This is the place for us

THE COMPETITION to find Swindon's favourite place is under way.

The Swindon Civic Trust invited the people of the town to convey their favourite place through a piece of art or writing.

Entries will be displayed from Friday at the former railway museum in Faringdon Road and a winner will be decided afterwards.

John Monniot, chairman of the Swindon Civic Trust, said: "We want to promote people's pride in the town and recognise the places worth celebrating.

"This is the first year we've run the competition and we've had a bumper crop of entries."

Swindon Civic Trust launched the competition in June in an attempt to stem adverse views of the town.

"One of the things we're really interested in is discovering what the people of Swindon really like about their town," said Janet Flanagan, one of the competition organisers.

"We're pleased with the response we've had. From first glance, it's clear that Coate Water is very popular."

Swindon Civic Trust formed 18 months ago and is working hard to improve the town.

"We're trying to be positive about the good things in Swindon as well as being a pressure group to create new buildings that are of a high standard," said Donald Brunwin, a member of the civic trust committee.

The organisers of the event circulated details of the competition to all schools, community centres and groups in Swindon.

Covingham Park Infant School, Oaktree Primary School and The Ridgeway School each sent scores of entries from pupils.

Among the most popular places for children were the Oasis Leisure Centre, Coate Water, Jolly Rogers, Toys R Us, Asda Wal-Mart and McDonalds.

The Too Cool Group from the North Swindon NSPCC Centre entered a model of St Peter's Church in Penhill Drive.

Entries from children and adults were as varied as poetry, prose, photographs and even videos.

The judges will look for how well the spirit of the place is conveyed. Imagination and emotional response will be highly valued.

"The winning entries are bound to influence us," said chairman John Monniot.

"But it's too early to say how we will celebrate that place.

"It is not about achieving a consensus of opinion about any one place, but rather to show how much there is that is good and enjoyable throughout the borough."

Entrants were free to choose their favourite place from anywhere in the town which can be visited by the public.

There are four categories ages six to 12, ages 13 to 19, 20 and over plus a group category.

The exhibition will take place from Friday November 14 to Sunday November 16 and is open from 10am until 4pm. Entry is free.

Judging will take place after the exhibition. The panel will take into consideration the public's views.

The Swindon Civic Trust aims to promote high quality standards in local planning and development and protect the historical features of Swindon.Anyone interested in joining should call 01793 520592 or e-mail membership@swindoncivictrust.co.uk.

Ref. 27728-28We like it because ...LYDIARD PARK by the Davis-Bowles family

The Davis-Bowles family from Covingham entered a collage of Lydiard House and Park. Sophia Davis-Bowles, a four-year-old pupil at Covingham Park Infant School, heard about the competition at school and told her family about it.

Sophia collected most of the materials needed for the collage from Lydiard Park itself.

Her parents, 35-year-old Tricia and Andrew, 38, often take Sophia and her 17-month-old sister Olivia to Lydiard Park.

"We go to Lydiard a lot with the children," said mum Tricia. "They can run around, kick the ball, play it's ideal.

"We usually go once a week. Sophia loves it so much and we all think it's a lovely place."

The family shared the tasks while making the collage. Dad Andrew drew the house, while Sophia painted the grass and the background.

Their collage also features each member of the Davis-Bowles family as a family of butterflies. Tricia drew four butterflies and placed a photo of each of them atop the butterflies to give the effect of the family flying around Lydiard.

We like it because ...COATE WATER by Mike Hollister

Mike Hollister, of Wroughton, and his 10-year-old grandson Sebastian Satchell, entered a seven-minute video of Sebastian cycling around Coate Water.

"I was born at Coate and spent my childhood there," said 64-year-old Mike, who remembers the days when the houses at Coate had no electricity or inside toilets.

"Since he was little I've been taking my grandson there just because I love it so much. I suppose I was trying to give a little bit of my childhood to him by taking him there."

The video, shot and edited by Mike, follows Sebastian around the park as if he is alone.

As he cycles along, a squirrel and a horse make guest appearances.

Mike and Sebastian's video was one of three videos made about Coate Water.

I like it because ...THE LAWNS by Roy Cozens

Roy Cozens, of Corporation Street, Swindon, has lived in the town all his life and entered pictures and prose about his favourite place - the Lawns.

The former railway worker said: "I've always liked the Lawns as a place to go when you want a bit of piece and quiet away from the hustle and bustle.

"I like to sit and enjoy the total tranquillity of the Lawns. It has always been an oasis within the urban sprawl of the town.

"It's one of the real delights of Swindon."

His entry includes the line:

"The dapple of sunlight on the grass and the old stone walls of the little church reminds us of the origins of this hilltop town and connects us to our history."

Ref. 27729-20I like it because ...TOWN HALL by David Pope

David Pope, of Purton, entered a photograph of the Town Hall in Regent Circus.

The retired 78-year-old, who works as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Centre, said: "I like the town hall for its pictorial value.

"I have a great regard for it. It might be dated but for me it's always been a very pleasing building.

"Each time I pass the town hall I make note of it. The light usually catches it.

"When I heard about the competition I thought it was an ideal place to enter it it's so rare to have the chance."