Unlocked: Pandemic Portraits – or to give this book its full title – Unlocked: Portraits of a Pandemic. By A J Stone, this book is, as you’d imagine, an oral history drawn taken and transcribed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It’s funny where a Facebook conversation can take you. Today it’s about Swindon’s gorilla sculpture. Now residing in Queen’s Park, it began its Swindon life under the gazebo/pavilion (whatever we’re calling it) by the Wyvern Theatre.
I’m about half way through this book – and what an engaging read it is with many resonances for me – and even shared experiences. It’s also rather funny!
I had a working-class childhood in a mining area – Steve had a working-class childhood in an industrial Swindon. So many similarities. One working-class background is very much like another.
The Athelstan Museum’s popular teatime talks return again in February. They promise intriguing recollections about Malmesbury and its history.
Rare King Athelstan Coin Unveiled – a rare coin showing King Aethelstan’s crowned head and describing him as ‘King of All Britain’ will soon be on display at the Athelstan Museum in Malmesbury.
If it’s December then that means one thing: CHRISTMAS!! Oh – okay – TWO things – CHRISTMAS and the PANTOMIME. And everyone loves pantomime don’t they? Oh yes they do!! And we all love pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre.
Arthur Carron Blue Plaque – the work of Swindon Heritage – you can see some images of Arthur in his full operatic majesty here.
Author, Helen S Michaelsen, has released an advent calendar styled audiobook, to inspire and keep the magic of Christmas alive. It’s inspired by a little-known book her mother read to her as a child.
Swindon Literature Festival is 30! Planning is now underway for the next — the 30th no less — Swindon Festival of Literature, due to take place 1st – 7th May ’23.
Museum Shop Sunday at Athelstan museum in Malmesbury – The Athelstan Museum is opening its shop on Sunday November 27 as part of an international event.
Enchanted Gardens Light Trail Partners – South Swindon Parish Council is partnering with Brighter Futures, Prospect Hospice and ShopSmall Swindon at the Enchanted Gardens Light Trail 2022.
Last year the Parish Council partnered with Brighter Futures and raised over £25,000. The donations helped fund the new urgent treatment centre at Great Western Hospital. This year Brighter Futures will be running a winter raffle. And also selling some incredible Christmas stocking fillers.
Swindon’s Science Festival gets Arts Council Boost. Swindon’s successful Festival of Tomorrow will be back for its fourth year, after receiving a grant from the Arts Council of England. Thanks to the support, the festival will combine science and the arts. It’ll be teaming up with artists and Swindon arts organisations to find new ways to help people explore the science, technology and discoveries that will shape the future.
