With the County Ground to our right we’re now turning left onto Broad Street and then to Manchester Road. See the circled area on the map below.
Map showing the Broad Street/St Luke’s areaView down Broad Street looking towards the town centre and Newbridge Square
Sheldon and Tompkins date Broad Street as 1901. And suggest it’s so-called because it comprises the main street of the late Victorian development between County Road and Corporation Street. For Manchester Road they proffer 1897. And go on to tell us how the first houses were built here during the 1870s. At that time the street went under the name of Mill Street – most likely because a nearby mill connected it to Eastcott farm. In the first instance, a dead-end street west of Corporation Street, it got its new name when it linked up with Milford Street. The demolishment of part of the terrace to the east side of Wellington Street facilitated that. It appears that, the engineers responsible for this work, Maxwell and Tuke, had offices in Manchester. Join the dots.
Visiting Broad Street gives me an excuse to mention St Luke’s church. This place of worship is one of the four so-called railway churches built to meet the spiritual needs of the burgeoning population of New Swindon. The other three, in no particular order, are: St Mark’s (by the railway village), St Augustine’s in Rodbourne and St Barnabas’ in Gorse Hill. Though we can also count St Saviours on Ashford Road as a railway church, built as it was by the men themselves.
St Luke’s church
Visiting Broad Street gives me an excuse to mention St Luke’s church. This place of worship is one of the four so-called railway churches. These churches were built to meet the spiritual needs of the burgeoning population of New Swindon. The other three, in no particular order, are:
Though we can also count St Saviour’s on Ashford Road as a railway church, built, as it was, by the men themselves. That aside, the story of St Luke’s is the story of both the street on which it stands and the immediate vicinity.
If you’ve followed Swindon history you’ll be conversant with that fact that the GWR created the New Swindon community. The railway village and the aforementioned St Mark’s came first. Cutting short a long story, the turn of the 20th century saw almost all the green fields of St Mark’s parish colonised by rows of GWR workers’ houses.
The continued demand for housing proved an impetus to the Rolleston estate to make available for development some fifty-four acres. This land had a rough boundary formed by the GWR mainline to the north, the Wilts and Berks canal to the south and Drove Road to the east. At length this all became the main part of the St Luke’s district. Come 1911, the area was marked out in a grid-iron pattern based around two main streets: Broad Street and Manchester Road. The latter was by now already a narrow lane leading from New Swindon to Stratton St Margaret.
St Luke’s church on Broad Street, SwindonView down Broad Street towards County Roaddoorway of St Luke’s church, broad street, SwindonSt Luke’s and the church hall
Social life in the St Luke’s area
The booklet by Fredrick Fuller, on the topic of St Luke’s, tells us that, at weekends, you’d find crowds tramping along Broad Street. They’d be en route for football or cricket fixtures at the County Ground. No doubt excited at the prospect of seeing such players as Harold Fleming. That’s he who gave his name to Fleming Way.
Frederick further points out that the St Luke’s area attracted people from around the country. Thus each street had tradesmen, clerks, engine-drivers, coach drivers etc. Manchester Road became the shopping centre for the area. These days it still is a pretty vibrant shopping area – albeit one of the multi-cultural variety. In a town with over 120 first languages this is not surprising. So, should you want quality spices and garlic bulbs the size of your fist and other culinary delights not offered by your nearest Tesco Express then Manchester Road is the place to head for. That said, Commercial Road is now giving it a run for its money in that respect.
As for St Luke’s, today the congregation reflects some of the area’s diversity. In recent years, the church began holding regular Mass, partly in Konkani, the official language of Goas for the benefit of the Goan community who live in the area.
Now, having explored the ecclesiastical and the epicurean offerings of the area, let’s give our regards to Broad Street and turn our feet to Fleet Street.
The Care Show Swindon has announced its keynote speaker for its autumn event: Becky Wall BEM. She’s the co-director of the prestigious Loo of The Year Awards, a quality system that celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.
Care Show Announces Keynote Speaker – Becky Wall, BEM
Becky will share the importance of toilets and washrooms with attendees. And her mission to educate and empower organisations to increase revenue, customer and staff loyalty by taking care of a room we all need to use.
‘We all need to use the ‘loo’ – it’s a room we’ll need to enter and spend time in several times a day. For some people a suitable, accessible and clean washroom is at the heart of their decision-making. Whether for a day out or in booking a hotel, going on holiday, or even taking a job role,’ Becky said.
Banging the drum
‘For almost 40 years, we’ve been banging the drum that washrooms are a vital part of every community, every building and every public space. They can support wellbeing, inclusivity and the overall care of visitors, staff, clients or customers. I’ll be talking about our grading system – it’s not just about awards. And our mission to get everyone to take toilets seriously.’
