A story about a group of angry ramblers is devoid of any sense of itself.
The ramblers are complaining about the unfinished new footbridge across the Front Garden and the fact it leaves them having to walk an extra mile on their rambles.
Swindon Centric Says ; Rather like a chocoholic complaining that their favourite bar has doubled in size and is heavy to carry home.
Any coverage of child poverty, especially if you can localise it to your own town is welcomed.
However, if you find a local example to show this plight, surely you'd listen to what they said and possibly pause and say "pardon", when they tell you how much they spend on their child's school uniform.
Kerry Thomas said how difficult things are for her, with little spare money. But she also said she spent £200 on her five year-old son's school uniform.
Swindon Centric Says ; What is costing her £200 in uniform wares? Did she not hear about the £4 uniform that Asda launched in the summer. It may have sold out, but the 'normal' prices are still cheaper than £200.
CORRECTION : The reduced Sunday DayRider offer actual began on this Sunday, the 28th, and runs until the end of November. Sorry for the error.
Anything bus related, indeed any improvement in public transport deserves coverage, as does Swindon's Sunday bus changes.
Stagecoach has seen increased levels of patronage on the Sunday services, to the point now where some don't require council subsidy. As a result of this, frequencies are increasing from 26th of October and a promotion will be underway, with a DayRider (use it all day on all services in the town) being cut back to it's old price of £2.50 from £2.90 on Sundays.
The number 8 to Freshbrook will double to every half an hour, number 17 between Penhill and Park North becomes every 20 minutes and the number 12 will take the regular weekday 13/14 route and increase by 100% to half hourly.
Swindon Centric Says ; Well done Stagecoach for taking the initiative, this has been a long time coming for Sunday travel to be better. But, what policy is it that Thamesdown Transport has which means, apart from the hospital 16 service, it doesn't run any other buses on a Sunday. Since it's Swindon Borough Council owned, why is this?
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I wouldn't publicly state your position while we're sat at the bus.
9. We have a choice, but I don't understand either of them.
8. Don't eat it all at once, unless you want the bus tires to explode.
7. He's as incoherent as a John Prescott speech.
6. Fuzzy buttons, hooray!
5. He's listening to Kings Of Leon, hmm.
4. Rhubarb tastes better with brown sauce.
3. I hear they're going to sell the Bradford & Bingley bowler hats to raise revenue.
2. What do you expect, there is a war on.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I've had enough, lets send in the flapjacks.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The proposal for the redevelopment in Granville Street and immediately north of Commercial has been made available in online form.
Swindon Centric Says ; Thanks to Komadori's knowledge, the areas shaded blue are 'overfly' right areas for the cranes needed for construction, while those in pink are the compulsory purchase properties.
Stumbled on this, interesting video about the scheme to build on the site of the former Crane Shop. Part of the new build will make use of the 'propped up' southern and eastern walls of the Crane Shop. The traverser, which dominates the site, will be reduced in size. The traverser itself isn't original and was transfered from south of the tracks, previously in use at number 19, the Carriage & Wagon Shop, being moved across the main line during reorganisation at the works in 1966.
Swindon Centric Says ; Hopefully work on this, which has already started, is guaranteed to continue and not be temporarily halted, no matter what the economy does. It'll be strange to see people's living rooms through the disused windows in the propped up walls when work is complete. Talk about a reincarnation.
PS What was the original reason that during demolition at the works site, the walls were left in place? Surely someone knows?
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Then take he to see a film like a normal person.
9. Why would you want your two best mates to tag along on your anniversary?
8. They need to open it up to competition, then the whole town would benefit.
7. All those Rugby players and their legs, hmm.
6. When's the equinox?
5. Legend has it he appears at twilight at the edge of the road.
4. Baking it yourself is far cheaper than you'd imagine.
3. How many buggies can we safely take?
2. There was little outrage, which I think they were hoping for.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. The Sunday buses are going to increase in frequency, at, flippin', last.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
As expected, housebuilding on the majority of the Front Garden will not start this year, as the council has suspended choosing a developer. 200 low-cost houses will still be built.
A common sense decision; however this illustrates an unattractive part of Swindon's housing policy. There are still many unbuilt and half-built houses in North Swindon, on which work has also been suspended. The sense in waiting for one area to be built and occupied before starting somewhere else is obvious.
