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.
PET SITTING SERVICE EXPANDSWITH NEW SWINDON STAFF MEMBER. Premium pet sitting service Birddog Catwalk has welcomed a new face to their team, with Swindon-based Zuzia Flake joining as a pet sitter.
Zuzia, 19, from Nythe in Swindon, attending St Joseph’s Catholic College. After working for almost two years in retail, she made the decision to turn her passion and love for pets into a budding career.
‘I’ve always adored animals,’ said Zuzia. ‘I studied animal care at college and worked at a kennels and doggy daycare in Royal Wootton Bassett. Since I joined Birddog Catwalk, I’ve had so much fun and it’s never stressful.’
PET SITTING SERVICE EXPANDS image shows Zuzia Flake, who has joined the Birddog Catwalk team of premium pet sitters with founder Holly Bird and fellow pet sitter Mia Baulch.
A growth opportunity
Zuzia says her move to regular working around animals will give her the opportunity to learn and grow.
‘I came into this job to do what I love. I work with a great team and can show the trustworthiness of pet sitters to owners. Of course, meeting all the animals keeps me going. I strive to be a great pet sitter and, at length, working to do this job full time,’ she said.
Beginning with one staff member, Birddog Catwalk, founded by Holly Bird, has grown into a small and dedicated team. Zuzia has become integral to the premium pet-sitting company. They focus on animal welfare to provide owners with peace of mind across Malmesbury, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and the Cotswolds.
Birddog Catwalk’s friendly and caring approach to animals and owners is what drew me to work with them. I’m my happiest when I see a dog or cat when I’m out and about. Getting to pet them and be around animals is a real joy,’ Zuzia added. “Now, I do it as my job!’
Holly Bird said, ‘Zuzia has been an incredible addition to our team. She is so passionate about bringing peace of mind to pet owners when their pets are in our care and brings years of customer service experience with her. I’m looking forward to seeing her thrive and grow through her pet-focussed work.’
Birddog Catwalk’s dedicated team offer pet sitting services, dog walking and drop in visits to families, couples and homeowners across North Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and the Cotswolds. Further afield destinations are available for overnight cover. Prices start from £15 per hour.
Secure Safety Solutions Fundraising. The team at Swindon-based health and safety consultancy, Secure Safety Solutions have announced ambitious fundraising plans for a local charity in 2026.
Andrew Wilkinson started Secure Safety Solutions in 2019. His wife Kim followed him into the business in 2020. The health and safety business offers risk assessments, safety audits, and fire risk assessments. The pair head the team and are setting out their plan to raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.
For 2026, they’ve announced their charitable focus will be local bereavement charity, Wiltshire Treehouse.
Wiltshire Treehouse offers advice and creative programmes that support the social and emotional wellbeing of bereaved children and young people. The charity actively works for those living or attending school in Swindon or Wiltshire, who’ve been affected by a bereavement. Further it’s a charity that resonates with us personally. We’ve both experienced loss in different ways. That’s including bereavement through illness and suicide. So we understand the lasting impact this can have, particularly on children and young people,’ said Kim.
The team aim to raise a minimum of £3,000 for Wiltshire Treehouse over the next 12 months.
Secure Safety Solutions Fundraising – the Wiltshire Treehouse team
Support at a critical time
Being able to support a charity that helps children and families at such a critical time feels most important to us. If our fundraising and awareness efforts help even one child access the right support earlier, then that would mean a great deal to us. For us, it’s about raising money as well as bringing awareness for the incredible work this charity does,’ continued Kim.
They’re set to hold a multitude of events to fundraise including everything from bake sales to running health and safety webinars in the charity’s name. Further to this, they’re committing to donating £25 from every Fire Risk Assessment completed in 2026. Alongside these fundraising events, they’ll be helping to raise awareness of the charity and the support it provides.
‘Wiltshire Treehouse are so excited to be working with Secure Safety Solutions as their charity of the year,’ said Sarah Bear, business director of Wiltshire Treehouse. ‘Whilst a brand new relationship for the charity, they too are a small local company making a big impact and we’re so grateful for their support.’
‘In a challenging time for charity fundraising across the country we’re so grateful to all the community who are supporting us. Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to provide our services for bereaved children & young people, so we thank you all from the bottom of our heart.’
Secure Safety Solutions is a trusted business in the health and safety consultancy field. They provide tailored solutions to support businesses meet regulatory standards. And nurture a positive well-being culture within organisations.
Work Begins on Apsley House. Work has begun on the redevelopment of Apsley House in Swindon’s Old Town. And that marks a major step forward in bringing the former museum and art gallery back into active use after six years standing empty.
