Swindon Open Studios Final Call for All Artists & Creatives – 31st March.
Time is running out! The deadline is midnight on Monday 31st March for anyone wishing to register for the 2025 Swindon Open Studios (SOS) Community Art event this September.
There’s 18 spaces left for artists who don’t have a dedicated studio or workshop here. People who WORKwithin 15 miles of Swindon’s town centre are welcome to apply. They can join one of several Pop-Up exhibitions around Swindon.
There’s 18 spaces left for artists who don’t have a dedicated studio or workshop here. People who WORK within 15 miles of Swindon’s town centre are welcome to apply. They can join one of several Pop-Up exhibitions around Swindon.
This 21st Open Studios event is FREE to the public and takes place the last two weekends of September.
Open Studios Final Call – Michelle Whitmore
Ethos
The main ethos is for artists to open their studios, workshops and creative spaces. This lets visitors understand where the creative magic happens and ask about techniques and processes, as well as see an artist’s life’s work. It’s particularly fascinating to see how an artist’s interests, chosen themes and colour palettes evolve over time. Think Pablo Picasso’s Blue period!
Yet, sometimes it’s not practical for an artist to have visitors going into their private, creative space. It might not be big enough, parking may be difficult or perhaps they have a pet that doesn’t like strangers.
Chair of the voluntary Committee Anna Enright says ‘Offering small pop-up exhibitions with a handful of artists removes barriers to entry. So we’re totally inclusive. Visitors get to see a wider range of wonderful creations that are otherwise hidden. It’s often affordable original art which is unique. And so much more special because its produced locally.’
Some very high-calibre work is on display. For example, photographer and digital artist Michelle Whitmore has won two international awards with the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers in the Portrait and Illustrative Print sections. Michelle liaises with the artists and says ‘A very successful campaign has attracted several first-time exhibitors. And we’re thrilled to welcome them to our friendly community of professional, hobby and amateur artists. So far, we’ve had 66 entries so it might be the biggest ever SOS event and art trail yet for visitors to enjoy exploring!’
Seven pop up venues still have spaces available including:
Artsite
Great Moorleaze Farm
Richard Jefferies Museum
STEAM
Stratton Juniors FC, Swindon Museum & Art Gallery
and The Wyvern Theatre.
To book one of these spaces, be quick! Four other venues are already full! To apply you will need a hi-resolution square image of recent work and a means of paying online.
Work by Stephanie CosgroveFox – Jason RichardsonLydiard House – Colin May
Webinar Spotlights Employment Law Changes. Leading HR advisers are running an open webinar to help businesses get to grips with and navigate employment law changes. The changes are coming into force from April.
The free webinar, which will run on Thursday March 27, from midday to 1pm, is being staged by the HR Dept. It’s open to all businesses, as well as their many clients.
The event will also focus on what’s coming up in employment law and HR. There’ll be advice on how businesses can tackle the problem of returning staff to the office.
Employment Law Changes – Peter Jones of the HR dept
Peter Jones, Managing Director of the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, said the webinar would focus on key legislative changes and what they mean for business.
‘One change coming in next month, that employers need to be aware of, is the introduction of neonatal care leave. This will allow parents to take paid leave if their newborn needs neonatal care,’ said Peter.
‘There are also new pay rates coming in for the National Minimum Wage, National Living Wage and apprenticeship rates. Benefits like statutory sick pay and maternity and paternity pay are also changing. So employers must take these into account.’
The HR Dept’s Hayley Preedy will lead the interactive, one-hour webinar. She’ll provide expert guidance and answer questions. As well as imminent changes, she’ll look at what’s on the horizon and how to prepare for future employment law developments.
Peter added: ‘The webinar will also advise employers wanting to encourage their staff to get back to working in the office. And how to navigate this transition. Working in a traditional office setting offers distinct advantages over remote work. And many businesses want this way of working to be the primary model once again.’
Or email Managing Director Peter Jones: peter.jones@hrdept.co.uk or call 01793 683 398.
Peter and his team work with businesses across Swindon, Chippenham, Hungerford, Marlborough, Calne, Devizes, Burford, Lechlade and Carterton. And they have a sister company working with businesses based in London.
