Page 19 - link magazine

Community News

Trust says £22m gallery plan still on track following resignation

Trustees behind Swindon’s proposed
£22m art gallery and museum
project attempted to steady the ship
following the shock resignation of
director Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker
for “personal reasons”.
Before a packed meeting at New
College’s Phoenix Theatre, Robert
Hiscox, Chairman of Trustees,
reminded the audience of the
motivation behind the scheme and
the many benefits it would bring to
the town.
"If you build a beautiful
building here, it really will make a
measurable difference.
"This isn't just a place to hang art
and display collections, I seriously
believe it will give a throbbing heart Former SMAG director Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker with a model of the proposed new art gallery
to Swindon that you can all be
proud of." giving a new impression of who we Swindon Museum and Art Gallery the project, as people began to
He said that the development are." Trust, Robert Hiscox, said: appreciate what it will mean for
would have a considerable Among the business leaders “We had a lively debate, and by Swindon, and many people came
impact on the rest of the town, present at the meeting was the end of that it was clear that to us afterwards to ask what they
attracting new investment in shops, Excalibur's James Phipps who threw there is a huge amount of passion could do to help make it happen.
restaurants and cafes. his weight behind the plan: “We locally for Swindon to have this This is a very exciting time for
His passion was echoed by Mike won't be here in five to ten years new, iconic museum and art gallery Swindon indeed.”
Pringle of the Richard Jefferies if this project and the town centre in the town centre. SBC has committed £5m of
Museum who urged the people of regeneration doesn't happen," he "More than 140 people from capital funding and had secured a
the town to look beyond the town’s said. across the town attended and just £1.3m contribution from the Local
railway heritage and towards the At the end of the presentation seven people voted against the Enterprise Partnership.
future: "We have one chance to around 90 per cent of a show of proposal. The SMAG Trust plans to submit
save our museum, it's about a wider hands supported the new build. “There was considerable a £10m bid to the Heritage Lottery
view of Swindon's culture and After the event, the Chair of the enthusiasm in the room for Fund in November.
Ambassadors come out in force
for Switch On To Swindon

Volunteers provide vital support make refreshments for people using
to organisations in Swindon and their therapeutic services.
the people they are working to Are you fascinated by old
support. computers and gaming?
Do you enjoy the company of The Museum of Computing,
older people? which is open on a Friday and
The Milestones Trust- Abbey House Saturday has a range of roles on
in North Swindon are looking offer including helping with shop,
for volunteers to befriend their reception, admin and social media
residents and share interests with or helping with children’s clubs. The great and the good of the Coventry.
them. Maybe you enjoy games such Do you want to help children and town’s business community turned The breakfast event, which took
as chess or bridge, enjoy a chat families? out on Thursday 6 April for a place at The National Self Build and
over a cuppa or sharing the news. The Family Service has a range Switch On To Swindon networking Renovation Centre (NSBRC) was
This is a very flexible role both in of roles to assist their work with breakfast. attended by ambassadors, who are
time commitment and when you families needing extra support Munching on bacon baps and community-minded and business
can help. including befriending, individual drinking coffee, the attendees heard people who have signed up to
Enjoy meeting and greeting family support, helping with the from several speakers including support the campaign.
people? crèche, or driving. Jenny Groves, the newly appointed Other speakers included estate
Citizens Advice Swindon are To find out how you can get chair of The Swindon Place Board, agent Richard James, Kris Talikowski
looking for receptionists for their involved in these or any of the private sector-led body that is who runs The Core juice bar in Old
services in Swindon. You will be the many other volunteering driving the Switch On To Swindon Town and Harvey Fremlin, one of
welcoming clients of the service, opportunities please contact campaign. the employee-owners of NSBRC.
putting them at their ease as well Volunteer Centre Swindon on Switch On To Swindon is driven Switch On To Swindon is looking
as helping with admin duties. This 01793 420557 or email info@ by local businesses and community for more Ambassadors from all
role is ideal for someone who can swindonvolunteers.org.uk . We groups to support and deliver ranges of business and community
make a regular commitment. are at 1 John Street, Swindon and the changes they want to see. organisations to join the campaign
Enjoy meeting people and making we would love to see you between The campaign is based on similar to show people inside and outside
them feel welcome? 11am -3pm Monday to Friday. You initiatives from across the country of Swindon what the town has to
SWADS are looking for reception can also find these at the Do-it that have already brought in offer.
volunteers to meet and greet and website at https://do-it.org significant investment for their For more information visit www.
regions, including Doncaster and switchontoswindon.com
swindonlink.com n May 2017 19

NW May 2017 Master Pages.indd 19 20/04/2017 14:08