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X-WR-CALNAME:Swindon Heritage Preservation
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Swindon Heritage Preservation
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260611T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260611T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260128T121215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T093632Z
UID:7735-1781206200-1781209800@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:'The Missing Pieces Project' by Gareth Powell
DESCRIPTION:Gareth Powell from Historic England talks about The Missing Pieces Project. All over England are places with stories to tell: from buildings to battlefields\, some on your doorstep\, others just a day trip away. Their stories are still being written\, and they won’t be complete until you share your side. \nThe Missing Pieces Project invites you to share your pictures and stories of the unique\, significant and memorable places on the National Heritage List for England (otherwise known as ‘the List’). The List is a register of all nationally protected historic buildings and sites across England. \n\nWhy not join us June 11th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café? \nCost\nSwindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry \nGuests – £5.00 Entry \nMembership\nBecoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks\, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/). \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nBakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/the-missing-pieces-project-by-gareth-powell/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:MemberFREE,Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/fc139511-b600-4734-b780-9ce893d3621c.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260617T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260617T153000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260414T092523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T093252Z
UID:8241-1781708400-1781710200@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:Railway Village Museum Tour (17th June)
DESCRIPTION:Join us at The Railway Village Museum to step back in time at the cottage to discover Victorian traditions. Witness the sights\, sounds and smells of local community life\, and learn how a Great Western Railway worker would have lived with their family living in Swindon c1901. \nWhat are the details?\nThis approximately 30 minute tour will be hosted from 3pm by a knowledgeable volunteer who will guide you through each room of the Railway Cottage. \nVisiting the Railway Village Museum is free of charge. However\, as we rely heavily on donations and the generous support of our volunteers to remain open\, any contribution is greatly appreciated. \nWe are running a series of Tours throughout the year so if you can’t make this one\, view our other events here. \nImportant Information\n\nBooking is essential\, the Museum tour will only go ahead if there are bookings.\nNo food or drink is allowed inside the Museum.\nThere are no toilet facilities at the Museum\, but there are toilets available at the nearby supporting site: The Bakers’.\n\nAccessibility\nWheelchair ramps are available for the Museum\, with the ground floor accessible for wheelchairs. However due to tight corridors and narrow doorways some wheelchairs may not be able to enter the corridor. This is also why we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside. The stairs are steep so please take extra care when going upstairs. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk \nTransport and Parking\nThe Railway Village Museum is at 34 Faringdon Road (SN1 5BJ) in Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village\, but we recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to the Museum.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/railway-village-museum-tour-17th-june/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Road\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Museum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260624T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260624T153000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260414T092820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T092820Z
UID:8245-1782313200-1782315000@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:Railway Village Museum Tour (24th June)
DESCRIPTION:Join us at The Railway Village Museum to step back in time at the cottage to discover Victorian traditions. Witness the sights\, sounds and smells of local community life\, and learn how a Great Western Railway worker would have lived with their family living in Swindon c1901. \nWhat are the details?\nThis approximately 30 minute tour will be hosted from 3pm by a knowledgeable volunteer who will guide you through each room of the Railway Cottage. \nVisiting the Railway Village Museum is free of charge. However\, as we rely heavily on donations and the generous support of our volunteers to remain open\, any contribution is greatly appreciated. \nWe are running a series of Tours throughout the year so if you can’t make this one\, view our other events here. \nImportant Information\n\nBooking is essential\, the Museum tour will only go ahead if there are bookings.\nNo food or drink is allowed inside the Museum.\nThere are no toilet facilities at the Museum\, but there are toilets available at the nearby supporting site: The Bakers’.\n\nAccessibility\nWheelchair ramps are available for the Museum\, with the ground floor accessible for wheelchairs. However due to tight corridors and narrow doorways some wheelchairs may not be able to enter the corridor. This is also why we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside. The stairs are steep so please take extra care when going upstairs. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk \nTransport and Parking\nThe Railway Village Museum is at 34 Faringdon Road (SN1 5BJ) in Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village\, but we recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to the Museum.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/railway-village-museum-tour-24th-june/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Road\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Museum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260716T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260716T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260128T123302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T093704Z
