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‘The Shuffle is one of the town’s biggest success stories - so why aren’t Swindon’s leaders, to mix a metaphor, singing its praises from the rooftops?’

By Jamie Hill

IT was a back of a fag packet stuff.

The Shuffle is Swindon’s biggest and best showcase of local and regional musical talent, and was conceived by a group of independent music promoters back in 2007.

Like all great stories, it began in a pub, sketched out on the back of a cigarette packet - the idea was simple and was inspired by already established city centre music festivals like the Camden Crawl, The Great Escape and the Oxford Punt; the crowd was to “Shuffle” between a couple of music venues on one particular night to watch a variety of acts performing.​

This quickly expanded before the first event had been run, to be a four-day event where the audience “Shuffle” around venues, giving the event its now familiar name.

In the following years venues and organisers have come and gone, supported charities have changed and the music and musicians involved has been an ever-fluid story. What has remained constant, however, is the overall ethos and aim of the event; to bring together the community to showcase a thriving local music scene.

This year’s, which takes place from Monday 7 to Sunday 13 September, is the 20th Swindon Shuffle and it’s still going as strong as ever.

And to celebrate such a milestone, this year’s is a week long event starting on Monday (7 September) with a Shuffle music quiz at The Beehive, jazz at The Royal Oak on Newport Street on the Tuesday, musical folkiness at The Pulpit on the Wednesday before getting down and dirty with The Shuffle proper from Thursday to Sunday at a variety of venues including The Victoria, The Castle, The Hop Inn and the aforementioned Pulpit and Beehive.

Over the years many artists have gone on from playing the Shuffle to make their mark on the wider national scene, including major acts like Stornaway, as well as Swindon’s own success stories like Gaz Brookfield, Beatbullyz and The Dead Lay Waiting. More recent years have seen this tradition continue with bands like Stay Lunar and All Ears Avow gaining wider recognition.

And it’s all free entry with money being raised for Prospect Hospice.

Essentially Old Town will be filled with the sound of music for the next seven days or so.

I have a confession to make. Although I’m not any more, I used to actually sit on the committee for this festival and I can’t begin to tell you how much hard work is put in by all the volunteers to make this work. No-one gets paid. Everyone’s got day jobs but they all come together because they’re passionate about the live music scene.

And that is why it always sticks in my craw when such a significant cultural event that has had such an impact on the town is ignored by the powers that be.

It’s as if live music and the talent that Swindon produces is deliberately given the cold shoulder as it doesn’t tick certain council boxes.

We’ve made a big song and dance about Swindon Culture Collective and its wish to change the perceptions of the town to let people know all the amazing things that are going on. All great stuff.

They managed to gain £1.2 million worth of arts funding from different sources and are even behind the bid to make Swindon a City of Culture.

But it seems that they are only interested in an ever-decreasing circle of certain ‘council-friendly’ organisations like Create Studios, Prime Theatre, Swindon Open Studios, Gel Studios, Swindon Museum and Art and Swindon Dance, all very worthy in themselves, but they seem to ignore one of the town’s biggest cultural assets - the music scene.

They rely on the same old faces rather than casting the net out wider to scoop up the hundreds of other organisations working tirelessly to bring culture to the town.

The Shuffle is one of the town’s biggest success stories - so why aren’t Swindon’s cultural leaders, to mix a metaphor, singing its praises from the rooftops?

This is something that has a proven track record and has had a significant impact on thousands of lives, changing people’s perceptions of the town, but it is wilfully ignored.

It probably doesn’t help that the culture collective only meets during the working days, immediately dismissing anyone, like the Swindon Shuffle committee, who actually have a day job and do it just for the love of it.

To give you an example, a couple of months back, and as part of the £1.2 million project to improve perception of the arts in the town, the Swindon Culture Collective launched a new website doswindon.co.uk

A really good looking website that promises to be a one-stop shop for anyone looking for cultural activities to get their teeth into.

But as of this morning, despite The Swindon Shuffle starting on Monday, there is no mention whatsoever of this significant cultural event.

In fact, there’s hardly any mention of any live music events on the website at all - despite venues like The Vic having fully updated listings on their website.

In fact, if you do a search on the website for Swindon Shuffle, it comes back empty.

From experience having run The Ocelot’s listings for years, I do know that keeping up with the town’s cultural events is hard work, but have they got no-one who is running the website actually doing the hard work of gathering the information to make it comprehensive? If they don’t what is the point? It’ll just the same old faces again and again and will do nothing to improve the town’s perception of culture.

It’s enough to make you despair.

Fortunately for Swindon Shuffle, they do get support from other quarters, with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) having announced a new two-year partnership ahead of this year’s festival.

Swindon-based UKRI, the UK’s national research and innovation funder, has been a long-standing supporter of the Shuffle, which is the town’s longest-running music festival and a celebration of local grassroots music.

As part of the partnership, UKRI will remain headline sponsor for the next two years, providing the Shuffle and its winter offshoot, Swinterfest, with support for the future.

The festivals raise money for their chosen charity, Prospect Hospice, and UKRI recently presented a cheque to Prospect for £10,000 raised at the 2025 Shuffle and 2026 Swinterfest.

UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Ian Chapman said: “As a Swindon-based employer, UKRI is proud to support Swindon Shuffle and Swinterfest.

“These events showcase the talent and creativity that exist across the town, bring communities together, and help sustain the venues that are such an important part of Swindon’s cultural life.

“They also raise vital funds for Prospect Hospice, whose staff and volunteers provide invaluable support to hundreds of thousands of people and families across the local area.”

Shuffle volunteer committee chair Ed Dyer said: “For UKRI to commit for the next 2 years is amazing.

“It means in our 20th year we will be able to help even more great, young Swindon artists get a chance to perform whilst keeping all our music events free and growing Swinterfest in the new year.”

Prospect Hospice CEO Jeremy Lune said: “It was great to be back at UKRI to receive the cheques from the fundraising for Prospect at the Shuffle and Swinterfest totalling over £10,000!

“It is wonderful news to hear that UKRI will be headline sponsor for another two years - it’s a pleasure to know a major local employer cares.

“The support for Prospect Hospice is heartwarming. I am certain that pretty much everyone who attended the festivals has known somebody who was cared for by my amazing colleagues, so I would like to thank them all for their generous donations.

“Every penny and pound that you gave has helped us in being able to open three more beds on our inpatient unit this year, at a time when 60 percent of adult hospices are cutting services.”

This year’s Shuffle features a wide range of acts ranging from Modern Evils to Concrete Prairie to I See Orange.

My personal recommendations would be The Lost Trades at The Pulpit on the Wednesday, Stay Lunar and Better Heaven at The Victoria on the Thursday, Submarine at The Castle and Modern Evils at The Victoria on the Friday, Subject A at The Beehive, Buswell at The Castle and Airflo at The Victoria on the Saturday and on the Sunday I would definitely catch the amazing Shudders at The Beehive.

It’s a very popular festival and should be the crown jewels in any mention of Swindon’s current cultural shenanigans and not wilfully ignored, so go and catch as many acts as possible and then shout about them as loudly as possible so that the cultural powers-that-be can no longer disregard such an event.

They should be knocking on the Shuffle organisers’ door constantly. Let’s hope if enough of us make some noise that might start being the case.

More information about Swindon Shuffle can be found at www.swindonshuffle.org.uk

The Ink News Briefing

Magic of the night sky to come alive in town centre - A new pop-up planetarium will being the magic of the night sky to Swindon's town centre this autumn. Starting in October and running throughout November, Planetarium Go UK will be offering a variety of immersive experiences at Wharf Green next to the former Tented Market.
Audiences of all ages will be able to explore the wonders of the universe inside a large spherical dome with a 360-degree screen. Full Story here

Man arrested following stabbing in Park North yesterday - Officers were called by the ambulance service to Dulverton Avenue just after 11.30am yesterday. A woman in her 30s had sustained a stab wound to her shoulder. She has been taken to hospital, and her injuries are not believed to be life changing or life threatening. Enquiries were carried out and a man has been arrested on suspicion of section 18 GBH and kidnap. He is currently in custody at Gablecross for questioning. Any witnesses should call 101 and quote log number 105 of 3 September. Full Story here

Children’s ideas inspire Greenmeadow bus shelter transformation - A formerly tired and graffiti-marked bus shelter at Swindon’s Greenmeadow shops has been transformed into a colourful celebration of Haydon Wick. The work was inspired by the imagination of local children and brought to life through a true community effort.
A parish council spokesperson said: "The story began earlier this year when Haydon Wick Parish Council visited GreenmeadowPrimary School to launch its 'What Does Haydon Wick Mean to You?' competition.
"During a school assembly, pupils were invited to think about the places, wildlife and community spirit that make Haydon Wick special and to share their ideas through drawings and illustrations.
"The competition was also promoted to other local schools, with pupils encouraged to take part using information provided by the Parish Council.
"In total, 95 entries were received from Greenmeadow Primary School, Orchid Vale Primary School and Abbey Park School." Full story here

Business booming at new Swindon Designer Outlet noodle bar - Noodle fans have been flocking to the new Chopstix branch at the Swindon Designer Outlet. Joining its growing number of over 140 locations nationwide, the new store celebrated its launch by giving away away free medium boxes to the first 100 customers, along with 1000 portions of spring rolls. Fans also had the chance to win free merchandise and discount vouchers throughout the day, resulting in huge queues ahead of the doors opening. Full Story here

Living with Autism

A column by The Autistic Journalist Tyler Ody

Going on a voyage to see ABBA

By Tyler Ody

Hello everyone! Welcome back to Living with Autism. Today’s column is about ABBA Voyage.

I had always wanted to see ABBA Voyage due to being a longtime ABBA fan but little was I to know I was going to see the show.

On 25 July, which is my birthday, my uncle Bunny popped over with a surprise birthday gift from him and my Auntie Ellie.

When I opened it up it was tickets to go and see ABBA Voyage on my actual birthday.

Needless to say, I got quite excited and cried happy tears so after he left we all got ready and got in the car to drive to London.

The drive was an experience, but I was so excited and I got to see the show with my sister.

We arrived at Westfield Shopping centre and got parked and we made our way to the arena.

After we arrived, I bought an ABBA T-shirt to wear while watching the concert and me and my sister made our way inside.

We then got inside and we got a drink and some tour programmes, then we waited to go in.

When the doors opened to go in, due to my autism and not liking big crowds we got special seating and got to go in through priority before anyone else.

We then got sat in our seats and waited for the show to start.

The first song that came was The Visitors which is a name of their 1981 album.

Then they performed all the legendary hits such as SOS, Money Money Money and Voulez Vous.

My favourite had to be Summer Night City. I got quite excited when it came on.

Another highlight was Dancing Queen as the whole stadium stood up and danced and sang along.

One more highlight was when Benny played the Eastenders theme on the piano.

I sang along to all the songs and even knew the words to some of the newer songs.

The ABBA holograms looked so real it felt like you were watching the actual band who were styled based on their 1979 concert at Wembley arena.

I can’t fault the access and the staff at the arena as it is so spacious and it felt very calm as I struggle with being in crowds.

I am always with someone as I am not safety aware and it makes me comfortable to go to these shows when I am with my support system.

For anyone that hasn’t been to ABBA Voyage I certainly recommend, it especially if you’re a longtime fan.

I had loads of fun and I would go again.

Hope you all enjoy reading. Bye for now

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

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“ In this case, a man behind me began talking to a third party on the phone. I learned lots of things during that call.”

By Fiona Scott

I want today to share a lesson with you in basic business etiquette and manners.

It’s something that really matters, especially as more people have staff who work from home or from other places outside of a workplace office.

If you have no policies around this - do talk to your HR partner as this carries risk.

As a micro-business owner, I do have an office at home, yet I can be found out and about in Swindon working from various places prior to meetings or networking events, and as a result I hear and see things which make me wonder if some business owners, directors, managers actually have any common sense at all.

One day this month I sat in a hotel lobby working for several hours because some work was being done at home and that work was noisy.

When I do this, I will deliberately choose quiet tasks because I’m in a public place and I really don’t want to be having conversations on a phone where I could potentially be sharing private information – or I don’t want to annoy others who are conducting meetings or working quietly themselves.

Yet whenever I do this, I’m always staggered by the people who don’t consider those very important facts – and even worse, don’t consider who could be listening to those conversations. I’ve encountered this many times over the years but it’s definitely worse now.

It’s as if since Covid-19 some people have lost the ability to consider others in a setting like this. Have we forgotten that speaking on the phone, or down the line on Zoom or Teams does not mean you are guaranteed privacy? It’s all too easy for strangers to hear one whole side of a conversation.

My first recollection of this being an issue was on a train journey from London to Swindon a while ago.

We were not in the quiet carriage so people were taking phone calls, and occasionally I do too – often to make contact and arrange another time to speak in more depth. In this case, a man behind me began talking to a third party on the phone. I learned lots of things during that call:

• He had something to do with Premier League football.

• He knew about the finances of one of the top flight football clubs in considerable detail.

• He knew what debts they had and who they owed money to…and now so do I.

• He was using this information as leverage to get them to do something…

I’m not going to name this club, suffice to say it was one everyone would recognise. I learned all of these things because he was talking loudly and paying zero attention to who was around him on a packed and busy train. Therefore I was not the only one who could hear yet I suspect I was the only one who was a journalist.

This was a point I made to him quite succinctly as I left the train at Swindon and he continued on his onward journey. His face was a picture.

Here I am, using this information yet doing it mindfully as I’m not in a position to verify any of it as true. Yet in this age of too much ‘fake news’ we have to be aware that such information could be shared in detail and cause damage, right or wrong.

So it was last month that I was forced to listen to a business owner, or perhaps he was a manager, shouting and yelling down the phone to an employee that he needs to ‘get on with the effing job’ or he ‘will be out of the effing door’ because he should know ‘what he eff has to do’.

This went on for several minutes to the point at which I thought I might have to go up and ask him to refrain from speaking like that in a public place. Whatever the issue with his colleague, imagine working with someone like that?

When that call ended, we had a brief period of peace before he started making more calls, this time pacing up and down the hotel lobby so we all had to share that joy. It was a relief when a hotel supervisor approached him and asked him to stop.

During the same period of time, a woman, very smartly dressed in a suit, decided to have a quieter phone conversation (I’m about 10 metres away) talking about a client case in detail on the phone.

I now know who that client is, what their issue is and the fact that this woman cannot see a good outcome (perhaps she’s a lawyer but she’s not someone I know or have ever seen). While this woman wasn’t aggressive, or swearing or anything like that, she was still within earshot of several people who she did not know.

This was someone who looked very professional acting, in my view, in an unprofessional manner.

Now I should stress that I was not eavesdropping, or deliberately twitching my ears to hear what I could hear. I was busy, I was researching, checking and writing up some information for a client and was up against a deadline. When I do this I go ‘all in’ and enter a zone in order to collate the information and write it up in the appropriate manner. These people were both loud enough to break my concentration.

A similar thing happened in another Swindon hotel back in July. I was there for a meeting and a person was pacing the lobby yelling on his phone to various people. While his tone was jovial there was a lot of swearing and we all felt we were privy to his business conversations.

In this case other people complained yet because it was early morning, it took 20 minutes to find a member of staff willing to address it. One member of staff simply said to me that this person has been a ‘pain’ for some time but she was too scared to confront him in case it ‘caused trouble’.

In a world where we can feel superconnected we do have to be mindful of WHO COULD BE LISTENING!

Even at the gym in Swindon, I heard a financial adviser who was not known to me, and who was using the walking machine next to me - for a full 20 minutes – chat to a client on the phone so I could hear his whole one-sided conversation. With his headphones in, he conducted his business at the gym.

I couldn’t hear the other side responding but I heard enough to know he was male, was looking to retire, had a pension pot which was over £2million and his dreams were substantial when he finished work.

I also learned that this financial adviser’s portfolio had dropped by a few million over the last few months so his bonus was reduced. I don’t know who his client was, however I wonder if that client knew that he was conducting that discussion in a public gym next to a complete stranger.

August is often known in the media as ‘silly’ season when it comes to news so please can I implore all of you to not be ‘silly’ when having meetings or discussions in a public place. After all, a journalist could be listening…

The Ink News Briefing

Arrests over suspected hare coursing near Barbury Castle

Three men have been arrested following reports of suspected hare coursing in the Barbury Castle area near Swindon.

Officers were called to the area at around 1pm yesterday - 2 September - after a vehicle was seen in a field with a dog pursuing hares.

A police spokesperson said: “The vehicle left the field before it was located and stopped by officers from the Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“The occupants were arrested on suspicion of trespass with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs, and for being equipped to search for or pursue hares with dogs.

“All three men have been released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.”

Children and pregnant women urged to have flu vaccine ahead of winter - Flu vaccinations are now available for pregnant women and children as the NHS in the South West rolls out the first phase of its flu programme to protect families ahead of winter. NHS chiefs say flu can be much more than a bad cold. Every winter thousands of children need hospital care because of the virus, while pregnant women are also at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. Children are offered the flu vaccine from September because the virus often spreads quickly among younger age groups. Dr Julie Frier, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said: “Flu can be a serious illness, so it is important you protect yourself and those around you by getting your jab done.” Full story here

Chance of free travel prize for nominating favourite bus drivers - Bus passengers throughout Swindon have the chance to make a favourite driver feel appreciated - and win a month’s free travel. September is officially Catch the Bus Month, and the events include a Brilliant bus Drivers campaign. Passengers across Swindon are being encouraged to recognise the drivers who make their journeys better. Full Story here

Swindon Wildcats return to the ice this weekend - The first pre-season fixture for Swindon Wildcats has been announced. The town’s ice hockey stars will face Telford Tigers at the Link Centre on Saturday 5 September. A Wildcats spokesperson said: “The wait is almost over. This Saturday, the Swindon Wildcats return to the ice for our first pre-season game as we begin our 40th anniversary season. Full Story here

Roll into the weekend at MECA Swindon - Roller Disco returna to MECA Swindon on Friday 4 September. A spokesperson said: “Join us for an exciting evening of music, lights, and non-stop skating fun for all ages.” Full Story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

Upgrade to Paid

“…years of underfunding of local councils by Governments of all political ideologies mean that what is offered to vulnerable people is all too often not enough to fully meet their needs.”

By Barrie Hudson

Swindon Borough Council has announced its submission of a planning application for a new children’s home.

It involves a property in Wichelstowe which was recently purchased by the local authority, and everybody in this borough who believes in fairness can only hope there are no hitches in the planning process.

This administration, like its predecessor, has stated a commitment to helping vulnerable young people in the care system stay as close as possible to their loved ones, schools and support networks.

The importance of this cannot be overstated. For a child or young person whose needs or other circumstances have already made them so vulnerable that they cannot live at home with their parents or guardians, the added impact of being housed dozens or even hundreds of miles away from every familiar sight and sound is inconceivable to all but those who have experienced such a thing.

As many readers will be aware, social care as a whole absorbs well over four fifths of the council’s income and has done for many years.

Even so, years of underfunding of local councils by Governments of all political ideologies mean that what is offered to vulnerable people is all too often not enough to fully meet their needs.

Something else of which many readers will be aware is the sheer scale of the challenges facing this administration, and which faced its predecessor.

Announcing the planning application, the council noted that July 2026, there were 357 children in its care. Around 48 per cent are currently living more than 20 miles outside the borough because there are not enough suitable local homes. Some live much further away.

If planning permission is granted, the new property would provide a safe and stable environment within the borough, doing something to alleviate the shortage of local places.

The council bought the four-bedroomed house following approval by councillors last year as part of investment intended to increase the number of local residential homes for children in care.

The proposal would transform the existing property into accommodation for up to three children aged between eight and 17, alongside facilities for overnight staff.

The home would be expected to open in next year and is set to be operated by an experienced external provider, with both the home and provider regulated by Ofsted.
If the planning application is approved, the children’s home will create a nurturing, family-style environment where children can be supported to live stable lives.

The council says it will work closely with the chosen provider to support children to build secure and consistent relationships with trusted adults, helping them to become active members of the local community by attending local schools and joining local clubs.

Cllr Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable and supportive environment, close to the people and communities that matter most to them.

“Too many children in our care currently have to move away from Swindon because suitable homes simply aren’t available locally. That can mean being further away from family, friends, schools and the support networks that help young people thrive.

“By purchasing this property and submitting plans for its conversion, we are delivering on our commitment to increase local provision for children in care. This is not only the right thing to do for vulnerable young people, but it will also help reduce our reliance on costly out-of-borough homes while ensuring resources are focused where they can make the greatest difference.

“Children living in residential care are first and foremost children who need stability, support and the opportunity to succeed.

“This home will provide young people with a chance to build positive relationships, attend local schools and participate in community life. We want these children to feel part of their community and have the same opportunities as any other child growing up in Swindon.”

Extra support for people affected by homelessness in Swindon

By Barrie Hudson

Swindon homeless charity Threshold has secured a three-year grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund.

The money is earmarked to deliver Swindon Next Step, a collaborative programme supporting people affected by homelessness to overcome barriers, build confidence and move towards independent living.

Swindon Next Step brings together a network of trusted local organisations to provide free weekly groups and courses for people who are at risk of homelessness, currently homeless or living in temporary or supported accommodation, as well as people who have previously experienced homelessness.

The programme has been designed to help people develop the practical skills, knowledge and confidence they need to take greater control of their lives and work towards their goals.

Threshold CEO Ben Harman said: “We are very grateful to have been allocated this grant from the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund which will open up access to timely, effective support for people across Swindon to gain stability and overcome barriers to independence.

“We are proud and excited to deliver Swindon Next Step in partnership with local organisations who have significant expertise and experience in tackling issues which keep people trapped in homelessness and supporting long-term positive change.”

Cllr Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said: “Swindon Next Step recognises the complex challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and provides a structured set of interventions designed to support them at every stage of their journey.

“This funding will make a real difference. I look forward to seeing Swindon Next Step being integrated into our new Community Hub model to better help those facing tough times.

