Contents Here we are again another month into the year but also another month closer to the warmer weather...
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April Shorts Just in case you missed it, check out the news from the last month.
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Hopefully you all had a great Easter break and didn’t over do it on the chocolate!
Wiltshire Police Police catch four speeders every minute on average, just not in Wiltshire.
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Tesco trails new technology Tesco have announced that Swindon shoppers will be first to be able to start recycling non recyclable plastic
We have a feature packed May magazine for you, starting of with our April shorts in case you missed any of the local news. We have some great news from Tesco about new recycling technology available to shoppers.
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Highworth firm builds e-commerce site for Nike A team of seven from Highworth have built an e-commerce site for one of the world’s biggest brands.
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Local firm Reuben Digital help Nike to launch a brand new website for its gift card services. We also get an update on this years events at the WOMAD’s World of Physics event.
A galaxy of discovery and adventure at WOMAD’s World of Physics The World of Physics is back for 2019 and even bigger and better than ever
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We have an interview with Rock of Ages Kevin Clifton and some valuable advice for the Dorset and Wiltshire Rescue Service.
ROCK OF AGES Kevin Clifton Kevin stars as the outrageous ‘Stacee Jax’ in Rock of Ages at the Wyvern theatre
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As always if you have any news or information you think the readers will like then please email us at
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Your local councillors share the latest news around the Swindon communities. Safety warning for enjoying the countryside Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding the public to take care when out and about.
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APRIL SHORTS THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
Launch of “On the Beat” campaign to highlight local policing in Wiltshire
The importance of local policing is being highlighted as part of an awareness-raising campaign launched by Wiltshire Police. On the Beat is a month-long campaign which ran throughout April and was primarily focused on social media. It aimed to educate and inform the public about what their local police service looks like – introducing people to their local police officers and staff, highlighting the important work they do and raising awareness about the demands facing modern day policing. On the Beat follows the successful Beyond the Beat campaign, which ran throughout last summer and aimed to raise awareness of the hidden demands on policing, ie mental health, child sexual exploitation and cyber crime. To find out more about our Community Policing Teams, including which area you live in and who your local officers and staff are, please go to www.wiltshire.police.uk/ article/1067/Community-Policing-Teams 4
Beware of fake Virgin Media emails threatening “automatic disconnection”
Action Fraud has informed us that they received over 100 reports about fake emails that purport to be from Virgin Media. The emails threaten the recipient with “automatic disconnection” due to “invalid billing information”. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking phishing websites that are designed to steal your Virgin Media account login details. Do not click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details. For more information on how to stay secure online, visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk
Debenhams confirm administration Debenhams confirmed last month that they have entered administration after rejecting a final rescue offer from Mike Ashley. Administrators FTI Consulting have already sold the group to a newly-formed company controlled by Debenhams’ existing lenders.
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Stores will continue to trade as normal although the move is expected to trigger store closures and job losses sooner than previously thought with around 50 stores closing via a Company Voluntary Arrangement. A list of the 45 branches of Debenhams stores most at risk of closure was published and the list does include the Swindon branch.
Robins replica shirts now available Swindon fans can now wear the club colours with pride as new replica shirts have gone on sale via the club website .
“It’s the opportunity to be our eighth man and really get behind the boys ahead of a busy schedule next week.”
CFS Filtration Robins co-promoter Lee Kilby said: “We expect a big demand for the shirts with the new design for a new era.
Fans can order shirts now by heading to www.swindon-speedway.com/shopclothing
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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
Police catch four speeders every minute on average, just not in Wiltshire Police throughout the UK are catching just over four people speeding every minute, the equivalent of 6,000 every day.
Is this report implying people immediately speed up after they pass Chippenham on the M4 or is there something more to it?
Latest figures though show Wiltshire Police are at the bottom of the tables when it comes to those caught offending – or is it people just drive slower through the county?
Sgt Simon Drewett of Wiltshire Police said: “Back in 2010, the Force, alongside Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, took the difficult decision to close Wiltshire and Swindon Camera Safety Partnership due to funding pressures. Despite this Wiltshire Police has maintained its commitment to road safety and has worked in partnership with other agencies to continue improving road safety, supporting schemes such as the very active Community Speed Watch and Safe Drive Stay Alive. “Our Roads Policing officers also regularly carry out mobile speed checks around the county – these are often done in response to a spike in collisions, or intelligence from the public relating to speeding.
The study has been carried out by Dr Adam Snow from Liverpool John Moores University for the RAC Foundation. Avon and Somerset police top the league table with 199,337 reported offences throughout 2017/18, around 548 a day with Wiltshire at the very bottom – just 1,191, per year or 3 per day!
