School adopts local author’s publication in textbook manoeuvre

A Swindon author’s latest book about the town has proved a class act for one local school, which is now using it as a teaching resource.

Penned by Angela Atkinson and published earlier this year, Swindon in 50 Buildings is being used as a teaching resource by staff at Nythe Primary School, who are keen to get the pupils interested in where they live and to develop a sense of civic pride in their town.

Nythe’s head teacher, Sally Clarke, contacted Angela when she learnt of the publication of Swindon in 50 Buildings and now has eight copies for staff to use.

“Angela talks about Swindon with an infectious passion,” said Sally. “I was delighted to find her book and to meet with her to discuss how we can use Swindon in 50 Buildings to enrich our curriculum here at Nythe.”

Chris Shepherd, Chair of governors at Nythe Primary School, added: “So many people know little about their local environment and history, the 50 buildings book is a great resource to learn more.”

Angela is best known for writing the popular blog Born Again Swindonian. Swindon in 50 Buildings features Angela’s favourite buildings in the town which are still standing, including the David Murray John tower and Eldene’s Crumpled Horn pub.

Her first book, Secret Swindon, took a look behind the curtain at some of Swindon’s treasures and rich history.

She is now working on a third book about Swindon – working title, A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide: Look Down, Look Around, Look Up - which combines information about the town accompanied by suggested walks, activities and excursions.

“I’m delighted that Sally noticed my social media posts about Swindon in 50 Buildings. Swindon has so much of which to be proud and so much of it is unsung and unknown to too many,” said Angela, who also runs proofreading, editing and editorial business AA Editorial Services and is chair of Swindon Civic Voice.

“Secret Swindon, Swindon in 50 Buildings, the publication I’m working on now and indeed, the blog from which they sprung, all have something different to offer as resources for schools and as a means of developing civic pride in a town that is so deserving of it. If other Swindon schools would like to know more about my blog and my books I would love them to get in touch.”

To find out more about all Angela’s books visit her Born again Swindonian blog at https://www.aaedits.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://swindonian.me/my-publications/ and for more information about AA Editorial Services go to https://www.aaedits.co.uk/.