This one-time dirt track now traffic heavy thoroughfare takes its name from the County Ground sports stadium (or Wiltshire County Ground as it was in the first instance) to which it gave/gives access. That’s reason one for its significance here. The sports ground opened in May 1893 for the playing of football and cricket on a piece of land made available to the town by Fitzroy Pleydell Goddard. The Goddards being the Lords of the Manor in Old Swindon.
County Road Swindon – a view of County Road showing the County Ground Hotel on the left and looking in the direction of the Magic Roundabout
1897
In 1897 the County Ground Hotel opened a mere few yards from the stadium of Swindon Town Football Club. It’s a popular watering hole for STFC’s fanbase when there’s an at home match. And a regular local when they aren’t. Somewhat surprising for a pub associated with a football ground, it’s also got links with pugilism. In fact, the pub’s favourite sport in modern times has been boxing, having been equipped with a gymnasium and former licensee Pete Neal a well-known former boxer. For more info on the County Ground Hotel go here: https://swindonian.me/2019/01/19/the-county-ground-hotel-swindon/
Reason two for the presence of this road in this tome is the location at one end, of that Swindon icon, the Magic Roundabout – called, in the first instance, County Islands roundabout. Swindonians though had other ideas and nicknamed it the Magic Roundabout after the TV show of that name. At length the council bowed to the inevitable and made an official name change – and the Magic Roundabout it’s been ever since.
The Magic Roundabout sign
Then at the other end of the road, you’ll find a striking advertising mural for Arkell’s brewery. This mural is often and erroneously attributed to Swindon’s famous muralist, Ken White. In fact, the mural is the work of one Sarah Faulkner who painted it in 1985. Arkell’s commissioned it to celebrate their brewing expertise and existence in Swindon since 1843. You’ll find it on the end house of County Road, at its northern end, opposite the Transfer Bridges – obscured by scaffolding more’s the pity. The image shows it in 2017.
The Arkell’s mural on County Road painted in 1985 by Sarah Faulkner – this photograph dated 2017
On the map
As you can see from this 1900 section of map, County Road is not so named – it’s still an unnamed dirt road at this point.
1900 section of map showing the County Ground and the as-yet-un-named-road
The Sheldon/Tomkins Roadways book gives 1905 as the date of the County Road name coming into being. Be that as it may, maps in the Local Studies section of Swindon central library have it marked in1923 so we can be sure it had got that name by then.
1942 map section showing County Road and development of the surrounding area
Inaugural Street Hockey Tournament for Youngsters launched by South Swindon parish council.
South Swindon Parish Council are inviting as many young people aged 8 – 16 as possible to take part in their first ever South Swindon Street Hockey Tournament.
On Sunday 16th August, from 1 – 4pm at the Buckhurst Field PlayZone, six teams are competing for the first annual Buckhurst Cup.
Inaugural Street Hockey Tournament for Youngsters
The tournament is free and open to everyone aged 8–16. whether they’ve played hockey before or are trying it for the first time, all abilities are welcome. It will see six teams compete for the inaugural Buckhurst Cup at the PlayZone Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) between 1pm and 4pm. As well as competing for the trophy, players will have the chance to win medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. And every participant receives a certificate to mark the occasion.
South Swindon Parish Council is running the event. It forms part of the Active Place Partnership and the Get Swindon Active programmes. Both of which encourage more young people to get active, build confidence and enjoy sport in their local community.
It’s being delivered in partnership with Swindon Wildcats Academy and Warrior Hockey. Warrior Hockey has generously sponsored the prizes. The UK Ice Hockey Foundation will be attending to support the event. The Pride in Place programme are also supporting.
Pete Winn, Activities Facilitator, who put the event together:
‘We’re excited to launch the first South Swindon Street Hockey Tournament. We want to see as many people there as possible. Get fit. Get active. Have fun.’
The Robins Pavilion café will be open throughout the afternoon, serving refreshments and food for players, families and spectators.
Summer Youth Project 2026 – cover of programme for Little Shop of Horrors
About the SYP
The aim of the Summer Youth Project is to provide up to 200 youngsters, aged 9 – 21, with the opportunity to work together in a professional theatre. The two-week project culminates in five performances of a full-scale musical under the supervision of a highly skilled creative team including a professional director, choreographer, musical director, musicians, and technical team!