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“It is important to remember that speed is just one factor among other contributors in collisions. “Anything we can do to make our roads safer has to be a good thing – our community policing teams work closely with our Community Speed Watch volunteers, and we are always keen to hear from people who have concerns about speeding in their local area.”
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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
Tesco trials technology that makes all plastic packaging recyclable This comes as part of Tesco’s efforts to make all its packaging recyclable, creating a closed loop – preventing packaging from going to waste. The plastics trial begins with the installation of ten collection booths at Tesco stores in Swindon and also Bristol. Recycling Technologies has developed and patented a process to turn waste plastic back into oil, Plaxx® – a material which can then be used in the manufacture of new plastic. Tesco have announced that Swindon shoppers will be amongst the first to be able to start recycling unrecyclable plastics as part of a trial with the recycling specialist, Recycling Technologies. Customers will be able to return to stores everything from pet food pouches to shopping bags and crisp packets, all of which cannot commonly be recycled by local councils; safe in the knowledge that the packaging will be sent for recycling through Recycling Technologies’ new, state of the art recycling process.
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Tesco’s Director of Quality, Sarah Bradbury said, “Reducing and recycling plastics is such an important issue for us, for customers and for the future of our planet. That’s why we are working hard to reduce the amount of packaging in our stores and have committed that all remaining packaging will be recyclable by 2025. “Our trial with Recycling Technologies will make even more of our packaging recyclable and help us reach our target. This technology
could be the final piece of the jigsaw for the UK plastic recycling industry.” WWF UK’s Sustainable Materials Specialist, Paula Chin said, “It’s great to see Tesco running this innovative trial offering customers an easy way to recycle more and waste less. From our local beaches to the remote Arctic, plastic is choking our oceans and killing wildlife. Eight million tonnes are dumped into our seas every year – killing turtles, fish, whales and birds. While we can all do our bit by reducing the plastic we buy and embracing reusable items, we need producers, businesses and governments to face their responsibilities too.
Ask AMS Recycling Technologies’ Chief Executive, Adrian Griffiths said. “We are delighted to be working with Tesco to help its customers recycle more of their household plastic waste. Using our specialist feedstock recycling process we keep more plastic waste in the economy and out of landfill and our oceans. This initiative with Tesco is designed to show there are solutions to recover this important material. Our goal is to double the UK’s capacity to recycle plastic waste by 2027.” 83% of all Tesco’s packaging is currently recyclable. Should this soft-plastics collection be rolled out to all Tesco stores, it is estimated that it will be possible to recycle around 90% of Tesco’s own label packaging – the equivalent of 65,000 additional tonnes of plastic being put to good use every year. Tesco is working toward its commitment that all of its packaging is fully recyclable by 2025.
80+ videos on Search ‘AMS Accountancy’
Is income from selling at car boot sales and eBay taxable? It all depends on whether you are trading. If you sell unwanted presents, or items after moving house etc., you need not tell H M Revenue & Customs about this income. If you buy or obtain items to sell on and do this regularly and if you make a profit on goods you have bought/made/grown, then you are trading. In this case you should register as self-employed with HMRC. You may also have to prepare accounts and submit them to HMRC, and pay tax on the profits. If you are on Benefits, you should notify the Benefits Office of your extra income – which could affect benefit claims/tax credits. Example: Jim buys goods at car boot sales and sells them on eBay. It is trading, even if he only does it once a month. 01793 818400 @AMSAccountancy www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
The Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust adds one more school to its family
The Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust has welcomed John Bentley School, in Calne, into the family.
The Trust plan to reproduce the success they had with the Lawn Manor Academy.
securing a place at a top Russell Group university, more than double the national average.
CEO George Croxford said, The John Bentley School becomes the fourth school within the group, which was formed in 2017, comprising Lawn Manor Academy and Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, before Noremarsh Junior School joined the following year. “We are delighted to welcome the John Bentley School into the Trust,” said Marion Sweet, Chair of the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust. “Jason and his team share our ethos of ‘Excellence in Education’, which has helped us guide the Lawn Manor Academy transformation, and we are confident that we will be able to work together to achieve the same great results at the John Bentley School.” 10
“There is a dramatic difference at Lawn Manor Academy compared to its predecessor school. The senior teams from all of our schools have worked together to raise standards and increase the expectations.” The school announced their plans to join the Trust in January this year, and both organisations have been working hard to make that plan a reality. The decision to join the Trust was led by Jason Tudor who took over the role of Principal in 2015. The school has seen significant improvements in its GCSE and A-level results since then, with one out of every five students now
“We are a school with big ambitions, so joining Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust is the latest step in our journey to become the first choice of school for all parents and students in the area,” said Jason Tudor. “The Trust has a proven track record of success, and we have already begun collaborating with the other schools in the family, introducing our new Behaviour Policy and improving our year seven induction.”
