“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few” – Sir Winston Churchill
Swindon Remembers The Few.
Yesterday marked the culmination of a week’s worth of activities and months of planning to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. And celebrating Swindon’s own Battle of Britain hero: Harold Morley Starr. I’m super proud to share a birthday, the 8th of September, with Harold Morley Starr.
I was fortunate to get an invitation to attend the ceremony and flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at Radnor Street cemetery yesterday. An honour and privilege to do so. This was such an amazing experience. And Radnor Street cemetery is a special place – it has numerous Commonwealth war graves.
Here’s a few of my photos to give you a flavour:
Swindon Remembers The FewHarold Morley Starr
The rain held off for the proceedings – most fortuitous though the flypast did have a delay of a couple of hours due to inclement weather at its starting point at Goodwood. But at least it happened – albeit late. So hurrah for that as it would have been a crushing disappointment for it not to have happened at all.
‘On August 15, the crisis of the battle of Britain was reached. All the resources of Fighter Command in the South were used. The most difficult and dangerous period of the Battle of Britain was between August 24 and September 6, when the German attack was directed against the R.A.F airfields in the South of England with considerable success. In this speech Churchill coined the phrase “The Few” to describe the R.A.F fighter-pilots. The phrase stuck. The final sentence of this speech, including the use of the word “benignant,” is a good example of Churchill’s choice of unexpected and assertive adjectives to make a phrase memorable.’
“The Greeks’ fierce pride in their heritage has kept the basic culture intact. Whether a slave under Roman rule, a captive under Turkish domination, or a newly arrived immigrant, the Greek is always aware that he is the direct descendant of men like Plato, Homer, Aristotle, Demosthenes, Aristophanes. The Greek who begins life in a new land on the bottom step of society as a dishwasher needs only to remember how Aesop left a legacy of poetry while cooking as a slave.”
Theresa Yianilos, ‘The Complete Greek Cookbook’
A most agreeable bank holiday
Well, what a lovely way to pass a few hours on a dreek and dismal Bank Holiday Sunday that was!
I refer to the Greek Olive restaurant on Faringdon Road in Swindon. And my apologies to them for the slightly out of focus photographs below. I’m blaming Aphrodite. The wine we drank by that name, not the actual Greek goddess of love, desire and beauty. Though, being as how the food and service at this place are embodied in those things, it’s kinda appropriate.
What a wonderful addition to Swindon’s epicurean offerings this place is. Xenia is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality and certainly it’s much in evidence in the Greek Olive. From the complimentary amuse-bouche to the complimentary baklava to the complimentary shot of Metaxa knocked back as our taxi arrived – everything was wonderful.
Chatting to Stamades ( I hope I’ve got that right) I discovered that his mother is a Swindonian and his father is Greek. He’s been here for three months fresh from the island of Kos. Now as much as I love Britain and Swindon, he must be wondering where on earth he’s come to in this grim weather.
Find them on Facebook
From the restaurant’s Facebook page: ‘Proudly bringing to you from Greece, @Greek Olive – A family run restaurant. As we Greeks are passionate about our food, we were disappointed to discover that mediterranean food was not available in Swindon, after moving here from the Greek Island of Kos. As we missed our beloved Greek traditional food and the nearest restaurant was over 37 miles away, we decided, after a long family discussion that we would love to share our Greek kitchen with you all. Head chef, Michael Kalotinis has over 20 years experience running his own restaurant in Kos. He takes great pride in the meals served from his kitchen, serving only authentic, traditional Greek cuisine, a large amount of his ingredients will be direct from Greece, of course, to ensure you will experience the real Hellenic taste of the Mediterranean…..’
Kos’ loss = Swindon’s gain
Well – Kos’ loss is certainly Swindon’s gain. It might lack a view of the Med or the Aegean but it has to be the next best thing to being there.
The place is pleasingly decorated in restful shades of (olive) green. The tables have actual linen tablecloths – a rare thing these days – and fresh roses on each table. A nice touch. The walls are adorned with lots of snaps of Greece – possibly Kos, I didn’t ask. I should have done. I’ll try and rectify that next time. And there’ll definitely be a next time – and soon I hope.
For a starter we settled on a hot meze platter for two people. This comprised a generously portioned selection of calamari, meatballs, gigante, grilled halloumi cheese, dolmades and three types of dip. It was all delicious.
Moving on to the main course we opted for fish. Sea bass for me and swordfish for my companion. Again all beautifully cooked.
We washed it all down with a bottle of Greek white wine that was dry and crisp and fresh. The Metaxa with which I rounded off my meal was smooth and lovely and slid down a treat.