Founded in 1987, The Loo of The Year Awards mission is one of celebrating excellence in out-of-home washrooms. Five years ago, Becky Wall and her husband Charles (who had entered the awards with their mobile toilet business) took on the brand. They did so because they held a passionate belief that the mission should continue and evolve.
Since then the Loo of The Year Awards has gone from strength to strength. It’s now recognised across the UK as a quality mark. And this year the brand has received a domination for an international award for the team’s work.
Organisations from shopping centres, caravan sites, to hotels, pubs, cafes and popular tourist attractions enter. They then receive an unannounced visit from a qualified inspector across the summer months. Their washrooms are then rated from bronze to diamond against more than 100 criteria to measure excellence.
This ranges from cleanliness, accessibility to lighting and safety as well as ambiance and many more factors. Venues can also ask for a report so they can make improvements and improve their own grading. Each year the best get invited to attend an awards event. The event highlights those who’ve made significant improvements or who’ve achieved excellence.
Part of the work
‘The awards are a small part of our work,’ Becky said. ‘Our team of inspectors are all committed to travel the UK visiting venues and grading their washrooms against 101 criteria. It’s a huge task. Yet it’s so important that people know where the best ‘loos’ are. And recognise those organisations that care about their experience in the room we all need to use.’
Following a successful relaunch earlier this year, The Care Show Swindon will take place on Saturday 10 October at New College Swindon. It’s in partnership with SWITCH (Swindon and Wiltshire Innovative Technology Care Hub).
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet a range of care providers, wellbeing specialists and technology experts. And to explore the latest innovations designed to improve quality of life.
Director of the event, Hannah Edwards said: ‘One of the highlights will be a keynote talk by Becky Wall BEM, co-director of The Loo of the Year Awards. She’ll speak about the importance of accessible, inclusive and high-quality public toilet facilities. And the role they play in supporting dignity, independence and wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities. Becky will be with us during the day and will be giving her talk during the morning.’
The partnership with SWITCH at this event also allows visitors to experience emerging care technology. Thus giving professionals and members of the public the opportunity to see practical solutions that are transforming health and social care services.
Directors Hannah Edwards and Kevin Griffiths took over the Care Show Swindon after recognizing how confusing the care sector can be to naviagate. And to identify the support available to them.
We’re all affected by care needs
Care touches every one of us at some stage in our lives,’ said Kevin. ‘Whether it’s:
social care
wellbeing
financial planning
assistive technology or accessibility.
We want people to leave our show knowing where they can turn for trusted advice and support. By bringing together such a diverse range of organisations, we’re helping people make informed decisions. Decisions that can make a genuine improvement their lives or the life of a loved one.’
Alongside returning exhibitors from the care, wellbeing and financial sectors, visitors can once again meet therapy horse Vino who proved popular the team’s last event. For more information or to register, visit www.thecareshow.co.uk
ONE of Wiltshire’s leading website specialists Black Nova Designs have official recognition as an Expert Partner by WooCommerce, Jetpack and Pressable.
Black Nova Designs, based in Calne, have achieved recognition for their quality service by being named as one of the only companies in the South West that Woocommerce has approved as an ‘Expert Partner’.
WooCommerce and Automatic are the parent companies behind WordPress.com, who provide website building and management tools across the globe. Over 4 million live websites across the world use their services.
This summer, WooCommerce contacted founder and CEO, Danielle Holmes to say they’d selected them o be an Expert Partner.
When I got the call to say we were going to be an Expert Partner, I was gobsmacked!’ Danielle said. “After being in business for over a decade, this is such a milestone for Black Nova Designs. This recognition for our work is an honour.’
Woocommerce Expert Partner – Danielle Holmes and the Black Nova team
A select group
This accreditation places Black Nova Designs in a select global group of trusted agencies who deliver technical excellence, reliability and high-quality work across WordPress and WooCommerce.
One can’t pay or apply for this partnership – it’s based on merit. And that means a great deal to me and the whole team, continued Danielle.
‘It’s a testament to the work ethic of our team and our commitment to customer experience. To be one of the only businesses in the south west to gain this type of endorsement is astounding and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.’
Black Nova Designs is now part of WooCommerce’s official directory.
‘Gaining the Expert Partner badge means we are doing something right! We are delivering consistent quality and reliability to our clients,” she reflected.
‘For us it’s about making business technology simple, safe and affordable for everyone and not compromising on quality.’
‘Also, being in this partnership keeps us accountable. WooCommerce only endorse those who reach their highest standards and to be among this high calibre of companies is so exciting for us.’
A long way travelled
I can’t believe how far we’ve come as a small, local business. We have reached these amazing heights and it’s down to our staff and the trust our clients have in us!’
