Saturday 1st
Human Story Theatre Presents: Dry
Swindon Central Library, 7-8:30pm
Human Story Theatre presents in partnership with Turning Point, an edge of your seat drama about alcohol and the couple next door. James and Ellen Wilson find themselves indulging in one dinner party –and one bottle of wine – too many. When supper talk turns from light and amusing to barbed and accusatory is it time for them to think about their alcohol intake? Observing all is Chloe, their teenage daughter, whose cello playing provides a live musical emotional barometer of the household. One hour straight through. The performance is then followed by a Q&A session with guest professionals from Turning Point and other organisations. This is a free event, but please visit https://humanstorytheatre.com/#tickets to reserve your ticket.
Australia Day Wine Tasting
Eastcott Community Centre, Savernake Street, 7-10pm
G’day mates! Come and enjoy a wine tour Down Under, sampling a range of red and white wines from different states of Australia. You’ll learn about different grape varieties and how the Aussie climate and landscapes shape the wines we love. This promises to be a relaxed event suitable for all (over 18!) for a good cause – proceeds to Eastcott Community Organisation. Tickets £20 plus booking fee. This price includes cheese, bread, and at least 6 amazing wines. Tickets available from Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.co.uk.
Sunday2nd
Cheeki Monkeys Big Baby and Children’s Market
Grange Community Centre, 10:30am-12pm
Save up to 90% on quality pre-loved goods! Clothes, toys, prams, cots, walkers, high chairs, books, playpens and much more. Cash only. £2 per adult, children free. Free parking.
Short, Sharp Stroll
Coate Water Park, 11am-2pm
A gentle three mile walk around Coate Water Park, hopefully in the crisp winter sunshine. We will be looking at the stark landscape in the local area. This short stroll should suit those just starting out, recovering from injuries, or breaking in their new Christmas walking boots. Meet at Coate Water Ranger Centre. Please wear stout shoes and warm clothes. Event leader Tom Murawicki. Book in advance on 01793 490150 or email swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk
Monday 3rd
Memory Box Reading Group
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, 2-3:30pm
Do you enjoy history and listening to stories? Our group is meeting on the first and third Monday afternoon of every month to listen to an extract from one of the amazing collection of books in our Local Studies Library. We will take time to share memories and thoughts, and also have a chat over refreshments! If you would enjoy some friendly company in a relaxed environment, this is for you. All welcome! Free entry, parking right outside and refreshments, supported by Hob Nob Press. Read - Reminisce – Enjoy.
Wednesday 5th
Chip’n’Chatter
Richard Jefferies Museum, 1-4pm
Stone carving for adults of all skill levels. Donation towards costs. For more information, visit the Richard Jefferies Museum facebook page.
Swindon Film Society – The Divine Order
Swindon Arts Centre, 7:45pm
The year is 1970 and the suffragettes of Switzerland are marching for the vote. Hang on a minute, 1970? Yep! Swiss women only gained the vote in 1971. This comedy-drama gives us the fictional story of Nora, a housewife, who finds her voice during the Swiss referendum. Crime/Drama, certificate 12, 96 minutes. Tickets £9, available from www.swindontheatres.co.uk
Thursday 6th
Royal Wootton Bassett Cinema – Downton Abbey
Sixth Form Building, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, 7pm
The continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside in the early twentieth century. Drama/Romance, Certificate PG, 122 minutes. Tickets £5 (cash only please). Bottled drinks and sweets available for purchase.
Wroughton History Group Speaker Event
St Joseph’s Hall, Wroughton, 7:30-9pm
John Farrow will give a talk about ‘Wilts and Berkshire Canal’. All are welcome to attend. The first visit is free and after that there is a charge of £2 for non-members, payable on the night.
Friday 7th
Harry Potter Book Night
Waterstones, 14-15 The Plaza, 5:30-8:30pm
Wands at the ready – join us for the Triwizard Tournament, complete with magical challenges, games and activities! Tickets will be released daily from the 27th January at a cost of 50p per participant (parents/carers are welcome to come along too!) These will be strictly limited and can only be reserved with payment.