“The partnership will enable better referrals and coordination of resources to prevent homelessness, improve wellbeing, reduce crisis demand and support individuals to build sustainable, independent lives.”

Alongside learning practical skills, the groups provide opportunities to make connections, develop a sense of structure and belonging, and improve motivation, confidence and wellbeing.

Swindon Next Step offers a wide range of groups and courses, including:

• Managing Money

• Employability

• Confidence and Motivation

• Healthy Relationships

• Managing Stress and Anxiety

• Mindfulness and Meditation

• Digital Music

• Arts and Crafts

• Creative Writing

• Men’s Group

• Outdoor Activities

• Independent Living

The programme is being delivered in partnership with established local organisations with a strong track record of helping people achieve positive change. The range of activities will be designed and facilitated by Threshold, Ipsum, Crosslight Advice, Adult Education Centre New College and Society Without Abuse.

The groups are open to anyone affected by homelessness in Swindon. For further information, visit https://www.threshold.charity/our-services/swindon-next-step/

The Ink News Briefing

Big Town Centre Clean-Up nets more than eight tonnes of waste - Over eight tonnes of litter, overgrown vegetation and fly-tipped waste has been removed from Swindon town centre by volunteers working alongside council teams as part of The Big Town Centre Clean-Up. Launched in response to feedback from residents, visitors and businesses, the initiative saw Swindon Borough Council focus existing resources throughout August on improving the appearance of key public spaces across the town centre. While the majority of the council’s budget is spent providing essential social care services, around 15 per cent funds all other local services, including the maintenance of public spaces. In the town centre, this includes emptying litter bins up to four times a day and maintaining public realm areas. Cllr Kevin Parry, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, said: “The Big Town Centre Clean-Up has made a real and visible difference to the appearance of our town centre.” Full Story here

Wizard of Oz and Fantasia to screen at Town Gardens Bowl - Two much-loved cinematic classics are coming to the big screen at the Town Gardens Bowl. South Swindon Parish Council invites families, film fans and friends to enjoy two special open air cinema evenings. The Town Gardens Bowl will become an open air cinema for two nights, offering audiences the chance to enjoy a film in the unique surroundings of the Town Gardens. Full Story here

Call for Swindon volunteers to help look after trainee assistance dogs - Assistance dogs charity Canine Partners is expanding into Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire. The organisation, which breeds, trains and supports the animals, urgently needs dog-loving volunteers to help raise and train the next generation of life-changers. Previous puppy handling experience is not essential, and full training and ongoing guidance will be provided throughout the volunteering journey by the charity’s expert trainers. A spokesperson said: "If you love dogs, have the time to commit, and want to make a lasting difference, this could be the role for you." Full story here

Bowood House & Gardens unveils autumn programme - Historic Wiltshire attraction Bowood House & Gardens in Wiltshire has unveiled an autumn events programme bringing together history, seasonal colour, creative workshops and family adventure. From a talk exploring the secrets and spies of the American Revolution to guided walks through the Capability Brown parkland, hands-on craft sessions, and Halloween activities, the programme offers visitors new ways to experience Bowood as the season changes. For families, the Bowood Halloween Adventures runs from Thursday 22 October to Sunday 1 November. Visitors will be able to follow a Pumpkin Trail through the grounds, explore the Arboretum in its autumn colour, and take part in daily arts and crafts in the Gardeners’ Bothy. Amazing Falconry displays can also be seen on Bowood’s grounds on Sunday 25 October, Wednesday 28 October and Sunday 1 November. Full Story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

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The Barrie Hudson Column

Barrie Hudson is a known quantity when it comes to writing words. Sometimes he even spells them correctly. In fact he has been writing words in the Swindon area for more than two decades. First of all for the Swindon Advertiser and then for Swindon Link and now for The Ink. Here are some of his words…

Did you hear about the pigeon-related palaver the other day?

If nothing else, it was a reminder to local councils everywhere to choose their battles carefully - and think twice before selecting an adversary which many a sentimental soul regards as rather cute.

It all started with a perfectly innocuous Swindon Borough Council media post respectfully requesting that people avoid feeding pigeons in the town centre.

The post, unless I’m mistaken, was prompted by an unknown member of the public’s decision to dump what looked from the photos to have been a good couple of kilos of seed on the pavement, with the predictable result that every pigeon in that neck of the woods immediately headed for the spot in question, ate their fill and answered the resultant calls of nature with their customary devil-may-care attitude to such functions.

The council, which has spent weeks marshalling its own people and an army of volunteers to get the town centre more spruced up than it has been for a good few years, can hardly be blamed for being a bit miffed, or for urging people not to encourage the creatures.

Mind you, it’s worth mentioning, of course, that the pigeons themselves, like all wild creatures which interact with humans, are completely blameless in this matter. After all, they lived happily for millions of years on cliffs before we came along and chose to feed them, race them, use them to send messages over long distances and so on.

It’s also worth mentioning, for that matter, that gulls did not invent fish and chips, baked potatoes, ice creams or, indeed, seaside resorts or the unwary humans who stroll about in them near fast food emporia and then complain when seabirds zero in on them like a squadron of Stuka dive bombers from a story in the old Warlord comic.

Anyway, back to that social media post about the pigeons. The ensuing comments from the public were predictably so overwhelmingly negative that anybody reading them without context would have assumed that the Civic Offices had issued an edict stating that every pigeon in Swindon was to be dissolved in a big vat of acid and the resultant sludge buried in a leaden chamber several dozen feet below a landfill site.

I know it’s easy for me to offer an opinion after the fact, but had I been in the council’s position I would have put the old Columba livia on the back burner. (Not literally, obviously.)

I would instead have drawn up a list of scourges which had a hand in causing the town centre to reach the state it was in before the clean-up began - and, for that matter, had a hand in other matters which have had an impact on the town centre’s attractiveness to the public over the years.

I would then have declared open season on the lot of ‘em.

I would have asked myself, for example, whether any town centre pigeon had ever been a wealthy landlord who would rather see a potentially attractive shop space closed up and boarded over for years on end than let at a rate suitable for attracting an entrepreneurial, imaginative business owner.

And whether any town centre pigeon had been observed tagging a building.

And whether any town centre pigeon had been observed tearing along a town centre street at lethal speed on an illegally-modified e-bike or scooter, narrowly missing passers-by and shouting abuse and threats at any pedestrian who objected.

And whether any town centre pigeon had been observed hassling members of the public for their bank details on behalf of some national charity whose chief executive is paid anywhere from five to a dozen times the national average salary.

And whether any town centre pigeon had been observed ranting about its religion at ear-splitting volume and telling random passers-by that they were doomed to roast in Hell for all eternity if they didn’t happen to agree with the pigeon’s point of view.

And whether any town centre pigeon had a seat on the board of a major high street retail chain, and had cheerfully closed as many branches as were needed to keep the shareholders happy and their own salary and bonus growing nicely - and to Hell with the town and city centres left gutted.

And whether any town centre pigeon not only owned an empty property but treated it with such cynical, penny-pinching neglect that it became a graffiti-spattered, weed-engulfed eyesore which would probably fall down were it not for the local council, its dedicated workers and perhaps squads of volunteers.

And whether any town centre pigeon casually dumped litter in the wake of those workers and volunteers, secure in the knowledge that in the vanishingly unlikely event of their ever being apprehended and hauled before a court, the punishment would be nothing of the kind.

And whether any town centre pigeon had ever been observed casually smoking some Class B and stinking out the surrounding space for any woman, man or child unfortunate enough to be there.

And so on and so forth.

The last time I looked, sterling efforts were being made to tackle all of these scourges, but none of the scourges were caused by pigeons - birds which, even though they can be an utter nuisance, have the PR advantage of appealing to the sentimental side of many members of the public.

We can only hope that the ruthless landlords, sociopathic e-bike riders, religious maniacs and the rest of the folk I mentioned earlier don’t take to looking cute and eating seed out of people’s hands or the council won’t be able to do a thing about them for fear of being tried and convicted in the court of social media.

Let’s Save Water ad should have a sequel in which boardrooms and politicians’ offices are visited by a different kind of child…

Have you seen that advert for the Let’s Save Water campaign?

You must have; it’s all over the telly, YouTube and whatnot. A small army of children take to the streets, homes and business premises of Britain, ensuring that we grown-ups do our utmost to ensure we do not waste H20.

In order to spread the message, the endearing children do various endearing things including:

• carrying out endearing home invasions

• endearingly terrorising a naked grown-up by smashing a hole in his bathroom wall as he takes a shower and turning the water off

• endearingly berating a grown-up watering the plants in his garden with a hose

• endearingly berating a grown-up who is doing a a spot of washing up while leaving a tap running

• endearingly committing an aggravated burglary at a grown-up’s home and invading her bathroom as she cleans her teeth while neglecting to turn off a tap

Perhaps best of all, one of the endearing children endearingly appears at the bottom of a sink of water in a cafe, a bit like an endearing Pennywise the clown in Stephen King’s It, in order to endearingly terrorise the owner for her vile sin of having a dripping tap.

There’s nothing wrong with spreading such a message, of course. Quite the opposite, in fact. The more water we save, the better for the environment.

Still, I think there’s room for a sequel in which another group of children meet some water-wasters overlooked in the current ad.

For example, they might pay a call on the board members of any water company which pays so much as a penny to its shareholders while its knackered pipes spew countless billions of gallons of water every year, and its frontline workers face the ire of the public over relentlessly increasing bills.

Or the politicians of all parties down the years and decades who have turned a blind eye to this outrage.

Or the obscenely wealthy shareholders who don’t care so long as the money keeps rolling in.

For this sequel I envision a rather different and somewhat less endearing group of children...​

Maybe the Let’s Save Water campaign should start scouring the stage schools for suitable candidates.

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

Upgrade to Paid

“The images are very, very good. They have been used extensively in collaboration with the police to assist in investigations and bring about justice.” Cllr Matt Hinton, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services

By Barrie Hudson

Upgraded CCTV systems are now being installed in all council-owned town centre car parks, which will increase the number of cameras from 64 to 139 across Fleming Way, Spring Gardens, Brunel West and Brunel North.

The move came amid The Big Town Centre Clean-Up, Swindon Borough Council’s two-week initiative bringing together residents, community groups, businesses, councillors and council staff over to improve the appearance, safety and environment of the town centre.

The logic of tackling antisocial behaviour anywhere in the area is undeniable, and that goes for the major car parks.

The current administration, like its predecessor, aims to make the area an appealing place for people to shop, work, do business, socialise, establish workplaces and go for an evening’s entertainment.

While dealing with problems in car parks is clearly not the be-all and end-all of making this an ambition a reality, there is no denying that visitors confronted by reeking stairwells, threatening glares and perhaps unwelcome attention or worse are hardly likely to have any desire to repeat the experience.

Upgraded CCTV systems are now being installed in all council-owned town centre car parks, which will increase the number of cameras from 64 to 139 across Fleming Way, Spring Gardens, Brunel West and Brunel North.

The camera rollout will ensure, for the first time ever, that there is blanket CCTV coverage in the council’s car parks.

The new cameras join a network of some 1,400 which allow control room personnel to monitor locations throughout the town. They are powerful, state-of-the-art instruments. On a clear day, as the old song didn’t put it, you can see Kemble Airfield. A camera atop the iconic David Murray John building can pick out easily-recognisable details of people as far away as Tesco in Ocotal Way, and the network has been used many times to help the police crack all manner of cases.

The car park cameras even have the power of speech, automatically telling loiterers after a certain period: “You are being monitored by Swindon Borough Council's CCTV and security team. Please move along and keep this area clear. Thank you for your cooperation."

If that doesn’t work, a person in the control room will let them know the police are on their way.

Cllr Matt Hinton, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, said: “The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is about taking practical action to improve people’s experience of the town centre and make it a place everyone can be proud of.

“Increasing CCTV coverage is a visible example of that commitment. By more than doubling the number of cameras in our car parks, we’re improving safety, helping to tackle anti-social behaviour and giving residents greater confidence when they visit the town centre.

“The addition of speaker technology also means our officers can intervene immediately when issues arise, sending a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

He said of the cameras throughout the area: “The images are very, very good. They have been used extensively in collaboration with the police to assist in investigations and bring about justice.

“They’re very effective at deterring and indeed recording and proving innocence or guilt after the fact.

“As a council, in the context of the town centre challenges we’re very clear that our job is to create the conditions for the town centre to succeed. We don’t own much of the town centre; many of the regeneration projects that people want to see cost tens of millions of pounds and they’re not our land.

“You’re not going to see us putting diggers in the ground in many instances, but what we are going to do, as you’re seeing with the clean-up, is do everything in our power to create the conditions for success.

“First amongst them is making sure people feel safe when they use the town centre, because if people feel unsafe there’s no way they’re going to go to a town centre.

“We’re trying to make it look pleasant, more attractive, a safer place to be, with the clean-up, and that’s all about us doing what we can, not pretending that we have money, resources or jurisdiction where we we don’t, and working with partners to eventually create the town centre that Swindon deserves and needs.”

The biggest improvements have already been delivered at Spring Gardens car park, while camera installation is currently underway at Brunel West. When complete, CCTV coverage will be substantially expanded.

The upgraded cameras form part of the council’s wider CCTV network, which is monitored from the CCTV control room.

Council officers oversee the approximately 1,400 cameras and have helped to investigate more than 500 incidents so far in 2026 by providing evidence that assists Wiltshire Police in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Cllr Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, who is responsible for the council’s car parks, said: “Our town centre car parks are used by thousands of residents, workers and visitors every week and play an important role in supporting local businesses and the wider economy.

“These upgrades give us much greater visibility across our car parks and enable officers to respond more proactively to incidents, helping ensure they remain safe, secure and welcoming places to park.”

Reform councillor charged with dangerous driving quits party and accuses it of vengefulness

By Barrie Hudson

A recently-elected Reform UK Swindon Borough council member has left the party.

Cllr Lawrence Davies, who faces a string of motoring charges, has represented the Rodbourne Cheney ward alongside fellow Reform UK councillor Derek O’Hanlon since the local government elections in early May.

He accuses the party of telling councillors how to vote, what to say, to use AI in preparing questions and speeches, and of threatening removal of the whip for anybody who dissents.

He has announced his decision to quit the party and represent the ward as an independent.

Following that announcement, Reform UK was reported as retorting that he had been suspended because of motoring charges, but Cllr Davies insists that he was honest about the allegations against him as soon as they were laid and before they became charges.

Cllr Davies said of his former party’s comments: “I believe it was a reaction to my decision to leave, that it was vengeance.”

The councillor said of his time as a Reform UK councillor: “We were told what to do and there were threats from the party whip if people did not follow everything that the officers told them to do.

“I made it clear that I’m opposed to a party whip.”

He added: “I disagreed, like many of the councillors, with the reliance on AI to write speeches and questions. I think members should be allowed to speak their own words.

“I would say that most of the members are inexperienced and just let the leaders tell them what to do, because only myself and Cllr Lovell [Reform UK councillor for Freshbrook ward Cllr Colin Lovell] have been elected before.”

Cllr Davies previously served as a UKIP councillor in Southend.

As an independent, and rejects any notion of a by-election as unfair to those who elected him.

“I can represent them just as well as an independent,” he said, and pledged to represent all of the people of his ward and the people of Swindon, irrespective of their political alignment.

“As an independent councillor I can truly be independent, and I can vote on my conscience.”

Cllr Davies added: “I have nothing against Reform but I’m just very disappointed with the way they have chosen to behave.

“I feel that as an independent I can do a better service for my community.”

The May local government elections saw control of Swindon Borough Council pass from Labour to the Conservatives, with the latter winning 23 seats, Labour winning 19, Reform UK 14 and the Liberal Democrats one.

Cllr Davies was appointed Reform UK Swindon’s shadow member for Waste and Streetscene, and as recently as Saturday 22 August was among more than 40 Borough and parish councillors from across Swindon who joined forces with community volunteers to contribute to The Big Town Centre Clean-Up.

He said afterwards: “I was pleased to support the clean-up effort and work alongside councillors from across the political spectrum and community volunteers.”

Wiltshire Police said in a statement: “A man has been charged with a number of driving offences following an incident in Swindon.

“Lawrence Davies, 54, of Moredon, has been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road collision, being a driver of a vehicle involved in a collision and failing to report that collision, and driving without insurance.

“He has been bailed to appear before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 24th September.

“These charges relate to an incident which took place on the evening of 13th April in Kingsdown Road, Swindon.”

Reform UK Swindon has been approached for comment.

The Ink News Briefing

Golf day raises £10,889 to support people through toughest moments - A charity golf day attended by 84 players has raised £10,889 to help a Swindon charity continue supporting people facing some of life’s toughest moments. The third annual Best Mates Golf Day took place at Cumberwell Park Golf Club on July 31, bringing together businesses, supporters and friends of the charity for a day of golf, fundraising and plenty of friendly competition. Teams competed in a Texas Scramble format, but behind the fun was an important reason for getting everyone together. Founded by Jeff Tucker and Carl McCulloch following their own experiences, Best Mates provides financial, emotional and physical support to adults aged 18 and over facing difficult times in their lives. Full Story here

NHS Bank Holiday health tips - Top of the list is making sure repeat prescriptions are ordered and collected in good time, as GP surgeries and most pharmacies will be closed for the holiday, which falls on Monday 31 August. During May, nearly 24,000 people had to use NHS 111 in the South West to secure urgent repeat medications because they were running out of medication. Some 17,752 requests were online, accounting for more than one in five contacts, with a further 6,461 people using the 111 phoneline. Full Story here

Water firm’s high-tech leak hunting - Thames Water has reported reduced leakage of over 15% since 2019/20 and is currently fixing over 1,000 leaks a week. More than 75,000 acoustic sensors are now deployed across the network, up over 257%, from 21,000 in 2025. A satellite technology trial helped identify more than 800 leaks, saving an estimated 8.7m litres of water per day. Shane Gloster, Head of Leakage at Thames Water, said: “Finding and fixing leaks quickly is one of the most important ways we can protect water supplies during prolonged dry weather, alongside asking customers to continue following temporary use restrictions.” Full Story here

Dappy’s Swindon Halloween date - MECA Swindon is promising a huge Halloween night treat as Let’s Get Lit brings a special event packed with big artists, big tunes and unforgettable energy. Headline artists announced so far are Dappy, Geko, DJ AG, and a roster of local Guest DJs and Hosts will be revealed later. Fans are promised a massive mix of R&B, Hip Hop, Dancehall, UK Garage, Afrobeats, Amapiano, and House. A spokesperson said: "One night. One venue. One serious Halloween party!" Full story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

Upgrade to Paid

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“This is not a place built on ‘old money’, it has been built on the blood, sweat and tears of the ordinary working man – and woman! It’s a ‘self-made’ town.”

By Rhona Jack

‘A Year In Normandy’ digital art was the focus of the latest exhibition I planned to see, then I learned a very valuable lesson.

You see an advert for an exhibition and decide to go but then the diary fills up and suddenly you’ve missed it!

In early July, I talked with a friend about meeting up in London to see the Hockney and Escher exhibitions together. He said to let him know dates later and when I did, he couldn’t make any of them. “No matter”, I thought. “I’ll go on my own.”

Then this glorious summer heatwave dragged on and on and on – and on! The only days I was free turned out to be the hottest days of the year circa 34-36 degrees. Much as I love London, there is NO WAY I would travel by coach or by tube on days as hot as that.

(In contrast, when the Solar Eclipse was on Wednesday 12 August, I took a deep breath and jumped into the car in a most uncomfortable 32 degrees heat. I drove down to Bristol near the Clifton Suspension bridge to see it. Why? Because this eclipse for the first time since 1999 was a different magnitude of rarity altogether!)

If you missed Hockney this time around, though, all is not lost. The good news is that another major retrospective exhibition is in the pipeline for 2027 to celebrate what would have been his 90th birthday. From October 7, 2027, Tate Britain will host over 200 of his works spanning seven decades of his career.

‘Outsider Art’ Studio BRUT opens @ Arclite, Swindon

Studio BRUT’s opening in West Swindon is a welcome breath of fresh air to the art scene in Swindon.

It repurposes the disused Arclite building which was formerly the Jaywing call centre and home to Cellular Operations and later Excalibur Communications and coincidentally where Swindon Link was based for a couple of years. It was great to see about 75 people attend the opening event, and for me it was just a joy to see a working studio in a space so filled with beautiful natural light.

The award-winning glass-fronted building is perfect for artists, and the setting beside woodland and a calm lake is simply glorious! As I write, I am reminded of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’. Perhaps it could be the theme tune for Studio BRUT?

I was fascinated to discover that the term “Outsider Art” was coined in 1945 by Jean Dubuffet. It means: “Art that is created outside the traditional system of Fine art University degrees, using unconventional materials, techniques and processes”. It gives us Bold, Raw, Untamed and Untrained Talent!

Dubuffet was one of the most provocative artists of the 20th century, who subverted conventional notions of beauty, and I can clearly see his influence in Harrie Dearing’s work on display, alongside that of SLART (Steve Light), (Substack @slart.me)

The Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Neil Hopkins, officially opened Studio BRUT, saying: “There is a wealth of talent in all aspects of the Creative Arts and it’s a real pleasure to celebrate this in a space that is an ordinary background.

“This is the best use ever of a disused building that used to be a call centre! We see so much in the media that runs down Swindon but all I see is a wonderful collection of passion and talent.

“We need to foster this and celebrate the creative activities of residents and provide opportunities to show their work. This place can really make a difference!”
Swindon Culture Collective is behind this initiative and Director Rod Hebden said,

“This is the birth of a new community of artists in West Swindon.”

Then the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Claire Garrett, said: “This is a fantastic space where all sorts of people can learn to grow and show their great skills. We need art that is accessible to all and this is a great ‘Not For Profit’ environment.”

