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Swindon Wide
Veterans invited into school for coffee Tribute to the King

Although they have extraordinary tales to tell, many veterans are moves to North library
reticent about discussing their experience of service life; but they will
find an attentive audience among students at Greendown Community An exhibition of photographs marking the eightieth anniversary of the
School in Grange Park on Friday 25 June. most famous railway engine ever built in the town, at the West Swindon
To mark Veterans Day, Anne Aware of Greendown’s interest Library between 22 May and 2 June, will transfer to North Swindon
Snelgrove MP is inviting ex-serv- in involving students in community Library from 4 June to 2 July.
icemen and women to a coffee issues, Anne asked them to take The 80 images by the
morning at the school. part and was pleased when they GWR works unofficial
She said last year’s experience decided to incorporate the event photographer Roy
of meeting veterans into their history stud- Nash marks the birth of
on the first day to hon- ies. Students will act as the King George V in
our their contribution hosts. May 1927, the same
to the nation inspired Veterans Day aims to month and year that
her to involve a school. raise public awareness Roy was born.
“Last year many people talked of of all veterans, young and old, and His pictures show the
their service; several had served in their contribution to life in the UK King in action and also
the second World War - plucked today. It is also an opportunity to the men inside the
from comfortable, everyday lives highlight support and advice avail- works who kept the
to fight or to defend our country. able. It honours those who served engine in top condition
Afterwards I felt strongly that young and survived; while November’s on the GWR and Brit-
people today should also get a Remembrance Day is for those ish Rail.
sense of what these men and who lost their lives. The KGV is now lov- Swindon’s 2006-07 mayor Mike Bawden pic-
women, who in their youth, con- The event is open to all veterans ingly preserved in Swin- tured by Roy Nash on 26 April 1983, at the end
tributed to our safety and democ- and they are invited to call 615444
racy.” if they will be attending. don’s Steam, Museum of his first mayoral term working with boiler-
of the Great Western maker Eddy Dyer on refitting the KGV
Railway, complete with
Latest films on offer for a week the gleaming brass bell presented tribute is being seen by so many
From Mel Gibson’s sub-titled Apocalypto and the children’s fantasy to the GWR when the engine rep- people new to Swindon. “I’m really
Charlotte’s Web toRocky Balboa or The Wedding, if you missed them resented the best of British engi- glad the libraries in the newer parts
at the cinema North and West Swindon libraries are offering them for a neering at the Baltimore & Ohio of town are displaying the pictures.
week’s rent of only £3. railroad centenary celebrations in King George V is a beautiful en-
All you need is a library card to take them out. And if you don’t have November 1927, where the King gine, which displayed the best of
one, present proof of name and address, such as a drivers licence, and was one of the greatest attrac- Swindon’s design and engineer-
library staff will give you one free of charge. What better incentive is tions. ing skills. The exhibition is my trib-
needed to enjoy a recent release? Roy said he was glad that his ute to the people who built it.”

www.bowlconcerts.co.uk www.swindon.gov.uk/artsandculture

21 June 07 22 18/5/07, 12:39 pm