There is always something exciting going on in Swindon, and the property sector is no exception.
Home Finders are currently experiencing extremely high demand for all types of properties in Swindon, from grand Victorian houses in Old Town to modern apartments and town houses in North Swindon, so if you are a home owner with a property to sell or a landlord with properties to let in this fast-moving market, get in touch for a FREE property valuation.
www.optps.co.uk
The legal team at Optimum are specialists and experts, so we really know the ins and outs of our area of property law and wills. 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, and drawing up a will.
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 and responsive manner, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Straightforward legal advice from an experienced law team you can trust.
www.optps.co.uk
brand. design. digital. social. lm.
Propel your business with awardwinning brand, design and digital solutions tailored to suit your budget and requirements.
Jazzbones offer a FREE review of your brand and marketing strategy, so speak to our brand and digital experts today, we'll be happy to offer any support and advice.
Call: 01793 847300 Email: info@jazzbones.co.uk Visit: jazzbones.co.uk
As prime ministers come and go and the economic bad news keeps on coming, there has been talk that property prices are about to fall, or at the very least, stagnate.
One thing that keeps prices buoyant is high demand and until recently many estate agents in Swindon cited a lack of available properties as one of the reasons that the property market seemed immune to wider economic trends.
I will add this, never underestimate how often British people tend to move.
My house in Old Town, Swindon is one of a terrace of four and faces three more houses. The house to my immediate right has changed hands once in the decade I’ve lived here, the house to my left three times. Two of the houses opposite me have changed hands once, the other four times.
Only the remaining house in my block has never been on the market, and that’s currently unoccupied!
This incessant house moving is a very British phenomenon. In Spain, where I lived for nearly 20 years, people very rarely move. In many cases, they tend to buy their forever home out of the blocks. Typically, my in-laws have been in their current home for 47 years.
Conclusion? If you are thinking of setting up your own business in the UK you could do worse than furniture removing.
Jeff King Wigwam Editor
CONTACT US jeff@wigwampropertynews.co.uk wigwampropertynews.co.uk
ADVERTISING 01793 847 300 nathan@wigwampropertynews.co.uk
Wigwam® is published by Jazzbones Creative Ltd.
Registered In England No: 0658 6564 VAT Reg No: 891 859463 2nd Floor, Cornmarket House, High Street, Swindon SN1 3EB 01793 847300 www.jazzbones.co.uk
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Wigwam is here for the Swindon community to enjoy. There are lots of ways that your business can get involved and here are just some of the ways. Speak to our friendly team for advice on getting the best coverage from Wigwam.
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Whether you are in the market for a new home or just enjoy fantasy house buying, there's always a huge variety of properties to look at in Swindon and its hinterland.
£625,000
An exceptional example of a rather fine Victorian terrace positioned within the heart of Old Town and on the tree lined Goddard Avenue. One of the larger and original three storey properties this superb home has been thoughtfully adapted and extended to combine a plethora of original features with modern family living.
4 3 2
£650,000
Lakeside, Swindon.
A very special, detached, family home situated on one of Lakeside’s premier cul de sacs, enjoying a generous plot and providing scope for further extension (subject to planning permission). The bright and sunny rooms are well presented with the garage also providing the option of conversion (subject to the necessary consents).
4 2 2
Old Town, Swindon. View more featured properties at wigwamswindon.co.uk/properties
£550,000 Coate, Swindon.
A superbly presented, detached family home boasting generous accommodation throughout. Built in the Persimmon “Hadleigh” design.
5 2 2
£490,000 Upper Stratton, Swindon.
A well presented, four double bedroom, detached family home situated in Upper Stratton. The property has been finished to a high standard throughout and must be viewed.
4 1 2
£425,000 Blunsdon, Swindon.
A recently built, detached family home situated on a select development on the outskirts of Blunsdon. This impressive property comprises; Entrance Hallway, Living Area and open plan Kitchen/Dining Area opening onto the rear garden with direct access to the Garage and Utility Area.
4 2 2
£375,000 St Andrews Ridge, Swindon.
Positioned on a particularly generous, over-sized plot, a detached family home on the popular St Andrew's Ridge. The property is available with no chain and provides flexible accommodation
3 3 2
View more featured properties at wigwamswindon.co.uk/properties
THE INAUGURAL ENCHANTED GARDENS LIGHT TRAIL WELCOMED OVER 27,000 PEOPLE IN DECEMBER 2021.
Following on from the success of the inaugural Enchanted Gardens Light Trail, which welcomed over 27,000 people in December 2021, South Swindon Parish Council are thrilled to announce the return of this spectacular family experience to the Town Gardens over 2022’s festive period. And, this year, the trail is set to be bigger and better than ever!
From Friday 2 until Saturday 31 December, a magnificent outdoor lighting trail, specially designed by light art pioneers, Luminism, complete with state-of-the-art effects, remarkable light art sculptures and interactive illuminations that are set to amaze Swindon residents of all ages.
The historic Town Gardens, located in Old Town, Swindon, were laid out in the late 19th and early 20th centuries on the undulating Okus Field, the site of old Purlock stone quarries. There are a number of historic points throughout the Town Gardens, including the 1930s Art Deco Bowl, in which South Swindon Parish Council have successfully hosted a varied programme of theatre and music events throughout the summer, attracting over 1300 attendees to this iconic space.
As part of the illuminations, selected local schools have been invited to be part of the
event by helping to create one of the light art installations, entitled ‘The Lantern Walk’, which will be positioned on the Quarry Road Pathway.
This year, South Swindon Parish Council are excited to launch a series of workshops and performances at the Bandstand during the trail’s opening hours, including storytimes with the award-winning local author, Kate Claxton (Really Rather Wild) and performances from local schools and performing arts groups, including Kitty Langan Studio.
A full schedule of these workshops and performances during the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail will be available online at the website address below. Make sure to keep an eye on this website and @ SouthSwindonParish on social media for updates.
There will be a limited number of tickets available for the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail, with allocated time slots every 15 minutes, starting from 5pm. Tickets will be available predominantly online with a limited number available on the day at the Box Office, located at the entrance to the trail through the Westlecot Road gates.
