Page 24 - link magazine

Swindon Wide

Swindon then & now

Coming up on 9 July

At about 7am, just before the town’s
famous Magic Roundabout reopens after
planned maintenance work, there will be
an incredible convoy of 60 cars of today
and from the past, all of which have parts
made in Swindon at the town’s Mini Plant,
formerly Pressed Steel.
An exhibition at Steam Museum featuring a rich legacy and contrast them with recent BMW Group are celebrating Mini Plant
rich array of photographs from the extensive photographs taken by Peter Benson from similar Swindon sixtieth year of production in
photographic archives held by Swindon Council, perspectives. conjunction with Swindon 175 by bringing
contrasted with recently taken images provides a We’re thrilled with the results and want to hear a wide range of vehicles together which
fascinating overview of the town in the past and what visitors from Swindon and further afield have will parade around the Magic Roundabout
today. to say about both the photographic evidence and before heading towards Lydiard Park for a
Elaine Arthurs, assistant curator for Museums also their impressions of the town itself.” static exhibition starting at 9.45am
and Heritage at Swindon Borough Council, above, Children have the chance to make their own
said: “The exhibition charts the many changes in Swindon: Then and Now collages at two holiday Starting at 12noon on 9 July is the town’s
the town’s urban landscape and is a wonderful activity days on 28 July and 11 August. This will be traditional Children’s Fete in GWR Park on
opportunity for visitors to see some of the glorious free with standard admission. Faringdon Road, celebrating 150 years since
black and white images that are part of Swindon’s www.steam-museum.org.uk it was first held.
There will be stalls from community
Swindon Arts Trail: 5 June to 3 July groups from all over Swindon representing
a wide range of causes, as well as every
The trail will feature some of the very best art Artsite, the Central Library. nationality now settled in the town.
Made in Swindon, displayed at 16 venues across Visitors will be able to enjoy fresh and exciting Music, games and activities, a traditional
the town. ceramics, textile art, a new community mural, fine steam-powered carousel and a wooden
Organised by two local artists and developed as art drawing and painting – all of which have a helter-skelter will give the event a
a spin-off event of the popular, well-established close link with Swindon. traditional flavour. And there are rumours
Swindon Open Studios weekends in the Autumn, For the latest information about the trail, the an impersonator of the famous French
the venues hosting the trail range from the historic venues and the artists taking part, see: tightrope walker Charles Blondin will make
- Steam Museum, Swindon Dance, The Beehive, www/swindonopenstudios.yolasite.com/ an appearance.
The Glue Pot to the modern - Darkroom Espresso, or Facebook: Swindon Arts Trail For details see Facebook: Childrens Fete

24 swindonlink.com n June 2016

June 2016 Master Pages.indd 24 19/05/2016 09:57