Swindon Centric Says ; What's less obvious is why work began on the Front Garden, leaving it to look like a dirt-bike track (with the earth churned up for laying of services) for possibly several years. Let's just hope that it's not too late in the year for the grass to grow back to make the garden green again.
Over the last few months strides have been made in Swindon's recycling and refuse collection, to the point that it has won an award.
Coverage by the Advertiser has explained that the authority avoids, almost entirely, rejecting loads of recyclables due to contamination. We're not sure how they achieve that, but we're unable to find that section of the story online, which was part of the print edition, which explains it.
On a further plus side, the town is currently recycling 47 per cent of waste and has a ten commandments-style target of 50 per cent by 2010, so it's expected to reach that target early.
Swindon Centric Says ; So everyone who has been committed to the recycling shift,residents and council workers, well done.
The breaking of a promise about saving playing fields has become mired in little clear, honest response from the councillors involved.
As others have reported, saying that "the plans have changed", isn't enough and doesn't explain what's happened to a suitable degree to those residents who received a newsletter saying they were safe.
Swindon Centric Says ; For a conservative controlled council that has it's version of the ten commandments in it's '50 Promises', you can't break a promise and then not give a full explanation. You might like to throw around the '50 Promises' like flashy confetti, but a promise is a promise, whether it's written in a glossy brochure and plastered on construction hoardings (by the new Central Library) or on a single leaf of A4 that's shoved through people's letterboxes.
The people of Stratton deserve a proper explanation. They're waiting councillors...
PS We agree that behaviour of this sort deserves all the ridicule that it has received.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
10. I've barely been here an hour, do you mind.
9. She doesn't know what's going to happen in an hours time.
8. Well if you'll excuse me, my friend and I have to catch a train.
7. One stop, near the pharmacy.
6. 'He has our full support', is what normally gets said right before they throw him under the bus.
5. Have you seen that ugly baby on the back seat?
4. When did people start saying 'HBOS', I'm demanding newsreaders go back to using the full name.
3. It's very robust, like oakey old socks; it's wine, drink it.
2. Did you know that potatoes don't count as one of your five-a-day?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. You can't leave and say 'everything's wrong', then not say what it is that's wrong, that's just resignation-by-laziness.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It'll be drown out by the noise.
9. It's just a date, don't get emotional about it.
8. Your ideas aren't bad, it's just that mine are vastly superior to yours.
7. I have less and less confidence, but I'm not sure.
6. No, the next one.
5. Pork chops, they were on offer.
4. Just beautiful, thank you.
3. Hello boys and girls.
2. Broccoli is cheaper than beans, anyone know why?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. So let me get this straight, the ex-mother-in-law of the bride is sitting at the top table?
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The Regent Place scheme, which will be built within the Commercial Road, Regent Street area, has been, finally, signed off.
At the same time, someone from the quiet-as-a-mouse, New Swindon Company, came out of hiding to say how pleased they were.
Swindon Centric Says ; Ok, the first hurdle is cleared, now lets see how long before the work begins. The clock is ticking...
A quick online search for details of the new Central Library reveals more holes than Swiss cheese in the Borough Council system. The main page, here, shows the last update on the construction as the 8th of May. Then, the specific central library page, here, shows the latest July news and an out of date picture.
Seems Komadori's comments about the latest initiative of council services were spot on. With their urge to rebrand, combined with an overdose of administration, (for it's own sake) is leaving the council treading water in a sea of it's own created red tape.
Swindon Centric Says ; We would throw them a life ring, but we don't have the correct form to fill out, plus by the time we get to it, the request will probably be out of date.
In other news... the same search found a book shop in Hong Kong called Swindon Book Company. Spookily, their website looks very familiar to the previous layout of the Borough Council site, in orange and grey.
Swindon Centric Says ; If the council are secretly running a book shop in a former British colony, then we demand an inquiry and possibly a recount.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. If only I'd told you yesterday.