Swindon Philosophical Society Talk
Friends’ Meeting House, Eastcott Hill, 7:40pm-9:40pm
One hour talk by Lord Michael Wills on ‘State of Our Democracy’, followed by a one hour discussion. Everyone is welcome – just turn up. There is a charge of £2 to cover expenses (students free). www.facebook.com/swindonphilsoc
Saturday 8th
Conservation for Metal Detectorists
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, 10am-4pm
Join Wiltshire’s professional conservators Beth Baker and Kayleigh Spring for a day packed with talks and practical advice and activities. Aimed at current and budding metal detectorists, you will be given advice and information from archaeologists and conservators about dealing with finds. The day includes contributions from the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre’s own Archaeological Service who will outline the details of responsible detecting and the work of the Portable Antiquities scheme. With our combination of activities and useful information, we aim for you to walk away knowing how to proceed upon discovering finds that may need conservation and recording, who to contact for help, and services we may be able to offer you. £95, limited places – booking essential. Tickets for events at the History Centre may be purchased in advance at the Help Desk or can be reserved on 01249 705500 (Tues-Sat 9:30-5). Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your event begins.
Cricklade Menopause Café
The Barista, 48 Cricklade High Street, 2:30-4pm
Join The Barista Cricklade to meet and share experiences in a friendly environment, with coffee and cakes of course! Enjoy herbal teas, coffees, and delicious treats and snacks all in a positive and friendly environment.
Book Launch: We Love You, Mr Panda
Swindon Central Library, 6-8pm
Steve Antony and Swindon Libraries welcome you to the book launch of Steve’s latest Mr Panda book, We Love You, Mr Panda. Limited edition Mr Panda signed prints will be on sale for a minimum donation of £10, and there will be a raffle to win an amazing Mr Panda cake by acclaimed cake artist Leandra Lucas. All monies will go to www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk – helping children to read, thrive and grow. Steve Antony’s books will be on sale within the library, and he will be sign books between 7-8pm. The raffle winner will be announced at 7:30pm. This is a free event with limited availability, so to register your place please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk
Sunday 9th
An Introduction to Fruit Tree Pruning
Stanton Park, 10am-12pm
Learn how to prune an apple tree with ranger Ross Sheppard in the orchard at Stanton Park. This will give you an insight on the theory and practical application of fruit tree pruning, in order to improve the trees’ health, form and fruit yield. Meet at the Great Barn, Stanton Park. Please wear clothes to suit the weather and stout shoes. Bring a notepad, gardening gloves, secateurs and pruning saw if you have them. This is a free event, but book in advance on 01793 490150 or email swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk.
Tuesday 11th
Madhyapur Thimi
Swindon Central Library, 7-8:30pm
A talk from Christine Tipper, the Chair of the Swindon-Madhyapur Thimi Friendship Group on their Association following on from the success of the first visit to Swindon by the Nepalese delegation from Madhyapur Thimi. Tickets are £2 and are available from Swindon Central Library.
Wednesday 12th
Richard Jefferies Museum, 10am-4pm
Enjoy a quieter visit to the museum every second Wednesday of the month. Free entry.
Coeliac UK Coffee Social
McCtaffs Cake and Tea Room, The Brunel Centre, 2:30-4pm
Free, informal meet up at McCtaffs Cake and Tea Room on the first floor of the Brunel Centre. If you are free, we would love you to just drop in. You don’t need to be a member or even have a formal diagnosis. Family and friends are very welcome. So come along if you have any questions about gluten free living or just for a chat.
Swindon Society Talk
Goddard Park School, Welcombe Avenue, Park North, 7:30pm
February’s presentation will be ‘Swindon Steam’ by Colin Hatch. The meetings take the form of image presentations by members or visiting speakers. Members’ entry fee is 50p, visitors £3 and this includes light refreshments.
Swindon Film Society – The Guilty
Swindon Arts Centre, 7:45pm
When police officer Asger Holm is demoted to desk work and confined to the police station, he expects a sleepy beat as an emergency dispatcher. That all changes when he answers a panicked phone call from a kidnapped woman who then disconnects abruptly. Crime/Thriller, certificate 15, 85 minutes. Tickets £9, available from www.swindontheatres.co.uk.