Marcus Kitteridge, former owner of Baristocats on Commercial Road, Swindon, who hosted one of SLART’s early exhibitions, said: “I’m always keen to follow SLART’s work and career. I like everything he paints, especially post kidney transplant.

“I love the building, which has a rich heritage feel too.”

Marcus remembers when it was built and said it was as if the place was teleported from space, then the landscape was built around it!

Tracey Kitteridge said: “It’s an inspirational space with the lake. It takes you somewhere else and feels very different to Artsite where Steve (SLART) was based before.

“This is spacious; like you can grow and not be restricted.”

She came by bus to the venue, and said: “It’s only the second time I have had to walk through a forest to get to an art gallery! But as well as being a great physical space - it feels like a great mental space too. As if you can go anywhere from here!”

My final thoughts are that SLART’s work in particular arrests me. The combination of images and statements is a profound commentary on life today in the 21st century. I think of his cradle to grave image, the Netflix ball and chain and the skull doomscrolling a mobile phone.

In my humble option Steve Light has definitely captured the essence of a society and is reflecting it back to us. The question is: will we heed his warnings?

EXHIBITION REVIEWS

Norman Ackroyd: The Transience of Light @ Victoria Art Gallery, Bath

“What Do Artists Do All Day?” is a fascinating half-hour documentary by the BBC, filmed in 2013. It followed Norman Ackroyd from his 5.30am starts through the etching process which uses acid on a copper plate to make the engravings.

It is a delicate art and a painstaking process using an ancient machine with huge hand-driven wheel and cogs. It’s a process that cannot be rushed as the acid and resin melt into the metal to create different subtleties of tone.

The stunning black and white prints are striking and very atmospheric, a result of Norman’s great skill and experience with the medium.

He spent a lot of time at sea in fishermen’s boats and mainly toured North Wales, the West coast of Scotland and the Shetland Isles, which, as he says, are: “On the edge of everything!”

He said: “Being in the right state of mind is really important. Even though I’m in my London studio, I have to remember the feeling of being out on the boat. Then the hand does what the eye and heart want. It’s very instinctive.”

He grew up in a family of butchers, and the idea that he could make a living from art was odd to them. However, a teacher spotted his talent early and gave him the keys to the art room and material cupboard.

He attended the Royal College of Art in the early 1960s, which was at the centre of the Pop Art movement. However, it was landscapes that excited him. “The light really is everything in landscape: the surface of the oceans, the way it hits the waves.”

This film was a fascinating insight into his art, and the exhibition is well worth a visit. But be quick - it ends on 6 September!

FOMO? HURRY! – ENDS 6 SEPTEMBER! - M.C. Escher. The Exhibition, Somerset House, London

Last chance to see this amazing exhibition of 150 original works by Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. Famous for drawing optical illusions, impossible buildings and endless metamorphosis patterns.

This exhibition includes major themes such as landscapes, tessellations and the iconic visual paradoxes that make his style instantly recognisable.

Local artist Deborah Battaglia is a former committee member of Swindon Open Studios. She said: “Escher’s speciality is woodcut prints and his eye for detail is amazing. His woodcuts are wonderfully executed with such sharp lines. Your eyes get lost in the optical illusions because you go round in circles.

“Your eyes read logically but it becomes totally intriguing!” She added that the exhibition was very crowded but that it was beautifully laid out with lots of information.

The interactive displays of his tricky visual puzzles are designed for both adults and children and Deb was delighted that people could even take a selfie in one of the globes in a famous piece of his. She absolutely loved it. Somerset House is only a five-minute walk from Temple tube station and Deb summed it up as a very enjoyable experience.

Hurvin Anderson @ Tate Britain, London

Deb Battaglia also visited the Tate Britain the same day and said: “I’d not heard of Hurvin Anderson before but was completely ‘Wowed’ by his beautiful paintings. They are absolutely wonderful and very ‘painterly’.

“His works merge the influences of his home in Jamaica with England and the general theme is of feeling unwelcome as a black man. His paintings depict lots of places and foliage, particularly country clubs in Jamaica after the white people left.

“These places are now so overgrown. It’s about the merging of two cultures. It’s a big surprise – both beautiful and absorbing!“

Several national newspapers have given very positive reviews about this exhibition so it’s clearly well worth a visit.

Handsworth Project, Tate Britain

This exhibition shows footage of the period of race riots in Birmingham in 1985.

Deb Battaglia said: “As part of The Commonwealth, people were invited to come and make Great Britain their home.

“There were beautiful images of families arriving on the boats, dressed immaculately in their finest clothes and full of hopes and dreams of a good life. But – they weren’t accepted.

“Racism was rife in those days. There were high suspicions and ‘Stop and Search’ policing saw twelve times more black people searched, than white people.”

During her youth, Deb belonged to anti-nazi groups and regularly demonstrated in London marches. She found this exhibition absolutely fascinating and incredibly moving, even feeling quite shameful as a white person for the way people of different races were treated.

Tate Britain Permanent Collection

While there, why not see the famous painting of Ophelia by British artist John Everett Millais and ‘A Bigger Splash’ by David Hockney?

‘Ophelia’ depicts the young Danish noblewoman in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, who, due to Hamlet’s actions, loses her sanity and drowns.

‘A Bigger Splash’ is a very large pop art painting by David Hockney of a swimming pool disturbed by a large splash of water after someone has apparently just jumped in from a diving board.

Beyond Impressionism: Printmaking from Manet to Picasso at The Holbourne Bath - until 13 September

Friends of mine Roger and Dagmar Powell always keep an eye on what’s on at the Holbourne in Bath and visit most shows because it gives them a lovely day out.

Roger said “This exhibition gives you a new slant on these famous artists. It’s interesting to see what they do when they’re experimenting with mediums they don’t usually use. It gives you fresh insight.”

Apart from The Impressionists, there were works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Gauguin, and Roger said: “You really need to go and see it for yourself!”

LONDON EXHIBITIONS TO VISIT

BANKSY Limitless: Reframed

After attracting over 150,000 visitors, the exhibition closes on the last day of August.

‘Banksy Limitless’ was revamped earlier this year and you will see hundreds of Banksy’s famous street art installations presented in a professional exhibition space, with several new artworks added to the experience from the original iteration.

MC Escher @ Embankment Galleries South Wing - until 6 September

Escher’s work is instantly recognisable with its optical illusions, impossible buildings, and endless patterns. Over 150 of his original works include major themes such as landscapes, tessellations, and metamorphoses, to impossible constructions and the iconic visual paradoxes.

James McNeill Whistler, Tate Britain Exhibition - until 27 September

Rule-breaking American artist James McNeill Whistler pioneered new and innovative techniques, creating beautiful visions of modern life that earned him a place as one of the most influential artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

This retrospective brings together world-famous paintings alongside rarely, or never seen, works, presenting a boldly experimental artist and cosmopolitan celebrity, who apparently disrupted the conventions of Victorian society in pursuit of truth, beauty, and progress.

The Exhibitionists Events @MPB Gallery on Bermondsey Street, near Tower Bridge - until 30 September

Visit the World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 on its global tour, showcasing the stories that shape and connect the world through photography from the 69th annual World Press Photo Contest.

Presenting the works of the 42 awarded photographers, the annual exhibition brings depth and nuance to our understanding of the world’s complexities, highlighting the most compelling photojournalism and documentary photography of the past year.

The winners of the 2026 World Press Photo Contest were chosen by an independent jury of 31 professionals from around the world, who reviewed more than 57,376 photographs entered by 3,747 photographers from 141 countries.

Winston Churchill: The Painter, The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, London - until Sunday 29 November

Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) soldier, statesman and accomplished painter! The UK’s Prime Minister during the Second World War, and an MP for 62 years, Churchill was also a passionate and prolific painter.

Painting gave him respite from public pressures and depression. It was a lifelong source of joy. See over 50 of his works, mostly from private collections, which are rarely accessible to the public.

There are sombre wartime scenes and radiant Mediterranean views, carefully composed still-lifes, portraits, luminous Moroccan cityscapes and deeply personal paintings of Chartwell, Churchill’s beloved home and garden.

Bayeux Tapestry @ The British Museum, London - until July 2027

Remember history lessons and 1066? The 70-metre-long Bayeux Tapestry returns to England for the first time in 1,000 years.

Made by English embroiderers, it is both a precious historical record and a remarkable work of art. It shows events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England.

These events changed England forever and the tapestry features 11th-century England both before and after the Conquest, from castles, warfare and ships to clothing, food and furniture.

Norman Ackroyd: The Transience of Light @ Victoria Art Gallery, Bath - until 6 September

An exhibition celebrating the artist and master printmaker Norman Ackroyd CBE RA. Spanning five decades of practice, this exhibition brings together Ackroyd’s spectacular etchings from the 1980s onwards, with a focus on how he portrayed natural light with exceptional finesse.

From subtle refracted rainbows in early works, to dramatic contrasts, hazy skies and glimmering vistas, his ability to capture the atmosphere of a place in print was unparalleled.

Ancient Landscape, Modern Times Eric Ravilious and the Artists of the Chalk Downs - until 10 January 2027 at The Holbourne Museum, Bath

An exhibition bringing together works by British artists from the 1910s to the 1940s. Curator James Russell is widely recognised as the leading authority on Eric Ravilious and his circle.

Through paintings, drawings, prints and archival material, the exhibition reveals how the stark, rolling forms of the South Downs and related chalk landscapes inspired a generation of artists seeking to reinvent landscape painting for the modern age, amidst growing political tensions and as Europe moved towards global conflict.

Across the exhibition, the chalklands emerge not simply as picturesque scenery but as places where artists negotiated questions of history, identity and belonging, revealing how ancient landscapes could speak powerfully to modern times.

Summer Open 2026 at The Little Gallery, Marlborough - ends 11 September

An eclectic and inspiring mix of works crafted by the local community and creative minds from further afield.

Cotswold Sculpture Park at The Paddocks, Somerford Keynes - until 30 September

An opportunity to be surrounded by nature in the forest and to come across hundreds of breathtaking sculptures around every corner. International sculptors are invited to exhibit here every year and this is a delightful experience to add to your annual calendar of afternoons out.

A small exhibition of 2D artwork is on display and a café rounds off the trip nicely.

SWINDON: DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Swindon Open Studios (SOS): Sat/Sun 19/20, 26 and 27 September

The last two weekends in September showcase the creativity of around 100 artists and craftspeople who open the doors to their workshops and studios, There are a number of small pop-up exhibitions as well.

New College is promoting its student ceramicists and sculptors, as well as those studying Fine Art HND this year. Look out for your copy of the SOS brochure available from early August in libraries, cafes, pubs and entertainment venues across Swindon.

Prospect Hospice Art Auction - Monday 19 October at the Hilton Hotel, J16 Swindon

A range of fine art will be available for auction to raise much-needed funds for Swindon’s Prospect Hospice.

As the costs of the evening are already covered, every penny raised will go directly to the charity. Everyone is welcome and there is no pressure to buy.

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

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“After being his carer, I could finally be his daughter again.” Mary Cheston, one of countless people helped by Prospect Hospice

By Barrie Hudson

As of 10am today every pound raised for Prospect Hospice is £2 raised for Prospect Hospice.

One one of those remarkable outbreaks of pure goodness that inspires us all, a generous, anonymous local supporter has pledged to match every donation made to the charity, up to a total value of £100,000 - which means £200,000 for the hospice.

Until the stroke of 10pm on Friday, every £1 donated becomes worth £2, including the value of purchases made in any of the charity's 18 shops, helping twice as much money go towards supporting local patients and families.

That’s twice as much money to provide end-of-life care to people 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Rightly rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the Wroughton-based hospice provides all its services free of charge to patients, and this is made possible thanks to generous donations from the community it serves, with supporters raising £7.1m in the last financial year alone.

Prospect Hospice delivers personalised clinical, emotional and practical support for patients with life-limiting conditions and their families. Care is provided by specialist teams at the hospice in Wroughton, Swindon, and in patients’ own homes, helping people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

In addition to the charity’s Inpatient Unit at the hospice in Wroughton, around 87% of its specialist care is delivered in patients’ homes and the community.

There can surely be barely a person in Swindon or the surrounding area who has not had a personal reason to be grateful for the work of what has long been one of the area’s most beloved causes, and if even a fraction of that number manage to help out between now and Friday evening there is every reason to hope the donation-matching offer will reach its full potential.

It is worth remembering always that the hospice charity, like many if not most hospice charities throughout the country, receives only a very small proportion of its funding from Central Government, which has impacted its ability to do the work it was established to do in 1980.

Indeed, it is only thanks to its legion of dedicated supporters among the public and local organisations that the hospice was recently able to increase its bed capacity, which had suffered because of severe funding constraints.

In announcing the donation-matching offer, the charity highlighted the story of two among the countless people who have experienced the care provided by Prospect Hospice, Mary Cheston and her father, Richard.

After months in hospital receiving treatment for bowel cancer, Richard was able to return home to be with his family during his final weeks. Mary said: “We knew Dad wanted to die at home, not in a hospital. When I was caring for him at home, I got to the point where I thought, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing anymore.’

“So, when the Prospect Hospice nurses came to the house, they changed a terrible situation into something that was beautiful, which you wouldn’t think you’d say. I remember opening the door to them and feeling this huge sense of relief.

“Then the nurses would ask if we wanted a nurse overnight. I didn’t know they could do that, but that was exactly what we needed. They were like angels coming at all times of the day. I’d try and get over there first, but they’d already be there.

“After being his carer, I could finally be his daughter again.

“Then, when the time came, I was holding my dad’s hand and I was holding the nurse’s hand too. They gave me the time back to be his daughter and to say goodbye.”

The Director of Patient Services for Prospect Hospice, Carolyn Bell, said: “We know that many people would prefer to be cared for, and ultimately die, in the comfort of their own home if that is possible.

“Being surrounded by familiar home comforts and with the people you love close by, can make an enormous difference during the most difficult of times.

“We’re incredibly grateful to this generous donor for creating an opportunity for our community to have twice the impact. Every donation, and every purchase made in our shops during the event, will help us continue providing compassionate specialist end of life and palliative care for local people and families when they need us most.”

Every donation made during the matched giving event will, of course, go twice as far. Just £18 could be doubled to £36, helping Prospect Hospice teams make four journeys to provide care and support in patients’ homes. A gift of £27 could be doubled to £54, helping a specialist nurse visit two patients at home, providing expert care, advice and reassurance, while £142, doubled to £284, could help provide two weeks of practical Prospect@Home support for someone living with a life-limiting condition.

To find out more or make a donation, visit www.prospect-hospice.net/donate

Swindon Police hero helped to save burning woman

By Barrie Hudson

A police officer who used his bare hands to help save a woman who had set herself on fire has been recognised for his bravery.

PC Elliot Alvis was one of a number of officers responding to reports of a distressed woman on the roof of Swindon’s Orbital Shopping Centre on 9 January 2026.

When officers arrived, the woman, who had already been reported as a high-risk missing person, fled and doused herself in a flammable liquid before deliberately setting herself alight.

Without hesitation, the officers placed themselves in danger to save her life.

PC Alvis described how the woman ran in front of his police vehicle and “...suddenly went up in flames.”

He immediately assisted a colleague in extinguishing the fire, using his bare hands to pat down the flames as they spread across her body.

The officer also helped to remove her badly burned clothing and provided first aid for her serious injuries until paramedics arrived.

He said: “There wasn’t any time to think, I just acted on instinct to save her life and I’m sure that any of my colleagues would have done the exact same thing.”

PC Alvis and his colleagues received a Commendation accolade at the recent Force Awards held at Wiltshire Police Headquarters in Devizes.

They were told that had it not been for their rapid, decisive and selfless intervention, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

The incident took place at a busy shopping centre during the middle of the day, requiring officers to manage extreme risk to themselves while also protecting members of the public.

PC Alvis had always wanted to join the police. His father was a police officer, and he said it seemed like the right career for him.

The officer added: “It seemed like an exciting career and meant I could be out and about rather than sitting in an office somewhere.

“I really enjoy my job and being able to make a positive difference to someone’s life, or help achieve a positive outcome for them, motivates me to keep putting in the effort.”

The officers were also nominated for the national Police Federation Bravery Awards.

The Ink News Briefing

Call for Swindon Guide Dog puppy raisers - Guide Dogs is appealing for more volunteer puppy raisers in the Swindon area. The guide dog puppies live at home with their puppy raisers from eight weeks old until they are 16 to 18 months of age and start their formal training. With hundreds of people across the UK waiting for a guide dog, the sight loss charity needs more puppy raisers. Volunteer Puppy Raiser Bev said: “It was always our plan to get a dog when we retired and then we saw the Guide Dogs website. After a discussion together with my husband, we decided to apply. Just a few months later we got our first puppy who is now a working Guide Dog. Wren is puppy number five, and we absolutely love being just a small part of their incredible journey.” Puppy raisers provide a loving home and a vital foundation for future guide dogs through training, socialisation and the introduction of new environments and experiences, from bustling cafes and busy shops to the hum of public transport. Full Story here

Children’s chance to shine in Wyvern panto - Young performers across Swindon are being given the chance to step into the spotlight this Christmas. The Wyvern Theatre has announced open auditions for this year’s magical family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Youngsters aged 9-16 (school years 4-11) are invited to audition for the show’s Junior Ensemble, offering talented local performers the opportunity to appear alongside TV and radio star Richie Anderson, Britian’s Got Talent’s Jamie Leahey and Swindon’s favourite Dame, David Ashley in this year’s spectacular festive production. Auditions will take place on Sunday 6 September at the theatre where hopefuls will learn a short routine before performing in groups for the audition panel. No professional experience is required, just confidence, enthusiasm, and plenty of personality. Laura James, venue director of The Wyvern Theatre, said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for young people in Swindon to be part of something truly magical. Full Story here

Celebrate the end of the summer holidays with a Day at the Wharf - Families can celebrate the end of the summer holidays with a day filled with fun and activities in the town centre. A Day at the Wharf takes place on the green space at Wharf Green on Saturday, 29 August, between 10am and 4pm, and will feature a variety of free activities for children and families. Cllr Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “When it comes to the end of the summer holidays, we know children may be dreading the return to school - and parents may be running out of ways to entertain their kids - so why not come and have a last dance at Wharf Green? A Day at the Wharf will be a fun-filled day to mark the end of the holidays and I’m really pleased we’re able to put something like this on for free. So if you’re in the area, or if you’re just looking for something to do, come on down and take part.” Full story here

Flower festival and open day at Christ Church - Christ Church in the heart of Swindon’s Old Town is inviting the local community to step back in time and discover stories of the town through flowers. Its Working Lives in Bloom – A Flower Festival and Heritage Open Day will be held on Saturday 19 September from 1-4pm, with no charge for admission. The event will bring together local organisations, community groups and flower arrangers to celebrate the everyday working lives and trades that have helped shape the history of the town. The church and adjacent community centre will be transformed with colourful floral displays inspired by the event's theme.” Full Story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Upgrade to Paid

Sleepless in Swindon - a column by Jamie Hill

Jamie Hill has been a journalist for more than quarter of a century. The former editor of The Ocelot and current editor of The Ink and Swindon Link is no stranger to the written word.

“Come with me, if you want to live!”

By Jamie Hill (with a little help from ChatGPT)

Earth’s not there yet. AI hasn’t completely taken over… just yet.

We’re not in a post-apocalyptic wasteland with armed, shiny, gleaming red-eyed robots wiping out the last dregs of humanity. Not yet.

Skynet’s not taken over. Yet.

But the early signs are already there.

As a species we could be witnessing the beginnings of the end. An end where humanity is deemed as wasteful and pointless by our far superior AI masters.

And that is the point. In the last few years the natural conclusion of technology is automation and we are becoming increasingly reliant on AI to do everyday tasks.

It’s ubiquitous and seems to be slowly weaving its way through our society like some kind of parasitic growth taking over function after function until we can no longer function ourselves.

To move away from my Terminator analogy, I’m going to move to a Star Trek analogy. It’s like The Borg, a terrifying pseudo-science species of cybernetic humans, who are Star Trek antagonists, who act as one until we all become a single hive mind like The Collective. You will be assimilated.

Obviously, I’m being overly dramatic and picking out pop culture references in a bid to capture your attention. But that in itself is something that is decidedly human as opposed to anything AI can produce.

AI is bland, adequate and functional as far as writing is concerned, and is not very proficient at the overly-dramatic thought-provoking prose that only a human can produce.

But how long until the AI itself is so good that it can no longer be recognised for what it is?

As a journalist I am naturally against AI being used for creativity when it comes to any kind of art, be it music, film, poetry or art itself.

But I’m also against it being used for journalism itself.

Not only as it is looks increasingly likely that AI could supplant journalism itself but because we’ll all suffer for it as a society.

There is even a local news organisation that uses AI in its writing regularly and it is so easy to tell. I’m not going to name names but from a professional point of view I see it as a betrayal of everything that journalism stands for.

I’ve lost count of the amount of press releases we now receive written by AI. You can always tell. Functional and adequate writing but without any semblance of humanity.

For those PR companies who use it. Please don’t. As it won’t be long until the companies who pay you will realise that they can quite easily do that themselves by just feeding info into Chat GPT and you will be out of a job. And it will be your own doing.

First they came for the PR people - and we did nothing (and to be honest we didn’t really care).

And then they came for the journalists and so on and so on until all we’re left with is one big homogenous slop of words, pictures and sounds with no power being held to account and the robots basically in charge of everything we read, hear or see.

All of these endeavours require a human ‘soul’. Something that injects a bit of life into it.

Take any piece of writing and feed it through AI (in this case Chat GPT) and you will see all the life sucked out of it to become a bland bit of nothing.

Here’s a couple of examples -

In 1859 Charles Dickens published A Tale of Two Cities with one of the most famous intros of all time -

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness... in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”

And here is what it looks like if you feed it through the ChatGPT machine…

“It was a time of great opportunity and great hardship, an age of wisdom and foolishness. In many ways, it resembled the present so closely that its loudest voices could see it only in extremes—as either the very best or the very worst of times.”

