Wigwam Magazine Issue No.8

ISSUE No.8

PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE

TALKING HOMES WITH WEST END AND WYVERN THEATRE PANTO STAR

MILLIE O'CONNELL

Decades of experience helping clients find their way through the specialist finance market

Independent mortgage brokers specialising in providing the best commercial and residential mortgages

Speak to us about ü Residential Mortgages ü Commercial Mortgages ü Buy-to-Let Loans ü HMO Mortgages ü Secure & Bridging Loans ü Development & New Build Finance

01793 977790 | prosperofinance.co.uk Prospero Finance are an appointed representative of Executive Wealth Management Ltd who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Financial Services Register Number 534018. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

www.optps.co.uk

Specialists in conveyancing, property law, wills and probate The legal team at Optimum are specialists and experts, so we really know the ins and outs of our area of law: property law, wills and probate. And because we specialise in these areas, we can focus on the real issues that affect our clients daily: property sales and purchase (residential and commercial), buying land, drawing up a will, dealing with probate, powers of attorney and so on. We offer the same approach to all our clients: we listen carefully, we use our expertise to come up with the best course of action for you, and we deal with your issue in a professional, responsive manner keeping you informed every step of the way.

Straightforward legal advice from an experienced law team you can trust.

01793 538198 | info@optps.co.uk | www.optps.co.uk

CONTACT US jeff@wigwampropertynews.co.uk wigwampropertynews.co.uk

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From the Editor Welcome to the eighth edition of Wigwam, the only magazine dedicated to positive property and lifestyle news in Swindon and the surrounding area.

James Brown once sang that ‘This is a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl’. Apart from the dodgy grammar (surely that should be ‘anything’, not ‘nothing’) it is hard to disagree with the Godfather of Funk. One thing’s for sure, Wigwam wouldn’t be nothing/anything without our winning team of female contributors: Claire Phillips aka The Magical Mummy, Sarah Baker, Juliette Wills and our newest recruit Kaylene Isherwood.

Kaylene is from Nashville, Tennessee, and on page 52 she gives us an outsider’s view of Swindon as a property market and as a living, breathing town. I was born in Swindon but spent 30 years living elsewhere, including nearly 20 years in Spain, so I can also look on my hometown with something of a dispassionate eye. Good points? An enviable range of green spaces. Less good? Well, there’s no denying we punch below our weight when it comes to arts and culture.

On page 68 Linda Kasmaty puts the case for reopening Swindon Museum & Art Museum. As we were going to press news broke suggesting that the council is already preparing the building for sale.

If truth be told, the Bath Road venue is a pretty soulless space with none of the facilities you’d expect from a modern museum, not to mention negligible footfall. But until the much-vaunted Cultural Quarter becomes more pie and less sky, it’s all we’ve got! I just hope Swindon’s powers-that-be realize that a new, fit-for-purpose museum would not only be a much-needed cultural asset, but also a major economic boost.

This summer I paid a visit to Turner Contemporary in Margate as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. In those ten years, the gallery has welcomed over 3.5 million visits, put over £70 million back into the Kent economy and connected with thousands of people from the local community through its worldclass programme.

A decade ago, Margate was no-one’s idea of a cultural player, but it’s amazing the cultural capital that has evolved around Turner Contemporary, from boutique art galleries to bookshops, funky cafes and restaurants. If far-flung and isolated Margate can do it why can’t Swindon?

Let me sign off with a massive thank-you to Wigwam’s esteemed sponsors, Optimum Professional Services, Prospero Finance, Perry Bishop, Home Finders, Austen Dawson, and Awdry Bailey & Douglas.

Jeff King Wigwam Editor

BACK ISSUES Our goal from the begining has been to serve you the very best property news with an added dash of lifestyle features.

We’ve discussed the serious stuff - house prices, mortgages, property tax – but also waxed lyrical about the best in interior design and the arts. We’ve featured words of wisdom from Mary Berry, Dom Joly, Niall Keating and Jasmine Harman, amongst others. Above all, we’ve done our best to promote Swindon's property sector and why we like to call Swindon home.

Sign up to receive Wigwam for FREE. Simply enter your details online to receive the next Wigwam magazine delivered straight to your inbox or we can deliver a 'real' copy in the post free of charge. wigwampropertynews.co.uk/magazine

ADVERTISING WITH WIGWAM There has never been a better time to take advantage of a Wigwam Sponsor package.

Since Wigwam launched in April 2020 we have seen our website traffic and social media engagement double! So why not take advantage of one of our fabulous sponsor packages for your business and be part of the fastest growing property and lifestyle platform in the South West?

What is included in the sponsor package: • Online Banner Advertising • Social Media Coverage • Website Content • Business Directory Listing • Wigwam Magazine Advert x Four Editions • ‘Ask the Expert’ Editorial Content x Four Editions • Weekly E-Newsletter Advert • Video Content Created by Wigwam If you would like to know how we can amplify your brand message across the Wigwam platform please get in touch with our advertising team today.

For your daily dose of property inspiration follow Wigwam Property News

ISSUE No.8

HIGHLIGHTS

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PEPPER&CO

Estate agent offices given the wow factor by ace interior designer.

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TALKING HOMES

Behind the scenes with Wyvern panto star Millie O’Connell.

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FROM NASHVILLE TO SWINDON

Kaylene Isherwood on a dynamic and welcoming town.

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VISIT SWINDON

Counting down to Christmas at STEAM Museum.

Introducing property search.

Now available on Wigwam.

The Wigwam team are constantly striving to improve both our magazine and digital platforms for readers, users, sponsors and advertisers alike.

As part of that journey, we are really excited to announce the launch of a Swindon property search function on the website. For starters you can view a great range of properties to buy and to rent from Wigwam sponsors Swindon Home Finders and Perry Bishop and we are looking to expand the range of properties we show in the coming months. Swindon offers an oasis of relatively affordable property in the otherwise expensive South West and M4 corridor.

Our goal is to become the go-to portal for anybody looking for property in our fabulous town.

Watch this space! wigwampropertynews.co.uk/properties

Property Search Featuring:

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ISSUE No.8 | 13

Selling or Letting in

Tadpole Garden Village?

Tadpole Garden Village brings a touch of luxury to North Swindon and with its spacious feel and premium homes – not to mention its fabulous location as a gateway to Cirencester and the Cotswolds – it already boasts an extremely busy sales and rental market.

If you are thinking of selling a property in this fast-moving market then get in touch for a FREE property valuation. Equally, if you would like to discuss your property portfolio or our property management services, we’d love to hear from you.

FREE

VALUATION

Thinking of selling or letting your home?

Book a FREE valuation today.

Sue Gidney Managing Director

01793 299135 swindonhomefinders.com

Pop in and talk with an agent.

Eastcott House, 4 High Street, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 3EP

swindonhomefinders.com

Recently

Let. Recently Let - Similar properties urgently required!

Whether you’re a landlord seeking reliable tenants or a home seeker looking for the perfect home, we’ll work tirelessly to find a solution that meets your needs. And rest assured, Home Finders’ highly-qualified team are dedicated to fast, flexible and fabulous customer service. The Swindon property market is strong at the moment and we have clients that need properties urgently. If you are thinking of letting then we would love to offer you a FREE no obligation appraisal of your property.

Sue Gidney MARLA Managing Director Office. 01793 299135 sue@swindonhomefinders.co.uk

swindonhomefinders.com

Recently

Sold.

Queen Elizabeth Drive, SN25 1AY Ideal purchase for INVESTMENT BUYERS or FIRST TIME BUYERS is this EXTREMELY SPACIOUS and well presented apartment situated in the popular Taw Hill in North Swindon. The property is located within walking distance of bus links and the Village centre. This lovely top floor apartment has far reaching views. There is one allocated parking space to the rear.

Susan Leeburn Director of Sales Office. 01793 299135 susan.leeburn@swindonhomefinders.co.uk

Join our VIP Buyers Club

Even if you are just thinking about a move, we’d love to hear from you. As a local resident, you will automatically become a member of our VIP Buyers Club, giving you privileged access to new properties about to list before they hit the property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla.

You will also hear about properties being marketed on a ‘low key’ basis that won’t appear on our website or on the portals. And we may be able to source an off market property for you that just fits the bill, bringing your moving plans forward. The VIP Buyers Club is only open to people who live in the areas covered by our branch network.

We look forward to welcoming you to the VIP Buyers Club and to helping you with your next move!

01793 686305 | perrybishop.co.uk

Bishops Cleeve | Cheltenham | Chippenham | Cirencester | Fairford | Faringdon | Leckhampton | Nailsworth | Stroud | Swindon | Tetbury | Winchcombe | London

Helping people on the move in Swindon

SOLD

SSTC

1 Dione Crescent, Oakhurst, Swindon On the market at £340,000, sale agreed at £342,000 **NO CHAIN** You'll see as soon as you step through the door of this four bedroom property it's immaculate. The property has a great layout and well proportioned rooms. Externally there is a great size south facing garden plus a tandem carport for two cars.

Contact: Perry Bishop Swindon | 01793 686305 | perrybishop.co.uk

Helping people on the move in the Cotswolds

Kemble. Offers in excess of £515,00 Being sold with no onward chain is this modern and well-presented detached four double bedroom family home with single garage and off-street parking. Built by Redcliffe Homes in 2007 and making up part of a small residential development within the ever-popular village of Kemble.

Contact: Perry Bishop Cirencester | 01285 655355 | perrybishop.co.uk

East Tytherton. Guide price is £600,000 An attractive period cottage, set back from the lane on the edge of the village. Having been sympathetically extended by the current owners to create a wonderful family home the cottage is beautifully and tastefully presented throughout a family room with wood burning stove and the kitchen–diner with a vaulted ceiling which enjoys the delightful views over the garden and countryside beyond.

Contact: Perry Bishop Chippenham | 01249 470166 | perrybishop.co.uk

PROPOSALS REVEALED FOR 140 ZERO CARBON HOUSES IN CRICKLADE NEWLAND HOMES ARE PROPOSING THE HOUSES TO BE CONSTRUCTED USING SUSTAINABLY SOURCED MATERIALS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES.

