The Swindonian December 2018

to do

Contents Well it’s almost unbelievable that we are already delivering our Christmas edition to homes and businesses throughout Swindon.

It feels like only yesterday we sat around the table and started planning our first edition. Where did the year go?

I’m not sure about you but this time of year is definitely my favourite. The Christmas lights are on, the shops are opening late and Christmas trees are popping up everywhere, it won’t be long until the party season is in full swing and then you have Panto too!

I want to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Without your support the magazine would not be what it is today.

This month’s edition will test your knowledge of Christmas. Do you know when the twelve days of Christmas start?

How many calories are you going to consume on the big day? Well read on and you will find out.

6

2 Sick Moneys Dave Franklin catches up with Pete Butler ahead of the bands last ever show.

9

Kaspas make donation to African charity appeal

12

Swindon Night Shelter set to run new day centre

17

Do you know when the 12 days of Christmas start?

22

Eat your way around the world with Allan Trinidad

28

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

30

Your local councillors share the latest news around the Swindon communities.

32

Musical Musings Dave Franklin brings us the latest news and info on our local music scene.

34

6

9

Stage Coach with Ben Thomas

Ben brings us up to speed with the December offerings on Stage and Screen.

21

Our magazine continues to receive some excellent positive feedback and we really enjoy reading your kind words.

Please keep your contributions and feedback coming and we are always open to suggestions for future editions.

Until next year….

28 Find us on Social Media:

DESIGNED / PRINTED / DISTRIBUTED BY

TheSwindonian 07717 330400 / 07402 084138 getintouch@theswindonian.co.uk

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

NOVEMBER S H O R T S Brownfield site to be turned into car park Work is currently underway to turn the old Wyvern Theatre car park into a temporary car park to increase capacity in the town centre and to help facilitate the Council’s regeneration plans for a new bus boulevard along Fleming Way. The new temporary car park, to be known as the Wyvern Car Park, is expected to be completed in December and will bring 53 extra car parking spaces to the town centre – 12 of which will be disabled bays.

There will also be space for motorbikes to park.

4

New truck names have wheelie bin worth it!

Swindon Borough Council has unveiled the new names of its recycling trucks following a public competition on social media.

Following multiple rounds of voting the public have narrowed down their favourite names to the final four from the top 12, as suggested by residents on Facebook.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Virtual Reality Comes to Swindon’s Brunel Shopping Centre ImmotionVR, the UK’s largest group of virtual reality (VR) experience centres, have announced the opening of a new VR Experience Centre in Swindon’s Brunel Shopping Centre.

The Council launched the competition to name its recycling lorries over a month ago starting with a three-week-period where residents suggested over 250 different names for the Council’s 13 recycling lorries.

The list was then narrowed down to 12 finalists and, following four days of voting, the public picked their final favourites, which are:

• • • •

Bin Diesel Binderella Optimus Grime Johnny Trash

Over 3,500 residents took part in the voting with the names for the other lorries named by the crews who drive them and Council staff.

In a first for Swindon, families can travel virtually from the bottom of the ocean to the top of the Universe (and everything in between) and what’s great for parents is experiences start from just £5!

ImmotionVR’s fully immersive VR experiences take place in self-contained motion simulators, which delivers incredible virtual reality content, with stunning wrap-around sound and multi-directional movement.

For more information about ImmotionVR, please contact: Simon Ward on 07396 060272 or email: simon@agencysix.co.uk

5

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Ahead of the last ever show by local legends and globetrotting DIY punks, 2 Sick Monkeys, Dave Franklin catches up with bassist and front man Pete Butler to talk about the past, the present and what the future might hold.

2 Sick Monkeys formed in 2002 when drummer Freddy Cooper who was organising a local drum workshop featuring Primal Scream and Gary Moore Band drummer Darrin Moody asked Pete if he could come along and play as part of the show.

“I think Freddy wanted to show his students that he wasn’t just a teacher and so we played a ten minute opening slot, I had loads of tunes as my last band, Acoustic Junkies, had tailed off by then and we decided to keep it going.”

6

The band took the two friends, who had first played together in seminal punk band Cut Throat Razor, all over Europe and beyond.

“Yes, we’ve been very lucky, we went all over Europe and even managed to play Japan last year. It came about stupidly quickly in the end.

I just put a post online asking if anyone had any

solid contacts with promoters there and within six weeks we were playing the first gig in Tokyo!

We have a really special friend called Ayumi who we met when she was living and playing in bands in London and she helped a lot in making that happen. It was great to catch up with her when we played in her home town of Osaka.”

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

I then broach the question that after 18 years why did they feel that the time was right to call it a day.

“I’m not totally sure, I think you could argue that we have run as far as we could with the band really, 18 years playing in a punk band might be 18 and a half years too much and Fred’s hearing isn’t the best these days.

I’m a bit gutted as I still really enjoy getting on stage and playing but everything has a certain shelf-life I guess. ”But you do have new projects on the horizon?

Yes, I’m jamming with a hardcore band which hopefully will lead to some live touring and I have a couple of things that I want to

do that might just be studio projects. Finally, I ask what the highlights have been. “All the free boozes has been nice. But going to Japan was the one. It was insane and I don’t think that I could ever top that.

