Transforming the Bothy Gardens. When Jules Gilleland and Mark Wheeler stumbled across a forgotten Georgian walled garden in Wiltshire during the height of the pandemic in December 2020, they were looking at more than a property. They’d discovered a wild, overgrown dream.
‘Think jungle-level brambles, crumbling walls and a greenhouse from a post-apocalyptic movie,’ Jules said. ‘For most, it would’ve been a hard pass. For us it was love at first sight.’
Transforming the Bothy Gardens – Jules Gilleland and Mark Wheeler in the Bothy Gardens on the Burderop Estate, Chiseldon, near Swindon. Picture taken by Barbara Leatham.
A special milestone
This December marks a special milestone for the pair behind Bothy Gardens. The reason being that they celebrate the fourth anniversary of discovering the site on the Burderop estate. Their journey of restoring the forgotten Georgian walled garden and Grade II-listed Bothy into a vibrant haven of creativity, nature and heritage has been ambitious.
‘When we first walked into the space, we thought, ‘How hard can it be?’ Jules laughs. ‘Spoiler: it has been very hard. But it’s also been the most rewarding adventure we could imagine.’
Restoring Bothy Gardens hasn’t been without its twists and turns. And the odd encounter with bats – both literal and figurative.
Planning approval alone, at first estimated at eight weeks, stretched to an eye-watering twenty-one months. That was due to sensitive conservation requirements. Meanwhile, their first contractor left behind a trail of leaky roofs, missing plumbing and unburied water lines. All that forced Jules and Mark to rebuild their team of trades people and much of the work.
Despite these setbacks, the duo retained their vision and sense of humour. This October, they celebrated a major milestone: installing all the windows and doors in the Bothy.
‘It felt,’ Mark said, ‘like the house was finally exhaling after holding its breath for decades. Every day we love it a little more.’
Wrought iron gateThe BothyBothy gardens greenhouse restoration
No ordinary project
Bothy Gardens is no ordinary restoration project. The vision is grand. A rare plant wholesale nursery, a gleaming Victorian greenhouse, a garden library and a creative studio for workshops and educational programmes.
But it’s not all about the big ideas. Jules and Mark have spent the past four years refurbishing the smallest details. For instance, saving all original stones, bricks, and metal guttering. And rejuvenating the soil in the walled garden that hadn’t been touched in decades.
Mark, also known as ‘The Plant Hunter’ for his expertise in rare horticulture, explains: ‘It’s a place that feels alive again. And as much as history, it’s also about the future. It’s about teaching people to grow, connect, and find inspiration in the natural world.’
Later in the year, horticulture, design, and creative thinking courses will welcome people from all walks of life to learn, create, and grow in this extraordinary space.
‘Bothy Gardens is more than a project—it’s a passion,’ Jules says. “We’ve learned so much over these four years. From the importance of choosing the right tradespeople to the joy of celebrating small victories like the day our greenhouse finally stood proud after its facelift.’
While the restoration is far from complete, Jules and Mark embrace the quirks and surprises of reviving this historic gem. Mark adds: ‘If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that gardens and old buildings have a mind of their own. You’re not only restoring them—you’re building a relationship.’
Earlier this year I had the joy of visiting the Bothy and the garden and meeting Jules and Mark who are both delightful people. I decided to include the bothy in my Swindon in 50 More buildings series because of its history as part of the Burderop Manor estate and … well because it’s something a bit different. Find that post here:
Wiltshire Author Celebrates Third Novel. Lis McDermott, a Royal Wootton Bassett-based author and poet, has released her third novel, The Identity Enigma.
Following the success of her debut novel, He is Not Worthy (2022), and her second novel, Echoes of Drowning, earlier this year, Lis hasn’t sat on her laurels. Indeed she continues to delight audiences with her powerful storytelling. While each of her novels stands alone, readers will enjoy the subtle crossovers of characters and settings, creating a unique thread that connects her works.
Wiltshire Author Celebrates Third Novel
The themes
The Identity Enigma explores themes of self-discovery, family secrets, and the search for truth. With its vivid settings and human characters, the story examines how the echoes of the past can shape the present, sometimes in unexpected ways.