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ocals can share their views on the proposals for a new development in Cricklade, which includes 140 homes and a biodiversity and ecological support site.

Wiltshire Council has identified a need for 385 new homes throughout Cricklade in the period up to 2036.

Land north of Reeds and Middle Ground off of West Mill Lane has been marked by the Cricklade Town Plan as a preferred area for housing growth.

Located in North Wiltshire, Cricklade is the Southern Gateway to the Cotswolds and the first town on the River Thames. The town has become increasingly popular to live in. Property prices have been steadily increasing as demand has risen. Bringing forward more new builds could help the town keep up with the growing demand and the shortage of housing. Of the 385 homes Wiltshire Council states is needed in the town, land still needs to be found for around 230 homes.

Land north of Reeds and Middle Ground off of West Mill Lane was previously marked as a preferred area for housing by members of the local community in 2012, should it be required. This site could provide an opportunity to bring forward new housing in Cricklade. Property developer Newland Homes is preparing a planning application for 140 houses on that land and an ecological and biodiversity site at Stones Farm.

is called the Cricklade. It also recently finished building 25 homes off West Mill Lane.

With the proposals for the site located to the north of town, Newland Homes says it will be in keeping with Cricklade’s local character. It envisions building heights will respect and respond to the existing scale of development in the surrounding area.

At the edges of the site, the scale of building could be reduced with single storey bungalows.

The proposals currently include a mix of open market, affordable, starter or first homes and custom and/or selfbuild homes. Currently, the proposals are for 40% of the houses being affordable, meaning they will be built for local people to buy or rent who couldn’t otherwise afford a home.

Newland Homes are proposing the houses to be constructed using sustainably sourced materials and renewable energy technologies. This includes the homes being zero carbon in terms of energy use through the use of solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Within the private gardens, water butts will capture rainfall from the roofs and allow households to utilise this source when washing vehicles or gardening.

Additionally, a sustainable drainage system is proposed to be included for the whole development.

Site opportunities

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There will be wildflower meadows, woodland planting and a network of footpaths across the site. The habitat support area will be designed and managed to become an extension of North Meadow, a national nature reserve adjacent to the site. This approach has been endorsed by Natural England.

There are a number of other opportunities the potential development could bring forward as well. This could include £1 million through the Community Infrastructure Levy for local investment and improvements, in addition to £300,000 being set aside for Cricklade Town Council. However, these amounts will be subject to agreements.

Zero carbon homes

Types of housing Based in Gloucestershire, Newland Homes has a strong connection to Cricklade having built its first home in the town in 1991. Additionally, one of the developer’s most popular designs

include ecological rich planting and habitat for local wildlife.

Two fields to the north of the site will be free from development to create a habitat support area, which will be protected in perpetuity. The proposals

Newland Homes has launched a community consultation on the proposals. The details of the current proposals can be found on the property developer’s website: newlandhomes.co.uk/ crickladeconsultation. The developer is asking for locals’ thoughts on the plans for the development prior to the submission of a planning application, which is expected later this year.

Newland Homes is specifically looking for feedback on the habitat support area for North Meadow, what type of housing is considered appropriate for the site, if there is value placed on homes being carbon zero and if there are any other opportunities the site could bring forward. Comments can be submitted to feedback@ newlandhomes.co.uk. newlandhomes.co.uk

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PROPERTY NEWS PERRY BISHOP

PERRY BISHOP WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE PARTNER TO SWINDON TEAM DARRON BAILEY BRINGS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TO THE SALES AND LETTINGS TEAM.

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ntroducing Darron Bailey who, alongside Paul Dearing, will be looking after sales and lettings in Swindon and surrounding villages on behalf of award-winning estate agents and Wigwam platform sponsors Perry Bishop.

Darron started his journey in property in 1988 and since then has helped hundreds of families and individuals on the move in Swindon, Oxford and across Devon.

He grew up in Wiltshire and now lives in Covingham. Darron is delighted to be joining Perry Bishop, award-winning estate agents whose reputation has been built on providing exceptional customer care.

“There have been a great many changes in the way properties are marketed since I first became an estate agent in the late 1980s. However, one thing remains the same – estate agency is all about people and delivering the best possible moving experience. I never forget that,” says Darron.

Darron has two grown-up children and when he’s not valuing and selling/letting properties he enjoys cycling across the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

Swindon is a large bustling town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, that is particularly popular with young families and with London commuters looking for more affordable accommodation – the capital can be reached by rail in just 49 minutes.

Perfect for shopping, the town centre is fully pedestrianized and offers both outdoor and indoor shopping experiences - including the popular Designer Outlet and Orbital Shopping Park.

There is also a buzzing arts scene, with many events taking place throughout the year at venues including the Wyvern Theatre, Arts Centre and Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

There are lots of things to see and do in Swindon, including a visit to Lydiard House, an elegant Georgian abode set in rolling parkland.

Discover too the history of the Great Western Railway at the fantastic STEAM museum, housed in a beautifully restored Grade II railway building in the heart of the former Swindon railway works.

Nearby farm park Roves Farm and Studley Grange Craft Village and Butterfly World are also popular.

As for property, Swindon offers a huge range of homes, from the modern houses of North Swindon and Wichelstowe to the classic Victorian and Edwardian houses of Old Town and Lawn, not to mention a great choice of apartments for first-time buyers or investors.

Darron and Paul are also experts at marketing properties in the villages surrounding Swindon, which means sought-after locations like Wanborough, Purton, Bishopstone, South Marston and Lydiard.

If you are interested in selling or letting your property in Swindon please get in touch with Darron for property advice and a free valuation, call 01793 686305 or email darronbailey@ perrybishop.co.uk perrybishop.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE OINK GALLERY

OAKFIELD DEVELOPMENT IN SWINDON SCOOPS COVETED HOUSING DESIGN AWARD THE AWARD RECOGNISES DEVELOPMENTS WHICH CREATE PLACES THAT ARE BETTER FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE.

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ATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY’S OAKFIELD DEVELOPMENT IN SWINDON - ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOUSING PROJECTS - HAS LANDED A PRESTIGIOUS HOUSING AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF ITS COMMUNITY-CENTRIC DESIGN. The Building for a Healthy Life award, awarded by Design for Homes, comes as part of the Housing Design Awards 2021. It recognises housing developments which have been built to create places that are better for people and nature.

The £50 million Oakfield development will be one of the largest off-gas developments in the UK, with all 239 homes set to be EPC-A rated. Nationwide is fully funding the development and has brought together experts, such as Igloo Regeneration, Metworks and PRP, to build homes which are fit for the future. The development will have a wide variety of homes, from two to four-bedroom terraced houses to smaller apartments, with 30 per cent allocated for affordable housing. Each property is built to leading environmental standards with a host of green innovations to help people live more sustainably.

Since announcing its intentions for Oakfield at the end of 2017, Nationwide has been in regular dialogue with local people, businesses, and community groups in Swindon, involving them to ensure the project meets their expectations and needs. Such an approach helped ensure there were zero formal objections when Nationwide submitted its plans for the site in 2019. The first homes are expected to be ready to move into in 2022.

Sara Bennison, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Nationwide Building Society, said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by Design for Homes with this award. It’s testament to Nationwide’s commitment

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to creating a sustainable and community-focused housing development which will provide wonderful homes that are truly fit for the future."

"We hope our new approach to creating high-quality homes that put community at the heart of design will become a blueprint for future projects across the UK. This is why we will be sharing all of our learnings and plans from this development in order to help create positive change. It shows you don’t have to be a housebuilder to build homes and make a difference.”

Oakfield, and the ambition to deliver a blueprint for good quality, sustainable homes, is just one aspect of Nationwide’s green homes strategy. The Society, alongside 12 other organisations, recently called on the government to commit to a national retrofit strategy, identifying seven guiding principles that will help make the UK’s 29 million homes greener. Nationwide is committed to providing homeowners with the confidence and support to create a green housing revolution to help tackle the climate emergency.

Kate Barber-Lomax, Oakfield’s Development Manager at Igloo, said: “We’re thrilled that Oakfield has won the inaugural Building for a Healthy Life award, recognising the application of Igloo’s Footprint process throughout the design and construction stages and Nationwide’s community focused approach to building homes."

"The masterplan features many deliberate design decisions to promote the health and wellbeing of residents, encourage neighbourliness and connection with both nature and the wider community. All this sits alongside the green credentials of the scheme, and we’re very proud of how the development is pushing the boundaries for People, Place and Planet.” nationwide.co.uk

wigwampropertynews.co.uk

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WE ARE HERE David Lloyd Swindon WE ARE HERE

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Redhouse Tham esdown Drive Thamesdown Drive

ASDA Supercentre ASDA Supercentre

Aldi Aldi Abbey Meads Abbey Meads

Our Family Law Our Family Law experts can help. experts can help.

We listen, we care, We listen, we care, we are here for you. we are here for you.

Arrange your free initial Arrange your free initial consultation today. consultation today.

You can find us at 2 Gateway North, Latham Road, Swindon SN25 4DL You can findT:us01793 at 2 Gateway Latham Road, Swindon SN25 4DL 384140 North, E: familylaw@awdrys.co.uk T: 01793 384140 E: familylaw@awdrys.co.uk | Devizes | Marlborough | Royal Wootton Bassett | Swindon Chippenham Chippenham | Devizes | Marlborough | Royal Wootton Bassett | Swindon

LEADING SWINDON LETTINGS AGENT LAUNCHES ITS SALES DIVISION THE TEAM AT HOME FINDERS ESTATE AGENTS IS RENOWNED FOR ITS BESPOKE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ITS ATTENTION TO DETAIL. swindonhomefinders.com

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STATE AGENCY IN SWINDON IS A CROWDED FIELD BUT THERE IS A NEW KID (BACK) ON THE BLOCK FEATURING A HOST OF FAMILIAR FACES AND SEASONED PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS. OLD TOWN-BASED HOME FINDERS ARE SPECIALISTS IN LETTINGS BUT ITS TEAM ALSO HAVE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN PROPERTY SALES, SO THEY WERE SUPER EXCITED TO LAUNCH THEIR SWINDON SALES DIVISION ON SEPTEMBER 1ST. Sales Director Susan Leeburn says, "Our experience as estate agents in Swindon tells us that selling a property can be stress-free and exciting when you are supported by an experienced, supportive and knowledgeable selling agent and sales system."

