The Swindonian July 2018

04 June Shorts

A quick catch up on last months news in Swindon

06 Summer Solstice

A great gathering saw the sunset to mark the longest day of the year.

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10 Look after your pet!

With the hot weather this summer be vigilant

12 But first tea...

A swindon mum lets us know why tea is important in her life

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14 Robert Buckland focus

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Robert backs the Primer Ministers NHS Plans

Editor’s Comments

16 Community News

Since having the idea of launching as an online independent news service for Swindon back in 2015, things have evolved dramatically; not just regarding the magazine you are holding (yep, we are now in print) but independent news offerings in general.

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Thomas Haynes Feature

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Thanks from Air Ambulance

With so many options to choose from as ways to access the latest news in Swindon we are proud, happy, delighted, ecstatic (get the point? We are over the moon) that thousands of Swindonians, from all over the globe, return to us each day to read about and contribute to the news and events happening in our town.

As well as the amazing online network of support, the group of creative people that have joined and helped steer The Swindonian on its fascinating journey to make it what it is today, Katie, Dave, Ian, Craig, Ben, Tom, Laura, Neil and Paj – thank you a million times for your dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and many late nights you have all poured into this project. I could not have done it without you.

Well, on to the magazine, I hope you enjoy the first edition, we will continue to evolve the magazine to bring you the best content. If you have any ideas reach out to the team at getintouch@theswindonian. co.uk, and don’t forget to share your pics of the magazine using #TheSwindonianMag on social media.

Until next month.

Shaun

Local news from around your area from the local councillors

An update on some of the interesting wildlife events in July Big thanks to the dedicated Volunteers this year

20 Honda sets lap record!

Honda breaks the lap record in Belgium on Magny-Cours circuit

22 Swindon Theatres Focus Our monthly check in with the team at Swindon Theatres

24 Dave Franklin Column Our regular focus on local Music and bands

25 Roy Cartwright

In each edition of this magazine I will be telling you a little of my beloved Swindon

26 Stage Coach

Ben Thomas brings us the latest local entertainment.

Find us on Social Media: TheSwindonian TheSwindonian TheSwindonian

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June shorts THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Van owners and drivers are being asked to be extra vigilant after a number of thefts from workers’ vans which were parked overnight in hotel car parks.

Police are working in North Swindon to tackle an increase in the antisocial use of mopeds and motorbikes by young people

Swindon North Community Policing Inspector Andy Bridge said: “We are working in the community to reduce the number of antisocial incidents involving illegal riders on mopeds and motorbikes in the Pinehurst area.

Tools have been taken from vehicles parked outside hotels across Swindon.

There have also been some day-time break-ins in to vans while parked outside DIY stores. Police have been distributing leaflets to local hotels, DIY stores and builders’ merchants to warn drivers of the break-ins and to offer advice.

Swindon teens given custodial sentences for violent robberies Two youths have been sentenced at Swindon Crown Court in relation to robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. The local males, who cannot be named for legal reasons, aged 15 and 17-years-old pleaded guilty to robberies which took place at Green meadow Stores, Thames Avenue on 18th February ‘18 4

“We know that the actions of a few can make life miserable for the majority of those living in the community. I want to reassure the community that we are working hard to combat this behaviour with visible patrols and a lot of intelligence work going on behind the scenes to help us build up a picture of who might be responsible and prosecute them.

“These riders are risking not only the safety of others but their own safety.

Swindon Borough Council has guaranteed the shortterm future of Swindon Foodbank Following the recent announcement that the foodbank may be forced to close due to what has been described as “governance problems”.

But councillors have noted the vital role the foodbank plays in helping people right across the borough, and they have provided an assurance that the service will continue.

Cllr Russell Holland, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Commercialisation, said: “Swindon Borough Council is very grateful to everyone who works so hard to help people in need.

The current circumstances are unfortunate but I can assure everyone that funding has been allocated, if required, in order to assist during a period of transition.

“However, the Council can only provide funding for the short term. In order for this important source of help to continue, we still need volunteers and donations.”