Rob Curtis Running Half Marathon. Swindon-based digital marketing specialist Rob Curtis is hitting the pavement for a cause close to his heart. Rob will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise funds for the charity Best Mates.
Rob, founder of The Pursuit Agency, has long been passionate about giving back to the community. While his agency focuses on helping businesses grow their digital presence, he also believes in using his platform to make a meaningful difference beyond the business world.
Rob Curtis Running Half Marathon
I’m running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Best Mates. ‘m doing it because I believe in their simple yet powerful mission. One of connecting people with someone who truly understands what they’re going through,’ Rob said.
‘I’ve been on a journey, from being a young dad to starting my business. Best Mates and its work resonates with me and I’m honoured to contribute to such a worthy cause.
‘I’ve seen firsthand how their network of volunteers, who’ve all faced their own challenges, provide that crucial support when someone needs it most. The connections they create are genuine and life-changing. I’m running to ensure more people can access this support when they need it.’
About Best Mates
Best Mates is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals facing difficult times. It connects them with others who have experienced similar challenges. The organisation ensures that those in need get paired with a compassionate peer – a ‘Best Mate’ – who understands their situation.
Beyond emotional support, Best Mates also provides practical help. This includes counselling and financial aid, to help ease the burdens people face.
Jeff Tucker, co-founder of Best Mates, said “Rob’s support means so much to us. His dedication helps raise awareness of the vital work we do, ensuring that more people can receive the support they need when they need it most. We’re so grateful for his efforts and will be cheering him on every step of the way.’
Rob aims to raise £1,500 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/pursuitwithbestmates
Donald Edward Rogers entered the world on 25th October 1945 in Paulton, Somerset. He Joined Swindon Town in January 1961 aged 15. Don turned professional in October 1962 and made his debut in November 1962. In his first spell at the club he played 400 games and scored 147 goals. During that time he helped Town win promotion from the third to the second division not once but twice. And win the Anglo-Italian Cup in 1970. He also scored two goals when the then third division Swindon beat the mighty Arsenal 3-1 at Wembley to win the League Cup in 1969.
A career move
Don joined Crystal Palace in 1972 for the then big fee of £147,000. Bert Head, who’d been his manager at Swindon when he started out, signed him. Thus he became one of Bert’s Babes -a young Swindon Town team.
Our man scored twenty-eight goals in seventy appearances for them including two in a 5-0 thumping of Manchester United and the 1973 Big Match Golden Goal (goal of the season) in a game against Stoke. Don went on to join Queens Park Rangers in September 1974 in a swap deal. This arrangement saw Terry Venables moving to Selhurst Park but he struggled with injuries making only eighteen appearances before rejoining Swindon in March 1976. He retired in the 1976/77 season with a hip injury.
Career Record
Don’s overall career record runs to 500 games and 182 goals with his goals per game ratio similar to that of George Best.
Don went on to manage local teams, Lambourn Sports, Swindon Supermarine and Hungerford Town – winnng the League and Cup double with Lambourn in 1995. He then went on to get them promoted to the Hellenic League Premier Division for the first time in twelve years. After winningthe Hellenic League Premier Division title with Supermarine in 1998 he left citing a lack of ambition at the club.
While he was still playing for Swindon the club helped him buy a sports shop on Faringdon Road. Rumour had it that this was an attempt to keep him at the County Ground when higher division clubs were sniffing around. The shop is still going to this day.
The Intel Stand at the County Ground was renamed in his honour in 2007 and a statue unveiled in November 2024.
Don Rogers Footballing Legend – don rogers statue at Swindon’s county ground
Opinions
So Chris spoke to three long-time Swindon fans for some insights into what made Don such a special player. What follows is what they had to say.
In a time zone of his own
The first was Ray (who still hasn’t forgiven me as a Brighton supporter for a game on 1 January 1977 which got abandoned with Swindon winning 4-0). Ray told me about the League Cup Final victory in 1969. he said the second goal (Don’s first) was about calmness in the chaos and thinking ahead. But it was the third goal that epitomised Don – he got the ball on the right wing. The pitch was like a ploughed field but his shorts were still clean, and you just knew that he would score. He glided over the surface and, of course, he scored.
Hips don’t lie
Dick, a historian of the club, felt that the flexibility of Don’s hips was a key factor in his success. His ability to change direction and his pace off the mark made him a nightmare to mark. And to quote Fred Ford (Swindon manager from 1969 to 1971), ‘he scores the goal of the month every week.’
