Page 33 - link magazine

Recognising a Swindon writer
with a fascinating past
A book about a Swindon born writer, Ralph Bates, who rose to prominence
in the USA has been written by Mike Yates of Old Town.
In the late 1930’s Time Magazine
described Ralph Bates as ‘a better
writer than Ernest Hemingway.’ To-
day he is hardly remembered in his
home-town.
Born in 1899 Bates spent his early
life in Swindon and was in the Army
until 1918 before returning to work in
the Great Western Railway.
He joined the Communist party in
1923 and the lure of places beyond
Swindon saw him live in Paris and a talk about Bates at Swindon Central
Barcelona where he was involved in Library on 19 November.
trade union work and political agita- Find out more about Bates at:
tion against the rise of fascism in Spain. theralphbatesproject.co.uk which
After Franco’s fascist victory, Bates includes declassifi ed information on
moved to Mexico and then the USA how the secret service and Special
where he became Professor of English Branch monitored the author’s trav-
Literature at New York University. He els around Europe and his left wing
wrote ten novels, set in Spain and activities.
Mexico. His fi nal book, The Dolphin in
the Wood, is a semi-autobiographical Interested in creating
account of his early life in North Wilt- a fi lm club?
shire. Brian Little from North Swindon is
Bates died in New York in 2000, looking for people interested in form-
aged 101, where his wife, now also ing a fi lm/video club to produce their
101, still lives. own amateur fi lm. A certain amount
Mike’s book - Ralph Bates Swindon’s of expert advice will be available.
Church elds Academy Logo
unknown author - is available at Pen To fi nd out more call Brian on
& Paper in Old Town. He will be giving 07831 575758.
1. 2. 3.
Summer Fete

1964 - 2014

Celebrating 50 years

To celebrate our 50th Year we will be holding
a Summer Fete...

Saturday 13th September, 10 am - 2pm
Come along and have some fun, bring your friends and family and enjoy a range
of activities for all ages including Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Cake and Craft Stalls!
To book a stall...
Call Esther Newman on 01793 487286
or email: [email protected]

www.churchfields.org

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