Thursday, November 9

OLD Town blues musician and poet Gerald Gearon, 53, began writing songs in January, soon secured a devoted live following and then began recording in June.

By July he had a publisher and record label – and not long afterwards one of his songs was chosen by Radio 6 Music presenter Steve Lamacq as one of the best new releases.

When we caught up with Gerald he told us: “I’m an addictive listener, I’ve heard thousands of albums and I’ve got a good musical ear so I thought I’d have a go at making my own music. I’ve played guitar since I was 14, self-taught and I’m Swindon born and bred. I love this town. I can keep working as a bricklayer and release music when I want - as long as people like it and it’s real, that’s all I care about.”

Monday, November 27

PARKING vigilantism broke out in Jennings Street, Rodbourne, when contractors failed to replace double yellow lines after roadworks.

The ensuing parking dispute saw an anonymous spraycan-wielder circle this car with lines and add a scrawled obscenity on the road.

Not long afterwards another car was targeted, and this time an obscenity was scrawled on the vehicle itself.

Swindon Borough Council said it was waiting for the weather to improve before repainting the lines.

Tuesday, November 14

THE patter of a dozen tiny hooves was heard by one of the 95-strong herd at Hillend Farm in Brinkworth, which produces milk for the award-winning Brinkworth Dairy. Cheesemaker

Ceri Cryer, seen here with son Eric, was yet to start school when the last cattle triplets were born at the farm in 1983.

Friday, November 24

SWINDON artist and illustrator Steve Antony, right, collaborated with world-famous singer-songwriter and comedian Tim Minchin.

The performer invited Steve, whose 11 children’s books include The Queen’s Hat and Please Mr Panda, to illustrate the words of When I Grow Up, a song he wrote for hit stage show Matilda the Musical.

Steve, 41, is a former call centre worker, shelf stacker, toilet cleaner and wrapper of Christmas presents in a department store, but was always determined to achieve his dream of being a successful artist and illustrator.

Tuesday, November 7

ACTRESS Alison Steadman, acclaimed for roles ranging from the monstrous Beverly in Abigail’s Party to feisty Pamela in Gavin and Stacey, visited Drove Primary School in Swindon.

Alison was on a mission to get pupils excited about creative writing, and brought her own book, called ‘Spider!’ The message of the story, her first for children, is that we should not be afraid of harmless house spiders.

Alison revealed that she had been visiting Swindon since her early 20s because her sister moved to Swindon in the 1960s, and that her four great-great-nephews went to Croft Primary School.

Saturday, December 9

PICTURED hurtling along a bobsleigh run in New York on his way to winning the para-bobsleigh World Cup is Swindon’s Corie Mapp.

The former soldier, who lost both legs following an explosion in Afghanistan, is supported by Help for Heroes’ Sports Recovery programme.

He said: “A massive thank you to Help for Heroes for supporting me in this way.

There is still work to be done as I will now move in to Europe in second place in the World Cup standings. I believe in my heart I can win the World Cup this season and be European Champion.”

Monday, December 4

THE sixth annual Santa Run saw about 500 bearded St Nicks of all shapes and sizes descend on Lydiard Park.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, the 5km fun run raised money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group. The participants included a party of Nordic Walkers, complete with sticks.

Tuesday, December 5

A LONG time ago in a place far away – some historians say it was the Scottish coastal town of Stonehaven – a culinary innovator in a chip shop had the idea of deep frying a Mars Bar.

It was the start of a beautiful movement which has seen the technique applied to Snickers and Topic bars, Creme Eggs, marshmallows, Maltesers and countless other confections.

Nevertheless, few cooks dared attempt to batter a traditional Christmas mince pie, perhaps deterred by the risk of structural collapse in the pastry.

However, Maria Jackson, owner of the Lollipop Café in Swindon’s Cricklade Road, is made of sterner stuff. She not only tried but succeeded, and the result was almost universally pronounced delicious.

Thursday, December 14

TRUE love knows no boundaries, as Joan Grant and Ted Wright proved. Joan, 81, and Ted, 90, announced that they were to be married on January 19.

They first met 15 years ago when they were on holiday as part of a retirement group set up for former WH Smith employees, although they became a couple much more recently.

Both Ted and Joan, who live in Covingham, were widowed many years ago. Joan said: “I didn’t think I would get married again but we got on so well together. We accept what each other does. We don’t give up and we enjoy our life. When we first met, we didn’t think it would be a relationship and then Ted started to phone me and we had our courtship over the phone. We used to talk for hours and we really enjoyed it. I eventually invited him round for New Year’s lunch and the rest is history. It is never too late for love.”