9. For the life of me, I can't find that poster, it's either been thrown out or eaten.
8. All she heard was, "I can make the balls go click in the pocket", didn't know we were talking about pool.
7. The course is meant to include absolutely everybody, but that doesn't include me.
6. He thought 'credit crunch' was a type of cereal.
5. This bus now does two rotations of the roundabout, for operational reasons.
4. Several more were left behind, I gave them smug stares from the back seat.
3. I'm trying to make myself look pretty, don't look.
2. I'm attending a convention for conventioneers, it's bound to be as fun as it sounds.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. It's all very well to drive, but you don't have anyone's conversations to overhear.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
A clean-up of Old Town has highlighted the poor uptake of the free Swindon Borough Council graffiti removal service.
Despite efforts to highlight the service, many people still didn't take up the offer to make the area cleaner. This is a real shame as Swindon Centric has experience of the service and can't fault it. Often, private property not facing roadways never get cleaned unlike those facing into streets.
Personally, having seen less than three quarters of of the residents of our street walk in or out of the area, they probably never literally look over their garden fence. If they did they would see the side of privately owned walls, fences and garden sheds covered in graffiti. Whereas council owned subways, fences, walls and street furniture are repainted or jet cleaned once every fortnight.
Swindon Centric Says ; We're all quick to criticise the Council, but this service, which is free, is excellent and should be taken up by all residents who need it. It's possibly the easiest thing any resident can do to improve their area, you can ask for the service by phone and do it via email, it's that easy.
It's summer, it's Swindon, so it must be something other than news in the news!
That's right, staff, we are told, at the Great Western Hospital, are in mourning for the resident swan.
Swindon Centric Says ; Council discussions begin in the morning about funeral arrangements, details include a parade route, a twenty-one gun salute and a red arrows flypast.
That would be press releases disguised as news about as well as a dame at a panto. McDonalds has been in Swindon town centre for twenty-five years.
Swindon Centric Says ; 25 years, it feels like more. Oh wait... no that's just heartburn.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I'm going to be medaled at my next appraisal.
9. The first touch is pretty magical.
8. A man with a hat has just turned up.
7. Check that digital display.
6. Genius. pure genius.
5. Verbs really are past their best.
4. You can't bring a bike on here, unless it's self-assembly.
3. I kid you not.
2. Isn't bronze just another shade of gold?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Well, when you put it like that, I've got it pretty good really.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I'm sorry, you lost me when you started talking.
9. It's impossible to tell, unless you tilt your head this way.
8. Kissing your teammates is hugely underrated.
7. Apples that large really require a license to transport.
6. It took 500 man hours to produce the elephant.
5. This seat is far superior to that seat.
4. We received a smattering of applause and a book token.
3. No, he's holding all of the balls right now.
2. It's designer, but I'll have to clean off the marks before I take it in for a refund.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I killed him, I killed him dead, but don't shout it too loudly.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
LATE BREAKING NEWS
Details have just reached us in the last few minutes of a shocking story that is breaking across the town this evening. A source we'll call Maria, from Swindon Borough Council has contacted us to say that a secret survey conducted this week has some shocking results.
Surveys of the contents of the entire Borough issued general waste wheelie bins makes for upsetting reading. The headlines look like this ;
- 46% contain general household unrecyclable waste.
- 17% contain general household recyclable waste. Those lazy people will be dealt with.
- 14% contain missing government laptops and data discs.
- 9% contain nothing as those residents eat their waste. They will be dealt with by the people in white coats.
- Another 9% are being used as dens in those residents gardens.
- 3% are being used to transport a jazz band and their instruments to a gig in Old Town.
- And the final 2% are actually bottomless...
Swindon Centric Says ; And for those freaky highly-strung residents moaning in the previous story, they all contain maggots. Get over it.
Besides if you have one of the 3% with the ' Swindon All Star Jazz Upbeaters Band ' in them, then as you sluice them out with boiling water, you can bop along to the jazz rhythms, everyone's a winner.
As others have noticed, the news about maggots in Swindon bins is one of todays top stories.
As unbelievable as it is, some Swindon residents have been living in shock during the warm summer months because of maggots growing in their fortnightly rubbish collection. Surely this happened before we had wheelie bins and if residents aren't semi-regularly sluicing out their bin, they have themselves to blame.
Swindon Centric Says ; Maggots, high temperatures and decomposing rubbish, oh my!
Thamesdown Transport are giving those with the money and the correct operating license the chance to create their own version of Summer Holiday.
The majority council owned bus company is selling two of it's double deckers. Brightly painted in yellow, they're unique and lets face it, who doesn't like a double decker?