The book has already been well received by readers. The novel has garnered multiple 5-star reviews on Amazon following its promotion through a recent book blog tour. Lis said ‘I’m thrilled by the positive response to The Identity Enigma. Seeing readers connect with the story and share their thoughts has been incredible. The 5-star reviews mean so much to me as a writer. I’m grateful to everyone that’s supported the book so far.’
Lis has built a reputation for her ability to blend emotional depth with gripping narratives. And The Identity Enigma continues to showcase her talent for crafting stories that resonate on a deep level with readers.
Speaking about the inspiration for the novel, Lis said ‘I’m fascinated by the themes of identity. And how the secrets we hold – whether our own or those of others – can define who we are.’
‘Writing The Identity Enigma allowed me to unravel these complexities, and it thrills me to share this journey with readers.’
Lis also revealed exciting news about her next project during the launch. ‘I’ve made a start on the next book, with over 18,000 words already written. It’s going to be part of a series, which I’m currently referring to as a ‘forest, family saga.’
Lis’ repertoire
As a prolific writer, Lis’s literary repertoire includes three novels, four poetry collections, and two non-fictio books. Beyond her own work, she mentors aspiring authors, guiding them through the publishing process.
Well that was all jolly pleasant. A lunch in La Carbonara Italian restaurant with a couple of friends that is. One of whom has some, shall we say, tricky dietary needs? She’s vegan, coeliac and has a nut allergy. Aside from that she can eat anything! But Carlo was able to accommodate her with a gluten free, cheese free pizza and a dish of asparagus in a tomato sauce for her starter. Thus she was happy!
The menu
So the lunch menu has the standard sort of stuff on it. But what they’ve also got now is a Romano menu with a selection of anitipasti, Primi Piatti and Secondi Piatti dishes.
Front of La Carbonara menuInside the La Carbonara menu
Dinner in Italy is an affair that’s eaten at leisure. It tends to start around 8pm and continues late into the evening. It involves settling around the table for course after course. All designed and timed to maximise flavours, pleasure – and even digestion.
First up is the antipasto – a rough translation being ‘pre-meal’. Much like the aperitivo it’s designed to prepare one for the meal to follow.
Next comes the primo piatto/piatti. This firs plate is a little heavier than the antipasto. Enough to satisfy your hunger but not totally sate it. That wouldn’t be good – not when you’re only halfway through dinner.
Risotto, polenta, and pasta are among favorite primi piatti.
Now we come to the second plate, the secondi piatti. This is the heartiest/most substantial of the courses. It’s one to savour in good company – along with a robust red wine for preference. Secondi piatti dishes range from fish to pork to steak.
Dessert – dolce
A good Italian dinner ends with dessert of course. Often accompanied by an amaro, digestivo or espresso. Delicious dolci could be creamy tiramisù, espresso-gelato affogato, or crunchy cantucci and dessert wine. Affogato is a fave of mine and I did have one! I’m not an ice-cream fiend or even big on desserts in general but I do enjoy an affogato. And cantucci biscuits dipped into dessert wine are also scrummy.
Now for some food pics
Angela with aranciniAngela with her Primi piatti – spaghetti alla gricia – this was super tasty Clare with her asparagus in tomato sauceAngela’s secondi piatti – baccala Jo’s risottoClare’s special pizza
Brooks Academy of Irish Dancing. The Brooks Academy of Irish dancing, based in Swindon has had a presence n the town since 1997. Though you might have known it as the Boyd School before a 2017 merger. Either way, under the expert guidance of Ian Boyd, the school survives and thrives.
Brooks Academy of Irish Dancing – 3 Southern England champions
Teaching the Swindon classes is a man of great experience, Ian Boyd. Ian has been involved with Irish dancing since his childhood during which time he competed the world over.
Ian is a qualified teacher with *CLRG since 1997. There he achieved his TCRG before going on to achieve his adjudication qualification, ADCRG, in 2009.
Since then he’s travelled the world, judging competitions and passing on his expertise to such places as diverse as:
Australia
Hong Kong
France
The USA
Canada
Ireland and of course in the UK.
