Statement in support of SWINDON

From Gingergeoff and Kentlass

We would like to propose Swindon as an option for the 2010 BookCrossing Unconvention.

Whilst I realise that Swindon may not be the first place on the list of ‘must see’ places in Britain, we do have a few things to offer the prospective tourist.

• The Magic Roundabout – Five mini roundabouts arranged in a pentagon, it has to be seen (and driven over) to be believed!
• Lydiard House – Excellent place for a Sunday release walk, average catch rateof around 40%
• Coate Water Country Park – Place of previous years BBQ’s, plus the now legendary miniature railway.
• Steam – The museum of the Great Western Railway.
• The Designer Outlet Village – Very close to Steam, so the boys could go and look at trains, while the ladies investigate the shopping.
• Avebury stone circle and Silbury Hill – These ancient monuments are within short driving distance of Swindon.
• Jasper Fforde’s Swindon – Swindon is the inspiration for the location of Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series of book. If people are interested, then a bus could be organised to take people around the sights mentioned in the books and on the Jasper Fforde website.

I have contacted the new Jurys Inn hotel in Swindon and they would be happy to accommodate us at a very reasonable price, plus being a hotel, we will be able to negotiate a reduced room rate.

This is a brand new hotel on Fleming Way, in the centre of Swindon, approx 10 mins walk from the station and less than 5 mins walk from the town centre. It does not have its own car park, but there is a public car park opposite and a ticket for 24 hrs is only £5 from reception.

Based on approximately 75 attendees, I believe we could hold the 2010 UK BookCrossing Unconvention in Swindon for between £15 and £20 per person. This would include the following:

• A foyer area which could be used for the books, tombola, raffle and competitions.
• Conference room which could seat up to 120 people for the author talks.
• A smaller room which could seat up to 20 people for writing workshops.
• Tea and coffee served in the morning and afternoon.

Thanks for your interest and I hope to welcome you all to Swindon in 2010!