In a country churchyard

There are so many beautiful and historic places in Swindon, but if we don't protect and care for them what example are we setting to those who do not understand their value.

Today Andy Binks of the Swindon Society and I took best selling novelist Nicola Cornick on a tour of the chancel (all that remains of Holy Rood Church) and the Lawn. Many years ago the gravestones were moved and propped up against the perimeter wall, now the inscriptions on most of them are illegible. History lost.

The church building is seldom open, just once a year during the Old Town Festival. Perhaps it is no wonder that graffiti is beginning to make an unwelcome reappearance and empty cans litter the churchyard.

If you would like to see the chancel open more frequently with talks and walks around the ancient churchyard, please let us know. You can leave a message here on this blog or visit the Swindon in the Past Lane facebook page.

And why not join members of the Swindon Society at their monthly meeting this Wednesday, October 12 when Andy will be talking about his time in the Swindon Works, from training to leaving and learning to larking about. The Swindon Society meets at Goddard Park School, Welcombe Avenue, Swindon SN3 2QN. Meetings begin at 7 pm. Members 50p, visitors £3 (includes refreshments).

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Swindon in the Past Lane

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