOUTH POOLE BRISTOL ZOO CRIBBS CAUSEWAY SHOPPING CENTRE, BRISTOL Thu 27 HIGHCLERE CASTLE: "The Real Downton Abbey" Horse Drawn Boat Ride on Kennet & Avon Canal (Inc. food) & Newbury WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR - The Making of Harry Potter BRIGHTON Fri 28 SWANAGE LONDON EYE & THAMES CRUISE Sat 29 BOURNEMOUTH POOLE LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) LONDON ZOO Sun 30 WESTON SUPER MARE LONDON (Kensington or Park Lane) GREENWICH (Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory etc.) Mon 31 BUCKINGHAM PALACE and Time in WINDSOR WEYMOUTH & DORCHESTER

IDEAL FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

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01793 821303