Big Interview

Veteran player Pete Holmes has seen video games evolve from high-tech novelty to dominant force in entertainment

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Early video game days recaptured in Swindon

Ben Lee and his sculpture. It’s going to be heading to Ascot, which is a model of a famous horse and jockey.
Pic - Ben Lee
Date 24/10/19
Pic by Dave Cox

Ben Lee and his sculpture. It’s going to be heading to Ascot, which is a model of a famous horse and jockey.
Pic - Ben Lee
Date 24/10/19
Pic by Dave Cox

Artist based near Swindon captures life by manipulating metal

Noel Ponting and co-author Graham Carter are preparing a book they intend as a celebration of George Ewart Hobbs

Noel Ponting and co-author Graham Carter are preparing a book they intend as a celebration of George Ewart Hobbs

Raising the profile of unsung Swindon literary hero

Angela Atkinson’s affection for Swindon, the town she came to from Derbyshire in the 1990s, became an enduring passion when she began to blog about it

Angela Atkinson’s affection for Swindon, the town she came to from Derbyshire in the 1990s, became an enduring passion when she began to blog about it

Look at our history and it will gaze back at you, says Angela

Ken White lived in London in the 1960s with fellow future Swindon notables Gilbert O’Sullivan and Rick Davies, founder of Supertramp

Ken White lived in London in the 1960s with fellow future Swindon notables Gilbert O’Sullivan and Rick Davies, founder of Supertramp

Swindon artist Ken celebrates more than half a century of work

Olivia McCann has been with Swindon Children’s Scrapstore since 2001 and has steered the organisation through a great expansion of its services

Olivia McCann has been with Swindon Children’s Scrapstore since 2001 and has steered the organisation through a great expansion of its services

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Olivia helps Scrapstore to help thousands

Stuart Arthur says one of the main reasons for Beat the Street’s appeal is that it allows people to exercise at their own pace whenever they choose

Stuart Arthur says one of the main reasons for Beat the Street’s appeal is that it allows people to exercise at their own pace whenever they choose

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Swindon Beat the Street's most passionate advocate

Paul likes to show the joys and health benefits of cycling

Volunteer Centre Swindon, led by Sue Dunmore, has supplied volunteers ranging from charity trustees and school governors to an emergency interpreter

Volunteer Centre Swindon, led by Sue Dunmore, has supplied volunteers ranging from charity trustees and school governors to an emergency interpreter

The endless satisfaction of helping other people

Anthony Hall working on the Holy Rood Church organ he has been playing for 30 years and first renovated nearly 20 years ago

Anthony Hall working on the Holy Rood Church organ he has been playing for 30 years and first renovated nearly 20 years ago

Safeguarding Swindon church organ for future generations

Steffan James assures new MB Swindon mountain biking club members of a warm welcome - and the chance to improve physical and mental wellbeing

Steffan James assures new MB Swindon mountain biking club members of a warm welcome - and the chance to improve physical and mental wellbeing

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On the trail of health with a Swindon mountain biking club

Alan Fletcher, pictured with guide dog Nutmeg, passionately believes that everybody is entitled to live in a safe urban environment

Alan Fletcher, pictured with guide dog Nutmeg, passionately believes that everybody is entitled to live in a safe urban environment

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Swindon campaigner wants fairness for all - no more and no less

Aga Gabrysiak is one of only a handful of officially certified balloon artists in Wiltshire, and has created displays for everything from private family gatherings to major public events

Aga Gabrysiak is one of only a handful of officially certified balloon artists in Wiltshire, and has created displays for everything from private family gatherings to major public events

Aga spreading happiness lighter than air

Andy Hubble, left, with forum founder member Richard Naylor, says creating and viewing art can have immense benefits for physical and mental health

Andy Hubble, left, with forum founder member Richard Naylor, says creating and viewing art can have immense benefits for physical and mental health

Reminding the world that Swindon's a hotbed of art

A cassette lent by a friend on a bus trip many years ago sparked Todd Gitzlaff’s lifelong love of XTC and their home town. He plans to return year after year

A cassette lent by a friend on a bus trip many years ago sparked Todd Gitzlaff’s lifelong love of XTC and their home town. He plans to return year after year

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BIG INTERVIEW: Todd Gitzlaff, co-organiser of the XTC convention at Steam

After being asked by Artsite to head the Theatre Square mural project, Billy Beaumont saw an ideal opportunity for community participation

After being asked by Artsite to head the Theatre Square mural project, Billy Beaumont saw an ideal opportunity for community participation

Community art is for the community

Simon Warren, left, and Stuart Allinson say being part of a choir brings physical and psychological benefits as well as being great fun

Simon Warren, left, and Stuart Allinson say being part of a choir brings physical and psychological benefits as well as being great fun

Choral singing - good for the body and mind

Adrian Sawyer, forefront, heads an organisation which has made the difference between life and death for vulnerable people on many occasions since its founding in 2000