Brooks Academy lessons in Swindon
Monday – Rodbourne Cheney Social Club
Beginners: 5-6pm. Advanced 6-8pm. Adults: 8-9pm
Thursday – Haydon Leigh Primary School
All levels 6-8pm.
Coming soon – adult classes 8-9pm. Call or text to book your free taster session – 07979045133
Founded between 1927 and 1930 by the Gaelic league, the CLRG is the Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha – that’s Irish for the Irish Dancing Commission. The Gaelic League used Irish dancing to promote the Irish nationalist movement.
The CLG comprises the world’s largest and oldest governing body for competitive Irish step dancing. The CLRG is responsible for the TCRG – Teagascóir Coimisiún Le Rinci Gaelacha – the teacher qualification. It qualifies a student to teach both solo and ceili dancing. Students must be at least twenty years old and pass both written and practical exams in dancing, music and the Gaelic language.
A rising start amongst the ranks, Summer been dancing with Ian 7 months and is already U12 Prelim champion with a very bright future aheadRafferty aged 9 – current reigning under 9 boys North American champion x 2Olivia aged 16 – Southern England Champion X 2 Also currently ranked number 1 in the southern region & 15th in the world Izzy aged 7 – She’s been dancing with Ian for 1 year and has gone from complete beginner to Open Championship Level – currently ranked 7th in the Southern Region
Standardizing Irish dance
CLRG creates a standardized system for Irish dance, music, and competitions for its member organizations. It also is involved in accrediting teachers and adjudicators.
ADCRG
ADCRG (Ard Diploma Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha) – this is the adjudicator qualification. As well as teaching it means Ian is qualified to adjudicate at any CLRG-recognised competition.
A bit of Irish dance history
This Celtic Titles blog tells us that the history of Irish dance is somewhat murky. It would seem that there’s little in the way of hard evidence pointing at how, when or even why it became popular. The first native Irish documented evidence dates back to 1413. Though it could well have been performed earlier. Indeed there exists some commentary from visitors to Ireland that points towards social dancing existing.
The blog goes on to state though that, by the 17th century, Irish dancing had become popular across the country. Several written accounts exist detailing different forms of Irish dancing. For example, Sir Henry Sydney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, wrote to Queen Elizabeth I with great enthusiasm for the Irish jigs he’d witnessed on his trip.
It’s possible then that Irish dance developed alongside Irish music. It’s thought too that other dance forms, such as the Quadrille, from continental Europe, brought influence to bear on the genre.
Westlea Station Fireman Santa – what a lovely thing this is. A gorgeous, festive community event that delights West Swindon’s families and raises money for charity – the Firefighters Charity – as it goes.
Westlea Station Fireman Santa – vintage fire engine touring West Swindon on different nights in the run up to Christmas
‘This year marks the 25th year of the Westlea Fire Station’s Santa run. It’s been the honour and privilege of our family to provide our beloved vintage fire engine “Martha” to the people of West Swindon. To collect money for the Fire Fighters charity. And to provide a bit of joy and celebration to a time of year where many people struggle.
Martha is now 81 years old. She’s spent more of her miles on raising money for charity than in her service within the fire brigade in WWII.
We’re extremely lucky to be the patrons of a vehicle that means so much to the community. We’ll continue to maintain, love and provide her to the Westlea Fire Station for as long as they can run this special event.
This event began 25 years ago by our late grandfather/dad Christopher Wannell in partnership with Simon Owen and the Westlea Fire Station. It’s expanded over the years into something we could never have imagined. And we’d like to extend our thanks to the Westlea Fire Station and the volunteers who make all this possible. And of course to the people of West Swindon. They stand outside in the cold for a glimpse of Santa and give to a charity that’s so important to the life blood of the Fire and Rescue Service.
Thank you and Merry Christmas from the Wannell family.’
What a lovely, lovely thing!
The fire fighters charity‘Martha’ and Santa‘Martha’ and Santa
About the Fire Fighter’s charity
The fire fighter’s charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire service community. The charity empowers individuals to live happier and healthier lives.
The charity exists to help fire fighters live happier and healthier lives. It does that by offering a broad range of health and wellbeing services both online and in person.