Want to get in touch with your customers in 2019 THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
Got a great idea? Just need a little help to get it launched? Call InTouch Print and Marketing to see where we can help
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Highworth firm builds e-commerce site for one of biggest brands Reuben Digital, which was established in 2006, cut its e-commerce teeth creating consumer websites for the likes of National Book Tokens and Theatre Tokens, and is building automated cloud-based e-commerce solutions for other nationally and internationallyrenowned brands.
A team of seven from Highworth have built an e-commerce site for one of the world’s biggest brands. Working with Jigsaw Business Solutions, the team at Reuben Digital designed and built the electronic giftcard portal for sports giant Nike – one of the world’s 100 biggest companies by revenue. The portal allows visitors to order e-giftcards via Nike’s European website. E-giftcards can be sent as an email immediately or scheduled to arrive on a certain day – on the recipient’s birthday, for instance. Since it was launched in November, 12
the site has issued more than 6,000 e-giftcards to shoppers in nine European countries. After a 12 week long project, with significant focus on ease of use and fraud prevention, Nike were delighted with the speed to market and agile approach, said director Ray Stephens. While customers buy their e-giftcards in real time and expect to see them in their inboxes almost immediately, behind the scenes the bespoke anti-fraud engine is working hard to identify suspicious credit and debit card activity.
The firm, which has been based on Highworth’s Swindon Street since relocating from Old Town, is still keen to work with local business and not-for-profit organisations, especially charities. “There are a lot of global brands looking at our purposebuilt e-commerce sites that incorporate our anti-fraud engine because of its success rate in identifying and preventing the misuse of credit and debit cards,” said Ray. “But there is no reason why smaller companies shouldn’t benefit from our expertise in web design and build, e-commerce solutions, and app development. We’re proud of our local roots and remain committed to supporting other local businesses.” For more information about services offered by Reuben Digital, visit www.reubendigital.co.uk
A galaxy of discovery and adventure at WOMAD’s World of Physics As well as exploring and celebrating global music and culture, WOMAD is about discovering a whole plethora of fun and fascinating facts about the world we live in and beyond; from the night sky to dystopian futures to the physics of our everyday lives. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with talks from NASA astronauts, space-themed film screenings and cosmic workshops, talks and quizzes galore, it’s set to be a positively intergalactic year down in the green fields of Wiltshire. The World of Physics is back for 2019 and even bigger and better than ever with an exciting new venue, the Cosmodrome added to the scientific skyline that makes up WOMAD’s hub of discovery. Brand new to the festival and provided by the University of Hertfordshire, the incredible planetarium boasts a packed daytime programme of the hottest topics in astrophysics such as black holes, the nature
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of dark matter and how galaxies form, and as night falls a crack team of astrophysicists will be on hand to point telescopes at some of the most beautiful sights in the cosmos and answer questions from the audience. There will even be late night showings of full dome visualisations of the Dark Side of the Moon and Holst’s Planets. The intergalactic Physics Pavilion returns with a stratospheric line-up of speakers; including quantum physicist, author and Radio 4 stalwart Jim Al-Khalili OBE who will be discussing his first novel ‘Sunfall’,
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whilst NASA astronaut and artist Nicole Stott will speak via live link from Florida about her time spent in orbit and painting the first watercolour in space. Scientific explorer Greg Foot will present two spectacular, scientific adventures and TED speaker, astrophysicist and World Poker champion Liv Boeree will advise on how to incorporate strategic thinking into your daily life. Matthew Tosh brings his brand new show The Sound of Science, all about soundrelated phenomena, from Star Wars to the physics of farts and burps to attempting to break the sound barrier… There will also be a have a fascinating insight into the world of cosmic film-making, as visual effects expert Graham Jack and his team discuss their work on smashhit Interstellar and how they managed to combine visual storytelling with theoretical physics.
the chance to journey through the Solar System and even walk on the surface of Mars. You’ll also be able to interact with the “Accelerator in the Sky”; an installation that simulates particle collisions with lights. It’s Crash Bang Wallop at The Lab, which is packed with loads of hands-on workshops for festival-goers to get stuck into; everything from the Physics of Spider Webs, moon landing board games, the Physics of Beer, how to be an astronaut and more!