Financial assistance from Swindon Borough Council is expected to be given over the next six months while volunteers are sought to create a new charity to administer the foodbank and to raise enough funds for it to become self-reliant.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Swindon GP practice in running for Surgery of the Year Abbey Meads Medical Practice is one of 80 from across the country to have been shortlisted for the prestigious honour at this year’s General Practice Awards.

Council launches pothole campaign following harsh winter

Council to use £195,000 of Government funding to help town’s rough sleepers

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are being encouraged to join hundreds of people in reporting potholes so they can be fixed by Swindon Borough Council.

Swindon Borough Council has been awarded £194,125 by the Government to fund range of measures to support those who find themselves living on the town’s streets.

The Council has been working hard to repair Swindon’s roads with 8,004 potholes and patch repairs of footpaths, cycle paths and roads completed in the borough between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018.

The funding is part of the Government’s £30m Rough Sleeping Initiative Fund, which has been awarded to 83 local authorities in England.

This was in response to only 774 reports of potholes from residents during the same time period. It has never been easier to report a pothole with residents able to let the Council know via an online pothole reporting tool at www.swindon.gov/ ukpotholes

The Council will also use the funding to develop a Housing First model for up to 12 rough sleepers.

Evidence has shown that Housing First has been extremely successful in helping the most entrenched rough sleepers into secure, stable accommodation

Having already set the bar high with a glowing report from the Care Quality Commission earlier in the year, staff at the north Swindon surgery are hopeful their winning streak continues.

Robin Somers, Abbey Meads Medical Group’s Practice Manager, said: “To be included in a list of the country’s best GP practices is an honour in itself.

But it’s exciting to know there’s every possibility the title of Surgery of the Year could soon be on its way to Swindon.

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Summer Solstice passes peacefully as 9,500 attend Stonehenge

Summer Solstice passed extremely peacefully this year with no arrests made at Stonehenge.

Approximately 9,500 people attended the site to mark the longest day of the year.Superintendent Dave Minty, who led the policing operation for the event, said “ We are really pleased with how Solstice 2018 has gone, it really has been a great success. “English Heritage welcomed ap6

proximately 9,500 people at Stonehenge, and the majority of those who came to celebrate the longest day of the year did so in a safe and peaceful manner. ”There was a really great atmosphere and we are really pleased to say there were no arrests at Stonehenge.”

Approximately 600 people joined the celebrations in Avebury which also saw the public embracing the spirit of Summer Solstice.

Two people were arrested at Avebury - a man aged 30 was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, and a man aged 25 was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

“The joint approach to planning the event with Wiltshire Council, security staff, the Highways Agency and English Heritage is key to ensuring visitors to Summer Solstice have a safe and enjoyable time and we look forward to Solstice 2019.”

Improving Swindon’s transport links

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Hilary Coates The Council’s Transport Planning team are seeking views on initial options for the route linking Tadpole Garden Village with Swindon town centre.

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The scheme will focus on junction improvements at Moonrakers and Transfer Bridges.

These proposals include the option of using the current pedestrian-cyclist route beneath the original rail bridge at Transfer Bridges to also include bus priority.

They have organised a number of drop-in events for residents to see the plans and share their views; Wednesday, 4 July 2018, 5pm – 6.15pm Small Hall, Tadpole Farm CE Primary Academy, SN25 2QS Tuesday, 10 July 2018, 5.30pm – 6.30pm Broadgreen Community Centre, SN1 2AN Wednesday, 18 July 2018 5.30pm – 6.45pm Café at the Pinetrees Community Centre, SN2 1QR

Ask AMS

70+ videos on YouTube ‘Ask AMS Accountancy’ What does ‘Personal Tax Allowance’ mean?

Every person who is resident in the UK is given a personal allowance each tax year. It operates as follows: The personal allowance is the amount of income you can receive before paying tax – and it increases each tax year. For the 2018/19 tax year, it will be £11,850. So, if you earn £20,000 in 2018/19, you will be subject to income tax on £8,150 of your earnings.