Swindon Centric Says ; Contact your municipal bus company for details. Hurrah for the fleetliners.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I really do feel like, well, now you've earned it.
9. I don't want to see it because it's called Kung Fu Panda, that's why.
8. He's a bit of a Danish pastry.
7. It features a monkey, sounds boring.
6. You want me to do more and more with less and less.
5. Look out, here comes Mary Poppins.
4. What they're doing to the town is morally reprehensible.
3. Everyone is talking about The Dark Knight, so I thought I wouldn't.
2. He shook hands with the police outside, no-one has ever done that.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Bad becomes good, that's the warped effect it has on you, don't do it Percy.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I call Keira Knightley, Ikea Knightley.
9. Bo-boom, very good story.
8. Don't let the little people in, too late, they're already here.
7. It's inflected.
6. He was out with that mower at 7.45.
5. My status is smoking.
4. I may lose my job on Friday, how much worse can this month get?
3. It's rubbish of a grade all of it's own.
2. More creepy than dinner with Paul Daniels.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Not the best architecture in the World, Swindon bus station.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The opinion of Komadori very much mirrors our own on the headline grabbing subject of speed cameras this week. If you are caught speeding, then tough, deal with it.
The inevitable collapse of the discussion into party politics was entirely expected. However the news about falling crime in Swindon didn't merit as much 'big bang' coverage. With this story, the old chestnut of 'how much crime isn't reported', is often wheeled out. But that shouldn't detract from the fall in crime as the figures show.
One interesting number that should be attached to every sensational headline about knife crime in the town is that it constitutes 0.3 per cent of all crime.
Swindon Centric Says ; When crimes against the person drop to the lowest level in the south-west, for our town, it should make the front page and should lead the story. Good news doesn't have to involve fluffy animals, it can include positive achievements and make an interesting newspaper-selling story to boot.
Footnote : On the issue of knife crime, this report on the BBC is very telling. The statistics show knife crime has stayed at the same level but the irrational fear exhibited by the public doesn't reflect this.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's on the Google.
9. He's in full damage limitation mode.
8. The music went on just after midday and it was loud and melodic.
7. It's a safe haven.
6. He goes through the bus picking up litter.
5. Chocolate is a vital part of my diet.
4. There's little reason for me to be suspicious, but I naturally am.
3. I rocked so hard something unknown began coming out of my nose.
2. One, two, three times the charm.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. The truth is difficult to find, hard to maintain and impossible to keep.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The replacement for the closed Tented Market in the town centre has been rejected yet again by the council planning committee.
The latest version submitted for approval looked better than the last, but was still not defining the word 'landmark' in it's fullest sense. Despite the recommendation of planning officers to grant the scheme approval, members of the committee thought different thank goodness. The current artists impression shows the market replacement showing it's best side facing backwards to the one way traffic system, meaning the majority of people would see the least attractive side of the building approaching from Farnsby Street. There doesn't seem to have been much attention to detail in the latest version.
Swindon Centric Says ; We're pleased that a decent standard of build for this part of the town centre redevelopment is being upheld. But it's disconcerting how long one, relatively small part of the whole regeneration masterplan is taking. Swindon Borough Council better speed up it's dealings on this major part of it's remit.
Once again, where in the world is the New Swindon Company in this Crossroads saga? Been sent out for a bag of sugar anf never seen again?
This above line should be said in the best Donald Pleasence voice you can muster.
For this weekend sees something that normally we don't get in Swindon. A film festival. Of course, there's one in November, but this is different. This is Swindon's first horror film festival.
Phantasmagoria starts on Friday and runs through to Sunday evening. It's at the Arts Centre and promises to be a most interesting affair.
Swindon Centric Says ; "He didn't cast a reflection in my mirror."
The ultimate local news story, travellers raising the blood pressure of locals, has been given it's latest airing. This weeks best chestnuts so far have been featured in a report by the Advertiser.
On this occasion, we take off our hat to the Swindon Advertiser. Specifically the quotes from locals. Your appetizer was a simple, no nonsense line that wouldn't have been out of place in a Famous Five book, "this will not do."
But the gold goes to an unnamed, 'other man', who said, "to defecate in the bushes is not human. I can't believe this has happened."