Neil Hopkins, Chair of Leisure, Environment and Amenities at South Swindon Parish
Council said: “After the huge success of the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail last year, I am delighted that, once again, working with Luminism, we are bringing an even more spectacular light trail to the Town Gardens for the month of December."
“Luminism are creating a truly memorable experience for Swindon’s residents and those visiting from outside - everything about this light trail is even better than last year with all newly-designed installations, great food and beverage offers and additional gift and charity stalls showing off our iconic Town Gardens at their seasonal best.”
Search ‘Enchanted Gardens Light Trail’ on Skiddle to find out more and book tickets.
Tickets are priced at £11.00 for adults and £6.00 for children (aged 5-17 years). Under 4s and carers/assistants may attend free of charge with a paying ticket holder. Booking fees will apply.
southswindon-pc.gov.uk/enchantedgardens-light-trail-2022
SWINDON IS ALSO THE BEST LOCATION TO HIRE LOCAL CONTRACTORS TO HELP SET UP AND CREATE YOUR PHYSICAL SHOP.
Online businesses became incredibly popular during the country's various Covid-19 lockdowns, and now that the retail world has reopened its doors many of these small business owners are now considering opening their own physical stores.
Small Business Prices set out to explore the country’s cheapest cities to open a physical shop, based on metrics such as daily high street footfall, commercial space rental costs, and average hourly rates of contractors like plumbers and electricians.
Swindon ranked number one overall as the most affordable place to open a shop.
The analysis found that Swindon is the cheapest place overall for small business owners to open a brick-and-mortar shop in.
Finding a premises to operate out of is relatively affordable compared to other towns and cities in the ranking, with the average price of renting a commercial space in Swindon being £14,120 per month.
Hiring builders, electricians, painter-decorators, and plumbers to get the shop in working order is also more affordable in Swindon than anywhere else the study analysed, with each of these professionals charging the lowest hourly rate for their services.
Swindon is also revealed as the best location to hire local contractors to help set up and create your physical shop, costing an average of £115 an hour to have the support of a builder, electrician, painter, plumber, and handyman.
London is the most expensive city to have the support of tradespeople, costing an average of £209 per hour, with plumbers valuing their work the most at an average of £50 an hour.
businessleader.co.uk
Getting ready to hunker down and hibernate at home this winter? Well, don’t just crank up the heatingupdate your living space and bedroom with some cosy, comforting pieces that will stand the test of time.
If you’re the kind of person who changes the colour of your walls as often as you change your socks, you might want to stick to neutral rugs, throws and bedlinen. Classic cream throws, sheepskin rugs and white sheets are great against a dramatic backdrop, but don’t be afraid to mix things up and add some colour and pattern if your walls and furniture are on the safe side. I didn’t say boring, I said safe (but if your walls are magnolia, I’m afraid you are beyond help).
Wool is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly, breathable and naturally insulating (just ask the sheep) and it’s pretty resilient, too, so forget man-made fibres and go natural when it comes to rugs and throws.
Recycled and sustainable materials, as well as eco-friendly manufacturing methods are hot news these days, so it makes sense to do a bit of research on brands before you buy. Check the product details or a company’s ‘about me’ section to see if they give a monkey’s about how and where their products are made.
Main Pic Silk reversible quilts £320 daughtersofgaea.com
Pink fade rug £399 swooneditions.com
Cluster lamp, £120 johnlewis.com
Boucle dining chair pair £525, coxandcox.co.uk
The Daughters of Gaea work with female-led artisan groups around the world to produce their stunning range of silk cushions, throws and bedspreads. Bedspreads! Great word. Not only will one give you an extra layer of warmth while you sleep, it’ll also add a touch of hotel glamour to boot. By hotel glamour obviously I’m talking about Claridge’s or The Hilton, not the Premier Inn. These beautiful, reversible quilts are made with low-impact GOTS dyes and if you don’t have a claw-crazy cat or clumsy tendencies with a cup of coffee in the morning, they will see you through many a winter.
Handcrafted stoneware mugs will make that expensive coffee taste so much better. You can find independent potters at your local makers’ market. Go and support them. The ones I’ve chosen are available online and are simple yet stunning – they’re handcrafted in muted shades inspired by Nordic winter landscapes, like lavender, cool greys and offwhites.
Swoon have come up with this handcrafted 50% wool/50% bamboo rug in fading reds and pinks, while this wool throw from JJ Textiles with grey and pink accents will look lovely draped over a pale, neutral sofa. Loaf has some lovely bedlinen that’ll keep you toasty, and just so you know, linen is wonderful to sleep on if you’re not already a convert. If you’re looking for something really luxurious, check out Sara Miller’s range of bedlinen designed for John Lewis. I love her bird designs; you can also buy crockery and stationery in the same prints, and really go to town.
Go for a neutral, elegant floor lamp – also by John Lewis – and consider chairs that cuddle. Seriously. These gorgeous cream boucle chairs are sold as a pair by Cox & Cox and they would look fabulous set against a walnut table. Finally, it’s all about the sofa – and this sage green velvet number from Rockett St George ticks all the boxes: not only does it look fabulous, it’s foam-free and made in Great Britain from recycled and super-sustainable materials. Hoorah!
Mugs £30 each madebyhandonline.com
Sage green bedlinen £45 loaf.com
Green velvet sofa £1895 rockettstgeorge.com
Sara Miller bedlinen £11 johnlewis.com
When it comes to redecorating the home, it may be difficult to find inspiration. This can be especially daunting when it comes to the spare room.
Perhaps you have just moved in and need to fill an empty space, or your children have left home? Perhaps you’ve found that there’s that one room which collects a multitude of items and could do with, or a helping hand to achieve its full potential?
Premium fitted furniture brand, Neville Johnson has shared its inspiration for spare room renovations. From bespoke walk-in wardrobes to tranquil, luxury vinyl rooms, there are many innovative options to transform a once drab space into one that gives envious wow-factor.