The personal allowance is reduced when your income exceeds £100,000 in a tax year (by £1 for every £2 your income exceeds £100,000) – so that when your income reaches £123,700 (in 2018/19), you will no longer receive a personal allowance.

Robwyn Cowper AMS Accountancy Limited 01793 818400 @AMSAccountancy www.ams-accountancy.co.uk

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

What should you do if you see a dog locked in a car during hot weather?

As Swindon hots up it is important to understand that the high temperatures can also take a toll on our beloved pets.

When the outside temperature hits 22C it is reported that the inside of a car can reach a sauna like temperature of 47C within just 60 minutes.

an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm.”

We all want to ensure the animals are safe but please ensure you cover yourself from prosecution too.

According to Ask The Police’s guidelines, the first thing you should do if you

constitute the offence you believed that the person or persons whom you believe to be entitled to consent to the destruction of or damage to the property in question . . . .would so consent to it if s/he . . . had known of the destruction or damage and its circumstances.”

What to do when you see a distressed dog trapped in a car 1. Call the police and ask for their assistance

IMAGE?

Some people believe that leaving the window open a crack or parking in the shade is enough to keep a dog comfortable, but the RSPCA advises that that’s not the case.

Their website says: “Many people still believe that it’s ok to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade, but the truth is, it’s still a very dangerous situation for the dog.

“A car can become as hot as 10

2. If the police can’t attend but the dog is in desperate need of help you may consider taking further action

see a dog looking distressed trapped inside a vehicle you should call the police and explain what you intend to do.

You need to take photos of the dog as well as take names and contact details of any witnesses.

Section 5(2)(a) of the Criminal Damage Act of 1971 states: You are legally allowed to damage someone else’s property when:“At the time of the act or acts alleged to

3. Explain to the police what you intend to do 4. Take a photo of the dog trapped in the car 5. Take the name and number of any witnesses 6. If you do forcibly gain access to the car you should be willing to defend your actions in court should you be required to do so

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But First, Tea.

Just a Swindon Mum winging my way through life with my boy.

‘”Yes sure sweetheart, but I’m just going to have a cup of tea first.”

think back to my twenties when I would sleep until midday. But first, tea.

I definitely repeat this phrase too often.

I can totally embrace playing Hungry Hippos 16 times over and then being informed that we’re moving on to Pop-Up Pirate. But first, tea.

I guess it’s a positive that I don’t* replace tea (the word or actual contents of my mug) with gin, but having a cup of the hot stuff first thing in the morning, after getting in from work or at any other exhausting point in the day with my 4.5 year old is a necessary survival technique. And sure, there’s often a biscuit or 10 involved.

I can handle Sunday 6am get-ups, followed immediately by urgent requests for snacks and to play bat and ball in the garden (when it’s raining) and not wistfully

I can happily play football at the local park for 90 minutes in the hot sun and pretend I wouldn’t rather be by a pool with a Pina Colada and a bag of Lays crisps. But first, tea.

And I sincerely love nothing more than coming home from an energetic day out where I’ve given every ounce of my tired being to entertain my bouncy beauty of a boy, to be told

that we have to begin a lengthy game of hide and seek (which is joyously pointless when he continuously shouts to let me know where he’s hiding and will choose the same spot 5 times in a row). But first, I really must have tea.

I won’t always talk about tea, promise. It just seemed a necessary introduction.

I’ll mainly be talking about what Swindon has to offer to those of us desperately seeking ways to keep our cherubs (and ourselves) entertained. Ideas or recommendations (for tea or otherwise)?

Email me:

butfirstteamum@outlook.com

BFT x *hardly ever

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Local MP welcomes investment in NHS The Prime Minister has also laid out her priorities for the NHS. These are: Empowering the workforce to deliver the NHS of the future. We will need a workforce that is empowered to deliver the best possible outcomes, flexible enough to adapt to new models of care and valued for their commitment to our NHS.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s plans to invest nearly £400 million more a week in the NHS in real terms, securing our greatest national inheritance for generations to come.

As the NHS celebrated its 70th birthday, the Conservative Government announced plans to preserve the value of fairness on which it was founded whilst building the NHS of the future, and ensuring it will be there for our children and grandchildren and beyond, just as it has been there for us in the past.

