Culture and the High Street

Culture and the High Street

Oct 29, 2021 |

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.

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A SoMAG response

A SoMAG response

Oct 20, 2021 | ,

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?

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New Single from Jol Rose

New Single from Jol Rose

Oct 5, 2021 |

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.

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A Swindon Radical Visits Venus

A Swindon Radical Visits Venus

Oct 2, 2021 | ,

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.

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New Swindon Community Hub

New Swindon Community Hub

Sep 14, 2021 | ,

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. 

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Malmesbury Turner Going on Display

Malmesbury Turner Going on Display

Sep 9, 2021 |

MALMESBURY TURNER ON DISPLAY FOR HERITAGE OPEN DAYS To celebrate the upcoming Heritage Open Days across the UK, volunteers at the Athelstan Museum will be shining a light on their ‘own’ Turner painting. The painting depicts Malmesbury Abbey.Sharon Nolan, chairman of...

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Mechanics’ Matters Newsletter No 2

Mechanics’ Matters Newsletter No 2

Aug 18, 2021 | , ,

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. It brings together over 2,000 local people and organisations, and thousands of volunteers.  Places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. The Mechanics’ Institution Trust, in partnership with the Heritage Action Zone, are opening up some of its buildings and putting on several events.

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Swindon in 50 more buildings

West Swindon – What the eye doesn’t see

Swindon – A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide

We Are Swindon