‘Stories with Santa’ is happening on Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th December. There’ll be 45-minute sessions where children can get into the festive mood. Staged at Revolutionary Tuition Centre in Redhouse North Swindon, each session will involve Santa and his Elves telling stories. And then meeting and greeting all the children and each child will receive a ‘winter’ gift.
Fi Da Silva Adams, founder of RPA, said: ‘This is a new offering from us this year to bring some joy to children in our town and from further afield. There are 16 sessions to book on to across the weekend. We’d like to thank Santa for giving up a weekend in the super busy month of December to bring a little festive cheer to our guests!’
‘Stories with Santa’ tickets cost £15 – plus booking fee). You can book online in advance here https://bit.ly/3CgJnvH
Santa Story Time With RPA – Fi Da Silva Adams, founder of Revolution Performing Arts and the woman behind the upcoming Santa Story Time event in Swindon on December 7 and 8.
Also on offer
The RPA team is also offering access to school holiday cover this December. This is through Wiltshire County Council for both private bookings and for those who are eligible under the county’s FUEL programme.
Anyone wanting to book privately at Christmas camps in Chippenham, Westbury, Malmesbury and Royal Wootton Bassett can do so. These camps will take place on December 30th and 31st and January 2 and 3 2025.
RPA currently runs 27 performing arts classes across Wiltshire, the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire for young people aged (4-18) for a variety of Performing Arts skills.
Hurrah! At LAST I’ve made it to No 50 in this Swindon in 50 More Buildings blog series. I began it back in the before times, in 2019, with this piece about the County Ground Hotel. But then the pandemic got in the way. And then a joint authorship of a book about West Swindon interfered. Anyway – at last I’m here. I have every intention of turning these fifty blog posts into a physical book. With hopes that it doesn’t take me a further five years!
Now, I cogitated a great deal about what building should fill the No 50 spot. I settled on this one because it brings about a bit of circularity – and I love that. In Swindon in 50 Buildings I included the Allied Dunbar Tri-Centre – and that morphed into Zurich. So it links to an entry in the original book. Even its name, Unity Place, works on that level.
And, besides that, it’s an important inclusion as it’s the first new commercial/business building erected in Swindon in …. well … decades? So for that alone it serves as an appropriate full-stop to this series.
Unity Place Zurich Building Swindon
A confession to make
Having had an excellent tour of the building I’m well impressed. Its interior has the WOW factor in spades – and more of that in a bit. But for me personally, that’s not true of its exterior. I’m not struck on the black at all. And – a box – couldn’t the architects have come up with something more striking than that?
Now I’m willing to concede that there may be valid reasons why the basic shape of this building is as it is. Yet a small part of me feels that just maybe an opportunity has been missed here to give Swindon something spectacular. That said, on the inside I’d argue they have – and that’s great for their employees. Indeed it’s been designed to enhance the well-being of the staff. As is clear to see. And that is of course amazing.
But for the rest of us – what we’re looking at is a big, black, oppressive box … But I know lots of folk that DO like it so each to their own hey? I mean, it mystifies me that some people don’t like the David Murray John tower – whereas I think it’s wonderful – so horses for courses etc.
Anyway! Having got that off my chest let’s move on to some actual facts about Unity Place.
An award winning building
Designed by MATT Architecture and built by Skanska, the building had its official opening in April 2023 – though it was occupied from October 2022.
Unity Place gained a BREEAM excellent accreditation. That’s both for the project design stage and the completed building. The award covers a range of categories from the materials used to health and wellbeing. Indeed the sustainability credentials of the building are quite something. It’s designed to rank among the top 10% of commercial buildings, in terms of sustainability, in the UK. With EV charging points, a bicycle storage and repair centre and energy efficient LED lighting it’s achingly cool in the sustainable stakes. There’s even beehives and Swift nesting boxes on the roof.
Interior view of Unity Place SwindonBee hives on the roof of Unity Place SwindonView from the roof top terrace of Unity Place Zurich Building
Further, there’s furniture made from recovered ocean plastics, a multi-faith room and a nursing room. So every need appears to have been considered. Well except perhaps parking … An employee, who shall remain nameless, told me she loves working there. And even loves the sustainability credentials. But that it’s not so hot for parking. Obvs parking and driving is at odds with the eco credentials of this building. But it’s an uncomfortable fact of life that cycling and public transport don’t work for the majority of people. Indeed, as a non-driving, public transport user I can testify to how much it doesn’t work!
Keeping with the sustainability/recycling theme, the three sculptures in front of the building incorporate a range of recycled materials from rubble to TVs.
Descriptive plaque outside the Zurich buildingTwo sculptures and a Swindog outside Unity Place Swindon – photo by Lucas Gleed.
A commitment to Swindon
Okay – the main thrust of these posts is about the buildings themselves. But for the purposes of this blog post, if not the eventual book, I think it’s important to say a little about Zurich and their commitment to Swindon.