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The Government has brought forward a longterm plan for the NHS and a five-year funding settlement. Under the plan, NHS funding will grow on average by 3.4 per cent in real terms each year from 2019-20 to 2023-24 – considerably more than the 2.2 per cent which Labour have committed to. And by 2023-24 the NHS England budget will increase by £20.5 billion in real terms compared with today.

That means it will be £394 million a week higher in real terms.

Harnessing the power of innovation. We have the opportunity to lead the world in the use of data and technology to prevent illness, not just treat it; to diagnose conditions before symptoms occur, and to deliver personalised treatment informed not just by general understanding of disease but by your own data including your genetic make-up.

Focusing on prevention, not just cure. If we want not just to cope with an ageing population, but thrive too, we will need a renewed focus on prevention. Building true parity of care between mental and physical health.

We will not have succeeded in building the NHS of the future unless we recognise the importance of looking after our mental health, just as much as our physical health, and we put the resources in to mental healthcare to make that a reality.

Continued page 17

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Theresa May has also pledged to put the social care system on a sustainable footing, recognising that the NHS and social care are closely linked and ensuring that pressures on the NHS do not rise because of changes to social care services. Last year, the Government provided and extra £2billion for social care and further proposals for social care reform will be brought forward later this year.

Robert Buckland MP

commented: “As the NHS approaches its 70th birthday, I welcome the Prime Minister’s plans to secure the future of the NHS by bringing forward a longterm plan and a five-year funding settlement.

“The Government has been able to make this funding offer because we have managed the public finances responsibly. It is because of our balanced approach to reduce debt as a share of

GDP, to keep taxes as low as possible – and to invest in our public services.

So we will stick to our fiscal rules and continue to ensure debt falls, while prioritising our NHS within public spending and helping to secure its long term future.”

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Community News Old Town & Local Area Events: Band concerts 3.00 pm in the bandstand, Town Gardens: Sunday 1st July: Swindon Brass Band Sunday 8th July: Central Southern Fellowship Band (Salvation Army), Sunday 15th July: Cricklade Band Sunday 22nd July: Wroughton Silver Band and Sunday 29th July: Yukebox Jury 14 July showing “The Greatest Showman” at the Bowl. Doors 7.30pm, start 9.15pm 14 July Summer Reading Challenge starts at libraries across Swindon

29 July Cycle Fest 10am – 4pm at the County Ground. A free to attend community festival to celebrate cycling in Swindon. There will be opportunities for all ages and abilities to try out different bikes and take part in a wide range of activities and bike rides.

Pipers Way Footway Widening and Bus Lane Update: This work is scheduled to begin on 2nd July 2018, which will allow time for most of the works to be completed during the school summer break. It is anticipated that the works will take up to 12 weeks to complete.

The works will involve two elements, the first of which involves widening a section of existing footway to 3m allowing safe shared use for pedestrians and cyclists. The second element involves constructing a 285m section of bus lane as part of a wider scheme in the Borough.

School Funding: Both Nadine and Jane are concerned about cuts in school funding and bigger classes. More and more children are leaving primary school without the basic swimming ability that the National Curriculum says they need. Year 6 parents have heard that this year their children are not going to get the “Bikeability”

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cycling proficiency training that would enable them to get about safely by bike. SBC’s decision not to replace retiring school crossing patrol officers will also put children at risk. Eastcott Road is busy and dangerous, and the natural crossing point is near a blind corner.

Please let Nadine and Jane know if you are affected by any of these issues.

Please contact your Labour councillors. Call Nadine on 07595 071381 or Jane on 07864 839746 or email : oldtown@swindonlabour.co.uk Stratton St Margaret News Update From Barrie Jennings I am writing to update you on local issues affecting Lower Stratton & Coleview. I am a Stratton Parish Councillor, however I am writing in a personal capacity and my views are not necessarily those of the Parish Council’s.

Stratton Festival On Saturday 7th July the Stratton Festival is taking place at Grange Leisure. This event is fun for all the family. I understand there will be a RAF Spitfire flypast, community stalls, a fun fair and music.