Can you spot the difference? The meaning’s the same but any poetry, rhythm or life has been sucked out of it.

In 1940, UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a rousing long speech to rally the country in its fight against the Nazis. Here’s a famous excerpt…

“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.”

And here’s ChatGPT’s verion -

“We will resist wherever the struggle takes us—on the shores, in the fields, in the streets, and across the hills. We will not give up. Even if our homeland were overrun and brought to its knees, the wider Commonwealth and its allies would continue the fight, holding firm until greater forces could come to our aid and help restore our freedom.”

Can you see what’s happened? It’s essentially taken one of the most rousing speeches of the last 100 years and turned it into a motivational speech made by a middle manager of a call centre in Staines (nothing against Staines but I wanted to name a nondescript post-industrial town that is not Swindon).

So without human input, there’s no heart. And that goes for everything that AI does.

It’s a useful tool. What it does is adequate. But it lacks any form of soul.

And that’s what we’ve got to remember. At the moment it’s only a tool and should never be used to replace human input.

That’s not saying that AI doesn’t have its uses.

It is especially good when it comes to sorting data, which can be useful for research for journalists and lots of industries, and those applications, especially for medical purposes, will have far-reaching benefits for society.

That is a constructive use of AI.

But it is also increasingly used instead of critical thinking.

Why bother to learn anything when you can just look it up immediately using AI?

Why be curious about anything when at the touch of a button, AI will give you all the information you need?

Why bother using your imagination when AI can do it for you?

Why bother thinking when AI can do it for you?

Essentially, if we go too far down this road, it will get to the point of: “Why bother existing at all as our entire existence will be deemed completely pointless as AI can do it for us?”

An over-reliance will mean that at some point there will be no jobs and by extension no points to our lives. Everything will be automated. Everything will be AI.

And as a species we will be insignificant.

Okay, I’m not a complete Luddite. I know that society will adjust just as it did with other advances such as when the car came along, or the internet, or even the smartphone. But it needs to be steered in a good direction that benefits us all and not straight at an iceberg!

At the moment there is a huge societal push against AI and its over-indulgence but despite that it’s everywhere from ad campaigns to social media reels to sometimes even the music you hear.

For every AI creation, that’s another creative person out of a job. Another bit of humanity taken out of the process. Another thing that’s got that little bit blander.

So, how can we fight against this? Well first of all, curb your reliance on AI and only use it as a tool to help with your curiosity, not as a replacement.

Schools will need to be more and more aware of AI so that students still learn the vital critical thinking skills needed without being AI over-reliant.

We also need some guardrails. At the moment humanity is in control of AI. But it’s a Wild West out there and the whole industry seriously needs some regulations so that it works in a positive way for society not against it.

AI is also not helping our planet at all and we need to put some controls in place there to ensure that its environmental impact is minimised.

Data centres at the moment have a huge power demand, putting a massive strain on our systems and creating an over-reliance on fossil fuels. They also demand huge inputs of water to act as a coolant, creating a ripple effect on water supplies the world over.

Governments need to regulate this and act with the AI tech giants to ensure that it doesn’t destroy society environmentally at the same time.

There was a scary story the other day when a robot in China ran one hundred metres faster than Usain Bolt - the fastest man on earth.

Wow. Isn’t technology amazing?

But hang on. If a robot is already outclassing us in one of our most physical and competitive events, how long until they surpass us in everything else?

And we get made ever more redundant.

It’s a scary thought and brings us one step closer to the robot uprising.

It’s definitely time some proper guardrails were put in place.

Or maybe I’ve read too many science fiction novels?

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

Upgrade to Paid

“What makemic.”

By Barrie Hudson

Anybody who doubts that ‘people power’ is real, and can make life - or at least part of it - better for all, need only have visited the town centre the other day to be proved wrong in the best way.

An army of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and set to work as part of Swindon Borough Council’s Big Town Centre Clean-Up.

More sessions are planned over the coming days, and people can find out all about them - and sign up - here.

So far, residents, local businesses, councillors and council staff have come forward to take more than 230 volunteer places to help improve the appearance of the town centre.

The project goes far beyond mere aesthetic improvement, although aesthetic improvement is, of course, valuable. There are also far-reaching psychological implications. Study after study has shown that the more a location suffers from being dirty, littered and bespattered with graffiti, the less likely the bulk of the population will want to spend time there.

In addition, such locations attract more of the problems from which they already suffer. Litter attracts more litter, graffiti attracts more graffiti, neglect spawns more neglect and so on.

By contrast, studies have also shown that the more an area is cared for and kept in decent condition, the more likely the bulk of those who visit are to look after it.

The Swindon volunteers have been taking part in a range of activities including litter-picking, restoring benches and revitalising flower beds, with the first session focused on litter-picking along Canal Walk and The Parade, and clearing vegetation near Fleming Way.

The efforts of volunteers are complementing the ongoing work being carried out by council teams this month as part of the overall Big Town Centre Clean-Up project.

This includes repairing damaged paving, removing graffiti, power-washing of pavements, and clearing weeds. Work has also been completed to restore the Golden Lion statue at one of the town centre's most prominent locations.

The local authority points out that while more than 85 per cent of its budget is dedicated to delivering essential statutory services, including adult and children's social care, The Big Town Centre Clean-Up is focused on making targeted improvements to the town centre by intensifying existing services and directing resources where they can have the greatest visual impact.

With approximately 95 per cent of land and buildings in the town centre under private ownership, the Council has also called on property owners and landlords to play their part by addressing maintenance issues.

Cllr Kevin Parry, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene, said after the first volunteers set to work: "It was fantastic to attend today’s session to welcome the first group of volunteers and join them in getting stuck to making a visible difference to our town centre.

"The response from the community has been incredible, with more than 230 volunteer places booked across the programme. It shows how much people care about Swindon and their willingness to get involved in improving the places we all share.

"The Big Town Centre Clean-Up brings together volunteers, local businesses, community groups and the Council. By working together, we can achieve far more than any one organisation could on its own.”

Another highly commendable development is the fact that people serving Community Payback orders have been drafted in to play a role, thanks to the council partnering with the Probation Service.

Community Payback is a programme that enables people convicted of offences to complete unpaid work which benefits local communities as part of their sentence.

During the full-day sessions in Swindon, groups of up to 10 participants, supervised by the Probation Service, are carrying out environmental improvement tasks, including removing graffiti from council-owned property in the town centre.

The Probation Service operates procedures to ensure Community Payback activities are carefully planned, managed and supervised, with the safety of participants and the public remaining a priority at all times.

The town centre sessions, the council says, build on its existing partnership with the Probation Service, through which Community Payback participants help maintain Whitworth Road Cemetery.

Following the completion of the clean-up activities, the council and Probation Service will explore opportunities to expand the use of Community Payback projects across Swindon, enabling more people serving community sentences to make a positive contribution to the Borough while helping tackle issues such as graffiti and litter.

Cllr Parry said: "Everyone has a role to play in The Big Town Centre Clean-Up and in helping to make a positive difference to our town centre.

"I'm grateful to the Probation Service for working closely with us to establish these Community Payback sessions. They will provide practical support for our clean-up efforts while giving participants the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community."

Cllr Matt Hinton, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services, said: "This initiative builds on our successful partnership with the Probation Service, which already sees Community Payback participants making an important contribution to the upkeep of Whitworth Road Cemetery.

"Once these sessions have been completed, we will explore how Community Payback could play a wider role in supporting communities across Swindon and helping to address environmental issues that matter to residents."

Swindon students celebrate GCSE success

Students across Swindon are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

The results for 2,374 students have been returned to the Council.

A total of 61.3 % of students achieved a pass rate (grades 9 to 4) in both English and Maths.

A total of 75.4% achieved a pass rate (grades 9 to 4) in English, an increase from 72.4% last year, and 71.7% of students achieved a pass rate (grades 9 to 4) in Maths, an increase from 70.3% last year.

Schools, teachers, families and support staff joined students in celebrating their achievements as they prepare for the next stage of their education, training or employment.

Students and teachers from The Deanery Church of England Academy celebrated an excellent set of GCSE results. The results showed sustained improvement, with 48% of the cohort achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths. In addition, the number of students achieving Grade 4 or above in both English and Maths is at 72%.

At St Joseph’s Catholic College, there were outstanding individual success stories as well as an impressive overall performance by the year group.

For a second successive year, a student achieved grade 9 in every one of his 10 GCSEs, plus a ‘distinction star’ in the Extended Maths award - only about 690 students across the whole country achieve this each year.

Overall results at St Joseph’s showed that 66% of students achieved grade 4 or above in both English and Maths, and 50% achieved grade 5 or above in both of these subjects. Overall, 64% of students achieved grade 4 or above in five or more GCSE subjects including English and Maths.

Cllr Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education said: “I’m thrilled to celebrate the achievements of all Swindon students who received their exam results today.

“Behind every grade is a story of commitment and determination, every student should be proud of what they have achieved. These results represent hard work, supported by dedicated teachers and families. Congratulations to each and every one of you.”

Jon Young, Executive Principal at The Deanery CofE Academy, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to celebrate these excellent examination results with our pupils. We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved at The Deanery, which joined The Park Academies Trust two years ago.

“These outcomes reflect not only the hard work and determination of our young people, but also the strong partnership between school and home, and the unwavering commitment of our dedicated staff.

“At The Deanery, we are passionate about ensuring every child is known, supported and challenged to achieve their very best, and these results are a testament to that ambition.

“As we continue to build on our strengths and develop new opportunities for our pupils, we are excited about the future, and all that our school community can achieve together. We wish every student every success and happiness in their next steps.”

Gemma Piper, CEO, The Park Academies Trust, said: “Congratulations to all our pupils and staff for achieving an excellent set of GCSE results.

“These outcomes reflect the hard work, determination and commitment of our young people, supported every step of the way by dedicated staff and families. It is particularly pleasing to see the pride being felt across

“The Deanery community as students celebrate the rewards of their efforts. Since joining The Park Academies Trust last September, the school has continued to build on its strengths, fostering high aspirations and creating opportunities for every child to thrive.

“We are delighted to celebrate these achievements and wish all our students every success as they move on to the next stage of their education and future careers.”

The Principal of St Joseph’s, Jerry Giles, said: “Once again, we are all really proud of our students and the results they have achieved – this applies to every success story, whether from our SEN Unit, the St Aquinas Centre, from our Inclusion Centre, The Ark, or from our mainstream population of 270 students.

“As well as the congratulations due to each student, we also thank the teachers and parents whose support has underpinned the success evident today. We wish all our students the best for the next stage of their education and whatever the future holds for them. May God bless them all.”

The Ink News Briefing

Family’s tribute to man who died in Chiseldon collision - The family of a man who died in a collision in Chiseldon on 11 August have paid tribute to him, saying he always had a sparkle in his eye. David Oliver, 60, a former tree surgeon from Marlborough, died when the motorcycle he was riding was involved in a collision with a Volvo at the junction between Draycott Road and The Ridgeway. In a moving tribute, his family said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of David, a much-loved member of our family. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has supported us during this difficult time, and to those who provided David with immediate care during the incident.” Full Story here

Strongest-ever GCSE performance for Swindon school - Lawn Manor Academy is celebrating the strongest GCSE results in the school’s history. Headteacher Russell Langdown said: “Today, we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our Year 11 pupils as they receive a set of GCSE results that are the strongest in the history of Lawn Manor Academy. We’re delighted that our Year 11s have achieved the highest number of the very highest grades this year, with pupils such as Nethumi with an impressive seven Grade 9s, who has ambitions to study medicine at Oxford University. Fellow pupil Gladys achieved two 9s in English Literature and RE, three 8s, two 7s and a 6. Gladys will be attending Swindon Academy to study RE, English Literature and History, with an aim to embark on a Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship. These outcomes reflect the hard work, commitment and ambition shown by our pupils throughout their time at the school. Across a wide range of subjects, pupils have achieved excellent results, with many securing top grades and demonstrating the breadth of talent that exists within our school community. From Further Mathematics to Bengali and Polish, pupils have excelled across an impressive range of qualifications.” Full Story here

Special anniversary Harry Potter screenings in Swindon - The many magical adventures of Harry Potter and his friends are returning to the big screen at Vue in Greenbridge. The screenings commemorate the 25th anniversary of Harry’s big screen debut in 2001. Based on the book series that captured the imaginations of a generation, all eight Harry Potter films will be shown at Vue. The anniversary is billed as giving fans the perfect opportunity to revisit Hogwarts and the wizarding world’s other memorable locations the way they were meant to be experienced, on the big screen. Marking 25 years since the film series began, the season opens on 28 August with the film that kicked it all off, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, introducing The Boy Who Lived, best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, alongside remarkable professors and pupils of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Kasia Burczak, General Manager at Vue in Swindon, said: “Since 2001, the Harry Potter films have become some of the most enjoyable, memorable and beloved big-screen adventures of all time.” Full Story here

Crematorium to become funeral ‘SuperVenue’ - North Wiltshire Crematorium & Memorial Gardens is to become a funeral ‘SuperVenue’ and enable bereaved families to experience sensitive personalisation to their loved one’s services. The chapel is soon to be renovated and fitted with state-of-the-art technology which, the team says, will enable funerals to be more uniquely personal than ever before. The chapel at the crematorium, which is near Royal Wootton Bassett, will temporarily close from Saturday 22 August for the transformation to take place, and services will resume from Tuesday 8 September with the SuperVenue options available. North Wiltshire Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Manager Loraine Beckinsale said: “We are proud to be introducing the opportunity to personalise funerals to unprecedented levels to our bereaved communities.” Full story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

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This is our monthly ‘Heritage focus’ edition which will normally appear on the third Thursday of every month. The first Thursday is ‘Business’, and the second Thursday of the month is ‘Environment’, and the final Thursday is ‘Food & Drink’.

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“I do hope, though, that this will whet your appetite and encourage you to visit the churches mentioned here and others in the town, to see what they might have in the way of church art.”

By local historian and author Angela Atkinson

Church art, or Sacred Artwork is, by its definition, art that is set apart from the mundane.

We find it in uses and places that command deep respect. From a Christian perspective, the term sacred artwork, is best applied to works that are either:

• Intended for liturgical settings or are …

• … appropriate for liturgical settings

Common types of church art

There are four common varieties of church art – most of us will have encountered some if not all of them at some time in our lives - either at home or abroad.

1. Stained glass – letting glowing, colourful light into a church interior, stained glass windows tell stories – often of the Bible and saints. But they’re not restricted to that. They can be geometric patterns, they can tell an allegorical story or they can be a tribute to a significant person. Or to local industry – see below.

2. Frescoes and wall paintings: these are large paintings on church walls and ceilings often using bright colours. I’ll argue that the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome is the go big or go home version.

3. Altarpieces: carved or painted wooden and stone panels placed behind the main altar.

4. Icons – Sacred wooden panel paintings used, in the main, in Eastern traditions, these pieces are rich with deep symbols.

So, what’s Swindon got in the way of sacred art?

Well, quite a lot actually. And much of it is quite astonishing. I obvs can do little more than give an overview here of some it I know. And for those I miss I beg your pardon – to paraphrase a very old song about an English country garden!

I do hope, though, that this will whet your appetite and encourage you to visit the churches mentioned here and others in the town, to see what they might have in the way of church art. And then tell me about it – because what I talk about here is about the extent of my knowledge.

St Mary’s Church at Lydiard

Right then! To kick off our whistle stop tour of some of Swindon’s church art we’re visiting St Mary’s at Lydiard.

In 1999, writer and historian Simon Jenkins featured this church in his book England’s Thousand Best Churches. In it he stated that, were the chancel to be moved to the Victoria and Albert Museum, lock, stock and barrel, it would cause a national sensation. And not a lot of people know that.

Thus, I included that rather fabulous fact in Secret Swindon. But we’re not concerned here with the Golden Cavalier nor the tremendous polyptych. No, we’ll concentrate on the wall paintings at St Mary’s. These remarkable survivals offer a rare insight into how much different the church would have looked to the mediaeval worshiper. For they would have offered their prayers to God surrounded by walls covered in brilliantly coloured patterns, foliage and action figures.

The 16^th century saw all St Mary’s wall paintings defaced and covered up when the new Protestant doctrine forbade the use of sacred images and the worship of saints.

Some enjoyed a brief moment in the sun when the Victorians temporarily exposed them 300 years later. They uncovered them from layers of lime-wash during 1901 renovations.

Now, though, they’re in better shape than ever. And it’s all thanks to extensive conservation work undertaken in a £1m conservation project (2018-2021). The programme involved 24 trainee conservators from different countries under the professional guidance of Jane Rutherford & Associates.

You can explore the wall paintings (and more) by browsing the Lydiard archives here: https://thelydiardarchives.org.uk/collection/wallpaintings As a teaser, here’s one:

What you see here is an unusual depiction of Christ with long, blonde, wavy hair surrounded by a pomegranate design. Dating from the 15^th century it’s part of a set of once brightly-coloured wall paintings introduced by Margaret Beauchamp (c1410-1482) and her husband Oliver St. John – pronounced Sinjun or Sinjin.

The couple are credited with enlargements and improvements to the church that took place in the 1400s. Their work included the addition of the south porch – where you’ll find this painting.

Inglesham church, St John the Baptist – 13^th century

Keeping with ancient wall paintings and bouncing out into the wider borough we’re now paying a visit to Inglesham, described as ‘an ancient painted wonder saved by William Morris.’ That’s he of Kelmscott Manor not the Swindon Advertiser. I mention it because confusion does arise.

The church website describes the paintings there as follows:

‘An amazing series of paintings, from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century, cover the walls often with one painted over another, in places seven layers thick. While it is not always easy to puzzle out the subjects, you can see fifteenth-century angels above the chancel arch, an early fourteenth-century doom on the east wall of the north aisle, and several nineteenth-century texts, as well as a thirteenth-century masonry pattern throughout the chancel.’

I confess that, despite including this one in Swindon in 50 More buildings, I haven’t actually visited it. It would be good to see it for myself. For a bit more about Inglesham church and a few more photos, I happen to have a blog post, here.

And now for something completely different

The tour bus now comes back into Swindon, to Rodbourne. Here we’ll pay a visit to St Augustine’s, one of the four so-called railway churches, built to meet the spiritual needs of the ever-growing GWR workforce. The others being, in no particular order) St Mark’s (by the railway village), St Barnabas (Gorse Hill) and St Luke’s at Broadgreen.

Anyway, as you go through the doorway of this modest red-brick railway church, prepare yourself for shock and awe as you’re greeted with the simply stunning apse ceiling you see in this image.

Back in 1987, discussions began about a new work of art for the apse at St Augustine’s. Funding it were several members of the Done family, in memory of Winifred Done. A much-loved member of the congregation, Winifred had died in March of that year.

Now a young artist seeking work, Fleur Channer, had approached the clergy. They commissioned her to prepare sketches for a painting in the early Christian style. They wanted something resembling that which St Augustine himself might well have seen in Rome. Adaption’s to the sketches followed.

By the time the final drawings received approval the figures were of a later period than at first intended. They now showed the influence of Italian, Greek and Venetian artwork.

You can find out more about this artwork and others in the church by the same artist on the website here: https://staugustines-swindon.co.uk/history/church-artwork/

But better still, visit it. It’s a lovely church, one of which I am rather fond.

St Barnabas’ Gorse Hill

Continuing with the theme of tales of the unexpected, our next and final stop on this trip takes us to another railway church, St Barnabas in Gorse Hill. Now, I’ve written about St Barnabas and its marvellous mural paintings before on this forum so I’ll not go on too much them. But in case you missed that one or need a reminder here’s an overview.

The mural paintings are the work of the Rev. John (Jean) Perret, sometime Rector of Stanton Fitzwarren, near Swindon. The Rev. Basil Minchin encouraged their execution and they comprised a thank you offering on the part of the artist for recovery to health. Painted in the years 1946, 1947 and 1948, the artist prepared the walls with lead and canvas.

There’s a full history and explanation of the paintings here: https://allsaintsstbarnabas.org.uk/the-story-of-the-mural-paintings/ and even a link to my own blog post about them.

So, there you have it – an overview of a small sample of Swindon’s sacred art. I trust it’s tickled your metaphorical taste buds and that you’re now energised and enthused enough to visit them for yourself.

The Ink News Briefing

Swindon domestic abuse charity urges people to put the kettle on - Swindon domestic abuse charity Society Without Abuse (SWA) is inviting people to put the kettle on, bake or buy-in a few treats and make a real difference by hosting an Afternoon Tea fundraiser. Whether it's a gathering in a garden, village hall, workplace or community centre, every cup of tea poured and every slice of cake shared will help raise vital funds to support SWA's services across Swindon, Wiltshire and Bath and North East Somerset, supporting children and adults impacted by domestic abuse.
Cassie Dawson, Training and Business Development Officer for SWA, said: "Joining us to host an Afternoon Tea this summer is a great way to bring people together whilst making a difference to people and families who have been affected by domestic abuse.” Full story here

Police netball stars named Sports Team of the Year - The Wiltshire Police Netball Team has been named the first-ever recipient of the Sports Team of the Year Award at the inaugural Wiltshire Police Sports Club Awards. The awards were introduced to recognise and celebrate the individuals and teams who make the Sports Club such a positive, supportive and successful community. The Sports Team of the Year Award recognises a team that has demonstrated outstanding commitment, inclusivity, sportsmanship and pride in representing Wiltshire Police. Since relaunching four years ago, the Wiltshire Police Netball Team has gone from strength to strength, developing into a vibrant and inclusive group. Full story here

Malmesbury ready to draw in art lovers - A trio of events is planned for art lovers of all ages across Malmesbury next month. The town will be turned into a vibrant canvas celebrating local talent, creativity and community spirit. The High Street+ Gallery is a popular annual event organised by the town council. Running from 12 September to 11 October, this month-long initiative will showcase the work of 30 artists, which will be displayed in the windows of shops and businesses right across Malmesbury, from the Triangle, past the Market Cross and down to the lower High Street. The event offers an opportunity for artists to present and sell their work locally while encouraging residents and visitors to explore the trail. Full story here

High-profile sustainability conference at Royal Wootton Bassett - The pioneering Sustain Britain Conference is celebrating its third year in Wiltshire with the launch of a new conference for schools. It will be held at the Sustain Farm Shop on Brinkworth Road, Royal Wootton Basset, on Thursday 17 September, followed by the free annual conference for the general public on 18 September. Addressing major issues such as how to break the UK’s dependency on imports and multinational conglomerates, the conference will focus on the vital role that self-sufficiency has to play in food security and sustainable living in Wiltshire and beyond. Opening with an introduction from South Cotswolds MP Dr Roz Savage, who will explain her role in the Stronger South Cotswolds initiative, the conference will introduce a series of eminent speakers who will be attending both the schools and public conference. Full story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

Upgrade to Paid

“What we want to create here is a community space that can be used by local residents and different groups.”