The WOMAD festival will take place at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, in Wiltshire from Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th July 2019. Tickets can be bought online at www.efestivals.co.uk
Also taking place is live doodling and conversation from the authors of ‘We Have No Idea: A guide to the Unknown Universe’ Jorge Cham and Dan Whiteson and even a live link to the CMS experiment at CERN. Minds will boggle and brains will be busted down at The Discovery Zone, with the climate, space exploration and electricity all being explored through incredible virtual and augmented reality, hands-on experiments and daring demonstrations. Visitors will be transported to other planets and far-flung galaxies as they have 15
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
Have you joined our new community? We are proud to have launched a new facebook group ‘Ask a Swindon Vet’. The group has been created by Nick and his team of vets to provide the pet owners of Swindon and surrounding areas a safe and welcoming online community. The group allows you to freely ask questions about your pet’s health and wellbeing as well as being able to share useful tips and knowledge with other like-minded and local pet owners. Find us on facebook and join our new online pet community today
Ask a Swindon Vet
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
EU confirm UK visitors won’t need a visa after Brexit
The European Parliament have approved changes to ensure that UK holiday makers will not need a visa to travel to the EU for short stays after Brexit – even in the event of a no-deal exit. The European Commission announced back in November that, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK citizens will still be able to travel to the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. A vote taken at the beginning of April by the full European Parliament, in Brussels, was the last stage in approving the necessary legislation.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said, “The vote provides absolute certainty that UK holidaymakers and business travellers will be able to travel visa-free to Europe, deal or no deal. “It follows on from the confirmation a few weeks ago that flights will continue to operate, even in a no deal. This means that two of the most important concerns for UK tourists and business travellers visiting the EU have been addressed and will provide a further boost to confidence about travel to the EU after Brexit.
“While it is encouraging that these issues have been addressed, securing a deal is very much the preferred outcome, and we encourage parliamentarians to explore all options to avoid a no-deal. “With the ongoing uncertainty about how and when the UK will leave the EU, it is difficult for travel businesses to predict what will happen, so it is important Members continue to plan and prepare for any eventuality.”
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Real-life Disney destinations you can actually visit THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
2019 is the year when some of Disney’s most-loved animated films literally come to life. The 29 March saw Tim Burton’s live-action version of Dumbo grasp its lucky feather and fly into cinemas with
This multibillion-dollar liveaction project may be a recent trend, but Disney’s enchanted worlds have been more than just drawings on a screen, as many of the locations from these timeless movies are based on actual locations that you can visit in real life. That’s right, the silver screen isn’t your only window into these magical worlds, and we’ve dug out our old VHS cassettes to pick out the real-life Disney destinations that you can visit. Beauty and the Beast: Alsace, France This animated musical romantic fantasy flick from 1991 has already received the live-action treatment, with
real-life remakes of Aladdin and The Lion King set to follow on 24 May and 19 July respectively.
Emma Watson reprising the role of Belle alongside Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens as the fearsome yet fragile Beast in 2017. Belle - the opening song in both versions of the movie – shows off an idyllic yet unnamed French village with charming fountains and wooden-frame buildings. The remake was filmed on a closed set at Surrey’s Shepperton Studios, but it was based on Colmar, which sits in the French region of Alsace and undoubtedly bore a big influence on the film’s fictional setting. Barely 20 kilometres from the German border, the town of Colmar packs undeniable charm with its half-timbered houses, canals and the flowerdecked town centre – it’s a must-visit for anyone keen to discover the gentle Alsatian lifestyle.
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Aladdin: Taj Mahal, Agra, India Disney’s original Aladdin from 1992 was set in the fictional city of Agrabah, supposedly close to the River Jordan, but the royal palace from which Princess Jasmine flees bears an uncanny resemblance to a certain mausoleum in India. Place a shot of the Sultan’s Palace alongside that of the Taj Mahal, which stands as one of the New7Wonders of the World on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra, and the likeness is hard to deny. Frozen: Hotel De Glace, Quebec City, Canada Frozen was the highest-grossing animated film of all time, so with a sequel hitting cinemas before the end of 2019, get ready for Frozen fever to sweep the world once again. The kingdom of Arendelle the film’s starting location and not to be confused with the Norwegian town of Arendal - may be fictional, but Hôtel De Glace in Quebec City was a clear inspiration for Elsa’s glass palace. Considering the hotel is constructed using actual ice bricks, it is only open for three months a year, from January to April. It’s one of few places in the world where you can
sleep in a double bed made of ice (don’t worry, guests are given a cosy sleeping bag, isolating bed sheet and pillow to keep things comfy) and only the bathrooms are heated.
UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a museum and military archives building.
Frozen fans may also want to pay a visit to St Olaf’s Church in Balestrand, Norway, which is practically identical to the church in which Princess Elsa is crowned as queen. We’re guessing Disney liked the church’s name enough to pinch it for their lovable living snowman, too.