Thursday 13th
Swindon’s GWR Village and the Railway Cottage Talk
Marriott Hotel, 7pm-9pm
A fascinating free talk on “Swindon’s GWR Village and the Railway Cottage”. Organised by the Swindon Boundless Group Thursday 13th February 2019 (7:00- 9:00 pm) Swindon Marriott Hotel. Did you know that Swindon Railway Village currently holds the English Heritage Status of GRADE II* and is therefore a site of National significance? Well if you’re interested in local history this is an event not to be missed! The Talk will be presented jointly by Mike & Pam Stubbs. They also hope to be accompanied by Katie Knowles, who is the Mechanics’ Institution Trust Trustee for the Railway Cottage. Free refreshments tea & coffee will be available. There is also plenty of free parking. Members and their guests are also invited to socialise in the bar afterwards. Please email swindongroup@boundlesscommunity.co.uk to confirm your attendance – to help us re seating etc.
Friday 14th
Swindon Philosophical Society Talk
Friends’ Meeting House, Eastcott Hill, 7:40pm-9:40pm
One hour talk by Neil Howard on ‘Economics for Hard Times’, followed by a one hour discussion. Everyone is welcome – just turn up. There is a charge of £2 to cover expenses (students free). https://www.facebook.com/swindonphilsoc/
Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group
Central Community Centre, 1:30pm
Meeting of the support group followed with a talk on Oakhouse Foods by Paul Magson and a talk on Thames Water by Rob Hanks. Meetings are held at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon SN1 5BP at 1.30pm. New members are always welcome. For further information, telephone Ali on 01793 634424 or email swindonosteoporosis@googlemail.com Website: www.swindon-osteoporosis.org.uk
Saturday 15th
An Introduction to Ancestry.co.uk
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, 9:30am-12pm
Are you unsure how to use the website Ancestry.co.uk but would like to get to grips with your family history? Ancestry contains many useful sources for family history. Find out how to get started in this hands-on workshop with Ian Hicks. Tickets £5. Places are limited, so booking is essential. Tickets for events at the History Centre may be purchased in advance at the Help Desk or can be reserved on 01249 705500 (Tues-Sat 9:30-5). Numbers may be limited so please reserve your ticket in advance. Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your event begins.
Come and Sing – Handel’s Messiah
Christ Church, Cricklade Street, 9:30am-5pm
A workshop hosted by Swindon Choral Society on the big choruses from Handel’s Messiah. The workshop will be led by Robin Nelson and Adam Meehan-Staines. Registration is from 9:30am with the first session starting at 10am. There will be an informal performance at 4pm. Cost £15 plus £2 for score hire if needed. To book visit www.swindonchoral.org.uk.
Wanborough Farmers Market
Village Hall Wanborough, 9am
The next Wanborough Farmers' Market and Community Cafe are on Saturday 15th February, 9am to midday in the Village Hall, Wanborough High Street SN4 0AD. For more information ring 01793 790438 or email sbirley@gn.apc.org
Saturday 15th - Sunday 23rd
Scarecrows
Roves Farm, 9am-5pm
Explore the farm on a bumpy tractor ride. This half term we’re following the scarecrow trail. Help us to protect the crops and scare the naughty birds away! How many scarecrows can you spot? And will we find our very own special, dingly, dangly scarecrow? For more information visit www.rovesfarm.co.uk.
Monday 17th
Memory Box Reading Group
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, 2-3:30pm
Do you enjoy history and listening to stories? Our group is meeting on the first and third Monday afternoon of every month to listen to an extract from one of the amazing collection of books in our Local Studies Library. We will take time to share memories and thoughts, and also have a chat over refreshments! If you would enjoy some friendly company in a relaxed environment, this is for you. All welcome! Free entry, parking right outside and refreshments, supported by Hob Nob Press. Read - Reminisce – Enjoy.
