Grandfather Clocks at Auction. Tick, tock, tick, tock! A private collection of antique grandfather clocks and clock parts by Wiltshire clock makers will go on sale next week at RWB Auctions.
The clocks come from makers who lived and worked in Devizes, Royal Wootton Bassett and Calne. And, as a collection, could make more than £1,000.
Selling the time pieces are local collectors and experts Paul Succony and his wife Jan, who live in a village near Devizes. Their sale marks a rare opportunity for buyers to get hold of pieces rooted in local history.
Grandfather Clocks at Auction – one of the Wiltshire-made grandfather clocks from the collection going under the hammer at RWB Auctions with junior auctioneer and valuer Will Walter
Made in Wiltshire
Focusing exclusively on antique clocks made in Wiltshire, the couple have assembled their collection over 35 years. It’s almost certainly the biggest in the world within this specialist field. What began as a personal purchase grew into a lifelong passion for sourcing, restoring and researching timepieces created by local craftsmen. Each clock reflects the heritage and identity of its maker and place of origin.
‘My wife had a vision of sitting beside a log fire, reading Thomas Hardy novels with the reassuring tick of a grandfather clock in the room. So, 35 years ago I bought her a grandfather clock. That was the start of it. We embraced the challenge of finding clocks made by local makers. And then restoring them as we both love local history, and each clock has its own identity,’ Paul said.
‘Over time we began to sell some to serious collectors where the name of the maker was important to them. For us, it’s always been more of a hobby. The joy has been in the challenge of finding the clocks and discovering the story of each clockmaker. Today we have well over 60 clocks. We’ve sold several to buyers across the globe who want to reconnect with their own history or heritage.’
An authority
As a result, Paul has also become recognised as an authority on Wiltshire clockmakers and has contributed to specialist articles and books on the subject. Further, Paul has helped to document this niche area of regional craftsmanship.
Now in his 70s and still working as a consultant in the food industry, Paul and Jan have decided it’s time to release part of the collection. In particular clocks they’ve yet to restore.
‘We do have to consider the future and it’s not practical for us to keep all that we have. It was this that’s prompted us to part with some of our collection,’ he said.
It’s expected that the sale on Wednesday March 4 at RWB Auctions will attract strong interest from collectors, historians and enthusiasts. All eager to secure a rare example of a Wiltshire-made grandfather clock, many of which seldom come to market.
‘These are interesting local pieces. They’ll attract local collectors or those with local ties who may live overseas or who have a connection with these places. Two items come from very small hamlets – Lydeway and Horton – so these are truly niche,’ said junior auctioneer and valuer Will Walter.
RWB Auctions hosts regular sales that attract buyers from across the UK and the world. For more information visit https://rwbauctions.com/
Budding scientists flocked to Brunel Centre for Festival of Tomorrow activities.
Children flocked to The Brunel Shopping Centre during half-term week as Swindon’s annual Festival of Tomorrow brought science, technology and the arts to life.
The week-long ‘Living in the Future’ event offered families free, interactive workshops. All transforming the shopping centre into a hub of discovery.
Budding scientists flocked to Brunel Centre for the Festival of Tomorrow 2026
Throughout the February half-term, The Brunel hosted a diverse range of hands-on activities covering:
engineering and space
sound and music
nature and climate
and chemistry.
In total more than 1,000 children, plus their parents/guardians, took part in the fun. While many more enjoyed a Robot Trail, that led them around The Brunel.
It’s been wonderful to see so many families enjoying these free activities together in the heart of the town,’ said Louise Halliday. Louise isHead of Programming and Outreach for the Festival of Tomorrow. ‘The turnout at The Brunel was fantastic. It proved once again what a vital space this is for bringing our local community together through discovery and play.’
Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director at FI Real Estate Management, which manages The Brunel, added: ‘Offering these activities for free, gives parents a hands-on option and helps inspire curiosity in the next generation.’
BLUE LIGHTS TO BRIGHT IDEAS. EX-POLICE OFFICER TURNED LOCAL BUSINESSMAN LAUNCHES VINTAGE BRAND WITH A CAUSE.