I hope many people enjoy the day.

Keypoint Incinerator SKIP (Stop Keypoint Incinerator Project) will also have a stall outside the Stratton Festival and will be available to answer questions from residents. Do go and speak to the people at the stall if you have any questions or would like an update.

I understand that the public inquiry for the Keypoint Incinerator will be starting on the 22nd January. The SKIP residents’ group wish to encourage as many people as possible to attend the opening day of the public inquiry. More information will be issued closer to the time.

Griffith Close/Sandgate Footbridge Due to engineering difficulties, the closure of the footbridge between Griffiths Close and Sandgate will now extend September. An exact date for the bridge re-opening has not been set. I have been in touch with Swindon Council and the Council have said they will be pushing Network Rail’s contractors to complete the works before September.

Call For New Park & Ride The Residents Campaign Group, StARC (Stratton Against Road Changes), have called for a new park and ride scheme on the eastern side of Swindon. They believe this will help mitigate the impact of increasing traffic coming from the Eastern Villages development and will offer a pick up point for Swindon residents commuting to Oxford.

Currently people living in Swindon and who work in Oxford are parking in the residential areas in and around the White Hart end of Oxford Road to commute in to Oxford by bus. StARC believes a park and ride pick up point on the now derelict site of Toys R Us could help with this.

Litter Pick Thank you to those residents who took part in the litter pick I organised on Saturday 2nd June.

We cleaned up the area around the underpass that links Stratton Road with Oxford Road and the play area off of Stephens Road. If you have any other suggestions on where to litter pick let me know.

If you have any local issues or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can call me on 07944740562 or email 1strattonjennings@gmail.com

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Neo Nature with Thomas ‘Grasslands’ Haynes

Tom talks about some of the interesting wildlife events going on in local meadows this July.

July sees our wildflower meadows and grasslands in full bloom with a wonderful array of flowers, sedges and grasses all at their best.

There are plenty of orchids in flower including Common spotted-orchid and Heath spotted orchid, which are both easy to spot among the short grass swards of well managed grasslands with their purple to pale pink flowers standing up between the grass swards.

Another great plant to see at this time of year is Yellow rattle with its diamond shape leaves and bright yellow flowers.

Yellow rattle is a parasitic flower with its root system feeding off neighbouring grasses. This interesting

trait of Yellow rattle means that the flower is frequently sown into grasslands to help reduce competition from more aggressive grasses and allow more wildlifefriendly plants to enter the sward.

If you would like to find out more about meadows and the interesting wildlife that lives in them, why not go out on National Meadows Day on Saturday 7th July and visit Rivermead Community Reserve in Swindon?

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are hosting guided walks around the reserve to help describe the flora, fauna and history of the reserve and its re-landscaping.

The festivities begin at 10am and booking is essential (contact gordy.grs65@ hotmail.com).

Also, on the 7th July is a kidfriendly wildlife watch event

at Lower Moor Farm with a range of activities planned for ages 5-12. To find out more contact lmfwatchgroup@gmail.com On Sunday 8th July is a relaxing afternoon guided walk around Ravensroost and Distillery reserve with a chance to see orchid and Yellow rattle in flower and find out more about the history of the reserve. Meet at the Ravenroost carpark at 1pm or contact Ivan Randall (01666 837783) for further details If little furry critters are more your thing, then there is a small mammal guided walk at Morningside Farm, Nr Royal Wootton Bassett on Sunday 15th July and find out how to follow the tracks and trails of various mice, shrews and voles.

Contact: anebaldwin25@gmail.com to find out more.

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Wiltshire Air Ambulance thanks its dedicated volunteers Hard working volunteers supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance attended an event, on average, every two days. Since the start of January this year until the end of National Volunteers’ Week (8th June), the charity’s volunteers, called GroundCrew, attended 75 events and gave approximately 702 hours.

They attended events that were fundraising for Wiltshire Air Ambulance or to raise awareness about the charity. Volunteers also gave talks to community groups and schools and represented the charity at cheque presentations.