UID:7741-1784230200-1784233800@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:'Swindon's Heritage As Lived Experience'  by Adeola Ojoawo
DESCRIPTION: Dr. Ojoawo is a senior change\, culture\, and communication specialist with over a decade of experience leading transformation programs across the UK\, Europe\, and Africa. Holding a PhD alongside qualifications in Business Strategy and Leadership\, she combines professional rigor with a human-centric approach. Her work focuses on how individuals and communities navigate change\, utilizing her background in public relations and research to connect lived experiences with social history in a way that is insightful and accessible.\n\n\n\n\nThis talk moves beyond Swindon’s physical landmarks and institutions to explore heritage through the lens of lived experience. Dr. Ojoawo will examine how the town’s identity has been shaped by everyday relationships\, neighbourhood life\, and the often-overlooked contributions of women and diverse communities. \nBy highlighting the “unseen” networks of care and work that sustain the town\, the session reveals how ordinary people create extraordinary heritage through resilience. The talk will connect these historical patterns of adaptation to the present day\, offering lessons on how to navigate modern change. Delivered in a storytelling style\, the session invites audience discussion and the sharing of collective memories. \n\n\n\n\n\nWhy not join us July 16th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café? \nCost\nSwindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry \nGuests – £5.00 Entry \nMembership\nBecoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks\, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/). \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nBakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/swindons-heritage-as-lived-experience-by-adeola-ojoawo/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:MemberFREE,Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG-20260127-WA0001.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260813T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260813T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260209T100621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T100621Z
UID:7814-1786649400-1786653000@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:'GWR Girls Talk and Book Launch'  by Jane Lark
DESCRIPTION:Swindon’s Secret History: Jane Lark & The GWR Girls\nStep back into the 1940s and discover the untold stories of the women who kept the tracks running. Join best-selling author Jane Lark for an evening dedicated to the resilience\, romance\, and grit of the Great Western Railway girls during WWII. From the chaos of the Dunkirk return to the arrival of American GIs in Swindon\, Jane will dive into the historical research behind her beloved series and share what life was really like on the home front. \nThe Books\nJane will be signing copies after the talk. Whether you are starting the journey or catching up on the drama\, the following titles will be available: \n\n\nBook 1: The Great Western Railway (GWR) Girls – The outbreak of war. \n\n\nBook 2: The GWR Girls Do Their Bit – The aftermath of Dunkirk. \n\n\nBook 3: Heartbreak for The GWR Girls – Swindon under attack. \n\n\nBook 4: Christmas Wishes for The GWR Girls – The Americans arrive in town. \n\n\n\nTicket & Book Bundles\nSave by planning ahead! Pre-order to secure your copy at a special event rate. \n\n\nPre-order with Ticket: £6.00 per book \n\n\nPurchase on the Night: £7.50 per book \n\n\n\nNote: Jane will be available for a dedicated signing session immediately following the presentation. \n\n\n\nWhy not join us August 13th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café? \nCost\nSwindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry \nGuests – £5.00 Entry \nMembership\nBecoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks\, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/). \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nBakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/gwr-girls-talk-and-book-launch-by-jane-lark/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/img_1987-e1770631558877.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260827T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260827T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260204T115832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T133256Z
UID:7777-1787859000-1787862600@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:'Moonies\, Movers and Shakers.'  by Graham Carter
DESCRIPTION:Moonies\, Movers & Shakers\, by Graham Carter \nMoonies\, Movers and Shakers is an illustrated talk about a book of the same name\, written by Swindon local historians Noel Ponting and Graham Carter. When they looked into an association for former Swindon railwaymen who moved to London\, they made some surprising discoveries: remarkable (but previously untold) stories of leading Wiltshiremen (aka ‘Moonies’) and a fresh insight into social life in the early 20th century. \n\n\nWhy not join us on August 27th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café? \nCost\nSwindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry \nGuests – £5.00 Entry \nMembership\nBecoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks\, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/). \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nBakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/moonies-movers-and-shakers-by-graham-carter/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MMS.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260910T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260910T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260129T144933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T124410Z
