RPA Lends a Helping Hand. Swindon-based Revolution Performing Arts (RPA), one of the South West’s leading performing arts companies for children and young people, is continuing its commitment to supporting local families this Easter. The company is offering a series of fun, free activities for children.
This year, Fi Da Silva-Adams, founder of RPA, has partnered with the National Literacy Trust to provide free books for families. All alongside an exciting line-up of Easter-themed sessions. The programme’s designed to engage children and families in activities that are both entertaining and educational. All while fostering a love of reading.
Fi explains, ‘I’ve seen first hand the positive effect creative activities can have on children. During challenging times in particular. The arts and literacy go hand in hand, helping children build confidence, creativity, and resilience.’
In addition to the activities, every child will receive a free book to encourage reading at home. Fi adds, ‘We’re thrilled to be able to offer these books. Reading is a vital skill. And we want to ensure every child has access to books that inspire them, regardless of their background.’
RPA Lends a Helping Hand – Fiona da Silva Adams founder of RPA
Literary Champions
Sonja Van Leewen, Project Officer for Literacy Champions at the National Literacy Trust, said ‘The National Literacy Trust in Swindon aims to grow a generation of readers. One where no child gets left behind. And working to boost literacy levels and equip children and young people in Swindon with the literacy skills they need to get the most out of life.
‘This is vital at a time when children and young people’s reading for enjoyment is at an all-time low. And 1 in 6 children in the South West aged 5–8 do not have a book of their own at home. By working together with our Literacy Champions at Revolution Performing Arts, we’re providing books for the children who attend their holiday activities & food programme. We want to ensure more children have the opportunity to discover the joy of reading.’
RPA’s qualified team will lead all the sessions. They hold enhanced DBS checks and are fully trained in safeguarding and first aid. The Easter programme is open to all families, with no special requirements for participation.
Founded in 2007 by Fi Da Silva-Adams, RPA dedicates itself to encouraging young people to embrace their individuality through the power of the performing arts. RPA provides a welcoming environment. One where every child, regardless of their background, can thrive and enjoy the arts without the need for auditions or exams.
Swindon Easter sessions
The Easter sessions in Swindon will run from 14-17 April 2025, from 9am to 1pm at The Croft Primary School. Families that receive benefits-related free school meals should apply via their HAF voucher. Paid-for private places are available for £20 per session.
While funded bookings for Wiltshire have now closed, the following venues are still accepting paid bookings at £20 per session:
Swindon Hub Seeks Lift. Swindon’s town centre community hub has launched an appeal to raise funds for its lift. The Hub, a calm retreat and hive of activity and events for the whole community, has struggled to meet the rising costs of repairing the ageing lift.
Swindon Hub Seeks Lift
Having spent over £12k on repairs over the first three years of operation, the Hub trustees decided last year that they could no longer afford to keep it going.
Whilst the cafe and many social activities take place on the Hub’s ground floor, bigger events, as well as quiet spaces, kitchen and toilets are all on the first floor. And that’s now inaccessible to many since the lift has been out of order.
‘The Hub for me is a place I come to meet people and connect” says Debbie, a regular Hub user. “The broken lift means I can’t join all the events here, which is so sad’.
Debbie – a user and supporter of the Hub
Since its opening in 2021, over 20,000 visitors and more than 50 community groups have used the space. Holding meetings and events, running workshops and training sessions, or popping in to relax, read and have a hot drink.
Bigger events like music jams and theatre performances. As well as group meetings that need a bit more quiet, have all taken place upstairs.
‘The Hub is a fine example of something by the community for the community ‘says Hub trustee Jol Rose. ‘We’re hoping the community will get behind our crowdfunder and help us raise the money to get the lift fixed and running again.’
The appeal
The crowdfunding appeal aims to raise £15k. That’s the estimated sum to fix the current problems. And have enough in reserve to keep the lift running for the next five years.
Swindon Hub is a welcoming safe space, and everyone is welcome to pop in, relax and join in – the Hub is at 36 The Parade. Anyone wanting more information can contact the Hub at info@swindonhub.org.uk
Swindon Hub exteriorMusic jam upstairs in the HubQuiet area upstairs in the Hub
ART HISTORIAN COMES TO WILTSHIRETO CHALLENGE THE ALLEGED RIVALRY BETWEEN TURNER & CONSTABLE.
Art historian, Nicola Moorby, will be a keynote speaker as part of the Athelstan Museum’s events in Malmesbury to mark 250 years since the birth of painter JMW Turner.
Nicola, curator of British Art 1790 to 1850 at the Tate, will host ‘Turner vs Constable: The Great British Paint Off’, at the Rausing Building in Malmesbury on Friday May 9 at 7:30pm. She’ll talk about the alleged rivalry and animosity between two of the most famous artists of the early 19th century.
‘I’m thrilled to be able to talk to anyone in Wiltshire and beyond interested in this period of art. In particular in a town that’s home to one of Turner’s works.
‘There’s long been talk of a rivalry between Turner and Constable. Two contemporary landscape specialists with very different personalities. But was it real? Turner was more famous in his lifetime than Constable. But was this fabled rivalry proven or even accurate?’