"Moving home is certainly an emotional journey, and the highly experienced and motivated sales team at Home Finders will be with you every step of the way."

"We will bring the same personalized service to you when you have a property to sell as we do to landlords with a property to let. We may be property focused but above all we are people focused. As Swindon’s premium independent agent, our award-winning team knows exactly how to make the sales experience as smooth as possible for both vendors and buyers."

From Tadpole Garden Village, Wichelstowe and Badbury Park to Old Town, Gorse Hill and Swindon’s surrounding villages, there is currently very high demand for properties of all types, whether that means a one bedroom flat or a five-bedroom family home.

"But that does not mean your choice of estate agent is unimportant," says Susan. "Experience and efficiency matter. We spend time getting to know you, your circumstances, your hopes and your desires so that we can help you sell your home and be with you every step of the way from the initial property appraisal, right through to the day you complete your sale."

"We will carry out an initial appraisal of your property, taking into account local and wider market trends, similar properties on the market and recent sales in your area, as well as the design, size and appearance of the property.

We will also make recommendations that may help maximise your property’s appeal."

"To ensure your property is marketed to its very best potential, we will ensure high quality copywriting and marketing, and can offer professional photography, videos, floorplans, 3D images and drone photography."

"Your property will appear on all of the major property portals, as well as additional digital advertising. We also understand the core values of old school estate agency, and so we may also drop cards, leaflets and property brochures, and will also ensure your property is advertised to our extensive database of clients."

“In my 20 years as an estate agent in Swindon I have experienced various markets, the lows of recessions and the banking crisis as well as highs like the recent stamp duty holiday which spurred the market and house prices!”

“Key to me is the client and achieving a great sale price on what is often their most important asset with a level of personal contact that I pride myself on. Please contact me if you are considering selling. I would be delighted to come out to you and discuss your property.”

Home Finders’ team of local estate agents and property experts has decades of experience selling homes in Swindon so regardless of the neighbourhood you live in they can give you an accurate, no obligations valuation of your property’s worth.

To book a FREE valuation appointment today, call 01793 299135 or email sales@swindonhomefinders.co.uk.

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INTERIOR DESIGN FEATURE PEPPER & CO.

SWINDON INTERIOR DESIGNERS GIVE ESTATE AGENT OFFICES THE WOW FACTOR

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T IS NO SECRET THAT WIGWAM ARE HUGE FANS OF THE INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM AT PEPPER&CO, BOTH THEIR RESIDENTIAL WORK AND THEIR COMMERCIAL BRIEFS. HERE WE TALK TO ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MARK PEPPERALL ABOUT THE COMPANY’S LATEST PROJECT, NEW OFFICES FOR ESTATE AGENTS MCFARLANE IN MARLBOROUGH AND NORTH SWINDON.

Mark, you’re also the man behind Swindon’s cutting-edge art gallery, Oink in Old Town. Which came first, Oink or Pepper&Co interior designers?

Oink Gallery came first shortly followed by Pepper&Co. It felt like a natural progression as we sold so many artworks and designer homeware and furnishings to people trying to improve their houses and work spaces.

How do the two complement each other?

They complement each other perfectly as we often dress houses and work spaces with artworks and designer items from the gallery and on the other hand we quite often introduce and showcase our interior design services to clients whilst they are browsing the gallery. People often need guidance as to how to pull together artworks for their house and how to do more fundamental interior design and dressing of a space.

What were the specific challenges of designing spaces for an estate agent?

Both offices were ripped out from scratch and were blank canvases to rebuild new environments. The Marlborough office wanted to have some traditional elements like the panelled walls but also wanted a modern twist to inspire a variety of clients. Once we ripped out the terrible suspend ceiling and exposed the 3.5m concrete ceiling in the North Swindon office we opted for a more industrial meets contemporary style.

The Marlborough office had a listed front window, so we couldn’t touch that but the interior was more or less a blank canvas. The North Swindon office was a complete blank canvas after knocking down the partition walls.

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Tell us a bit more about each office?

The thinking behind the Marlborough office was to create a space that would inspire house buyers, almost painting a picture of the styles that might inspire their own houses.

We used an eclectic mix of traditional elements like the panelling, parquet flooring and brass, and Scandi style with the modern light oak work desks and low-hung Dyberg Larson Copenhagen pendant lamps. We mixed that with a touch of industrial with some exposed brickwork and gun metal Milano Windsor Column radiators (which are actually electric but look like traditional 3 column radiators), but the elements have a real continuity to them brought together by the use of colour and materials that complement each other through texture.

The colour palette eases customers in with an easy going but strong combination of Farrow & Ball ‘Off White’ on the entrance panelling and dark richness of ‘Railings’ on the rear feature wall. We also used subtle elements of the Mcfarlane deep red brand colour on the lighting cable, also backed up by the red in the exposed brickwork.

One of the main challenges was to fit five desks in such a small space which meant lots of searching for a narrow desk and chairs that would be practical for the team but compact. In the end we opted for the classic Herman Millar Sayl chair. The reception area has a plush sofa and chair to welcome in clients and we have dressed the feature wall with some beautifully illustrated artworks by Olivier Leger, one of our artists from the gallery.

The North Swindon office was a larger space to work with and we opted for a really open space, something you might expect more in a co-working space. The main feature in the office is a very large (3.2m) circular table with a huge hole in the centre where a 2.8 metre Howea palm tree springs from. The opal pendants (also with the accent Mcfarlane dark red brand colour cable) fall from the ceiling to meet the palm and share light around the table, this gives the room a sense of opulence and an exciting centrepiece that cannot be ignored.

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The reception area has three large sofas to welcome clients and the polished brass Mcfarlane logo in an arch of colour. This sign along with the exposed brickwork, oak parquet flooring and the deep red lighting cable are the main elements that the two offices share which is enough to keep some brand recognition and the Mcfarlane stamp.

We created signage for both offices using the existing brand.

We used a local signwriter to apply traditional Gold Leaf to the doors and windows. This was especially important for us in the Marlborough office as it felt like it reflected the years of heritage of the building and town. We kept things simple with the addition of a swing sign and the lettering on the windows and doors here.

Do you have any other projects coming up you can tell us about?

We are currently working on studio space for podcast creators Fresh Air Productions in Tileyard, Kings Cross, London, which is a very cool estate created for the music and sound industry with neighbours such as Mark Morrison and Noel Gallagher.

In contrast we are also working on a very slick bathroom design and home gym for some clients in Marlborough. pepperand.co

In North Swindon we used brass letters for the signage to give a touch of class and finish. Both offices also have real polished brass letters on the walls of the interiors as well to reinforce the brand.

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INTERIORS INSPIRATION

YULE LOVE THIS IF YOUR LIVING ROOM’S LACKING CHRISTMAS SPIRIT YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE, SAYS JULIETTE WILLS. After last year’s lockdown misery meant missing out on a proper family Christmas, it’s time to go big. When I say big, I mean really big. But since we now have a food shortage to contend with, you’ll have to go nuts on décor - and decorations - instead.

Christmas decorations from £8, rockettstgeorge.co.uk

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Martini glasses £42.95, audenza.com

Candle holder £310, sweetpeaandwillow.com

Your family may have grown in numbers since you last spent Christmas together, so you might need to think about splashing out on some new furniture like this stunning gold velvet sofa. The forest green paper Christmas tree is a super stylish eco-friendly alternative to a real tree if you don’t enjoy plucking pine needles out of your feet, and paper lanterns add real depth and drama to the room, unless you have a dog, in which case they’ll just add shredded paper to it.

Paper tree £14, roseandgrey.co.uk

Christmas wreath £150, WreathCycledShop at etsy.com

Continuing the sustainable theme, avoid glitter-based wrapping paper and seek out eco-friendly alternatives such as the delightful ‘fable forest’ paper by Nancy & Betty. If you lean towards OTT statement pieces (or is it just me?) then go for a kitsch, dramatic handmade Christmas wreath made from re-purposed decorations – again, you’ll be supporting independent businesses rather than Jeff Bezos. If you can get your hands on Christmas dinner, get some ideas from the new Christmas at River recipe book and kick off the celebrations with a classic Martini or chilled Prosecco served in these stunning glasses by Audenza.

Velvet sofa £1299, made.com

Christmas at River Cottage £18.99, waterstones.com

Wrapping paper £9.95, nancyandbetty.com

ISSUE No.8 | 35

west end and wyvern panto TALKING HOMES WITH MILLIE O'CONNELL

n West star End and Wyvern Theatre panto Millie O’Connell talks plants, panto and RuPaul candles with Wigwam

Millie O’Connell is best known for her awardwinning role in the West End production and UK tour of Six The Musical, playing Anne Boleyn.

She has also starred in 42nd Street, RENT, Be More Chill and, most recently, Hair at the London Palladium.

The 24-year-old will be making her Swindon pantomime debut as the Queen in Jack and the Beanstalk alongside dance legend Louie Spence.

Millie sat down with Wigwam at her home in North London to talk about real homes, dream homes and much more.

Millie, let’s begin by talking homes.

Where did it all begin?

I grew up on the Isle of Wight which was lovely having the sea and countryside so close, we were really really blessed. I’m still close with all my friends I grew up with which is lovely. I moved off the island when I was 16, so I had a really good childhood and upbringing and then moved to the mainland to train, but I go back all the time.

Training-wise the island was amazing. My dance school was amazing, I went to theatre school as well, the music department was great down there, it really set people up well to leave and go to the mainland. It was fantastic I was really lucky. My dance school is one of the best in the south, very creative. There’s not a lot of things on the island, but what you have is good. Rather than lots and lots of mediocre stuff, it’s really targeted and great.

