Swindon Heritage Preservation

New Swindon and the GWR | SHP Talk by Peter Timms
2026-03-12 19:30 - 20:30 UTC | The Bakers’, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BN, United Kingdom
New Swindon and the GWR
Swindon Heritage Preservation is delighted to welcome historian and author Peter Timms for a talk titled New Swindon and the GWR. This event is based on Peter’s latest publication, which offers a detailed and comprehensive history of Swindon’s railway town. As a result, the talk provides a valuable opportunity to explore the development of New Swindon through the lens of the Great Western Railway.
A Talk Based on New Research
During the evening, Peter will discuss the research behind New Swindon and the GWR and explain why this history is significant. Much has been written about Swindon before. However, this work brings together the development of the town, the railway works, and the community in a single, connected narrative.
The talk explores how the Great Western Railway shaped daily life in New Swindon. It also considers the relationship between the company and its workforce. Therefore, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how the railway influenced housing, employment, and social life in the town.
Meet the Author and Book Signing
Peter will be signing copies of New Swindon and the GWR on the night. This makes the event especially appealing for readers, collectors, and local history enthusiasts. In addition, copies of the book can be purchased in advance from the Swindon Heritage Preservation online store, ensuring availability on the evening.
Why You Should Attend
This talk will appeal to anyone interested in Swindon’s history, railway heritage, and community life. It is suitable for long-time residents, heritage supporters, researchers, and those discovering Swindon’s story for the first time. The presentation offers both historical insight and personal engagement with the author’s work.
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday 12 March 2026⏰ Time: 7:30 PM📍 Venue: Bakers’ Café, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BN
Bakers’ Café is located in the heart of Swindon’s historic Railway Village. It is easily accessible by train and bus, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. In addition, several car parks are available nearby. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park due to its close proximity.
Cost and Membership

SHP Full Members: FREE entry

Guests: £5.00 entry

Becoming a Swindon Heritage Preservation Full Member gives you free access to this and many other talks throughout the year. Full membership costs just £12 per year and includes additional benefits.
Join us for an informative and engaging evening. Book your place for New Swindon and the GWR today.

'Lydiard Ghost Stories' by Alex Crump
2026-04-09 19:30 - 20:30
Meet Alex Crump, a Swindon-based illustrator and storyteller with a flair for the creative and the curious. (Writing in the third person to appear remarkably grown-up).
Alex is a proud member of the Association of Illustrators (AOI) and the Society for Storytellers. His career spans from high-profile media collaborations to international education. He works alongside TV presenters Anthea and Wendy Turner on their Underneath the Underground series and has even had his work utilized by local governments in India for snakebite education.
Closer to home, Alex is a recognized figure in Wiltshire. He famously curated the sell-out ghost storytelling events at Lydiard House Museum, where he currently gives talks on the legends linked to Swindon’s history. He has also done work for the Great Bustard Group on Salisbury Plain.
Off the clock, you can find Alex roaming the Wiltshire hills with his family or attempting to play the guitar and mandolin (though rarely at the same time).
Why not join us April 9th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.

GWR Volunteer Rifles – For Queen and Country | SHP Talk by Mary Thornton
2026-04-30 19:30 - 20:30
GWR Volunteer Rifles – For Queen and Country
Swindon Heritage Preservation is pleased to present GWR Volunteer Rifles – For Queen and Country, a richly illustrated talk by historian Mary Thornton. This fascinating event explores a lesser-known aspect of Britain’s military and railway history, focusing on the Volunteer Rifle movement and its connection to the Great Western Railway.
The Story Behind the GWR Volunteer Rifles
Mary Thornton’s talk examines the origins of Britain’s Volunteer Rifle movement and explains why it emerged during the nineteenth century. In particular, the talk looks at how railway companies such as the Great Western Railway became involved. For a company built around skilled industrial workers, volunteering brought both opportunity and challenge.
The talk explores what it meant in practice for GWR men to serve as volunteer soldiers. This includes their equipment, training routines, and the expectations placed upon them. In addition, Mary discusses the true “calling” of the Rifle Volunteers and the serious role they were intended to play in national defence.
Attitudes, Humour, and Public Perception
Although the Volunteer Rifles served an important purpose, public attitudes towards them were often mixed. Therefore, the talk also looks at how Rifle Volunteers were portrayed at the time. Satire, humour, and social commentary frequently poked fun at this form of soldiering, even while recognising its patriotic intent. These attitudes reveal much about Victorian society and its views on duty, class, and military service.
Why You Should Attend
GWR Volunteer Rifles – For Queen and Country will appeal to anyone interested in railway history, military history, and social history. It offers a well-researched and accessible insight into how industry and defence overlapped in Victorian Britain. The illustrated format also helps bring the subject vividly to life.
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday 30 April 2026⏰ Time: 7:30 PM📍 Venue: Bakers’ Café, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BN
Bakers’ Café is located in the heart of Swindon’s historic Railway Village. It is easily reached by train and bus, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. In addition, several nearby car parks are available, including Bristol Street Car Park, which we recommend for convenience.
Cost and Membership

SHP Full Members: FREE entry

Guests: £5.00 entry

Becoming a Swindon Heritage Preservation Full Member gives you free access to this and many other talks throughout the year. Full membership costs just £12 per year and includes a range of additional benefits.
Join us for an evening of history, insight, and illustration. Book your place for GWR Volunteer Rifles – For Queen and Country today.