ART HISTORIAN COMES TO WILTSHIRE – Nicola Moorby
Nicola, who lives in London has recently published her first solo book. Called Turner and Constable: Art, Life, Landscape (Yale University Press, 2025), it explores this relationship. She’s also the curator of Turner’s Kingdom: Beauty, Birds & Beasts, an exhibition at Turner’s house in Twickenham.
She’s reluctant to declare a winner of the alleged contest between Turner & Constable. Yet she admits:
‘For me, Turner is the greatest water colour painter. Water colour paints shift and change when applied to paper. And nobody worked with them with the genius and facility of Turner.’
The Athelstan Museum
The Athelstan Museum is home to a watercolour of Malmesbury Abbey by Turner thought to have been painted in about 1827. The museum acquired it with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Art Fund and some public donation. It went on public display a year later.
Carolyn Brothwood, who manages the museum’s events, said: ‘We’re so delighted that Nicola will talk to us about Turner and Constable. And will demonstrate her passion for this period of art. As one of the leading art historians on artists of the 18th and early 19th centuries, we know she’ll share her passion and knowledge with us.
Turner was born in London in April 1775 the son of a barber. He came from humble beginnings and went on to become the most famous artist of his era. In addition to becoming a Royal Academician at the youngest age ever, he was also well known as an illustrator of poetry books for famous names including Lord Byron, Sir Walter Scott and Samuel Rogers. He was one of the first artists to use water colour as a primary medium for his work and he later became known as ‘the painter of light.’
Nicola said: ‘If I were to meet Turner today, I probably wouldn’t ask him about particular works. I’d be more likely to ask about his life and what his experiences were. He was a very private man. We know so little about him compared to Constable who left so many letters and writings detailing his thoughts and feelings.’
Victorian Cemetery Chapel Consultation. Malmesbury Town Council is to stage two open days and public meeting. The future of the old Victorian chapel in Malmesbury is in the spotlight. And Malmesbury Town Council are asking for ideas on how the community could use it.
Located in front of the cemetery on Tetbury Hill, the chapel dates back to the 1880s as a non-denominational place of worship, for small services.
Victorian Cemetery Chapel Consultation
In recent years it has fallen into disuse and closed to the public. But now Malmesbury Town Council wants to breathe new life into the historic building.
Councillors are hoping the chapel could once again find a use for funeral and interment services. And also be available more widely for community groups.
Open days
The Town Council is running two open days at the chapel, to give people the chance to look around, ask questions, and come up with suggestions. These will be on Saturday April 12, from 11am to 2pm, and on Wednesday April 16, from 5.30-7.30pm.
Then on Wednesday May 28 from 7-8pm, the Town Hall will be the venue for a public meeting. That’s to discuss ideas and feedback from the open days, which will help the council develop its plans for the chapel.
The stone chapel, which isn’t listed, is about 30 feet long and 16 feet wide, and contains period features, including a wooden vaulted ceiling.
Cllr Ian Wallis, who sits on Malmesbury Town Council’s Burial Committee, said: ‘It’s a beautiful building, that’s been part of the history of the town for around 140 years. But it’s fallen into disuse, and it would be nice to make it into a functional space again.
We’ve written to all the local churches and funeral directors and have had a very positive response to the idea of having the chapel available when there are burials and interments.
A little over a year ago, there was a survey to discover what work would need doing to make the chapel useable again. The building is structurally sound, but will need some restoration, redecoration and other works.
Swindon business owner, Sean Harper running London Landmarks half marathon for Swindon charity, Best Mates on Sunday, 6th April. That’s a local charity dedicated to supporting individuals through difficult times. Sean, co-founder of Just For Fun Holiday Club, has always been passionate about giving back to the community. Having already raised funds while running the London Marathon in 2024, he’s now focusing his efforts on Best Mates. This is a cause that holds deep personal significance.
‘I’m running for Best Mates because they’ve done so much to support a friend and his family over the past year,’ Sean said. ‘In the first instance, we planned to take on this challenge together. But due to unforeseen circumstances, my friends are unable to run. That only made me more determined to do this and contribute to such a worthy cause.’
Sean Harper Running London Landmarks – Sean Harper, founder of For Fun Holiday Club, running the London Marathon in 2024.
About Best Mates
Best Mates, founded by Jeff Tucker and Carl McCulloch, provides vital emotional and practical support to individuals facing hardship. Their peer-to-peer support model connects people in difficult circumstances with a ‘Best Mate’. Someone who understands what they are going through.
Carl, co-founder of Best Mates, expressed his gratitude for Sean’s efforts and said “Sean’s dedication to our cause is so inspiring. By raising awareness and funds, he’s helping us continue providing vital support to those who need it most. We’re so grateful and will be cheering him on every step of the way.’
Sean’s running journey began two years ago when he signed up for the London Marathon, driven by a desire to regain fitness after stepping away from football. Reflecting on his experience, he described the marathon as ‘the best individual thing I’ve ever done.’ Since then, he’s embraced running as part of his lifestyle, improving both his physical health and mental well-being.
While he’s running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for charity, Sean has also signed up for the Manchester Marathon purely for personal achievement. ‘I wasn’t happy with my time in the London Marathon, so I’m looking forward to improving my performance.’
Sean aims to raise £1,000 for Best Mates through his participation in the half marathon. Supporters can contribute to his fundraising efforts via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sean-harper-1
