If Commercial Road comprises part of the link between the new Swindon and the old, then Milton Road forms the other part. It takes you down to Faringdon road, where, before you, lies the GWR railway village. Well, the GWR hospital to be precise – with the railway village behind it.
Milton Road Swindon 1895. View from the bottom of the street towards the market end of Commercial Road. Milton Road baths aka the health hydro is on the right.
This Swindon street then takes its name from that writer of epic poetry, John Milton. Keeping with the poetic theme there’s a Shelley Street and a Tennyson Street nearby, indicating that a literature lover had a hand in the naming of this area.
Laid out in the 1890s, with Commercial Road as a continuation of Victoria Road, the expectation for Milton Road was that it would become the main shopping route between the railway village in New Swindon and Old Swindon. But in fact, it became almost entirely residential being separated from Commercial Road’s traders by the Wilts and Berks canal.
Today this thoroughfare is probably best known as the location of Milton Road baths, aka the Health Hydro. That edifce to health and social welfare occupies about one-third of Milton Road and a block of Faringdon Road.
And more of that shortly.
On the map
Looking at this section of map you can see Tennyson Street off to the left as you look down the street from Commercial Road. The blue line indicates where the Wilts and Berks canal once ran. At present a footpath runs on the line of the old canal giving access under the bridge to walk to and from the direction of Kingshill.
Map section showing Milton Road and surrounding streets Map from the National Library of Scotland
So, 1890 saw the building of Milton Road bridge over the canal. RJ Beswick designed the Central Cub and Institute, adjacent to Cromwell Street Wharf in the Neo-Dutch renaissance style. The construction of this club demanded the temporary blocking of the canal. Anyway, it spent the 1960s and 70s as a fondly-recalled discotheque by the name of the New Yorker, before meeting its wrecking-ball fate in 1982. The Wiltshire court building replaced it.
This construction of this bridge came about due to the extensive building work begun in the area following the 1885 selling of the Rolleston estate. (See Commercial Road for more on that).
At first called the Commercial Road bridge, this brick arch road bridge with stone balustrades underwent modification in 1891, to replace the stone balustrades ones of concrete and brick. It had steps and slopes down to the canal level. They though were removed sometime before 1960 thus blocking off access to Commercial Road.
1977 saw new steps erected to give pedestrian access from Milton Road towards the Brunel Centre. In 1981 the bridge again underwent modification with the replacement of the old balustrades and a face of new bricks to the frontages.
The canal walk bridge and the steps that give access to Milton Road from Canal Walk
Buildings of note
Milton Road features two buildings of particular note. The aforementioned Grade II* listed GWR Baths and Dispensary recently reopened after extensive refurbishment. Designed by JJ Smith of Swindon, 1898-99 saw the building of the washing baths. The Turkish and Russian baths were added in 1904-5 and further additions came along in 1911. See Secret Swindon, Swindon in 50 Buildings and my Born again Swindonian blog for more about this building of national significance.
Health Hydro Phase 1 Open – the Health Hydro from above – pic Jason Spickett of Swindon From the AirMilton Road Baths blue plaque – self explanatory
It’s arguably fitting that this haven of healthcare and leisure should sit on a street named after the writer of Paradise Lost. For Swindon came close to losing this piece of Victorian red-brick, health and social care paradise. But that’s a long story for another place.
Then, cornering with Tennyson Street, and featured in my recent publication, Swindon in 50 More Buildings, is the nunnery. It’s now a ubiquitous HMO. Built in 1896, the Sisters of Wantage moved into the house to work in the St Mark’s parish.
The ersthwhile nunnery on Milton Road/Tennyson Street inhabited by the Sisters of Wantage
New Space for Swindon’s Youngsters. A new 8-week project, titled Artsite Youth, launches this Saturday 6th June at Swindon Hub. The project will provide space for Swindon’s young people, with the aim of developing a longer-term dedicated space for them in the town centre.
The project invited local young people to come along and try out different creative activities each week. Or, if they prefer, to simply hang out. The idea is to support the young people to help shape the space. That way it will feel like it’s their own and something led by them. The project will listen to them about what they need from a longer-term town centre youth space and involve them in designing and developing it.
‘We want this to be an inspiring, welcoming and inclusive space and project for local young people” says Casey Hillier, project leader. “We know from things young people have already told us during previous projects that there aren’t enough spaces or positive things for them to do in the town. And we want to help change that.’
New Space for Swindon’s Youngsters – Artsite youth poster
Age range
It’s for young people from 12-18. There’s a new Instagram account, @artsiteyouth to follow to keep up with events and activities. The project will use it to hare young people’s creations and voices throughout the project, so adults are welcome to follow it too.
When and where
Upstairs at Swindon Hub on the Parade in the town centre. From 1-5pm on Saturdays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th in June and on Saturdays 4th and 11th July.