So all in all great food, really great, friendly service and great value. The only real disappointment being the absence of plates being smashed. That said someone did break a glass while we were there… Yamas!
Body Mind Coaching: Posture. When we have an issue with our bodies pain is the last thing thing to appear and the first thing to disappear – thus tricking one into thinking that the problem – whatever it might be has gone away – and the chances are it really hasn’t.
Pain is such an uncomfortable feeling that even a tiny amount of it is enough to ruin every enjoyment.
Will Rogers (1879-1935) American humorist and actor.
Julie Nicholls, business owner and practitioner of Body Mind Coachingin Swindon is running monthly talks combined with practical demonstrations to illustrate her unique approach to pain and stress relief.
Since 1993 Julie has helped people like you and me to relax and feel well again from her Swindon practice. Trained in both conventional medicine (RGN) and complementary therapy, Julie provides care that covers physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
Julie Nicholls testimonial
Autumn Talks
If you’d like to know how to reduce pain, increase flexibility and not, as the quote above suggests, have every moment ruined by pain, then these FREE talks could well be of interest to you.
You can find dates and times of all the talks by visiting the events section of Julie’s website. And it’s quite the veritable treasure trove of information and resources.
The first autumn talk: 14th September 2015 – Neck, shoulders and posture
‘For most people tension is held in the shoulders and causes pain in the neck and headaches. Many people stretch their arm forward to ease the tension yet this is the opposite of what you need to to solve shoulder pain and tension.
At this talk you will discover how to ease tension and improve round shouldered posture easily and without going to the gym. You’ll learn some simple techniques you can use anywhere any time.
These free talks are designed to give you time to relax, reflect and give you some tools to reach your peak performance. If you benefit from them then a retiring donation would be appreciated.’
The talk will comprise a combination of demonstrations from Julie with an opportunity for you to practice the correct ways to relieve everyday tension & discomfort.
Consider this quotation from Robert J Wiersema:
“The trouble with chronic pain is that it is so easy to become accustomed to it, both mentally and physically. At first it’s absolutely agonizing; it’s the only thing you think about, like a rock in your shoe that rubs your foot raw with every step. Then the constant rubbing, the pain and the limp all become part of the status quo, the occasional stabbing pain just a reminder. You are so set to endure, hunched against it – and when it starts to ease, you don’t really notice, until the absence washes over you like a balm.”
Julie is keen to stress that you don’t have to learn to live with these things. And that a solution can indeed be found. And it’s that belief that informs her treatment.
Before posture exercises/treatment
Ear & shoulder more in line following posture exercises/treatment
Exercise with ball
So – do you want to know more? Here’s the when and where:
Swindon Women’s Aid is celebrating its 40th birthday and is holding a number of events to mark this momentous occasion.
Jenni Manners set Swindon Women’s Aid up in 1975, in response to her own experience of domestic violence. This in urn inspired her to help others by providing a safe house to which women and their families could flee.
Extract from Swindon Women’s aid newsletter
Sadly Jenni Manners died on the 25th August 2012 and, to pay tribute to her work and the continuing work of Swindon Women’s Aid a week of events are being held to celebrate and commemorate.
Events for the public
The events being held for members of the public to attend are:
“Domestic Violence – An Artists Perspective” – this is an exhibition of art and poetry to celebrate the road to recovery experienced by those victims of domestic violence who manage to escape. It shows the pain and fear but also the strength of character and determination to escape abuse in all its forms. There is a formal opening of the exhibition on Monday 24th August at 12.00. The exhibition runs from the 24th – 29th August during opening hours at the North Swindon Library.”
“Survivors Day” on the anniversary of setting up Swindon Women’s Aid is on the 25th August and is a chance for ex residents & current residents to be introduced, catch up with the changes that have taken place over the last 40 years and hear about future plans for the charity. There will be a BBQ and a bouncy castle along with an unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the 40th anniversary donated by Highworth Lions. If you are an ex resident please contact Jo to be included on the guest list.”
Saturday 29th August is a Family Fun Day at Lydiard Park from 12-4pm. Bring your kids, family & friends for a picnic, entertainment, stalls, climbing wall, bouncy castles and lots more – including a Dog show!
Hello listeners! As you no doubt know, I never need much of an excuse to shout-out about anything and anyone in Swindon. Nor to give older posts a refresh. So here’s not one but several reasons to mention David Bent again.
David lives and works from his studio in Swindon’s Old Town and plays an active part in the local community and supports the creative hotspotthat is Swindon and indeed its wider area.
