What a difference a decade makes.
As we prepare to bid farewell to 2023, let’s have a look back at the biggest stories of December 2013.
It was such a different time – Honda's factory was still running, the word Brexit meant nothing, David Cameron was prime minister, and a pandemic seemed like a distant and unlikely threat.
Though, on the other hand, stories about council tax complaints, weather warnings, and planning rows suggest that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
News of a £35 million extension to the Designer Outlet made the front page on December 10, as the Great Western Railway Works’ Long Shop was being turned into 30 shops with a new food court by March 2015, creating 350 new jobs.
The approval of a 700-home housing development known as Ridgeway Farm caused concern among neighbours in Peatmoor on December 12.
More than 200 people sent in objections to Taylor Wimpey’s proposal as residents feared that the extra homes would add too much traffic to busy routes and create gridlock on Mead Way, and worried that the road onto the new estate was not fit for purpose.
A special report on the plight of the homeless featured in the December 23 edition as long-running charity Threshold Housing Link raised awareness of the problems facing 750 rough sleepers who needed support.
One homeless person told the Adver about how impending benefit cuts would be a “ticking time bomb” for people struggling to pay their bills, criticised the lack of mental health support available, and spoke about the unpleasant way drunk revellers treated rough sleepers during the festive season.
Our Christmas Eve front page often highlights a positive piece to spread some joy to our readers before the big day.
In 2013, the smiling faces of Kay Taylor and her three-year-old son Ashton Bonner, who were helped by the Adver’s Christmas Wish Appeal, adorned our cover.
Ashton’s grandmother and full-time carer Maria Davis, from Penhill, nominated the youngster to have sensory lights in his bedroom. AEL Lighting donated and fitted them free of charge.
Kay said: “This Christmas Wish is going to have such a positive impact on our son’s life. He will be so happy. It truly warms our hearts and we are proud to call Swindon home.”
Our last edition of the year focused on the Wyvern Theatre’s most successful panto to date - which featured Keith Chegwin in Jack and the Beanstalk - and how strong winds and heavy rain caused havoc around town.
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