WHEN a pair of blockbuster films suddenly makes your face one of the most famous in the world, what’s a cult 1970s TV star to do?

For Kill Bill star David Carradine, the answer was to make the most of a good thing.

That’s what brought him to Swindon this week in 2005. The town was a stop on an international tour which took in countless personal and chat show appearances.

“Fans queued for up to eight hours to see cult film and TV star David Carradine when he visited Swindon,” we said.

“The actor made an appearance at the Infinitely Better store in the Brunel Centre, where he signed autographs and posters.”

He had first found fame as the central character in Kung Fu, in which a young martial arts expert called Kwai Chang Caine wandered the old West in search of his brother.

When he encountered villains, Caine he would first try to reason with them. If that did not work, a clobbering was generally administered, perhaps accompanied by some philosophical instruction and profound life tips.

Carradine later appeared in cult films such as Death Race 2000 and – opposite Chuck Norris – Lone Wolf McQuade. His role in long-term fan Quentin Tarantino’s two Kill Bill films brought new generations of fans.

During his Swindon appearance the actor told us: “We see things the same way. We’re both comic book freaks. We’re both crazy about Samurai. Quentin was the best director for me.”

Like most true stars, Carradine was also modest about his achievements.

“You’ve got to go with what it is,” he said. “If you’re a cult figure, you’re a cult figure.”

The actor died, aged 72, in a Bangkok hotel room in 2009, while in Thailand to make a film. He was found hanging in a cupboard in circumstances which have never been conclusively explained.

Two other stars also featured in the local news. It had already been announced that Elton John would give a concert at the County Ground that summer, but it wasn’t until this week in 2005 that fellow veteran performer Lulu was announced as his support act.

We said: “The pint-sized performer, who is the only British female solo artist to appear in the charts for five straight decades, is preparing to go on tour with the Rocket Man.

“And it will be familiar surroundings for her at Swindon Town Football Club, where she will be welcomed for the second time.

“She first performed at the ground in 1976 when she was dating Maurice Gibb from the Bee Gees.”

Lulu herself sent a message: “I’ve known Elton for many years and he has so much energy it’s contagious. I can’t wait to start the rockin’ on stage in Swindon.”

Some events are far more momentous than the activities of any celebrity, of course, and such an event happened this week in 2005.

The death, aged 84, of Pope John Paul II, had been announced at the weekend. His had been one of the most extraordinary Papacies of modern times, and the end of his era prompted tributes across the world.

One was delivered by Dean of Swindon Liam Slattery, who said following a service at St Mary’s Church in Rodbourne Cheney: “There was a great sense of sadness and quite a few tears shed.

“As the Catholic family we are mourning the loss of our spiritual father. He was a great communicator, and could speak with such depth and sincerity that he made everything sound palpable.”

Other local faith leaders also paid tribute. The Rev Canon Michael Johnson, Anglican Dean of Swindon and Vicar of Wroughton, said the Pope’s spirit had touched all people, and added: “He was a reflection of the love of God.”

Azim Khan, spokesman for Broad Street Mosque, said: “The Muslim community respected and admired him because he stood up for what he believed in.”

Dr Harbans Popli, a Swindon Sikh community leader, said: “Every faith needs a figurehead, and he was an honest, kind man who did his best for peace and spread his message of love around the world.”

Vijay Tanna, of Swindon’s Hindu Samaj said: “He appreciated different faiths, but ultimately believed we share one religion.”

The Polish community mourned not only a holy man but also a countryman.

At Maryla’s Polish shop in Groundwell Road, where a photograph of John Paul took pride of place in the window, owner Maryla Smolicz had attended a special mass at nearby Holy Rood Church.

“Everybody is very sad,” she said. “The church was packed. It was so nice to see so many young people from Swindon and Poland.”

The Pope’s funeral was held on the Friday, which had been the planned wedding day of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. The royal couple rescheduled for the following day, which meant they would have the same anniversary date as Swindon couple Kate Ireson and Darren Liffen.

Kate, a 25-year-old carer for the elderly, and Darren, 30, a manager with a logistics firm, were married at their local church, St Phillips in Upper Stratton.

The couple wished their royal counterparts well, although Kate added: “I’m not a major fan of the royals, so I’m not that bothered they’re getting married on the same day.”