It wasn’t massive crowds but everyone was, as you can image, really lovely.

We did nearly go to America but they wouldn’t let me in but Japan was like a dream came true.

And remembering lovely people is a lovely way to wrap things up. 2 Sick Monkeys play their final show at Level III on 16th December with a fantastic line up of punk bands setting the mood for the perfect send off.

7

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Christmas Quiz

1. The Snowman was first shown on television on Boxing Day of which year?

2. Which band had the Christmas hit ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’?

3. Which country is eggnog said to originate from?

4. Who was the first British Monarch to give a televised Royal Christmas Message?

5. How many points does a snowflake traditionally have?

6. The Christmas tree placed in Trafalgar Square in London each year is gifted by which country?

7. What are the names of the eight original Reindeer?

8. What snacks do children traditionally leave out for Santa Claus?

9. What is thought to be lucky if you find it in your Christmas pudding?

10. If you are born on Christmas Day, what is your star sign?

Answers: 1. 1982 2. Wizzard 3. England 4. Queen Elizabeth II 5. Six 6. Norway 7. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen 8. Cookies and milk 9. A sixpence 10. Capricorn 8

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Local Dessert Parlour Donate £250 To African Football Tour Appeal A local dessert parlour has pledged its support of an international HIV charity by donating £250 towards Swindonian Shaun Jones’ 2018 fundraising goal.

Kaspa’s Dessert Parlour in Clarence Street responded to the recent appeal in The Swindonian magazine for donations towards Shaun’s 2018 Kick4Life Allstars Tour fundraising appeal donating 10% of the £2,500 target.

Owner Rafi Zaidi commented ‘we saw the appeal in the magazine and wanted to help.

We hope our donation will go a long way to supporting Kick4Life’s important work in what looks like a beautiful country.’

Kick4Life F.C. is a unique football club based in Lesotho in southern Africa.

As a charity and a social enterprise, their mission is to change the lives and long-term prospects of vulnerable young people in the country, through a wide range of social development activities focused on health, education and support towards sustainable livelihoods.

As part of the 2018 tour Shaun Jones will be directly supporting the charities mission to change lives helping to deliver health education and life-skills activities to the youth of Lesotho alongside the team of local Kick4Life coaches.

Whilst in the country participants will also be playing football against local teams which in itself will be an experience to never forget!

With stunning scenery and an incredible atmosphere with sometimes hundreds of local supporters singing and dancing throughout the matches.

For every £10 donated it allows Kick4Life to provide HIV testing for one child, referring them to ongoing medical treatment if they test positive. £25 enables a vulnerable child to go to school for a month, covering school fees and dinners. £50 would enable 25 children and young people to take part in a football & life-skills coaching session and £100 enables the delivery of a life-skills curriculum to a whole team of academy participants for a month.

9

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Keeping your pets safe this Christmas •

Alcohol, Macadamia nuts and xylitol (found in sugar free gum, sweets and diabetic food)

Christmas Gifts

With Christmas around the corner it’s important to keep curious pets in mind, particularly pets who may investigate the gifts under the tree, Christmas plants, decorations and of course the Christmas food around the house.

Here are a few things to watch out for this Christmas and New Year.

Food Pets can react differently to all types of food and the foodlisted below can be highly toxic to our pets so you should always contact your vet if your pets have eaten any of the following: •

Chocolate - Care should be taken with leaving chocolate decorations on trees, advent calendars and chocolate yule logs

•

Grapes and dried fruits - Currants, sultanas and raisins including Christmas cake and mince pie

•

Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots and chives – including sage and onion stuffing

Christmas plants Poinsettia, Holly, Mistletoe, Ivy, Christmas tree pine needles are all considered low toxicity but may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Lilies however are extremely hazardous to cats (all parts of the plant) and veterinary advice must be sort immediately.

10

Items such as silica gel (Small packs found inside items), Christmas decorations, wrapping paper and candles are all considered low toxicity but again may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. More hazardous is pot-pourri which can cause significant gastrointestinal effects. Veterinary advice should always be sort if you think your pet may have ingested anything listed above or something unusual.

Anti-freeze Antifreeze often contains ethylene glycol or methanol, which are toxic to cats (also found in car screen washes and de-icers). Many animals find antifreeze sweet tasting, and ingesting even the smallest amount can lead to kidney failure and death, especially in cats.

If you’re at all concerned this Christmas contact us immediately.

Our team are always on hand to offer further advice and information so if you have any questions please contact your clinic on 01793 526780

*Information sourced from veterinary poisons information service - www.vpisglobal.com

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Latest Recommended Posting Dates for Christmas Delivery 2018 UK Inland Services

Date Service

Tuesday 18 December Thursday 20 December Friday 21 December Saturday 22 December

2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 48* Royal Mail Tracked 24* Special Delivery Guaranteed

HM Forces Mail - British Forces Post OfficeÂŽ (BFPO) Monday 26 November Operational HM Forces Friday 14 December Static HM Forces

International Standard and International tracking and signature services Tuesday 4 December Friday 7 December

Saturday 8 December Monday 10 December Friday 14 December Saturday 15 December Monday 17 December

Tuesday 18 December

Africa, Middle East Asia, Cyprus, Far East, Eastern Europe (except Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia) and Malta Caribbean, Central and South America Australia, Greece, New Zealand and Turkey Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, USA Finland, Sweden Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg

International Economy Latest recommended Destination Posting Dates Friday 28 September

Saturday 29 September Saturday 13 October Saturday 3 November Saturday 17 November

Australia, New Zealand and all other non-European destinations (except Canada, Far East, Middle East, South Africa and USA) Middle and Far East (except Hong Kong and Singapore) Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa and USA Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece, Iceland, Malta and Turkey Western Europe

11

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Swindon Night Shelter to run new Riverside day centre A new day centre which will act as a safe space for some of the town’s most vulnerable people will be run by Swindon Night Shelter, it has been confirmed.