Wednesday 19th
Junior Bird Watch
Coate Water Park, 10am-12pm
What feathered friends will we see as we go out into the Nature Reserve at Coate Water? Come along and learn about the common ones, and see if we can identify the others which are rare. Meet at Coate Water Rangers’ Cottage. Please wear warm clothes, suitable for the weather. This event is suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years. Bring a bird ID book and binoculars if you have them. Your event leader will be Mark Jennings. This is a free event, but book in advance on 01793 490150 or email swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk.
Art for the Creatively Terrified
Richard Jefferies Museum, 10am-12pm
Art for adults who fancy having a go. £5 per person. Materials provided. Dress for mess. For more information, visit the Richard Jefferies Museum facebook page.
Cricklade Parkinson’s Café
Cricklade Club, Cricklade High Street, 10:30-11:30am
Join us for coffee and a chat on the third Wednesday of the month. Family and friends welcome.
Chip’n’Chatter
Richard Jefferies Museum, 1-4pm
Stone carving for adults of all skill levels. Donation towards costs. For more information, visit the Richard Jefferies Museum facebook page.
Chiseldon Local History Group Talk
Church Hall, Butts Road, Chiseldon, 7:30pm
Chris and Judy Rouse will present ‘Riots, Randies and Women Not Their Wives; the Railway Navvies, Their Social and Living Conditions’. Visitors are welcome, £3 per meeting or you can join for £10. For more information contact info@chiseldonlhg.org.uk
Cricklade Historical Society AGM and Talk
Cricklade Town Hall Annexe, 7:30pm
Thursday 20th
Wroughton History Group Open Meeting
St Joseph’s Church Hall, Wroughton, 7:30-9pm
All are welcome to attend. The first visit is free and after that there is a charge of £2 for non-members, payable on the night. Open evenings are for everyone to get together over tea/coffee and chat about events, share information (perhaps some old photographs), and discuss matters of interest to the group.
Cricklade WI 2020 Annual Meeting and The Terracotta Warriors
Cricklade Town Hall Annexe, 7:30pm
After voting to elect the president, Lew Lawton returns to talk about these Chinese Warriors.
Friday 21st
Swindon Stargazers Talk
Liddington Village Hall, Church Road, Liddington, 7:30-9:30pm
February’s talk will be ‘Orbits in the Solar System’ by Dr Jane Clark. In addition to monthly talks, the club offers the opportunity to go out on clear evenings with experienced amateurs to view the night sky, and as club members even borrow club telescopes. Alternatively bring along your own telescope and get help setting it up and getting the most out of it. The club meets on the third Friday of the month at Liddington Village Hall. See the club website for more information, including directions to the venue: http://swindonstargazers.com
Swindon Philosophical Society Talk
Friends’ Meeting House, Eastcott Hill, 7:40pm-9:40pm
One hour talk by Prof. David Waltham on ‘Why We Should Not Go to Mars’, followed by a one hour discussion. Everyone is welcome – just turn up. There is a charge of £2 to cover expenses (students free). https://www.facebook.com/swindonphilsoc/
Friday 21st - Saturday 22nd
‘Tomorrow’ – Swindon’s Science Festival
STEAM Museum, 10am-5pm
A two-day festival of science and engineering surrounded by Brunel’s engineering in Swindon, the hub of UK science and innovation. Scientists and engineers will exchange knowledge and ideas with the public. Partners from industry, government and academia will reveal the latest innovations for today and tomorrow. For more information, see www.steam-museum.org.uk.
Saturday 22nd
Stripped Club – Recycles
Recycles, Booth House, 1 Spring Close, 10am-3pm
It’s that time of year again! Recycles Stripped Club is back! This is a great opportunity to come and have a look through their basement, through their stock and offer them a deal they can’t refuse! If you are new to building bikes, maybe an experienced rider they have something for everyone. The event is a great chance to meet the team and find out more about what they do. The event has grown year on year and supports the ongoing work Recycles does within the community in Swindon. As a social enterprise, all the money they make is reinvested to support those experiencing homelessness.