My family was quite relaxed and bohemian. My mum was a big inspiration for my current flat, we always had big plants in the house, we had a conservatory and in the lounge we always had plants, and she loved flower arranging; big plants, big house plants, big leaves! I’ve always had that, plus little things, we always had photos of us going up the stairs in our home. It’s comedy because it’s photos of every single ride we have ever been on, a cascade of photos.

It’s like what are those photos going to be? And it’s photos of me and my brother and my mum and dad screaming on rides, it’s hilarious. My mum loves being connected to nature which is very grounding, and my dad’s a musician, so that was a massive thing; lots of CDs everywhere, in his study there’s a whole wall of music, and we have a music room, we have a drum room, so music was a big inspiration. We had a drum kit, a keyboard, guitars.

You studied at Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey. Was that when you first left the Isle of Wight?

That’s right. I went to Laine in Epsom when I was sixteen, and graduated when I was nineteen.

Where did you live?

I had a beautiful beautiful flat. It had the same house number as I live in now, it follows me around! The place had metal stairs going up, we lived above a salon and opposite a guitar shop, it was a one-minute walk to my college, and it was lovely and I lived next door to my best mates, it was perfect. Oh my gosh my room, I had tapestries everywhere, I had a beautiful Turkish rug. I love incense and smells and lots of culture, so that was a massive part of my room.

Tell us about your current home here in North London?

It’s very very homely, I always make sure that the atmosphere is right for me and my energies, and for my friends that come round. I love cleansing it with palo santo and sage, and lighting incense to create a really nice, safe space. I don’t have any stark white light, it’s all warm tones.

It’s very rustic, and I just want it to be a really comfortable, homely space, because flats in London are very often new and white and crisp, but I really enjoy the calm, it’s so nice to come back here and chill. It’s quiet, I love being so earthy and grounded here with my garden and all my house plants, obviously inspired by my home growing up.

Ifashion, am suchit’s a chameleon with my really what my energy iswhat projecting that day or how I feel, my hair’s doing, how I feel in my energies, but one thing I don’t do is ever conform to anything.

Would city inyoutheprefer future?rural to

Hmm, I would like two properties, I would have my country home and my city home, my city one would be very city energy, because that would be the energy I really need with my work; it would be quick, it would be hustle and bustle, I would want something that reflects that lifestyle in the city. And then I would also have my more rural, rustic, open wooden beams, fireplace, bohemian energy. But that’s me being ambitious having two properties!

What about your dream home?

Interestingly, I’ve actually thought about this before, and I actually don’t know. However, I know for a fact that I love open wooden beams, I’d love for example a converted barn feel. My mum always says if you ever get really rich, please may I have a converted barn in the south of France, with a convertible or cabriolet and a miniature dachshund wired head, and I’m like, anything for you mama, so maybe that’s her influence again seeping in. But I would love that space, but I think, something that is rustic meets modern meets country cottage meets new school meets open energy and cosy energy, very bohemian, very plant-based.

piece, it must have been awful, but he said it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen, and they’ve just been like my biggest fans and my best supporters and always encouraged me, especially with comedy. They’ve always been so open and educational and supportive.

You’re bestwasknown for musical theatre, the plan always specialize in that kind of toshow?

My passion has always been doing all the disciplines in one setting – I love dancing, I love acting, I love singing, I love performing, so to be able to have it all as my career is really a dream.

IsyourJackfirst andpanto the Beanstalk role?

No, I was seventeen when I first did a professional panto, with Daryl Back, the same producer as this year at the Wyvern. This is the first time in about six years that I haven’t got a long-term show or a contract over a Christmas, so Daryl said great we can write you into the Swindon panto with Louie Spence. And it’s a perfect little run, four weeks. But I’ve done panto since I was ten or eleven on the Isle of Wight, and my first actual professional gig when I was in college was Chelmsford Panto.

Talking of style, how would What makes panto so special? you describe your fashion sense?

I am such a chameleon with my fashion, it’s really what my energy is projecting that day or how I feel, what my hair’s doing, how I feel in my energies, but one thing I don’t do is ever conform to anything. I am very very flowing and free with what I wear, I am always myself.

I love chunky boots, I love Doc Martins, I love like a really gorgeous, tailored dress, and the next day I can be like with a beanie and a skate top with Vans, so it really ranges from fem to tomboy. I love to mix match, that’s my style, I also love vintage and thrifting. With thrifting you can get one-of-a-kind items, which is very much my style, and something I enjoy. It shows your individuality for sure.

How old werebyyouthewhen you were bitten acting bug?

LOL! When I was like three! The school I went to was ballet, tap and jazz, you’re meant to go at three which is the earliest you can go, but in fact I might have started at two, because my mum and dad were like, oh my gosh. And my dad knew from when I was young, he sat down on the sofa and watched me do this ballet

I think panto has the power to be very educational, with not only the people you are looking at on stage, but you can be really intelligent with the script. Panto is fun and light-hearted but you can also put morals and a message in there: how to treat your friends for children, how to love and be loved, how to receive love. The stories are very happy, it’s comedy, but also if you look at the writing there’s some really good messages in there for young children.

Are you looking to performing withforward Louie Spence?

Yes, we’ve got loads of mutual friends in the industry. A lot of my really good friends have worked with him, toured with him, danced with him, taught with him, so I’ll be excited to talk about our friends together. To finally work together will be lovely.

You self-identify as queer/ pansexual; does that impact on your design have taste?any

Absolutely, I am really proud there is artwork in my hallway by my friend who is a queer illustrator, pronouns they – them, and they create great artwork, Sunny Days. I have vinyls of my favourite artists hanging as well, Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean. I love to celebrate them and their queerness, and black queer love because their music is just amazing.

I love love love Frank Ocean, my number one.

With the vinyls I have on display I love to celebrate my music taste and queer culture, definitely. And obviously my infamous RuPaul candle that sits over there with my little she/her pronoun sticker resting up against it!

What yourfuture? ambitions and plans are for the _Q1I4072.CR2

Well, I keep my cards close to my chest, because as they say, you never hear an oak tree grow. But I will say this, come to the panto, I’ll make you laugh. I love comedy, me!

_Q1I4073.CR2

Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon from December 4th to January 2nd. More information on the Wyvern Theatre and Visit Swindon websites.

You can follow Millie on Instagram: @MillieOConnell Watch Millie's Talking Homes clip online via Wigwam TV.

INTERIORS INSPIRATION

ROOM AT THE INN DON’T NEGLECT YOUR SPARE ROOM THIS CHRISTMAS, SAYS JULIETTE WILLS. Right now you’ll be thinking one of two things: ‘hoorah, our beloved relatives can stay with us for Christmas!’ or ‘Crikey, our beloved relatives are staying with us for Christmas!’ If you’re in the second camp it’s likely that your spare room is currently as undesirable as a dose of winter flu. Luckily for you, we have the cure.

Double bed £279, dreams.co.uk

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Click-clack sofa bed £249, made.com

Hand-felted mouse £22, sweetlibertybelle.com

Wallpaper £42, lusthome.com

Fortunately, it doesn’t take long nor break the bank to spruce up your spare room - unless, of course, it’s already being used as your home office in which case your relatives might have to sleep on your desk.

If you’ve already spent all your money on the fabulous Christmas ideas I’ve suggested for your living space, and you already have a nice, comfy bed for your loved ones to snooze in, concentrate on the details. Buy a stack of new towels like this classic waffle set from Dunhelm and give the walls a lick of eco-friendly, bright and breezy paint from Yes Colours - they’re a brand new, super sustainable UKbased paint manufacturer and their colours are knockout.

Knitted throw £64.99, waltonshop.co.uk

If you’ve got time to really decorate, check out the not-forwallflowers-wallpaper from Lust Home. Update a tired sofa bed with a neutral, stylish number from Made and if you’ve got some cash to splash, this rattan double wardrobe would look ace against any backdrop. A nice, soft throw and a hand-felted woodland animal hanging decoration on the bedpost or back of the door handle add the finishing touches. Both are made by independent retailers in the UK, so you’ll also score extra points for supporting British business.

Rattan double wardrobe £899, made.com

Eco-friendly paint samples £4.50, yescolours.com Waffle towels from £6, dunhelm.com

ISSUE No.8 | 47

THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING A FAMILY AT CHRISTMAS THE MAGICAL MUMMY ON THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE FESTIVE PERIOD

Claire Phillips Blogger and Magical Mummy @themagical_mummy

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Maybe you are a single parent, or a couple who want a baby that just hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps you are a tight-knit unit who could feature in a John Lewis ad, or the mum whose babies have flown the nest, looking back on all those years you were complaining about the mess and chaos of your brood, moments you would have back in a heartbeat.

You may be a singleton scrolling through vomit-worthy social media posts of coupled up peeps living their best life. There are also those people whose family is now smaller due to parents no longer with us or living further away.

So many types of families, I’m sure I’ve missed some of the setups and for that I apologise. But hey, I’m a single mum of two both still in primary school, so my brain is mush most of the time. Anyway, I digress (must be the Baileys!) Christmas can be…… well, let’s be honest – it can be bloody hard, and you probably don’t need me to point that out.

Yes, there is the magic of the lights and beautiful decorations, trees, movies, festive food, not to mention the excitement of presents – if you are lucky enough to get any. The parties, the glittery dresses, children gleefully opening presents, stolen kisses under the mistletoe - OK that probably doesn’t happen - I’m sure by now I have painted a picture of an ideal holiday season. But the PRESSURE, so much pressure! Money, consumerism, loneliness and the obligation to spend or search for the right gift. Added to pressure can be guilt, people-pleasing, all-around anxiety and the negotiation of family visits. Childcare challenges can be emotional for many, too, myself included.

So, with all this in mind my gift to you this year is a whole lot of love and a Christmas Claire Package (do you see what I did there?). Yes, my real name is Claire, not The Magical Mummy – there’s a festive surprise to start you off!

#joinin campaign which can provide company and something to focus on when it may be difficult to otherwise do so.