Growing Up and Working in a Railway Town | SHP Talk by Colin Parsons
2026-05-21 19:30 - 20:30
Growing Up and Working in a Railway Town
Swindon Heritage Preservation invites you to an engaging illustrated talk titled Growing Up and Working in a Railway Town, presented by Colin Parsons. This event explores Swindon’s railway heritage through personal experience, memory, and local history. As a result, it offers a unique insight into how the railways shaped both a town and the lives of those who grew up within it.
A Personal Story of Railway Life
Colin’s talk focuses on his own connection to Swindon and the lasting influence of the railways on his life. Born and raised in a town defined by the Great Western Railway works, Colin reflects on what it truly meant to grow up in a railway community.
As he famously puts it:

“It has been said that people born within the sound of Bow Bells are true Cockneys. Well, along with my twin brother Derek, I was born within the sound of the factory hooter so I am a true Swindonian.”

Through stories like this, the talk brings to life the everyday sounds, routines, and experiences that shaped generations of Swindonians.
Why This Talk Is Worth Attending
Rather than focusing only on dates and facts, Growing Up and Working in a Railway Town places people at the centre of Swindon’s history. Therefore, it will appeal to anyone interested in social history, railway heritage, and personal memories of life around the works. It is equally suitable for long-time residents, heritage supporters, and those new to Swindon’s story.
Event Details
📅 Date: Thursday 21 May 2026⏰ Time: 7:30 PM📍 Venue: Bakers’ Café, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BN
Bakers’ Café is located in the heart of Swindon’s historic Railway Village. It is easily accessible by train and bus, with the Central Bus Station only a short walk away. In addition, several car parks are nearby, including Bristol Street Car Park, which we recommend for convenience.
Cost and Membership

SHP Full Members: FREE entry

Guests: £5.00 entry

Becoming a Swindon Heritage Preservation Full Member gives you free access to this and many other talks throughout the year. Full membership costs just £12 per year and includes additional benefits.
Join us for an evening of memories, history, and local pride. Book your place for Growing Up and Working in a Railway Town today.

'The Missing Pieces Project' by Gareth Powell
2026-06-11 19:30 - 20:30
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.
The 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.

Why not join us June 11th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.

'Swindon's Heritage As Lived Experience' by Adeola Ojoawo
2026-07-16 19:30 - 20:30
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.

This 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.
By 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.

Why not join us July 16th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.

'GWR Girls Talk and Book Launch' by Jane Lark
2026-08-13 19:30 - 20:30
Swindon’s Secret History: Jane Lark & The GWR Girls
Step 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.
The Books
Jane 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:

Book 1: The Great Western Railway (GWR) Girls – The outbreak of war.

Book 2: The GWR Girls Do Their Bit – The aftermath of Dunkirk.

Book 3: Heartbreak for The GWR Girls – Swindon under attack.

Book 4: Christmas Wishes for The GWR Girls – The Americans arrive in town.

Ticket & Book Bundles
Save by planning ahead! Pre-order to secure your copy at a special event rate.

Pre-order with Ticket: £6.00 per book

Purchase on the Night: £7.50 per book

Note: Jane will be available for a dedicated signing session immediately following the presentation.

Why not join us August 13th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.

'Moonies, Movers and Shakers.' by Graham Carter
2026-08-27 19:30 - 20:30
Moonies, Movers & Shakers, by Graham Carter
Moonies, 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.

Why not join us on August 27th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.

'Three Painters and a Sculptor' by Philip Garrahan
2026-09-10 19:30 - 20:30
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.

Why not join us September 10th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.

'The Wiltshire & Berkshire Canal Trust' by Chloe Ford
2026-09-17 19:30 - 20:30
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.
Restoring a Historic Waterway
Their 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.

Why not join us September 17th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.

'The Story of Thomas Richard Guppy' by Gordon Shaw
2026-10-08 19:30 - 20:30
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.

Why not join us October 8th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.

'The North Wessex Way' by David Mitchell
2026-12-03 19:30 - 20:30
The North Wessex Way was rediscovered by David Robertson Mitchell, a local historian living near Malmesbury.
‘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’.
The North Wessex Way was the main route from Oxford to Bristol for three thousand years until it became The Forgotten Road.
Today, 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.

Why not join us December 3rd 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
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 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/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ 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.
It 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.