A range of activities including zine-making, sticker and banner-making, street-theatre, music and mural workshops and more will be on offer!
Alongside this, there’ll be opportunities for young people to have conversations with dedicated and experienced youth workers about their ideas, challenges, hopes and aspirations for future spaces and projects, and to help develop these.
There’ll be a further two sessions on Saturdays 18th and 25th July. But locations and activities for those dates are for the project participants to decide during the first six weeks. They will of course be advertised on Instagram.
Access
Unfortunately, Swindon Hub’s lift is currently out of order which means the upstairs is not fully accessible. There is an active crowdfunder to raise the necessary £5k to fix it. Every donation is being match-funded by Zurich Community Trust; the link to this is: https://zurichfoundation.benevity.org/community/fundraiser/9808
‘We’re so sorry we can’t make this a completely accessible and inclusive space at the moment, as this is very important to us. But we encourage anyone who can to please donate to the crowdfunder! The quicker we can get the lift fixed the quicker the project can become fully accessible and inclusive.’
The project is being delivered by Artsite, a local community arts charity. It celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and has been kindly funded by a grant from Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation. The project follows on from previous creative youth projects such as the HOPE mural in the town centre, created by young people during the COVID pandemic.
Launch of the HOPE mural
For those who would like to, there’ll also be an opportunity for young people to talk about their experiences of what it was like for them to live through the pandemic. With the aim of improving health responses for young people in the future.
There are two further ways the wider community is being called on to help support the project.
In the first instance, they’re in need of old magazines for cutting up and using to create ‘zines’ throughout the project. And, in the second instance, they need more comfortable, young people-friendly seating such as bean bags or big pillows.
If you have any of either you would be happy to donate or lend to the project, or if you have any questions you would like to ask, please contact the organizers by email: artsiteyouth@gmail.com
Marketing Tribe get Brunel Centre. Town centre shopping precinct The Brunel Swindon has appointed the Marketing Tribe to look after its marketing. The move sees The Brunel collaborating with local marketing specialists, to help promote it as the go-to shopping centre for people living and working in Swindon.
The Brunel selected The Marketing Tribe from a competitive tendering process. What makes their choice noteworthy is that that the Tribe isn’t one marketing company. Rather it’s an association of separate providers collaborating to provide exceptional services to their mutual clients.
What clinched the Tribe’s selection was that the team are locally based. And further they have been working in the Swindon area for decades between them. So, The Brunel has awarded them a contract to look after their social media, PR and design services for The Brunel.
Meet the team
Leading the Marketing Tribe partnership with The Brunel are:
Social media expert Tracy Marland
PR consultant Jo Smyth
and brand and design specialist Mike Land, with …
… photography from Elizabeth Donovan.
Marketing Tribe get Brunel Centre
L-r: Tracy Marland, Jo Smyth, The Brunel’s Laura Sackett, and Mike Land
‘We were so delighted to have won the tender. As Swindon-based business owners ourselves, we’re enjoying supporting The Brunel in engaging the local audience and showcasing the centre as part of the community,’ said Tracy, who runs Social Butterfly Digital.
Jo Smyth, who runs PR consultancy Word Worker, said she’s hoping greater and more positive media coverage will shine a light on the wide range of stores and activities on offer at The Brunel.
Branding expert Mike Land, of Nickel Design, added: ‘It’s great to be working with The Brunel. It’s been the centre of the town for years. I remember it from when I first came to Swindon for college in the early nineties. So it’s great to now be helping strengthen its identity and position it as a destination for the local community.’
A spokesperson for the Brunel, said: ‘We love working with the Marketing Tribe. We enjoy the positive energy they are bringing towards promoting The Brunel and Swindon town centre. Having marketing led by local people is important. They understand our shoppers, so it’s easy to arrange face-to-face meetings, and have the team on site. Where possible we prefer to use local suppliers to help support the local economy.’
Not only but also
The Brunel is one of many organisations to opt for the Marketing Tribe’s collaborative approach to providing marketing services, bringing together experts under one roof. Recently, the team collaborated with KT Family Solicitors. Between them they provide:
Branding
Website design and build
Copy
Photography
PR and social media for this Royal Wootton Bassett law firm.
Not Every Dog Loves Walking, SAYS WILTSHIRE PET EXPERT.
As summer gets underway and more people spend time outdoors with their pets, a Wiltshire pet care expert reminds owners that not every dog enjoys heading out for a stroll.
Holly Bird, founder of premium pet sitting service Birddog Catwalk, says anxiety in dogs is more common than many people realise. And owners should not feel embarrassed about asking for help.
People often picture dog walking as wagging tails and happy walks through the countryside, but that’s not always reality,’ said Holly.
‘Some dogs feel frightened of strangers, nervous around other dogs or uncomfortable with changes to their routine. That doesn’t make them bad dogs.
‘We also know that owners of anxious dogs can sometimes feel embarrassed or worried about asking for help. Many fear judgement or being turned away. We want people to know that anxious dogs are welcome here.’