Why Christmas is awesome no matter what Regardless of your views on the holidays, it has some benefits. The Christmas lights on the houses and in streets and towns really lift bleak cold, dark nights and are lovely to look at. We get time off work, snuggly knitwear and an excuse to eat your favourite foods and enjoy some great movies. You can find yourself sucked into the Christmas spirit and reaching out to those you love. Plus, people are generally a lot nicer and more generous during the festive season.

Dealing with splitting childcare Now, this is tough, I’m in this group. I don’t have my children with me this Christmas Eve or Christmas morning and it makes me feel so sad. With a quarter of British families now single-parent families with 1.8 million mothers and fathers raising their kids alone, I am not on my own. You might ask ‘does that make me feel better?’, no not really but it's also hard as hell staying in a marriage ’for the kids’?

With regards to Christmas planning, Familylives.org recommends to: Get organised with a schedule, involve older children in decision making, and communicate clearly with your ex. You can't control the other parent, but you can be clear with communications as possible to avoid any clashes. Easier said than done, I know.

If all else fails …

Remember it is just one day and the hype will soon be over.

Whatever your family situation rest assured you are not alone in your feelings, be they good, bad or somewhere in-between.

Merry Christmas my beautiful Wigwammers, we love and appreciate every single one of our readers so thank you and know you are loved by us!

Your Christmas ‘Claire’ Package Let’s get some perspective There’s a hell of a lot of power in the saying “it is presence that matters not presents”. This means being present in the moment and giving others your precious time. Give this a try for some feel-good moments and see your mindset shift, when you are with someone, whether it’s a friend or a shop assistant you meet whilst out and about, smile and listen to them, hear what’s going on under the surface and speak words of kindness, love and appreciation.

NHS Volunteer Responders

0808 196 3646

NSPCC

0808 800 5000

Childline

0800 1111

Samaritans

116 123

Mind

0300 123 3393

Campaign Against Living Miserably

0800 58 58 58

Drinkline

0300 123 1110

Talk to Frank

0300 123 6600

National Debtline

0808 808 4000

Shelter

0808 800 4444

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247

If you are alone this Christmas

National Rape Crisis Helpline

0808 802 9999

Practice self-care and be kind to yourself, have a nice hot bath with loads of lovely bath products, eat whatever you want, go for a crisp wintery walk and arrange zoom calls with loved ones. On Twitter Sarah Millican does the

Cruse Bereavement Care

0808 808 1677

Macmillan Cancer Support

0808 808 00 00

Age UK

0800 055 6112

Make it about them and not you. Remember the pressure isn’t real, it is only what you allow society to put on you and honestly, if people make you feel awful for not performing to their standards, then are they really your people?

ISSUE No.8 | 49

FIVE REASONS YOU SHOULD SELL YOUR HOME BEFORE YOU BUY MANY SELLERS CHOOSE BUYERS THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD A SALE AGREED ON THEIR OWN PROPERTY.

T

HE PROPERTY MARKET CONTINUES TO BE MORE COMPETITIVE THAN EVER RIGHT NOW. THE SHORTAGE OF HOMES AVAILABLE MEANS THERE ARE MULTIPLE BUYERS LOOKING TO SNAP UP THE SAME PROPERTY.

3. Avoid rushing to sell and having to accept a lower offer

So how can you avoid missing out when you finally find ‘the one’?

“When the right property does become available, the clients that have not got prepared for marketing are often the clients that end up offering a very generous price trying to secure the house of their dreams – and then end up rushing into preparing their property as they don’t have time on their hands. This also tends to result in them accepting a lower offer on theirs – and end up back to square one.”

If you’re going to be selling your home in order to move, the best advice from estate agents is to put your home on the market now.

This is because many sellers are choosing buyers that have already had a sale agreed on their own property.

Here are five reasons from Rightmove experts on why you should sell first: 1. Avoid missing out on viewing your dream home While getting your property on the market before you buy may feel like a leap of faith, it makes sense. If you like a property you’ve seen advertised, it’s likely in this market that another buyer in a position to move forward with the sale will also like it.

Many sellers in a busy market like today will instruct their agent not to complete viewings with buyers who have a property to sell but are yet to begin marketing themselves, says Louis Harding, Head of London Residential at Strutt & Parker.

Cory Askew, Head of Sales at Chestertons, agrees: “In some of the hotter house markets in south-west London, Surrey and Hampshire, it has been known that agents won’t even allow you a viewing unless you’re in a position to buy.”

2. Sellers will take your offer seriously In a market where there’s a shortage of stock, it’s important to show sellers that you are committed and motivated to move.

“Competition to secure the perfect property is fierce,” says Polly Ogden Duffy, Managing Director at John D Wood & Co. “To be considered as a buyer when you finally find your perfect home, you need to be able to proceed. Ideally having your own property under offer, for a bid to even be considered as a potential buyer by many sellers. It’s no good making an offer you can’t deliver on.”

Having your existing property “in play” (e.g. at least on the market) will frame your offer on an onward property in the best possible light, and give you the best chance of securing it. “Even with a turnaround time of 48 hours from valuation to online, this hurdle might make the difference between your offer and a competing bid,” says Cory Askew, Head of Sales at Chestertons.

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If you do find your dream home in a market as competitive as this, you might be tempted to submit a high offer in order to secure it.

This is a stressful scenario Tim Pepper, Director of CJ Hole, says his agents are seeing often.

4. Get an accurate budget for your next purchase With properties achieving record values at the moment, Nick Menzies, Area Partner for The Robinson Jackson Group, says that selling first not only puts you in the strongest position to buy, but will also provide you with an accurate budget for what you can afford to buy next.

“If our customer sets out with £350,000 in their mind and achieves £375,000 for their property, they now have £25,000 more to spend. The extra money can really open up more property for them to look at which they wouldn’t have considered affordable if they hadn’t gone to market and sold.”

5. There's everything to gain If the scenario arises where you have an acceptable offer on your sale, but are yet to find a property yourself, your estate agent can help. “It is your agent’s task to manage your buyers’ expectations around timings, reassure on your seriousness, begin the conveyancing process and encourage patience; which in a market where good quality housing is at a premium, should not be too challenging,” says Louis Harding, head of London residential at Strutt & Parker.

Steve Brown, manager of Winkworth’s Blackheath village office in south-east London, agrees: “Vendors have nothing to lose to have their properties on the market and under offer, and everything to gain. They can be honest with their buyers about the sale being subject to them finding the home they desire."

"They can then accept an offer on this basis, and not start the legal or mortgage processes until they find the property they want. This way, there is no expense incurred by either the vendor nor buyer and it gives them every chance of having an offer accepted at their end by having a buyer in tow.” rightmove.co.uk

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ISSUE No.7 | 51

FROM

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE TO SWINDON, WILTSHIRE KAYLENE ISHERWOOD CASTS AN AMERICAN EYE ON A TOWN WITH PLENTY TO SHOUT ABOUT

It’s been three and a half years since I made the move across the pond from the United States to the United Kingdom. I’m from the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee – born and raised. But in 2018, I traded in my cowboy boots for wellies.

And Swindon is where I first called home in Britain.

My husband had been living here for a couple years.

During our long-distance relationship, I occasionally came over for a month or two at a time, so Swindon had really already become my second home.

But three short months after moving here, my husband got called abroad for work for six months, and I was left to make Swindon home with no friends and no job. I needed to find my way in this new town and country, and there are a few things I noticed about Swindon straightaway.

Connectivity When you tell Brits you’re moving to Swindon, you’re often met with mixed reactions. I can’t count how many times I’ve been wished luck with driving around the Magic Roundabout. To be fair, I’ve been honked at going around the roundabout, so I probably needed the luck really. While this is the first thing many people think of when Swindon comes up in conversation, there is so much more to this town.

Swindon was the first place I ever lived with a bus stop only 500 feet from my front door. Coming from an area that has such a lack of public transportation

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options, it was liberating to be able to so easily step foot onto the bus and get almost anywhere in Swindon in 30 minutes or less.

And as the birthplace of the Great Western Railway, the Swindon train station is well-connected with direct trains to Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham and Cardiff. And it takes less than an hour to get to London Paddington.

The town’s excellent rail links are one of the reasons it’s such a liveable town.

On top of all this, Swindon’s location along the M4 corridor means the town has great connectivity by car as well. This motorway is a crucial strategic route between London, the West of England and Wales.

The Cotswolds and North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are also both right on Swindon’s doorstep. The many nearby ‘A’ roads make it a breeze to visit neighbouring market towns and stunning countryside with the classic English views I had been dreaming of. I’ve taken day trips to Burford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Avebury and Marlborough.

As a good base for travel, Swindon is the kind of place where you can plan trips on a whim. It allows you to be spontaneous with easy connections for last-minute trips to Oxford for a beer festival or a night market in Bristol. To me, it really feels like so much is within easy reach of Swindon. Being located here provided such a great base to explore my new home.

wigwampropertynews.co.uk

Lifestyle In Swindon, I quickly mapped out some of my favourite places within the town too – dinner at Los Gatos and coffee or drinks at Baila Coffee & Vinyl. Swindon Borough Council also has an impressive five libraries. I love exploring the shelves and coming across different book titles.

From shopping at the Swindon Designer Outlet and exploring STEAM Museum to meandering around the town’s most historic buildings in Old Town, it was easy finding a variety of activities and places to visit locally.

But overall, what I love the most is the country parks, green spaces and the countryside that is within such easy reach. I started visiting Lydiard Park on a regular basis, whether for a park run, a leisurely walk, or for a festival that had come to town. And often, I’d find a reason to stop in for a cream tea at the Coach House Tea Rooms.

When I first moved here, I lived in North Swindon. Nearly every day I took advantage of the meandering paths and open green spaces surrounding many of the housing developments in the area. And Mouldon Hill Country Park, along with the many other local parks, provide so much parkland to explore on a day-today basis.

I think this is one of the top reasons that make Swindon so lovely to live in. There are numerous opportunities to get outside and find quieter, relaxing, and scenic surroundings, despite Swindon’s history as an industrial town.

