Well known, nay renowned, for his aviation art, David has produced an art work in celebration of a half-century partnership between RAF Marshal Aerospace & Defence and Lockheed Martin – the manufacturer of the Hercules C130.
The Hoarusib Elephant Bull – in Swindon
4th December 2016 [jetpack_subscription_form] 'Today I went to a field in Wiltshire to witness the unveiling of a life-sized plaster elephant.' A sentence I expected to utter never. But life is full of surprises huh? So. We have an elephant. in Swindon - well...
David Bent Exhibition St George’s
Situated in the crypt at St George’s is an exhibition of David Bent’s work. The building is described by a director of the British Museum as ‘a building which we think of as a twin sister’ – both were designed by the same architect, Sir Robert Smirke. Presumably he wasn’t having a laugh…
The Railway Cottage Museum Swindon
The railway worker’s cottage, in the heart of the GWR Railway Village Conservation area, is run by the Mechanics’ Institution Trust.
David Bent at Russell-Cotes
David is currently exhibiting at the Russell-Cotes museum so Carole kindly took me down there to visit as she had a meeting there. While she was busy doing important meeting stuff I was lucky enough to have a gander around this utter gem of a place. I’d never heard of it let alone been to it – and if you haven’t then you must! Preferably while David’s exhibition is still running because his art is wonderful and worth seeing always – but just generally too.
Starr Brothers Blue Plaques
I share a birthday with Harold Starr! On Thursday the 8th of September I’ll be 60 years old. And it’s thanks to Harold and his ilk that I’m here to celebrate that milestone. So when I raise a glass to toast my birthday I’ll raise one to toast Harold and his brother too. Starrs in every sense of the word!
The Richard Jefferies Railway Halt
Well that was a lot of fun! The grand opening of the Richard Jefferies Halt.
I’ve mentioned more than once listeners how much I love a miniature railway, or cable car or funicular or land train… So today was just lovely. It was all a bit ‘Railway Children’ for sure! But we had flags instead of red flannel petticoats.
White Horse Pacified rides again
20th June 2016 White Horse Pacified rides again Well listeners. This is a bit exciting and no mistake. This week I got a message via the blog from a lady called Julie Livsey - the creator of 'White Horse Pacified' - part of the West Swindon Sculpture trail. So this...
Feet Artwork Dorcan Mail Office Swindon
Not being a driver I don’t generally get to the Royal Mail sorting office out at Dorcan. But recently I was there with someone else and was pleasantly surprised to see this feet artwork on the perimeter fence of the Dorcan office.
Railway Town Film
It’s only a few days since Martin Parry’s pièce de rĂ©sistance ‘Railway Town Film’ was premiered at the Wyvern Theatre to a sell out crowd. I was privileged to be on the Q&A panel after the film – and what a great film it was. SUCH a wonderful testament to its maker and its subject matter: Swindon and its people.
It really was very moving and inspirational. It drove home just how much Swindon has to be proud of in its history and makes clear just how VERY special the Mechanics’ Institute is – make no mistake – that place is about SO much more than the building. It’s about the very heart and soul of New Swindon.
Another 6 Swindon-related songs
Following on from an earlier post listing 5 Swindon related songs here’s another 6 Swindon-related songs.
Hitesh Mistry and Higher
Greetings listeners! Let me introduce Histesh Mistry and Higher.















