Our Great West Way: Jonathan Mansfield

Hello Great West Way Ambassador! Please introduce yourself. 
Hello! My name is Jonathan Mansfield. I was raised in Marlborough, lived in London and Brighton before moving back to the town with my husband in 2001. I now live in a village just outside Devizes. I am the Marketing Officer for Pound Arts which (among other amazing things) runs the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham.

What do you love most about your job? 
The Pound is an incredible community hub. I don’t think I know anywhere else in Wiltshire, or even in the South West that caters for as many groups of people as this place! From art groups, ballet, tap or guitar lessons, to artists’ studios, live music, comedy, theatre, dance, film, live screenings, visual arts exhibitions, talks, singing clubs, knitting groups, book club, café culture, and – most important of all – a safe space, free of judgement. It’s the people that make this place. It’s a small space with a big heart and I do all I can to tell as many people about what we do as possible.

How did you get started? Has it been a long journey, getting to where you are today? What achievements are you most proud of?
Although I studied art at school, college and university (I’m a painter), after university in London I ‘fell into’ publishing. This lead to a job back in Marlborough where I worked my way up to Head of Marketing for a publishing company. I left his job in 2016 to focus on my painting but jumped at the role of Marketing Officer for The Pound when maternity cover was needed at the start of 2019. Happily for me the new mum chose not to come back to The Pound, so here I am.

What’s a typical day like for you?
At the moment due to COVID-19, none of our days is ‘typical’. I’m focussing on promoting our pop-up café, and our current visual arts exhibition, which was on hold from March. We’re only partially open, so still unable to hold live events in our auditorium, or have the building as full as we’d all want it to be. The day involves emails, social media, design work (flyers/ leaflets/ GIFs/ Advertising), website updates, answering the phone. It’s always busy.

Do you work with a wider team? If so, tell us a bit about them: 
We’re a small team, but we share wherever and whatever we can to help each other. A lot of us a new (i.e. have been here for a couple of years at the most) and so we had to build a strong team working ethos really quickly in order to get everything done. At any one time, we’ve all answered the phones, made coffees for customers or sold tickets at the box office, so it’s definitely not a ‘that’s not my job’ place.

What do you find inspiring day-to-day? What keeps the enthusiasm going?
The incredible variety of amazing artists: musicians, theatre producers, poets, actors, etc. We wouldn’t have a program without any of their talents. 

Any interesting or funny anecdotes related to your role or your experiences with visitors that you can share?
I was asked to be a stage ‘bunny’ for the Magic and Mayhem cabaret in 2019 (think feathers, bodices, fans, etc.). This involved clearing the stage between acts and being ‘picked on’ (in a nice way). Towards the end I picked up a bra that had been removed and did my own performance behind the host. Embarrassing, but funny.

What does slow travel mean to you? 
As an artist I enjoy meditative walking: sensing everything as I move through a landscape. Travelling doesn’t have to mean great distances to me. Within a short walk you can travel all around you: up to the clouds, across the horizon, down into the grass under your feet. Slowing down and walking.

What do you think makes the Great West Way special?
I love the fact that the Great West Way re-connects all of those places that people used to know about when they travelled by horse, or stage coach. The places people hurtling along at 80mph along the M4 miss. There is such diversity across the route, as well.

Are you a city, town or country person? 
Country through and through. I love the city (Bath, Bristol, London). But love getting back into the green spaces.

What’s your favourite thing to eat or drink along the touring route?
I’m a veggie, so any decent veggie food/picnic. The Pound do an amazing veggie lunch box. The Glove Factory café in Holt is amazing, as is OAK in Bath.

Is there a place along the Great West Way that represents you and what you do? 
The Pewsey Downs/Marlborough Downs. They embody the rich and ancient heritage of this regions. They are calm and peaceful, and beautiful enough for me to find constant inspiration for my arts practice.

Do you have any insider tips or advice for travelers who want to experience the touring route ‘like a local’? 
Find your local TIC and grab a map. A walking map. And get exploring all those footpaths and bridleways. Don’t worry too much about box ticking the ‘crown jewels’ on the route. Find your own. The tree by the river. The pub on the green. The hill overlooking the valley.

Are there any English stereotypes or traditions you’d like to set straight?
Quite a few - but I’ll settle with 1) scone 2) jam 3) cream. Anything else is just evil.

If you could choose one must-visit attraction along the Great West Way, what would it be and why?
West Kennet Long Barrow. Sit yourself down in one of the side chambers. Close your eyes. Go on, I dare you.

Any secret, lesser-visited spots you’d like to recommend?
It’s such a beautiful part of the country. Anywhere along the Kennet or Avon rivers are naturally very special. Try and find a wild swimming spot.

Any exciting plans for the future you’d like to share?
Watch this space for new events and offerings.