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Property With so many places in the south of England home to eyewatering house prices, Swindon provides respite from these sky-high costs of living. It’s home to some of the best value along the M4 corridor. Because of this, it’s unsurprising that demand is high from both tenants and buyers across the town.

The M4 corridor has become a particularly appealing area for many people to live. And this will likely continue even further with the rise of more flexible working arrangements. This has caused more people’s location preferences to change. At the same time, many people are looking for more value, and Swindon can definitely provide more bang for your buck.

Swindon’s bus, rail and road connections make it an appealing option for many professionals and businesses. Some of the largest national and international companies have their headquarters, offices and warehouses in Swindon, including Nationwide Building Society and Intel. And Amazon is also coming to town.

With a growing number of employment opportunities continuing to come to Swindon, more people are moving to the town and discovering all that it has to offer. This is elevating the town's

property market as more interesting new-build developments are coming forward to meet this growing demand.

There is a direct need for more than 20,000 new homes in Swindon Borough. Because of this, there are a number of attractive high-quality new-build developments being built across the town and surrounding area. And the quality of homes being built is promising to see, along with the green space being incorporated into these developments as well. The homes and neighbourhoods as a whole at Tadpole Garden Village and Wichelstowe are great examples for future development.

With more investment and regeneration coming to Swindon, I’m so excited to see what this means for the town moving forward and how it will continue to transform over the years. Swindon will always have a special place in my heart. And this growing town is only getting better and better.

Kaylene Isherwood Property Writer @WriteProperty

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BUILDERS’ CYCLING EVENT SMASHES FUNDRAISING TARGET BUILDING FIRM STONEWOOD GROUP’S FIRST CHARITY CYCLING EVENT SMASHED ITS £10,000 TARGET BY MORE THAN £7,000.

The Stonewood Sportive saw more than 50 cyclists raising money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Brain Tumour Research by riding up to 100 miles around north Wiltshire and the Cotswolds.

Stonewood Group chief operating officer Ben Lang said the riders, who were a mix of all abilities, were each sponsored to complete the challenge.

“We set ourselves a £10,000 target but we’ve been amazed at how much money is coming in and so far we’ve hit almost £17,800 with Gift Aid but the money is still coming in,” he told the fabulous Swindon and Wiltshire business website, businessbiscuit.com.

The cyclists, made up of staff from the Castle Combe company’s divisions – Stonewood Builders, Stonewood Partnerships, Stonewood Homes, Stonewood Design and Earthstone – as well as investors, suppliers, clients and other partners, set off from The Rectory in Crudwell. The hotel has been refurbished by Stonewood Builders.

“It was a great event and because Stonewood underwrote all the costs of putting it on, the marshalling and safety measures as well as the refreshment stops, we were able to donate all of the money raised,” said Ben. “Everyone got back safely and some of the guys who took on the 100-mile ride completed it in about sixand-a-half hours so that was quite impressive.”

Ben said the event was supposed to happen a year ago but couldn’t go ahead due to the pandemic.

“We’d like to do another one because it was brilliant to see everyone coming together to raise money for two fantastic causes.

“We pride ourselves on supporting the communities we work in so this is a terrific way of doing that.”

To support the fundraising effort, search Stonewood Sportive at Virgin Money Giving

“It was a bit wet and quite humid but that didn’t put anyone off,” said Ben. “We had two courses, one of 50 miles and one of 100, there were a few riders who had never taken on this kind of distance so it was a challenge for them.”

There were pit stops for food and drink at The Volunteer Inn in Great Somerford, where Stonewood Partnerships is building the 38-home Somerbrook development, and The Wild Carrot Café at Chavenage near Tetbury, where renowned professional road racing cyclist James Lowsley-Williams joined the riders.

The 100-mile riders had another stop at The Catherine Wheel in Bibury and everyone met back at The Rectory for a barbecue later that day.

ISSUE No.8 | 57

ASK THE EXPERT AUSTEN DAWSON

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ASK THE EXPERT

‘DON’T MOVE, IMPROVE’ IS A GROWING TREND AMONG HOMEOWNERS. Over the last few years, the saying: ‘don’t move, improve’ has become more and more relevant to UK homeowners.

And as anyone who watches Kirstie and Phil’s ‘Love It or List It’ will tell you, love it usually wins!

Naturally, where you are in the UK affects the value of your home, and it’s the same for your extension. The national average for value added by a 15m2 rear extension is around £40,000.

Previously it was pretty common for people to look at moving more than once in a ten-year period. Nowadays, families are over 15% less likely to make the move and it’s not hard to see why.

How you use your added space can also make a big difference in house price. While extending existing rooms like the kitchen can definitely be worthwhile, it’s the creation of new, quality rooms that gives you the biggest results.

A new bedroom can be your greatest ally, but en-suite bathrooms can also be desirable to buyers.

It’s not easy being a homeowner, and less so for someone looking to buy somewhere new. From stamp duty, solicitors, surveyors and estate agent fees, the costs of moving house aren’t small. What’s more, in an uncertain UK housing market, you might be asking is now even the right time to move?

But it’s not only these considerations that keep people from moving. For many, a home is far more than just bricks and mortar – it’s your community. Your neighbours, local shops, nearby walks, your kids’ school - all these wonderful things combined together are what give us that warm ‘home’ sensation. So why should you lose them when all you need is a little more room?

Don’t forget, your home is also one of the best ways to invest your cash. Rather than have it languish in a low interest savings account, or at risk with stocks and bonds, a house lets you reliably grow your funds, whilst retaining control. Why not give your home a new lease of life as you wait for the right time to cash in?

There’s always a temptation to try and cut costs when it comes to construction, but beware the downsides of this!

Getting a quality builder should be your number one priority, as anything bad can seriously damage the value of your home. No one wants to be dealing with shoddy builder mistakes, nor live with an extension that doesn’t match the quality of the main building.

Finally, ceiling prices send a cold shiver up the spine of anyone looking to add value to their home. If your neighbourhood is affected by a ceiling price, it means that no matter how much improvement you undertake your home is unlikely to exceed a certain price point on the market. This can be a nightmare if you’ve just invested a large amount of money into a pricey extension. So ensure you research the house prices in your local area before committing to extend.

In my next Wigwam column we will take a look at different types of extension.

The type and size of extension you opt for can alter dramatically how much value you add onto your home.

But that’s not the only factor you need to consider when it comes to building an extension.

Bradley Quesnel Managing Director, Austen Dawson 01367 358080 austendawson.co.uk

ISSUE No.8 | 59

ASK THE EXPERT AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS

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ASK THE EXPERT

DIVORCE OR SEPARATION AT ANY POINT IN LIFE CAN BE DIFFICULT, BUT ESPECIALLY SO IN LATER LIFE, SAYS PETER BERRY OF AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS SOLICITORS. After spending many years with someone, such a huge change can be a daunting prospect and the path ahead may not seem clear.

If you do find yourself in this position, there are positives to consider too.

Hopefully the assets within your relationship are clearer; mortgages may have been reduced or paid off, and there may be other investments.

Pensions may have been built up ready for retirement, or you may have already started to receive your pension income. Alternatively, you may have thought about drawing down some capital from the value of your pensions, prior to retirement.

If you have children, they are hopefully now independent and no longer a financial responsibility.

You may be managing a business, looking forward to growth or even towards an exit strategy. You may have been a stay-at-home parent, where a past career may have been on hold or even sacrificed for the sake of the family. Your income, including your future income in retirement may well have become a worry and a focal point in your thoughts.

Starting afresh on your own, finding new accommodation and trying to share what was once joint, can be complicated. Our experienced team of family lawyers are on hand to provide practical advice and guidance, to help you through this time.

For some people, the decision to end their marriage may have been made on a joint basis – you want to separate on amicable terms and remain friends. If this is the case and you have no plans to re-marry, you may wish to consider an informal separation rather than a divorce. A Separation Agreement can be utilised to address this; the agreement enables you to share your assets and finances whilst staying married in name only.

Alternatively, you may feel vulnerable and worried. Everyone is different and emotions can have a significant impact for a long period after separation. Poor communication can often lead to mistrust and the need to “fight” for what you feel is fair and right. Getting assistance from our experienced family lawyers can help you avoid disputes and reach agreement away from the Court.

Focusing on solutions and trying to work together are the key to early resolution and at Awdry Bailey & Douglas we pride ourselves on offering a supportive professional service. We focus on your needs and to help you move on with the next chapter in your life.

Working out what is fair can be a complicated process, as there may be different types of assets, liabilities and different needs.

We always recommend taking specialist advice to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. Professional guidance can be obtained to address the division of pension assets and to provide illustrations of the pension income that you will need. Getting advice from a Pension Actuary may be an essential step towards securing your future income in retirement. As with many things in life, it is often not as simple as dividing assets on an equal basis.

You may be considering a new relationship or re-marriage, at some point. On a positive note, travelling on a different path later in life can be liberating. There’s less pressure and you will have life experiences to help you move forward. You will have a clearer idea about what you want and it is worth considering how best to protect your assets e.g. perhaps with a cohabitation or pre-nuptial agreement. You should also consider preparing and/or updating your will.

There are positives to being older and wiser!

If you’ve reached the stage in life where you’d like to discuss separation or divorce; or you’ve met a new partner and want advice about a pre-nuptial agreement, please do get in touch with me.

I offer a free initial consultation with a friendly listening ear.

Peter Berry Chartered Legal Executive, Family Law Awdry Bailey & Douglas Solicitors 01793 384140 / peter.berry@awdrys.co.uk awdrys.co.uk

ISSUE No.8 | 61

ASK THE EXPERT OPTIMUM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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OPTIMUM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ON QUESTIONS EVERY FIRST-TIME BUYER SHOULD ASK Nobody ever forgets buying their first home. Getting their foot on the property ladder, settling into their new property and then staying there for as long as it meets their needs, before they move to the next place.

However, for first-time buyers, setting out on the road to becoming homeowners can seem a daunting prospect. With average house prices in England standing at £271,000 in July 2021, it is also an expensive one.