Last year, Swindon Borough Council introduced the Temporary Winter Housing Provision scheme to get an identified group of rough sleepers into permanent, secure accommodation.

The programme was hugely successful and will be repeated this year for four months from mid-December.

But this year, the scheme will be accompanied by the opening of a new day centre which will for the 12

next three years be run by Swindon Night Shelter, a charity that offers support to homeless people in the town.

The day centre, located at the former Riverside School site off Queens Drive, will act as a first point of contact for rough sleepers to access vital services such as mental health provision and drug and alcohol support.

The day centre is expected to be in operation by the first week in December.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “’I am pleased that Swindon Night Shelter

have agreed to deliver this important new inititive, which will provide a relaxed environment where rough sleepers and homeless people will be safe and welcome.

“It will be somewhere where they will have the opportunity, if they wish, to talk to people who can give them help and support and be somewhere where they can meet with the organisations that support them.”

Night Shelter, who will run the day centre for the next three years, have already spoken positively about the exciting challenge ahead.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Rebecca Davison, Chair of Swindon Night Shelter, said: “We are so excited to be able to move part of our existing provision to this new location. We have been running for 10 years, operating our day centre and mentoring service at our warehouse in Cheney Manor, and have been in discussions with the Council and other services for a while on how to provide a better service to our guests and those in the cycle of homelessness in Swindon.

“This is the beginning of this journey as we look to work with the Council, other relevant bodies and local organisations to ensure we give the very best

care we can to those we serve.

“Our ultimate aim is to share God’s love and provision in a practical way so that nobody in Swindon is rough sleeping who doesn’t want to be. This is going to help towards that aim.”

Last year, more than 50 volunteers came forward to donate their time to help with the Temporary Winter Housing Provision, and volunteers are being sought for this year’s project.

Councillor Martyn added: “If you would like to get to know and help support a

group of our rough sleepers, and if you enjoy working as part of a team under the guidance of an experienced member of staff, then you might like to volunteer in our Temporary Winter Housing Provision.

“Previous experience of volunteering is not needed; it’s about a willingness to listen and empathise. Our staff and existing volunteers are all very friendly. So if you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you.”

If you would like to be part of this project that can really make a difference, please email Rachel Strange, the Council’s Rough Sleeper Project Coordinator, at rstrange2@swindon.gov.uk

13

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

14

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Aldi to donate unsold food to Swindon charities on Christmas Eve Supermarket chain Aldi will be donating any unsold food they have left on Christmas Eve to charities in need.

The retailer, which has branches across Swindon, will aim to redistribute all surplus fresh food including fruit, vegetables, fresh meat and fish, from its stores to various charities when stores close on Christmas Eve. Part of Aldi’s festive food donations scheme, charities and food banks will be paired with local stores to register so that they can receive a free donation in time for Christmas.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

The Swindonian team wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

The Swindonian 15

www.swindonsalesandlettings.com

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Swindon Sales and lettings

80 Victoria Rd, Swindon SN1 3BB

Ask the expert...

With Keith from Swindon Sales and Lettings Too many homeowners rush to get their property on the market as quickly as possible. On many occasions it is better to take your time to make sure that you present your property in the best possible light.

•

Clean everything until it sparkles. Get rid of limescale, clean and repair tile grout, get rid of all odours, hang up fresh towels. This will make the place more appealing and allow viewers to imagine living there. Clean windows inside and out; replace any broken light bulbs. Making the place feel light and airy makes rooms feel bigger and the property more attractive.

•

Clutter doesn’t sell homes, it makes them seem smaller and disorganised. Take time to remove as much as possible without leaving the rooms bare. You’re selling a lifestyle to someone, so don’t overlook the small details.

Although packing ahead of time is good, leaving your home completely bare isn’t the aim. Think of it as a show home.

Have a read through my top tips for achieving the best possible price in the shortest time.

Keith’s Top Tips: •

•

Pictures are everything and making sure you get the best is vitally important, use dedicated professional photographers. While those with grounds can really benefit from drone video footage.

Don’t be fooled into high price talk by some agents whose aim is to win your custom by pricing high – ask the agent what % of actual asking price do they achieve.

• •

16

Make any minor repairs necessary, holes in walls, broken door knobs, cracked tiles, torn or threadbare carpets. Many buyers want to move in without making changes.

Get your paperwork in order. Do you know where your deeds are?

Guarantee certificates?

Legal delays can often slow a sale down and in some cases cause them to fall-through.