Adrian Sawyer, forefront, heads an organisation which has made the difference between life and death for vulnerable people on many occasions since its founding in 2000

The Wiltshire volunteers who come to find the lost

Life skills learned in the saddle of a motorbike

Johanna Bryant says part of the project’s success is down to the fact that attendance is voluntary - and families therefore feel confident in seeking out the help they need for their children

Johanna Bryant says part of the project’s success is down to the fact that attendance is voluntary - and families therefore feel confident in seeking out the help they need for their children

Teaching Swindon children how to master their destinies

Glynis Hales says protecting bees is not only vital to our survival but as easy as setting aside part of a garden and letting it flourish naturally with pollinator-friendly plants

Glynis Hales says protecting bees is not only vital to our survival but as easy as setting aside part of a garden and letting it flourish naturally with pollinator-friendly plants

Save Swindon's bees and we just might save ourselves

Teacher Sebastian Kopanski based his book and the beliefs behind it on the things he has learned during many years working with pupils and their parents at dozens of schools

Teacher Sebastian Kopanski based his book and the beliefs behind it on the things he has learned during many years working with pupils and their parents at dozens of schools

Happiness open to all - but author says we have to work at it

Chairman of the Swindon and District Parkinson’s UK Dave Logan

Chairman of the Swindon and District Parkinson’s UK Dave Logan

“Tell yourself, ‘Okay, I’ve got Parkinson’s but it’s not got me.’"

Peter Hanscomb’s philosophy when it comes to nature photography is that it’s better to wait many hours for one excellent shot than rush and settle for something ordinary

Peter Hanscomb’s philosophy when it comes to nature photography is that it’s better to wait many hours for one excellent shot than rush and settle for something ordinary

Each of us has a role to play in a greener world says photographer

Pat Bennett used concessionary rail tickets from her office job for Saturday morning journeys to ballet training at the Rambert school in London

Pat Bennett used concessionary rail tickets from her office job for Saturday morning journeys to ballet training at the Rambert school in London

Dance teacher in her dream job for six decades and counting

Martyn Shah says personal discipline and refusal to be deterred by naysayers are crucial for anybody aiming to be a published author

Martyn Shah says personal discipline and refusal to be deterred by naysayers are crucial for anybody aiming to be a published author

A sudden realisation of what was meant to be

Linda Kasmaty, pictured left, with Friends of Swindon Museum & Art Gallery treasurer Paul Gregory and Coun Jane Milner Barry during an event at the gallery

Linda Kasmaty, pictured left, with Friends of Swindon Museum & Art Gallery treasurer Paul Gregory and Coun Jane Milner Barry during an event at the gallery

BIG INTERVIEW: 'The Art Gallery & Museum is incredibly important...'

Sadie Sharp came up with the idea for The Platform Project in a Eureka moment which had her leaping from her bed in the middle of the night

Sadie Sharp came up with the idea for The Platform Project in a Eureka moment which had her leaping from her bed in the middle of the night

"It’s giving them a voice. ‘I dare to have an opinion. I dare to ask those difficult questions.'"

Thousands comforted by Swindon's best-kept secret

Father Christmas

Father Christmas

I’m proud of the Elves they’ve gone from assembling pull-along horses to building games consoles

I didn’t know when gambling stopped being fun and became an illness

Big interview with Barrie Hudson and Sally Hawson..Pic - Sally Hawson.Date 10/11/18.Pic By Dave Cox.

Big interview with Barrie Hudson and Sally Hawson..Pic - Sally Hawson.Date 10/11/18.Pic By Dave Cox.

Fighting to save Swindon's heritage

Colin, left, and Ian Hatch believe more emphasis should be placed on training the engineers of the future - who will be vital to the country’s economy

Colin, left, and Ian Hatch believe more emphasis should be placed on training the engineers of the future - who will be vital to the country’s economy

The Big Interview: Respect for the past while looking ahead

Cherry Lewis of Swindon Quakers believes in honouring all whose lives are touched by war - and in working constantly to find a way of resolving conflict peacefully

Cherry Lewis of Swindon Quakers believes in honouring all whose lives are touched by war - and in working constantly to find a way of resolving conflict peacefully

Quaker in search of peace and understanding

Paul Turner, the pianist, who is appearing in Down Your Way
Broome Manor
February 2011

Paul Turner, the pianist, who is appearing in Down Your Way
Broome Manor
February 2011

Music takes us away from our distracted lives

David and Carole Bent believe the arts should be supported and cherished every bit as much as the sciences - and that the arts are just as vital to the wellbeing of society

David and Carole Bent believe the arts should be supported and cherished every bit as much as the sciences - and that the arts are just as vital to the wellbeing of society

Let art and science stand side by side

Simon Edwards admits to being a driven person - but credits the movement to which he has belonged for 18 years with giving him valuable skills

Simon Edwards admits to being a driven person - but credits the movement to which he has belonged for 18 years with giving him valuable skills

