Volunteers behind the Athelstan 1100 Big Dig project in Malmesbury are celebrating. The reason being the receipt of a grant of £14,540 for this unique community heritage project taking place in July.
Swindon Irish Dance School Triumphs
Swindon Irish Dance School Triumphs. And who know we had an Irish dance school? Not me! Anyway. SWINDON dancers have become world champions in the most prestigious global, Irish dance competition.
Tom Holland Speaking in Malmesbury
Leading historian, broadcaster and podcast host Tom Holland will be the keynote speaker to open the new Athelstan Pilgrim Way. And his talk will also form part of Malmesbury’s events to celebrate the Athelstan 1100 anniversary this summer.
Donation Allows Museum to Celebrate
A generous donation from an entrepreneurial couple who have adopted Malmesbury as their second home is allowing the Athelstan Museum to host amazing Anglo Saxon artefacts to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Athelstan becoming King.
Introducing Swindon Heritage Preservation
The Mechanics’ Institution Trust has rebranded with a new public-facing name: Swindon Heritage Preservation. Our new slogan is ‘Conserving What Matters to Our Community’. Along with our new logo, we’re working with a local graphic designer to develop a new visual identity. An identity that includes all the buildings we currently operate, as well as some important heritage buildings and features of Swindon railway village and the WORKS area.
For Sale: Camden Street Art
LARGE colourful doors covered in street art by noted urban artists are being sold off at a Wiltshire auction house. Salvaged from the famous Camden Market in London the doors date from 2014 and a project organised by The Real Art of Street Art. The advocacy group provides walls and other surfaces for artists to spray paint.
Wiltshire Author Launches Second Novel
Lis McDermott, acclaimed author of He is Not Worthy (2022), has launched her second novel Echoes of Drowning.
Lis’ third novel The Identity Enigma is written and awaiting a late 2024 publication date. Thus proving that Lis, resident of Royal Wootton Bassett, continues to captivate readers with her compelling storytelling.
Swindon Writing III
As the title, Swindon Writing III, of this post suggests, there also exists Swindon Writing and Swindon Writing II. All of which, I’m pretty sure, have escaped my notice. Well that is until, earlier this week, I attended the launch of the eponymous volume with my chum, Lis McDermot. It just so happens that Lis is a contributor to this publication.
Calling all Swindon Artists
Calling all Swindon Artists. On 22nd April, Swindon Open Studios will be opening their online registration for artists to take part in this year’s event.
King Athelstan’s 1100th anniversary launches
King Athelstan’s 1100th anniversary launches with a talk posing the question of why the first King of England choose Malmesbury for his burial place.
Historian Tony McAleavy will try to answer the question ‘Why is the first King of England buried in Malmesbury?’ in the first of what promises to be a fascinating speakers’ programme. The programme marks 1100 years since Athelstan became king.
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap play is on its 70th anniversary tour. And it’s playing at the Wyvern Theatre this week.
Malmesbury marks English Civil War
Picture the scene: King Charles I’s Cavaliers are holding out in a Wiltshire market town when Cromwell’s men storm it. The result is a victory that sees the Parliamentarians take control.















