Page 18 - link magazine

1 8
Suu^cda^ ZUlde

An alternative centre for Swindon's cultural development
The old railway museum in Faringdon Road is starting to become an interesting venue for arts activity, performance and events. In the last few
months it has been used for a beer festival, a skateboard competition and an exhibition space where Swindonians could illustrate their favourite
places.
Now it's an art gallery for an Every town needs a place where seum is beginning to create the be discussed in the next few
exhibition of paintings, photo- people can do things together to possibilities for new ideas to months - will the planning commit-
graphs and an art installation which extend and broaden its cultural and emerge. The opportunities are be- tee and English Heritage allow a
prompts thought on what it takes to community outlook, without over- ing created by the New Mechanics' Grade II' listed building to be sig-
make a town, called Swindon - our bearing energy sapping bureauc- Institution Trust, the group of vol- nificantly altered to accommodate
place in time. racy and regulation. or the require- unteers who have battled away for a hotel, flats and even a casino?
It's the first event to mark the ment to put forward lots of money eight years to save the derelict "Swindon - our place in time is
1 50th year since the Swindon Me- before an event even takes place Mechanics' Institute for commu- an attempt to prompt people to
chanics' Institute was commenced. or generate income. nity use, rather than see it fall into look at their town in different ways
built with funds raised by railway There are no venues in the town the hands of developers. and to encourage others to give
workers with the purpose of 'dis- which give Swindon people the In the Autumn the Charity Com- their views and perhaps put on
seminating useful knowledge and chance to make things happen in a mission allowed the trust additional events themselves."
encouraging rational amusement.' spontaneous way but the old mu- responsibilities to include educa- Artist Gordon Dickinson is
ti on. social welfare, leisure and pleased with the new opportunities
community development. to develop ideas. "It is so difficult to
LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALITY? These aims are starting to be get anything done in Swindon; there
realised by renting the museum is such a negative atmosphere.
deter §albraith from Swindon Council. The Mechanics' Trust deserve praise
Martha Parry said it was impor- for securing the use of the space.
tant for people living in the newer hope more people will come forward
Handbuilt fitted bedrooms parts of Swindon to learn more with projects for exhibitions, perform-
+ Individual handbuilt finish on about the Trust. "This year will be ance and workshops."
momentus for Swindon. It's 150 Swindon - our place in time is
all bedrooms
years since the Mechanics' open- open at the weekends until mid-
+ Manufactured individually to s.._, . ed, as a result of ordinary people February. To find out more about
customer requirements Free working together for the common the Mechanics and to enquire about
estimates good. The future of the building will putting on an event, call 520592.
+ Choose from over 40 different
finishes - hardwood, Woodworking since 1969:
pine sprayed and vinyl wrapped an e.vicellent finish and Still a few seats on offer
personal service guaranteed, The refurbished Arts Centre in Old Town opened 12 months ago, but
Tel: 01793 526335 all at an affordable price works goes on to complete the renewal.
The £660,000 spent dur-
ing 2002 improved access for
all customers, especially for
Com °r people with disabilities whilst
e rain
shine, winter L73ullerffy boul-lof a lot of work was undertaken
rner, backstage to improve condi-
Or Sum at Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park
the tions and safety for perform-
V1Slt on Hay Lane, south of M4, junction 16 ers and technicians.
tropic's in The intimate atmosphere
Wiltshire enjoyed by customers over
many years has been main-
Walk amongst some of the most tained by installing the same
beautiful butterflies in the world, narrow width seats which had
flying freely against a backdrop I to be imported from Spain.
of tropical plants and skimming The budget did not cover the
over fish filled pools - a truly £40,000 cost of redecoration
magical experience. of the auditorium and replace-
ment of the 210 seats which
Observe the full life cycle of is being met by the Friends of Arts Centre manager Clary Bean with the
the butterfly from the tiny egg
the Arts Centre. Swindon seat sponsored by The Link
to the ever hungry caterpillar, Council loaned the Friends
through to the pupa stage
£16,000 to ensure the seats could Friends are looking for 60 more
before emerging as a beautiful be installed before the reopening sponsors to pay £150 to have their
butterfly.
last January. names engraved on a plate at-
Spiders. scorpions. mantis and A seat sponsorship scheme has tached to the back of a seat.
many more fascinating insects drawn support from 150 local and The Friends have also organ-
are on display in our mini beast
international backers including film ised fundraising concerts by local
house.
I stars like Dame Judi Dench and supporters like Swindon Amateur
Other attractions at Studley Kenneth Branagh. comedians Light Operatic Society and guitar-
Studley Grange Garden Grange include: Julian Clary and Harry Hill. The ist Gordon Giltrap.
and Leisure Park • Craft Village.
Hay Lane, Wroughton, • Blooms Garden Centre Fundraising events in February:
Friends of the Arts Centre members will receive £2 discounts on ticket
Swindon SN4 9QT • World of Water r. prices for Reginald D Hunter. the cutting edge American comedian. on
• Pet Shed
Tel: 01793 852400 6th and A Very Naughty Boy on 20th. Adrian Poynton's play about
• Bonkers
Graham Chapman. Monty Python's biggest loony.
info: studleygrange.co.uk children's See the Swindon Wide listings for other shows. For details of seat
soft play
sponsorship and becoming a Friend, call in at the Arts Centre, Devizes
area
Road, Old Town, or 'phone 614837.