The over bed built-in storage completely maximises space for both guests and your own belongings. An integrated vanity unit makes the perfect area to enjoy getting ready in the morning, with the fitted wardrobe nearby for optimised storage.
design to your own taste. The calming Dewberry shade embodies the tranquil atmosphere that a vinyl room forms, paired with an Oxford Oak finish that completes the element of luxury.
A bespoke walk-in wardrobe is any fashion lover’s idea of heaven. For those who have a large amount of clothing and accessories, a walk-in storage solution is the most practical option. Fitted furniture will transform an empty room into a luxurious personal dressing space that perfectly displays your most treasured pieces.
Floor-to-ceiling shelving maximises the height of the room and provides optimal storage for folded items, bags, and shoes. Hanging rails ensure longer clothing such as jackets and dresses will not become creased, and concealed draw storage allows space for neatly organised accessories and smaller pieces.
For those who enjoy accommodating overnight guests but struggle with the knowledge that the spare room could be maximised further, fitted furniture allows you to create a modern room that ensures the most comfortable stay. Neville Johnson’s contemporary bedroom painted in its unique colour, Willow, for example, can be tailored to all shapes and sizes of room.
Fitted furniture can be configured to the most awkward of spare room spaces, even within the loft. This may be difficult to visualise when there are awkward corners and sloping ceilings however, the task can be simple. The furniture is designed to fit the exact measurements of any room, making it completely bespoke.
A modern loft home office is ideal if you work from home and need a personal and organised space. The wall-to-wall storage instalment creates a mass amount of space. Doored cabinets tuck away electrical and larger items, while open shelving allows for decorative pieces. The free-standing workspace completes the room, providing a productive work environment.
Nothing says luxury like a tranquil bespoke vinyl record room, perfect for music enthusiasts who need extra space for their collection. A personalised space to relax and unwind is the ideal makeover and wall-to-wall storage allows you to display your most treasured records and gives easy access. Closed cabinets conceal technology, meaning the space can remain clutter free.
Neville Johnson has a vast range of colours and finishes to tailor the
Senior Designer at Neville Johnson, Simon Tcherniak, said: “When it comes to the spare room, you can create so much more than just a basic guest space. Fitted bespoke furniture is the most effective way to transform a room. It allows you to create something that completely fits the space, your needs and your aesthetic."
With over 35 years’ experience in designing premium fitted furniture, Neville Johnson is the market leader in bespoke home renovations. Offering free design visits and free design brochures, the brand’s furniture renovations combine the flair of the UK’s top designers with the timehonoured skills of traditional craftsmen, all brought together with your personal selection of materials, colours, and finishes.
nevillejohnson.co.uk
As the UK government announces a new wave of stamp duty tax breaks, property maintenance solution provider, Help me Fix, has revealed what home improvements buyers can now afford to make to their new properties using the money they’re set to save.
Last week, the UK government announced the most significant tax cuts the nation has seen in 50 years. At the centre of these cuts is stamp duty. Moving forward, SDLT will only be payable on property purchases above £250,000, while first-time buyers will only pay tax on purchases starting at £425,000. This move will save the average homebuyer £2,500, while first-time buyers stand to save up to £8,750.
Such savings will allow for significant improvements to their new homesimprovements that will not only add value to the property, but also reduce energy costs during the current cost of living crisis and with winter knocking at the door.
With the average homebuyer saving £2,500, they can install a brand new home security system and burglar alarm at a cost
of £525. They can then double down on security by changing the door locks - always a smart idea when moving into a new home - for an average cost of £325.
New homeowners can also use their stamp duty savings to pay for a professional painter and decorator to revitalise the home at a cost of around £400/room and also pay for a full deep clean of the property for around £140.
With more money still left over, owners can install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the home for a cost of £125, before turning their attention to the home’s exterior and paying for the guttering to be cleaned for about £100.
For owners who would rather use their stamp duty savings to add something fun and glamorous to their new home, a hot tub is a popular option and, at a cost of £1,119, still leaves plenty of change left over for additional improvements to be made.
With an eye on energy efficiency in this current cost of living crisis, owners can also pay around £90 for a fully-certified
STAMP DUTY CHANGES WILL SAVE THE AVERAGE HOMEBUYER £2,500, WHILE FIRST-TIME BUYERS STAND TO SAVE UP TO £8,750.
boiler service. Alternatively, they can use the £2,500 to cover the vast majority of the cost of installing a brand new boiler which averages around £3,000.
For first-time buyers, the stamp duty saving is significantly higher at an average of £8,750. With this sort of money, first-timers can do all of the previously mentioned improvements and still be left with a healthy chunk of change.
Alternatively, they could go all out and buy a summer house or garden office. Starting at a cost of £7,674, this would bring an entirely new dimension to the property’s outdoor space by adding a brand new, fully functional area to the home.
Not only will this improve their quality of life in the home, it can also add value to the property when they come to sell it.
helpmefix.io
Central Living in Oxford has established itself as the go to shop for design-led interiors. Bringing you the very best in iconic, designled furniture, lighting and home accessories. From design classics and future proof furniture to the very latest trends and innovative designs.
Here are its top 6 tips for making your home into a thing of beauty.
Each room should have a focal point. This would often be a fireplace, but it could also be a large painting or mirror. In a bedroom it could be a beautiful headboard. Get creative, what is your focal point?
Go larger than you think. Think statement pieces, large headboards and sofas, big rugs that fill the floor, large lamps to create an impact. Balance this with smaller accessories to create harmony.
Don't make the mistake of buying something that doesn't fit. Lay newspaper down first to the scale of the sofa, table or cabinet you want to buy and make sure the scale and size is going to work.
Contrasts create a room that feels complete and balanced. Don't go for all the same materials and fabrics, add contrasts, hard and soft, glossy and matt, smooth and rough. Use this same principle when you're thinking about height and scale too, it will add real interest to your room.
Be inspired by trends, but don't follow trends. Buy pieces you will love forever. Use a colour palette that brings you joy. Don't worry about what the neighbours will think, this is your home, so make it your own.
The finishing touches really do turn a house into a home. Pick out colours that have been used in the room and add vases, cushions, throws, plants and paintings. Have fun styling them and creating little vignettes.