Reach for the skies with The Reds
David is widely known and internationally renowned for his aviation paintings and his association with ‘The Reds’ – aka The Red Arrows. Having been invited to collaborate with the team David maintains a very positive relationship with these most magnificent men in their flying machines.
In the words of Andrew Morton, PR Manager for the Red Arrows:
‘Leading modern aviation artist David Bent was first invited to collaborate as Artist in Residence with the Red Arrows in 2007. This remains a positive and enduring goodwill relationship.
David is the artist most closely associated with the team. His work is exhibited at the team’s Lincolnshire home base, RAF Scampton….’
Some of David’s aviation art will be on display locally when Swindon Remembers The Few in the forthcoming Battle of Britain commemorations which will be centred around Harold Starr.
Here David talks about the beauty of the aircraft design:
There is though more to his work than aviation, notably his ‘Movement‘ works – more of which you can find in the round-up below of David’s recent and forthcoming activities – one of which is the forthcoming Open Studios. I intend to be there!
ABC: Art + Beach + Collaboration 2015
2014 : Bournemouth Air Festival invited David Bent to be their first official artist in residence, leading to the creation of his painting WOW
2015 : This week, he returns to the Air Festival and looks forward to creating a new artwork in collaboration with students from the Arts University
2016 : Artwork created during the 2014 + 2015 residencies will be included in a wider exhibition of his work at the Russell Cotes.
” The BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course, at the Arts University Bournemouth are excited to be collaborating with both the Bournemouth Air Festival and the Internationally respected aviation artist David Bent. The collaboration gives our students the opportunity to use their skills and creativity while working on a fascinating project, during a festival that is important to Bournemouth, both culturally and economically. We look forward to the outcomes, exhibition and publication, and hope this will the first of many joint projects.” Conrad Tracy. Course Leader & Principal Lecturer – BA Commercial Photography
Further on this subject, Councillor Lawrence Williams, Cabinet member for Tourism, Leisure and the Arts said:
” We are delighted to be able to host artist David Bent again this year as our official artist in residence during the Air Festival and are excited to also involve the talented students from the Arts University, Bournemouth.
We look forward to seeing how they work together and capture the festival’s colour , creativity, vibrancy and unique atmosphere.”
GREAT WESTERN HOSPITAL, SWINDON
Having been a patient at the GWH in the summer of 2014, David has returned in happier circumstances in 2015 with an exhibition of his work. As part of the event ( May – October ) he is giving a tour and a talk about the work to members of the hospital team and arts committee in September.
The Trust’s Chaplain, Steve Henderson, who is also a member of the Hospital Arts committee, explained:
“The Arts Committee oversees the art displayed in the Fine Art Gallery Area of the Ground Floor Street of the hospital. David has kindly allowed the hospital to display his work and the Committee is enthusiastic to display it because of its innovative and inspiring approach to viewing and conceiving machines of the air in lateral and surprising ways.”This is a unique opportunity for the people of Swindon to view a collection of works by one of its most reputable artists.”
OPEN STUDIOS – OVER A DECADE!
David has taken part in Swindon’s Open studios event for over a decade in support of the event, for artists in Swindon and the surrounding area. One year early in the 2000’s taking part with two other artists who live in the surrounding area ( Vanetta Joffe & Paul Ricketts ) just to keep the event alive.
Here’s a couple of lovely testimonials from visitors to David’s work:
” Inspiring and elevating ” Tim Prince , Stroud
” Never before has British aviation and art come together as such ! ” Tatiana K. Ojjeh Switzerland
” Wonderful exhibition and feel very privileged to be able to experience the studio thank you ” Alex Giles, Old Town
BATTLE OF BRITAIN – IN RESPECT
Six artworks from David’s Battle of Britain series will be displayed at Radnor Street Chapel 12 – 15th September in support of the Commemorations.
These were first exhibited at St Paul’s Cathedral in 2010 , marking the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
David is giving six primary schools each a copy of his ” Celebration of the Red Arrows ” book .
His work will also be the inspiration for a school project ( building on the idea of 800 children who were inspired to create artworks based on his year long solo exhibition at the Raf Museum in 2012 – 2013.)
As a social expressionist whose work extends beyond aviation Art , David has created a wide collection of work – including Movement 2000.
This installation of eight paintings reference the movement of people around the world who through war, famine , poverty – seek a better life. This work was created leading up to 2000, influenced by the Balkan Wars – it is even more relevant today. David is keen to find a good home to exhibit this work effectively.