Dick also mentioned that Don would be unlikely to get picked in the modern game as his statistics for tackling, running back to defend and other such mundane stuff wouldn’t have been up to scratch.
The best player I ever saw live
Malcolm describes Don as the best player he ever saw live. He was two-footed, very quick and lethal in front of goal. He always seemed to have a way out of any tricky situation he found himself in. Malcolm also mentioned that his partnership with the ever-willing John Trollope did a lot to help to bring out the best in Don.
Big thanks to Ray Norman, Dick Mattick and Malcolm Alexander for sharing their memories with me.
New OPPORTUNITY FOR GRASSROOTS MUSICIANS IN SWINDON’S BELOVED CONCERT VENUE. With the longer days upon us and a glimpse of summer in the sky, it’s not long until Town Gardens welcomes visitors back for their famous free Sunday bandstand concerts.
OPPORTUNITY FOR GRASSROOTS MUSICIANS
The 2025 season
The 2025 season kicks off on April 6th, with JGMusic on the Bandstand from 3pm till 4:30pm. The bandstand concerts will take place every week until the end of September.
Last year, South Swindon Parish Council extended the afternoon of music by introducing an extra performance at 12pm. This year, the Parish Council is hoping to expand the reach of these performances by offering grassroots and young performers from the local area.
Young musicians are being encouraged to:
come and develop their skills
test out new ideas and approaches,
and prepare to engage with audiences.
Ellis Evason, 25, Hip Hop artist participated in the Signal Festival in 2024 and performed on the Town Gardens Bandstand. He said: ‘Performing in the Town Gardens was a great experience. It’s important more young artists get opportunities like this to connect with their own community.’
Mark Powell, Artistic Director of Prime Theatre, said: ‘Working in partnership with South Swindon Parish Council to showcase youth music talent was a key part of 2024’s Signal Youth Arts Festival. This platforming of musicians was a highlight for the artist and audiences alike. I can’t wait to see more young people take part in the season on the Bandstand this year.’
Loreli Huntley, South Swindon Parish Council’s youth worker, said, ‘Having the opportunity to perform in front of the audience is great for young people’s confidence and motivation. This is an amazing opportunity for young people to showcase and develop their talents. And I’m excited to see how the participants use this platform to find and explore their passions further.’
f you yourself are a grassroots musician, or know someone who is, they can get in contact with the Council directly through – eventsofficer@southswindon-pc.gov.uk, to get booked in and join this seasons line up of free bandstand concerts.
Find out more
For all the latest updates on events and music within Town Gardens, follow South Swindon Parish Council on Facebook and Instagram. Make sure you never miss a thing!
You can find more information about South Swindon Parish Council on its website at www.southswindon-pc.gov.uk
Free music concerts will take place as below, all at 3pm:
6 April – JGMusic – Town Gardens Bandstand
13 April – North Swindon Big Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
20 April – JGMusic – Queen’s Park
27 April – Swindon Brass – Blossom Circle, GWR Park
4 May – Ukey Dukes – Town Gardens Bandstand
11 May – The Cricklade Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
18 May – Swindon Concert Band – Queen’s Park
25 May – Saxophonics – Town Gardens Bandstand
1 June – Swindon Brass – Queen’s Park
8 June – Cirencester Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
15 June – Emma Doupé – Town Gardens Bandstand
22 June – Salvation Army – Town Gardens Bandstand
29 June – Kennet Accordion Orchestra – Town Gardens Bandstand
6 July – Malmesbury Concert Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
13 July – Ramsbury Silver Band – Queen’s Park
20 July – What The Pluck – Town Gardens Bandstand
27 July – The Swing Bird – Town Gardens Bandstand
3 August – Big Brunch Band – Town Gardens
10 August – Wantage Concert Band – Queen’s Park
17 August – Chippenham Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
24 August – TBC – Town Gardens Bandstand
31 August – Ellendune Entertainers – Town Gardens Bandstand
7 September – JGMusic – Queen’s Park
14 September – Ramsbury Silver Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
21 September – The Lost Hills – Town Gardens Bandstand
28 September – Mid West Big Band – Town Gardens Bandstand