•

Price is everything. It’s important you explain your time-frame to your agent when you instruct them and make it clear what your aims are. If you are desperate for a speedy sale it could be that a slightly lower price will move the process along, but speak with your agent – their advice will be based on their detailed, in-depth knowledge of the market.

Swindon Sales & Lettings are proactive and always give honest advice to help our vendors.

We currently are offering a fee of just 0.9% INC VAT with no admin fees payable . Strictly on a no sale no fee basis.

If you would like a FREE valuation please contact us on 01793 490238.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

When do the 12 days of Christmas start and what do they all celebrate?

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a Partridge in a Pear Tree. (so sorry you are going to be singing this all day!)

Pretty underwhelming considering that the first day of the 12 Days Of Christmas is actually Christmas Day.

outside of the UK as this is the day of the Christian martyr St Stephen.

The 12 Days Of Christmas also known as Twelvetide is the Christian season festive season that celebrates the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

The fourth day of Christmas is December 28, and it is the Feast Of The Holy Innocents – no that is not your family eating mounds of turkey sandwiches – it is the day when people remember all of the baby boys who were killed

by King Herod in his search to find and kill the Baby Jesus.

Christmas day is the first day of the 12 Days Of Christmas and January 5th is the last, also known as the Twelfth Night.

Twelvetide has been celebrated in Europe since before the middle ages and has always been a time of celebrations.

The third day of Christmas celebrates St John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of Revelation, and is the patron saint of live, loyalty, friendships and authors.

Each day of the 12 Days Of Christmas has a different meaning and people celebrate a different thing on each day.

The fifth day of Christmas is the day when St Thomas Becket is remembered as he was the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th Century and was murdered on December 29 1170 for challenging the King’s authority over the church.

The first day of Twelvetide, is Christmas Day and you could have guessed that this day is all about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

The sixth day of Christmas is the day of St Egwin of Worcester who died on December 30 717, he was known as the protector of orphans and the widowed.

The second day of Christmas is Boxing Day, however it is known as St Stephen’s Day in countries

The seventh day of Christmas falls on New Years Eve and on this day Pope Sylvester I is

traditionally celebrated. In some eastern European countries New Year’s Eve is still traditionally called Silvester.

The eighth day of Christmas falls on New Years Day and Mary the Mother of Jesus is celebrated.

The ninth day of Christmas honours St Basil the Great and St Gregory Nazianzen, who were two important 4th century Christians.

The tenth day of Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus and marks the day Jesus was named in the Jewish Temple.

The eleventh day of Christmas is a day to celebrate St Elizabeth Ann Seton who was the first American saint who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This day is also celebrated as the Feast of Saint Simon Stylites who spent 37 years living on a small platform on top of a pillar.

The twelfth day of Christmas is also known as Epiphany Eve as is it that day before January 6th which is known as the Epiphany, and the the twelfth day of Christmas St John Neumann who was the first Bishop in America who lived in the 19th century.

17

The Swindonia

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Christm @ Stea

Kings of t ring @ me

A Christmas Carol @ Arts Centre

The Festival of Christmas @ Bath Road Methodist Church Ultimate Buble at Christmas @ Wyvern Theatre

40 years of Grease @ Tree

Happy New Year!

18

www.theswindonian.co.uk

Gold, Frankincens & Murder! @ Wyvern Theatre

an

Marathon runner raises over £3000 _____________________________________________ for Wiltshire Air Ambulance

mas Brighter am Futures

the eca

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

reindeer run

Santa Special @ Swindon and Cricklade Railway

_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________

se !

Elf School @ Brunel

19

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Hotel removed from new North Star Development plans and traffic lights to be installed on roundabouts

Plans for the new North Star Development have been updated with the big change being the removal of the planned 130 bed hotel and some major changes to the roundabouts leading to the site.

SevenCapital have recently been modelling the flow of traffic to the new £270 million scheme and have been analysing the impact it has on the current road network.

North Star, Cockleberry and the Transfer Bridges roundabouts have all been earmarked to receive key improvements.

North Star roundabout is expected to be widened to three lanes at both the East and West junctions with North Star Avenue also 20

being widened. Transfer Bridges will see traffic lights installed onto the northern of the two roundabouts and Cockleberry will see the roundabout extended and traffic lights installed to control traffic from the West.

Bruce Street Bridges and Blagrove roundabouts are to undergo minor works expected to be focused around the lane allocations rather than major rebuilding works.

With the removal of the 130 bedroom hotel the site will now offer: •

75 meter and 170 meter ski slope

•

14-screen IMAX cinema with the largest IMAX screen in the UK

•

19 lane bowling alley

•

24 retail and leisure units ranging from 900 Sq Ft to 6,200 Sq Ft 27,000 Sq Ft Trampoline Park

• • •

The existing Oasis leisure centre

•

16,000 Sq Ft gym

It is understood the site will offer 850 parking spaces, 50 disabled bays and 10 electric vehicle charging points.

There will also be 45 spaces for motorcyclists.

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Have you ever wondered how many calories are Have ever wondered how many calories are in a Christmas dinner? in ayouChristmas dinner?

