Donated Painting Causes Bidding Frenzy. A chance discovery in a Wiltshire charity shop has turned into an auction-room success story. It comes after a striking painting of a Cornish scene sold for £3,900. Thus far exceeding expectations and delivering a windfall for the RSPCA.
The painting, a donation ot the RSPCA shop on Royal Wootton Bassett’s high street, features an atmospheric view of Mousehole harbour by British artist George Hammond Steel. A member of the shop staff recognised it as quality work and brought to auctioneer and valuer Gordon Brockman shortly before Christmas. Its true significance soon became clear.
In the first instance it got given a conservative estimate of £600 to £800. The painting became one of the stand-out lots in RWB Auctions’ antiques and interiors sale on January 14. Auction day saw fierce competition. Determined bidders online and on the telephone competed to drive the hammer price up to £3,900. A private collector in Nottinghamshire bought the painting.
Kelly Ohrland, senior auction administrator at RWB Auctions, said: ‘This is exactly the kind of result we love to see. We work at close quarters with charity shops and local organisations to help them realise the full value of special items. And this painting is a perfect example of what can happen when the right piece meets the right audience. The level of competition on the day was thrilling.’
The painting
Rendered in oils, the painting depicts Mousehole at low tide. There’s boats resting in the harbour and distinctive cottages rising above the quay. Signed ‘HAMMOND STEEL’ in the lower right-hand corner, the work captures the brooding atmosphere and texture for which the artist is well known. Many of the buildings shown remain recognisable to visitors to the Cornish fishing village today.
Gordon Brockman, who first assessed the painting, said: ‘From the moment I saw it, it was clear this was a strong and confident work by George Hammond Steel. While estimates must always be realistic, it’s so satisfying to see collectors respond and to know the proceeds are going to such a good cause.’
George Hammond Steel (1900–1960) was a respected British painter and stained-glass designer, celebrated for his impasto views of Cornish towns and Derbyshire landscapes. He trained at the Sheffield School of Art before studying in Birmingham and London. He went on to exhibit at major institutions including the Royal Academy, Leicester Galleries, the Glasgow Institute and the Paris Salon. Public collections across the UK hold his work.
The sale highlights the growing role auction houses can play in maximising returns for charities. In particular with donations of rare or unusual items.
RWB Auctions offers no-fee consignment for registered charities and provides free advice to charity shop managers and volunteers seeking valuations across a wide range of categories.
Looking for old when it comes to Swindon’s streets? Newport Street is it. This one is a chart topper. Ok, if we’re going to be pedantic, then the Roman road, Ermin Street, over in Stratton, is older. But what’s key here is that Newport Street is the oldest named thoroughfare in a town whose street pattern was established by the 13th century.
In their 1979 publication Roadways: The History of Swindon’s Street Names, Sheldon and Tomkins write that the earliest known reference to a Swindon street is Nyweport Street. That’s in a document in the Goddard papere, granting a tenement, dated 2nd July 1346. The belief is that the name means ‘New Market’ and shows Old Swindon’s earliest efforts to get a foothold in the commerce world.
We should note though that, according to the 1804 Mantell map, the street did a stint as Queen Street. And as Bull Street in the 19th century after The Bull public house.
Mantell map of Old Town drawn in 1804
It seems that 19th C Newport Street didn’t present an altogether agreeable picture. In 1828 the Court Leet (forerunner of our modern Council) reported the footpaths as being ‘very much out of repair’. Plus ça change! And n 1851, Rev George Pilgrim, who lived there, reported to the public health inspector that ‘the atmosphere of my house is notoriously unpleasant to all who enter it, either in close or rainy weather.’ The good old days eh?
One might think that the oldest street would have the town’s oldest house on it – but no. The Grade II listed Nos 17 & 18, in effect two properties remodelled into one, has 14th century cellars – so there must have been something else there once. But, according to Historic England’s list entry, it’s late 18th/early 19th century with a 19th century carriage way running through the central bay. Ergo, I can’t think that it qualifies. The Bell Inn on High Street and the 1580 Rodbourne Cheney Manor (see Swindon in 50 Buildings) have better claim to the title. But then the Bell is a pub – not a house. So I’m going with the manor as Swindon’s oldest house.
Unless anyone knows any different?
Be all that as it may, in 1970, the owners of said property established it as an art gallery bearing the name Easthope and Fripp and the legend Fine Art Gallery. I recall that being the case when I pitched up in Swindon in the early 1990s. This image, taken circa 1991, from Local Studies is how I remember it.
17 & 18 Newport Street swindon circa 1991
Anyway, that was then and this is now. And now this building is now a ubiquitous HMO.
Getting back to the street
A noteworthy loss from this street is Swindon’s first free school (1764) – later the National School. Funded through local charitable contributions it operated out of a residential building. 1836 saw that early school house replaced by a new National School on the same site – demolished in 1962. At that time, the stone bearing the National School name was salvaged and installed at the west end of the petrol station forecourt that replaced the school. It and other buildings were sacrificed to unable yet more road widening. But here we have a mystery. Some while ago, that name stone disappeared. To where we do not know.
