Swindon Heritage Preservation

‘Having a Robinson Crusoe in the Family’ by Graham Warmington

Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, United Kingdom

This event is hosted by Wiltshire Family History Society at The Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, SN1 5BG. Thinking of researching your family history – or need some help, then you are welcome to join our meetings (free) or contact us on swindon@wiltshirefhs.co.uk or 01793 822310.  

‘Swindon – This Is Swindon’ by Andy Binks

Goddard Park School Welcombe Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

This event is hosted by The Swindon Society. From its very beginnings the Society has attempted to record the social history of the area as shown by the camera since the 1850's. The collection contains photographic material on many subjects including the GWR Swindon, Swindon Tramway system, Wilts & Berks Canal, Swindon in both World […]

‘Why are we nostalgic about railways?’ by Philip Garrahan

Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, United Kingdom

Philip Garrahan will contrast Swindon’s reputation for railway engineering with its important social history. It was once a complete company town, when the outside observer could be forgiven for thinking the GWR and Swindon were the same.   The new town was built on a greenfield site with innovations in its Railway Village, Medical Social Fund, Mechanics’ Institute, Art School and much more. Our modern nostalgia about railways may overlook how distinctive Swindon […]

Free – £3.00

‘Why are we nostalgic about railways?’ by Philip Garrahan

Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, United Kingdom

Philip Garrahan will contrast Swindon’s reputation for railway engineering with its important social history. It was once a complete company town. When the outside observer could be forgiven for thinking the GWR and Swindon were the same.  The new town was built on a greenfield site with innovations in its Railway Village, Medical Social Fund, Mechanics’ Institute, Art School and much more. Our modern nostalgia about railways may overlook how distinctive Swindon […]

Free – £3.00

‘Collett Revisited’ by Graham Carter & Michael Roberts

Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, United Kingdom

'Collett Revisited' New insights into the glorious career, extraordinary life and enduring legacy of the Great Western Railway engineer. An illustrated talk by Graham Carter and Michael Roberts Cost Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry Guests – £5.00 Entry Membership Becoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our […]

Free – £5.00

‘GWR Park: A focus for recreation and sport in Victorian and Edwardian times’ by Mary Thornton

Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, United Kingdom

GWR's Railway Village, “New Swindon", was barely half-built and the Works still modest in extent when land was earmarked for a “park” in 1844. What does this tell us about the Company, its workers and their families, and prevailing Victorian values? And what were typical Victorian and Edwardian sporting and leisure activities anyway? Mary Thornton […]

Get Tickets Free – £5.00

‘Let’s Go Shopping’ by John Stooke

Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, United Kingdom

Well known local historian and author John Stooke is fascinated by the way that retailing has changed in the last 20 years compared to what a little change there was […]

Get Tickets Free – £5.00