So our advice to all first-time buyers is be prepared and go into the process fully informed. Here are some questions you need to be asking first.

What can I afford?

Before you start looking, make sure you know exactly what funds you have in place in terms of deposit and what you are likely to be able to afford with a mortgage. Remember to take into account other expenses, such as legal fees and moving fees.

What is a house survey?

These are a check up on the property and if you are taking out a mortgage then your lender will insist on a mortgage survey or valuation. Many people also opt to pay for a full survey, engaging a professional such as a surveyor to look thoroughly at the property, to see if there are any issues.

Where is the house located?

When you find a property you like, don’t focus solely on the house and

its grounds. Take a look around the neighbourhood. What local amenities are there? Is it an easy commute to work? What are the transport links like?

Is the property freehold or leasehold?

A freehold house means you own the property and the land belonging to it outright. If the property is leasehold, then you have the right to live there for the term of the lease. Accompanying the lease may be ground rent charges, designed to ensure homeowners contribute to the upkeep of communal areas.

Be sure you understand what the lease means, and what you may be expected to pay not just when you first buy but in future years. It’s essential to seek legal advice, so your lawyer can scrutinise the terms of a lease.

What is a property search?

Your legal advisers need to carry out various searches, to find out information about the building and where it stands.

The lawyers will look at the local land charges registers. Local authorities are required to hold a local land charges register, which records obligations affecting properties within their area.

Investigations will also be made into any planning decisions, roadbuilding proposals or rights of way affecting the property. Remember, the search

is limited to the property and won’t reveal any information about planning proposals for neighbouring properties.

An environmental search is included, for example looking at whether the property is at risk of flooding. A water and drainage search is also carried out. Depending where the property is, a coal mining search might be needed.

How long has the property been on the market?

If it has been listed for some time, perhaps moving around different estate agents, there may be a reason why buyers aren’t interested. It’s worth investigating. Perhaps it is priced too high for the neighbourhood.

Why are they selling?

Try to find out why the owner is selling. They may have reasons such as wanting to downsize or relocate.

However, if it transpires there is a reason that might deter you from wanting to buy, doing a little digging would have been worth it.

What does the sale include?

Remember to check what the owners are leaving behind and what they are taking. For example, are they leaving white goods or the cooker?

Armed with the answers to these questions, first-time buyers should be in a good place to explore the market.

For legal help with the conveyancing process for your first home, please contact Optimum’s property law team.

Iain Mason Head of Legal Optimum Professional Services imason@optps.co.uk optps.co.uk

ISSUE No.8 | 63

ASK THE EXPERT PROSPERO FINANCE

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ARE YOU SELF-EMPLOYED AND LOOKING FOR A MORTGAGE? CONCERNED THAT YOU WON’T MEET

THE CRITERIA? HERE IS A LITTLE INFORMATION THAT MIGHT HELP!

What does the term self-employed mean to lenders?

Typically, self-employed means that you own more than 20% of a business. Therefore, if you are a sole-trader, member of a partnership, or a director of a limited company with more than a 20% share of the business, then in lender’s terms you are self-employed. In these circumstances the underwriting of a mortgage is treated a little differently.

Let’s begin with sole traders, likely the most commonly known type of self-employment. This is where you exclusively own and control your business and usually keep all of the profit after tax although you may employ people to work for you. You may operate your business in a partnership, which is a formal arrangement by two or more people where the profits are shared. We then have directors and shareholders of limited companies. This is when the business has been incorporated, is privately owned and there can be any number of shareholders.

The evidence you will be asked for can vary lender to lender and can also depend on the self-employment type.

Additionally, each lender may use a different part of your income. It can be a bit of a minefield, so when you are self-employed, it is definitely recommended that you speak to a mortgage broker who will be able to find the best lender for your circumstances to help you get the best level of borrowing.

Types of documentation you may need are your personal tax computation, tax year overviews, full accounts or possibly an accountant’s reference. You may also need to provide business bank statements. Depending on whether you complete your finances yourself or through an

accountant will determine how you access this information.

It is also prudent to make sure that your accounts are up to date, and you provide the most recent information that you can. The maximum age of accounts that lenders will accept is typically 18 months. This maximum age may mean that you have to submit your accounts or tax returns before they would normally be due. The reason for this is because after this amount of time the business may have moved on and the lenders need to know that your income is sustainable.

This is especially the case following the Covid-19 Pandemic as that has caused businesses to experience difficulties.

With regards to the different income types that are taken, where a sole-trader or partnership is concerned, this is fairly straightforward as it will likely be your net profit figure. This is the figure that is produced after you have deducted all of your business expenses from your turnover. For limited company directors there are a few more options. Lenders may take a combination of your director’s salary and dividends, your share of the net profit and director’s salary, or even a combination of all of it. This can sometimes mean you may be able to borrow more than you think – although we still need to ensure that the mortgage can be afforded on a monthly basis as well.

In summary, when applying for a self-employed mortgage, first and foremost you should seek the advice of a broker, they can then advise you on what paperwork to have ready and the best options for you. Here at Prospero Finance, we pride ourselves on our knowledge of self-employed applicants and lenders, so give us a call on 01793 977790 or email admin@prosperofinance.co.uk to find out how we can help you today!

Lauren Webb Mortgage & Protection Adviser 01793 977790 prosperofinance.co.uk

ISSUE No.8 | 65

ARTS & CULTURE STEAM MUSEUM

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS UNDERWAY AT STEAM SWINDON'S AWARD-WINNING MUSEUM OFFERS A GREAT FESTIVE EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE.

STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway has announced that tickets are now on sale for its Christmas extravaganza, taking place on 4 and 5 December 2021.

The safety of visitors, staff and volunteers remains STEAM’s number one priority. Capacities will be limited, so tickets must be booked in advance via the STEAM website: steam-museum.org.uk

Visitors will have the chance to buy festive treats and discover unique gift ideas as they browse 50 artisan market stalls displayed amongst STEAM’s award-winning displays and iconic locomotives.

Councillor Robert Jandy, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Town Centre Experience, said: “We are thrilled to be able to deliver Christmas at STEAM this year."

Festive admission prices for Christmas at STEAM are: £3.50 for adults, £2.25 for seniors (65+ years) and students and £1 for children (3-15 years).

Under threes go free.

Santa will be making an appearance over the weekend with the return of his popular story-time sessions. Children will enjoy a Christmas story and wrapped gift in an atmospheric fire-place setting.

Sessions cost £8 per child in addition to event admission.

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“The weekend will be a joyful celebration of the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Christmas. This year, we welcome many new traders, as well as those who are firm favourites with our visitors. Hand-crafted items on offer range from textile gifts, greetings cards, jewellery and cosmetics, to home furnishings, artworks, Christmas confectionery and decorations."

“A range of tried and tested measures will be in place to aid social distancing and maintain cleanliness. The whole team have been busy ensuring that the event can take place in a safe manner, while maintaining the high-quality experience visitors expect."

Please be aware that there is no free parking for the event.

Where possible, visitors are encouraged to use alternative methods of transport. Find out more about sustainable transport options on the Swindon Travel Choices website: www. swindontravelchoices.co.uk For updates on the programme, follow STEAM on Facebook and Instagram (@SteamMuseum), or Twitter (@Steam_Museum). steam-museum.org.uk

ISSUE No.8 | 67

ARTS & CULTURE

SWINDON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

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SWINDON MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY SHOULD REOPEN ...EVEN IF IT’S NOT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION FOR HOUSING ART COLLECTION

Although news is breaking that Swindon Borough Council is preparing to sell Apsley House, home to Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, campaigners are still fighting to prevent the indefinite closure of the Bath Road venue.

Linda Kasmaty, chair of the Friends of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, outlines why the museum should remain open.

The fact that more than 4,000 people have signed our petition is a reflection of the strong feelings aroused by the council's proposal to sell Apsley House and consign the town's museum and art collections to limbo for the next ten years, or however long it takes to build the new Art Pavilion as part of Swindon's grand vision of a new 'Cultural Quarter'.

The museum has been housed there for the last 90 years, and the art collection for the last 60 years.

Apsley House is a much-loved facility despite its shortcomings, a lovely place to visit, and could be improved with some creative thinking. It is to use a hackneyed term, a jewel in Swindon’s crown.

Swindon needs a museum and art gallery, it does have one, let’s open it. It’s a scandal that a town with a 250,000 population contemplates closing its museum and art gallery for an indefinite period. Everyone in the art world I have spoken to has expressed

disbelief at these plans, and said surely that couldn’t happen?

The current plans to build a Cultural Quarter are laudable, but there are many challenges ahead, it may take 10-20 years to realise this ambition. In the interim, it has been proposed that Art on Tour, where reproductions of artworks are taken to popular locations via pop up gazebos, be used in place of the art gallery, with the mantra ‘more art to more people’ being frequently used. Art on Tour is fine, but as a signpost to the real thing by which I mean a proper museum and art gallery where collections can be seen together.

The latest report, was passed at Cabinet on 8 September, suggesting that some of the collections be housed in the first floor of the Civic Offices which would be incrementally converted for use as somewhere pieces of art and museum artefacts could be viewed.

Effectively then, the latest plans are to use the £400,000 allocated in 2019 to Apsley House, to be spent on moving all collections from Apsley House, relocating some to the Civic Offices and putting the rest in storage. There have been to date no costings for any of this, no specifics. In their current state, the Civic Offices are not suitable to house the museum.

The space comprises office rooms

off a corridor and the Council's proposal to improve the space “incrementally” does not imply that the space will do justice to the Art Collection any time soon.

Out of sight, out of mind?

There is a proposal from the Parish Council that after discussions with Swindon Borough Council, they would be interested in the short-term transfer of Apsley House to South Swindon Parish Council so they could reopen it as soon as possible. This would seem to be an ideal solution.

It is really important for Swindon and its environs that we have a working museum and art gallery in the interim between now and when the Cultural Quarter is built. We need to give people confidence that we know how to look after our inheritance, and going forward we can acquire and display bequeathed items.