Entrepreneur Mike Rees has launched a new venture: Reesycle Revival. It combines a passion for business and sustainability with a commitment to supporting people in need.
His recycled furniture and vintage wares business will officially open its warehouse showroom at Unit 3, Little Smithcott Farm, Brinkworth Road, Dauntsey, for browsing on Sunday March 1 from 10am to 2pm. And will continue to welcome customers every Sunday thereafter.
BLUE LIGHTS TO BRIGHT IDEAS – Mike Rees inside his shop warehouse
What’s on offer
Reesycle Revival offers:
vintage furniture
reclaimed household items
and a range of vintage pieces for the home from ceramics, to toys, vinyl records to CDs.
The initiative reflects a growing demand for sustainable shopping options.
‘The idea has been evolving for some time,’ Mike said. ‘I wanted to create a sustainable business with a social conscience. One where we buy and sell goods. And alongside that we can offer support to individuals or families who are in dire need in our community. By selling furniture and vintage wares we can fund support for those in need who may only be able to pay a little or, on occasion, nothing at all. We also want to ensure that as little as possible goes to landfill.’
Mike said his inspiration for the new business came from what he’s seen within the community over many years. He retired as a Detective Inspector in 2014. He then set up his extreme cleaning business, Forensiclean. It helps organisations and individuals with hazardous, deep cleans – this includes supporting loved ones who wish to help family members with issues around hoarding.
‘Throughout my career I’ve seen first-hand how soon circumstances can change for families,’ he said. ‘With our cleaning business we saw how some people can find life a struggle. We also saw how much waste can material goods can generate. Waste that others can use and have a new life. For the last 12 years, we’ve voluntarily taken furniture from beds to tables, chairs and wardrobes to families in need or in crisis, sometimes due to serious domestic abuse.
A business with a social conscience
‘The time has come to turn that into a business with a strong social conscience. One where we can employ a small team, fetch and carry items, conduct house clearances and the sort out goods for sale or for gifting to those in need. This is not just about giving furniture a second chance. It’s also about giving people a second chance. If we can provide basic items at very low cost or even free to those in genuine need, then we’re making a real difference.’
The design of the warehouse showroom makes for a relaxed browsing space. One where customers can explore a changing collection of tables, chairs, storage units, soft furnishings and decorative vintage finds.
Alongside retail sales, the business will set aside essential items of furniture for families referred through local support networks such as the NHS and Social Services.
Mike believes the model strikes a balance between commercial sustainability and community responsibility.
‘I want this to be more than a mere shop,’ he said. ‘We all have a responsibility to look out for each other and to think about waste. By restoring and rehoming furniture, we are reducing landfill while also helping people create safe, comfortable homes. That feels like the right way to do business.’
EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPS RETURN TO MALMESBURY WITH FUNDED AND PRIVATE PLACES AVAILABLE.
Revolution Performing Arts (RPA) is bringing its popular Easter holiday workshops back to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Malmesbury. They’ll offer both privately booked places and funded FUEL spaces available for local families.
Running from 10am-2pm and open to children aged 4-16, the workshops will offer:
Full days of drama
Singing
Dance
Arts and crafts and outdoor play.
Children will spend time in the school’s forest learning space, known as The Land. All alongside imaginative games and creative activities designed to build confidence and friendships.
EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPS RETURN – children playing at an RPA camp
A safe and inclusive space
Founder Fi Da Silva-Adams said the aim is always to create a space where children feel safe, included and free to be themselves.
‘We want children to leave feeling proud of themselves, whether that’s because they tried something new, made a friend or had a brilliant day outside,’ she said. ‘The holidays should feel exciting for children and manageable for parents.’
Alongside paid private bookings, the Easter workshops will also offer FUEL-funded spaces.FUEL stands for Food, Unity, Energy and Laughter. It’s a Department for Education-funded programme delivered locally through Wiltshire Council. It supports children who receive benefits-related free school meals by providing enriching holiday activities alongside meals.
Sara Crabb’s daughter Poppy first attended RPA’s summer holiday clubs three years ago. And when sessions later became available in Malmesbury, the family chose to move across.