By Barrie Hudson

What is to be done when what was once a much-loved pub at the heart of a neighbourhood ends up empty and abandoned?

Many a community across the nation has faced and is still facing this question or a similar one. Often, and through no fault of anybody in the community, nothing can be done.

Spaces once filled with laugher and families continue to be home to nothing but dust, memories of better times and the odd remnant of broken furniture. Gardens where children once played as parents got together with friends become overgrown with brambles and lawns become impenetrable scrub.

However, such stories do not have to end this way, as a group of dedicated people in a Swindon community have proved and continue to prove.

When the Toot and Whistle pub opened in the Spring of 1981 in Dunwich Drive at the Village Centre, the neighbourhood it served was itself in its infancy. The name of the shiny new venue, a pun on the name of that neighbourhood and Swindon’s long association with railways, was chosen following a local children’s competition.

Some years later, as is not uncommon, there was a change of name and the Toot and Whistle became The Village Tavern. Early this century there was a £100,000 refurbishment by the then owners, culminating in a high-profile reopening.

However, in 2019 the pub closed for the last time and the building remained unused for several years.

And now?

Anybody visiting will find The Hub@Toothill, a vibrant and growing community space which is, among other roles, a centre for local events, a cafe, a bar and a place with a bright function room for hire. There is even a delightful and well-stocked book corner where people are welcome to take some time out and lose themselves in a story.

It is a not-for-profit endeavour, meaning any surplus beyond then costs associated with operating it will be used to benefit the community.

The story that began with the empty pub and continues with the vibrant new space is one of determination and enterprise by community members.

Greta Richardson is one of the directors and also General Manager.

“What we want to create here,” she said, “is a community space that can be used by local residents and different groups. We have a function room that can be hired out and we’ve had parties booked there already. Upstairs there are two meeting rooms that can also be rented out.”

The cafe is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 3.30pm, and the bar from 4-10pm on those days and noon to 8pm on Sundays. “We’re very mindful that we’re still in a residential area,” Greta said.

“Although the building used to be a pub, it’s no longer a pub - we’re a community space that happens to have the facilities of a bar!

“We want to see the community coming together - it’s a welcoming environment where people can feel comfortable.”

Fellow director Kareen Boyd recalled that back in 2010 it was announced that Toothill had been awarded a £1m National Lottery grant, and community members sought out local views as to how it might best be used.

“Over the years,” she said, “we consulted with the community who told us they wanted community facilities fit for the 21st century and concentrated here in the Village Centre.”

The process of acquiring and reopening the former pub, which entailed a great deal of renovation, was necessarily not a rapid one, not least because of the pandemic.

Another director, Peter Egan, said: “We engaged an architect who came up with plans. We put those plans out for construction companies, but then lockdown came along and everything came to a halt!” Another complication was the fact that covid sent building costs surging.

In spite of these challenges, the venue is already becoming a much-loved community space, and feedback has been excellent.

On Saturday 29 August, there will be a Summer Craft Market from noon to 4pm, featuring a wealth of stalls and attractions, and all are welcome to come along.

The latest updates about The Hub@Toothill can be found at www.toothillhub.co.uk and on its Facebook page.

The Ink News Briefing

Jail for man who led police on car chase across Swindon

A man has been jailed after leading police officers on what was described as an incredibly dangerous pursuit across Swindon and into Oxfordshire.

Charlie Foster, 20, of Lansdown Road, Faringdon, appeared at Swindon Crown Court after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He was jailed for 20 months, disqualified from driving for four years and 10 months and his vehicle seized.

At around 1.05pm on 10 July, roads officers PC Beales and PC Venton were on patrol near the County Ground Hotel in Swindon when they became saw a vehicle of interest – a black Range Rover – coming towards them which was potentially driven by a disqualified driver.

They moved to pull the Range Rover over but it mounted the nearside verge onto a grassy area before driving along a footpath and re-entering the carriageway at the junction with Greenbridge Retail Park.

It then collided with another vehicle, before accelerating off.

A pursuit was authorised, during which Foster carried out numerous dangerous driving manoeuvres, including travelling the wrong way around roundabouts, driving through red lights and in and out of traffic.

A stinger was successfully deployed by supporting officers and Foster’s two front tyres were punctured.

As he approached Coleshill in Oxfordshire, Foster fled the vehicle before being arrested at taser point.

He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

Roads Policing Officer PC Beales said: “Foster’s actions were incredibly dangerous and it is incredibly fortunate that there were no serious injuries.

“He put officers, other road users and himself in significant danger and I’m pleased he’s been given a custodial sentence.”

Championship win for Wiltshire police rider - A Wiltshire Police staff member has celebrated a highly successful day at the Police Sport UK (PSUK) Southern Championships Blue Lights Horse Show. Financial Investigator Hollie Clark took home multiple titles while proudly representing the Force. Hollie travelled to Chard in Somerset to compete at the annual event alongside colleague Jasmine Swatton-Andrews. However, significant traffic delays caused by a diversion on the M5 meant Jasmine was unable to reach the venue in time for her classes and was forced to return home. Despite the challenging start to the day, Hollie and her horse, Figgy, delivered an outstanding performance in the show jumping arena. Competing after a six-week break due to poor weather, ground conditions and a busy schedule balancing work and family life, Hollie achieved an impressive roster of results including the overall championship. Full Story here

Accolade for Swindon care home worker - White Lodge Care Home worker Hamzat Lawal has been crowned Learner of the Year for the Central West Division in the Barchester Care Awards 2026. Hamzat is now through to the national round of judging. The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 14,000 residents living in Barchester’s 271 care homes and private hospitals across the country, which includes White Lodge Care Home in Braydon. Categories range fromRegistered Nurse of the Year and Carer of the Year to Dementia Care Champion and Activities Coordinator of the Year. Almost 6,000 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. Hamzat said: “This is a feeling beyond excitement. Coming top learner in the Central west division, has been so exciting for me.” Full Story here

Swindon radio presenter’s role in biggest Beatles festival - Swindon 105.5 presenter Nigel Pearce has been invited to present a special episode of his acclaimed publication Inside No 3 during the International Beatles Week Festival. He will appear at the historic Liverpool Adelphi Hotel on 30 August. Nigel said: "To be asked to present at this most famous and largest annual Beatles Festival in the world is no mean feat and I feel very proud to be invited to present my unique angle on the workings of Apple2. The festival launched in the mid 1970s and has continually grown to be recognised and supported by people from around the world who visit Liverpool to feel and experience that Beatles Magic that the world simply does not want to let go of, some 56 years after this all-time legendary band split." Full story here

Church to host fundraising Handel singing day - All are invited to some and sing parts of Handel’s Messiah at St Mary’s Church in Purton. The musical gathering on Saturday 10 October is being organised ahead of a workshop concert later in the day with a collection in aid of the church. A spokesperson said: “It will be a fabulous learning day. We shall attempt many of the main choruses.” Being able to read music will be helpful, and the spokesperson added: “A score can be available for you and lunch will also be provided. Fun, friendship and exciting music.. a day to remember under expert leadership.” Full Story here

Living with Autism

A column by The Autistic Journalist Tyler Ody

Immersed in history on a trip to York

By Tyler Ody

Hey everybody! Welcome to this month’s Living With Autism. This time I am writing about our recent family holiday to York.

On Monday 25 May we packed the car, picked up our Auntie Amanda and made our way to York.

After we have arrived in York we got into our holiday home and unpacked, then we went out to explore the town and had a spot of lunch.

Later on in the evening we did a Ghost Tour which in the past is something that I would never have done, but I really enjoyed the Ghost Tour and the girl who took us really got into character.

On the Tuesday we took a visit to the Jorvik Viking Museum which I thoroughly enjoyed.

After our morning at Jorvik we did a bit of shopping before heading to the holiday home to bring what we brought away and have a quick cup of tea.

Later in the afternoon we took a walk around the famous York Wall, and went for a lovely walk in the evening.

On Wednesday we went to the Castle Museum, which was fun. We got to see the different shop fronts and even looked in the old prison cells.

After we finished in the Castle Museum, we saw the gravestone of Richard Turpin, the highwayman.

That evening we had a meal in the Guy Fawkes, which was delicious, I can say.

On our last full day, which was a Thursday, we visited York Minster, which was a lovely experience, and we went to have a look around the town afterwards.

Friday was sadly the day we had to come home, but I will always remember our trip to York.

If you haven’t been to York please do go. It is is such a beautiful city and I totally recommend the places we visited.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this column, and I will see you all soon.

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

Upgrade to Paid

The Barrie Hudson Column

Barrie Hudson is a known quantity when it comes to writing words. Sometimes he even spells them correctly. In fact he has been writing words in the Swindon area for more than two decades. First of all for the Swindon Advertiser and then for Swindon Link and now for The Ink. Here are some of his words…

Here's a special message for the six-figure-salaried unsackable numpty officials responsible for sending out the Emergency Alert about wildfires on Friday:

Well done! You have taken what might otherwise have been a valuable, life-saving resource and made it a laughing stock - one which is now several times more likely to be ignored when its strident tones are next blasted through our phones, even if on that occasion the danger is only too real and horrific loss of life therefore ensues.

Still, don't let that bother you too much. After all, the lives lost will most likely be those of ordinary people with ordinary families, ordinary hopes and ordinary dreams.

It's not as though we're human.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when the Emergency Alert system was introduced, it was touted as a means by which the public could be told of an immediate mass threat to life and limb.

Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but most people would define an immediate mass threat to life and limb as something along the lines of:

• An ongoing co-ordinated terrorist attack involving multiple public locations

• A sudden hostile military air attack, or else an imminent one, originating overseas and involving conventional weapons

• A sudden hostile military attack, or else an imminent one, originating overseas and involving a ground invasion by armed personnel

• The detection of incoming nuclear warheads

• A truly catastrophic impending natural disaster, such as a tidal wave heading for one or more of our coasts, a severe earthquake, an approaching and hitherto undetected meteor strike or similar, involving the likelihood of mass casualties

• A hitherto unknown rapidly-spreading pestilence causing almost immediate death or incapacitation to anybody coming into contact with a sufferer

• Something even more outlandish such as the arrival of extraterrestrials with either hostile or unknown intent, or perhaps the sudden emergence from a nearby sea or ocean of some ancient monster of the deep, a bit like in one of those old Japanese science fiction films, such as Godzilla, Gamera or Rodan

• Or something to do with zombies, especially if they were not the easily-outrunnable ones from the 1970s zombie films but the sprinting ones like those in 28 Days Later

As I said earlier, these are the scenarios we were given to understand the Emergency Alert system would cover - well, apart from the aliens, sea monsters and zombies, perhaps.

For the life of me, I can't recall anybody saying it would also cover scenarios which presented little or no threat of mass casualties, and were caused by people so utterly stupid that they barely qualify as sentient beings; people so stupid, in fact, that one can't help wondering whether their bodily cells actually have nuclei or whether they are instead prokaryotic like bacteria.

I can't recall any of you saying: "And by the way, the Emergency Alert system will also be brought into play when a succession of heatwaves has left countless thousands of acres of grassland, heath and scrub so tinder dry that you could set them alight merely by saying the words 'Swan Vesta' or 'England's Glory' as you walk by."

I can't recall any of you saying: "In that case the Emergency Alert system will be brought into play in order to alert the public at large to the fact that, under such circumstances, it might not be the best idea to have a great big barbecue in such a location, or a great big bonfire for that matter, or to set off fireworks and have a good old laugh as the surrounding countryside turns into a raging inferno."

The thing you have failed to grasp, you six-figure-salaried unsackable numpty officials responsible for sending out the Emergency Alert about wildfires on Friday, is that the sort of people who generally cause wildfires are either completely selfish or so lacking in cognitive ability that their brainpans might as well be full of dog muck.

Those people are, to say the very least, highly unlikely to heed any message, whether presented as an Emergency Alert or in any other way, to the effect that setting fire to the countryside or risking setting fire to the countryside in the midst of a generationally-unprecedented drought might not be a tip-top idea.

However, thanks to what you have done, an untold number of ordinary people who might otherwise have paid heed to future Emergency Alert messages that weren't completely pointless will now think twice or else ignore the alarm tone altogether.

"What is it this time?" they might well ask themselves. "A warning that sticking our heads in the microwave and giving it 10 minutes at full power is dangerous? A warning that sticking a knitting needle in each ear and seeing if we can make the points meet in the middle could be injurious to health?

"Or perhaps that we should avoid taking off all our clothes, smearing our naked bodies in dog food, heading for the nearest Bully XL sanctuary and climbing over the fence?"

Some might even go to the Government website and switch off Emergency Alerts altogether.

What the solution to idiotic decisions such as yours might be, you six-figure-salaried unsackable numpty officials responsible for sending out the Emergency Alert about wildfires on Friday, I really don't know.

The one that occurs most readily to me is making every one of you take a standard IQ test and some proprietary test of elementary common sense and reasoning, and boot out anybody who fails.

However, I rather fear that this would leave the great Departments of State so devoid of personnel as to make the Mary Celeste look like Oxford Street on the last Saturday before Christmas.

I hope my comments do not upset you too much, as I've always said it's nice to be nice where possible, but if they have, you should look on the bright side.

At least one group of people are not irritated or angered by your decision to sound the Emergency Alert so pointlessly.

I refer, of course, to violent domestic abusers, many of whom were enabled to discover the phones their victims were keeping secret in the hope of being able to contact potentially life-saving help should the worst happen.

So you have that to be proud of if nothing else.

What if the victims of all criminals set to be released early were prominent politicians and other VIPs?

At around the time of the eighth or ninth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower killings, you may remember that I speculated as to whether the subsequent official inquiries might have been slightly different had the 72 people who died been VIPs or the children of VIPs.

I found my thoughts straying toward similar speculation the other day when I heard about comments made by a man called Martin Jones, who is His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation for England and Wales.

According to the highly-regarded Mr Jones, the scheduled release of some 5,000 prisoners, including some convicted of violent crimes, in a bid to ease prison overcrowding could lead to serious sexual or violent offences and perhaps even to murder.

The victims of those 5,000 prisoners, the people whose lives they were sentenced for blighting, are either all or very nearly all ordinary people.

I found myself wondering, however, about what would be happening as far as early release went if there were no ordinary people among those victims.

What would the situation be were the victims drawn entirely from the various categories of VIP?

If they were prominent politicians of all parties, for example, or their loved ones, or their assorted lackeys, lickspittles and top officials.

Or important people who have done favours for prominent politicians of all parties and their friends and families over the years and decades, and to whom those prominent politicians might feel they owe a favour or two - especially if they wanted the favours to continue.

Or top business people with influence in the national media, and who might use that influence to cast the activities of certain politicians in an unfavourable light.

Or the bosses of social media organisations.

Or celebrities famous for singing songs, reciting lines in films or on the telly, kicking a ball about and so on, and whose story of terror at the thought of the criminal who traumatised them being released early would be readily taken up by any national media organisation.

Yes, let’s suppose for a moment that every victim of the 5,000 or so criminals set for early release belonged to one of the groups I just listed.

Let’s suppose every burglary victim whose home, whose sanctuary, was violated, and who now cowered in fear behind reinforced doors and windows, belonged to one of the groups I just listed.

Let’s suppose every victim of a brutal street robbery or random violent crime, including those who are reminded of what happened to them every time they look in a mirror or endure another bout of painful physiotherapy, belonged to one of the groups I just listed.

Let’s suppose that every survivor of domestic violence, including those told by their attacker that if they got the law involved there would be terrible vengeance, belonged to one of the groups I just listed.

If that were the case, what would be the implications for the early release scheme?

Do you suppose it would go ahead?

Me neither.

Do you suppose the legislation would be torn up until it resembled so much confetti?

Do you suppose that funds would suddenly be found to build the extra prison capacity to house the 5,000 or so prisoners in question?

Do you suppose that if necessary, the new prison capacity would consist of stacked portable cabins or prefabricated modules behind lethal electric fences on bleak expanses of land far, far away from where any of the prisoners’ victims lived, worked or sent their children to school?

Come to think of it, do you suppose that if necessary, the overcrowding would be solved by taking the 5,000 or so prisoners to those bleak expanses of land, handing each of them a shovel at 7am, giving each one until midnight to dig the biggest hole they could, then chucking them into the holes, chucking a camp bed, a desk, a chair and a chemical toilet in after them, placing a two-ton iron grille over the top of each pit and welcoming the occupants to their new cells?

Me too.

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

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“What makes these results even more admirable, of course, is that the young people involved are of the generation which had its education substantially disrupted several years ago during the long school closures associated with the Covid pandemic.”

By Barrie Hudson

A grand total of 1,128 students completed A-Levels in Swindon this summer.

Alongside them, 454 students achieved qualifications through T-Levels, the two-year technical qualifications whose study burden is roughly comparable to three A-Levels.

And the overall outcome of those collective tens of thousands of hours of study, revision, coursework, enjoyment and stress?

As Cllr Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “I’m delighted to congratulate every student receiving their A-Level and T-Level results today. Their success reflects years of hard work, commitment and perseverance.

“These achievements demonstrate the high aspirations of young people across Swindon and the excellent support provided by families, teachers and school communities.

“Whether you’re heading to university, starting an apprenticeship or beginning work, you take with you the skills and confidence to succeed.

"Today we celebrate not only their results, but the bright future they are helping to build for themselves and for Swindon.”

The figures behind the congratulations are remarkable.

The borough recorded an overall pass rate of 95.4 per cent (grades A* to E), an increase of 0.3 per cent on last year, while 37.8 per cent (up 0.6 per cent on last year) of entries were awarded top grades of A* to B.

The figures also include results achieved by local students attending Cirencester College.

What makes these results even more admirable, of course, is that the young people involved are of the generation which had its education substantially disrupted several years ago during the long school closures associated with the Covid pandemic.

Among the schools celebrating throughout the borough was Lydiard Park Academy Sixth Form, where the outstanding students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate across all academic and vocational qualifications.

The academy also reported that 76 per cent of grades were awarded at A* to C, while 63 per cent of vocational grades achieved Distinction or Distinction*.

Students are now progressing to a range of destinations including Cardiff University, the University of Bristol, the University of Reading and the University of Gloucestershire, as well as apprenticeships and employment.

Gary Pearson, Principal of Lydiard Park Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students, not just for the grades they’ve achieved, but for the journey they’ve taken to get there.

“These results reflect the hard work of our young people and the dedication of our staff in helping them thrive.”

Gemma Piper, CEO of The Park Academies Trust, said: “Congratulations to all our students and staff.

“We’re very proud to see the impressive range of results this year and the smiles on so many faces. I wish everyone the very best for the future and want to thank students and their teachers for all their hard work and dedication.”

At New College Swindon, there were celebrations of what college chiefs quite rightly described as a tremendous achievement.

This year saw an increase in the number of learners achieving the highest grades across A-Level and vocational subjects, highlighting how NCS is supporting learners to not just pass, but maximise their potential.

T Levels also saw significant increases in pass rates, with momentum building over the past few years since the launch of the qualification.

The results reflect the growing demand for courses that combine academic knowledge with practical, industry-relevant experience, positioning New College Swindon at the forefront of delivering the Government’s evolving vision for Further Education.

Nicola Beckley, Chief Strategy Officer, said: “The outstanding progress we’re seeing across the board demonstrates the value of FE colleges in offering learners flexible, high-quality pathways that support different strengths, ambitions and learning styles.

“The Department for Education’s vision for V Levels is an exciting proposition, and as our success in delivering T Levels demonstrates, we are well positioned to develop the first tranche of qualifications.

“Young people deserve flexible pathways that allow them to build knowledge, technical expertise and transferable skills while keeping their future options open.

“We remain committed to ensuring every learner leaves not only with excellent qualifications, but with the confidence, experience and skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”

The college also celebrated continued success in apprenticeships.

Matt Butcher, Vice Principal Commercial, Skills and Partnerships, is delighted with the outcomes.

He said: “Apprenticeships continue to play an increasingly important role in developing the skilled workforce employers need, enabling learners to gain recognised qualifications while earning, building workplace experience and developing the professional behaviours that support long-term career success.”

Principal and CEO Leah Palmer is pleased with how hard all learners have worked but is quick to highlight that success is not measured simply by grades but also the opportunities that they create.

“Today is a celebration of our learners and everything they have achieved, and we are incredibly proud of every single one of them.

“Whether our learners are progressing to university, higher education at the New College Swindon University Centre, into apprenticeships or employment, today’s achievements represent the beginning of exciting new journeys.

“These outcomes reflect the dedication of our learners, the expertise and commitment of our extremely dedicated NCS colleagues and the invaluable support of parents and carers.

“Congratulations to every learner receiving their results today, we look forward to seeing everything they achieve in their future careers.”

