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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Swindon Heritage Preservation
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251206T103000
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UID:6119-1765017000-1765033200@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Festive Winter Wreath Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Festive Winter Wreath Workshop\nGet into the festive spirit and create a beautiful\, handcrafted winter wreath to welcome the season! The Swindon Heritage Preservation Trust invites you to a special Festive Winter Wreath Workshop at the Central Community Centre in Emlyn Square. \nUsing high-quality\, natural materials like fresh evergreen leaves and other beautiful decorations\, you’ll have everything you need to design a unique and personal wreath for your home. \n\n\nWorkshop Details\nWe’re hosting two workshops on Saturday\, December 6th\, each lasting up to two hours: \n\nMorning workshop: 10:30 AM\nAfternoon workshop: 1:00 PM\n\nThe cost is £35 per wreath\, which includes all standard materials and you’ll also receive a voucher for a drink and biscuits. Please book additional guests separately as space may be limited. \nOptional extras like lights and hooks will be available for purchase on the day. \nGetting Here\nThe workshop is at the Central Community Centre\, Emlyn Square\, SN1 5BG. We encourage you to use public transport. You can also find parking at the Bristol Street Car Park. \n\nReady to get creative? Let us know if you have any questions or are interested in booking your spot.
URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/festive-winter-wreath-workshop/
LOCATION:Central Community Centre\, SN1 5BG\, Central Community Centre\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community,Fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Christmas-Wreath-Workshop-25-Document-A4.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Central Community Centre":MAILTO:bookings@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260406T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260410T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T122921Z
CREATED:20260330T142300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T122921Z
UID:8112-1775473200-1775833200@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:A Stitch In Time Costume Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:A Stitch In Time Costume Exhibition\nSwindon’s History in the Making: Local Volunteers Unveil Victorian Costume Collection at the Carriage Works \nSWINDON\, UK — Monday 6th – Friday 10th April 2026 \nThe Stitch In Time Costume Exhibition is bringing Swindon’s railway heritage to life this spring. A stunning new collection of Victorian costumes\, handcrafted by a dedicated team of local volunteers\, will be officially unveiled at a special exhibition in the historic Carriage Works on London Road. \n\nA Unique Heritage Collaboration\nThe exhibition is the centrepiece of an ambitious collaboration between Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) and Prime Theatre\, funded by the GWR Community Fund. \nThis partnership has evolved from a single-actor performance into the immersive “Meet the Smiths” experience\, designed to celebrate the migration stories of the families who built “Railway Town” as part of the nationwide Railway 200 (R200) celebrations. \n\nFrom Knitted Swimsuits to Victorian Gowns\nThe talented sewing circle behind the collection was largely formed from the Health Hydro Knitters—the same group renowned for creating the viral knitted swimsuits for the reopening of Swindon’s historic Health Hydro. \nWhile they are masters of the needle and thread\, this project offered a new horizon. \nOver a two-day intensive workshop in February\, the 14 ladies traded their knitting pins for sewing machines and heritage patterns. The project has been a significant opportunity for the group to: \n\n\nChallenge their technical abilities \n\n\nMaster period-accurate tailoring \n\n\nBuild confidence with new skills \n\n\nForge new friendships \n\n\nGain professional-grade heritage experience \n\n\n\nBringing the Smith Family to Life\nTo ensure historical accuracy\, two local historians researched the real residents of the Railway Village in 1901 using census records. \nFrom this research\, Prime Theatre has developed interactive scripts for four characters: \n\n\nMr Robert Smith \n\n\nThomas (aged 11) \n\n\nCaroline (aged 18) \n\n\nMinnie (aged 13) \n\n\nThese characters will lead interactive performances at the Railway Village Museum\, engaging visitors in authentic conversations about life during the expansion of the GWR network. \nThe “Meet the Smiths” experience allows visitors to step directly into the world of a 1901 railway family. \n\n“This collaboration with Prime Theatre and our wonderful volunteers allows us to move beyond static displays\,” says Nellie Pitts\, Project Manager at SHP.“It has been a joy to see the Health Hydro Knitters embrace this new challenge. Their craftsmanship ensures that when a child meets ‘Minnie Smith\,’ they aren’t just watching a play—they are stepping into 1901.” \n\n\nEvent Details\n\n\nEvent: Stitch In Time Costume Exhibition \n\n\nDates: Monday 6th – Friday 10th April 2026 \n\n\nLocation: Carriage Works\, London Road\, Swindon \n\n\n\nNext Stops: Easter and Beyond\nFollowing the exhibition\, the costumes will be used in the “Meet the Smiths” experience throughout the 2026 season\, including: \n\n\nSignal Festival \n\n\nSchool term events \n\n\nA grand finale during Heritage Open Days (HODS) in September
URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/a-stitch-in-time-costume-exhibition/
LOCATION:Carriage Works\, Carriage Works\, London Road\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5FB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community,Heritage,HODs,Museum,Railway200
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/A-STITCH-IN-TIME.pdf
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20260516T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20260516T130000
DTSTAMP:20260512T164015Z
CREATED:20260408T125737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T164015Z
UID:8177-1778929200-1778936400@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Crafters De-stash Sale
DESCRIPTION:Crafters De-stash Sale in Swindon\nGive your stash a new home at the Crafters De-stash Sale\, a community event in Swindon dedicated to sharing and rediscovering craft supplies. \nJoin us for a relaxed and friendly morning of browsing pre-loved fabric\, yarn\, buttons\, tools\, and more. Whether you are looking to clear out your craft room or find inspiration for your next project\, the Crafters De-stash Sale is the perfect place to start. \nThis event is ideal for anyone interested in sewing\, knitting\, card making\, crafting\, or upcycling materials\, offering a sustainable way to reuse and repurpose quality supplies. \n\nFind Materials and Inspiration\nThe Crafters De-stash brings together local makers\, hobbyists\, and creatives from across Swindon. Visitors can explore a wide range of affordable materials\, while sellers have the opportunity to pass on unused supplies to a new home. \nBy taking part in the Crafters De-stash\, you are also supporting a more sustainable approach to crafting—helping reduce waste while giving materials a second life. \nYou can expect to find: \n\n\nFabric and textiles \n\nCard making\n\nYarn and knitting supplies \n\n\nButtons and haberdashery \n\n\nCraft tools and equipment \n\n\nA variety of creative materials \n\n\nWhether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter\, there is always something new to discover. \n\nCrafters De-stash Sale Event Details\n\n\nEvent: Crafters De-stash Sale \n\n\nDate: Saturday 16th May \n\n\nTime: 11:00 – 13:00 \n\n\nLocation: Central Community Centre\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon SN1 5BP \n\n\nThe venue is centrally located in Swindon and easy to access\, making it a convenient destination for both visitors and traders attending the Crafters De-stash Sale. \n\nAdmission and Table Booking\n\n\nPublic Entry: £2.00 \n\n\nTraders/Sellers: £10.00 per table \n\n\nIf you would like to sell your craft supplies at the Crafters De-stash\, tables are available to book. This is an excellent opportunity to clear out unused materials\, free up space\, and connect with other local crafters. \nSpaces for sellers may be limited\, so early booking is recommended to secure your place at the event. \n\nWhy Visit the Crafters De-stash\nThe Crafters De-stash is more than just a market—it is a chance to meet like-minded people\, share ideas\, and become part of Swindon’s creative community. Whether you are buying\, selling\, or simply browsing\, the event offers a welcoming and inspiring environment for all.
URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/crafters-de-stash-sale/
LOCATION:Central Community Centre\, SN1 5BG\, Central Community Centre\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Car Boot Sales,Community,Table Top Sales
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Gemini_Generated_Image_u7r6tbu7r6tbu7r6.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260919T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260919T160000
DTSTAMP:20260630T085318Z
CREATED:20260217T141220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T085318Z
UID:7918-1789812000-1789833600@swindonheritage.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 sure 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 by. \nWe will also be presenting “Meet The Smiths” in the Railway Village Museum on Saturday 19th 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 on Saturday 19th to step back in time at the cottage to discover Victorian traditions and witness the sights\, sounds and smells of local community life. Prime Theatre in association with Swindon Heritage Preservation present “Meet The Smiths”. Costumed actors portray what it was like to live and work in the Railway Village in 1901 as a of member of The Smiths family. Places are limited so if you would like to witness this popular event\, please book below. \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 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://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/heritage-open-days-2026-2/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG
CATEGORIES:Community,Heritage,HODs,Museum,Walking Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.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
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