Many of the events attended by the volunteers were at weekends or in the evenings.

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To celebrate their dedication and to thank them for their tireless efforts, Wiltshire Air Ambulance hosted an open evening at their new airbase at Semington, near Melksham, on 13th June.

More than 40 volunteers went to the open evening where they were thanked

by Chief Executive David Philpott and given a tour of the building.

Jemma Brown, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Volunteer Manager, said: “The hours and the support that our volunteers give to Wiltshire Air Ambulance is immeasurable. We cannot do what we need to do without the valuable time our volunteers

give us by going to events, cheque presentations and delivering talks.

“This not only raises funds, but also vital awareness of the charity and our work.

Our volunteers help save lives and for that, we cannot thank them enough.

We are always looking for new volunteers to join the team, so if you are interested please contact us by emailing hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or call the charity team on 01225 300536.”

Rosy Castellari, of Trowbridge, is a new volunteer with Wiltshire Air Ambulance and said it is rewarding. She said: “Volunteering is a brilliant way to get kids interested in the community spirit, meet new people, share stories and is something to be immensely proud of and I would implore people to consider it.

“As well as being a huge aviation fan, I got involved because if I or my son needed critical care it would more likely to be Wiltshire Air Ambulance coming to our aid. With the charity receiving no day to day Government funding I want to make sure I am doing my bit to keep this valuable service available for everyone.”

20TH JULY 2018

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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Swindon built Honda sets lap record!

After setting a lap record at the Magny-Cours GP circuit in May, the Swindon-built, highperformance hatchback has set a new lap record front-wheel drive production lap record of 2mins 53.72secs at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

sections and significant elevation changes. The class-leading acceleration and outright speed of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine, enabled Baguette to exploit the long straights and accelerate quickly out of the sweeping corners.

The Type R was piloted by former FIA WEC LMP2 class World Champion, Bertrand Baguette, who is currently racing a Honda NSX-GT in the Super GT series with Nakajima Racing.

Aerodynamic performance was also critical to the lap time, and Civic Type R’s finely-honed design, with a smooth underbody, front air curtain, slim rear wing and vortex generators contributed to superior levels of high-speed stability.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of the longest tracks in the racing seasons of many categories at 7.004km, and features very fast straights and high-speed corners, along with more technical low-speed 20

In the car’s +R mode, the Adaptive Damper System produces a firm and flat ride ideal for track driving, enabling more speed to be carried through Spa-Fran-

corchamps’ famous Eau Rouge and Kemmel Straight sections.

Speaking about the British-built Type R and the way it handles, Bertrand Baguette said: “With a front-wheel drive usually you always expect understeer, but this car is so balanced.

Straight away you get a lot of confidence as it gives you a lot of feedback through the steering wheel, especially in +R mode. The chassis is very rigid, the rear is very stable and front is biting really well to give you a lot of front grip. The aero package really helps the car feel planted at high speed, and it’s amazing the level of traction.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

“For me as a race car driver, it’s clear that Type R is born for the track, but it also feels just as right on the streets in everyday driving. When I sit in the car, it is very comfortable and the visibility all round is very good.”

Honda set the original benchmark time at SpaFrancorchamps during a similar challenge in 2016, using the previous-generation Civic Type R, which was also manufactured at Honda’s plant in Swindon.

It also claimed record lap times at Silverstone, Estoril, and the Hungaroring. The 2018 edition of the challenge will revisit these three tracks through the summer.

Other drivers confirmed for the remaining Type R Challenge 2018 circuit record attempts

include former Formula 1 World Champion and current NSX Super GT driver Jenson Button (UK), WTCR driver Tiago Monteiro (Portugal) and BTCC legend Matt Neal (UK).

Type R Challenge. The new Honda Civic Type R retains the heritage of Honda’s high-performance hatchback bloodline and is the fastest accelerating and quickest car in its class.

The new benchmark time for the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is the third lap record to be claimed by the new Honda Civic Type R.

The latest car to sport the famous ‘red H’ was part of the allnew tenth-generation Civic’s development programme – the largest in Honda’s history – and was engineered to deliver the most rewarding drive in the hot hatch segment, both on road and on the race track.

