The Ink

In today's Ink we report the ongoing risk of wildfires as the heatwave which began early last month continues.

In spite of the ongoing danger and the advice regularly issued by firefighters on how to prevent outbreaks, it seems some people remain either dismissive of or impervious to the message.

We also report on a team of Wiltshire Police officers and staff taking part in a three-day cycle ride to commemorate colleagues lost in the line of duty.

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Is it really that difficult not to set our countryside ablaze? Firefighters issue swathes of good advice during every heatwave but too many people ignore it

In today's Ink Business Focus, Fiona Scott turns her attention to the ongoing and increasingly fierce debate over the use of AI.

While some hail AI as merely another tool for business, albeit a groundbreaking one, others would have us believe its growth has far-reaching negative implications, especially in light of recent headlines about AI overstepping its bounds.

However, as Fiona observes, the fear of something does not prevent it from becoming a reality to be addressed - and ideally harnessed.

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Fear of AI will not stop it being a reality in Swindon business - or everyday life Ink Business Focus with Fiona Scott

In today's Ink, Jamie Hill highlights the wealth of summer events going on at Swindon's three showcase museums - historic Lydiard House, STEAM and Museum & Art Swindon.

Each is well worth a visit on its own, but their combined roster of attractions means there is truly something for everybody.

In this edition we also look forward to a forthcoming performance in the acclaimed Swindon Recital Series of classical music, which will feature classical pieces associated with cinema.

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Air raid shelters, fairy houses and Shakespeare - it's all to discover in Swindon this summer The town's three main museums are going all out to keep us entertained during the long summer break

Today's Ink is the weekly Barrie Hudson Column - a sideways swipe at the goings-on happening around us.

He even manages to spell some words right.

In this edition, Barrie responds to recent hacks of sensitive electronic data from Government departments, which have prompted calls from members of the public for senior Government IT bosses to swap jobs with circus clowns.

Barrie explains that this would be good for the IT departments in question, not to mention their dedicated frontline staff, but bad for circuses.

Turning to the subject of electronic automatic cat feeders, as advertised by certain vendors ahead of International Cat Day, Barrie points out that cats already have automatic feeders - otherwise known as people.

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Making Government IT chiefs swap jobs with clowns? Good for security but bad for circuses. Barrie Hudson rejects the suggestion many people are making in wake of data breaches putting ordinary people at risk

In today's Ink we report on the latest plans for The Big Town Centre Clean-Up.

Everybody in the town is invited to sign up as as a volunteer to help make the area something to enjoy and be proud of.

We also look at the remarkable achievement of a team of cyclists from a Swindon charity who raised almost £20,000 in an international ride covering more than 300 miles.

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All of Swindon urged to get behind The Big Town Centre Clean-Up Everybody can play a part in the most ambitious project of its kind for many years

Today's Ink is our monthly culture column with Rhona Jack.

With Swindon's City of Culture bid reaching a critical stage, Rhona has interviewed Dr Rod Hebden, the head of the Swindon Culture Collective, who also fronts New Elements, which organises the Swindon Festival of Tomorrow.

He is a staunch and proud supporter of the arts and culture scene and has plenty of positive things to say about the town and the bid.

Rhona also highlights a wealth of exhibitions and events, including one at Museum & Art Swindon devoted to the remarkable multi-faceted work of John Piper and a major Ken White retrospective in Marlborough.

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All systems go for Swindon City of Culture bid The monthly Ink Culture Column with Rhona Jack

In today's Ink, Jamie Hill talks about Swindon's social care system and how things desperately need to change for it to continue. He looks at the plans being put forward by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and how that could change things for the beleaguered system in Swindon.

In other news, The Ink looks at Swindon-based Wiltshire Roller Derby who keep winning over and over, a man who has just been imprisoned for crimes against children, the launch of Swindon's summer reading challenge and a new exhibition featuring the work of town artist Ken White.

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Swindon's social care system is broken but is Andy Burnham the man to fix it? With the new PM indicating that social care will be a major focus, will he be able to do what needs doing?

Today's Ink is the fortnightly Jamie Hill column.

In his view we are all now living in an upside-down world where 'good' is now 'bad' and 'bad' is now 'good'.

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In the new upside down world we live in 'good' is now 'bad' and 'bad' is now 'good' A column by Jamie Hill

In today's Ink we report the ongoing repercussions of Iran naming RAF Fairford as a legitimate target following the resumption of American bombing from the base.

We also report on a Swindon Borough Council visit to the Farnborough International Airshow to showcase the town’s aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing strengths.

Our third main story focuses on the council's appeal to some 2,000 homeowners and landlords to help improve the appearance of Swindon’s town centre as part of The Big Town Centre Clean-Up this summer.

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Iran threatens RAF Fairford The Teheran regime has declared the base a legitimate target because of its use by American aircraft - with the approval of the British Government - to wage war

In today's Ink, Barrie Hudson reports on the reappointment by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham of Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander as Transport Secretary.

Based on her performance in the role since her initial appointment in late 2024, her continuing can only be a good thing for all who believe in the value of public transport.

We also report on a Swindon & District Samaritans drive to raise awareness of and support for the organisation's vital work.

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Heidi Alexander's reappointment good news for all who believe in value of public transport New Prime Minister Andy Burnham was wise to give the Swindon South MP the chance to progress the positive changes she has begun