Sunday 23rd
Dreamgate Psychic and Natural Therapies Fayre
Cricklade Town Hall, 10am-4pm
There will be mediums, tarot readers, incense, therapies, dreamcatchers, spiritual books, candles, aura camera, healing, jewellery, psychic readings, gifts and crafts. £2 entry (3 for 2).
Swindon Winter Image Bonsai Show
Grange Leisure Centre, Stratton St Margaret, 10:30am-4pm
Swindon and District Bonsai Society will be holding their annual Winter Image Show with bonsai sales, expert advice on hand, raffle prizes, visiting clubs and societies, refreshments, and awards. There are over 28 invited exhibitors with some of the best trees in the UK, and lots of traders offering everything that you need for the hobby. Entrance £5, accompanied children go free. Further details at www.swindon-bonsai.co.uk.
Barbary’s Lumps and Bumps
Barbary Castle, 2-4pm
Apart from the Iron Age hillfort, the lumps and bumps at Barbary Castle represent some 4,000 years from the Bronze Age to WW2 – find out which are which on this walk. Meet at Barbary Castle Country Park toilet block. Please wear warm clothes to suit the weather, stout shoes, waterproofs, and binoculars if you have them. Suitable for dogs. Your event leader will be Michael Lilley. This is a free event, but book in advance on 01793 490150 or email swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk.
Monday 24th
Highworth Historical Society Talk
Highworth United Reformed Church, High Street, Highworth, 7:30pm
February’s talk will be ‘Wilts and Berks Canal’ by John Farrow. Visitors £3, members admitted free of charge. Visitors to all events can pay on the door, however if you wish to book tickets in advance for our lectures or events please email tickets@highworthhistoricalsociety.org.uk or telephone Ms. Chris Suter on 01793 764811.
Tuesday 25th
Writers’ Café
Swindon Central Library Café, 7-9pm
The Artswords Writers’ Café is held every last Tuesday of the month. The emphasis is on writers and would-be writers connecting with one another, having a chat, and offering feedback on one another’s writing. Everyone and anyone interested in writing will be welcome!
Cricklade Cinema – Downton Abbey
Cricklade Town Hall, High Street, 8pm
Tickets £4 per film or £10 for a season ticket (3 films). Tickets can be bought on the night, or in advance from the Town Council Office at 113 High Street. We sell locally sourced ice creams at £1.50 each. We do not sell drinks, but if you wish to bring your own please do. We also supply you with notes on the films being screened,telling you what it’s about, who’s in it, and some expert opinion from film reviewers.
Wednesday 26th
Optimum’s Quiz
The Village Hotel, Shaw Ridge
Test your brains with Optimum’s Quiz. They’ll be staging a fun quiz evening to help raise money for our chosen charities, MIND and CLIC Sargent. They are looking for teams of 4 to take part. So if you fancy putting your brainpower to the test, gather up your work colleagues or friends and family and enter their quiz. £20 per team. For more information and to book your team, email theath@optps.co.uk.
Thursday 27th
Royal Wootton Bassett Cinema – Bait
Sixth Form Building, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, 7pm
Martin is a fisherman without a boat, his brother Steven having repurposed it as a tourist tripper. With their childhood home now a get-away for London money, Martin is displaced to the estate above the harbour. Drama, Certificate 15, 89 minutes. Tickets £5 (cash only please). Bottled drinks and sweets available for purchase.
Purton Historical Society Talk
Purton Village Hall, 7:30pm
February’s talk is titled ‘St Dunstan and the Miracle of Calne’ and will be given by Nick Baxter. Annual membership £15, guests £3 per meeting. New members and visitors always welcome. For further information contact Janet and Tony Neate on 01793 770117 tjneate57@gmail.com.