We are just a few days away from enjoying possibly the best meal of the year. (and two weeks of leftover sandwiches) BUT! remember this one day of deliciousness comes at cost, to your waistline that is!

Dinner:

•

3 roast potatoes (200 calories each) – 600 calories

According to research, you are not only going to have to sign up to the gym this January but you will need to run two marathons to work off the traditional Christmas day indulgence.

•

5 pigs-in-blankets – 400 calories

•

Gravy – 79 calories

• •

3 balls of stuffing (125 calories each) – 375 calories

Looking at the habits of 1,000 people, the study by Forza Supplements shows the average person will eat up to 5,241 calories on 25th December alone.

Ok this does include all those extra snacks and booze too.

To burn all those calories off, you will have to run a whopping 52 miles – burning 2,600 calories over a 26.2 mile course.

Here is a typical Christmas Day, what are you going to cut out?

Starter & Appetiser: • Smoked salmon with buttered toast and horseradish – 366 calories, Small portion of nuts – 130 calories (496 calories – an hour’s jog/10 mile cycle/swim for 75 mins)

•

4 slices of turkeys – 404 calories

•

5 Quality Street chocolates – 132 calories

•

Cheese and biscuits – one portion of cheese and buttered crackers – 394 calories

(1,290 calories – run a half marathon/four hours of pilates/ four-hour hike) Drinks: •

Two glasses of champagne – 226 calories

•

A bottle of beer – 142 calories

•

Two glasses of white wine – 240 calories

(2,128 calories – jog four miles every day for a week/play four 90-minute football matches/ work-out in the gym for 4hr 20mins)

•

Two glasses of red wine – 320 calories

•

A glass of port – 154 calories

Dessert & Cheese:

•

A glass of mulled wine – 245 calories

•

1 mince pie – 177 calories

•

Portion of Christmas pudding, custard & brandy butter – 587 calories

(1,327 calories – 2.5 hours running on gym treadmill/two rounds of golf/three hours of tennis) Total for Christmas dinner blow-out = 5,241 calories

•

Buttered sprouts – 100 calories

•

Buttered carrots – 80

•

Bread sauce – 90 calories

21

Each corner of the world is bursting with different flavours and foods to try with mouth watering combinations from the seafood of Spain to the fabulous Pho of Vietnam.

Here are our top food experiences from around the globe and what you shouldn’t miss a taste of when you visit.

Where? New Orleans What? New Orleans cuisine is a melting pot of flavours with influences from Creole and Cajun cooking with dishes like grits and gumbo on the menu; it’s the original soul food. Try: Lobster po’boy and crispy gulf fish served with shrimp and scallops in a tangy citrus and chilli sauce at The Pelican Club in New Orleans French Quarter.

Where? Japan What? An out of this world dining culture with incredible street food including noodle dishes and gyoza, artisan sushi created by the masters and Japanese tea – the Japanese tea ceremonies provide a therapeutic routine to traditional tea drinking so that you can really explore the flavours.

Where? Vietnam

22

Try: Head for an authentic and fun interactive dining experience at Teppan Baby Shinjuku – you’ll be able to watch the lively show cooking and try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki pancakes served with tender Wagyu beef cooked right in front of your eyes.

What? Delicious and fragrant stews, curries and soups cooked with an array of delicious spices and many prepared using traditional home recipes. Try: A bowl of Pho from a street vendor or better still, during a voyage down the Hau River. This is a large bowl of soup made with a broth and filled with noodles, herbs and meat, usually either beef or chicken.

Where? Jamaica Where? Spain What? Healthy and hearty dishes from gazpacho - a chilled soup to rabbit stews cooked in the mountainous inland.

Seafood is always a popular choice and the Spanish know how to do it best.

Try: The best paella in Spain can apparently be found in Alicante, at Michelin starred Quique Dacosta. Their wonderful version of the traditional dish has a delicious caramelised crust below the rice and comes bursting with squid, calamari and artichoke.

What? Tantalise your taste buds with reggae flavours in dishes like jerk chicken, goat curry and beef patties washed down with spiced rum.

Try: For a cheap and authentic dining experience head to Kool Vybes in Negril for the jerk chicken and curried lobster.

Where? Hawaii What? Fresh and light cuisine, with dishes like poké, steamed manapua buns filled with char sui and of course, spam. Try: A poke bowl from Tamura’s Tavern in Honolulu – choose from king crab, kalua pig, tako and more served in a bowl with Hawaiian ginger shoyu.

Where? Italy What? Food culture is paramount in Italy, coffees, gelato, pizza and pasta are all big players on the menus here and meals are centred around family time and socialising.

Try: For the best pizza head to Naples – thin and crisp crusts with lashings of homemade tomato sauce covered in melted mozzarella, simple but totally divine.

Where? Thailand What? The cuisine is based around curries, noodles and rice dishes and is quick and easy to make and packed with flavours and spices. Try: Traditional pad Thai – you’ll be able to get this made to perfection pretty much anywhere in Thailand.

Fancy tantalising your taste buds in one of these places?

Make your next travel arrangements with a knowledgeable, trustworthy and friendly travel expert. I deliver a personal, professional and bespoke travel service. Contact me: allan.trinidad@travelcounsellors.com 23

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Bookings Now Being Taken for Christmas see website for more details!