As we know, Zurich has a long history in Swindon. And they publicly state that they remain committed to the town – and to the county – as one of its largest employers. Their commitment includes their long-standing charity arm, the Zurich Community Trust. It works with many local charities and community groups – all chosen by local employees.
In the words of Tim Bailey, CEO Zurich UK and a Swindonian to boot:
‘Having grown up in Swindon, it’s great to be able to give something back to the community I had such a great start in. It’s crucial we can give local people the chance to build a career in their hometown. This includes investing in a building that will enhance the lives of employees and the wider community.
Zurich is pleased to support Swindon Borough Council and the Government’s continued investment in the town, to encourage local economic growth. We look forward to strengthening our strong links with local schools, businesses, and our charity partners through the work of ZCT.’
Unity Place Zurich Building Swindon
A few facts to finish
Zurich funded the building with a ‘Sale and Lease Back’ agreement with Swindon Borough Council (SBC). SBC owns the building now it’s complete and they let it to Zurich. The business occupies 80 per cent of the building. The unoccupied area will be available for future expansion or for future sublet opportunities. The building’s design caters for this type of flexibility. Thus allowing Zurich to retain their own Zurich entrance, reception, atrium and lifts. Any third-party organisations would remain separate, having their own entrance and lifts.
Their lease for the building is for twenty years. But there are early exit opportunities for some of the space (the third of the building at the rear east side – ground floor to fifth floor).
Who will pick up the bill for any empty space? Zurich have accounted for paying for occupying the whole building. Thus there’s no additional cost for empty space. Should Zurich decided to dispose of any surplus space in the future this could offer a saving.
Yes, one could argue that they’re benefitting from the building split as they have the opportunity to sublet the space. But, this could go some way to offset the costs they’re paying to split the building now. And that’s something that they might not have had to do.
Christmas Care in Swindon. People in Swindon facing homelessness, hunger or isolation this Christmas will get a lifeline. And it’s all thanks to a charity offering support over the festive period.
Since 1988, Christmas Care has provided food and friendship to hundreds of people over the Christmas period.
Guests can have a full English breakfast, a hot home-cooked lunch and an early evening snack. In between, hot drinks, chat, companionship and festive cheer will be in full flow. They do not need to book in advance but can join in the relaxed atmosphere at any time during the project.
Christmas Care in Swindon – volunteers in action in 2023
For 2024
This year, Christmas Care will run from The Haven Day Centre, in Queen’s Drive. They’ll be there from Christmas Eve until December 29th, opening from 9am to 5.30pm (closing at 3pm on the 29th).
John Jensen, of Christmas Care, said: ‘Christmas can be a lonely time. In particular for those who are homeless or who do not have friends or family nearby. We are there to provide food, warmth, safety and companionship.’
The charity is looking for volunteers to make the project possible. John added: ‘We rely on the amazing, generous support of Swindon people. We appreciate anyone who can offer some time to make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate.’ Volunteers do not need specific skills. But they do need to be good team players, willing to help with anything that’s needed and empathetic with our guests.
Christmas Care also needs donations of food, drinks and festive treats.
There are two donation days planned, when you can drop off food at The Haven (next to the ambulance station). They are:
6 Top Plant Expert Tips. Plant expert Mark Wheeler, the new owner of a Wiltshire walled garden and a Grade II* listed Bothy, shares his winter tips for keen gardeners. He’s complied the list to help gardeners enjoy the current season and prepare their outside space for 2025.
Mark, AKA the Plant Hunter, is well-respected in the world of gardens and designs for his knowledge of rare plants. He works with companies and landscape gardeners across the UK.
He and his partner Jules Gilleland, are renovating Bothy Gardens. It’s located on the edge of the Burderop estate outside Chiseldon, near Swindon. In 2025, they’ll launch the site as a rare plants emporium. It’ll serve those working in the gardening sector. And be a nature ‘classroom’ for Jules to share her knowledge and experience in immersive education.
Bothy Gardens, will include greenhouses, flood plant beds, nurseries for rare plants, including orchids, a garden library, and an atelier/classroom. Mark is sharing some of the actions he’s now taking ready for winter applicable to any garden.
‘I felt it might be of value to share some of the tasks a professional horticulturist undertakes in their own gardens as winter approaches. These tips can be of value to anyone who loves their garden,’ Mark said.
6 Top Plant Expert Tips. Mark Wheeler, the co-owner of Bothy Gardens and known in the gardening world as The Plant Hunter.
The top tips
1. Evergreens
To get more evergreens or to include these in your garden, the time to plant them is now. Autumn and spring are the best seasons for planting evergreens. If you plant them during the winter there’s a risk that they could dehydrate because it’s too cold.