Established in 1997, Central Living is a small independent store based in Oxford that is passionate about design. We have curated a selection of the very best in iconic, design-led furniture, lighting and home accessories from some of our favourite brands. From design classics and future proof furniture, to of the moment trends and innovative designs.
Wigwam tip. Central Living is opposite Pierre Victoire in Little Clarendon St, so combine design shopping with food at Oxford's favourite French brasserie!
centralliving.co.uk
The Big Dog Art Trail, running from 15 July to 3 September 2023, will create a free walking trail through some of Swindon’s historic parks, landmarks and streets and will shine a light on art and culture in the heart of the town.
More than 30 fibreglass sculptures the ‘Swindogs’ will be set up around the town with a host of local and national businesses sponsoring their own balloon dog, with all proceeds going to the children’s hospice Julia’s House.
As part of the Big Dog Art Trail the Swindon Advertiser is tasking children of all ages to submit their colourful ideas for what the paper’s own balloon dog should look like.
The ‘Design a Swindog’ competition gives children the opportunity to submit their design and be in the running to see their art come to life on a supersized sculpture at next summer’s trail.
To enter, children just need to design and colour in templates and then ask their adult to complete all the contact information. The designs can be submitted by post or by email before Tuesday 6th December.
Advertiser editor, Daniel Chipperfield, says, “This is a hugely exciting part of the trail, with children being able to use their imagination and see their own Swindog become a reality. Seeing children’s creativity coming to the fore is a big part of what the trail is all about, highlighting the town’s culture and artistic side.”
“I can’t wait to see what will be dreamt up, and I am dreading having to pick a winner. The only advice I have for those looking to enter is to just have fun doing it!”
Children can download the PDF and the balloon dog templates by going to www.bigdogarttrail.co.uk.
As for local businesses, Imagine Cruising have put their paws up to be the headline sponsor for The Big Dog Art Trail.
The award-winning travel agency, based in Royal Wootton Bassett, was the first company to sponsor one of the 30 supersized balloon dog sculptures.
As the official Community Partner for the Big Dog Art Trail, Imagine Cruising will help to deliver the trail to the communities of Swindon, bringing people together to enjoy this unique event.
Robin Deller, Imagine Cruising’s CEO, says, “Imagine Cruising are delighted to be the Community Partner for The Big Dog Art Trail and to support this new and exciting community initiative in Swindon. It is vital that we do all we can to raise awareness about Julia’s House children’s hospice charity and we’re thrilled to be doing so in such a fun and engaging way that brings art and culture to the heart of Swindon. We will be sponsoring not one but two of the Swindogs and can’t wait to see them on the trail.”
Imagine Cruising has supported Julia’s House for the past six years, reaching a fantastic fundraising milestone of £100,000 for the children’s hospice charity earlier this year. The team are fully invested in raising funds and awareness – from sponsoring and helping to design the multi-sensory room at the hospice, to completing walk and cycle rides, and even inviting some of the Julia’s House parents to attend their events such as a gala dinner at Kensington Palace.
“We are continually humbled by the care and support that Julia’s House provides to local children and their families,” said Robin. “Their tireless work provides hope and a little happiness for families in unthinkable situations and we are so very proud to sponsor them.”
Nationwide Building Society and Intel have also joined The Big Dog Art Trail pack. They’re the latest companies to put their paws up to sponsor a Swindog and be part of the big event in Swindon in 2023.
Jack Watling, Social Investment Marketing Consultant for Nationwide, said, “We’re really excited to be sponsoring The Big Dog Art Trail. Julia’s House do such wonderful work in our community and it’s great to have the opportunity to support them. We’re looking forward to proudly displaying our dog at Oakfield, our development of 239 new eco-friendly homes on Marlowe Avenue in Swindon.”
Darren Howell, Intel UK Community Engagement Manager, said, “The project is a fantastic way to engage our local community and beyond, as participants explore the various locations these sculptures will reside. In addition to the social engagement, the Trail will also help raise funds to support the vital work which the Julia’s House children’s hospice charity provides to families every day.”
Jazzbones Creative are also an official partner and have been supporting The Big Dog Art trail with branding and design.
Don’t let your company miss out on the big community event in Swindon in 2023. Scamper over to The Big Dog Art Trail website to find out how to sponsor a Swindog and be part of this exciting art trail project, bigdogarttrail.co.uk/sponsors
Winter is here and there’s a festive necessity we must not forget. Come December, we’ll all be wearing novelty knits and lots of sequins. But what about the most important attire? Yes, pyjamas! We can’t forget PJs for those cosy nights in, when we’re sat by a roaring fire, eating mince pies and watching Home Alone.
And we have recently reopened our virtual doors for the festive season, so that you can get ahead of the game, and shop matching pyjamas for the whole family (including pets)! We’ve got checks, prints, fun slogans and a luxury 100% cotton range (which can be personalised too)!
We believe that Christmas is the most magical time of year. Bringing families together, it's a season that creates memories and a time for giving. Christmas to us is eating too much turkey, watching grandad fall asleep in his armchair, savouring moments with each other and of course opening presents around the Christmas tree!
If you’re lucky, it’ll be a cold winter’s night with a sprinkling of snow, and what would be more comforting than a pair of soft pyjamas to snuggle in to?
That’s why we’re bringing you a selection of pyjamas to your door, making those moments extra special this Christmas. Have matching sets with all the family and share a photo, or just simply treat yourself. It really is the most wonderful time of the year after all.
It was August 2018, and I was living in Sydney after taking a couple of years out to see the world. I had planned to go back home to the UK for Christmas and my brother (who lives in Melbourne) was coming home too, and we were all so excited. I remember I was on the phone to my mum and said ‘We should all get matching pyjamas!'. But the problem was I didn’t know where I could get them from! And, that’s when My Christmas Pyjamas was born.
I worked day and night trying to find patterns and prints that I loved, and soon became obsessed with the idea of the whole family in matching pyjamas at the most magical time of the year!
