Loved this, John. I was drawn to Swindon in the mid-80s. At the time there was nowhere better to be an artist and get paid for it. As the GLC bit the dust a number of senior people moved to Swindon, where they enacted a form of left-wing politics that had working class living at its heart. The local authority began to spend more per capita on community arts than anywhere else in England.
I have a vivid memory later in the early 1990s of directing a short film about the delights of the town. It featured material shot in The Oasis and The Link Centre, the Brunel Centre and the Renault Building.
They were strange times, but I retain a soft spot for Swindon. I was very happy there.
Martin Parry is the custodian of all things Swindon on video. He is the expert on Swindon Viewpoint - that cable TV station you refer to in the programme. He also was the Director of Media Arts Swindon, where I worked. He’s easy to track down.
Swindon's history seems to be one of boom and bust. Boomed during the GWR times. Bust when that industry went offshore. Boomed when the council managed to attract various big businesses. Bust again now as various businesses leave.
It is a real shame that the council have let buildings like the mechanics institute, the locarno and the oasis rot away.
We actually *have* an Austin Maxi, John, if you want to come to Basingstoke. No requirement to sit in the boot.
Oh my god. If you share some pics of it with me it could be the official Monstrosities Mon Amour Maxi
Did you know that the Maxi was classed as a camper/caravanette due to the seats folding to give a space that two adults could sleep in?
Thoroughly enjoyed this, Jon & @Helen Barrett - no mention of Coate Water & the diving board though!
Can’t apologise enough!
😂
*John
Loved this, John. I was drawn to Swindon in the mid-80s. At the time there was nowhere better to be an artist and get paid for it. As the GLC bit the dust a number of senior people moved to Swindon, where they enacted a form of left-wing politics that had working class living at its heart. The local authority began to spend more per capita on community arts than anywhere else in England.
I have a vivid memory later in the early 1990s of directing a short film about the delights of the town. It featured material shot in The Oasis and The Link Centre, the Brunel Centre and the Renault Building.
They were strange times, but I retain a soft spot for Swindon. I was very happy there.
Fantastic, I didn’t know this about its arts scene. Does that video still exist?
Martin Parry is the custodian of all things Swindon on video. He is the expert on Swindon Viewpoint - that cable TV station you refer to in the programme. He also was the Director of Media Arts Swindon, where I worked. He’s easy to track down.
Fantastic, I didn’t know this about its arts scene. Does that video still exist?
We recently had a load of artists in Swindon creating street murals. Some of the murals are really stunning.
Interesting podcast, thanks.
Swindon's history seems to be one of boom and bust. Boomed during the GWR times. Bust when that industry went offshore. Boomed when the council managed to attract various big businesses. Bust again now as various businesses leave.
It is a real shame that the council have let buildings like the mechanics institute, the locarno and the oasis rot away.