In April 2017, a production development car became the fastest front-wheel drive production car ever around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a lap time of 7mins 43.8secs.

In May, WTCR driver, Esteban Guerrieri, set a new 2mins 01.51secs lap record for a front-wheel drive production car at the Magny-Cours GP circuit in France, as part of the

21/11/2017 15:30

It features a lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell, low centre of gravity, and sophisticated dual-axis strut front suspension system, which reduces torque steer and enhances on-the-limit cornering.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

You can leave your hat on for Swindon Theatres’ sizzling new season that union jack dress and Spice Up Your Life with Wannabe in August. For something a little more classical, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are back on 30 September and you can even enjoy a Prosecco Afternoon Tea after the show!

With the Wyvern and Arts centre Autumn/ Winter season brochures just hitting doormats, Swindon is in for some real treats between now and Christmas. Whether you want to entertain the kiddies, treat the family, have a giggle with the girls or try a different kind of date night, there really is something for everyone.

Upcoming family highlights include Peppa Pig’s Adventure in July, much loved musical Oliver! at the end of August and David Walliams’ Awful Auntie which arrives in November. Not forgetting this year’s Pantomime Aladdin and a new festive show for the Arts Centre in December, which is sure to delight the youngest in the family – Father Christmas Needs A Wee! 22

The Wyvern will also be hosting their annual Family Fun Day with plenty of free activities on Sat 13 October.

If comedy is your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with stand-up sets from Mark Steel, Joe Pasquale, Chris Ramsey, Ross Noble and Zoe Lyons to name a few.

Worried about getting Love Island withdrawal?

Bring your whole WhatsApp group and catch ‘the voice of’ Iain Stirling with his brilliant observations on Mon 24 September.

Music lovers fear not, the latest programme is also packed with fantastic live acts to suit all tastes.

As the theatres’ ‘Season of Vintage’ draws to a close, don’t miss The Bon Jovi Experience, Re-Take That and The Rocket Man, or whip out

At the end of October Hot Stuff Gary Lucy will lead an all-star cast of Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Joe Gill, Kai Owen and James Redmond in The Full Monty. Based on his smash-hit film and adapted for the stage

by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production has received standing ovations every night of the tour and won the prestigious UK Theatre Award.

In Swindon for one week only, you really should drop everything and get booking before it sells out!

All new Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre shows are on sale now and tickets can be booked online at

swindontheatres.co.uk or through the Ticket Office on

01793 524481 Copies of both brochures can be picked up from the venues or downloaded online.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

Musical Musings with Dave Franklin

The big news this month is of course the re-opening of The Rolleston and Level 3 under new but familiar management.

Last month it was announced that Violet McLaren and Darren Simons who already run The Victoria will be taking on the venue and by the time you read this it’s series of opening shows will already be a distant hangover.

It’s great to see the venue back in the swing of things and we all look forward to seeing what bands are announced, particularly regarding Level 3 which has been woefully underused for years.

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A new chapter begins!If you can’t wait for that then I will just point you towards a fantastic show at The Victoria on 6th July in the form of Danny and The Champions of the World.

Blending a ragged street soul, rootsy juke box r’n’b, old time music hall, blissed out blues, country rock and a host of other rootsy flavours, they mix classic, timeless sounds with a contemporary delivery that makes for a great sonic experience.

With support from the always excellent Case Hardin’ and irrepressible local outlaw guitar slingers Black Sheep Apprentice also

on the bill it is definitely one to get down early for.In the recorded medium a couple of things have caught my ear of late.

Firstly the charming and cheeky folk pop pixie herself Tamsin Quin has released a cracking album entitled Gypsy Blood, available as a fab and groovy waxing..okay a CD, as well as in the usual digital form, a brilliant blend of roots authenticity and commercial earwormery.

And whilst you are at it check out Rainy Day Fund and their just released single Brainshake, infectious and eloquent indie-pop par excellence.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

My Swindon and yours and estates on which you live and how they got their names, we wil reveal all here.