Choose between a Christmas Siam Feast or Christmas Festive Banquet from just £26 per person

Opening Hours Sunday 5.30pm - 10.30pm Monday to Thursday 12noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm - 11.00pm Friday & Saturday 12noon to 2.30pm & 5.30pm - 11.30pm

bookings

0 1 7 9 3

6 1 1 1 9 9

7 5 - 7 6 G o d w i n C o u r t , O l d To w n , S w i n d o n S N 1 4 B S 24 ww w. s i a m t h a i sw i n d o n .co m

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

THE BIG FC NEEDS A WEE! Father Christmas is back on his rounds… and he still needs a WEE! At every house Father Christmas eats and drinks the tasty treats that have been left for him. But when he reaches number ten he realises that he’s forgotten to do something rather important and he really, really, really needs a WEE!

TaleGate Theatre Productions hit the perfect combination of witty humour, fantastic music and the extra sparkle for which they have become known in this fabulously funny and brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much loved book.

TaleGate and Father Christmas will be at Swindon Arts Centre from Fri 14- Mon 24 December with up to four shows a day. The show is suitable for all children aged 2+ and every ticket includes a meet and greet with Father Christmas and a free gift!

‘Magic, mayhem and mince pies. They’re all here in this musical.’ 5 stars The Edinburgh Fringe Show Podcast (2013) ‘A sweet tale told with energy, enthusiasm and plenty of silliness.’ 4 stars One4review (2013) Tickets can be booked online at swindontheatres.co.uk or through the Ticket Office on 01793 524481. Family, Group and Concession rates are available.

25

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

26

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Neo Nature

with Thomas ‘Grasslands’ Haynes Christmas is an interesting amalgamation of traditions.

Although Christmas is now celebrated in a similar way across most of the western world, it is fascinating to investigate some of our more local and nature-themed traditions.

The decoration of trees with lights and other colourful things, for example, is a component of traditional festivals of light, that have always occurred at this time of year in Northern Europe and were a method of bringing together farming communities in the darkest and coldest time of the year to give each other gifts, tell stories, play music and to create their own source of light over the period when the sun is seen for only a short period of time.

The tradition of Father Christmas is believed to originate from various elements of folklore, with some records indicating a green robed character, while the well-known

red and white robes are also connected to Roman priests.

The red and white robes made a comeback in the 1940s thanks to an advertising campaign

by Coca Cola which shares a similar colour scheme.

Interestingly, the folklore of Santa’s red and white robes is believed to date back even earlier than the Roman Catholic church and link to Santa’s home in Lapland and a mushroom!

The Fly Agaric mushroom is a striking red mushroom with white spots that is found on heathland and woodlands on more acidic-based soils. They are quite common in Finland where they are one of the food sources of the reindeer that graze the heathlands.

Local communities were known to drink a hallucinogenic substance derived from Fly Agaric and were also known to dress in robes and pointy hats that resembled the distinctive red and white mushroom. It is also believed that these

hallucinogenic celebrations were where the folklore of Santa riding about on a flying reindeer comes from. Who would have thought that a mushroom was so strongly connected to Father Christmas’ style choices?!

Events this month are few and far between, but there is an evening of star gazing at Blakehill Farm near Cricklade on the 14th December to watch the Geminids meteor shower, which is considered to be one of the most spectacular meteor showers. Wrap up extra warm and bring a blanket and chairs if you like and the night will Include stories of the constellations, you also get to warm yourself up with a beef or veggie stew. You can book online here: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Event/ gemenids-star-gazing-evening

Ho! ho! ho!

Grasslands Out! 27

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

But First, Tea.

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

Forrest Explorers Last month with the Autumn sun still shining strong, we used one of our half-term days to do something I’ve been wanting and meaning to do for years – we went to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum to see the seasonal colours in all their glory.

As may have become apparent, my 4-year old was born to be outdoors. The change of temperature and conditions at this time of year simply means a few more clothes in order to take advantage of ample chances to collect sticks, kick up the leaves, climb trees and generally be a true adventurer.

We are lucky to have several excellent parks and forest areas in and around Swindon, which (parking aside at some sites) are free of charge to visit. So I was a little apprehensive about how much we (well, he) would enjoy Westonbirt when there is a charge (£10 per adult, £7 for a child 5-18yrs and Under 5s go free). My adventurer does like to have things to do and isn’t always thrilled at the idea of ‘just a nice walk’, so would he be bored? I needn’t have worried.

Being somewhere ‘new’ was the first novelty, and he bounded out of the car with great excitement at what this adventure might entail.

The weather was glorious, and although we had coats 28

and boots on, there was no danger of us being cold or wet. As soon as we began the trail (there are two main trails you can follow around the Forrest, we chose the slightly shorter one), he was sprinting off to find large sticks and to see what was around the next corner. Freedom to run around without boundaries is such a joy, (if only I had such energy and motivation! Ah well, I probably burn calories just watching him, right?) Yes I thought so.

My mum (who had bravely accompanied us on this trip) and I really enjoyed looking at the stunning colours, and happily snapped far too many pictures of trees thinking we were seasoned photographers.