Apsley House and 1960s Gallery extension
Property developer Arthur Dallimer, founder of William Arthur Property, is now on site delivering his vision to rescue and reimagine the Grade II listed building on Bath Road. The scheme will create a flagship destination combining:
Food
Work and social space
All contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Old Town.
Work Begins on Apsley House – (l to r) Cllr Chris Watts, Cllr Neil Hopkins, Cllr Nadine Watts, Arthur Dallimer, Cllr Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cllr Kevin Small inside Apsley House where renovation works are beginning.
The plans
The plans include:
An exceptional artisan bakery
A vibrant co-working space for local businesses and sole traders
and the creation of a high-quality restaurant or bar within the former gallery space.
There’s also going to be upgrades to several retail units on Victoria Road that form part of the wider Apsley House site.
‘This building will become the flagship destination in Old Town, Swindon. We’re creating something special, with an exceptional artisan bakery and a vibrant, modern co-working space already committed to the scheme,’ said Arthur.
We’re now calling for an ambitious restaurateur or bar operator to take on the remaining space. What we’re looking for is a high-quality, design-led restaurant or bar that shares our vision and can bring fresh energy, creativity and vibrancy to the area.’
Swindon Borough Council has worked closely with Arthur. Together they’re ensuring the development protects and enhances the building’s heritage. But all the while allowing for modern and commercially sustainable uses.
Apsley House
Built around 1830, Apsley House has played a significant role in Swindon’s cultural history, most recently as the town’s museum and art gallery. Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of the Swindon Council, said:
‘Apsley House is one of Old Town’s most recognisable and much-loved buildings. It was fantastic to receive a tour from Arthur who explained how it’ll soon come back to life.
‘When we agreed the sale, the intention was always to see the building restored and contributing to the local economy again. And it’s exciting to see the plans moving forwards.
‘A development of this scale will strengthen Old Town’s offer, attract new visitors and support local jobs. It’s great to see more significant investment in such a prominent part of Swindon.’
Arthur Dallimer (30) is a Swindon-born entrepreneur who bought and sold his first property at the age of 18. Through William Arthur Property, he specialises in commercial and residential developments across Swindon, Wiltshire and Bristol. All with a focus on breathing new life into underused and heritage buildings.
Crystals for love – the Woo Way. Louise Muir-Sage, the owner of Something Kind of Woo, the independent crystal and wellbeing shop in Royal Wootton Bassett, is offering some tips on crystals. Crystals to help with love and relationships in the run-up to Valentine’s Day.
She has brought together five crystals often associated with love in its many forms. That’s from self-worth and emotional recovery to trust and vulnerability. The collection reflects a growing interest in using crystals as tools for reflection, reassurance and personal development rather than quick fixes.
Crystals for love – the Woo Way – bowl with crystals in it
Her suggestions are
Rose Quartz – it’s the reminder that love starts inside. Its soft energy encourages kindness toward yourself especially when your inner voice gets a bit harsh. It’s about learning to treat yourself with the same care you give others.
Supports: self-worth, compassion, gentle healing.
Rhodonite – trusting love again. It’s a heart stabiliser after emotional knocks. It’s often chosen by people working through old wounds or rebuilding trust. Think of it as steady support while your heart relearns safety.
Unakite – healing past relationships. It carries nurturing, earthy energy that encourages emotional release and renewal. It’s a crystal for letting go of what no longer needs to live in your heart.
Slow, steady healing , no pressure, no rush.
Supports: Slow, steady healing , no pressure, no rush.
Moonstone – it helps you sit with your feelings instead of fighting them. It encourages emotional awareness and intuition which is key to navigating love in any form. A gentle reminder that feelings ebb and flow.
Lepidolite – completes the collection, and is about feeling safe in love. It carries a calming, reassuring energy that supports emotional balance when your heart feels overwhelmed or cautious. It’s often chosen during times of stress or change – especially when learning to open up again.
Think of it as a gentle reminder that safety and softness can coexist.
Supports: emotional calm, reassurance, easing anxiety around vulnerability.
More than romance
‘Love is not just about romance, it’s about how we treat ourselves and how safe we feel emotionally,’ said Louise.
These crystals are ones people often reach for when they are doing quiet, personal work around healing, trust and compassion. And I wanted to bring them together in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.
Crystals don’t replace self-reflection or support from others, but they can act as gentle reminders. Sometimes just holding something that represents calm, kindness or renewal can help people slow down and listen to themselves a little more.’
Something Kind of Woo is based in Royal Wootton Bassett’s High Street and offers crystals, spiritual tools and Reiki sessions.
The shop welcomes customers who are new to crystals as well as those who have worked with them for many years or love them for their decorative qualities. Find out more by visiting https://somethingkindofwoo.co.uk/
