Swindon 24

Paul Gentry, 63, from Stratton, has now completed 32 endurance events since the death of his daughter Izzy in 2016, raising more than £50,300 for Meningitis Now. Izzy was studying for her A-levels when she became unwell. What first appeared to be a headache quickly developed into meningitis and, within 48 hours, she was in a coma from which she never recovered. Since losing his daughter, Paul has dedicated himself to fundraising while also campaigning for better protection against the disease.

The funding is available to charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) that help people from underserved communities develop the skills needed for careers in the creative industries. Organisations can apply for funding to expand or sustain existing projects covering areas such as music, theatre, television, journalism, podcasting, gaming, fashion, photography, publishing, comedy and digital media.

“If you opened me up, it would say Swindon inside me.” It’s a simple statement, but one that perfectly sums up Graham Carter’s lifelong passion for the town he has spent decades researching, celebrating and championing. Known to many as one of Swindon’s foremost historians, Graham has dedicated years to uncovering the stories that have shaped the borough, from the rise of the Great Western Railway Works to preserving the legacy of homegrown band XTC.

Residents, councillors and members of the Friends of Sevenfields gathered on Tuesday (15 July) to officially reopen the refurbished footbridge at Sevenfields Nature Reserve. The bridge has become much more than a crossing over the reserve. Since the original structure was destroyed in an arson attack in August 1994, it has stood as a symbol of the determination of local people to protect one of Swindon’s best-loved green spaces.

Andy Burnham has pledged to modify business taxation if he becomes Prime Minister, promising to expand Small Business Rates Relief, cut business rates for pubs, review employers’ National Insurance and ask warehouses, online retailers and major out-of-town developments to contribute more. For Swindon, those proposals could have a bigger impact than in many other towns.

The proposal came during Prime Minister’s Questions after Farage triggered a by-election in Clacton by resigning his seat and seeking a fresh mandate from voters. Rather than facing candidates from Labour or the Conservatives, the Reform UK leader could instead be challenged by the satirical campaigner known for his silver bin helmet and humorous manifesto promises.

The six-metre-long structure, known as Bushey Fox Bridge, was lifted into place by crane and now spans the latest section of canal being created through a partnership between Swindon Borough Council and Barratt Developments. The installation marks a major step in the construction of a new 600-metre stretch of canal running south from the Wichelstowe district centre before turning east towards Mill Lane. The bridge has been designed for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and other towpath users.

The festival is running until Saturday 25th July at Unit 19, Canal Walk, next to McDonald’s, where the space has been transformed into a hub for textile art under this year’s theme, ‘Threads of Empowerment’. Organised by Artsite, Swindon Stitch Social and the Big Knit, the event brings together textile artists from across the region while offering visitors of all ages the chance to take part in workshops, talks and hands-on activities.

Developers FI Property Group say the rapid take-up at 1 Newbridge Square reflects growing demand for high-quality Grade A office space in Swindon town centre. The refurbished office building has attracted several major organisations, including Cotswold Outdoor, Thames Water, Stagecoach and AtkinsRéalis, with the development now around 80 per cent occupied. Commercial property agents involved with the scheme say the pace of lettings is unlike anything they have experienced in the local market.

When one political party replaces another in power, there is always an expectation of change. The question for Swindon Borough Council’s new Conservative administration is how much change is enough. In the weeks since taking control of the council, the Conservatives have already begun reshaping how the authority operates.