Swindonian Blog Posts
Swindon news, views, history and culture
The River Ray Parkway Part 2
You may (or may not) remember that Angela and I walked half of the River Ray Parkway last year, from Moulden Hill to John Lewis. This summer (2019) we finally got around to walking the second half, John Lewis to Coate Water.
No 1: Ouzo – it’s all Greek to me
7th August 2019
Four days ago myself and friends were out celebrating the launch at the Baker’s community cafe, of my second book Swindon in 50 Buildings.
Now, more than once in recent weeks the topic of covering Swindon in 50 Drinks arose. It was somewhat tongue-in-cheek TBH. But then I got to thinking ‘Why not?’ Something a little different for this blog.
Ergo, being as how the location for my book launch celebrations was the Greek Olive, what better drink to have for No 1 in this series than Ouzo.
The GWR Park Swindon
The GWR Park, in the centre of Swindon’s GWR Railway Village conservation area began life in 1844 as a cricket ground. In that year, the GWR bought land from Lt.Col.Vilett, a local landowner. That land, to the west of the new Railway Village, between Faringdon Road and St Mark’s Church became first a cricket ground and later the GWR Park – known also to some as The Plantation or Victoria Park.
Intelligent Dialogue Training and Coaching
IMHO, Intelligent Dialogue is a rather good name for a business that does what this Wiltshire-based business does do: training and coaching. And more of that soon.
But first let’s have a little look at the words that comprise this business’ name. Humour me – I did an English degree not long back – so I rather like a word! And there is a point to it – as I’m sure you’re intelligent enough to see.
Swindon Spitfire Heritage Celebrated
Everyone knows about Swindon’s incredible railway history, and the effect it had on the world during its heyday. But fewer people are aware of is Swindon’s aviation heritage. But this piece of public art at the Orbital centre in north Swindon is doing its bit to spread the word.
The Weighbridge Brewhouse
You may remember the Weighbridge Brewhouse under the management of the people from the Three Crowns at Brinkworth. It’s USP was that it was the same format as the Three Crowns: no starters, large plates of meat, tons of veg and lots of cream and butter. It was the closest thing that Swindon had to Fayn Dayning – though it wasn’t really. I loved it – though these days my digestive system is less enamoured of rich sauces. The desire is strong but the gut is weak.
Shoebox Theatre
At last! It’s been my intention to feature the small but perfectly formed Shoebox Theatre on here for ages of a crow. Yet somehow or other I’ve failed. Never mind – they’re here now!
David Bent – Out of the Box
Hello listeners. I appear to be reduced to sharing Linda Kasmaty’s blogs at the moment! Pfft. The day it was her post about Tim Carroll at the Bath Society of Arts Exhibition. Today it’s a Friends of Museum and Art Gallery post about David Bent’s recent talk to the friends. I was at that talk so don’t ask me what I was doing – or not doing – I’ve no idea.
There’s so much going on and I’ve got a business to run and Swindon Civic Voice stuff … hark, I hear violins! That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. So here’s a link to Linda’s post about David Bent’s ‘Out of the Box’ talk.
Tim Carroll Swindon Artist
t’s always fab to have some nice news to share on Born again Swindonian about any one of the lovely artists here in Swindon. This post is about Tim Carroll and the Bath Society of Artists Open Exhibition 2019.
The Nervi Football Stand that got away
Knowing that I have a passing interest, that’s by no means expert, in architecture, someone tagged me on Twitter the other day a with a link to a fabulous article.
From a blog called Calcio England and entitled ‘Florence, Rome, Swindon: How the Grand Master of Italian Stadium Design Nearly Made His Mark in England’, the article had my interest well and truly piqued.
Swindon in 50 more buildings
West Swindon – What the eye doesn’t see
Swindon – A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide
We Are Swindon