Swindon Centric Says ; 'Other Man' must live a very sheltered life and regarding the bushes, has clearly never been camping.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. How many, is that two, or one? We'll say two.
9. I have a stick, so I get priority.
8. They're campaigning to bring back the Crystal Maze.
7. Thunder was heard, but it was just a rumour.
6. There's less to be said and more to be done.
5. It was a vital contribution.
4. Number twelve, no I don't go there.
3. Long enough to get caught on something, that's what it's long enough for.
2. He's live every day at three.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Just one slice of ham sets her off, like cat nip.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The Adver ran a story recently about how traditional pubs were under threat and could disappear entirely as a result of the smoking ban. However, nothing was said about other drinking establishments, namely more modern bars.
Considering how often the recycled story about 'binge drinkers making the town centre a no-go area' is used, not a squeak was heard from, or reported on, the Bridge Street area of town and the effect on places there. Comments from those who run traditional pubs was included though, two in fact.
Swindon Centric Says ; Impartial reporting needs to show us what's happening in all drinking places, not just traditional pubs. Just because somewhere is described as a 'traditional pub' it doesn't mean that it's patrons drink any more responsibly than anyone who frequents a modern bar in Bridge Street. Impartiality, impartiality and impartiality.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. If we'd gone straight we would have been home by midnight.
9. I intend to keep one small battalion at home.
8. It was only a matter of time before that look became fashionable.
7. It must remain upright, otherwise it turns into a farce.
6. Rough and tough, they've had it all.
5. There appears to be no end to her talents, I've read the graffiti in the loos.
4. I'm not bitter, not, anyway.
3. I can't start to think about dinner, I'm barely done digesting lunch.
2. He felt disrespected, diddums.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. It was almost a food fight, I was prepared, I had a bib.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
As Komadori pointed out, the accuracy from the Swindon Advertiser leaves something to be desired. We have mentioned here before about the poor knowledge of the railways from the town's only daily newspaper.
To the Advertiser's credit, a re-edited version of the story was posted on the newspaper's website on Monday evening. However, the new draft of the story has cut out any mention of the potential top speed of the new lines, correct or incorrect. A little research would reveal that the current top speed, of 186mph achieved by the Eurostar and the first TGV trains, would be at the top end of any new high speed line's limit. While, 140mph would be at the other end, since this is the speed the new commuter trains to be introduced for domestic services from Kent to London are built for.
Swindon Centric Says ; Less than five minutes research, gets the facts. Simple and accurate.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. A coup, that'd make work more interesting.
9. Have you seen Marks & Spencers, they've put in about four cafes.
8. What was so special about Sarah?
7. It was warm earlier on, now it's cold enough to shiver.
6. More and more I see him the less less interest I have in talking.
5. People shouldn't settle for second best, unless you're watching Sky One.
4. Two pensioners are worth one full fare paying passenger.
3. There's no reason you can't enjoy the same status.
2. Apples can be more dangerous than most people imagine.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Hello is that Barry, well who are you and what have you done with him?
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
If you didn't know, it's Swindon, the Summer Solstice is tomorrow and the silly news season has started.
Earlier on this week we had a story about a naked milkman in South Cerney. Now, it's crop circles and an injured swan.
Swindon Centric Says ; All we need is something about a cat stuck up a tree or inside a ventilation shaft and the week will be set.
Yes, there's been a naked milkman spotted in South Cerney. Gold top or silver and do you have any milk?
Swindon Centric Says ; Any excuse to put up this video.
Haydon Wick Parish Council has produced an emergency plan for any eventuality that could occur in the area.
However, residents should be worried by the Adver's comment that, 'fears of what could happen if floods occurred in the winter or the middle of the night were the inspiration behind the plan.'
Haydon Wick's problems seem to be centered around daytime, summer flooding, as the Adver has reported extensively.
Swindon Centric Says ; Should we tell them to look at some back issues?
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Just when Gordon Brown thinks things can't get any worse, President Bush arrives.
9. This is a friendly warning, be aware.
8. Is there a Race For Life for men?
7. I've sent a card, hope it'll get there in time.
6. You've got no credit and you've got no cash.
5. Humid like a swamp.
4. He ate all of them, well bully for her.
3. They send a backup just in case the one they're on breaks down.
2. Pounded away at the knocker for a while, the bell was on the blink.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. There were brightly coloured figures on stilts with funny haircuts, summer is here.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I think reality finally caught up with him.