‘The future is bright!’
Black Nova Designs is a trusted provider of IT support, web design and hosting services. They support over 1,000 clients across the UK. They’re known for offering accessible, down-to-earth support and high-quality websites.
This one-time dirt track now traffic heavy thoroughfare takes its name from the County Ground sports stadium (or Wiltshire County Ground as it was in the first instance) to which it gave/gives access. That’s reason one for its significance here. The sports ground opened in May 1893 for the playing of football and cricket on a piece of land made available to the town by Fitzroy Pleydell Goddard. The Goddards being the Lords of the Manor in Old Swindon.
Anecdotally, I’m informed the County Ground housed Italian POWs during WWII. A Born Again Swindonian reader tells he remembers seeing them walking round the town clad in khaki greatcoats with coloured patches on the sleeves.
The Arkell’s stand at the County Ground in SwindonSculpture of Don Rogers at the County GroundCounty Road Swindon – a view of County Road showing the County Ground Hotel on the left and looking in the direction of the Magic Roundabout
1897
In 1897 the County Ground Hotel opened a mere few yards from the stadium of Swindon Town Football Club. It’s a popular watering hole for STFC’s fanbase when there’s an at home match. And a regular local when they aren’t. Somewhat surprising for a pub associated with a football ground, it’s also got links with pugilism. In fact, the pub’s favourite sport in modern times has been boxing, having been equipped with a gymnasium and former licensee Pete Neal a well-known former boxer. For more info on the County Ground Hotel go here: https://swindonian.me/2019/01/19/the-county-ground-hotel-swindon/
Reason two for the presence of this road in this tome is the location at one end, of that Swindon icon, the Magic Roundabout – called, in the first instance, County Islands roundabout. Swindonians though had other ideas and nicknamed it the Magic Roundabout after the TV show of that name. At length the council bowed to the inevitable and made an official name change – and the Magic Roundabout it’s been ever since.
The majestic, magnificent Magic Roundabout – effortlessly processing traffic since its 1972 opening. The road with the fire station on the left as you proceed away from the Magic Roundabout is Fleming Way. The exit to the right, as you view the image, is County Road. Image by Jason Spickett, Swindon from the Air
The Arkell’s mural
Then at the other end of the road, you’ll find reason three, a striking advertising mural for Arkell’s brewery. This mural is often and erroneously attributed to Swindon’s famous muralist, Ken White. In fact, the mural is the work of one Sarah Faulkner who painted it in 1985. Arkell’s commissioned it to celebrate their brewing expertise and existence in Swindon since 1843. You’ll find it on the end house of County Road, at its northern end, opposite the Transfer Bridges – obscured by scaffolding more’s the pity. The image shows it in 2017.
The Arkell’s mural on County Road painted in 1985 by Sarah Faulkner – this photograph dated 2017
On the map
As you can see from this 1900 section of map, County Road is not so named – it’s still an unnamed dirt road at this point.
1900 section of map showing the County Ground and the as-yet-un-named-road
The Sheldon/Tomkins Roadways book gives 1905 as the date of the County Road name coming into being. Be that as it may, maps in the Local Studies section of Swindon central library have it marked in1923 so we can be sure it had got that name by then.
1942 map section showing County Road and development of the surrounding area
Inaugural Street Hockey Tournament for Youngsters launched by South Swindon parish council.
South Swindon Parish Council are inviting as many young people aged 8 – 16 as possible to take part in their first ever South Swindon Street Hockey Tournament.
On Sunday 16th August, from 1 – 4pm at the Buckhurst Field PlayZone, six teams are competing for the first annual Buckhurst Cup.
Inaugural Street Hockey Tournament for Youngsters
The tournament is free and open to everyone aged 8–16. whether they’ve played hockey before or are trying it for the first time, all abilities are welcome. It will see six teams compete for the inaugural Buckhurst Cup at the PlayZone Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) between 1pm and 4pm. As well as competing for the trophy, players will have the chance to win medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. And every participant receives a certificate to mark the occasion.
South Swindon Parish Council is running the event. It forms part of the Active Place Partnership and the Get Swindon Active programmes. Both of which encourage more young people to get active, build confidence and enjoy sport in their local community.
It’s being delivered in partnership with Swindon Wildcats Academy and Warrior Hockey. Warrior Hockey has generously sponsored the prizes. The UK Ice Hockey Foundation will be attending to support the event. The Pride in Place programme are also supporting.
Pete Winn, Activities Facilitator, who put the event together:
‘We’re excited to launch the first South Swindon Street Hockey Tournament. We want to see as many people there as possible. Get fit. Get active. Have fun.’
The Robins Pavilion café will be open throughout the afternoon, serving refreshments and food for players, families and spectators.
