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.
A Swindon Oasis SOS. Join the save the oasis campaign on the Oasis concourse on Saturday 15th June at 2pm to show your Oasis support.
Having covered the GWR workers’ tunnel and the GWR barracks in the railway village conservation area in this series, time now to look at Park House.
Grade II listed, Park House Swindon, sits on Church Place overlooking the GWR park, in the railway village.
Having covered a good chunk of Swindon’s fabulous GWR Railway Village in my Swindon in 50 Buildings book, I’m making up for the omission of this building there – here. If you’re with me.
Photography competition focuses on Swindon's architectural gems Visit Swindon is inviting photographers to focus on Swindon's architectural gems in its 2021 photography competition.The Architecture photo challenge follows the success of 2020's Hidden Gems photography...
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.
It began when civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and mechanical engineer Daniel Gooch put their railway works at the foot of Swindon Hill. Without that, Swindon as we know it wouldn’t exist.
Built in 1870, 380 ft (1115.8m), 15ft (4.6m) wide and 7ft (2-1m) high, the GWR Workers’ tunnel still provides the main pedestrian access from the railway village to the Works’ site.