I love Christmas and always have, so this was the perfect business for me. Six weeks later, we went live! The following year, I brought out my ‘Special Edition’ range which included pets, as I wanted to get our furry friends included in the Christmas fun... They are part of the family too, right?
More recently, you may have seen me on primetime BBC show, The Apprentice! And, if you followed my journey, you will know
that I made it to the final, after battling my way through 12 tough weeks of challenges to become Lord Sugar's business partner.
Unfortunately, I didn't win Lord Sugar's investment, however I still launched our sister company, Pyjamily.
I absolutely love what I do, and I put my heart and soul into this company to bring my customers the best Christmas jammies that I can. Every order that comes through really means the world to me and I still do a little happy dance (yes, that really is a thing for small businesses)!
www.mychristmaspyjamas.co.uk
Oink Gallery in Old Town, Swindon is showing the latest artworks by JeanLuc Almond, a potent mix between Frank Auerbach and Swindon’s most celebrated painter, Antony Micallef.
His heavily layered oil paintings play with the memory of lost times, the tension between light and dark and the materiality and texture of paint itself.
Jean-Luc’s highly textured oil paintings have a tangible, sculptural quality. Embracing the transformations that occur when not enslaved to the subject matter, he becomes obsessed with the materiality and texture of the paint itself. A tension forms within the thick surfaces as paint takes precedence over representation, and a deeper psychological and emotional presence is unearthed.
He meticulously constructs a portrait using multiple layers of oil before masking, erasing, and blurring features through bold impasto marks, scratching, and peeling.
Traces of its history are exposed – an apparition or fading memory of what’s beneath. Jean-Luc’s Dark Head paintings play with light and darkness. Ambiguous subjects emerge from – or disappear into – the shadows, hints of concealed features are illuminated, and the viewer is enticed to search deeper.
Among Jean-Luc’s influences is Victorian photography. His paintings are constructed through the processes of creation and destruction, damage and repair.
www.oinkgallery.co.uk
Whether it’s checking in on elderly members of the community, donating to a food bank, or simply picking up rubbish around your local area, our actions can make a big difference in creating a thriving community spirit in our neighbourhoods.
With 36 per cent of homeowners expressing they feel ‘worthwhile’ when they do something that benefits the community, and almost half (48%) of homeowners revealing they have made good friends with their neighbours through shared values, creating a community with a high level of engagement is essential for a happier neighbourhood.
Here are five ways you can become a model citizen in your neighbourhood.
What might seem a small chore for younger members of the community, such as taking out the bins or cutting hedges back, can be a big challenge for older people who may be less mobile. Checking in on elderly neighbours to see if they need help around their home or garden is a great way to help your local community, while also forming lasting friendships with neighbours who live nearby. A casual chat, smile or wave, when passing by can mean a lot to an older neighbour, whose children may have moved away or who may be living alone.
One of the best ways to make new friends or grow your existing relationships with nearby neighbours, is to commit to a shared activity together. From assisting at a local school to setting up a grassroots football club, volunteering can take many forms and is a great way to make new friends –especially if you are new to the area.
Ensuring your finished items end up in the correct bin, depending on if it’s recyclable or not, is a quick and easy way to create a better environment and help in the fight against the climate crisis. Picking up rubbish and litter can also have a big difference on your neighbourhood as well as protecting local wildlife.
From corner shops and newsagents, to florists, cafés, pubs and hairdressers, locally owned, independent shops are at the heart of every community. While big supermarkets can be great for doing a big shop, local stores often source their goods locally which helps to reduce their carbon footprint – perfect for those smaller items you may have forgotten. By choosing to visit your local independent, rather than travel to a supermarket or retail park, you are also more likely to walk or cycle than take
the car – therefore reducing traffic which in turn, helps to reduce air pollution.
Donating to any cause, big or small, means you are making a difference – which can be a huge mood-booster. Knowing your act of kindness is helping someone less fortunate is hugely empowering and can make you feel happier and more fulfilled. Whether it’s for a cause close to your heart from a personal experience, donating towards a charity you have long admired or simply donating something to someone you know needs support, your donation will make a real difference.
At Redrow we don’t just build high-quality, beautiful homes, we also strive to deliver a better way of living for our customers, and that means thinking about the whole community.
The final phase of the highly sought-after development Badbury Park in Swindon has now been released.
redrow.co.uk
Homeowners can add value and help achieve a quick sale of their property simply by giving a few rooms a little extra love. Experts have shared four areas of the home which should be focused on before putting a home on the market.
Renovation work, whether DIY or contractual, can be expensive and it is important to focus on areas which may add the highest value to a home when looking to sell.
A spokesperson for LOVESPACE said: “You can attract more buyers and potentially sell your house for a higher price if you make some improvements to your property before putting it on the market."
The experts explained: “The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home and it’s the first focus for many house hunters. If a whole makeover is out of budget for you, then you might want to consider re-tiling, replacing the counters, purchasing new appliances or updating the lighting.”
If your kitchen is small and compact, it could be worth opening up some space by removing cabinets and replacing them with open shelving.
According to the experts, this will
automatically make the kitchen more modern and spacious.
It is important to make a bathroom look fresh and clean because it is often a room in the home many want to replace.
LOVESPACE experts said: “Remodelling a bathroom can be expensive, but a few minor updates can really spruce it up. You can add a fresh lick of paint to the walls, replace the worn-down cabinets, change the shower or replace the shower curtain with a glass screen.”
The living room is a place where families and couples spend the most time together, so it is important to make it look cosy and inviting. This can be done through staging when potential buyers come to view the property."
The experts added: “A fresh coat in a light, natural colour palette can revitalise an outdated space and make it seem bigger and brighter."
“Make sure to declutter the living room before images are taken of your space or ahead of any house viewings. LOVESPACE offers storage solutions for people hoping to declutter their home."
“Storage with collection and delivery service for as little as one box can help to remove objects that you don’t want to be seen during house viewings or to help make the most of your space.”
When making any changes to a home, it is important to consider which rooms or areas of the property buyers will see first.
First impressions are extremely important and many people will make up their mind about a home within the first minute of being inside it.