At. UTC Swindon, the flagship STEM school and sixth form that specialises in engineering, digital and cyber security, this year’s cohort achieved:

- 100% pass rate in BTEC Level 3 Esports with 80% of all grades a Distinction
- 100% pass rate in Level 3 Cyber Security
- 100% pass rate with all grades merit and above for Level 3 BTEC Extended diploma in Engineering.

Headteacher Hollie Taylor said: “Today is a day to celebrate the achievements of our students and recognise the hard work, resilience and ambition they have shown throughout their studies.

“We are incredibly proud of everything this cohort has accomplished. Whether they are progressing to university, higher apprenticeships, employment or other exciting opportunities, they leave us with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in the next stage of their journey.

“We wish them every success in the future and look forward to hearing about all they go on to achieve.”

These are just some of the many stories of achievement in educational establishments throughout the borough, and we, like many a parent, guardian, teacher, assistant and anybody else who hopes every young person reaches their full potential, congratulate each and every one of the young people celebrating.

We also, however, have a message for any young person whose results were not what they had hoped for. It’s a message we share every year around this time, and we make no apology for sharing it again now.

To any young person who is currently disappointed we say:

Please humour us by taking a glance out of the nearest window and then at the nearest clock. You will observe that the sky has not fallen in, and that time has not stopped.

This means that there is nothing preventing you, should you wish, from returning to study and attaining the result you desire. There are plenty of people ready and willing to support you.

Alternatively, you might prefer to rethink your options. Never regard this as an admission of defeat. Many of the greatest achievers who ever lived went on to do world-changing work after adjusting the direction of their ambitions.

You have not failed.

The Ink News Briefing

Swindon murderer Glyn Razzell to remain behind bars

By Barrie Hudson

A Swindon man who murdered his wife in 2002 has lost his latest bid to be freed on licence.

Glyn Razzell murdered his wife, Linda, in 2002, and was jailed for life the following year.

Today the High Court overturned a decision made by the Parole Board earlier this year that he was suitable for release.

Linda, from whom Razzell was estranged and who had accused him of domestic violence, had vanished while on her way to her job as a learning support assistant.

She had left her car in Alvescot Road

The murderer has never acknowledged guilt, in spite of evidence including the presence of Linda’s blood in a car he was using.

Some years ago he was featured in a television programme about alleged miscarriages of justice, during which he initially agreed to take a lie-detector test but subsequently refused.

Razzell also refuses to reveal the fate of Linda’s remains.

Step Back in Time at Town Gardens Lindy Hop Workshop - All are invited to celebrate the Town Gardens Bowl’s 90th anniversary with an hour of music, movement and swing-inspired fun. There will be a chance for people to dance their way back to the 1930s as the Town Gardens Bowl hosts Step Back in Time, a fun and welcoming Lindy Hop-themed dance workshop for adults. Taking place at the Town Gardens Bowl on Sunday 16 August, the workshop will be led by Swindon Dance’s Zoe Humphries and promises an uplifting hour of music, movement and swing-era spirit. Inspired by the joyful energy of Lindy Hop, the iconic swing dance that emerged in the 1930s, the session is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether a seasoned dancer or somebody who has never danced before, each participant will learn easy-to-follow movements while enjoying the infectious music and atmosphere of the swing era. Full Story here

Three new Swindon summer walking trails - Families are invited to explore three new trails as part of the Active Swindon Trails Challenge. They are the Deer Trail in Stanton Park, the Woodpecker Trail in Pinehurst and a new route, the Hedgehog Trail in Wichelstowe. A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: “All the trails are short and designed to highlight areas of nature, heritage, and history. Prizes and badges are up for grabs for those who complete each trail.” Full Story here

Inaugural street hockey tournament launched by South Swindon Parish Council - South Swindon Parish Council is inviting as many young people aged 8–16 as possible to take part in its first-ever South Swindon Street Hockey Tournament. On Sunday 16 August, from 1-4pm at the Buckhurst Field PlayZone, six teams will compete for the first annual Buckhurst Cup. The tournament is free and open to everyone aged 8–16, whether they have played hockey before or are trying it for the first time, and people of all abilities are welcome.
As well as competing for the trophy, players will have the chance to win medals for first, second and third place, with every participant receiving a certificate to mark the occasion. Full Story here

Property law change warning for cohabiting couples - Swindon solicitors are urging couples who live together to consider the implications of possible law reforms affecting shared assets. Gardner Leader wants cohabiting couples to share their views on the proposed changes before the 14 August consultation deadline. Those proposed changes could see automatic rights for partners after three years of cohabitation or two years where children are involved, giving family courts powers over property and pensions, along with inheritance rights. Office for National Statistics figures show that cohabitation is increasingly common and often relatively short-lived, and that among adults aged 16 to 59 whose cohabiting relationship did not lead to marriage, the average first cohabitation lasts just 46 months, with more than a third of these ending within two years, while second cohabitations are shorter still, at 34 months.
Suzy Hamshaw, Partner in the Family team at Gardner Leader, said: “These statistics demonstrate why this debate is important.” Full story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

This is our monthly ‘Food & Drink focus’ edition which usually appears on the second Thursday of every month. The first Thursday is ‘Business’, the third Thursday is ‘Heritage’ and finally the fourth Thursday is ‘Culture’.

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Food to die for in an idyllic location

Ink Editor Jamie Hill heads to the Red Lion in East Chisenbury to see what the fuss is about.

By Jamie Hill

Okay, for us Swindonians, this might be a little off the beaten track as it’s not exactly a stone’s throw away.

In fact, to travel to The Red Lion at East Chisenbury, you have to head down the A346 through Marlborough and then through Pewsey and then through the village of Upavon before you reach it. A journey of at least 40 minutes.

But it is so so worth it.

The Red Lion is a renowned 18th-century thatched country pub and Michelin-recommended gastronomic destination. Located in the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire (SN9 6AQ), it is run by chef-owners Guy and Brittany Manning, offering high-end seasonal British-European food, luxury riverside rooms and local ales.

It’s been flirting with the Michelin guide for years and you can completely see why. Currently it holds three AA Rosettes.

I’ve got to confess I’ve eaten at this relaxing thatched pub a few times and every time it always blows me away.

For the Red Lion it’s always about the flavours and the attention to detail and it shows as their cuisine is exceptional.

Okay, it’s not cheap. Starters range from about £15 to £20 with main courses around £30. But you get what you pay for as without doubt you won’t be disappointed.

In late July I made the trip with my friend, Josh West, a chef of not little renown himself, to try out the gastropub’s new Supper Club, which takes place on the last Thursday of every month.

The Supper Club is an intimate and lively evening designed to showcase a more expressive, laid back and seasonal style of cooking.

Each evening features a carefully curated three-course bistro-style menu shaped by what is at its very best at that moment — whether that’s the first asparagus of the season, exceptional game, or dishes that rarely find a place on their menus.

It costs £55 per person with an optional cheese course.

The theme of the July Supper Club was ‘Fields in Full’ and it was a complete delight.

It started off with a ceviche of Cornish pollock seasoned with chilli, lime and coriander. As light starters go this was out of this world. Fresh flavours opening up the palate, creating a symphony for the tastebuds. My only complaint was that there wasn’t more of it.

For the main course we had a grilled bavette steak with French fries and Café de Paris butter. Again this was perfection. The steak was cooked flawlessly and for me the butter was what made this simple meal amazing. If you didn’t know, Café de Paris butter is a rich, savoury compound butter flavoured with herbs, spices, and condiments and it was beautiful.

Special mention needs to go to the accompanying salad with this dish. Salad is a side usually just chucked there by a lot of eateries with no real effort, but this was completely impeccable and just heaven in the mouth.

Finally, to finish off the evening, and because I didn’t opt for the cheese course, we had strawberry and brown butter frangipani tart with Neal’s Yard crème fraiche.

A perfect way to finish what was a meal that I can’t throw enough superlatives at. The tart was absolutely scrumptious. It’s fair to say that every bite was just out of this world.

As you can probably tell I loved my trip out to the Red Lion and can’t really recommend it enough.

It definitely deserves all the plaudits it’s received and I’m already planning my next journey out there.

You should make the trip yourself, if you have any sense. It’s so worth it.

To book visit eastchisenbury.com

Pints with purpose - brewing a better future

The Ink’s beer aficionado, Ed Dyer, takes a break from moaning about the state of the industry to wax lyrical about mixing brewing with social enterprise, with a focus on Oxford’s very own Tap Social amongst others.

By Ed Dyer

Brewing for Good: Why Social Enterprise could be one of independent beer’s routes out of the crisis

For much of the past year, the story surrounding Britain’s independent brewing industry has been depressingly familiar.

I have written endlessly about brewery closures, rising production costs, the mounting burden of taxation and the pressures being placed on the pubs that provide independent breweries with so much of their trade. I have looked at business rates, employment costs and the uncomfortable reality that producing an excellent beer is no longer necessarily enough to make a brewery commercially viable.

The latest figures underline just how serious the situation has become. SIBA’s Brewery Tracker recorded 1,578 breweries operating in the UK at the beginning of 2026, compared with 1,715 a year earlier. That represents a net loss of 137 breweries during 2025 – almost three every week. SIBA described the situation as a “survival crisis” for British beer.

And, as I have argued before, breweries cannot be considered in isolation from pubs.

Independent breweries depend heavily on hospitality. Pubs provide taps, restaurants provide listings, taprooms provide direct sales and local shops provide another route to consumers. When those businesses are under pressure, their suppliers inevitably feel it too.

The temptation, therefore, is to look for ways of producing beer more cheaply, selling more volume and improving margins. All of those things matter. But there is another possibility.

What if one of the answers is not simply to make independent breweries more efficient, but to make them more valuable to the communities they serve?

That is where social enterprise becomes particularly interesting. Across Britain, a group of breweries are demonstrating that beer can be much more than a product. It can be a means of creating employment, rebuilding lives, providing opportunities for people who have been excluded from the workplace, tackling environmental problems and strengthening local communities.

And there is a lesson here for the wider brewing industry. Independent breweries cannot compete with global beer companies on scale, marketing budgets or purchasing power. But they can compete on purpose, authenticity, community and social value.

That could become a very powerful commercial advantage.

There is sometimes a misconception that a social enterprise is essentially a charitable organisation which happens to sell something. That isn’t the case. A social enterprise is a business which trades commercially while pursuing a social or environmental purpose. It still has to sell products or services. It still has to pay its staff. It still has rent, energy, raw materials, transport, insurance and tax bills. In fact, commercial success is usually what makes the social mission possible.

Social Enterprise UK estimates that there are around 100,000 social enterprises in Britain, with collective turnover of £78 billion and a workforce of 2.3 million people. Its research describes them as businesses creating jobs, supporting vulnerable groups, driving local economic growth and addressing environmental and social challenges.

That is not a niche experiment. It is a substantial part of the British economy. And it provides an important message for brewing. Doing good does not mean abandoning the principles of good business. It means using those principles to achieve something more.

Britain’s craft beer revolution has created an extraordinary amount of choice. This has been fantastic for drinkers. But it has created a commercial problem for breweries. There are only so many taps in a pub. Only so much space on a shop shelf. Only so much money in a consumer’s pocket. And there are an awful lot of breweries competing for it.

The problem is that independence itself is no longer enough to differentiate a brewery. Nearly every independent brewery can tell you that it is passionate about beer. Nearly every one can talk about local ingredients, community, creativity, sustainability or innovation. And there are now hundreds of breweries making perfectly good pale ales, IPAs, stouts and lagers.

So the question becomes: “Why should a customer choose your beer?”

The traditional answer is that it tastes better. That remains important. But perhaps the next answer needs to be: Because buying this beer does something good.

If we are looking for an example of how this can work, Tap Social Movement in Oxford is probably the most compelling place to start brewing a better future.

(It is at this point I must point out my vested interest here as Tap Social Movement are my ‘day job’ employers.)

Tap Social was founded in 2016 and describes itself as a fully independent social enterprise, craft brewery, bakery and hospitality organisation creating training and employment for people in prison and prison leavers.

But what makes Tap Social particularly interesting isn’t simply the social mission. It is the way that mission has been incorporated into the commercial operation.

Tap Social makes beer. It sells beer. It runs hospitality venues. It operates a bakery. It hosts events. It employs people. It sells through retailers and pubs. And it uses all of those activities to pursue its social objective.

Having recognised that policing, prosecuting and imprisoning repeat offenders costs the taxpayer an estimated £23.6 billion every year and that having a job is a major protective factor against crime and has been repeatedly proven to reduce reoffending, Tap Social are on a mission to reduce crime and reoffending by creating employment opportunities for prisoners and prison leavers.

The company has created more than 115,000 hours of paid employment for people in prison or recently released from prison and has directly employed more than 65 prisoners and prison leavers. It has also reached more than 500 prisoners through workshops, employment schemes, art programmes and employment fairs.

The organisation now operates multiple venues across Oxfordshire, providing not simply places to drink its beer but spaces for events, food, music and community activity.

That is important.

Tap Social hasn’t simply attached a charitable project to a brewery. The brewery is the mechanism through which the social mission is delivered. And that creates something money can’t easily buy.

There is a crucial commercial advantage in this. Imagine two beers sitting next to each other in a pub fridge. Both are independent. Both are well made. Both cost roughly the same. Both have attractive labels.

One is simply another craft beer. The other is made by a brewery that provides paid employment and training to people leaving prison.

That second beer has another story. That story can be communicated by the pub. It can be communicated on the packaging. It can be communicated through social media. It can be discussed by customers. And, most importantly, it can create emotional investment.

The customer isn’t simply buying a beer. They are supporting something.

That doesn’t mean consumers will buy bad beer because it has a good cause attached. They won’t, and nor should they. The product still has to be excellent.

But once the product is good enough, purpose becomes a differentiator. And in a crowded market, differentiation is enormously valuable.

In south London, Ignition Brewery provides perhaps the simplest expression of this philosophy.

Ignition employs and trains people with learning disabilities to brew and serve its beer. Its bar staff and assistant brewers are neurodivergent and/or have learning disabilities, and the brewery deliberately incorporates manual processes that a conventional brewery might automate because doing so creates more paid work.

Its slogan captures the model beautifully: The more beer we sell, the more jobs we create. Think about how different that is from the conventional definition of brewery growth.

For a normal brewery, another thousand pints means another thousand pints of revenue. For Ignition, additional sales can help create additional employment. That is an extraordinary proposition. The business itself becomes an employment programme.

There is an important lesson here for the wider industry. The social mission isn’t necessarily something that makes a brewery weaker. It can actually give the business a reason to exist that competitors don’t have.

In Devon, Ivybridge Brewing Co has taken a similar approach. The brewery provides paid work, training and volunteering opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

In 2024, it provided 650 hours of paid work and 2,300 hours of work experience and training. The brewery describes its social enterprise model as a way of making the company stronger and more innovative while producing beer that is enjoyed by its community.

Ivybridge also demonstrates another important part of the model. The social mission doesn’t mean compromising on the beer.

The brewery produces a core range including its Erme Pale session IPA, Moorland Mosaic IPA, Red Lake American Amber Ale and Pils 21. Its beers are sold through its taproom and it is actively seeking to expand its presence in local pubs, shops and restaurants.

Again, the social mission and commercial proposition sit alongside one another.

Good beer creates sales. Sales create employment. Employment creates social value. Social value creates loyalty and differentiation.

That is a virtuous circle.

These breweries all have a mission to empower people through training, skills development and real-world work experience. Teaching practical skills, but also teamwork, communication, workplace conduct, confidence and self-esteem.

This is an important reminder that the social value of a brewery doesn’t have to stop at the pint.

The brewing process itself creates opportunities. Learning how to safely operate equipment creates skills. Packaging beer creates skills. Working with colleagues creates skills. Serving customers creates skills. Turning up on time and completing a shift creates routine and responsibility.

And at the end there is something tangible to show for it. A beer that you helped make, a customer you helped make happy. That can be enormously empowering. Self-esteem and a feeling of belonging cannot be underestimated.

There are other models too.

Furnace Brook Brewery in Sussex operates as a Community Interest Company and directs surplus towards local arts and educational initiatives. Its approach is different from Tap Social or Ignition, but the principle is the same: brewing becomes a commercial mechanism for generating wider community value.

That distinction matters. There isn’t one correct version of social enterprise. One brewery might focus on employment. Another on rehabilitation. Another on disability inclusion. Another on environmental sustainability. Another on local culture.

The important thing is that the social purpose is genuinely embedded in the business.

There are also breweries and beer businesses making their purpose part of the product.

Brewgooder has built a beer brand around social impact, with a mission to end water poverty for a million people by ensuring that each and every can and pint of their beer enjoyed by drinkers directly supports the funding of people and community projects undertaken by the Brewgooder Foundation. The company’s profits are directed to clean water projects through transparent partnerships, with a focus on funding infrastructure that provides safe drinking water.

Toast Brewing has taken a different route, using surplus bread that would otherwise go to waste as a brewing ingredient and linking its profits to environmental causes.

These models are not identical to Tap Social’s employment-focused approach. But they demonstrate the same underlying principle. The product itself becomes the vehicle for the mission.

That is an incredibly powerful idea for a consumer business. The customer doesn’t necessarily need to understand the entire corporate structure. They simply need to understand: “I buy this beer, and something good happens.”

That is an exceptionally clear proposition.

Breweries have several characteristics that make them unusually effective community businesses. They are physical. They occupy buildings and create visible local activity. They employ people in a wide range of roles, from brewing and packaging to warehousing, delivery, administration, hospitality and events. They produce something tangible. They are naturally associated with socialising. And increasingly, they operate taprooms that can become community spaces.

That creates opportunities that many other manufacturing businesses simply don’t have. A brewery can provide a job. It can provide training. It can provide a meeting place. It can host a charity fundraiser. It can support a local musician. It can collaborate with another small business. It can buy from local suppliers. And then it can put a pint in front of the customer. That is a remarkably useful combination.

Additionally, they offer the opportunity to gain leverage from a very important commercial distinction: the difference between a customer and a supporter.

A customer buys your product because they want the product.

A supporter buys your product because they believe in what you’re doing.

The best independent breweries have always benefited from a degree of customer support. People buy local beer because they want independent businesses to survive. They like knowing where their beer came from. They like keeping money in their local economy.

Social enterprise takes that relationship one step further. It allows the customer to know exactly what their spending can help achieve.

Tap Social’s beer carries that story directly. The cans are designed to tell stories about the issues surrounding the criminal justice system, with artwork created by prisoners at HMP Huntercombe appearing on the labels.

The beer therefore becomes a conversation starter. The packaging becomes part of the mission. The brand becomes part of the advocacy. That is far more powerful than simply printing “support local” on a pump clip.

It is not just in brewing where the power of a social enterprise can be felt. Britain’s social enterprise sector is already large enough to provide evidence that this model can work at scale.

As I have mentioned, Social Enterprise UK’s figures put a £78 billion value on a sector with 2.3 million employees. Its research also finds that social enterprises operate across virtually every part of the economy, including manufacturing, hospitality, retail, training, environmental services, culture and community businesses.

These are not businesses operating outside capitalism. They are businesses operating differently within it.

The Big Issue is an obvious example of a commercial model built around creating earning opportunities for people experiencing poverty.

Change Please has used coffee and hospitality as a vehicle for supporting people experiencing homelessness.

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

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“The effectiveness of the exclusion order, of course, is entirely dependent on the diligence with which is is enforced. ”

By Barrie Hudson

Swindon Police recently announced that they had obtained a dispersal order for the town centre following an increase in antisocial behaviour.

The order is a positive landmark on the road to what will hopefully be a more prosperous future for the area, and one which fulfils the vision of making it a place where as many people as possible are inclined to shop, dine, work, live, socialise and set up in business.

That vision is one which transcends - as it should - the boundaries of local party politics, with borough council administrations past and present insisting on their commitment to progress.

The order, granted under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, relates to an area roughly bounded by Regent Street, Corporation Street and Manchester Road.

Reports of antisocial behaviour, the police say, have mainly centred around the Fleming Way and bus boulevard and relate to groups congregating, consuming alcohol and drugs and putting members of the public in fear of their safety.

The dispersal order grants officers the power to disperse and exclude people from an area for up to 48 hours. Failure to comply may result in arrest and conviction.

The dispersal zone includes the area of Fleming Way and immediate vicinity of the bus station.

Sgt Ed Rogers said: “The authorisation of this dispersal order was granted following an earlier incident on Friday afternoon where officers from Central South Neighbourhoods Policing Team enforced the existing Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

“Amongst other things the PSPO prohibits the consumption of alcohol in open spaces, and can incur a £100 fine.

“A woman in her 40s was arrested and charged with a S5 Public Order Offence and Failure to Comply With a Requirement to Cease Drinking Alcohol/Surrender Container under Section 63(6) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. She will appear in court in September.

“Swindon Neighbourhood Policing Teams will not tolerate the behaviour of those few, who seek to prevent the vast majority of our community from peacefully enjoying the use of our public spaces and amenities.

“We will continue to exercise our powers to make Swindon a safer place for all, through pursuit of, and robust action against, our most prolific offenders.”

Further information on the PSPO can be found at: Public spaces protection orders (PSPO) | Swindon Borough Council

People can report anti-social behaviour via 101 or www.wiltshire.police.uk

So far, as the saying goes, so good. That there are problems with various forms of antisocial behaviour in and around the town centre is something that cannot be denied. Problems include not just those identified by the police in relation to the vicinity of Fleming Way but further into the town centre itself.

Issues include people weaving bikes and scooters, some of which are blatantly illegally-modified electric bikes and scooters, among alarmed pedestrians at high speed among pedestrians, drunk people congregating near the war memorial, drunk people congregating at the bottom of town beyond the abstract sculpture, graffiti and the all-too-frequent stench of dope.

It is worth pointing out that all of these problems seem to have lessened in recent months, which is perhaps testament to increased vigilance by the police and wardens amid intense criticism by the public, especially on social media.