At the moment I have emails on an almost daily basis from people choosing to not leave art works or ceramic collections to Swindon. We need to wake up and not sleepwalk our way into being entirely off the cultural map of the UK. To sign the petition go to chng.it/ZKKbGbywMB or join the Facebook page.

For more information contact admin@friendsofsmag.org

ISSUE No.8 | 69

Building Contractors Specialising in Extensions, Loft Conversions and General Building Projects.

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LONDON LANDMARKS REIMAGINED BY CREATIVE KIDS HAVE YOU EVER IMAGINED THE SHARD AS A HAUNTED ROLLERCOASTER? AYAN, AGED 6, SHOWS US HOW IT WOULD LOOK.

L

ONDON’S SKYLINE PLAYS HOST TO A WEALTH OF ICONIC LANDMARKS, WHERE HISTORIC AND CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURAL STYLES INTERMIX TO MAKE FOR ONE OF THE MOST VISUALLY STRIKING CITIES GLOBALLY.

Tower Bridge Theme Park The next London landmark reimagining was drafted up by Navneet, aged 7, who turned Tower Bridge into a full theme park. Thrill seekers would rejoice knowing that it now features a rollercoaster, waterslides, a racetrack, and a giant bouncy castle. If a leisurely swim sounds more up your street however, Navneet has also incorporated an infinity pool which would be sure to offer some unique views of London’s skyline. For any visiting VIPs, there are also 2 helipads the shape of pizza slices that sit above each of the towers.

From the instantly recognisable silhouette of Big Ben to the highrising elegance of The Shard, tourists travel in their millions to get sight of these landmarks and their history each year.

But what would these London landmarks look like had they been designed by kids? Barratt asked four classes from four different London schools to redesign some of the most famous city landmarks in any way they wanted. Partnering with a 3D renderer, they then selected their favourite drawing for each and brought the fantastical illustrations to life.

The fun campaign produced re-designs of landmarks such as The Shard, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

The Star London Eye Designed by Syeda, aged 8, this reimagined version of the London Eye foregoes the round shape and instead uses a visually striking star. With neon lights throughout, this new addition to London’s skyline would be sure to brighten up the city all year round, and is sure to be a big hit over the festive months. And for a ride to remember, Syeda’s design also features several traditional square cars where visitors can take flight.

Woodland Big Ben The Spooky Shard Coaster Big Ben has been reimagined by Daisy, aged 11, and features a wood construction giving it a naturalistic finish. Those hanging baskets which look a lot like beehives, also serve as wellbeing pods, where tourists and city workers alike can sit down, relax, and take in the sights of London. Daisy has also featured an ornate dragonfly sculpture sitting just below the clockface, as well as smaller bee sculptures scattered throughout helping to bring in more of the woodland nature feel. The finishing touches around the base include hanging ivy and some crystals.

Our last landmark to be reimagined is by Ayan, aged 6, who has turned The Shard into a haunted roller coaster. Using the buildings height to his advantage, Ayan’s created a white-knuckle ride that stretches the entire length of the building. Ghosts and vampires also patrol the tracks, whilst the orange and green colourways add to the Halloween theme. barratthomes.co.uk

ISSUE No.8 | 71

ARTS & CULTURE OINK GALLERY

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'GOLD STANDARD' SUPPORT FOR LANDLORDS AIMED AT HELPING IMPROVE RENTAL STANDARDS ACROSS UK

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ATIONWIDE'S FREE ONLINE RESOURCE WILL HELP LANDLORDS MANAGE PROPERTIES AND FINANCES. A free service has been launched to help landlords manage their properties in one place and navigate them through the complex rules and regulations in the sector.

The launch of The Landlord Works, which has been developed by Swindonbased Nationwide Building Society over the last two years with the support of landlords, aims to help improve rental standards across the UK through education and support. According to the English Private Landlords Survey, published in 2019, nearly two thirds (63%) of landlords believe the industry had changed for the worse, predominantly due to the increase in regulation, legislation and tax.

The Landlord Works marks the first time a major financial services provider has launched a comprehensive resource to support landlords. It provides free support to all landlords to help them manage and keep track of their properties and finances, regardless of size and who they have their mortgage with, to help them understand their legal obligations towards their tenants.

The launch comes at a time when around one in five homes are rented privately, equating to 11 million people.

A full suite of tools and services are available – from educational resources and guides about rights and responsibilities, to tools relating to managing portfolios, time and income. The Landlord Works also offers discounted access to an award-winning self-assessment tax solution.

The service, which the Society hopes in time will grow to become the leading place of support for UK landlords, will complement Nationwide’s buy-to-let mortgage lender, The Mortgage Works, which continues to offer competitive products and propositions to all landlords.

Key features of The Landlord Works include: Resources and Education: There will be a range of resources and educational guides to help landlords on a range of topics including legal obligations, property marketing and management, finances and mortgages as well as tenant support. There will also be free downloadable content, including a checklist for starting a new tenancy and an A-Z guide providing tips and insights for those just starting out. Landlords will also be able to sign up to a monthly email newsletter providing details of the latest industry news and updates.

Portfolio Management: Designed to help landlords manage their properties and effectively manage their finances. Using pioneering open banking technology, this tool will also help landlords manage important documents, such as gas safety certificates, electrical inspections and energy performance certificates.

Landlord Self-Assessment Tax Return: A 20 per cent discount will be offered to landlords when submitting their annual self-assessment tax return via GoSimpleTax – an award-winning tax software tool. Landlords will be able to use the tool to track expenses and income and get access to information they need regarding their tax obligations and options.

Rental, Sales and Property Comparison Valuation Tool: Landlords will be able to estimate how much their property is worth and potential levels of income. It uses realtime Land Registry and property listing data to provide estimated value for rental and non-rental properties based on those recently sold in the area.

Property Portfolio: Landlords will be able to upload details of all the properties in their portfolio and add any new properties. This means they will be able to track rental finances and any key dates associated with each of their properties. The portal also has a notification tool to help landlords remember these dates.

Finances: To assist landlords in managing their finances effectively, they will also be able to use The Landlord Works to connect multiple bank accounts to their profile. Landlords will need to reauthorise access every 90 days to continue using this functionality with reminders given in advance. They will be able to stop using it at any time.

Sara Bennison, Nationwide’s Chief Product and Marketing Officer, said: “The private rented sector is in dire need of reform, but to get there, landlords need to be given every ounce of support. Today, being a landlord is more complex than ever, and we want to make managing property more straightforward for both landlords and tenants.

“We hope the launch of The Landlord Works gives landlords the opportunity and ability to manage their finances and properties in one place and understand their commitments to their tenants. We hope over time that The Landlord Works becomes the go to place for UK landlords for guidance. nationwide.co.uk

ISSUE No.8 | 73

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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wigwampropertynews.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Coate Water Care is recruiting carers and nurses for its Swindon and Devizes care homes.

Working in the care sector is not just a job it is a vocation, and Coate Water Care is constantly on the lookout for people with the compassionate qualities needed for a sometimes challenging yet always highly rewarding career.

We are an experienced, family-run care home provider, committed to delivering the highest standards of person-centred care to older people in our residential and nursing homes. To build upon our success stories, we rely on our passionate and dedicated staff at all levels.

We currently have vacancies for a Care Assistant and a Registered Nurse at the lovely Avebury House Care Home in Devizes.

In Swindon we have two vacancies as Senior Care Assistants at Downs View Care Centre in the quiet rural hamlet of Badbury.

We offer excellent benefits. For a full description of all the above vacancies and how to apply, go to the ‘Careers in Care’ page on our website.

coatewatercare.co.uk

01793 821200

ISSUE No.7 | 77

ADVERTISING FEATURE

DIAMONDS ARE DEACONS' BEST FRIENDS DEACONS WERE ESTABLISHED IN WOOD STREET, OLD TOWN, SWINDON IN 1848.

IN THE INTERVENING 173 YEARS DEACONS HAS GROWN IN TO A DESTINATION LOCATION FOR DISCERNING CUSTOMERS TO ACCESS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT CAN ONLY BE PROVIDED BY A HIGH-QUALITY PROFESSIONAL JEWELLER.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

T

he recently expanded store now completely encompasses the buildings of 11 to 15 Wood Street and workshops are housed at the rear.

The showrooms are home to some of the world’s most prestigious brands in watches and jewellery. Exploring the watch rooms you will find Rolex, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Grand Seiko, Bremont, Longines and more. Jewellery collections from Fopé, Shaun Leane, Charles Green, Clogau and others are to be discovered each in their own area.

Following the interior refurbishment completed in late 2019 Deacons have been proud to present their diamond and precious stone collections of rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, bangles and earrings in a dedicated space. This is the perfect environment to be able to take a seat and your time to select the perfect item for you or your loved one.

Diamond cluster rings, with centre stones of different shapes, surrounded by a ring of diamonds and platinum mounts and bands set with diamond shoulders.

Nothing expresses love like the gift of a diamond.

Diamonds perfectly mark the celebration of life’s landmark events; Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays and Christmas or any occasion worthy of special recognition.

Deacons professional and knowledgeable staff are available to help you make your choices. They can demonstrate the styles, explain the differences in stones, mounts and settings and make sure your purchase will delight for many years to come.

Styles can not only be classic, traditional, modern or retro but can be completely unique through the Deacons bespoke service. In conjunction with one of the in-house jewellers you could have an item designed or remodelled just for you. The only limit is your imagination.

Wedding and eternity rings to perfectly complement any engagement ring.

A fabulous array of colours can be matched with diamonds to give stunning combinations that really sparkle.

Mix and match your style.

11-15 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AN | Tel: 01793 522072 | Email: swindon@deacons-jewellers.com www.deacons-jewellers.com

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We do do much much more more than than just just design.

We design. Functioning Functioning as as an extension of our clients’ teams we an extension of our clients’ teams we listen, listen, ask ask questions, challenge challenge and and deliver deliver creative questions, creative design design and brand solutions that work. and brand solutions that work.

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