Swindonian Blog Posts
Swindon news, views, history and culture
The Health Hydro Swindon
Whenever I walk into the Health Hydro Swindon I’m taken back in time to my childhood in Derbyshire. For in Cresswell we had a mini version of the Health Hydro in the form of a Victorian swimming baths.
Swindon Old Town Ram Sculpture
When I mention RAM dear listeners I speak not of Random Access Memory a la computer land but of the Swindon Ram Public Art piece in Old Town
David Bent Art Print Salutes C-130 Ops Partnership
Well known, nay renowned, for his aviation art, David has produced an art work in celebration of a half-century partnership between RAF Marshal Aerospace & Defence and Lockheed Martin – the manufacturer of the Hercules C130.
The Hoarusib Elephant Bull – in Swindon
4th December 2016 [jetpack_subscription_form] 'Today I went to a field in Wiltshire to witness the unveiling of a life-sized plaster elephant.' A sentence I expected to utter never. But life is full of surprises huh? So. We have an elephant. in Swindon - well...
A Brief Cufflink History
Off the cuff: a brief history of cufflinks http://www.office-dress-shirts.com/shirt_cufflinks.html: A Brief Cufflink History‘A cufflink is a decorative fastener. One worn by men or women to fasten the two sides of the cuff on a dress shirt or blouse. Cufflinks are...
David Bent Exhibition St George’s
Situated in the crypt at St George’s is an exhibition of David Bent’s work. The building is described by a director of the British Museum as ‘a building which we think of as a twin sister’ – both were designed by the same architect, Sir Robert Smirke. Presumably he wasn’t having a laugh…
7 reasons & 4 places to shop local
7 reasons & five places to shop local.
In the midst of the Covid19 pandemic there’s much talk fo supporting local businesses – whether they’re online or bricks and mortar. It’s a topic I’ve banged on about a lot over the years. I first put this post together in 2016.
So here are 7 reasons why you should shop locally and 5 places to do it in Swindon.
The Railway Cottage Museum Swindon
The railway worker’s cottage, in the heart of the GWR Railway Village Conservation area, is run by the Mechanics’ Institution Trust.
David Bent at Russell-Cotes
David is currently exhibiting at the Russell-Cotes museum so Carole kindly took me down there to visit as she had a meeting there. While she was busy doing important meeting stuff I was lucky enough to have a gander around this utter gem of a place. I’d never heard of it let alone been to it – and if you haven’t then you must! Preferably while David’s exhibition is still running because his art is wonderful and worth seeing always – but just generally too.
Starr Brothers Blue Plaques
I share a birthday with Harold Starr! On Thursday the 8th of September I’ll be 60 years old. And it’s thanks to Harold and his ilk that I’m here to celebrate that milestone. So when I raise a glass to toast my birthday I’ll raise one to toast Harold and his brother too. Starrs in every sense of the word!
Swindon in 50 more buildings
West Swindon – What the eye doesn’t see
Swindon – A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide
We Are Swindon