On our trail were the Gruffalo sculptures, very exciting. I probably did mention this too early on to our adventurer, who may have become slightly fixated on finding them and spent a good 10 minutes shouting ‘GRUUUUFFALO WHERE ARRRRE YOOOOU’ at the top of his voice (much to the delight of the more

senior Forrest visitors who were happily having a quiet stroll…) while we frantically tried to find said sculptures on our map. My advice? Maybe leave those as a surprise.

Our hour-long walk certainly didn’t feel that long, and there were no complaints of tired legs or boredom. The end of the trail took us to the area with the gift shop, Restaurant, Café, toilets (hurrah), and the playground (luckily, I didn’t mention that there was one so this was a lovely surprise).

Being half-term, all of the food areas were busy but we did manage to get a table and sat outside in the sunshine with hot chocolates and cheese toasties – perfect. I have to say, the facilities were brilliant and the refreshments were reasonably priced.

All in all a lovely few hours spent, I would really recommend a visit. My adventurer?

Slept all the way home. Job done!

Email me: butfirstteamum@outlook.com

BFT x

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Gruffalo Sculptures at Westonbirt National Arboretum If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo, the Gruffalo’s Child and other characters from the book too!

Each sculpture has been carved in a different position,

Can you find them all?

Ask AMS

70+ videos on YouTube ‘Ask AMS Accountancy’ What happens when you borrow money from your Company Account? It’s a ‘Directors Loan’.

Many director/shareholders borrow money from their Companies but, if they repay it within 9 months of the following accounting year end date, there are no great tax implications for the Company.

If the deadline is missed, the Company must pay 32.5% of the outstanding loan to HMRC – who will hold it until it has been repaid to the Company.

You can re-borrow it if it’s below £15,000 which can be then be re-borrowed if more than 30 days later.

HMRC could also treat loans over £15,000 as not repaid if they believe it was intended that the loan would then be re-borrowed.

In practice you can borrow money from your Company – but be aware of the rules. Peter Bromiley ACA 01793 818400 @AMSAccountancy www.ams-accountancy.co.uk

29

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Community News

Eastcott Labour Team Ward Update Air Quality controls for Polluted Kingshill Kingshill has been declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in a bid to tackle poor air quality and high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide emissions from vehicles.

A steering group has been established to develop and oversee the implementation of the Air Quality Action Plan for Kingshill along with working to improve air quality across the borough. Cllr Paul Dixon has attended these meetings to represent the views of Eastcott residents.

To inform the development of the draft Action Plan, the Council organised a public meeting on 19 September 2018 for local residents to find out more. The Council will formally consult on a draft action plan by the end of 2018.

Plans for 24 Flats on Morse Street Developers have submitted plans for three new blocks of flats on the small strip of land between Morse Street, Dixon Street and Deacon Street.

30

This development will have a big impact on the local area. Your Labour councillors are supporting local residents in opposing these plans and fighting to make sure that anything built there is right for the local community.

These new rules give Swindon Borough Council more power to enforce higher standards and to prevent bad HMOs being built.

These big blocks will overshadow and dominate the local streets, and trying to fit so many homes onto such a small plot could cause problems for the people living in the area.

Earlier this year Swindon Borough Council made the decision to cut the school crossing patrol on Eastcott Road for pupils attending King William Street Primary School and Commonweal.

The developers need to look again at their plans and make sure that what they’re building has buy-in from the community and is right for everyone.

Despite a petition from local residents with over 1000 signatures, the Council has refused to look at this issue again.

New Rules for Licensing HMOs From 1 October new rules come into force for licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation.

Eastcott has one of the highest concentrations of HMOs in Swindon, with new HMOs being built all the time. Many HMOs can be overcrowded, cramped and low-quality and can fall well below acceptable housing standards, causing problems for the people living there and their neighbours.

Eastcott School Crossing Update

Your Labour councillors are continuing to push for improvements on this road.

We have secured new road markings and signage on this road, and will keep working with the Council to make sure this crossing is as safe as possible.

Eastcott Labour Team Councillor Paul Dixon, Mobile: 07454 736 769 Email: p.dixon8@ntlworld. com Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, Mobile: 07894543786 Email: imtiyazshaikh135@ yahoo.co.uk Councillor Patrick Herring, Email: patrick.m.herring@ googlemail.com

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Stratton St Margaret News Update From Barrie Jennings Aldi Planning Application A new planning application has been submitted by Aldi on Hobley Drive asking for time restrictions that lorries can enter their supermarket to be relaxed.

Currently lorries can’t drive in to the store unless it’s within the hours of 7am10pm on Monday-Saturday and 9am-5pm on Sunday.

Aldi want to change this to: 7am-11pm on MondaySaturday and 8am-10pm on Sunday.

Stratton Village Litter Pick On Saturday 3rd November I organised a litter pick around the Rainer Street shops and the Delamere Drive play area. Thank you to everybody who took part in this litter pick. Please do let me know if there is an area you think needs cleaning up.

Sandgate/Griffiths Close Bridge As many of you will be aware the works undertaken by Network Rail to restructure this bridge as part of their electrification upgrade led to drainage issues creating a pond on the bridge.

Network Rail were due to rectify this at the end of August, however, did not and have since been deliberating on the most appropriate solution.

