Swindonian Blog Posts
Swindon news, views, history and culture
10. The Oasis Pleasure Dome 1975
For No 10 in my series on Swindon in 50 More Buildings we’re paying a visit to the Oasis Pleasure Dome. Have you got your towel under your arm?
Swindon Festival update . . .good news!
Here we are with a Swindon festival update. The spring festival of the last two years has had to revert to being the Swindon Festival of Literature. Swindon celebrated that most marvellous annual event for over twenty-five years.
DANCING SISTERS CREATE TIKTOK SENSATION
Two teachers from Swindon’s Revolution Performing Arts, have caused a social media sensation with their version of the dance routine for pop star Harry Styles’ new single Treat People With Kindness.
9. The Southbrook Inn Swindon 18thC
The other week my regular guest blogger, Rebecca Davies, sent me a delightful and charming account of an older couple she once visited in Ferndale. It’s a lovely story and it’s further down in this post. But as her story is set in Ferndale I figured I could tie it in with a Swindon in 50 More Buildings post centred on the Southbrook Inn Swindon. Which happens to be in Ferndale.
Please Boost Harry’s Healing Fund
This post is not the normal fare for Born Again Swindonian. But I’m sharing a plea for help from a Swindon family because TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR HARRY’S HEALING FUND.
About Liddington Hill Swindon
One of many splendid things about Swindon is the great number of parks and open spaces we enjoy. Both in and around the town. And Liddington Hill is a mere one of those areas of great natural beauty that envelope and caress the town near and below it.
8. GWR Reading Rooms Rodbourne Swindon 1904
Between Secret Swindon and Swindon in 50 Buildings, I’ve given good coverage to Swindon’s Mechanics’ Institution itself in my published books. So this series of Swindon in 50 more buildings (pretty much stalled by Covid-19 for almost a year at the time of writing (January 2021) gives me a chance to give mention of Rodbourne Reading Rooms.
Purton Road Bridge Frieze
Purton Road Bridge Swindon – something I’ve seen often but have never thought too much about until Roger Ogle posted the photograph below on Facebook. That prompted me to ask him for more information about it.
Last Orders Gets Gold Award
Last Orders gets gold. This monster compendium of lost locals written by John Stooke has scooped the top prize at the annual awards held by the Guild of British Beer Writers. John's gold award is for the best 'not for profit' piece of writing in 2020.The substantial...
The Wiltshire Mummers’ Play
The Wiltshire Mummers’ Play: Mummers plays are an old Christmas tradition in many parts of the country. A group of friends would dress up, and go round the neighbourhood performing a little play. This had a set script. But, thanks to oral transmission, this would have varied from district to district. In return they received money and food, and, no doubt, drink.
Swindon in 50 more buildings
West Swindon – What the eye doesn’t see
Swindon – A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide
We Are Swindon