9. It took nearly half an hour to find his trousers, we had to put the meeting back.
8. They will be barbecuing this weekend, it's as certain as the sun coming up.
7. Sherbet Lemons are far more satisfying than many think.
6. 18 million cracks, that was a nice phrase.
5. He sold his balls for £25 each, rather overpriced if you ask me.
4. Looks like it might have been a pasty.
3. This foot is sore, but it's nothing like it was.
2. That nutty woman was drunk I think, if she wasn't then she should have been.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Just stick your hand out at ninety degrees and give it a wiggle, that'll fix it.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The Advertiser's Get It Sorted campaign highlighted the state of roads in Swindon as it's latest target for getting the council to do something. They helpfully provided a photograph of a few potholes for any readers who were unsure what they looked like.
One curious statement was from Mr Herrington who complained about the state of Hughes Street, "I reported it to the council who said that it would be done by 2009 - I couldn't believe it. It's so difficult to get a straight answer out of the council."
Swindon Centric Says ; That answer sounds pretty 'straight' to us.
Update : This is a repost, but was originally intended to include an appropriate picture to go with it. So, the above image, which captures, Western Lady D1048, with three eager rail fans with their cameras, was the exact type of picture we were looking for.
The photograph is from August 1978, nearly thirty years ago and is reproduced here with kind permission of Mr Martin Griffin.
The original links to the Swindon works films posts are here and here.
Martin Griffin's website, which is highly recommended is accessible here, do take a look.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. People are wicked.
9. Tell them to walk the lazy sods.
8. If someone's seen a big cat in Liden, then I want to hear about it.
7. Why are button mushrooms not just called 'small'?
6. He's become a bizzare middle aged man at 25.
5. God knows what the reaction would be if they banned drinking on our buses.
4. He is not fat, at least not when I know he's in earshot.
3. Perhaps she'll go to sleep and come back refreshed for 2012.
2. It's all organic, they're allowed to roam and have a pension.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. They're doing concreting, what a full life they lead.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The Thamesdown Transport bus changes are still being repeated as a story, four days after they came into effect.
Parents of children attending the Headlands Academy call the changes "ridiculous". They claim the retiming of a bus, twenty minutes earlier than before, has thrown their lives into chaos.
Once again though, the same issue comes through, that pupils can catch a different bus, which takes a longer route and includes a twelve minute walk.
Swindon Centric Says ; A retimed bus and a twelve minute walk are not "ridiculous", but the expectations and tolerance levels of the parents involved clearly are.
In the absence of any news today, Swindon Centric has to resort to Public Service Announcements.
We'd like to make you aware that May is World Foot Health Awareness Month. So if you have any feet, or know anyone else who does, tell them to be aware of them.
Swindon Centric Says ; I've always had these feet.
- Let's see what 'talent' Swindon has (nightmares about plate spinners and fire eaters) week.
- No matter how much it rains, all ducks (plastic or otherwise) are unsinkable week.
- Swindon might have its own collection of eccentrics but we know there's a fine line between fun and death in chasing a double Gloucester down a hill week.
Just when we didn't expect to find a lot more of Swindon's history on archive video, we did!
Here is a three-parter about the cutback of the railway works and the end that everyone seemed to know before it was announced.
Visit the revived Swindon Cable website here or their own YouTube page here choc full of videos.
Swindon Centric Says ; Fascinating haul of videos!
As mentioned, stories are pretty thin on Bank Holidays and this Monday has given a prime example. The bus changes happening tomorrow to Thamesdown Transports services have been blown out of context.
The change to the Penhill areas services was highlighted, with Mr and Mrs Howells narked at the cut to the number 10. In the print edition, not shown yet online, the couple state they already walk a "convenient 400 yards" to the bus stop.
Swindon Centric Says ; There are parts of West Swindon, notably Grange Park and Shaw where walking more than double that distance to catch bus services is the norm and has been since the estates were built. The people in those areas aren't screaming and shouting about this, probably because they don't mind walking.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. There's only so much I can take before I crave a Mars bar.
