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Swindon Wide
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Wyvern’s director aims to make theatre Great railway festival
centre of Swindon cultural scene in the heart of the GWR
Derek Aldridge, the Wyvern Theatre’s new director is set to make his Swindon’s annual Railway Festival is always a hit with families with loads
mark on Swindon. of attractions, people to see and things to do.
He hopes to bring a wide number of people. Taking place at STEAM on 12 Pete Waterman, will be at the festi-
the best national tour- We are also home to and 13 September, there’s plenty val for both days with his excellent
ing productions to the Create Studios, Sixth going on, including two free ride-on Just Like the Real Thing models.
town, as well as working Sense Theatre Com- miniature railways and the chance Meet railway experts and see
closely with schools pany, Theatreworks and to take the controls of some su- gauge shunting demos, a traction
to ensure the theatre Reach - so we’re a hub perb model railways from Hornby engine display, plus trade stands
is accessible to young of arts activity. and Bachmann. galore.
people. “The Wyvern Theatre Pop impressario and railway buff See the festival details below.
Derek, 34, has three should be a focal point
young children and of the town and I aim to
lives in Cirencester. develop our audiences, Innovation is the key to the future
Before coming to Swindon he was along with ensuring we offer the The Science Museum is celebrating a Century of Science and a Festival
general manager of Cheltenham best theatre that already gives so of Innovation at its Wroughton base on 12 and 13 September highlights
Town Hall and previously worked much to the community.” technology and innovation using the historic objects on display as a key
in other theatres, gaining a passion Derek also thinks the Wyvern has from the past to unlock the future.
for the development and outreach a role to play at a time of job losses Aircraft, space craft and vehicles
possibilities theatres present to the and recession. “Even in hard times
community. – perhaps particularly when things of all kind will be on show, alongside
He believes the Wyvern Theatre are tough – people need a treat. So printing presses,
The event is suitable for all ages,
is pivotal to the town’s cultural we will continue providing excellent with a strong interactive element
scene. “It’s so important that a full customer service, keep prices as to enable visitors to ‘have-a-go’
time professional theatre thrives realistic as possible, and put on an on the latest gadgetry, enjoy the
in a town the size of Swindon and exciting programme. We’re proud speed, sounds and smells of vin-
can provide access to the arts for to be participating in the national tage and modern vehicles in ac- Snowcat, used on the 1952
‘free theatre tickets for under 26’ Trans-Antarctic expedition
Wiltshire Bike Ride for scheme to develop our younger tion, and learn about how the mu- The museum will be open from
British Heart Foundation audiences.” seum looks after and conserves 10am to 4.30pm on both days. En-
the nation’s treasures.
Sunday 20 September Derek would like to hear from Event sponsor Intel will be pro- try is free, but parking costs £5 per
28 & 47 miles around Wiltshire anyone with suggestions about the viding a range of cutting-edge ac- vehicle. No charge for low-carbon
Wyvern programme, or any other
Call 0800 169 3672 to register aspect of the theatre by mailing him: tivities, from state-of-the-art gam- methods of transport.
www.bhf.org.uk/wiltshire [email protected]. ing to the exclusive Ladies Tent of www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/
wroughton
Technology. model launch at show

New Hornby GWR 175

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2009
10.00am to 5.00pm

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon

Featuring some of the UK’s biggest and best model railway
layouts - all under one roof !
Other attractions include Pete Waterman and his amazing model trains, massive Hornby and
Bachmann roadshows, demonstrations and a traction engine display.
See our website to find out more at www.swindon.gov.uk/steam

STEAM

Museum of the Great Western Railway

21-52 September 09.indd 22 19/8/09 14:47:47