While the SOS campaign didn’t apply to have the Oasis listed, it has both supported and fought for its listing. Ergo, the campaign welcomes the 1 December 2021 decision to Grade II list the Oasis Dome and lagoon pool.
Before I go any further let me stress that what follows is NOT an official Save Oasis Swindon campaign response to SevenCapital’s (7C) recent press release.
In the midst of the ongoing situation with the Oasis leisure centre, my ad-hoc guest blogger Rebecca Davies, shares her memories of the Oasis from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. My Memories of the Oasis, by Rebecca Davies BSc (Hons). I thought I ought to write...
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 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.
An open letter to Seven Capital
To tie in with the Save the Oasis campaign’s rally/protest on Saturday 19th June 2021, community union Acorn are delivering this letter to the Seven Capital offices in London on this very day!
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.
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.