9. When did it become fashionable to use the word 'peeps'?
8. It gave me an insight I never thought I'd get.
7. We're twenty-five years old, we shouldn't be talking about this.
6. Due in about four minutes, that's your four minute warning.
5. Trying to find something to match, can't not be matching.
4. He's never slept well since the earthquake.
3. It's about thirty-four acres.
2. I fill the car with vegetable oil, I'm laughing.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I can't understand, there are millions of bras.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Take a look here, at the BBC Wiltshire website for a collection of films from the mid to late eighties about the threat and later closure of the rail works in town.
The first documentary, 'Jobs On The Line' tells the story of the threat to the works that came in 1982.
The second documentary, from 1985, 'Of Coppersmiths and Kings' and takes a look at the history of the line, Brunel and the GW150 celebrations in that year.
The third documentary, 'A Job For Life?' is a retrospective of 'Coppersmiths and Kings' and tells the immediate story of the closure announcement which many felt was a badly timed stab in the back with the imminent GW150 celebrations, much of which were called off or scaled back.
The fourth documentary, 'Off The Rails', charts the aftermath of the closure in 1986, it's effect on the workers and the town.
Swindon Centric Says ; These films are a true piece of recent Swindon history, so click on the links and venture 'inside'...
PS There's a fascinating interview with a worker who says the railway treated people like 'Honda does today' with pensions and health cover. Shows how the GWR set the standard for looking after the workforce far ahead of any other industrial manufacturer.
There's usually a very thin spread of news over Bank Holiday weekends and Swindon hasn't missed out on any of it.
As a result there are two surefire ways to keep yourself, your property and your money safe this weekend.
1. Do not attempt to dump any garden waste this weekend as Swindon Borough Council staff will be hiding in bushes ready to catch and fine anyone disposing of domestic waste.
2. Meanwhile Wiltshire Fire & Rescue (the Fire Brigade) are warning stupid people who decide to spend the weekend doing DIY projects to be careful and not set fire to their houses.
Swindon Centric Says ; At least there's not been a huge story feature about Bank Holiday weather and traffic. But it is only Saturday, oops, that'll be Monday's lead story, damn!
This story about a shortage of crutches at the Great Western Hospital has odd parallels with the one we first reported on over a year ago.
One thing is rather curious though. Its said that the shortage is due to an increase in injuries due to the warm weather. More sport being played, that type of thing. But surely it'd be worse in winter, due to people slipping and falling, when it's icy and frosty?
Is this the ultimate newspaper story, which can be recycled whatever the season?
Swindon Centric Says ; A story for all seasons. What a scoop!
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. George Lamb is like Tim Westwood, but even worse.
9. There were 80,000 there, it's never happened before.
8. I will hunt him down, on my day off.
7. I remember when it used to cost a pound a litre, back in the day.
6. The ringing in my ear didn't stop for days.
5. De-spinning was attempted, it didn't go well.
4. Isn't organic just an excuse for farmers to be lazy?
3. How much further can this go?
2. There are several reasons he hasn't called me, none of which I wish to discuss in public, or in private.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Earlier this year I had my hair feng-shuied.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The attitude of some in Swindon to the idea of a canal has been well documented lately. So today's news that nobody, not a single Swindonian has taken up the offer of a visit to Birmingham to see how regenerated canals can work in an urban setting, is sadly, not surprising.
Swindon Centric Says ; No doubt there will be plenty of reaction to this inaction. It all comes down to one thing, people are generally lazy and this case shows how little people really care about Swindon's future. So little in fact, that they choose to remain badly informed.
DISCLAIMER ; The above choice of photograph for this week's list is in no way an endorsement for Boris, the Conservatives or anything else you can think of. We just thought the people of London and elsewhere should be reminded of the person they've elected to run the nation's capital. The UK's very own George W Bush.
Look out for the coining of the phrase, 'Borisisms' pretty soon.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. They're a great band.
9. It's subject to change.
8. I spent all afternoon watching a big screen TV next to McDonalds, time well spent.
7. It's humid enough to grow bananas.
6. Stick this somewhere and suck it.
5. Are people wanting Hillary to run as vice-president with Barack going to say "why don't you come on over Hillary"?
4. Let's see what happens when we tell him they're all out of Jaffa Cakes.
3. Off you jolly well go.
2. Everyone's having barbecues, food poisoning all round.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Can't you catch the next bus, I've got to catch up with myself.
