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Community News

Gilberts celebrates 150 years of furnishing the town

Gilberts of Swindon celebrates its are a business that they can trust.”
150th anniversary this year. One of the first things a customer
The store’s iconic building, which will notice when they walk into
occupies a prominent position on the store is the vintage typewriter
the roundabout at the junction of that takes pride of place on Mr
Newport Street and High Street in Gatrill’s desk. The machine belonged
Old Town, has changed little since it to the store’s former owner, Harry
opened its doors in 1866. Lawrence, who served at the store
Owner Graeme Gatrill, who joined for 67 years.
the firm in 1971, views the rich Mt Gatrill explained: “A lot of
heritage of the store as one of its our customers comment on the
greatest assets. typewriter when they come in to
He explained: “Gilberts is in the the store. Harry joined the store
same building it occupied when shortly after the war as a French
it first opened. At one point, the polisher and cabinet maker.
shop had a warehouse in Newport “He would cycle out to the large
Street and another in Abingdon. manor houses and knock at the
But this building has always been tradesmen’s entrance to see if any Owner of Gilberts, Graeme Gatrill , outside the iconic store
the heart of the business. It’s a very of their furniture needed repairing. the business. Gilberts is one of the tunnel that in medieval times used
good spot because you get people When he became a fully qualified oldest established companies in to allow monks to sneak from their
slowing down to look at what’s in French polisher, he would be Old Town, along with Deacons the monastery in the Lawns to the pub
the window.” allowed to knock at the front door. Jewellers and Blaylock’s shoe shop. and back without being spotted.
Mr Gatrill added that part of the That’s how society worked back The business played a key role Gilberts was founded by former
store’s success over the years is that then. He was a wonderful man and during the first World War, when it mayor of Swindon John Gilbert
they have managed to build up a like a father figure to me.” was called on to supply furniture for before being taken over by Peter
great deal of customer loyalty and Mr Lawrence passed away at the Chisledon camp – a key staging post Robinson, whose father founded
trust over the years. age of 87 in 2010, having worked for soldiers. Radio Rentals.
“We are into our third generation at the store right up until his death And the building holds another It is now run by Mr Gatrill and his
of families shopping with us. I but his legacy still lives on. secret - hidden beneath a large son Geoff.
suppose people recognise the level Although furniture is selling flower planter that dominates a Gilberts is open six days a week
of personal service and they’ve well, carpet fitting has in recent shared entrance with the cycle shop and can be contacted on 01793
grown up with us, knowing that we years become the major part of next door is the entrance to a secret 431992.

Brass band hit a high note

Swindon Brass members Charlie Teasdale, Cheryl Cowley,
Director Francis Cowley, Julie Hedge and Susan Blackwell
Swindon Brass are blowing their group. At the moment our youngest
own trumpets after managing is 18 and our oldest, Musical
to secure a permanent rehearsal Director Francis Cowley, is 89.”
venue. Mr Cowley said: “It’s a wonderful
The group had found themselves group. We all enjoy playing a wide
priced out of their previous home variety of music and we would love
at Pegasus Hall in Stratton after a to attract new members to come
doubling of rent. However, the band along and join in.”
was soon able to find a new home Musical director Francis Cowley
at All Saint’s Church on Southbrook spent 50 years as Musical Director
Street where they have now been for Swindon Pegasus Brass Band
for two months. before launching Swindon Brass in
And now the 26-strong group is 1991.
keen to recruit new members. Swindon Brass practices twice a
Group spokeswoman Charlie week on Mondays and Thursdays
Teasdale said: “We’re a really at 8pm at All Saints Church
friendly band and we’re always on Community Hall on Southbrook
the lookout for new members. We Street. To get in touch, email:
have members from a wide age [email protected]
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