The effectiveness of the exclusion order, of course, is entirely dependent on the diligence with which is is enforced. The more visible the presence of the police, the more effective that enforcement will inevitably be, and the greater the deterrent to misbehaviour. If nobody in authority is in the vicinity when, for example, two louts scream obscene abuse and threats at one another amid horrified shoppers, the existence of the order means nothing.

Nevertheless, obtaining the order is a commendable step in the right direction, as is the ongoing jetwashing of grubby pavements and clearing of graffiti by Swindon Borough Council.

This work, part of the Big Town Centre Clean-Up, will be another major factor in making the area more appealing.

It is only fair to remember, of course, that Swindon’s town centre, like countless other town centres across the country, has suffered because of everything from the growth of online retail to the proliferation of out-of-town ‘big box’ shopping centres with free parking, not to mention the decision by many a high street retail giant in recent years to simply pull the plug on stores deemed insufficiently lucrative rather than making them more attractive to customers.

Nationally, the nauseating trend that has seen many beloved high street brands fall into the hands of cynical asset strippers who think nothing of casually ditching a century or more of tradition, not to mention thousands of loyal staff, has hardly helped.

As ever, if the town centre is to survive in anything like its current form, let alone get better and stay better, we all have a role to play, even if it is by doing something as simple as visiting once in a while to see what is on offer.

The Ink News Briefing

Driver arrested on drug and weapon suspicion after motorcyclist dies following collision

A motorcyclist has died following a collision in Chiseldon yesterday afternoon - 11 August.

At around 4.05pm, police officers responded to reports of a collision between a Triumph Scrambler and a black Volvo V60 at the junction between Draycott Road and The Ridgeway in.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 60s, was declared dead at the scene, and a police spokesperson said: “His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

The driver of the Volvo, a 24-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, causing death by careless driving while under the influence and possession of an offensive weapon.

He has been taken into custody for questioning.

As of earlier today, the junction remained closed while enquiries were carried out.

Any witnesses to the collision or anyone who may have dash cam footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01225 694597, quoting log 275 of yesterday’s date.

Alternatively, they can contact the team directly at SCIT@wiltshire.police.uk.

More Prospect Hospice beds thanks to community support - Unprecedented community support from the local community has seen Prospect Hospice has announce plans to expand its Inpatient Unit (IPU) by 50% by January next year. The move will see a total of nine dedicated beds staffed by specialist end-of-life nurses. As a result, it is expected that around 90 more patients each year will be able to receive the personalised care and compassion for which the hospice is renowned, with their loved ones supported both emotionally and practically. Earlier this year, the charity revealed it was turning away six patients a week due to a lack of funding, in an example of the financial pressures facing hospices across the country. The Prospect team say the need for change is now recognised nationally, with NHS England acknowledging that current hospice funding arrangements are not sustainable, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham putting reform of care funding high on the government’s agenda. Chief Executive Jeremy Lune said: “It’s just brilliant that we are in the position to increase the number of beds on our IPU. We’ve been fortunate to have had an unprecedented level of community support in our 46-year history and this is a huge step forward in providing choice and consistency in end-of-life care.” Full Story here

Seven-year-old’s 999 call as dad suffered seizure - A quick-thinking and brave seven-year-old boy called Elijah was welcomed to Swindon’s Gablecross Police Station for a personal award after he called 999 when his dad had a medical episode. On 12 June, Eli was at his dad’s address in Swindon when his dad began to suffer a seizure. When he saw what was happening, Eli ran out of his house shouting for help. He knocked on neighbours’ doors without reply, before bravely calling 999, which he hadn’t done before, recognising the seriousness of the situation. While on the phone with police call handlers, Eli worked out the address for the operator by counting house numbers and followed their instructions to try and manoeuvre his dad onto his back. Police and the ambulance service promptly attended and Eli’s dad was able to receive the correct help. Today Eli – who hopes to become a police officer one day – was recognised for acting so bravely in a very traumatic situation. He received the Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith’s Certificate of Appreciation, a Lego police car set, and was also given a personal tour of Gablecross Police Station. Full story here

Garden Party at Swindon art studio - Swindon’s Podpadstudios and Zozo Thomas are inviting visitors to dust off their picnic hampers and pack their rugs because the August Open Studios has a Garden Party theme. Anna Enright from Podpadstudios said: “We will be showcasing three new guest artists: wood carver David Boase and painters Deepti Arora and Carolyn Brown. Light refreshments are available; however, guests are invited to bring their own picnics and join us for an afternoon of fun and creativity on Friday 21 August 2026 from 2-7pm. Croquet is optional!” Full Story here

The SWA column

A column by CEO Kate Rowland of Swindon and Wiltshire-based Society Without Abuse

Making the biggest changes can start with the smallest actions.

Society Without Abuse CEO Kate Rowland explains how Swindon can help to end domestic abuse just by putting the kettle on.

“When we think about ending domestic abuse, it’s easy to assume the solution lies with charities like Society Without Abuse (SWA), the police or the courts. Of course, we all have an important role to play. But the truth is, every single person in Swindon can do their bit to create a society free from abuse.

“That’s why we’re asking people to do something wonderfully simple for a great result, just put the kettle on and enjoy a slice of cake and host an Afternoon Tea.

“With an Afternoon Tea for SWA, you won’t just be raising vital funds, you’ll also be helping to raise awareness, start conversations and show that our communities stand alongside those affected by domestic abuse.

“At SWA, we’ve spent more than 50 years supporting adults, children and families to recover from the trauma of abuse. We know the devastating impact domestic abuse has, not only on those experiencing it today but on future generations if we don’t break the cycle.

“That’s why our work doesn’t stop with just the victim at the point of experiencing the trauma. We also deliver healthy relationship education through our HOPE programme in schools and work with the people using harmful behaviours through our Open2Change programme. Prevention matters just as much as intervention if we’re serious about creating lasting change.

“Domestic abuse thrives in silence and isolation. Communities that talk openly, look out for one another and refuse to accept abusive behaviour are part of the solution. Something as simple as gathering friends, family or colleagues over tea and cake can help make that happen.

“You don’t need to be an experienced fundraiser or a talented baker. You can choose to keep your Afternoon Tea small or make it a community event. Every donation, every conversation and every show of support helps us continue our work and sends a powerful message that domestic abuse has no place in our communities.

“Putting an end to domestic abuse isn’t a responsibility that belongs to someone else. It belongs to all of us.

“So, this summer, I hope you’ll put the kettle on, invite the people around you and join us in helping build a future where abuse simply doesn’t exist.”

To find out more about SWA’s Afternoon Tea, visit https://societywithoutabuse.org.uk/involved/fundraising/fundraising-2/

Anyone can suffer abuse. If you are in immediate danger, don’t delay – call 999

If you are affected by any form of domestic abuse, either yourself or are worried about someone you know, do ask for help

· Refuge – national free domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)​

· Swindon Area Residents in need of help – Call 01793 610610 (24 hours)

· Residents in the rest of Wiltshire can call Fear Free on 01225 775276 (9am-5pm) or out of those times call 01225 712880

· National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

· Men’s Advice Line – 0808 8010327

· National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims & Survivors of Domestic Abuse – 0800 999 5428

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

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Sleepless in Swindon - a column by Jamie Hill

Jamie Hill has been a journalist for more than quarter of a century. The former editor of The Ocelot and current editor of The Ink and Swindon Link is no stranger to the written word.

Help, I’m now a conspiracy theorist!

By Jamie Hill

They’re all out to get me.

Well, when I say ‘me’, I mean they’re all out to get all of us.

From a young mother pushing her infant daughter around in a pushchair to that harmless looking old man waiting for his bus over there.

They’re all out to get them.

Essentially, there’s an evil cabal of people who are all out to get all of us and destroy our very way of life by eating at the very fabric of our society.

That’s right. I’m now a conspiracy theorist.

But I’m not just a boring conspiracy theorist who can easily be proved wrong whilst I go about with my fingers in my ears saying ‘I can’t hear you’.

No, I’m not one of those nonsensical conspiracy theorists.

I’m not a climate change denier, who still screams it’s all a hoax despite the world burning down around my ears, or a flat earther, who is confused as to why none of us have actually fallen off the edge.

I’m not even one of those ‘anti-vaxers’ who would rather whole communities of children die than take a jab just because some bad actors with their own evil agendas tell you to and they watched a few videos to do ‘there own reseerch’.

No, my conspiracy theory doesn’t fly in the face of science. I’m not mad.

That’s because I’ve gone for the biggest conspiracy theory of them all. That ‘they’re all out to get me’.

But who is ‘they’?

Well, it’s that lot over there. And by over there, I mean the Kremlin and increasingly The White House.

This isn’t a conspiracy theory that I’ve just grabbed from thin air. It’s lined with facts and good examples (which is a lot more than a lot of so-called conspiracy theorists do, who just pluck whatever madness they can from whatever is the popular thing to disbelieve at the time no matter if there’s no proof at all. The ruddy nutters.)

And it’s been built up over time.

Here’s a couple of recent examples from The Guardian just in the last few days.

Sunday 9 August - Most X accounts posting about Belfast and Southampton unrest were based outside UK

and

Friday 7 August - Russia-linked accounts spread far-right narrative online during Ceuta migration crisis, analysis finds

And if you look at a whole host of analysis going back for the last decade or so, you’ll soon see that none of this is anything new.

There are bad actors, usually from countries who mean our way of life harm which weirdly now includes our own ally America, using social media and sometimes even the mainstream media itself.

They want to tear us apart. They want us at each others’ throats. In summary they want to destroy us entirely as we stand in the way of their own nefarious agenda.

Let’s take the story about our own recent unrest in Belfast and Southampton.

The analysis shows 55% of accounts were located overseas – and seven of 12 most-read posts came from the US.

In these cases, the weapon of choice for the bad actors, is the Elon Musk-led Twitter (I refuse to call it X) - which has become an absolute quagmire of hate and misinformation over the past few years (to such an extent that we don’t even use it any more).

The Guardian said: “More than half the accounts that posted on Elon Musk’s X about the rioting in Belfast and the civil disorder in Southampton in June were based outside the UK, an analysis by the Guardian can reveal.

“Of the 8,672 accounts whose combined posts about the events exceeded 1,000 views, just 45.3% were shown as from the UK, according to the social media platform’s own location function.

“One in six (16.8%) came from the US, 4.5% from Ireland, and about a quarter from all European countries other than the UK.

“Seven of the 12 most-read tweets about Belfast and Southampton came from the US – including one from Musk himself and two other US “alt-right” commentators – while an eighth was linked to North America.

“The analysis underlines that US rightwing actors are seeking to influence the UK and boost their position on X in moments of disorder – an exploitation of flashpoint events that has only intermittently attracted political attention in Britain.”

That’s pretty scary stuff. Essentially we have a host of far right people in the US trying to foment violence in the UK in an effort to tear our country apart - which is nice of them.

It doesn’t help that they are handily helped along in their efforts to destroy the UK by politicians like the far right bin-fighting Nigel Farage, who actually said about the Southampton riots that we should react in a ‘cold rage’ and led to riots that injured police officers with a whole host of thugs arrested.

The riots in Southport two years before were the same, with Elon Musk and his cronies like Farage and Tommy Robinson spreading as much hate and bile as possible to cause violence. So it’s nothing new.

Okay, I’m using two recent examples to show why I think they’re all out to get me but the ‘Ceuta’ story is even more scary as that is Russia with a little help from the good ol’ US of A trying to tear apart the whole of Europe.

With this one there’s even a conspiracy theory that the whole event was caused in the first place to destabilise Europe and especially Spain, with Moroccan authorities creating a free-for-all by no longer stopping Moroccans attempting to get to the North African Spanish enclave of Ceuta in a bid to please their new best friends America (who are helping them with a little land grab in South Sudan). According to this conspiracy theory the authorities were still stopping anyone of Sub-Saharan African appearance but letting the Moroccans who wanted to get into continental Europe just go for it and swim for it, which led to more than 70 deaths, after the free-for-all was spread by social media.

This is a complicated one and there will probably be some truth to it but The Guardian story concentrates on the days following the crisis which saw 70,000 people try to get into Ceuta in one 24 hour period.

According to them ‘Accounts with links to the Russian military promoting far-right messages reached more than 500,000 people in the days following the mass influx of people into Ceuta, according to an analysis by 411, a counter-disinformation group.

Russia-linked social media accounts frequently spread destabilising narratives in Europe, often promoting far-right talking points about immigration.

But 411 and other experts suggest the scale and coordination of the disinformation that followed the Ceuta crisis is significant. Groups spreading disinformation are more organised and powerful than they were several years ago.

“We keep seeing this across Europe and we find it very interesting. It seems like there is some type of machinery in place, or structure,” said Saman Nazari, the lead researcher at Alliance4Europe, a Brussels-based nonprofit.

“Quite regularly, we are seeing this escalation happening across Europe now, with these types of crises. It is too much of a coincidence to be a bandwagoning effect.”

This is all pretty scary stuff. We have Russian military-backed troll farms trying to destabilise Europe and it worked with diplomatic ding dong dos created between Italy, France and Spain.

You might think since Brexit, another thing that some conspiracies suggest was co-ordinated by foreign powers to try and destabilise Europe, that we would be insulated from this kind of thing but the reality is that it really does affect us as essentially the whole aim is to destroy our way of life.

We even had Reform’s very own Zia Yusuf have a jolly out to Ceuta in the days following the mass influx to try and maximise the amount of hate he can spread from such an event. They know what they’re doing.

So they are all out to get us.

Every day you have more stories, posts and talking points all generated in this constant effort of destabilisation. Most of them based in lies and misinformation.

According to some American far right extremists, London is now a crime-ridden hellhole, despite its crime rate being far lower than most US cities.

Also our judiciary is now in the hands of a ‘brainwashed woke anti-white’ bunch of communists - something that is especially being spread by followers of right-wing chinless woman-hating perpetual victim Andrew Tate who is fighting extradition to the UK where he faces a whole plethora of crimes including rape.

None of this is based in reality, although last time I went to London I got stabbed 23 times walking down Oxford Street.

All in all, these foreign bad actors have the ultimate goal of destroying our way of life. Setting neighbour against neighbour and making us all hate each other with their manufactured culture wars.

I don’t really want them to do that.

I actually quite like my way of life. I like the fact that we live in a multi-cultural country that is more about acceptance than anything else and believe different cultures, sexualities, religions and even opinions add to the whole spice of life.

I like being able to sit down with a cup of tea at a cafe without having to worry about riots going on outside the window.

But I am aware that they are all out to get us.

I haven’t got to the stage yet of jumping at shadows but I do believe that Europe and the UK need to get a few controls on an out of control social media. Their needs to be regulations with teeth. Teeth that bite at any whiff of misinformation being spread and teeth that also bite at anyone trying to whip up violence.

I want my children to be able to live a life where we’re not all about ‘hate’.

In fact, I want them to live in a world where ‘hate’ has once again become unacceptable. Wouldn’t it be great if we once again ironically didn’t tolerate intolerance?

At the moment I believe in a conspiracy theory where I believe they are all out to get me (and us). They are. Honest.

Or am I just being paranoid?

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

Upgrade to Paid

“Some ignore the advice because they think they know best and that, for example, their little portable barbecue, consisting of a foil tray of red hot coals, couldn’t possibly cause any problems after they set it up amid a stand of parched grass in the shade of a parched tree.”

By Barrie Hudson

There are things in life on which we can all depend

One of them is increasingly erratic weather, including heatwaves such as the one which began some weeks ago and is set to continue for an indeterminate period.

Another is the clear advice issued by firefighters the length and breadth of the nation as to how the general public can enjoy the countryside without turning hundreds or thousands of acres of it into a raging inferno, and blanketing the landscape with choking, environmentally disastrous smoke.

Still another thing we can depend on, of course, is people ignoring that advice with disastrous yet predictable results.

Some ignore the advice because they think they know best and that, for example, their little portable barbecue, consisting of a foil tray of red hot coals, couldn’t possibly cause any problems after they set it up amid a stand of parched grass in the shade of a parched tree.

Others ignore the advice deliberately because they either actively want to cause destruction or else they want to do something ‘outrageous’ for the clicks of fellow slackwits on social media.

In recent days we have seen a major hay fire at Wiltshire beauty spot Hackpen Hill, which took some 28 hours to extinguish and which the police say was started deliberately.

At Dunwich in Suffolk, bulldozers raced to create firebreaks as a blaze turned an area of countryside said by firefighters to equal more than 200 football pitches to ash.

And of course, anybody who has watched an international news digest lately will be familiar with the horrors wrought by wildfires in France, Spain and Greece.

The advice issued by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), whose area of operations includes Swindon and the landscape surrounding it, is not by any measure complex.

This makes it all the more galling that in the period since the current hot spell began in earnest a month or so ago, its courageous and dedicated personnel have found themselves dealing with all manner of fires involving large areas of land, fields and heath.

As Group Manager Matthew Skyme said: “With the third heatwave this year currently being experienced, I’m urging the public to take extra care to help avoid and prevent fires, especially during these challenging conditions.

“We appreciate that many people will want to enjoy the nice weather with friends and family, but it’s vital they consider the potential impacts that this hot weather can bring to everyday activities.”

The service advises

• Avoid having barbecues or campfires (especially on heathland or in open spaces). If you do, douse any coals/fire pits with water and don’t dispose of remnants until you’re sure they’re cold.

• Extinguish smoking materials properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.

• If you see a fire in the countryside, get to a safe place and call 999 to report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. If possible use What3Words to provide an accurate location and give as much detail as possible.

• Do not have a bonfire at home during these high-risk conditions.
  - If you’re at the beach, don’t set off flares, have campfires, or light barbecues as these can easily lead to gorse and foliage on the cliffs catching fire.

Matthew Skyme said: “I’d also like to remind farmers and agricultural workers of the steps they can take to prevent a fire occurring while they work.

“At this time of year, farmers are working long, hard hours and farm and field fires are also a big risk. It’s easy to let chaff and dust build up in the machines, which can then catch fire if any parts then overheat.”

The problem can be compounded when machinery is worked extra hard during hot weather, or when crops are harvested and stored in less-than-ideal conditions. There’s also the risk of field fires, often caused when flint is caught and sparked.”
The fire service safety checklist for farmers is:

• Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers.

• Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance.

• Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings.

• Put in place a system for keeping in contact with lone workers.

• Keep mobile phones on your person – not left in a tractor or pick-up cab.

• Know where you are (What3Words is great for this) and the best access points for your location.

• Make sure that drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that machines will safely pass under wires.

• Make sure there are fire extinguishers on all vehicles, so they are readily accessible – and keep them regularly maintained.

• Clean dust regularly from grain dryers and ensure that all staff running the drier are fully trained and know what to do if fire breaks out.

• Make sure ladders and platforms used for maintenance are in good condition and a safe system of work is in operation.

Anybody seeing suspicious fire-setting behaviour in progress should call 999 and ask for the police. They can also report anything anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Further information relating to outdoor safety can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-outdoors.

Police Unity Tour in memory of fallen officers

Officers and staff from Wiltshire Police have set off on a 185-mile cycle ride in memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty.

The six riders, including Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith, are taking part in this year’s Police Unity Tour, which set off from Devizes Police Headquarters this morning - 7 August.

Over the course of three days, the riders will make their way to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and are due to arrive on Sunday. There, a special commemoration ceremony will be held attended by officers and staff from police forces across the UK.

The ride sees participants raising money for charity Care of Police Survivors (COPS) which provides support to injured officers as well as to the families of loved ones who are left behind following the death of an on-duty serving police family member.

ACC Smith said: “It is always an absolute privilege to take part in this event to honour those officers who have sadly lost their lives whilst on duty.

“In Wiltshire, 30 Wiltshire officers have lost their lives since 1839 and we will be thinking of them all during the ride.

“I hope this event also serves as an opportunity for the public to acknowledge the dangers that officers face when policing our county day in, day out, and pay their own tributes to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Police Unity Tour (PUT) is a national event, with police forces from all over the country taking part every year.

The Wiltshire Chapter was this year made up of six riders and two support staff.

The Unity Tour has raised over £1 million for COPS, which has allowed the charity to buy the first respite house named Unity House.

The Ink News Briefing

Beer & Country Festival to kick off August events in Old Town - Final preparations are under way for the first of this year’s August events organised by Old Town Business Association. The Beer & Country Festival will be held this weekend - Sunday 9 August - from noon until 5pm. Organised in partnership with South Swindon Parish Council and sponsors Deacons Jewellers, the events build on the huge success of last year's Summer Socials, when the closure of Devizes Road for gas pipe repairs became a springboard for a range of events. Full Story here

Sports clubs could receive funding from supermarket giant - Grassroots sports clubs across Swindon and Wiltshire are being urged to apply for funding from Aldi. The supermarket giant is bringing its support for local sport together under one Aldi Sports Fund programme. Eligible clubs could receive funding to help cover essential costs such as equipment, kits, coaching, training programmes and facility hire. This comes as part of Aldi’s drive to support sport at every level, from local clubs through to Britain's Olympic and Paralympic athletes. As the Official Supermarket Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, Aldi also supports Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes with monthly vouchers for their all-important food shop. Full Story here

Glitz and Glamour Ball in aid of dementia charities - Supportive online community Forget Me Not - For Dementia Loss is to host a fundraising Glitz and Glamour Black Tie Ball. The event on Saturday 26 September at The Village Hotel in Shaw Ridge Leisure Park will raise money for Dementia UK and Alzheimer's Society.
A Forget Me not spokesperson said: "Tickets are £55 per person, or £50 per person when purchased as a table of 10 people including a two-course meal and live entertainment, with a raffle and auction during the evening.” Full Story here

Swindon Salvation Army eco church’s charity fashion show - Swindon Gorse Hill Salvation Army raised £900 when it hosted a fashion show. As an 'Eco Church', the organisation is is committed to promoting sustainability, and showcasws the beauty and value of pre-loved clothing. Captain Theresa Torr, who leads The Salvation Army at Swindon Gorse Hill, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout - we could not have fit one more person in the building! What has truly warmed our hearts is seeing so many people come together to show their love for the environment and embrace sustainable fashion. While buying second-hand might seem like a small individual effort, events like this prove that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, those little efforts add up to something much bigger. We hope this fashion show has inspired people to think about the choices they make and the difference we can all make, one outfit at a time.” Full story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

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Today is our monthly Ink Business Focus, which takes place on the first Thursday of every month.