Thanks to this week's contributors.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The Advertiser's obsession with prostitution continues with the blindingly obvious front page of today's edition.
Swindon Centric Says ; Next week are they planning to stand a reporter next to another road and then claim the traffic was noisy and polluting? What a shocking revelation.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. You will be held to account in the end.
9. People go on about teenage antisocial behaviour, what about pensioner antisocial behaviour, there's plenty of narky OAPs out there.
8. I say, go to work on an egg.
7. That seat is taken.
6. Hillary Clinton should have kept her husband away for the start of the campaign, it's like "here's Billy" every time he pops up.
5. You got out of the wrong side of bed this morning, who's it was is a different matter.
4. The smell of charcoal briquettes drifted across our estate on the weekend, summer is here.
3. It's not Monday, it's Tuesday, I shouldn't be here.
2. Why can't someone invent a laser-guided husband?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. From next week, this bus route will not exist, better start walking.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
A second world war re-enactment has taken most of central Swindon by surprise today, according to reports. The Swindon branch of the National Conflict Enactment Society today launched a whole four days of mock action in the Farringdon Road area during their May Day Weekend event.
Local residents were woken loudly at 6.03 this morning by the sound of air raid sirens brought into the GWR Park, many later found that their gas had been disrupted after the severing of pipes by a group of fourteen pensioners, dressed in period costume, digging a replica trench in the park. Following the small explosion, caused by the build up of gas (which experts nearby claimed sounded just like a 1940 road mine detonating), engineers worked quickly to restore supplies.
Roger Broadhurst, of Old Town, who was taking part in the exercise said that the borough council had been informed of the events and activities weeks ago, but clearly had forgotten what was planned.
The interview was cut short as he and the rest of the volunteers formed a human chain across Park Avenue to stop several Thamesdown and Stagecoach buses, which were then commandeered for a mock evacuation of local school children to the nearby countryside.
Traffic was further disrupted this evening as the society began cutting down lamp posts and traffic light poles for tomorrow's main event, the smelting down of the material and the construction of a spitfire in the park. The event starts at 8am tomorrow morning and all wanting to take part are advised to bring their own flying goggles, white scarf and oxyacetylene torch.
Swindon Centric Says ; Unscheduled air raids are tipped for tonight, all those in town, best to sleep with a colander on your head for safety.
Lets Get Something Done With The Locarno Week.
Nation-wide No more than 45 Minutes Between Sharp & Heavy Showers Week.
Not Let The Voters Know There's Elections Week (supported by Swindon Borough Council & The Electoral Commission).
Swindon Sausage Roll & Pasty Amnesty Week.
More next week!
After a record amount of disengagement by the parties and candidates in the election campaign, the results reflected this.
That's correct, pretty much nothing happened.
There was a slight bit of fun, as the counters seemed to allocate an extra thousand votes, out the thin air to the conservatives, briefly declaring them the winner of ward, before objections led to the mistake being corrected.
Swindon Centric Says ; The returning officer can go back to sleep now and the very small number of electoral leaflets put in the recycling, at least the environment is safe.
A new regular (we hope) feature about what recent events have told us about life in our wonderful/bizzare (delete whichever you find inappropriate) town.
- Just because you haven't got a driving license, it doesn't mean you can't still be banned from driving.
- Children being made to stay at home, due to a national strike, would much rather be at school, according to their parents. Hmm.
And finally...
- If we object to the canal scheme, we're going to find even more outlandish suggestions coming out of the woodwork, like 270 feet high white horses over the centre of town, no we're not kidding.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. They're allowing Yorkshire Terriers to have the vote now.
9. I know I shouldn't be, tell me the bleedin' obvious why don't you.
8. You should need a license to carry this amount of shopping.
7. I was thinking about doing something amazing with a potato for dinner.
6. You'll never get me in a gym, I have willowy, unmanly arms.
5. Here come the pensioners.
4. Does anyone even care that he's gone the wrong way?
3. Everyone knows that's an ancient Indian burial ground, I'm not buying a house there.
2. She came home in the early hours, minus her shoes and fell asleep on the bonnet of the Honda.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I don't understand why he stood up in the middle of the meeting and announced to all of the department that he'd started to shave his chest.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