Friday 28th
Puzzle Creature
STEAM Museum, 7:30-9pm
Puzzle Creature is a multi-disciplinary dance work by Neon Dance that asks us to forget our mundane everyday and immerse ourselves in the magic of movement. Inspired by the death-eluding architecture designs of Arakwara and Madeline Gins, director Adrienne Hart has collaborated with three exceptional dance artists to create an immersive dance experience. Located within the museum’s Caerphilly Castle Hall, step inside an inflatable set design and allow yourself to be transfixed by performers dressed in wearable artefacts created by artist Ana Rajcevic as they transport you through choreographed action. Accompanied by a newly commissioned score for eight speakers by composer Sebastian Reynolds, this unique performance combines British and Japanese Sign Language and audio description alongside Reynolds’ evocative score. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.steam-museum.org.uk.
Swindon Philosophical Society Talk
Friends’ Meeting House, Eastcott Hill, 7:40pm-9:40pm
One hour talk by John Little on ‘The Evolution of Conscience’, followed by a one hour discussion. Everyone is welcome – just turn up. There is a charge of £2 to cover expenses (students free). www.facebook.com/swindonphilsoc
Saturday 29th
Beginner’s Guide to Spoon Carving
St Julian’s Community Woodland, St Julian’s Close, SN3 4AH, 10am-4pm
This is a great course for beginners to learn how our ancestors worked with wood to create elegant and functional utensils. Take home your own handmade wooden spoon! Cost £40. The reserve can be hard to find, so please look at directions before travelling and leave with plenty of time. For more information contact events@wiltshirewildlife.org or call 01380 829070.
How to Research the History of Your House
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, 10:30am-12:30pm
You don’t need to live in an old house to research its history. Whether you’re in a sixteenth century thatched cottage or a 1980s semi, there’s a wealth of information waiting to be uncovered. Who lived there and what did they do for a living, what did the house previously look like, how has it changed inside, and what was on the land before your house was built? This introductory hands-on workshop with Julie Davis and Max Parkin will give you all the skills you need to get started researching the building you live in and the people who called it home before you. Tickets £6, booking advisable. Tickets for events at the History Centre may be purchased in advance at the Help Desk or can be reserved on 01249 705500 (Tues-Sat 9:30-5). Numbers may be limited so please reserve your ticket in advance. Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your event begins.
ONGOING EVENTS
10th February - 11th April
Maps and Journeys Exhibition
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre Reception Foyer
An exhibition by L3 Art and Design students from Wiltshire College. Inspired by work collected as part of Creative Wiltshire, a National Heritage lottery funded project. Supported by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council.
Until 7th March
Glynn Uzzell, 1930-2014: A Retrospective Exhibition
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
Glynn Uzzell, painter and printmaker, was born in Swindon in 1930. During a long and rich artistic career, he exhibited across Europe and his works are in the collection of the V&A Museum, the Museum of Art and History in Geneva and the National Library of France. This retrospective exhibition brings together a selection of Uzzell’s vibrant and lyrical paintings and prints showcasing his talent and range as an artist. Uzzell spent many years living and working abroad, but this exhibition will help Swindon rediscover one of its most significant modern artists. This exhibition has been made possible due to the support of the artist’s family.
Time For Tea!
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
Our new ceramics exhibition brings together some of our favourite tea cups, teapots and other items from collections. This exhibition is displayed alongside modern ceramics by Ann Stokes, Lucy Rie and David Leach. We will also share Victorian and Edwardian tea sets from some of Britain’s finest pottery manufacturers.
Until 24th March
St. Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze: A Creative Celebration
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
St. Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze, is one of Swindon’s most historic and beautiful buildings. The Grade 1 listed church was awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2018 to conserve its medieval wallpaintings, monuments and decorative schemes. This exhibition will bring together the sketches and finished work created by the project’s Artists in Residence, Felicity Cormack and Judy Thompson, which will be exhibited alongside treasures from the church.
Until 30th May
Pop and Prosperity: 1960s British Art from the Swindon Collections
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
This exciting new exhibition explores the impact of popular culture and society on British Art in the 1960s, and features work by Howard Hodgkin, Michael Craig-Martin and Mary Fedden. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to appreciate the diversity, confidence and ambition of British art during the 1960s, and the way it responded to a rapidly changing world. Pop and Prosperity takes as its starting point one of the most significant works in Swindon’s Collection, Richard Hamilton’s Interior Study. This collage embodies the growing ‘pop’ sensibility in contemporary art at the time, which engaged with everyday life and Britain’s postwar prosperity. The exhibition also explores the rise of abstract painting in 1960s British art, as artists sought to embrace new forms of expression. Paintings by Bernard Cohen, Terry Frost and William Gear will be on display. Finally, the exhibition looks at the influence of sixties art on subsequent generations of artists, from 1980s abstraction to the YBA.