The fine art gallery aside, there’s little left of the original Newport Street. In her Blipfoto entry for Newport Street, Swindonian Maureen Iles, writes that most of the long-gone dwellings were thatched, whitewashed cottages. She does though give mention to a building that stood next to the National School – a thatched building believed to date back to circa 1677, The Olde House at Home, partially destroyed by fire during a hot, dry summer in June 1910. A Swindon Advertiser article of the day reported: ‘The three houses involved on Saturday form one of the most ancient, if not the oldest properties of the kind in Swindon.’ And, the aforementioned Olde House at Home, owned by the Lamb Brewery Company, formed part of this property.
I’m still standing
We’ve established then that most of the Newport Street of yesteryear is long-gone. Two exceptions being the aforementioned fine art gallery turned HMO and the Steam Railway pub.
Beyond that, it’s a confusing story of TWO pubs called the White Hart, one of which at length became the Steam Railway, on different sides of the roads at different times. And there being a Bull Inn there somewhere but I don’t have the word count to explore it. If you want the lowdown then check out John Stooke’s book, Last Orders.
Again, until I get photos of my own for the eventual book, here, with thanks to Maureen Iles and her Blipfoto, is a collage of images from Newport Street.
Collage of images of Newport Street in Swindon’s Old Town by Maureen Iles.
The pub stuff
I’m doubtful I’ll have room for this in the book – word count and all that – but here for the craic and referring to John Stooke’s splendid tome Last Orders. The gospel according to John is:
The pub we know now as The Steam Railway was, until the 1820s, known as the White Hart, owned by the Farmer family since 1741. BUT – there was another White Hart directly opposite the Steam Railway/White Heart though not at the same time.
Note though that the Steam Railway/White Hart also had a stint as The Railway Inn – after being The Bull and before becoming The Steam Railway.
It seems that White Hart Mark II arose out of a malthouse that stood opposite the Steam Railway/White Hart.
Confused? You will be!
Apparently, Swindon landowner and brewer, John Henry Harding Sheppard built White Hart Mark II in 1844, having bought at auction the land and their second malthouse from the Farmer clan opposite. BUT – by this time the pub opposite (White Hart Mark I) had undergone an identity crisis and had changed its name to The Bull or the Black Bull. Hence the White Hart name became available.
So there you go – clear as mud!
John’s story continues on page 265 of his book. And also, to complicate matters still further, there had been a Bull Inn on the High Street from 1627 to 1782. This is now 17-21 High Street. See pages 50-52 of Last Orders for more on that.
Fitness Expert’s At-Home Movement Tips. Expert personal trainer shares simple ways to start 2026 strong with at-home movement.
By James Hilton, founder of Jim’s Gym. Jim’s a personal trainer based in the Cotswolds who specialises in helping people over 55 stay active, steady and confident.
Fitness Expert’s At-Home Movement Tips – James Hilton
As 2026 gets underway, many people will be thinking about how they want to feel in the year ahead. January often arrives with good intentions and fresh motivation. But it can also bring pressure to do too much too soon. Whether that’s chasing step counts, joining busy gyms, or setting big, ambitious goals that are hard to sustain.
From my experience working with people across the Cotswolds and beyond, the most sustainable way to start the year is by keeping things simple. You don’t need long workouts or complicated routines to support your body. A few minutes of purposeful movement, done on a regular basis, can make a real difference to strength, balance and energy levels.
5 realistic ways to start the year feeling stronger and more confident, without feeling overwhelmed
1. You don’t need 10,000 steps
The idea that everyone needs to walk 10,000 steps a day has stuck, but it isn’t a need. Research suggests that even 2,000 to 3,000 steps can support health, with benefits levelling off at around 8,000.
That means you can take the pressure off and focus on what’s manageable. Walking indoors counts too. A few laps of the hallway, moving around the living room while the radio is on, or marching on the spot while the kettle boils all add up. Movement is movement, and it all helps.
2. One round of ten repetitions builds strength
Strength training makes everyday life easier. It helps with climbing stairs, standing up from chairs and carrying bags without feeling unsteady.
You don’t need a long workout to see benefits. If one round of ten repetitions is all you have time for, it’s better than not at all. Sit-to-stands from a sturdy chair or wall push-ups both work well. The last few repetitions should feel a little challenging but still controlled. That’s the signal your muscles need to get stronger.
If you’re returning to exercise after a break or illness, keep it gentle at first and increase slowly. These small efforts soon add up when repeated once or twice a week.
3. One or two minutes of firmer steps supports bone health
Bones respond well to small amounts of impact, but that doesn’t have to mean running or jumping. A wee firmer march on the spot works as well.
Aim for one to two minutes, placing your feet down with intention rather than softly. It shouldn’t hurt or feel jarring. Even short bursts like this help stimulate the bones in the legs and hips and support long-term strength.
4. Five minutes of being a little out of breath helps the heart
You don’t need to feel exhausted. Being a little breathless is enough to benefit your heart. This might be marching on the spot, walking up and down the stairs, or moving fast around the house with your arms swinging.