The experts said: “Many people overlook their hallway as they consider it to be a walk-through area rather than a room, however there’s a lot of simple ways to revamp it."
“Make sure you have a coat stand or pegs and a shoe rack, so the hallway doesn’t look messy with piles of clothes and shoes. You should also make sure that the flooring is in good condition, as this is the most high-traffic area of the house."
"If replacing flooring is out of your budget, then you may want to invest in a nice rug.”
lovespace.co.uk
Our answer, that it takes three months on average, will often disappoint. The whole process of moving usually takes longer than people anticipate, but there are ways to help speed it up.
If you were on the property ladder in the early Noughties, you may remember the Home Information Pack (HIP), also known as a Seller’s Pack. Before a property could be marketed, sellers were obliged to compile a HIP to be made available to prospective buyers. The HIP contained useful information, such as local authority searches, title documents and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
HIPS were scrapped in 2010 (although the requirement for an ECP remains), partly because they were unpopular with sellers (who had to fund them) and some even believed they deterred people from marketing their homes.
However, going back to the question of “why does it take so long to buy a house”, having that information to hand certainly helped move the process along, because some of the many questions buyers asked had been answered within the HIP.
This is why back in February, the Government suggested it might reintroduce some form of HIP. The then Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, also said a new-look HIP could help prevent sales falling through. However, what a new version will look like, and when (and if) it will be introduced is unclear. There are increasing moves to have a digital-style pack, but time will tell if this is adopted.
In the meantime, without the use of a Home Information Pack, there is much that sellers can do to help move the conveyancing process along.
First, think about what has changed with the property since you moved in. Have you extended? Have you changed the boiler? Have you fitted new windows? Then gather together all the paperwork and documentation relating to this. For example, in the case of building work you’ll need evidence that this was signed off by building control.
What were the questions you wanted answers for, when you moved in? Again, compile any information that helps answer these questions.
Make sure you engage the services of a conveyancing lawyer early on in the process; don’t wait until an offer has been accepted on a property. That’s one simple way of avoiding delays.
Finally, be transparent about your property and share information with your conveyancing lawyer. This will speed up the transfer of information between each side’s legal team.
Ultimately, however, the process is the process; it involves a lot of paperwork, and it’s important to get it right. After all, it’s probably the most expensive and most important purchase you will ever make.
If you are buying or selling a property and need legal advice, the conveyancing team at Optimum Professional Services are happy to help, so please get in touch.
Tara Screen Chartered Legal Executive tscreen@optps.co.uk
Gleed Conveyancing Executive kgleed@optps.co.uk
As conveyancers, the most common question we are asked by house buyers and sellers is “how long will the process take?”Karen
Choosing the right type of mortgage can be time consuming but it is time well spent, not only can you potentially save yourself thousands of pounds, but buying a home is likely to be the largest purchase you will ever make, so it is essential to be aware of all your options.
There are two decisions that need to be made early on.
Whether you want an interest only or a repayment mortgage? What type of mortgage will suit you best?
With an interest only mortgage you only pay the interest on the sum borrowed which means that at the end of the mortgage term the amount that you initially borrowed will still be outstanding.
With a repayment mortgage each month you pay not only the interest but also a proportion of the loan amount initially borrowed. As you will be paying off both capital and interest the monthly instalments will be higher than with an interest only mortgage, but you will be reducing the amount of your indebtedness as each month goes by.
What type of mortgage will suit you best?
Even in today’s changing financial climate there are still many different types of mortgages on the market, which one is right for you will very much depend upon your own individual circumstances.
But let’s look at the several main types of mortgage products:
With this type of mortgage the interest you pay is linked to the lender's Standard Base Rate which will move up and down with changes in the Bank of England Base Rate.
The interest rate will be set at a fixed percentage for a certain time period. The advantage is that you will have the certainty of knowing how much you will need to pay each month.
With these mortgages you will know that your monthly instalments will not go above a set figure within the fixed period. Below the capped figure however, the interest rate can vary.
You will have an interest rate which is discounted below the lender’s Standard Variable Rate for a fixed period.
The interest rate on a tracker mortgage tracks the Bank of England Base Rate which may be different to the Standard Variable Rate set by the lender.
With this type of mortgage, you can offset your savings against the mortgage loan amount. This will mean that you won’t receive any interest on your savings, but you will pay less interest on your mortgage.
A few other things to look out for are:
With many fixed rate, discounted or capped mortgages you may be required to pay an Early Redemption Penalty if you repay your mortgage within the first few years.
Some lenders will give you a lump sum payment when your mortgage starts which can be helpful when you are moving home.
Interest can be worked out on a yearly, monthly or daily basis. Daily interest is usually better because you will pay less interest overall as each payment you make reduces the balance on which the next interest instalment is calculated.
Three key tips to consider:
Do your research and compare the best mortgage deals before you sign yourself up and be very clear on what sort of mortgage meets your needs.
Make sure you know what you can afford and consider what your repayments would be if/when interest rates change. There are a variety of online mortgage calculators that can provide you with this information.
Speak to more than one provider or speak to a mortgage broker. Ideally an independent broker who can search the whole market for you, rather than being restricted to a certain number of lenders.
Moving home is an exciting and positive time, but it can also be a bit of a rollercoaster ride! Our Conveyancing team in Swindon are here to make your experience of moving home as straightforward, stress-free and easy as possible.
Why not pop in and see one of our friendly and experienced conveyancers today at 2 Gateway North, Latham Road, Swindon SN25 4DL and let’s get moving!
Matthew Brewer, Associate, Conveyancing Team Leader
T: 01793 384140
E: movinghome@awdrys.co.uk
First impressions are absolutely crucial when it comes to selling a home. It’s very likely that a buyer will fall in love with your home (or not) as they approach it for a viewing.
As a result, the look and feel of the outside of your house –known as its ‘kerb appeal’ – will be one of the most important parts of your sales pitch.
Buyers will imagine themselves living in the community, the street and in your home itself as they approach.
If they see a scruffy exterior – an unmaintained garden, a rubbish-strewn driveway, a front door that’s seen better days, clogged gutters or broken drains – they are likely to be immediately put off. It might ruin the rest of the viewing for them.