Every Monday
Poppy Patchers
Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, Royal Wootton Bassett, 10am-1pm
We are a friendly, local patchwork and sewing group, and we are looking for more members. For more information contact Elizabeth Hodgson on 01793 848627 elizabeth.hodgson959@btinternet.com or pop along on a Monday morning.
Every Tuesday
Lunch Club
Silver Threads Hall, High Street, Purton, 10am-2pm
Want to socialise and catch up with some friends while enjoying some delicious food and taking part in some fantastic activities? Lunch Clubs are run by Royal Voluntary Service volunteers who give their time so that you can come together with friends new and old to enjoy tasty food and company on a regular basis. Our Lunch Clubs usually provide a two course meal at affordable prices.
Afternoon Tea
Christ Church Community Centre, 2-4pm
Come along every Tuesday afternoon between 2-4pm for a piece of cake and a drink. We try to put on a different activity each week. A great chance to meet new people and have a fun time. Donations are welcome.
Highworth Artists’ Society
Community Room, Council Offices, 3 Gilbert’s Lane, Highworth, 12:30-3:30pm
Highworth Artists’ Society invite artists who are non-members (and aged 18 years or over) to bring along their own projects and painting materials to work alongside our members during our weekly Tuesday afternoon workshops. Our workshops are not led by a tutor or any ‘expert’ and are simply for all artists to draw/paint/work on their own projects in friendly surroundings where a warm welcome awaits and tea or coffee is freely available! Sessions on Tuesday afternoons are between 12.30pm to 3.30pm and will cost £5 each week for non-members (pay when you come).
Nature Tots
Richard Jefferies Museum, 10:30am-12pm
On Tuesday and Thursdays (term-time) from 1030-1200 we will be running Nature Kids at the Museum .These are fun filled nature-based events for under 5’s (and their carers) with a different theme every week with arts, crafts and other activities. Check out the Richard Jefferies Facebook page for more details and dates. Families are welcomed to stay and play in the gardens after the event. It is £3 for the first child and £2 for each additional child.
Every Wednesday
Brushstrokes Art Group
Beechcroft Library, 12:30pm
If you like drawing or painting why not come along? There is no charge and it does not matter what level of artist you are - we would be pleased to see you! beechcroft.library@strattonstmargaret.gov.uk
Park Writes
Park Library, Cavendish Square, 2pm-4pm
Join us in having fun with words and sharing stories. What you write is right. Suitable for all abilities. All welcome, all equal. No need to book, just come along!
Swindon Go Club
Windmill Pub, Freshbrook Village Centre, 7.30pm – Close
Go is one of the oldest board games in the world. Its true origins are unknown, but it almost certainly originated in China over 2500 years ago. The rules are very simple, yet the strategy is complex and the patterns that emerge are intricate and beautiful. Visitors to the club are always welcome, especially newcomers to the game. Contact Paul on 01793 692408 or David on 01793 521625 or at secretary@swindongoclub.org.uk
Royal Wootton Bassett Market
High Street around the Town Hall, 8:30am-4pm
The regular weekly market features a wonderful array of stalls, complementing the wide range of independent retailers, which keep our town bustling and vibrant. You might meet our Town Crier and Sword bearer, Owen Collier, who cries for the market every Wednesday morning. With a number of wonderful uniforms, we are very proud of our town crier. Free parking for up to 2 hours on the High Street.
Swindon Shin Splints
Broome Manor Golf Club, Old Town, 6:30pm
Open to all standards of runner, Swindon Shin Spints is a free and friendly running group. Whether you want a gentle introduction to running or you are an experienced runner who wants to join a friendly group of like-minded enthusiasts. Meet at Broome Manor Golf Club, where you will also have the opportunity to socialise and make new friends over a cup of tea – or something stronger – after the run!