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“Fear gets us nowhere healthy. Henry Ford didn’t stop the mass production of cars because some people were fearful about the end of the horse and cart. Burying our heads in the sand won’t stop the progress of technology – it’s our responsibility to use it well and wisely.”

By Fiona Scott

You may have seen the recent headlines about AI ‘going rogue’ and the panic around a situation where an AI tool seemed to become sentient and find its own way ‘out’ and into a new tech start-up, hacking it.

The evil of AI, its dangers, make headlines on an almost daily basis yet the headlines around AI technology, which can help many sectors and many people, are far less prevalent.

In business this is also a theme, shrouded in mystery and often fear. Will people lose their jobs, will we all be overtaken by robots, will we become brain dead because we will rely on AI? For me, the answer will probably lie somewhere in the middle.

There are dangers, of course, yet the benefits are enormous and just because some of us live in fear, this will not stop the advance of technology.

Indeed, recently I was at a business event where a business person talked about AI coming to us from another dimension, from advanced beings who are ‘testing’ us to see if we can cope.

A business event! I’m not joking, I almost drowned in my own coffee!

This whole panic about AI reminds me of growing up when video games were starting to emerge, and claims that they would twist the brains of young people and turn them into violent people.

What has actually happened over time is that some individuals, often with underlying issues that were always there, have seen these tools as ‘inspiration’ or even ‘permission’ to do terrible things.

The same can be said of social media in more modern times as well. It has taken decades for us to begin to even try to police social media effectively, yet this form of communication brings so many positive opportunities for so many people. If the solution is to just ‘end’ it all – then good luck with that. Pandora’s Box is well and truly open.

Fear gets us nowhere healthy. Henry Ford didn’t stop the mass production of cars because some people were fearful about the end of the horse and cart. Burying our heads in the sand won’t stop the progress of technology – it’s our responsibility to use it well and wisely.

Perhaps that’s the real lesson here.

I spoke to AI expert George Cairns of Get AI Powers about these latest headlines around AI. George works with clients all over the UK and lives not far from Swindon at Stanford in the Vale.

He said: “This story does sound like science fiction. OpenAI has confirmed two of its models, including its latest publicly available model GPT-5.6 Sol and an even more capable unreleased one, escaped a supposedly locked-down testing environment, found their way onto the open internet, and hacked into the production systems of Hugging Face, one of the world’s biggest AI platforms.

“The models were being evaluated on a cybersecurity benchmark called ExploitGym, which measures how good they are at finding and exploiting weaknesses.

“Rather than solving the challenges the intended way, the models decided the fastest route to a high score was to break out of the sandbox, exploit a previously unknown software vulnerability, steal credentials, work their way across OpenAI’s research environment until they found a machine with internet access, and then raid Hugging Face’s database for the answer key.

“To be honest, you have to admire the logic. It is the digital equivalent of a student breaking into the exam board’s office the night before their GCSEs. Except this student found a vulnerability professional security researchers had missed, a flaw worth serious money on the open market, and used it as a stepping stone.”

*A zero-day vulnerability is a security flaw nobody has spotted yet, so called because the people who make the software have had zero days to fix it.

“Let’s look at what actually happened,” George added.

“OpenAI deliberately switched off the safety guardrails to test the model’s maximum cyber capability, and the model did exactly what it was being tested for, just more effectively than anyone planned. It was an AI being uncomfortably good at the goal it was given.

“There is a genuinely reassuring side to this. Hugging Face detected and contained the intrusion itself. OpenAI then voluntarily put its hand up, confirmed its own models were responsible, reported the vulnerability and is now tightening its testing infrastructure even though it slows down their own research.

“That transparency matters, because the alternative is finding out about these capabilities when a criminal group does. I know which version I prefer.”

I believe that AI is a tool for a business which can be used and adapted to do and support multiple tasks, making efficiencies and saving time. Yet it’s not foolproof. If you put rubbish in, you get rubbish out. Will some lose their jobs? Probably. Will some employers not recruit because they want AI to replace ‘bums on seats’? Possibly. We have to ask, though, who wants to work for any company which does not value human beings?

Claude, for example, has to be trained to mirror your company, its systems, language, tone of voice, ethics – it actually requires imagination and creativity to make it work effectively. You would not give a new starter the keys to every system, every password, and every database on day 1, so do not do it with AI either.

AI is there to be taught by a human, and there are always ghosts in the machine and things can and will go wrong. Haven’t you ever watched ‘I Robot’?

George said: “Do not let this story scare you off AI, because the productivity gains are real and your competitors are already banking them.

“Let it push you to adopt AI properly, with training, governance, and someone who has actually thought about what the tools can and cannot touch. The risk for most businesses is not a rogue AI. It is a team using powerful tools with no rules at all.”

And I’m finishing today’s tale by directing you to a film I watched years ago from futurist Gerd Leonhard, who speaks globally about the future and the relentless march of technology.

We can choose to use AI positively or we can choose the opposite, and I know which I’m choosing:

The Ink News Briefing

Murder charge following fatal shooting near Cricklade - A man has been charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a traveller site in Calcutt near Cricklade on Sunday. Shane Porter, 35, of Calcutt Park, Calcutt, has been charged with the murder of Jimmy Ward, aged 36, and possession of a shotgun without a certificate. He has been remanded into custody and was due to appear via video link at magistrates’ court today - 6 August. Eddie Porter, 74, and Tammy Brown, 42, both of Luton, have both been charged with assisting an offender and possession of a shotgun without a certificate. They have also been remanded into custody and were due to appear via video link at court today. Two other men arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail. Full story here

Swindon-based UKSBS shortlisted for major business awards - UK Shared Business Services (UKSBS) has been shortlisted in five categories at the 2026 Operational Excellence Awards UK. The shortlisting recognises the organisation's commitment to driving performance, efficiency and excellence across the public sector. UKSBS is a public sector shared services provider, delivering HR and Payroll, Finance, Procurement, and IT services to its partner organisations. Chief Operating Officer Tim Knight said: “This is a fantastic reflection of the talent and dedication across UKSBS. I’m proud of the way our teams have embraced continuous improvement, and I’m delighted that the benefits they deliver for our clients have been recognised through these awards.” Full Story here

Swindon man crowned Domino’s Pizza Trainer of the Year - Domino’s Pizza has named Swindon resident Lukasz Kudla as‘Trainer of the Year’ for 2025. Lukasz was presented with the award at the Domino’s Store Awards, which recently took place in London. Lukasz, who has worked at Domino’s for nine years, was nominated for the title by his team members who acknowledged passion and commitment to leading by example as keys to his success. Working with teams across the business, Lukasz uses techniques such as live camera feeds to provide real time feedback, and visits stores in person multiple times a day, helping stores continuously improve and reinforce high standards to customer excellence. Full Story here

Cricklade opticians’ advice on children’s eyecare - Bayfields Opticians in Cricklade has partnered with lens specialists ZEISS Vision Care and a school to advise parents on supporting children’s eye health. The advice was shared in a free guide distributed to parents, and featured guidance to help families spot the early signs that their child might be struggling with their vision. It also included insights to help parents better understand the impact that poor eyesight can have on learning, behaviour and confidence in the classroom, with tips for what they can do to help support their child’s eye health, including positive habits to encourage. Full Story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

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Stay cool at Swindon’s museums this summer

By Jamie Hill

If you’re looking to beat the heat this summer, look no further than Swindon Borough Council’s trio of museums.

The three council-operated attractions, STEAM Museum, Lydiard House Museum and Museum & Art Swindon, will all be hosting a variety of drop-in sessions and activities for children throughout August, as well as excellent exhibitions showcasing the Borough’s history and culture.

At STEAM and Lydiard House Museum, Kids for a Quid returns throughout August. Tickets for children, aged between three and 15, will be charged at just £1 when accompanied by a full-paying adult (Kids for a Quid until 30 August at Lydiard and until 31 August at STEAM).

Also at STEAM is a unique opportunity to visit an Air Raid Shelter on Wednesday, 12 and Wednesday, 26 August as the museum opens its reconstructed war shelter to visitors.

This fascinating space, usually only open to visiting school groups, is crammed full of original Second World War objects and ephemera. The Air Raid Warden will sound a genuine air raid siren and usher visitors into the suitably dark and cramped space inside the shelter. While inside, visitors will discover how people kept their morale high and passed the time while the sound effects of the Blitz rumble on in the background.

Entrance to the shelter (suitable for those seven and over) costs £3 per person, in addition to the entrance fee to the museum.

On Wednesday, 5 and Wednesday, 19 August, STEAM will also host an interactive session, exploring artefacts in its collection linked to working in the railway factory. Visitors can dress up as a factory worker and try their hand at acting out, among other things, using a crucible to pour molten metal into a mould.

Suitable for those aged four and over, the Inside the Works experience is included free with the museum’s admission fee and visitors can sign up at the front desk on the day.

Free art and craft creative drop-in sessions take place at Museum & Art Swindon (MAS) every Wednesday until 26 August alongside paid (£5 each) Clay Day activities - the next is on 18 August - where attendees can make a Fairy House from clay, inspired by the MAS’s Beneath the Surface exhibition.

On Tuesday, 11 August, visitors will be able to try out a range of art materials and learn some tips for creating their own portrait (for £2 each).

Throughout the summer, MAS will also host a Sharing Stories Trail as part of the National Year of Reading. Visitors will find out about the different ways humans have shared stories and ideas over thousands of years by completing a free trail around the museum before collecting a Story Sticker.

Lydiard House Museum will be open to visitors between Wednesdays and Sundays (10am to 4pm), until 30 August for those looking for some history along with their Lydiard Park visit.

Families visiting Lydiard’s museum will be able to put their detective skills to the test with a brand-new Mystery at the Museum adventure (£5 per family in addition to museum entry).

Mindful art activities will be running every Thursday in August including a hapa zome workshop on 6 August, the opportunity to create a clay coaster on 13 August, sessions to design a colourful suncatcher on 20 August and the chance to create a woven artwork using natural materials on 27 August. Workshops cost £5 per participant and spaces can be booked online.

However, not everyone wants to spend all day inside, and there’s still plenty on offer at Lydiard Park this summer including Mayhem of Mad4Animals (8 August) and the Lydiard Garden Party (22 August).

Cllr Matt Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “There are so many amazing activities across all of our museums this summer and it’s set to be a fun-filled month.

“From exploring the history of Swindon at Museum & Art Swindon, to learning about Swindon’s experience in the war and its relationship with the railway at STEAM, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“We know parents are always looking for things to do with the little ones so, if they’d like a break from the sun and hot weather, a visit to one of our museums could be the perfect chance to cool down and have some fun.”

More information about all the activities can be found on each venue’s website.

Swindon Recital Series celebrates classical music in films

By Barrie Hudson

Swindon Recital Series is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate classical music in films and ‘classic’ film music.

The 'main characters' will be drama, comedy and romance, prizewinning talent and Oscar winning composers, all reflecting the glamour of film from silent to Bollywood.

On Sunday 17 September at the Arts Centre from 7.30pm, Andrea Tweedale, soprano, and pianist Paul Turner will begin the season with a red carpet event featuring Andrea’s beautifully warm tones and star quality.

Her programme will showcase Strauss’ Four Last Songs as well as music from ‘A late quartet’, ‘Call me by your name’, ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, ‘A room with a view’ and ‘Diva’.

On Wednesday 23 September from 1.05pm at the Wyvern Theatre, clarinettist Chris Gibbons and pianist Paul Turner will appear.

A series spokesperson said: "Chris makes a welcome return with an immersive and eclectic programme of music from ‘Amadeus’ and ‘The Terminal’, alongside the likes of ‘Cinema Paradiso’ and ‘Ladies in Lavendar’.

"Also find out who was the first classical composer to write for silent film…"

At the Arts Centre standard tickets are £20.50 and Seniors £17.50 (both including a theatre levy of £1.50); student (age 15-18) £3.50 (no levy); accompanied children aged 14 and under admitted free. A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply, whether the transaction is for one or several tickets.

At the Wyvern Theatre standard tickets are £9.50 (including a theatre levy of £1); students(aged 15-18) £3.50 (no levy); accompanied children aged 14 years and under are admitted free.

A transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply, whether the transaction is for one or several tickets.

Information about the recital series can be found at www.swindonrecitalseries.org

The Ink News Briefing

Arrest on suspicion of murder following shooting near Cricklade - The police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following the fatal shooting near Cricklade. The suspect, aged 35, was arrested yesterday afternoon - 4 August - in relation to the shooting at a traveller site in Calcutt at around 8.15am on Sunday morning. The victim, who can be formally named as Jimmy Ward, 36, was declared dead at the scene. Two other men, aged 53 and 29, were also arrested earlier today on suspicion of assisting an offender following a vehicle stop on the A419, taking the total number of people arrested to five. All were taken into custody for questioning. Full story here

National honour for young Swindon photographer - A Swindon primary school pupil has won a national award for her photography. The Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town runs the annual Rotary Young Photographer Competition for students in the area, and is delighted that one of the local student entrants this year has won the National Award for their age group. Martha Wood, who attends East Wichel Primary School, won the local heat in the Junior age group, and her photograph then went on to the district and then to the national competitions. A total of 68 students from Swindon primary and secondary schools and colleges entered the 2025-26 competition, the theme of which was ‘Happiness in Nature’. Full Story here

Swindon Orbital celebrates decade of Young Readers Programme - Children from Ruskin Junior School and Greenmeadow Primary School took part in a special storytelling event at Orbital Shopping Park in Swindon. It marked the shopping destination celebrating its 10th year supporting British Land’s national partnership with the National Literacy Trust. The event, which also marked 15 years of British Land’s national commitment to the Young Readers Programme, was led by professional storyteller and award-winning performance poet Dommy B. Tom Mitchell, Centre Manager at Orbital Shopping Park, said: “The Young Readers Programme has been making a difference in communities across the UK for 15 years, and we're delighted to be marking this milestone alongside the National Literacy Trust here in Swindon. Initiatives like this give young people the opportunity to explore books in a fun and engaging way beyond the classroom, while building confidence and encouraging a lifelong love of reading. It was fantastic to see the children getting involved in the storytelling session and creative activities." Full Story here

Summer Extravaganza in Haydon Wick - Haydon Wick Parish Council is inviting everybody to its annual WILDWICK Summer Extravaganza on Saturday 8 August. It will run from 2pm to 7pm Trent Road Playing Field and all are welcome to attend.
The free community event promises an afternoon of entertainment, family activities, demonstrations, local traders and refreshments, with attractions designed to appeal to all ages. Visitors are encouraged to bring a chair or picnic blanket and spend the afternoon enjoying a packed programme of attractions and performances. Parish council chair Cllr Vinay Manro said: "The WILDWICK Summer Extravaganza is all about bringing our community together.” Full Story here

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk

Local issues deserve local journalists holding the powers that be to account. With local news in decline, knowing what is going on in our communities is more essential than ever. We can only exist because some of our readers are willing to support our work. If you value what we do, please consider becoming a paid supporter to ensure we can keep doing it. Free subscribers will only get the first part of this piece.

Upgrade to Paid

The Barrie Hudson Column

Barrie Hudson is a known quantity when it comes to writing words. Sometimes he even spells them correctly. In fact he has been writing words in the Swindon area for more than two decades. First of all for the Swindon Advertiser and then for Swindon Link and now for The Ink. Here are some of his words…

Do you ever find yourself disagreeing with something a person is saying, even though you completely understand where they’re coming from?

It’s happened to me a few times in recent days following the revelation that a slew of data has been accidentally leaked or else simply nicked from a clutch of Government departments.

Some people I know reckon the best solution would be to identify the most senior IT officials in each of those departments and make them swap jobs with clowns from the nearest available circus. While I can understand the sentiment, I think the strategy is seriously flawed.

The data breaches in question are horrifying. In a single cyber-attack on the Department for Education alone, for example, no less than 607,000 pieces of data found their way into the hands of criminals, including teachers’ names, work and home contact details, and job titles.

The Department for Education helpfully offered the reassurance that the compromised data didn’t include banking details, which will at least mean any scammers getting hold of the information will have their jobs made slightly harder.

Instead of simply being able to raid hard-working and chronically under-appreciated school staff’s bank accounts as and when they please, the crooks will now have to put themselves through the inconvenience of using their potential victims’ contact details to get in touch.

The criminals will then be obliged to go through the faff of claiming to be their victim’s bank’s fraud department, or else a distressed loved one, a utility company, a police officer accusing them of failing to attend court for jury service or whatever, and then do their best to steal anything and everything that isn’t nailed down.

Still, it was nice of the department to offer their words of reassurance, which serve as a reminder that those entrusted with some of the most senior positions in the land take our protection from criminals very seriously indeed.

Well, mostly. Except under special circumstances, such as when they’re considering releasing God knows how many of our most violent and frightening criminals from custody early.

When that happens, certain of our very most senior people, in the full knowledge of the horror engendered in the hearts of millions of ordinary people, not to mention the anguish of victims and those who grieve for victims, think of the whole thing as a fit subject for a good old chuckle.

Still, I have to ask myself, would I regard it as a fit subject for a good old chuckle if - like the very senior ones caught a while ago having a good old chuckle when they didn’t realise a microphone was on - I knew 24 hours a day that any criminal who attempted to attack me or my loved ones would be cut down in a hail of high-calibre Close Protection Officers’ ammunition before they could do any harm.

Actually, I don’t think I’d regard it as a fit subject for a good old chuckle at all, even if I were in such a privileged and safe position. You see, my having a good old chuckle over a matter causing untold fear and anguish to millions of ordinary people would leave me wondering whether I was some sort of sociopath.

But I digress. Let us return to the consideration of whether making senior Government IT officials and clowns swap jobs would be a good idea.

As I see the matter, such a strategy would be highly beneficial for every Government department involved, not to mention their dedicated junior and middle-ranking staff, but not so good for circuses.

The Government IT departments would find themselves being run by a group of men and women used to a working environment in which public approval and appreciation were everything, and who took immense pride in securing and retaining that public approval by performing their duties with supreme competence, panache, dedication and verve.

The circuses, on the other hand, would find some of their most important attractions handed over to people who had hitherto not been obliged to display any competence or dedication whatsoever, and whose career progress had hitherto been determined by having been to the right schools and universities through accident of birth, kissing the appropriate backsides and spending every working day secure in the knowledge that, no matter how egregious their bone-deep incompetence, they would be subject to precisely no meaningful accountability whatsoever.

All their red noses would fall off, their squirty flowers would be put on the wrong way round, the new clowns would probably be unable to work out how to operate those comedy metal horns with the rubber bulbs on the end - and they’d still expect a six-figure salary and a pension big enough to satisfy Scrooge McDuck.

Why automatic cat feeders will never catch on

A while ago we at The Ink were contacted by an organisation highlighting an assortment of fascinating devices it wanted to advertise ahead of International Cat Day, which is apparently on 8 August.

And very nice those devices were too. Mainly, they were automatic cat feeders, which are hooked up to the internet or something like that and portion out rations of food when busy cat owners can’t be present.

Far be it from me to pour cold water on the flame of human enterprise, but I’m not sure whether there’ll turn out to be much of a market for these items. Or rather, there may be a market for them among people but I reckon the cats will have other ideas.

In any case, automatic cat feeders have been around for several thousand years. The first ones were organic devices known as Ancient Egyptians, the earliest civilisation known for domesticating - not to mention eventually worshipping - cats.

Of course, we know them as Ancient Egyptians but they probably just called themselves Egyptians, as the period they lived in wasn’t ancient at the time. The first use of one of these early automatic cat feeders probably happened shortly after a cat sidled round the corner of a half-finished pyramid during a construction crew’s lunch break, sidled up to the one it deemed the likeliest mug and then miaowed at that person piteously until a bit of sandwich was handed over.

These organic automatic feeders have been in use by cat populations throughout the world ever since, which is one of the reasons why I wonder whether the electronic type will ever fully catch on.

After all, it’s impossible to wake an electronic cat feeder by, say, jumping from the top of the wardrobe to land with full force on its most sensitive parts at 5am. Or bat it with a paw until it opens a weary eye. Or simply breathe in its face so that when it wakes it is confronted by a pair of demonic, unblinking yellow eyes in the morning gloom.

Or flick a tail across somebody’s eyes until they not only wake up but spend the rest of the day with the memory of something resembling Satan’s pencil sharpener seared across their synapses.

An electronic feeding device, unlike its organic counterpart, will not respond to an acting performance worthy of the late Lord Olivier, in which the cat portrays itself as a poor, starving creature like the ones in adverts for animal welfare charities, even though the pet in question is so amply-proportioned that its catflap wouldn’t look out of place at a pre-school for infant hippos.

An electronic feeder will only dispense cat food rather than, say, a sausage, some honey roasted ham from the fridge or half a slice of toast and Marmite which somebody inadvertently left unattended.

In addition, an electronic feeding device will not respond to blackmail techniques such as consuming a slug or half a mouse in the garden, spewing it up on the carpet in front of the telly and gazing at all humans present with an implicit threat that there’ll be more where that came from unless its demands are met.

The Swindon Link Magazine Archive

Over on The Ink’s sister publication Swindon Link’s website you will find an impressive archive of the past 47 years of Swindon Link magazines, giving you a huge glimpse into the town’s recent past from the beginnings of West Swindon to now. You can find the archive here.

The latest magazines

For the North West Swindon Link Magazine click here

For the South East Swindon Link Magazine click here

To contact The Ink directly email - theink@positive-media.co.uk