Much of this 2015 computer animation takes place within the mind of an 11-year-old girl, but some of the film’s key plot points centre around her family’s relocation from Minnesota to San Francisco.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Alcázar of Segovia, Spain The setting for Disney’s classic retelling of this Brothers Grimm fairy tale isn’t mentioned by name, but many believe that the inspiration for the Evil Queen’s castle came from the Alcázar of Segovia. This Spanish castle – 100 kilometres north-west of Madrid – strikes the same balance of quaint beauty and mystery, surrounded by snowy forests. Its Spanish name translates literally to ‘Segovia Fortress’ and stands as one of the most distinctive castle-palaces in Spain due to its ship bow-like shape. Over the centuries, it has been a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy. However today, this
Inside Out: San Francisco, USA
Indeed, the film’s title appears overlaying a magnificent backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, quickly followed by a shot of the San Francisco Ferry Building and the snaking Lombard Street, whose eight sharp turns have earned it the title of the most crooked street in the world. Other recognisable locations in the film include James Lick Middle School – where Riley tears up in front of her class on her first day – and the steep Hyde Street. The hipster pizza joint that only serves broccoli pizza is a parody of Arizmendi Bakery in Emeryville, which also only offers one flavour of pizza daily. There’s even a stair railing in the Russian Hill neighbourhood that could be the very same that Riley briefly considers sliding down. continued...
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
collection of ancient buildings, as well as the largest palace complex in the world with more than 90 palace quarters and courtyards, 980 buildings and over 8,728 rooms.
Elsewhere, the rock formations in the distance of the town heavily resemble Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.
Home to 24 Chinese emperors, the Forbidden City is China’s most popular singl e-site tourist attraction, with the palace museum attracting 14 million visitors annually more than any single section of the Great Wall.
also in Texas, which bears uncanny similarities in its design to Ramone’s House of Body Art in the movie, most notably its soaring name tower.
Safety reminder to people living in thatched properties Then there’s the U-Drop Inn,
This one doesn’t need much explanation. Barely a scene goes by without a shot of the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is the most visited monument in France and a trip to Paris isn’t complete without dropping by this masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Follow in the footsteps of Quasimodo by climbing the 422 steps for a breathtaking view over the cathedral and the heart of the city. Mulan: The Forbidden City, Beijing, China This 1998 animation takes place in China during the Han dynasty, where Fa Mulan impersonates a man to take her father’s place during a general conscription to counter a Hun invasion. So, it’ll be no surprise that the Emperor’s home in Mulan was inspired by The Forbidden City. Surrounded by 3.5 kilometres of scarlet citadel walls at the heart of Beijing, it is China’s
A real-world remake of Mulan is slated for release in March 2020, 22 years after the original animation, so perhaps now is the time to see this glorious palace. Cars: U-Drop Inn, Texas, USA It’s no secret that many of the locations in the first Cars film are based on real-world places. Radiator Springs - the film’s primary setting - was inspired by Amboy, California – a town that, like Radiator Springs, suffered a decline in popularity following the opening of an Interstate highway.
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Police warn of rise in ATV and Quad Bike thefts
Wiltshire Police are warning the public that they have seen an increase of ATV and Quad bikes thefts across the county lately. With this in mind they are asking people to consider the security of their vehicle and follow the advice below. Trackers in particular DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Last week one quad bike was stolen and recovered within a few hours due to the tracker fitted. • Keep your vehicle in a lockable garage or building and make sure you remove the keys and keep them in a secure location and out of view, not hidden on the vehicle and out of view of any windows. • Cover any windows in the garage or shed where the vehicle is kept, this will prevent the thief seeing what is inside. • Use a grip lock that locks the breaks on the machine
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
to prevent it being moved without removal. • Physically secure your machine using suitable locking devices and fixed ground anchors secured to the floor using heavy duty security chains and padlocks. • Consider fitting isolating systems to machines that will prevent theft such as fuel and battery isolators. • Consider using additional brake locks to your machine. • Cover any windows to the building where your vehicle is kept this will prevent any persons looking through the windows. • Consider installing security lighting and CCTV with sensors and PIR Alarms on the perimeter of the building or premises. • Get your machine marked with security marking scheme such as Datatag or CESAR.