Every Thursday
Nature Tots
Richard Jefferies Museum, 10:30am-12pm
On Tuesday and Thursdays (term-time) from 1030-1200 we will be running Nature Kids at the Museum .These are fun filled nature-based events for under 5’s (and their carers) with a different theme every week with arts, crafts and other activities, check out the Richard Jefferies Facebook page for more details and dates. Families are welcomed to stay and play in the gardens after the event. It is £3 for the first child and £2 for each additional child.
Darkroom Espresso Cycling Club
Darkroom Espresso (round the back), 5:30pm for 6pm start
Over the lighter months we’re running our Thursday club rides every week. These rides are open to everyone, and vary in length between around 15 and 30 miles, taken at our usual pace of 13-14mph. Details of where we’re headed each week can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/darkroomcycleclub/ There’s usually the opportunity to head to the pub afterwards too.
Old Town Community Art Group
Savernake Street Social Hall, Swindon, 10am-12:30pm
An informal, friendly and fun Art Group for adults! £3 per session. Call Marilyn on 07768442393.
Every Friday
Swindon Country Market
St Aldhelm’s Hall, off Regent Street, 9am-12pm
Come along for an array of home baking, preserves, home grown fruit & veg, flowers, plants & crafts on offer for you to browse.
Fun and Games at Park Library
Park Library, Cavendish Square, 2pm-4pm
Board games, puzzles, crafts and colouring! Drop-in session for children aged 4+ accompanied by an adult.
Every Saturday
Highworth Market
Highworth Market Square, 8am-2:30pm
Traders sell freshly baked bread and cakes, seasonal vegetables, free-range meat, plants for the garden, fish, pastries and homewares.
Swindon Park Run
Lydiard Park, 9am
A 5km run with you against the clock, it welcomes every one of different abilities! Running for your own enjoyment, don’t worry about how fast your pace is – you’re only competing with yourself. Just come along, have a go, and have some fun! This is a free event, but to register see www.parkrun.org.uk/swindon/
Swindon Shin Splints
Broome Manor Golf Club, Old Town, 9am
Open to all standards of runner, Swindon Shin Spints is a free and friendly running group. Whether you want a gentle introduction to running or you are an experienced runner who wants to join a friendly group of like-minded enthusiasts. Meet at Broome Manor Golf Club, where you will also have the opportunity to socialise and make new friends over a cup of tea – or something stronger – after the run!
Every Sunday
Farmers’ Market
Swindon’s Designer Outlet, 10am-4pm
You will find around 20 stalls each week offering freshly baked bread and cake, seasonal produce, free range meats, local cheese, jams and a range of hot foods including hot dogs, bacon rolls, burgers and falafels. Lots of tasters will be available - so try before you buy!
Swindon Go Club
Beehive Pub, Prospect Hill
Visitors and beginners welcome. Contact Paul on 01793 692408 or David on 01793 521625 or at secretary@swindongoclub.org.uk See also www.britgo.org
Coate Water Miniature Railway
Coate Water
The railway is set in the North East corner of Coate Water Country Park, and is operated by volunteers. We have one mile of dual gauge track, with our extension and three tunnels. The railway is suitable for children and adults of all ages (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). We run every Sunday throughout the year, bank holidays from 11am to dusk in the winter and 11am to approximately 5pm in the summer, weather and volunteers permitting. For the less mobile we have a special coach that can accommodate a wheelchair and carer, just ask at the ticket office. For the latest information see our website www.nwmes.info or www.facebook.com/coatewaterrailway.
If you would like to publicise your event through these pages please contact Swindon Libraries and Information Centre at: infocentre@swindon.gov.uk, tel. 01793 466454, or call in to the Visitor Information Centre at Central Library, Regent Circus. Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/swindonVIC or twitter @visit_swindon
You can also submit events for publication on www.visitswindon.org.uk
Current events tickets available at the Information Centre include:
MECA Events
Swindon Film Society Screenings
Swindon Library Talks