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.
This is the story of Swindon’s famous crocodile. The one that lives on the top floor of Apsley House, home to Swindon’s museum and art gallery. Well – sort of. More on that later.
The Mechanics’ Matters Newsletter
The building has been through three independent reviews. Two of these reviews covered viability proposals. And we’re pleased to say that a use, based on the Trust’s own proposals, is deemed viable.
Back in the day, Swindon was something of a mural capital thanks to the work of Swindon-born artist Ken White. One by one his murals disappeared and now only one remains, the first one, the Golden Lion Bridge mural.
Swindon Health Hydro Newsletter – from the friends of Swindon Health Hydro edited only for SEO and YOAST purposes.
‘We had a fantastic response to our survey about GWR Park – over 400 people told us why the park is important and what needs to change. A draft conservation management plan has now been prepared by landscape architects Cookson and Tickner. That plan that takes on board these views and sets out the park’s future management.
As if all the bru ha ha surrounding the Oasis leisure centre were not enough and in a week when SBC announce their intention of launching a city status bid, they also announce closure of the museum and art gallery in Swindon’s Old Town.
Quite how one might a city in possession of an art collection of national importance yet nowhere to see it is a mystery to me. But then so much of what SBC does is a mystery to me. This is the unfunniest of jokes.
This week, the SOS campaign saw an important development.
Right out of the blue Damien Siviter, part of SevenCapital’s executive team contacted the campaign, requesting a meeting. Thus, on Wednesday of this week, two campaign representatives, Tony Hillier and Neil Robinson headed to the Park Lane, London offices of the development company.
Swindon artist and Old Town resident, David Bent is exhibiting at Tetbury Good’s Shed.
David’s Out of This World exhibition runs from 30th June to 29th August 2021. Opening times are 11-4pm Wednesdays through Sundays.
Swindon possesses an important slice of social history. One that shows how health and leisure provision have changed throughout the years. And how important that is to people’s welfare. Both physical and mental. It began with the GWR Medical Fund Society and comes right up to date and feeds into the current Oasis saga.
From one of the campaign team, Helena Williams Bowie, on the topic of the Oasis and inclusivity.
Back in 1972 when Swindon’s elders conceived the Oasis, the town had a population around half of what it is today. They knew back then the town’s population could and would have a rapid increase. And indeed, the expansion of Swindon continues almost 50 years on. Back then the administration in charge had a bold vision. Now we’re lacking facilities with double the population.
Poetry at the Oasis
So yesterday’s rally organised by the Save Oasis Swindon campaign, produced two perfectly poetic outpourings.
