A street that served as the birthplace of that world-famous siren of stage and screen, Diana Dors, (aka Diana Fluck 1931-1984) comprised a ‘must include’ in this book for no other reason than that. I mean – Diana Dors – y’know? Swindon’s answer to Marilyn Monroe.
I grew up watching her on TV and in films. And I’m just a little star struck to now live in the town of her birth – so that on its own would have sufficed for me. But anyway! There is more.
Kent Road Old Town – view of Kent Road
Although the street doesn’t have her name it does bear a blue plaque spanning numbers 61 and 62. Though now private residences, these two buildings were The Haven Nursing Home and a doctor’s surgery. The two properties had internal connecting doors allowing the doctor easy access to assist the midwives when necessary.
Diana Dors blue plaque on Kent Road in Swindon
Not only but also
But that’s not the only blue plaque action that Kent Road boasts. On number 44, there sits a blue plaque commemorating Sam Allen (1868-1946) a lifelong servant of Swindon Town FC, whose residence number 44 was. Sam became the team’s first recognised manager in 1902, maintaining a secretarial position after standing down in 1933. He helped the team achieve success with his signing of such footballing greats as Jock Walker, Harold Fleming (see Fleming Way) and record goal scorer, Harry Morris.
Blue plaque for Sam Allen on Kent Road in Swindon’s Old Town
The street
Developed circa 1819 to 1910, Kent Road was developed by John Henry Harding Sheppard who owned land near the railway station. It’s typified by red-brick terraced houses.
We’ve established that the street has some historic, national significance by virtue of it being the birthplace of Diana Dors and the residence of football manager Sam Allen. But it also carries local significance as the site of what once was Kingshill House. This Grade II listed villa, built early in the 19th century (circa 1840-60) became the maternity ward for the nearby Victoria Hospital and later the Seymour Clinic – a mental health facility.
The grounds of Kingshill House include the highest point of Swindon hill (Old Swindon). Well over 400 years ago there existed in the area a gallows ‘to which evil doers were sent in a very practical manner.’ In the late 1840s, Richard Brewin Bowley occupied the house. His father later owned the North Wilts Brewery, then in High Street. The house is now occupied by Hillier’s funeral services.
An interesting thing
Bimbling along Kent Road getting photographs for this book I noticed a house with its side wall on Kent Road and its frontage on Ashford Road. On this side wall, picked out in contrasting bricks is the date, 1888, and a cross/crucifix. Interest piqued I contacted our local studies section of the central library. It transpires that 69 Ashford Road (sometimes called Ashford Terrace – street names and numbers were jolly wibbly wobbly for a long time) used to be No 1 Ashford Road before street renumbering in the 1900s. Resident there were William Chambers, a builder and contractor. Later his son, Samuel Chambers, lived there until 1907.
Further, I learned from fellow-Swindon writer, Frances Bevan, that, as well as being builders they were involved in the undertaking business. It seems this was a common side hustle with builders at this time. She explained how, if you step back and look at the building you can see it was once a shopfront. Apparently there’s a faint shadow where the advertising hoarding would have been.
So now I need to go and have another look.
William and his wife Sarah are buried in Radnor Street Cemetery and have a very fine headstone. Unfortunately, it gets overgrown by brambles and disappears.
The Kent Road wall with the date picked out in the brickwork
A Swindon institution
Cornering Kent Road and Ashford Road is something of a Swindon institution is the Ashford Road Working Men’s Club. Established in 1896 it’s the 493rd club to be registered.
Before 1899, the club inhabited a different building but that was lost to a conflagration. The club then moved into its current premises. They bought the land on which it stands back in 1899 for £600. Records show that the club once had its own Ashford Road Coin minted. There are also documents showing that the skittle alley at club dates back to 1896.
LEVELLING UP ON FIRE SAFETY – Secure Safety Solutions.
Wiltshire’s health and safety consultancy, Secure Safety Solutions, are taking a serious approach to fire safety. Their head consultant, Andrew Wilkinson is now a Level 4 Fire Risk Assessor.
Secure Safety Solutions launched in 2019 by Andrew Wilkinson, Director and Senior Safety Consultant. In a previous life he worked as a health and safety specialist at Heathrow Airport. He now advises businesses on their health and safety standards, as well as keeping companies compliant across the UK.
Early 2026 saw Andrew achieve the status of being a Level 4 Fire Risk Assessor. This makes him an advanced fire risk assessor, reflecting his experience and skill alongside recognised standards.
A level 4 fire risk assessor status is difficult to acquire. This makes Andrew’s newly-attained qualification a rare and much-needed commodity.
LEVELLING UP ON FIRE SAFETY – Andrew Wilkinson
What it required
To gain my higher qualification, I had to demonstrate my experience, complete a knowledge-based assessment, and submit work to display my competency. The process also included real-life fire risk assessments for review,’ Andrew said. ‘It put my skills to the test, and it was worth it! Secure Safety Solutions can now take on more complex assessments. And bring safer buildings and businesses to our community.’
A level 4 fire risk assessor can carry out risk assessments for more complex or higher risk buildings, such as:
multi-occupied residential buildings
care settings
larger commercial properties
or buildings with more complex layouts or fire risks.
My new credentials strengthen the level of service we can offer. It also gives clients extra confidence in the standard of our assessments. And that means we’re able to support a wider range of clients, particularly where there are more complex buildings involved,’ he continued.
For buildings and businesses in the UK, Andrew’s certification provides reassurance that assessments are being carried out by a suitably qualified and competent assessor. And supports safer buildings and better-informed fire safety management.