2. Fruit Trees
If you have fruit trees in your garden, as we have, especially if they are mature trees (our’s are at least sixty years old) it’s best to prune them back now. Keeping their branches in a horizontal pattern is preferable and makes them easier to maintain.
3. Potting plants
Should you have a beech hedge it will currently be displaying those rich autumn colours of orange and gold. But in a few weeks, before the end of November, I’d be giving that hedge a hard cut. This means working on its shape and preparing it for the turn of the seasons.
4. Wildflowers
Does your garden have wildflowers or a wildflower area? If so make the most of any which are still flowering at the moment such as Californian poppy. Once the flowering is over, don’t forget to clear the area and collect the seeds.Then store them ready for planting next year. It’s so worth it to do this.
5. Fine mulch
Using fine mulch at this time of the year is a great idea for newly-planted perennials. This helps suppress weeds and protects them from frost. Choose fine chip for this which also looks good!
People who live in glass houses
Mark and Jules are currently also renovating a Victorian greenhouse at Bothy Gardens. It was on the brink of collapse, tangled in vines and brambles, with a pair of unruly fig trees bursting through the shattered glass. It will soon have a new lease of life as Jules’s creative studio and a sanctuary for propagating rare orchids.
Mark already has an established plant nursery in North London. He’s well known in the ‘gardening’ world for his encyclopaedic knowledge and love of plants. In particular rare breeds/species, such as Schefflera Rhododendrifolia (Umbrella tree), Ruscus Hypoglossum (spineless butcher’s broom), and Salvia Oxyphora (Fuzzy Bolivian Sage). He has made contributions to nineteen winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibits.
Jules is an accomplished designer who has been running her company, Turtlewings, from Brussels, Belgium, for many years. With a background in design she has a passion for creating spaces that inspire wonder and well-being. In 2014, she founded Think with Things after winning the Open Education Challenge, earning a spot as one of the top seven EdTech companies in Europe.
The couple are offering some open days during the winter. On these volunteers can book and explore and learn at Bothy Gardens before its offical opening next year. To find out more about the volunteering opportunities and to register an interest in upcoming classes, visit https://www.bothygardens.com/
The Caipirinha (pronounced (kai-purr-REEN-yah) Brazilian Cocktail brings me back to making an entry in the Swindon in 50 Drinks series. It’s been a while.
I enjoyed one of these last night at Recanto on Commerical Road in Swindon. They are simple and delicious. Far too many cocktails are gin-based for my liking – I can’t bear the stuff. And I’m also not keen on what I refer to as ‘stickies’ – Dramubuie (tastes like cough mixture. Ditto Southern Comfort), Grand Marnier etc. So something rum based is much more to my taste.*
Caipirinha Brazilian Cocktail enjoyed at Recanto on Commercial Road in Swindon.
What is it then?
Defined as a ‘Muddled’ drink, the Caipirinha is a Brazilian cocktail, of São Paulo origin made with cachaça, sugar, lime, and ice. The drink is prepared by mixing the fruit and the sugar together, then adding the liquor. The alcohol in the drink is something called Cachaça.
*Note though that Cachaça isn’t rum exactly. This somewhat old article from The Smithsonian explains that, like rum, cachaça (pronounced kə-ˈshä-sə) comes from the sugarcane plant.
The Brazilian government (and cachaça aficionados) define the spirit as a liquor distilled from fermented sugarcane juice that contains between 38 and 54 percent alcohol by volume. Distillers can choose to sweeten the liquor by adding sugar, but only in amounts less than 6 grams per litre. Any more than that, and they have to start labelling it ‘sweetened cachaça.’
To be considered ‘aged cachaça,’ at least 50 per cent of the liquor must be aged for a year or more. Most cachaça is clear, but sometimes distillers add a caramel color to darken it.
Vive le difference!
According to Vinatis what we need to know is that cachaça is THE typical and exclusive Brazilian drink. It’s a product of sugar cane cultivation imported by Portuguese colonists back in the 16th C.
The term cachaça boasts protection by Brazilian legislation with its production limited to Brazil. Whereas Rum, on the other hand, emerged in the early 17th century in the British Caribbean colonies. It is a more refined product that undergoes more transformation than cachaça.
Rum is made with a cooking stock from sugar cane, while cachaça is made from fresh cane juice.
The invention of the Caipirinha Brazilian Cocktail
Although integral to Brazilian culture, the history of this drink is unclear. There are stories dating it to the 19th century when those living on sugarcane plantations enjoyed it. But then another account exists claiming it evolved from a medicinal tonic comprising cachaça, green lemon, honey, and garlic used during the Spanish flu epidemic of the early 20th century.
Whatever its origins it’s for sure a refreshing drink that doesn’t require about 20 million ingredients. In fact all you need to concoct a Caipirinha is:
1/2 medium lime, plus lime wheel for garnish
1 1/2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons superfine sugar, to taste
