Swindonian Blog Posts
Swindon news, views, history and culture
A Kennet and Avon Canal Journey
Wiltshire is the finest county, with a great many things to see and do, and good access to London and Bristol. If, like me you’re interested in the past, there is, what appears to be, an endless supply of antiquities to study. Such as the Alton Barnes white horse.
RPA arts fun for ALL
RPA arts fun for ALL
The team at Revolution Performing Arts have joined the national HAF initiative. It’s backed by England footballer Marcus Rashford MBE.
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Closure
As if all the bru ha ha surrounding the Oasis leisure centre were not enough and in a week when SBC announce their intention of launching a city status bid, they also announce closure of the museum and art gallery in Swindon’s Old Town.
Quite how one might a city in possession of an art collection of national importance yet nowhere to see it is a mystery to me. But then so much of what SBC does is a mystery to me. This is the unfunniest of jokes.
Important Development for SOS Campaign
This week, the SOS campaign saw an important development.
Right out of the blue Damien Siviter, part of SevenCapital’s executive team contacted the campaign, requesting a meeting. Thus, on Wednesday of this week, two campaign representatives, Tony Hillier and Neil Robinson headed to the Park Lane, London offices of the development company.
David Bent Out of This World
Swindon artist and Old Town resident, David Bent is exhibiting at Tetbury Good’s Shed.
David’s Out of This World exhibition runs from 30th June to 29th August 2021. Opening times are 11-4pm Wednesdays through Sundays.
A Swindon Health and Leisure History
Swindon possesses an important slice of social history. One that shows how health and leisure provision have changed throughout the years. And how important that is to people’s welfare. Both physical and mental. It began with the GWR Medical Fund Society and comes right up to date and feeds into the current Oasis saga.
An open letter to Seven Capital
An open letter to Seven Capital
To tie in with the Save the Oasis campaign’s rally/protest on Saturday 19th June 2021, community union Acorn are delivering this letter to the Seven Capital offices in London on this very day!
The Oasis and Inclusivity
From one of the campaign team, Helena Williams Bowie, on the topic of the Oasis and inclusivity.
Back in 1972 when Swindon’s elders conceived the Oasis, the town had a population around half of what it is today. They knew back then the town’s population could and would have a rapid increase. And indeed, the expansion of Swindon continues almost 50 years on. Back then the administration in charge had a bold vision. Now we’re lacking facilities with double the population.
Poetry at the Swindon Oasis
Poetry at the Oasis
So yesterday’s rally organised by the Save Oasis Swindon campaign, produced two perfectly poetic outpourings.
Oasis reflections from the 1970s
So yesterday we had a Save the Oasis rally in front of the Oasis itself. In this post I want to share the Oasis reflections from the 1970s that I spoke of at the rally. But first, some comments about stuff said on Twitter by a certain Conservative councillor and Cabinet member. And I’m saying this as me, a Swindonian, looking at things from the outside in.
Swindon in 50 more buildings
West Swindon – What the eye doesn’t see
Swindon – A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide
We Are Swindon
