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.
So yesterday we had a Save the Oasis rally in front of the Oasis itself. In this post I want to share the Oasis reflections from the 1970s that I spoke of at the rally. But first, some comments about stuff said on Twitter by a certain Conservative councillor and Cabinet member. And I’m saying this as me, a Swindonian, looking at things from the outside in.
The Stratton Peace Memorial Swindon
So yesterday, together with two friends and two dogs, I strolled round Stratton following a Stratton history trail. One of the things this trail takes in, is the Stratton Peace memorial, the main focus of this post. But I’ll come back to that in a bit. First a bit of info about the Stratton treasure/history trail.
May 2021Swindon GWR Park Consultation Our survey says The GWR Park, in the GWR railway village, is a fabulous green space. It's one that's been much-loved and much-used by Swindon residents for over 170 years. Here it was, that the famous cricket hero, DR WG Grace,...
Dr Desmond Morris artist and anthropologist is a zoologist, ethologist & popular author on the topic of socio-biology & a son of Swindon!
Canadian Airman Memorial Swindon
On a corner of Ermin Street in the Stratton area of Swindon there sits this bench. What follows explains why it’s there.
Bradford on Avon is a market town in West Wiltshire, situated upon one of the many rivers in Britain called the Avon. Avon comes from afon – Welsh for river.
Saving the Oasis – the story so far
The Save the Oasis campaign has picked up many followers of late and gathered more traction on social media. So, I figured I’d post an update on who they are and the story so far.
Why do the council hate the Oasis? DO the council hate the Oasis?
I confess I’d not considered these questions at all until more than one person gave voice to them on Twitter. And the more I ponder, the more I’m forced to confront the prospect that perhaps they do. Let’s look at the evidence for the prosecution.
This week a practising architect with links to the original 1970s Oasis architects, contacted Save Oasis Swindon via social media. Robert Guy, of Bristol-based Arturus Architects, has thrown his full support behind the ongoing listing application with Historic England. He has personally written to them, urging for the Oasis to received listed status.