The exterior of your home must wow and impress buyers, not turn them away. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take over a weekend to improve your home’s kerb appeal.
If you have a front garden, freshen it up by mowing the lawn, planting some new flowers, installing some bright hanging baskets and generally making sure everything is in tip-top condition.
Equally, if you have a hedge or borders to your front garden, make sure these have been trimmed, treated and well-looked after.
The same should be the case for your driveway. Clear any debris – leaves and litter – away and give the driveway a jet wash if it’s looking a little tired.
If you have a front porch, you may want to decorate it to make it a welcoming space for buyers as they enter your home. Mats, rugs, a coat-rail, a shoe cupboard and lamps can all work well in this space. Make sure it’s tidy and attractive.
If your front door is looking a tad weather-beaten, give it a fresh lick of paint to ensure it welcomes buyers in.
Windows in good condition are also important. The cost of repairing and redecorating wooden windows that have not been touched for a decade would be between £1,000 and £2,000.
For upstairs windows, scaffolding may be required instead of a ladder and, if so, it typically costs £400 a day to rent.
If your windows are looking jaded and worn, potential buyers might be calculating how much it would cost to fix them.
Making the boundary lines attractive also helps kerb appeal. Where your property starts and ends will be a key question in a buyer’s mind.
So make the boundaries obvious and attractive. Give wooden fences and gates a new coat of varnish, re-paint metalwork and make sure all gates function properly. Trim hedges neatly and prune any planting next to doors and pathways.
As for eye sores, wheelie bins are never a good look, so consider investing in a wooden screen to ‘hide’ them.
Remember, if you’re hosting viewings at night, to ensure that the front of your property is well-lit and inviting – making for a bright, safe and welcoming entrance for those coming to view your home.
As for the doorbell, is it working? Is it worth replacing? Make sure your doorbell doesn’t sound the wrong note.
With plenty of reasonably priced, wire-free options available, a good doorbell will make a nice addition to your front door.
Some bells even come with video cameras or an intercom for added security. A good one will add to the impression that your home is loved and the area is sociable.
If you need some ideas on how to spruce up the front of your home and improve your kerb appeal, we are more than happy to help. We are experienced in selling homes in Swindon and beyond and are on hand to provide you with any advice you need – just contact us at Home Finders with any queries you may have.
THE AVERAGE COST OF MAKING A HOME IMPROVEMENT MISTAKE IN THE UK IS JUST UNDER £4,000.
When it comes to buying DIY tools, you can pay for anything from wildly expensive premium equipment to basement price budget options. While doing the former is rarely necessary, doing the latter is never a good decision. The cheapest gear is likely to break or complete the job to a poor standard which often means you have to do it all over again. Go for mid-range products when and where you can.
Spur of the moment DIY is common. But lack of planning is a fast-track to DIY nightmares. If, for example, you’re hanging pictures but fail to check exactly what’s happening behind the wall you’re hanging on, you can easily end up driving a screw into a water pipe or the electrics. The result can be a disaster.
Even simple tasks tend to cost more than you first expect. When you pay a tradesperson to complete a job, they bring all of the necessary tools with them. With DIY, you have to buy the tools for yourself and specialist equipment can be pricier than you think. Make sure your tools costs don’t end up costing you more than it would to hire a professional.
Whether it’s wallpaper, wooden flooring, or
carpet, accurate measurement is essential. If you get it wrong and cut too short, you can end up wasting a lot of expensive materials. The best thing to do is always cut too long to give yourself a buffer - you can easily trim things to fit, but you can’t extend them.
It’s important to know and accept your DIY limitations. Don’t take too much on if you don’t have solid experience. You might be able to put a shelf up perfectly, but that doesn’t mean you can tile a bathroom or lay a hardwood floor. Be honest with yourself and if something feels a little bit above your skill set, get a quality tradesperson in to do the job properly. It could end up saving you buckets of cash.
Painting a wall should be easy, but if you don’t make the effort to properly protect surfaces, it can end up costing you a fortune. For example, painting a skirting board without laying down some kind of carpet protection can result in a stained carpet that can’t be cleaned - the price of a full carpet replacement is too much to pay for simply wanting to paint a wall.
Putting up new shelves is, or at least should be, one of the more straightforward DIY tasks a homeowner can do. Perhaps this perceived simplicity is what leads some folks to get lazy and attempt to gauge the level
of the shelf by eye rather than using a spirit level. More often than not, you’re left with a sloping shelf and ugly looking holes in the wall when you eventually straighten it.
Ettan Bazil, CEO and Founder of Help me Fix said:
“Some people take on DIY projects for fun - it’s a hobby they enjoy doing - while others do it to try and reduce costs which has become increasingly more common with the spiralling cost of living. Either way, you’ve got to be smart and savvy if you want to avoid spending more money than you need or want to."
"Bad DIY often leads to unsightly flaws dotted around the house, be it a series of wonky shelves, a loose and ragged carpet, or even cracks and holes in the wall. In many cases, this leads to the hiring of professional help to rectify these issues, costing you far more than you may have anticipated."
"Don’t overstretch yourself, don’t rush, and don’t forget to do research and planning. If there’s even the smallest chance you could end up costing yourself an arm and leg, get the professionals in.”
helpmefix.ioA team from Optimum Professional Services has boosted the funds of their favourite charity by stepping out for a half marathon.
A group of ten walked or – in two cases –ran a 13.5 mile route along the Ridgeway Trail, from Liddington to Avebury, in aid of Youth Adventure Trust, which supports vulnerable young people throughout Swindon and Wiltshire.
This is the second consecutive year Optimum have supported the charity, and altogether they have so far raised in excess of £4,000 – the half marathon alone should bring in around £1,000.
Optimum is based in Swindon, with an office in Cheltenham, and specialises in providing accountancy and legal services. It supports a charity every year, with a range of fundraising events.
The big-hearted team also helps other good causes, including Swindon Food Collective and Red Nose Day.
