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PRODID:-//Swindon Heritage Preservation - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Swindon Heritage Preservation
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260101
DTSTAMP:20250106T145319Z
CREATED:20250106T145319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T145319Z
UID:4166-1735689600-1767225599@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Walk the Works Heritage Trail
DESCRIPTION:The Works Heritage Trail guides you around Swindon’s beautifully preserved Railway Village\, through the Tunnel and around the former GWR Works – the original industrial heart of Swindon. \nIn the 1840s\, the Great Western Railway chose to site its locomotive repair works here\, in open countryside mid-way between Bristol and London. That decision changed Swindon forever. The first railway workers\, and the generations that followed them\, forged Swindon’s character and pioneered its evolution into a dynamic and prosperous industrial centre in the south-west of England. \nThe Heritage Trail tells Swindon’s story of pioneering ideas\, community initiatives and societal change through three themes:\nIndustry\, Community and Health \nThe Trail follows a circular route\, starting and ending at Swindon Station.\nIt is approximately two miles (3.2km) long. The route is mostly flat\, with one short slope at the Tunnel. \nJoin the Trail at any point – find your location on the trail map. Labelled circles indicate the corresponding information panel titles listed in this guide. \nLook out for bronze discs in the pavements that help direct you from point to point. \nThe design of the bronze pavement discs illustrate the Trail’s three themes: a rail track for industry; a needle and thread for community\, and the traditional serpent-and-staff symbol for medicine and health. The directional arrows meet at a mirrored pair of GWR motifs. \n\nJoin the trail and find our more here!
URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/walk-the-works-heritage-trail/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG
CATEGORIES:Heritage,Walking Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TheWorks-TrailMapV1.0.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250903T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250903T153000
DTSTAMP:20250827T120603Z
CREATED:20250827T120603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T120603Z
UID:5911-1756911600-1756913400@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Railway Village Museum Tour (3rd September)
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 season 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://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/railway-village-museum-tour-3rd-september/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Road\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Museum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250910T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250910T153000
DTSTAMP:20250827T121203Z
CREATED:20250827T121203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T121203Z
UID:5915-1757516400-1757518200@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Railway Village Museum Tour (10th September)
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 season 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://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/railway-village-museum-tour-10th-september/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Road\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Museum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250913T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250913T160000
DTSTAMP:20250714T132442Z
CREATED:20250714T132442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T132442Z
UID:5496-1757757600-1757779200@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Heritage Open Days 2025!
DESCRIPTION:Join us to celebrate Heritage Open Days 2025 on Saturday 13th September in Swindon’s historic Railway Village! \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. \n \nThe Cricketers’\nView the progress of restoration work 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 for a range of children’s activities and a tombola. Plus it will be a chance 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-2025/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG
CATEGORIES:Community,Heritage,Museum,Walking Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Blue-with-Pink.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250918T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250918T183000
DTSTAMP:20250818T074630Z
CREATED:20250818T073937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T074630Z
UID:5852-1758214800-1758220200@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:'200 Years of Britain’s Railways in 14 Journeys' by Sherin Aminossehe
DESCRIPTION:The world’s first public railway\, the Stockton & Darlington Railway\, opened in the northeast of England in 1825 and marked the start of rail travel in Britain and across the world. Over the following two centuries the rail network expanded over the country and led to the construction of some of the most spectacular examples of British architecture and engineering.\n\nThrough a selection of 14 varied journeys\, 200 Years of Britain’s Railways in 14 Journeys by Sherin Aminossehe takes the reader on a breathtaking illustrated tour of Britain’s rail network\, taking in stations\, bridges\, viaducts and other architectural elements\, but also the people and personalities associated with them.\n\nSherin Aminossehe has been drawing since she could hold a pencil and is now a trained architect working for the Ministry of Defence and will be giving an illustrated talk about the beautiful and engaging story of Britain’s railway history and architecture.\n\nCost\nThis event is completely FREE\, starting at 5 PM Thursday 18th September. No booking required. \nSherin Aminossehe’s book ‘200 Years of Britain’s Railways in 14 Journeys’ will be available to purchase during the event. \nGetting to Emlyn Square\nCentral Community Centre is in Emlyn Square (SN1 5BP) 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 bus stops and Swindon 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://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/200-years-of-britains-railways-in-14-journeys-by-sherin-aminossehe/
LOCATION:Central Community Centre\, SN1 5BG\, Central Community Centre\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Heritage,HODs,Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Sherin-Aminossehe.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250920
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250922
DTSTAMP:20250915T062947Z
CREATED:20250811T075203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T062947Z
UID:5789-1758326400-1758499199@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Step Back in Time: Meet Mrs Smith in Her Victorian Cottage!
DESCRIPTION:Bring the whole family to the Railway Village Museum for an interactive tour with Mrs Smith\, a busy housewife from 1901! Actress and history aficionado Louise Jordan brings history to life as she invites everyone into her cosy Victorian cottage. \nFamilies will love this hands-on FREE experience as it brings Swindon history to life in a way that everyone can enjoy. Kids and adults alike get to step inside a real Victorian cottage\, meet Mrs Smith\, and see what life was like over 100 years ago. With chances to join in\, like helping with the washing\, it’s a great way to learn about Swindon’s past. \nPerformances are on both Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2025 at 12:30 PM\, 2 PM and 3 PM. \nEvent Information: \nLocation: The Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Rd\, Swindon SN1 5BJ | You can view the location on Google Maps here. \nPlease Note: Wheelchair ramps are available\, with only 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 \nThere are no toilets available at the Museum. \n 
URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/step-back-in-time-meet-mrs-smith-in-her-victorian-cottage/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Road\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Heritage,Museum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pink-with-Blue.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250924T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250924T153000
DTSTAMP:20250827T131214Z
CREATED:20250827T121847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T131214Z
UID:5924-1758726000-1758727800@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Railway Village Museum Tour (24th September)
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 season 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://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/railway-village-museum-tour-24th-september/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Road\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Museum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
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