A good guide is being able to talk, but not wanting to chat for long. Five minutes a day is enough, and you can break it into shorter bursts if that feels easier.
5. Ten minutes of purposeful movement does change things
Ten minutes sounds small, which is why people stick with it. Over a week, that adds up to seventy minutes. That’s a neat fiit with NHS guidance for older adults to include regular strengthening and balance work.
Those ten minutes can be anything:
a couple of strength exercises
some balance practice
gentle stretching
a short walk
gardening
or even a quick game that tires out the grandchildren.
What matters is doing it with intention, even if the movements are simple.
People often tell me that this small daily routine helps them feel steadier, more capable and more confident as they go about their day.
Starting the year strong doesn’t mean chasing perfection or big goals. Choose one of these ideas and begin there. Keeping fit and healthy is an ongoing process, and little and often is far better than not at all.
New Zealand in Wiltshire. Well, as know, the prime focus of this blog is Swindon and the borough. But – now and again I see no harm in spreading the blog’s virtual wings once in a while and going beyond the borough. This time, thanks to my occasional guest blogger, Rebecca Davies, we’re visiting New Zealand. But not the one in the Pacific I’m sad to say.
Anyway – here we go with Rebecca’s New Zealand in Wiltshire story.
Introduction
A friend from New Zealand (the ‘proper’ one) came to stay for a day away from London. She’d explored Scotland quite a bit – she has ancestors from Mull. But she wanted to see some part of England that was not London.
(Alice doesn’t like the capital at all but was busy viewing Māori artefacts in the British museum and the V&A).
So I took her to see Wiltshire. But as it happens, we did not see much of Wiltshire at all, as she was busy cruising the charity shop scene. Well, it was Alice’s trip, and I like charity shops too. So …that’s what we did. But we had to stop off at a place just south of Lyneham… see below. This gave Alice quite the laugh. (Oh yes, and me too, not the most photogenic person in the county…)
New Zealand Farm Camp in Wiltshire – Rebecca and Alice at the New Zealand Farm cottage
So – I hear you ask – why has this part of Wiltshire got such an odd name? Well, this is a name for the remote part of the parish, given because it is well known to be a long, way away. Scotland and Ireland are similar names. Note, There is a Scotland in Wiltshire, an Ireland too, at North Bradley, just south of Chippenham. But, after a bit of research, what I found was a little different. Our New Zealand is, most likely, named for a British politician by the name of John Dickson-Poynder. As this Wiltshire Live article explains, he was the governor of New Zealand in 1910-12 – but also whose family seat was the nearby Hilmarton estate.
Now, I’ve have always associated in my mind New Zealand and Goatacre with Lynham, but actually it is part of Hilmarton parish. There is quite a bit of nice architecture in Hilmarton, built by the Poynder family, often including their crest. though we did not explore that village.
Below is Hilmarton School – isn’t that England’s classiest small school?
Hilmarton school
Here’s Hilmarton Well ….
… being dressed for Hallowe’en.
Hilmarton well being dressed for Hallowe’en
And now a Grotesque on a church – in contrast to a gargoyle – grotesque’s don’t channel water.
A grotesque on a church
Before I get distracted there are other New Zealands in Wiltshire. New Zealand farm camp, pictured above, is one I know. Tom Plant of the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre says there are several.
As I suspected, these are both recent place names, neither are on the famous Andrews and Dury map of 1773.
And finally …
… while we’re talking all things NZ, I must mention the Kiwi chalk figure above Bulford Camp. As the Historic England website tells us this is: ‘A chalk hill figure of 1919 depicting a kiwi bird on the downland above Bulford Camp. It was created by New Zealand troops following the end of the First World War.’
‘The chalk figure of a kiwi bird was created in the hillside above Sling Camp, on the edge of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, by New Zealand troops awaiting demobilisation following the end of the First World War in 1919. Sling Camp was the principal training depot for New Zealanders in England prior to their deployment to the Front. Although designed to accommodate 4,000 men, by September 1917 the camp was holding 4,500.’
New Furniture Store for Swindon. A new furniture store has opened its doors at The Brunel Shopping Centre in Swindon, bringing an empty unit back to life.
Home Clearance Outlet specialises in affordable ranges of furniture. And they’ve taken over the old Poundland site, that closed in May last year.
The store, in the 6,000 square-foot unit, features a wide range of sofas and chairs. They range from smaller suites right up to cinema sets. All brand new, and sourced from suppliers around the UK. It also sells beds (including divans and ottoman beds) and mattresses.
This is the third store for the Home Clearance Outlet company. It marks an exciting expansion chapter for the retailer, which also has branches in Telford and Gloucester.
New Furniture Store for Swindon – the home clearance outlet in Swindon town centre
Tim Knowles, Managing Director at FI Real Estate Management, said: ‘This is another good news story for the town centre and the local community. The team at The Brunel Centre are continuing to focus on retailers that add value and choice to the shopping experience for visitors. And Home Clearance is another great addition that complements our existing retail partners.’