Set in the gritty streets of Skid Row, florist Seymour lives a life of obscurity and despair. Until that is, he discovers a strange and interesting plant that promises fame, fortune, and a chance at love. Meanwhile, the plant’s sinister appetite threatens to consume everything in its path…
The show features a rock and roll score and some unforgettable songs. Tunes such as: Skid Row (Downtown), Suddenly, Seymour, Dentist! and Feed Me (Git it!)
The Wyvern production
Well! What can I say? Apart from: yet another triumph for the summer youth project!
Myself and a friend have been coming to the summer youth project performances for several years now. And we’ve never been anything less than blown away by the quality of the performances and the energy and enthusiasm of all. As ever, a special mention, to the ensemble. Every single year they never fail to delight. The whole thing warms the cockles of my cold, northern heart.
I’ll say no more about the plot than I have above – except that, the jolly songs belie some dark themes. More than that – my lips are sealed.
So, on to the performances. There sure were some fabulous voices on that stage last night. Lysa Aljanes as Audrey – the human not the plant – has a wonderful voice. As has Lily Moir, the voice of Audrey 2. But all the principals were excellent in all aspects.
But if I’m going to give special mention to anyone it has to be David Scott as Orin Scrivello. As the sinister, sadistic, demonic dentist, David gave a show-stealing turn. And that, as my friend says, is saying something given the standard of performance from Lysa Aljanes, Jayden Kaye and Mathew Robinson. If you’re of a nervous disposition apropos the dentist then this might not be the show for you. #JustSaying
Swindon-wide History Festival – kicks off with a Meet the Authors event in Swindon central library (floor 2) on Saturday the 5th September – at Midday!! Entry FREE.
Skydive Aims to Raise £5k for Prospect Hospice. Just For Fun Holiday Club co-founder Sean Harper is aiming to help raise £5,000 for Prospect Hospice. He’s taking on a charity skydive later this summer alongside friends Terry Cook and Sam Cottle.
Inspiring the jump is Terry’s determination to tick a skydive off his bucket list following a diagnosis of a rare, terminal cancer.
The trio will complete the jump together at Skydive Hinton in Brackley over the August Bank Holiday weekend. They’re raising money for Prospect Hospice, whose support has been invaluable throughout Terry’s cancer journey.
Skydive Aims to Raise £5k – Sean Harper
How it began
‘It all started when I got asked if I’d sponsor Terry for his challenge,’ Sean said. ‘He jokingly asked if I wanted to do it as well. A skydive has always been on my bucket list. And I realised I didn’t have a reason not to do it alongside Terry and Sam.
‘My children will be there on the day to support me and my son thinks I’m going to be Superman, which is lovely to hear. Although catching villains isn’t my special power, if taking on this challenge helps Terry reach his fundraising goal for Prospect Hospice, then it’ll all be worth it.’
After months of tests and investigations, Terry, who lives in Stratton, Swindon, found himself diagnosed with a v rare form of cancer that had already spread. Specialists described his case as one they had never encountered before. One with treatment options proving difficult because of how uncommon the cancer is.
Rather than letting his diagnosis define him, Terry has focused on making memories with family and friends, including marrying his partner Katie last December while continuing treatment. Completing a skydive became one of the experiences at the top of his bucket list.
Terry and Katie
Dealing with uncertainty
‘When I was first diagnosed, everything felt so uncertain,’ Terry said. ‘There were so many questions that nobody could answer. But one thing I did know was that life is too short to put things off. That’s why I started my bucket list.
‘The skydive is something I’ve always wanted to do, and being able to share it with Sean and Sam means a lot. Prospect Hospice has been unbelievable throughout my cancer journey. And if we can raise money to help them support other families like mine, that would mean the world to me.’
Prospect Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care and support to patients and families across Swindon, Marlborough, north Wiltshire, Lechlade and Fairford, helping thousands of local people every year.
Sean hopes the community will get behind the challenge and help the team reach its £5,000 fundraising target.
‘We know it’s an ambitious target, but if people can get behind Terry, support an amazing local charity and help us reach that figure, it’ll mean an enormous amount to us all’.
