Page 31 - link magazine

Swindon Wide

Celebrating the Swindon spirit Local writer proves to be a dark horse

Claire Fleming from Haydon End
has just published her second novel,
having enjoyed success with her
debut, Dark Horse, which is selling
well via Amazon in Europe, America
and in the UK.
She hopes the latest novel,
Drowning will follow in its
footsteps.
Claire works full time for Swindon
Martin Parry, the director of Railway Town Borough Council, but has been Claire Fleming of Haydon End
writing in her spare time since she
efforts to support Swindon men environmental challenges facing
History column by Graham Carter of who had become prisoners of war, was at junior school.
Swindon Heritage She said: “I use my website and the human race, and whether
exactly a hundred years ago. social media to spread the word technology has the answers.
She and her volunteers saved Claire explained: “I was on holiday
Call me biased if you like, but I lives, and their work was a about my books, but I’ve found
have to say Railway Town was a logistical wonder, as many aspects that the personal touch is really in a hot country and overhead a
triumph. of Swindon’s history were. effective. I’ve made new friends on lady say that she didn’t feel guilty
The premiere of Martin Parry’s And the Swindon Spirit is still local Facebook sites and I combined about using plenty of water, as
film sold out the Wyvern Theatre, at large in the town’s many the launch of my second novel with she’d paid for it. I wanted to capture
and if you catch a future screening community-minded individuals and a book signing at the Lambourn that sentiment in a story. It’s not as
or get the DVD, I promise it will tell groups today. We are still a friendly, Open Day. People were interested in heavy as it sounds. It’s still a warm,
you much about what I like to call caring and active town, but we are the fact I was there in person and humorous tale, but hopefully makes
the Swindon Spirit. no longer greater than the sum of wanted to know more about the the reader think more about our
That spirit is the reason Swindon our parts, on account of those parts writing process.” actions, our greed and consumerism.
has enjoyed 175 years of success not joining forces often enough. Dark Horse was written over the “I’m now planning a sequel
since Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Whereas there was once the course of a year - on long train to Dark Horse because people
Daniel Gooch decided to build their railway and the Mechanics’ journeys and also in Central Library. are wanting more with these
railway town here. Institute to unite people under It tells the tale of a graduate characters.”
I’m proud to have been a small the same umbrella, today we are forced to go on the run in sleepy Both books are available on Kindle,
part of the film, appearing in it more likely to turn to the council Gloucestershire. or in paperback and are stocked in
and taking part in a discussion on to guide and provide. But many do Drowning is set in 2025 and Central Library.
the stage of the Wyvern after the not realise or accept the council’s is more political. It was inspired Visit www.cfleming.co.uk and
screening. role - as they admit themselves - is by a non fiction book about the facebook.com/cflemingauthor
The talk on the night was mostly ever-diminishing.
about why a town that was so good So who is going to step up to the
at solving problems for so long isn’t mark in the future? Head
always on the ball now. My favourite bit of Railway Town
What happened to the spirit that comes near the end, in footage of
made a little town the beating a bitter debate over the closure of Rush
heart of the world’s greatest ever the Railway Works in 1986, when
railway and provided the blueprint a railwayman begs to carry on
for Britain’s greatest ever invention, working, saying: “We can make 73 Basepoint, Rivermead Drive
the NHS? anything in Swindon.” Westlea, West Swindon
The film contains plenty of The defiance and the belief in Tel: 01793 602552
answers. The spirit grew out of the his voice was the Swindon Spirit
vision, co-operation, hard work and talking. Swindon’s heritage clearly
cleverness of previous generations demonstrates that we could Open Tuesday to Saturday.
of Swindonians, and as the editor make anything, and we probably Late night Wednesday & Thursday
of Swindon Heritage, I also get to could again. All we have to do is
highlight plenty more examples of get together, work together and Free parking Head Rush Hair
it at work. convince each other that we can. www.headrushsalon.co.uk
Wherever you look in our local www.swindonheritage.com
history, the Swindon Spirit shines A second screening of Railway
through. Our new summer edition, Town will take place on 7 June,
available from the end of May, 7pm, at a venue to be announced
includes the story of Mary Slade, at Facebook: Viewpoint Community
who won the MBE for her tireless Media
Starlight Walk for Prospect Hospice STRESSED?
By Sue Do you want to be relaxed
This year’s Starlight Walk takes discover the special illuminated
and able to cope?
place on Saturday 25 June leaving areas along the way. Get involved ◆ Your local family hairdresser
from Croft Leisure Centre. by dressing up in anything which ◆ 25% discount for Seniors Hypnotherapy can help.
The event costs £15 to regiester glows, lights up or just bright
and has a suggested sponsorship colours. Call now for an appointment Call Jan now to book
of £100. All money raised will go directly on 01793 871120 your FREE
You can choose from the 10km towards Prospect Hospice’s nursing initial consultation
or 15km routes around Old Town, care. www.prospect-hospice.net/ or 07967 363322
Wroughton and Wichelstowe and Events/starlight HOME VISITS AVAILABLE 0750 1066 717
swindonlink.com n June 2016 31

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