• Consider fitting immobilizers, VHF and GPS Tracking devices. • Why not contact your local dealer and ask them what they can do for you to prevent your vehicle from being stolen. • Insurance companies will often offer a discount to premiums with these types of measures. Machines fitted and registered with security markings are 4 times less likely to be stolen and are 6 times more likely to be recovered if they are stolen. • Record machinery serial numbers and take photographs for reference. If the machine is ever stolen a photo will increase publicity prospects and recovery of the machine. If you have any information please call Wiltshire Police on 101 or if you wish to remain ANONYMOUS please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 21
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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
ROCK OF AGES Kevin Clifton
What is it like switching from Strictly Come Dancing training sessions, and the high of winning the show with Stacey Dooley, to taking on the role of Stacee Jaxx in “Rock of Ages”? It’s really exciting because I’ve wanted to do musical theatre for so long. I’ve talked about it quite a lot over the last couple of years, but everything has been so dance and Strictly focused, so when this opportunity came up I wanted to grab it with both hands.
rock fan anyway, and before I was on Strictly I used to fancy myself a bit of a rock star. I used to have long black hair and eye makeup and black fingernails and used to swan about thinking I was the Jim Morrison of the ballroom!
megastar that all the girls want to be with and all the men want to be but at the same time he’s a bit of a villain – he’s pretentious and self obsessed, thinking he’s God’s gift to everything and ultimately he disrupts everyone else’s lives!
I never thought they’d want me to be involved in the show, let alone play Stacee Jaxx so when they suggested I come in and audition it was just unbelievable.
Will it be quite fun playing someone a bit villainous?
How was the audition?
I feel like I’m switching roles from Strictly, as there I’m in my comfort zone, I’m the professional and Stacey is the celebrity trying to learn to dance whereas now I’m figuratively and literally becoming Stacee! Actually, one of my favourite facts is that, that I obviously just danced with Stacey Dooley on Strictly Come Dancing, and her full name is actually Anastacia Jaclyn Dooley, and her nickname is Stacey Jacs, so it seems like it was all meant to be!
I think it went well! It was a bit daunting to be auditioning as a musical theatre performer, rather than as a singer. I was in “Dirty Dancing The Musical” before but that was primarily a dancing role. However, the director and choreographer, Nick, has an amazing ability to make you feel immediately comfortable. I didn’t feel like I was being judged so I just went for it!
What made you want to be involved with Rock of Ages?
It’s the story of two wannabes that have headed to California to make it as stars, all told with the help of amazing 80s power rock songs. Drew wants to become a rock star, and Sherrie was to become an actress. They both end up working at this bar, waiting tables and falling in love. However, in walks this guy Stacee Jaxx who is the front man of a rock band. He’s the over the top, flamboyant
I first saw the show in 2009 on Broadway, when I was in New York with “Burn The Floor”, and “Rock of Ages” was on the next street over. I just loved it and went back and saw it two or three more times on Broadway and then saw it again when it came to the West End. I’m a big fan! I’ve always been a massive
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Could you tell us a little about the show?
Oh yeah. I can definitely tap into the pretentious nature of him – I think I used to be a bit like that, thinking I was a rock star when I was just a ballroom dancer, everyone goes through that sort of phase a bit though! I used to think I was really rock’n’roll when I am the least rock’n’roll person in the world! It will be fun to play Stacee as he’s so different to how I am on Strictly, and how people are used to seeing me. Although having said that, “Rock of Ages” is just as flamboyant as Strictly, and has the same sense of fun, although in a different way!
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What are you doing to prepare for the role?
What was your first experience of musical theatre?
I’m taking singing lessons to make sure my voice is strong enough to sing the role, particularly to be able to maintain it. It’s one thing to be able to sing in an audition but it’s another to do eight shows a week and belt out these amazing 80s tracks. Do you have a favourite song you look forward to performing? My first big song is Bon Jovi’s ‘Dead or Alive’, that’s Stacee’s big moment and I love that song. It’s his big opening in the show and you’ve really got to come on and make a massive impact with the audience, really get them going and show what kind of character Stacee is. It should be fun!
One of my earliest memories is me and my sister sat in front of the TV watching “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. We used to get the fire guard from the fireplace and put it in front of us, pretending it was the car. We would sit there one behind the other singing! We used to get my Dad’s snooker cue out of the garage and do Me Ol’ Bamboo!
What are the challenges of performing this style of music?
When we were really young we came down to London to watch “Cats” and I remember being so blown away by the whole spectacle of it all. I remember sitting there and thinking this is amazing. Mum and Dad bought us the soundtrack on cassette, and I used to sit and listen to it all the time.
I’ve spent a lot of time learning how to breathe differently as a singer than I do as a dancer actually. As dancers we take shallow, short bursts of air as we move, whereas when you’re singing and hitting these big notes you want to take in large amounts of air quite quickly and from quite low down. I’m training myself to be more conscious of my breathing and getting used to it. Otherwise I might run out of breath on stage! You don’t realise all these things until you start learning about them and it’s not just a case of thinking I can hold a tune therefore I can do a musical, there’s much more to it than that.
been a little bit obsessed with it for a few years so when they said about playing Stacee Jaxx I thought it was perfect, I’m going to be able to be in a show I love. You’ve toured before with various shows, is it something you enjoy, or do you find it a challenge? I love it actually. I don’t have a problem with tour life, I quite enjoy it and find it exciting. When you’re on tour with a cast you really get to know them and you build a sense of family. It all feels like a bit of adventure. Do you have any ‘must-have’ items you take with you? My podcast app on my phone, I’m constantly listening to podcasts on my phone, lots of motivational ones. My iPad too, so I can catch up on Match of the Day and stuff! Finally, what can audiences expect when they come to see you in Rock of Ages?