Taking part from Optimum were directors Michael Blaken, Tracey Heath and Rob Stokes, along with Liz Grange, Clair Stenning, Claire Presdee and Tracey Alexander. Also joining in were the partners of some of the participants: Colin King, Julian Presdee and Gary Alexander.
“We were blessed with very good weather, which made the event all the more pleasurable,” said Tracey Heath, Operations Director. “We are really enjoying supporting Youth Adventure Trust, which does such a great job in helping vulnerable young people to unlock their potential and lead positive lives in the future.”
Fundraising is still going on for the half marathon. To make a donation to the team, visit youthadventuretrust.enthuse.com/cf/ optimum-half-marathon-2022.
optps.co.uk youthadventuretrust.org.uk
Is it that time of year already? The answer is yes, Christmas is just around the corner and it's time to start planning. Swindon has a vibrant entertainment scene and as you would expect, punters are spoiled for choice during the festive season.
Here are just a few of the highlights.
From November 19th through to January Ist head over to Avebury Manor, managed by the National Trust, where each room is dressed to reflect a part of The Nutcracker story. Join Clara and her Prince as they journey through magical realms including the enchanted forest, the waltz of the snowflakes and the lemonade canal.
Roves Farm has plenty going on for children this Christmas, but something for the adults caught our eye. On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November there is a Christmas Craft & Food Fair with lots of potential Christmas gifts on sale and festive food tastings: pigs in blankets, turkey, stuffing, beef, nut roast, minced pies, Christmas cake, mulled apple juice.
Children love a grotto and love a train ride, so why not combine the two at Swindon and Cricklade Railway this Christmas? The Whistle Stop cafe and shop will be open for snacks and gifts.
Kidz About is Swindon's biggest and boldest chidren's adventure playground and they will be holding a special Santa's Workshop this year. Sparkle the Elf will lead you through a winter wonderland for your private family visit to Santa where he will interact from a safe distance, knowing your child’s name, age and exactly what they want for Christmas. You can look on as your little ones face lights up with joy, Santa REALLY IS REAL!
STEAM Museum know how to put on a party and its Christmas Extravaganza features plenty of sparkles as you step into a wonderland of over 50 Christmas market stalls set amidst STEAM’s awardwinning museum displays and iconic GWR locomotives. Santa will be on hand to tell stories plus there is live music throughout the day on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December.
Christmas by Candlelight at MECA on December 15th celebrates this magical season the only way we know how – with singing. The Cast of Stage Struck and MECA have joined together to bring you an unmissable evening of some of the best loved Christmas Songs, and a sing-along section to get you in the festive spirit.
And here's one for all the ladies in the house, Magnificent Bublé, featuring James Billington and his fabulous big band throwing a traditional Bublé style Christmas
party on December 16th at MECA. The show includes a selection of Bublé’s own work including Home, Haven’t Met You Yet, Nobody But Me, Everything, Hollywood and It’s A Beautiful Day as well as some of the finest tunes that he has recreated such as Cry Me A River, Me And Mrs Jones, Sway and Moondance.
Good things come in threes at MECA this Christmas, as on December 18th the sounds of big band and swing are coming to the Swindon venue, with live music, DJs and a vintage store.
Of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without panto at the Wyvern Theatre, this year's big event being Beauty and the Beast. Make memories this Christmas with this fun-filled, family friendly fairytale which has all the ingredients for a truly memorable pantomime - hilarious slapstick, plenty of audience interaction and marvellous musical numbers that you will be singing for days afterwards.
TV Personality and star of ITV’s The Chase, Anne Hegerty, joins Beauty and the Beast as Fairy Flutterby alongside comedy impressionist Paul Burling and Swindon’s favourite dame, David Ashley as Dame Fifi.
For more detailed information on all the above, head to Visit Swindon's What's On Page visitswindon.org.uk/events.
Swindon and Cricklade Railway
26th November - 18th December 2022
Travel in pre-booked train to your personal meet and greet with Santa in his grotto, capture all the precious memories with photos. Whistle Shop cafe and shop open. FREE Parking. Book early to avoid disappointment. swindon-cricklade-railway.org
Kidz About, The Spectrum Building 27th November - 24th December 2022
Come and meet Santa and his mischievous elves at Kidz About this Christmas! Santa’s Workshop is back, and it’s going to be magical from the moment that you arrive. Every child that visits will receive their own Christmas kit bursting with activities that you can do together! kidzabout.com
STEAM Museum 3rd - 4th December 2022
Following last year’s sell-out event, we are delighted to announce that our Christmas extravaganza is returning! Enjoy plenty of sparkles as you step into a wonderland of over 50 Christmas market stalls set amidst STEAM’s awardwinning museum displays and iconic GWR locomotives.
steam-museum.org.uk
MECA, Regent Circus 16th December 2022
Magnificent Bublé, featuring James Billington and his fabulous big band throwing a traditional Bublé style Christmas party. Some of the country’s top musicians celebrate the music, the arrangements and the tours that the man himself has made so successful.
mecaswindon.co.uk
Find out more about what's on in Swindon at visitswindon.org.uk/events
The detached 4 bedroom Shaftesbury is Redrow's Home of the Week at Badbury Park, the stylish development next to Coate Water Country Park.
The detached four bedroom Shaftesbury is incredibly spacious, creating a haven from the stresses of modern life, and as the home of the week, this excellent home comes full of upgrades and extras.
Designed around the dynamics of modern family living, The Shaftesbury is the epitome of Redrow's prized Heritage Collection. The beautiful exteriors embody the architecture of the Arts and Crafts movement, while the interiors exude contemporary style.
An expansive kitchen/dining/living area is perfect for spending time together with the
family, while a separate lounge of similar size provides an idyllic place to unwind. All four bedrooms are generously sized, and the main bedroom boasts an en-suite for increased convenience and luxury.
All of the modern conveniences and appliances that you could wish for are also fitted as standard in The Shaftesbury, helping you to effortlessly enjoy your time in your charming new home.
From £499,995 to £510,000. redrow.co.uk
LOVELY DETACHED HOME NEXT TO COATE WATER, FROM £499,995 TO £510,000.
