Arjay Hobbies opens 'crafting hub' in Royal Wootton Bassett

Arjay Reynolds, who is a lifelong fan of scale models, opened Arjay Hobbies in Apsley House Arcade, Royal Wootton Bassett, in May 2025.

It's the only dedicated model shop in the area, and Arjay says he was always keen to make it a community hub as well as a shop, for people to socialise and come in for a cuppa.

Now, the shop owner has done exactly that, as a new community crafting hub inside the shop has begun welcoming in locals struggling with mental health, learning difficulties and loneliness.

Arjay, who suffers from PTSD himself, told the Adver that for him, it's always been more about the connections made than the actual crafts themselves.

Some of the customers, he says, are just looking for a reason to leave the house each day.

Arjay Reynolds hopes crafts can help others in the same way it has helped him (Image: Newsquest) "We have regulars in the hub already, even though it won't officially launch until 9am on Saturday," Arjay told the Swindon Advertiser.

"We already help many people with complex needs. One young man comes in regularly with his carer. With a little guidance from me, he was able to build a Red Arrows cockpit.

"He has never achieved anything like this before. To see him smiling from ear to ear made my day."

The craft hub will be open to all, as a safe space to connect and and learn new things (Image: Arjay Hobbies) He added: "We also have a regular visitor who has severe autism. She has now built and painted three kits and is starting on her fourth one.

"Her confidence has grown dramatically since she has been here. We see people with learning difficulties and a lot of veterans who have PTSD too."

READ MORE: First dedicated model shop opens in Royal Wootton Bassett

Arjay has suffered from PTSD since the 1990s and says he started the hub because he understands all too well how isolating mental health conditions can feel.

"I had nowhere to go except feel like a prisoner in my own home because I couldn't go out," he said.

"I needed to find something and modelling took my mind off my condition."

Stay connected to the heart of Swindon with our flash sale.

Swindon Advertiser keeps you updated for less: only £3 for 3 months or save 40% on an annual subscription.

Don't miss out on what's happening locally!

👉https://t.co/ayrpkI4RBy#DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism pic.twitter.com/xEnFfuXwtN

— Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) September 2, 2025

One 10-year-old boy, who has begun regularly visiting the model shop craft hub with his mum, says that making things helps him to forget what they've been through.

The family arrived in Royal Wootton Bassett after fleeing war in Ukraine.

Following the grand opening at 9am, Saturday, September 6, Arjay Hobbies craft hub will run open sessions Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

The hub will provide paints, glue, brushes and tools at seven fully equipped work stations.

Residents are also welcome to bring in their own craft projects or supplies, from Warhammer miniatures to Airfix models and anything in between.

Visitors say the craft hub helps them feel less alone (Image: Arjay Hobbies) "I just want to help people," said Arjay.

"We see so much negativity in the news, I decided to create an environment for everyone to come to, a place to unwind and a place to forget that's filled with laughter.

"I could not have done this without the support of Calne International Plastic Modellers Society (Calne IPMS).

"Jezz Coleman in particular advised me on which industrial extractor to get, which compressor, which airbrush - the list is endless.

"He will be doing Airbrushing demonstrations on Saturday, and there will be many members of Calne IPMS attending this Saturday.

"I am extremely grateful for their support."

All vulnerable children and adults visiting the craft hub must be accompanied by a carer, an appropriate adult or a parent.