Swindon in the Past Lane

The weather was kind to us (just a few spit spots of rain) and the heritage fans turned out in force. Here are a few photos from our first ever Swindon Heritage History Day. We hope you had a good time. We certainly did! Graham and Brian Carter were busy all day with burial register look ups The lovely Diane Ian and Jan from A.E. Smith Rodbourne Community History Group Dave Woods from Swindon 105.5 Maggie Brunger   Caroline Davies Khan and the Savernake Street Social Hall Andy Binks talking about William Steward Noel Ponting talking about Jimmy Thomas Andy Binks talking about Samuel Carlton Noel Ponting talking about John Hudson Read A packed chapel for the Swindon Heritage History Day Mural man Ken White and movie man Martin Parry Noel Beauchamp talking about George French (Hooty) and Jim Hurst  Darryl Moody from Local Studies and the Book Pedlar

Today we have not one, not even two but three guided walks taking place at Radnor Street Cemetery, each one taking a different route and visiting different graves. Noel Beauchamp, Andy Binks, Noel Ponting and I will be taking you on two different GWR themed guided walks around the cemetery at 11 am and 2 pm while at 12.30 Phil Comley will be conducting a guided walk of the military graves. Working in partnership with Swindon175 we have a growing number of exhibitors joining us for the first ever Swindon Heritage History Day. Want to know where your ancestor is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery? We will have volunteers who can search the burial registers for you. And if you'd like to know more about your ancestor's funeral, visit the staff at the A.E. Smith stand who will be bringing copies of their ledgers with them. Cemetery follower Maggie says: "Bring photos and information about your ancestors who are buried at Radnor Street cemetery. We'll have temporary...

Quite frankly I think it's time to name names. People might not thank me for it, but I think Swindon in the Past Lane readers deserve to know who you are. So what has sparked this outburst? Funnily enough it was having a jolly nice time at the official opening of the new Arkell's hotel at The Sun Inn, Coate overlooking historic Jefferies land. It was a super event with a posh ploughman's lunch and scrummy scones.The Swindon Heritage team were among the invited guests along with members of the press, civic dignitaries and the people who designed, built and colour co-ordinated the beautiful rooms. And quite naturally the conversation turned to all things heritage - well it would with us there! We started talking about shared acquaintances and the valuable research work being undertaken by volunteers and I decided there and then to name on this blog just a few of the people I know who work so hard to promote Swindon's wonderful heritage. So, let's hear it ...

This week began with an endurance test, included a significant birthday, some excellent cemetery news and ended with an 10th anniversary and a fete. Across the Bank Holiday weekend the Swindon Heritage team was out pounding the streets, delivering copies of the magazine. I covered the length and breadth of West Swindon while my two colleagues delivered the rest! I got to see areas of Toothill I didn't know existed, and how beautiful it is too, with stunning views across to Wroughton. By the end of the week the job was done, or so we thought, until we discovered a glitch in our less-than-foolpoof system. Too big a job for pedal power, Graham left his trusty cycle behind and drove more than 70 miles, delivering to subscribers who had dropped off the list. But by now subscribers should be satisfied, stockists stocked and with just Lydiard House to deliver to tomorrow, the Autumn edition of Swindon Heritage is out there. Enjoy! Followers of events at Radnor Street Cemetery will...