MY SWINDON AND YOURS. In each edition of this magazine I will be telling you a little of my beloved Swindon, its history and its past and how we got to where we are today, From the Roman settlements at the time of Christ to the modern estates of the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

From the treasures in Swindons four Museums, in Old Town, at Coate Water, and the two Railway ones plus Wroughton Aerodrome most of which many of us have never seen to the future that we hope to see in our Town.

From the great people of this Town and the influence they had in shaping our Town and our Country as well.

From the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th century’s and the coming of the Canals to Swindon, and then to Gods Wonderful Railway and the longest factory in the World.

From the Norman landlords after 1066 to the Goddard family, and their influence on the Town, and from the first industries like Quarrying by the Romans, to the building of Spitfires in the Second World War.

From the affluence of the Folks on the Hill to the Work houses of the poor and the way that the Trade union movement came from distroying farming machinery to making Swindon workers some of the best paid factory workers in Britian.

From the history of Swindon buildings like the Mechanic’s Institute and its lending library, the first in Britian, to the Start of the N.H.S which was a copy of ( from the cradle to the grave ) the policy of the G.W.R.

From the great writers and poets like Richard Jefferies, and Alfred Williams, that told the story of Swindon and its surrounding area to modern day Writers and how they see this Town of ours.

From the Parks and Gardens of the Town to Coate which in the past I have called the Jewel in Swindon’s Crown.

And from the hundreds of history books that have been written about Swindon, we will dip into and relate some of the most intesting facts and pictures around and about in our Town.

From the names that Swindon has had in its past to the streets

Were the Moonrakers from Swindon, many of us think so, and what were all those tunnels for in Old Town.

From our first Newspaper by William Morris the Advertiser in 1854 which charged a penny and changed the rules on the price of papers thoughout Britain to this Magazine and what modern technology can achieve.

From the arrival of the Irish Navigators ( Navvies ) working

on the Canals to the Welsh settlers who built the Rolling Mills in the Railways and had their own Estate and Chapel in Westcott Place called Cambria, the Roman name for Wales.

We have always been a multicultured society and today well over 100 languages are spoken in our Town.

This is just a snippet of what you can expect from this Magazine and your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Let us have your story’s and memoirs of Swindons past, remember we have to get them down on paper to make sure that others generations read them in the years to come, you are all Swindons history in the making.

Roy Cartwright 25

Stage coach

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // JULY 2018

July brings with it a feast of theatre and comedy to Swindon. For fans of witty epigrams, handbags and child neglect Lydiard Park is hosting an open-air production of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” (20th July).

And for those who prefer the 1980’s to the 1890’s Chocolate Theatre are bringing their production of “The Wedding Singer” to the Swindon Art Centre (19th21st July). The Art Centre also plays host to four serial killers in an office environment with the premier of Matt Fox’s jet-black comedy “Fred, Ted, Jack and Harold” (6th-7th July).

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On 26th July comedian Mark Steel returns to the Wyvern to reassure nervous Swindonians that “Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright”. Before that, on 11th July, Griff Rhys-Jones – half of ‘Smith and Jones’, a third of ‘Three Men in a Boat’ and a quarter of ‘Not the Nine O’Clock News’ – visits Swindon with his one-man show “Where Was I” that offers observations, anecdotes, reminiscences and outright lies.

If your appetite for comedy still isn’t sated then there’s the Old Town Comedy Club at Suju (6th July), headlined

by Vikki Stone and MC’d with waspish aplomb by Stephen Bailey.

Finally the Shoebox Theatre hosts a stacked programme of theatre. Firstly the FUSE Festival (6th-7th July) presents five workin-progress performances from new artists. Seats are available on a ‘pay what you can’ basis. After that Friday 13th July sees the return of ‘Wrong Shoes Theatre Company’ with their critically acclaimed witch trial chiller “The Unbinding” and from 18th-20th July ‘Quirky Bird Theatre’ present Anya Reiss’ coming-of-age comedy “Spur of the Moment”.

That’s a lot of shows, so you won’t have time for sun lounging. Best get a spray tan instead.

Article by Ben Thomas

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