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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Swindon Heritage Preservation
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BEGIN:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260409T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260409T203000
DTSTAMP:20260204T124712Z
CREATED:20260126T161232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T124712Z
UID:7695-1775763000-1775766600@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:'Lydiard Ghost Stories' by Alex Crump
DESCRIPTION: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). \nAlex 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. \nCloser 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. \nOff 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). \nWhy not join us April 9th 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://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/lydiard-ghost-stories-by-alex-crump/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Alex-Crump.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260422T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260422T153000
DTSTAMP:20260414T090802Z
CREATED:20250927T091240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T090802Z
UID:6220-1776870000-1776871800@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Railway Village Museum Tour (22nd April)
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://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/railway-village-museum-tour-22nd-april/
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/2025/04/9.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260429T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260429T153000
DTSTAMP:20260414T091459Z
CREATED:20260414T091253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T091459Z
UID:8229-1777474800-1777476600@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Railway Village Museum Tour (29th April)
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://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/railway-village-museum-tour-29-april/
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/2025/04/9.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260430T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260430T203000
DTSTAMP:20260216T093242Z
CREATED:20260126T165248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T093242Z
UID:7698-1777577400-1777581000@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:GWR Volunteer Rifles – For Queen and Country | SHP Talk by Mary Thornton
DESCRIPTION:GWR Volunteer Rifles – For Queen and Country\nSwindon 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. \nThe Story Behind the GWR Volunteer Rifles\nMary 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. \nThe 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. \nAttitudes\, Humour\, and Public Perception\nAlthough 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. \nGWR 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. \nEvent Details\nDate: Thursday 30 April 2026Time: 7:30 PMVenue: Bakers’ Café\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BN \nBakers’ 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. \nCost and Membership\n\n\nSHP Full Members: FREE entry \n\n\nGuests: £5.00 entry \n\n\nBecoming 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. \nJoin us for an evening of history\, insight\, and illustration. Book your place for GWR Volunteer Rifles – For Queen and Country today.
URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/gwr-volunteer-rifles-for-queen-and-country/
LOCATION:The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Railway200,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3697771668_12d0b76d79_z.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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