Keypoint Incinerator The Keypoint Incinerator Appeal Hearing will start on 22 January 2019 and is expected to last 2 weeks. The developers are hoping to overturn the Council’s decision to reject their proposal.

The Stop Keypoint Incinerator Project (SKIP) group will be putting on events against this application during this time.

Contact details: 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

Stan Pajak In politics both local and perhaps in particular nationally there hasn’t been many happy stories this year ranging from the wasted two year long process of negotiating leaving the EU, accident and emergency waiting times reaching an all time record to Swindon Council ‘s continuing financial crisis with implications for every service it provides. Therefore I need to take this opportune moment to wish everybody a wonderful Christmas and happy new year!

Old Town Corn Exchange Development Decision Goes to Extra Time November should have seen the end of time for potentially exciting planning proposals for the development of the Corn Exchange (Locarno) to be submitted for residential apartments, restaurants and shops.

With a potential cost of £20-30M the developer had been unable to meet all the five key needs ranging from ability to pay for the scheme to getting agreement with all the land owners.

The scheme was always going to be hard to arrange and had an element of controversy with an original idea to use part of the Lawns for car parking. The extra time given by the Council will finally(hopefully!) Allow the scheme to be either seen as a viable planning application or abandoned.

31

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Musical Musings with Dave Franklin

They say that when God closes a door he opens a window but now my house is cold and full of pigeons.

Maybe I shouldn’t take such sayings so literally but I mention this adage to underline the fact that although two fantastic local bands are calling it a day, the Gods of Music will hopefully see fit to replace them with something equally exciting.

The bands in question are Palm Rose whose brief but brilliant flash of creativity left us with some sublime cinematic dream-pop and 2 Sick Monkeys who, for just under 2 decades, created a legacy of uncompromising lyrical assaults and stripped back, thunderous punked out salvos. They play their

moves and stalwart rockers channelling their inner ABBA. The Victoria is the venue, the 15th December the date.

final show at Level III on 16th December. I wish everyone concerned the best for what lies install for them next.

If you prefer something a bit ragged and bluesy then The Tuppenny plays host to The True Strays on 20th December. Imagine a bunch of jobbing, raggle-taggle folkDecember obviously is the blues wranglers playing for time for tradition and one of the dime and delight of juke the most treasured events joints and cowboy bars in in the local music calendar is the dustbowl days of 1930’s The 12 Bands of Christmas.

America.

For those who are unaware Old-school rock fans should of this amazing night, it is make a note that on 22nd based around the concept December, Classic Magnum, of musicians normally found original members garnered playing their own music from the earlier line-ups of instead performing the the band, can be found at strangest, most ill-fitting Level III. and cheesiest covers that they can think of. In the This is a band that I grew up past we have seen earnest with, their blends of pomp folk bands kicking out the and power, rock and more classic rock jams, cool indie progressive leanings ticked kids breaking out the disco all the boxes for a fledging music fan like myself. I can’t recommend this one enough.

And finally, something more in keeping with the season.

On 23rd December that velvet voiced crooner, Slim Ditty returns to The Tuppenny for a night of swing, jazz, vaudeville, cravats, Christmas cardigans and festive sing-along. And that is another cracking year of music put to bed.

See you in 2019 for more sonic high-jinks and live music shenanigans.

32

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

33

Stage Coach

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

With Ben Thomas

December has nudged its furtive nose – unheralded - into our reckoning. The year is tired but crisp, the air has a frosty bite and a familiar festive and Falstaffian figure is ho-ho-ho-ing his way into our reckoning.

That’s right: Eastenders’ Adam Woodyatt is returning to star in this year’s Wyvern Christmas pantomime: Aladdin (8th December to 6th January).

OH YES HE IS! I have been at the egg nog.

What of it?

Further pre-Yuletide thrills are available at the Swindon Art Centre.

European Arts Company are presenting John O’Connor’s one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ 34

A Christmas Carol to mark the 175th anniversary of the treasured tale (3rd and 4th December).

And for all the good little boys and girls on Santa’s list Tale Gate Theatre Company will be visiting the Art Centre with their witty, humorous and fantastic musical – based on the book by Nicholas Allan - ‘Father Christmas Needs a Wee’ (14th – 24th December).

To be fair, ladies and gentlemen, Saint Nicholas is 1,783 years old and who of us can say that our bladders are at their best, after a few drinks, in this colder weather?

Yes I’ve had a few Christmas Sherries as well.

What of it?

And, just when you thought the Art Centre couldn’t get any more Christmassy, Living Spit Comedy Theatre will be tackling ‘the second best Christmas tale ever told’ with their take on ‘Nativity’ (9th December).

Biblical befuddlement will abound.

And finally: the Shoebox Theatre present Puppets4Peas’ family-friendly show for Christmas: ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ (15th to 23rd December).

Expect music, dancing, audience participation and…

Shoes, apparently, according to the press release.

At least I think that’s what it said.

Another yard of Gluhwein, vicar? I don’t mind if do…

THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // DECEMBER 2018

Your Christmas Party Tanning Experts 44 Commercial Road, Swindon SN1 5NX

08000 88 60 90 consol.eu

35