A range of activities
‘The range of activities and the standard of childcare has been excellent. Poppy has met children from different backgrounds and found like-minded souls,’ says Sara.
‘The team has recognised her ‘musical theatre nerd’ nature and helped her to nurture her fledgling performance skills. I’m sure that RPA has played a part in her blossoming into a lead role in the school show.
‘The move to St Joseph’s this year and the combined wraparound childcare has been amazing too.’
Delivering FUEL provision
RPA has been delivering FUEL provision for several years across Wiltshire. They provide a hot meal, snacks and creative performing arts sessions as part of each workshop.
Fi said it’s particularly important that families in rural areas such as Malmesbury, Chippenham and Royal Wootton Bassett are aware that both private and funded places are available in the area.
‘Not every family realises what’s on their doorstep,’ she said. “We want parents to know they can book a private place for a full, active day of creative fun. And we also want families who are eligible for FUEL to feel confident applying. The support is there for them.’
Wraparound care may also be available subject to demand, offering extra flexibility for working parents during the Easter break.
Founded in 2007 by Fi Da Silva-Adams, RPA is dedicated to encouraging young people to embrace their individuality through the power of the performing arts. RPA provides a welcoming environment. One where every child, regardless of their background, can thrive and enjoy the arts without the need for auditions or exams.
Founded in 2007 by Fi Da Silva-Adams, RPA’s dedicated to encouraging young people to embrace their individuality through the power of the performing arts. RPA provides a welcoming environment. One where every child, regardless of their background, can thrive and enjoy the arts without the need for auditions or exams.
Founded in 2007 by Fi Da Silva-Adams, RPA’s dedicated to encouraging young people to embrace their individuality through the power of the performing arts. RPA provides a welcoming environment. One where every child, regardless of their background, can thrive and enjoy the arts without the need for auditions or exams.
Revolution Performing Arts runs FUEL workshops during Easter, Summer and Winter holidays in:
Commemorating GWR Works Closure. LAST BLAST 40’ – Commemorating the Closure of the Swindon Works is a series of events taking place from 24th to 28th March 2026.
To commemorate the closure of the Swindon Railway Workshops in 1986, there’s going to be a series of exciting events over 5 days in Swindon.
From Tuesday 24th an exhibition will run in the Hawksworth Hall at STEAM museum. It’ll feature local heritage groups displaying images and artefacts from the time of closure. There’ll be two rolling picture slide shows consisting of photographs of press coverage leading to the Works’ closure. That’s alongside displays by Swindon Heritage Preservation, the Swindon Society, and other groups.
Commemorating GWR Works Closure – the historic hooter on the Outlet centre in Swindon
Thursday the 26th March
On this date Thursday 26th Swindon Heritage Preservation will hold a ‘Breakfast for the Railway Workers’ at 10am in the Central Community Centre.
Following this later on the 26th, at 14.00 Hrs, another exhibition will have its official opening at STEAM:-
‘LAST BLAST’ situated on the mezzanine area in front of King George V, a display depicting the closure of the works, will run until the end of the year.
In attendance at these two concurrent exhibitions there’ll be civic dignitaries, councillors, ex-railway workers and invited guests.
Limited free public access is available by pre-ordered tickets from STEAM for the official opening on the 26th.
Outside, at 16.30pm precisely, 40 years since the original Work’s hooter sounded for the last time, the replica hooter (erected for the Swindon 175 celebrations in 2016) will sound, powered by steam from a traction engine boiler.
Listen to the replica hooter that sounded in March 2016 for the Swindon 175 celebrations:
The two exhibitions will remain open on the 27th – 28th.
Cafe
The STEAM café situated on the first floor will be open throughout for this special event. It’s advised that you pre-book for the café.
Further, there’ll be a showing, on Friday 27th, of the film ‘Railway Town’ made by Martin Parry in 1986, at STEAM. This will take place in the evening and will be a ticketed event (via STEAM website). £8 per person.
Saturday 28th March
On this date there’ll be various talks of around half an hour duration will start at 11.00hrs in Hawksworth Hall by a selection of speakers on topics around the closure.
