14th November 2021 Richard Jefferies Wild LifeSo, last weekend saw me in the delightful company of many familiar faces for the launch of this book, by Mike Pringle, at the Christ Church community centre: And the back cover: Back cover of Richard Jefferies wildlife by...
SWINDON THEATRES TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MOBILOO AT THEIR PANTOMIME Swindon Theatres Mobiloo FundraisingAs Swindon approaches Christmas and the fun and frolics of panto season, Swindon Theatres are on a mission to create an accessible experience for even more families this...
Lovers of swing and jazz music are in for a treat as the Wiltshire-based ensemble FTO Big Band takes to the stage at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon.
Young people from RPA (Revolution Performing Arts) Rapport CIC are working hard to make their next amazing live Swindon performance a visual and musical feast.
Many Swindonians are up in arms right now. The reason? Swindon Borough Council’s decision not to reopen Swindon’s museum and art gallery when Covid restrictions lifted. That’s a long story not for telling here. Suffice it to say, this decision is mystifying in so many ways. Not least of which is that it’s so at odds with the current message from both government and arts organisations. That message being that people want museums and cultural activities on their high streets more than they want pubs.
A SoMAG response to a question
NB: I’ve edited the following only for the purposes of SEO &YOAST
Dr Barbara Swan sits on the committee of the Friends of the Museum and Art Gallery. At SBC’s cabinet meeting on 13th Oct 2021 she asked this question of the Leader: ( a title I can’t hear without thinking of Daleks …)
Can the council explain the financial logic of selling off a substantial piece of property in a prime location [Apsley House], at a time when interest rates on cash deposits are very low, to part- fund a project that has no starting date as yet?
Given that property is the one asset that historically increases substantially in value, what’s the financial argument for selling the building now? Surely it makes far better sense to make the necessary repairs (which we understand you’re making in order to make it saleable) and hang on to it so the council can get maximum benefit from its future appreciation in value?
Having written a short piece on my memories of The Oasis, it feels timely to think back on another important, but threatened piece of Swindon heritage, the Bath Road Museum.
Museum and Art Gallery Latest
This post is by way of giving a round-up of recent occurrences in the Swindon museum and art gallery situation.
New Single from Jol Rose
Today sees the release of the new single from Swindon songwriter Jol Rose. ‘Yesterday’s Waltz’ tells the tale of a relationship that danced through disaster. It’s the the first track to get released from the performer’s forthcoming – and so far untitled – album.
A Swindon Radical Visits Venus
There’s been rather a lot of hobnobbing happening of late. By which I mean activities involving authors of the Hobnob Press stable. In the first instance, I’ve twice in recent weeks, dined at the Polish Club with David Bradshaw, author of Hobnob Press book Swimming without Mangoes. At those delightful dinners we swapped our respective titles. And there’s more about that in this Swindon in 50 Drinks post about żywiec Polish Pilsner Beer.
Looking Good Dead at the Wyvern Theatre
It’s been a long time listeners. I simply can’t remember when I was last at the theatre. But we’re back! For now at least …
An innovative new community hub with café will open soon in Swindon Town Centre. Swindon Hub will provide a welcoming café and community arts space. There’ll also be meeting and event spaces for community groups and small businesses to hire.
