A Swindon author who published her first book just two years ago is launching a fourth this evening.

Angela Atkinson pens the popular blog Born Again Swindonian and has written another tribute to her adoptive home.

Swindon: A Born Again Swindonian's Guide will be launched at the Museum of Computing online and in person.

The book reveals some of the town's hidden treasures through exploration trails in urban areas and green spaces.

It features some of her best blog posts, new chapters, and an imagined guide book entry Angela wrote while studying for her English degree: a visitors’ guide to the town’s famous Magic Roundabout.

Derbyshire-born Angela’s previous publications – Secret Swindon, Swindon in 50 Buildings, and a retrospective on Swindon-born artist Ken White – are all best sellers.

“The difference between this and the other Swindon books, is this one is for getting out and about with, while the others were to sit and read,” said Angela. “It’s the one I have always wanted to write, ever since I started the Born Again Swindonian blog. It’s curious, that something I conceived some years ago has now become very timely due to pandemic keeping people at home. Never was the word ‘staycation’ on so many people’s lips.

“So many people say Swindon is ugly, but that is a little word carrying so much meaning. My friend and poet Carole Bent once wrote about the glitter in the concrete and the sparkle in the cement as a metaphor for life. Yet it is so true of Swindon. It has a rich history, and many wonderful buildings, walks, and works of art, and I would love people to discover these.”

A link to the Zoom event is on the Born Again Swindonian Facebook page. It will feature interviews, Q&As, poetry and music.

Those not on Facebook who would like to join the Zoom event, should drop Angela an email to on aaedits56@gmail.com

Angela will be signing copies at a stand outside the museum and there will also be some exclusive giveaways, including Sinclair C5 3D printed keyrings, and bookmarks on a first-come-first served basis.

The book costs £9.95, and the first 30 purchased on the launch day will contain a limited edition postcard by Swindon artist Dona Bradley, which includes a competition.

Visit swindonian.me/born-again-swindonians-guide-book