Based on her experience working with pets across Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and the Cotswolds, Holly has shared some simple advice for owners of anxious dogs.
Not Every Dog Loves Walking – Holly Bird, founder of Birddog Catwalk, who is encouraging owners of anxious dogs not to be afraid to ask for help.
Take things at your dog’s pace
One of Birddog Catwalk’s clients, a collie cross called Elma, would bark whenever a new sitter entered the home and refused to come close.
‘Rather than forcing interaction, our sitter sat quietly and allowed Elma to observe her from a distance,’ said Holly.
‘There was no pressure and no expectation that trust would be amn instant thing. Over time, curiosity began to replace fear. And Elma became comfortable enough to approach our sitter and, at length, head out for walks.
‘Those first few sessions were not about walking at all. They were about relationship-building.’
Celebrate small wins
Another client, a German Shepherd called Shabba, was wary of strangers and reluctant to let a new sitter fit her harness.
Because Birddog Catwalk had cared for the owner’s cats, the usual meet-and-greet got skipped. When sitter Mia arrived for Shabba’s first walk, it soon became clear that the dog was uncomfortable around someone she did not yet know.
‘Instead of rushing the process, Mia slowed everything down,’ said Holly.
‘She contacted us for reassurance and advice. Together we worked through how best to approach the situation safely and in a calm manner.’
At length, Mia gained enough trust to fit the harness and take Shabba outside.
‘The first walk only lasted around 10 to 15 minutes instead of the planned hour. But from our perspective that was still a success,’ said Holly.
‘For anxious dogs, success does not always look like a perfect one-hour walk. Sometimes success is simply a dog feeling safe enough to approach someone new.’
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Holly says behaviours such as barking, hiding, freezing or defensive reacting are often signs that a dog feels frightened or overwhelmed, rather than being difficult on purpose.
There is no overnight fix for anxiety and we would never make unrealistic promises to owners,’ she said.
‘But what we can do is provide compassionate, experienced support that helps reduce stress and keeps both pets and people safe.
Every dog is different. Sometimes support means a longer meet-and-greet, a shorter first walk or allowing a dog the time they need to learn that someone is safe.
‘Pet care should never be one-size-fits-all. The dogs who need the most patience often have the most to teach us about trust, empathy and connection.’
Birddog Catwalk offers dog walking, pet sitting and home visits across Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and the Cotswolds. To find out more, visit https://birddogcatwalk.com/
The Wyvern theatre is proud to present, from comedy masterminds Mischief, Thespians Greece the Musical. As their website says:
‘If you thought something funny happened on the way to the forum, wait until you hear what happened en route to the amphitheatre!
Greece is the word. Ancient Greece to be specific. It’s the year 534 BC and a dreadful drought has ravaged the entire country.
Thespis and his sister Poly live on the tiny island of Ikaria where nothing ever really happens. At least not until the entire population (all five of them) are forced to go to Athens to compete in a deadly prayer competition. All hope is lost until Thespis stumbles upon something that will change the world forever.’
Written by Jonathan Sayer (co-writer of The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank. Don’t miss Mischief’s first musical about the power of walking a greek mile in someone else’s sandals.
Thespians Greece the Musical
Useful to know before you start – so it won’t be all Greek to you! Boom!
Thespian: The term thespian as in of or pertaining to tragedy or dramatic acting comes from the Greek Thespis. One of the lead characters in this production, Thespis was a 6th century poet often viewed as the father of Greek tragedy.
The Greek chorus – by tradition the Greek chorus numbers many – 12-50 players – maybe more. In Greek drama they’re a collective group of performers. It’s their role to comment on the action on the stage or offer insight into off-stage action. In this performance the chorus are two in number! They work jolly hard and are v funny.
Dionysius – played by Thespis (who is played by James Spence) is, according to Britannica, a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation. In particular he’s known as a god of wine and ecstasy. He also goes by the name of Bacchus.
About the production
There are many layers to this production. It nods, (I thought) to different theatre styles. From farce to a pantomime villain and, of course, Greek tragedy. All with live music – and I loved how the musicians were part of the rather clever set.
Above all though, Thespians is a well-written, witty, fast-paced, funny, punny play-within-a play. One that elicits smiles, chuckles and belly laughs from start to finish.
I loved it. And I’m sure you will too. It’s a tremendous bit of escapism. And don’t we all need that?
The performers were all tremendous – I can’t single one out. Except to say that Adonis is not who/what you might imagine.
I’ve got to say something about the ankle socks. Some but not all the performers wore ankle socks. And, in the case of Adonis, knee socks. Though his def suit his character. But his hosiery aside, is the whole sock thing a riff on men wearing socks with sandals?
But then, Thespis wore one nude-toned sock. Has he lost the other one? We all know the odd sock situation. Or is he covering a tattoo on his foot?