UID:7759-1789068600-1789072200@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:'Three Painters and a Sculptor'  by Philip Garrahan
DESCRIPTION:Three painters and a sculptor by Philip Garrahan is an illustrated talk featuring works from the heyday of Swindon’s artistic life. This was the interwar period when the School of Art thrived under new leadership and an exciting generation of young artists were attracting attention.\n\n\nWhy not join us September 10th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café? \nCost\nSwindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry \nGuests – £5.00 Entry \nMembership\nBecoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks\, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/). \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nBakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/three-painters-and-a-sculptor-by-philip-garrahan/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Railway-village.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260917T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260917T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260128T161854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T124343Z
UID:7749-1789673400-1789677000@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:'The Wiltshire & Berkshire Canal Trust'  by Chloe Ford
DESCRIPTION:The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is a dedicated charity committed to a massive undertaking: restoring 70 miles of canal and towpath for the benefit of local communities\, wildlife\, and leisure enthusiasts. \nRestoring a Historic Waterway\nTheir mission is to restore the full length of this historic canal\, reconnecting the waterways from Wiltshire\, through the heart of Swindon\, and continuing into Oxfordshire. This project preserves the industrial heritage while adapting it for modern use. \n\n\nWhy not join us September 17th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café? \nCost\nSwindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry \nGuests – £5.00 Entry \nMembership\nBecoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks\, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/). \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nBakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/the-wiltshire-berkshire-canal-trust-by-chloe-ford/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/railway_bridge.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260919T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260919T160000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260217T141220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T141220Z
UID:7918-1789812000-1789833600@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:Heritage Open Days 2026!
DESCRIPTION:Join us to celebrate Heritage Open Days 2026 on Saturday 19th September in Swindon’s historic Railway Village! The theme this year is “Everyday Histories of Working Lives”. \nWith a range of FREE activities you’re set to discover and learn about the Village’s past\, present and future. All told through our heritage buildings and dedicated volunteers. Witness the sights of local community life and how it’s changed as time has gone on. \nWe will also be presenting “Meet The Smiths” in the Railway Village Museum featuring new characters and their stories of what life was like in Swindon in 1901. \n \nThe Cricketers’\nView the newly renovated ground floor at The Cricketers’ Arms\, a Grade II listed building being brought back into community use. Built in 1846\, The Cricketers’ originally operated as a pub and flats from 1859 until its closure in 2015. Join us between 10 AM and 4 PM for display showcasing information about the history of the building and the restoration project currently in progress. \nLocation: The Cricketers’\, 14 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here. \n \nThe Bakers’\nOpen between 10 AM and 4 PM\, The Bakers’ Café will be serving cake and refreshments in return for a small donation. Formerly a Bakery\, then converted to the Bakers Arms Pub\, the building was restored by Swindon Heritage Preservation and now operates as a cosy community space. We will also be opening our Archive Room within The Bakers’ where you will be able to view some highlights of our unique archive collection. \nLocation: The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here. \n \nThe Railway Village Museum\nJoin us at The Railway Village Museum to step back in time at the cottage to discover Victorian traditions. Witness the sights\, sounds and smells of local community life\, and learn how a Great Western Railway worker would have lived with their family living in Swindon c1901. The Museum will be open between 10 AM and 4 PM\, with knowledgeable volunteers who will guide you through each room of the Railway Cottage. \nPlease Note: Wheelchair ramps are available\, with the ground floor of the Museum being accessible for wheelchairs. However due to tight corridors and narrow doorways some wheelchairs may not be able to enter the corridor. This is also why we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside. The stairs are steep so please take extra care. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk \nLocation: The Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Rd\, Swindon SN1 5BJ | You can view the location on Google Maps here. \n \nRailway Village Guided Heritage Walk\nExplore Swindon’s Railway Village with our guided walks starting at 11 AM\, 1 PM and 3 PM\, starting from The Bakers’. Explore the architectural and social history of GWR Park\, the Carriage Works\, the Water Tower\, the Health Hydro and more! Please pre-book\, using the form below\, to secure your spot on the tour. \nThe route is mostly flat and you will be guided by one of our dedicated volunteers. \nStarting Location: The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here \n \nCentral Community Centre\nThroughout the day between 10 Am and 4 PM the Central Community Centre will be open  to view our collection of local artist’s paintings around the hall showing the Village’s past!  