Do you have a role you’d love to play in the future? I don’t know specifically – I think this is it, being Stacee Jaxx! Like I say, Rock of Ages is my favourite show and it is just such fun, and you just have such a good time when you watch it. I’ve
Don’t expect ‘Kevin from Grimsby’ as they call me on Strictly Come Dancing! It’s me in a completely different light, probably being a bit raunchier than you’re used to! I’m going to look completely different, but it will be a lot of fun and you should expect to have an amazing time. Kevin stars as the outrageous ‘Stacee Jax’ in Rock of Ages at the Wyvern Theatre from Mon 8 - Sat 13 July. Book Online at swindontheatres.co.uk. Ticket Office: 01793 524481.
*Photo credit - Richard25Davenport
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
Community NEWS Town Gardens
The Town Gardens and Queen’s Park were transferred to South Swindon Parish Council on 1st April on a 99-year lease. The Parish Council believes this is the best way to protect and enhance the park for future generations. Chair of Leisure & Amenities, Neil Hopkins said, “The staff have now transferred to the Parish Council and additional staff are also going to be taken on. It is envisioned that more planting and maintenance will now be carried out. A major project hoped to start this year is the restoration of the listed Quarry Road gates. Renovation of the Art Deco Bowl is also under consideration as another project.”
Play Areas The Hesketh Crescent play area refurbishment has been agreed by South Swindon Parish Council. It will be great to have the play value increased and some more inclusive pieces. Please see attached plan which includes a tube slide, more swings, five play panels, dish roundabout, new multi-play unit (which is more accessible for younger 26
children with three climbing points) and two springers. Work should start and be completed in the next few months. Any ideas for the next five play areas for the South Swindon Parish to refurbish?
Parking Residents in the Croft/ Winifred/St Margaret’s Road area have reported issues with traffic and parking. Vehicles are using this area as a short cut and parked vehicles are making it difficult to get through. Neil and Linda arranged a meeting with residents to discuss issues and will continue to work with the Council to find a way forward. Marlborough Park – Swindon Borough Council and Nationwide are working together to find solutions for residents.
They are looking at installing barriers to determine the extent of displacement ahead of any parking restrictions coming in (similar to Lakeside, where no parking is permitted between 10am to 12pm Monday to Friday). SBC parking teams can enforce the blocking of the dropped kerbs with the owner of the property’s permission. Parking enforcement can be contacted on 01793 463772. Any local issues, please contact: Jane Milner-Barry, Nadine Watts, Neil Hopkins (parish councillor) & Linda Kasmaty (parish candidate) Old Town & East Wichel Tel: 07864 839746 (Jane), 07595 071381 (Nadine), 07799 866396 (Neil) & 07765 050470 (Linda) www.facebook.com/oldtownlabour
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
Three lucky Swindonians pick up £353,000 in the Postcode Lottery Storm Hannah failed to dampen the spirits of three lucky Swindonians who each picked up the big share of April’s Postcode Millions prize pot. Worth a whopping £3 million, this months prize fund was
shared between all the players in the winning postcode sector of SN5 8. Catherine, Theresa and Ian play with the full winning postcode, SN5 8BS so have scooped an incredible £353,547 each.
The remaining 594 players in the SN5 8 sector sharing the rest of the money, their prizes varied from £2,920. All the way up to £11,680 depending on the number of tickets they played with.
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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
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THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
New theatre director appointed at Wyvern The Wyvern Theatre and Arts Centre are in safe hands as Laura James has been appointed Theatre Director after learning the ropes for the last eleven years. After starting out as an accounts assistant back in 2008, Laura has continued to progress through the ranks at the HQ theatre taking on roles in the ticket office, behind the bar and as press officer before taking up the latest role in marketing back in 2015. The new chapter at the Wyvern will officially begin at the start of May and will see Laura lead the teams at the Town Centre and Old Town venues taking overall responsibility for all aspects of the theatre’s operation.
Julian Russell, CEO at HQ Theatres & Hospitality said: “We’re delighted that Laura will be progressing into the role of Theatre Director.
our people are key to our success and I have every confidence that Laura will make a superb Theatre Director.”
“Laura has worked at the Wyvern in a variety of roles across 11 years, most recently in the marketing team where she has overseen continued growth in attendances, audience engagement and community outreach.
