Swindon in the Past Lane

So, what is it like growing up with a famous suffragette in the family? What was the family view on her militant activities? Did they support her, or was she an embarrassment? These are some of the questions we will be asking Tamara Dugdale, Edith New's great niece, at A Talk and a Tea Party at St Saviour's Hall, Ashford Road on Saturday March 19, 12.30 to 2.30. Edith was born on March 17, 1877 at 24 North Street, Swindon and we will be celebrating her 139th birthday in style with Tamara in conversation with Leah Bevan-Haines and Frances Bevan. Sadly Edith died when Tamara was very young but did she grow up hearing about her famous great aunt, we wonder? Tamara will be telling us more about Edith's family and what she thinks inspired her to take up the Votes for Women cause. Another opportunity for us to wear our suffragette costumes, so don the purple, green and white colours ladies (banners are optional) and let's wish Edith many happy returns. For further u...

It might not have felt very Springlike today, with squally showers and a chilly blast, but the forecast for the rest of the week is looking promising and I feel in a buoyant Lydiard House and Park mood. Next week sees the last in the Behind Closed Doors series of events on March 16 at 7 pm when Jane Rutherfoord will talk about ancient wall paintings and her fascinating conservation work at St Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoze. For more information visit the Friends of Lydiard Park website. Lydiard House, which has been closed since before Christmas, reopens on March 19 with a new exhibition called Lydiard at War. And then yesterday yet more information arrived concerning future events at Lydiard House including the Friends AGM on May 7.  Mike Bowden, Chairman of the Friends, writes: "Given the very serious threat Lydiard House and Park is currently under and the uncertainty of its future remaining in public hands, we will devote our afternoon to this issue, providing you...