Riding along on the crest of a wave

Lesley Allcorn says the public have a real affection for small independent businesses - and is delighted that her own customers are so supportive

Lesley Allcorn says the public have a real affection for small independent businesses - and is delighted that her own customers are so supportive

The Big Interview: Lesley Allcom

John Foley has seen many changes in local government over the past half century but has never wavered in his belief that the first duty of all politicians is to the electorate

John Foley has seen many changes in local government over the past half century but has never wavered in his belief that the first duty of all politicians is to the electorate

The Big Interview: A lifetime of belief in defending the needy

Ronnie Davies loves buying and selling the toys and memorabilia of yesteryear - but warns those who would follow in his footsteps that making a living from it takes a lot more time and dedication than certain TV shows would have us believe

Ronnie Davies loves buying and selling the toys and memorabilia of yesteryear - but warns those who would follow in his footsteps that making a living from it takes a lot more time and dedication than certain TV shows would have us believe

THE BIG INTERVIEW: Ronnie Davies rekindles childhood memories

Feature on Mark Collins from Royal Wootton Bassett, High Street He organised the RWB living history event.
Pic - Mark Collins
Date 25/8/18
Pic By Dave Cox

Feature on Mark Collins from Royal Wootton Bassett, High Street He organised the RWB living history event.
Pic - Mark Collins
Date 25/8/18
Pic By Dave Cox

The Big Interview: Why we must remember our history

Linda Clarke wants to offer people dealing with infertility a mutually-supportive safe space

Linda Clarke wants to offer people dealing with infertility a mutually-supportive safe space

'Infertility really impacts just about every area of a person’s life..."

Euan Tait believes teaching and poetry alike are about encouraging people to find and voice what is in their hearts and minds

Euan Tait believes teaching and poetry alike are about encouraging people to find and voice what is in their hearts and minds

Meet the New College lecturer known the world over for his songwriting

Marilyn Kempton for Barrie Hudson big interview. Pictured Marilyn Kempton.
03/08/18 Thomas Kelsey

Marilyn Kempton for Barrie Hudson big interview. Pictured Marilyn Kempton.
03/08/18 Thomas Kelsey

BIG INTERVIEW: Children are our future, says NSPCC volunteer

John Pearce believes in treating the deceased and their loved ones with as much compassion and respect as he would members of his own family

John Pearce believes in treating the deceased and their loved ones with as much compassion and respect as he would members of his own family

I’ve been brought to tears, but I’m comfortable with that

Big Interview will be with Peter Pearson, the top class motorbike builder who runs Rocket Bobâs. Pictured Peter Pearson..19/07/18 Thomas Kelsey.

Big Interview will be with Peter Pearson, the top class motorbike builder who runs Rocket Bobâs. Pictured Peter Pearson..19/07/18 Thomas Kelsey.

Motorbikes are my passion

For Barry Mitchell empowerment is the core of Swindon Advocacy Movement's work

For Barry Mitchell empowerment is the core of Swindon Advocacy Movement's work

Advocating a very real people power

Bronwyn Young believes language is key to helping newcomers become happy and productive members of their new communities

Bronwyn Young believes language is key to helping newcomers become happy and productive members of their new communities

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'If people want to fulfil their potential, they really need to speak English'

Barrie Hudson Big Interview, Crop Circles. Pictured Paul Jacobs.
22/06/18 Thomas Kelsey

Barrie Hudson Big Interview, Crop Circles. Pictured Paul Jacobs.
22/06/18 Thomas Kelsey

BIG INTERVIEW: Barrie Hudson meets the man who given his life to crop circles

Swindon has a problem with childhood obesity

Swindon has a problem with childhood obesity

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BARRIE HUDSON: Kids, you've only got yourselves to blame

Army veteran Mike Harrison, who runs Green Trees Forest School with his wife, Kathryn

Army veteran Mike Harrison, who runs Green Trees Forest School with his wife, Kathryn

THE BIG INTERVIEW: Mike Harrison going back to our roots

Paul Holmes has seen vinyl sales grow constantly in the five years since he set up Red House Records

Paul Holmes has seen vinyl sales grow constantly in the five years since he set up Red House Records

BIG INTERVIEW: Paul Holmes keeping everything on right track

Susan Pearson and Carol Gibbon organisers of a commemoration of women’s suffrage.
left 2 right
Pic - Carol Gibbon, Susan Pearson
Date 11/5/18
Pic By Dave Cox

Susan Pearson and Carol Gibbon organisers of a commemoration of women’s suffrage.
left 2 right
Pic - Carol Gibbon, Susan Pearson
Date 11/5/18
Pic By Dave Cox

THE BIG INTERVIEW: Honouring those who ploughed the furrow

Jon Oliver believes UTCs are vital if the demand for engineers and related professionals is to be met

Jon Oliver believes UTCs are vital if the demand for engineers and related professionals is to be met

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Inspiration and an eye on the future