The Central Community Centre was originally built in 1862 as an Armoury to serve the XI Wiltshire Volunteer Rifle Corps\, before being converted into the GWR Medical Fund Hospital in 1871. \nStarting Location: Central Community Centre\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG | You can view the location on Google Maps here \n  \n\n\nUseful Information\nTransport and Parking\nThe Railway Village is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village\, but we recommend Bristol Street Car Park for its proximity to the Village. \nOn-site Facilities\n\nRefreshments will be available for a donation from The Bakers’.\nFully accessible toilets are available at The Bakers’\, Central Community Centre & The Cricketers’.  There are no toilets available at the Museum.\nAccessible access varies across our buildings. The Cricketers’ & The Railway Village Museum have partial wheelchair access to the ground floor only. The Bakers’ & Central Community Centre both have full wheelchair access. If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk\nDisabled parking is available on-site\, at the Central Community Centre (SN1 5BG).\nDue to tight corridors and narrow doorways at both The Cricketers’ & The Railway Village Museum\, we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside these buildings.\n\nPrice\nAll tours and entry are completely FREE\, with refreshments available for a donation at The Bakers’. If you would like to support Swindon Heritage Preservation in conserving the precious stories and places that tell Swindon’s story\, you can find ways to support us here.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/heritage-open-days-2026/
LOCATION:Swindon Railway Village\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG
CATEGORIES:Community,Heritage,HODs,Museum,Walking Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SHP_Logo_Stack_RGB_MED-1.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261008T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261008T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260129T152727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T124259Z
UID:7766-1791487800-1791491400@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:'The Story of Thomas Richard Guppy'  by Gordon Shaw
DESCRIPTION:The story of Thomas Richard Guppy who was a great friend of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and a fellow engineer who helped Brunel with the GWR\, SS Great Western & SS Great Britain. The presentation gives the family history and the exploits of Thomas from birth in Bristol to his death in Italy. He has a link to Swindon as he owned land in Rodbourne and  also sold land for the GWR Works to expand. \n\n\nWhy not join us October 8th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café? \nCost\nSwindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry \nGuests – £5.00 Entry \nMembership\nBecoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks\, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/). \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nBakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/the-story-of-thomas-richard-guppy-by-gordon-shaw/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4581277529_4ee5214a3c_m.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261203T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261203T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T195545
CREATED:20260129T160035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T161952Z
UID:7772-1796326200-1796329800@mechanics-trust.org.uk
SUMMARY:'The North Wessex Way'  by David Mitchell
DESCRIPTION:The North Wessex Way was rediscovered by David Robertson Mitchell\, a local historian living near Malmesbury. \n‘My wife and I were in Hay on Wye for our wedding anniversary in 2014. I have always loved old maps and I came across the Ogilby map in an old map shop. I saw that the route must run past where I lived\, on roads that I knew were just country lanes.  I mentioned this to Jackie and then thought nothing more of it until September that year\, when she gave me the map as my 50th birthday present. I started investigating the route and gradually uncovered the fascinating history that has taken place along it\, all the way back to the Iron Age. I also discovered the reason why the middle section of the route become forgotten after the arrival of the Turnpike roads and the actions of two dodgy Members of Parliament. I decided the road needed a name\, and after looking at various options\, I settled on calling it The North Wessex Way’. \nThe North Wessex Way was the main route from Oxford to Bristol for three thousand years until it became The Forgotten Road. \nToday\, the route consists mainly of A roads and B roads. But the 22 mile long section between Blunsdon and Luckington\, in the middle of the route\, has been forgotten. Bypassed at some point in time\, the route is now made up of non-descript and narrow country lanes with nothing to show the immense history that took place along its path over the centuries. \n\n\nWhy not join us December 3rd 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café? \nCost\nSwindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry \nGuests – £5.00 Entry \nMembership\nBecoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks\, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/). \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nBakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nIt is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
URL:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/the-north-wessex-way-by-david-mitchell/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/rsw_2164h_1082cg_true.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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