Laura James said: “I’m hugely excited to take on the new role and look forward to developing the programme and operation across the two venues into the future.
“She has been instrumental in developing the operation of the venue as a key member of the senior team alongside Derek Aldridge, the previous long-standing Theatre Director.
“We’re blessed with a fantastic team of committed and enthusiastic staff members at the Wyvern and Arts Centre and that, combined with the wonderful Swindon audiences who continue to flock to see shows here, makes the job a pleasure.
“It’s especially pleasing when we are able to appoint to senior roles internally –
“I can’t wait to get started!”
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Musical Musings
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
It seems only a few weeks ago that the heating was on full blast, we were eating our tea in the dark and there was still a few of the Christmas Quality Street rattling about in the bottom of the tin. And in the blink of the eye here we are the other side of the bi-annual chronological re-alignments, summer is girding its loins and there’s more music to be had than unexpectedly heightened but tenuous analogy. Let’s do this…. A frequent visitor to the parish returns to The Victoria on 2nd May. Lewis Clarke and The Essentials lace together deft acoustic threads, bluesy grooves and jazz jauntiness to create accessible tunes that link timeless singer songwriter sounds with European folk traditions.
with Dave Franklin
The Victoria is also the place to be if you want to catch a homegrown hardcore band return to the fold. It’s been a while since Ursus played their home town but on 5th you can catch their parti cular brand of intense metal urges, sleazy yet technical rifferama and unrelenting sonic salvos when they are joined by Miscreant, Crownless and Pool.
On 10th the original teenage dirtbags, Wheatus, grace the stage of Level 3 with their trade mark peppy-pop and snarky slacker vibes, though by the time you read this tickets may be hard to come by and whilst all of that is going on at The Victoria, home grown melodic punks Charred Hearts can be found supporting TV Smith. The Adverts front man has never lost the punk/DIY ethic and remains, engaging, eloquent and thought provoking, not so much survivor more aged to perfection.
Level 3 is the place to catch the mercurial mixes of garage, disco, punk rock, new wave, and metal that make up Electric 6’s unique sound but if you are looking for something more restrained then The Tuppenny is the place to be for Hannah Rose Platt, the devastatingly charismatic face of BritishAmericana. An acoustic set of shrouded alt-country from Black Sheep Apprentice opens up the evening.The next day at The Beehive, Kid Calico and The Astral Ponies lay out their stall of psychedelic musical hall meets country-prog…its funny how you can just make up your own genre descriptions and they still somehow seem to be applicable. Cravats must be worn, biscuits are at the listeners discretion, no dancing on the tables. And finally Esther (laughing at that reference will show your age,) on 24th those awfully nice people at Sheer Music bring Press to Meco to Level 3. Anthemic and infectious alt-rock from a band already making decent sized waves in the paddling pool of music, but then Sheer Music do have a habit of being ahead of the curve.
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Stage Coach
THESWINDONIAN.CO.UK // MAY 2019
The arrival of May (the month, not the politician, don’t panic) brings with it many things. The Cannes Film Festival, for example. The Monaco Grand Prix. Buddha’s birthday. International Tuba Day. The list goes on and on. And this year, from 6th to 19th May we’ll see the inaugural Swindon Spring Festival of Literature and the Arts. The Swindon Literary Festival, which turned 25 last year, has regenerated. This year the usual feast of bookish goodness will be supplemented with added artiness. Theatrical additions to the Festival include: Tangle International Theatre’s workshop exploring the themes of the speeches of Nelson Mandela (8th May), Rob Gee’s ‘Forget Me Not’, a hilarious murder mystery set in a dementia ward; and Emily Carding presents ‘Hamlet – (An Experience) with You!’, an immersive exploration of story of Shakespeare’s vacillating Dane (both 14th May). 34
Visit www.swindonspringfestival.co.uk for further detail. Meanwhile, at the New Shoebox Theatre (now comfortably lodged in the rafters of the Health Hydro), ‘After Today – A Bill Grundy Story’ returns to Swindon on 17th May after a successful run at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe. The show tells the true tale of the decline and fall of Grundy, a once celebrated 1970’s TV presenter whose career imploded after a run in with the Sex Pistols. Not to be missed.
With Ben Thomas
Also on 26th May James Hurn will be bringing his one-man show “Hancock & Co – One Man, Many Voices” to the Swindon Art Centre. Hurn, an actor and impressionist, summons up the cast of the Galton and Simpson beloved radio comedies with only the benefit of just the one larynx (his own). If you fancy seeing him getting his Hancock out, live on stage, then I doubt you’ll be disappointed. I may have phrased that last sentence rather badly.
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