‘I still come across fire risk assessments that aren’t always suitable for the type of building. In par particular where the assessor’s level of experience or competency isn’t aligned with the risk. That’s why I’m passionate about maintaining a high standard of work. And continuing to develop mine and our business’ knowledge and qualifications. It ensures our assessments are accurate, practical and useful for clients.’
Secure Safety Solutions is a trusted business in the health and safety consultancy field. They provide tailored solutions to support businesses meet regulatory standard and nurture a positive well-being culture within organisations.
Countdown to Murder Mystery NIGHT AT THE TOWN GARDENS BOWL BEGINS.
There’s a mere two weeks to go until the Town Gardens Bowl marks its 90th anniversary, on 6th May. And new details are here about one of the standout events in the celebrations: Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit.
Countdown to Murder Mystery – Locomotive for Murder
Audiences attending Pinch Punch’s performance on 3rd May can expect a completely unique experience. An entire murder mystery created live on the night. Using audience suggestions to shape everything from the setting to the suspects and with only one performer knowing the true identity of the murderer during the show, the night is truly set to keep everyone on the edge of their seats (including the cast!).
Described as ‘a first class improvised murder mystery with hilarious performances” (★★★★★ The Reviews Hub), the show begins with four passengers boarding a train. Thus setting the stage for an evening of suspicion, deception and comic chaos. With help from a world-famous detective, the success of the case will ultimately depend on the audience’s ability to piece together the clues.
Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit
Anniversary programme
The production forms a key part of the Bowl’s milestone anniversary programme. It will also include a free concert by the Mid-West Big Band on 4th May at 2pm, and much more still to get announced.
With demand building and limited time remaining, organisers are encouraging audiences to secure tickets soon. That way you avoid missing out on what promises to be one of the most unusual events in the anniversary line-up.
The performance runs for approximately 90 minutes and is suitable for ages 10+.
As the countdown continues, one thing is certain: no one—not even the performers—knows exactly how the story will unfold on the night!
Tickets are available now. For full details and to book your tickets, visit www.towngardens-swindon.co.uk and click ‘What’s On’.
Musical Comedy Sailing into Swindon. Following success at the Edinburgh Fringe, Emily Davis is setting sail on tour with her funny, uplifting one-woman musical comedy, Blodwen Rocks the Boat. Blending sharp satire, original songs and warm storytelling, the show explores modern ideas of work, ambition and success. And what happens when we dare to question them.
Blodwen thinks she’s doing everything right. She has the job, the city life, the sense that she’s finally ‘made it.’ But when a corporate away day takes her out to sea, something shifts.
Directed by Paulus the Cabaret Geek, and accompanied by musician and composer Andy Campbell Smith, Blodwen Rocks the Boat is a reminder. A reminder that success isn’t always about climbing higher. Sometimes it’s about choosing your own direction.
Blodwen Rocks the Boat is dropping anchor in Swindon – at the Wyvern Theatre – on Wednesday the 20th May. Avoid the need for a life raft and book now!
Emily Davis is a Welsh cabaret performer, singer and writer who has built a strong following for her character-led solo shows. Previous productions featuring Blodwen have enjoyed successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe. And at venues including the Wales Millennium Centre. This new show is her most ambitious to date. An original musical developed through Fringe performances, previews and professional collaboration.
Musical Comedy Sailing into Swindon – Emily Davis
Davis states: ‘My Blodwen has blossomed! This is my biggest show yet, I so can’t wait to see the response. I invite you to come along and spend the evening with me, a Welsh woman who can sing and who doesn’t mind making a fool of myself on stage! I promise that you’ll also super excited about stationery after this show!’
Praise for Blodwen
‘Stunning. Emily’s striking and powerful singing contrasts beautifully with the Welsh accented simplicity of Blodwen’s stories.
What an engaging performer’ London Theatre Review.
‘Her secret weapon, unquestionably, is her voice’ Cabaret Scenes
Blodwen Rocks the Boat is touring throughout the UK this Spring. For a full list of dates and to buy tickets, visit www.welshgirlsings.com, venue websites or box offices.
Urathon Takes Top Prize. Mobility aids company Urathon is celebrating. After launching its first range of powerchairs, their top-of-the range model has immediately scoop an award!
Holding out for a hero
The Wiltshire-based business showcased its fleet of powerchairs at prestigious tradeshow Naidex, in Birmingham. There its Hero model received the accolade of Best in Show. It got that ahead of hundreds of other mobility aid products.
From a field crowded with innovation, Tom Jamison, editor of Able Magazine picked the Hero . As the headline media partner of Naidex for more than 15 years, the magazine’s selection is the industry’s equivalent of a gold medal.
Lucy Carson, Managing Director of Urathon, said that winning with their first-ever powerchair launch was an unprecedented feat.
We’re over the moon to have won this award,’ said Lucy. ‘We’re proud of all our products, which we design, manufacture and source with our customers in mind. But the Hero is special, because it’s designed to stand out. It’s perfect for people who want to express themselves – something they want to be proud to be seen in. Just as not everyone wants to drive a standard, black car, not everyone who uses a powerchair wants it to look ordinary.’
Urathon Takes Top Prize – the Hero mobility scooter
About Urathon
Urathon, based in Calne, specialises in designing mobility aids, manufactured at its own facility in China. Lucy and the team also source products from trusted partners. They sell the Urathon range throughout a UK-wide retail network.
The Hero powerchair – made from aviation-grade carbon fibre frame that is ultra-light yet incredibly tough. I boasts a sculpted, modern design, and comes in Ruby Red or Matt Onyx Black. It combines looks, performance, comfort and manoeuvrability.
