Page 6 - link magazine

Town is getting ready to remember the conflict of a century ago
South Swindon MP Robert Buckland writes about the importance of commemorating Swindon’s role in the Great War
You may have read in the September Link about the launch of ‘Swindon in the Great War’ - a project to commemorate next year’s centenary of the
outbreak of the First World War. Swindon Heritage magazine and local historians are joining forces to organise and coordinate events. But they have
asked for our help, and it’s vital that everyone in Swindon thinks about how we can get involved.
I’m delighted to It’s estimated that plaque-style scheme to mark the ad- I want to work with the organisers
be helping with this around 1,500 men dresses of men who served. and the council to put this right and
important initiative. from the town died Central to this project will be I’m delighted to have been asked to
I’ve had a fascination in the conflict. Many Radnor Street cemetery in my South chair a meeting to see how everyone
for wartime history more thankfully sur- Swindon constituency, where many can work together to make sure
for as long as I can vived the horrors of war graves are located. Sadly, the Swindon remembers the Great War,
remember, and have war and returned to cemetery is not in a good way. Many and its soldiers who fought so bravely.
spent time research- Swindon. They are all of the graves are overgrown and I urge everyone to get involved
ing the part played sadly no longer with headstones have fallen over. Although so that Swindon can properly mark
by members of my us, but their stories are the Commonwealth war graves are this important anniversary. Please see
own family in the out there somewhere. looked after, I suspect many people contact details opposite.
1914-18 conflict. Their children and walk through the site without realis- • When Lydiard Park was a prisoner
Only by delving grandchildren may ing the history they are passing by. of war military hospital - see page 42
into the past do you be the custodians of
realise that there are Photo: Richard Wintle the memories, and Hospice ambassadors wanted
many stories to be told which we are it’s vital that they come forward to Prospect Hospice is seeking volunteers who are confident public speak-
in danger of losing forever with the share them now. ers to consider becoming ambassadors for the charity, in support of its
passage of time. The centenary brings And we must not forget that for fundraising activities.
this into sharp focus and provides every man who went to the trenches The charity is looking for people to October, with potential ambassadors
a perfect opportunity to safeguard or patrolled the high seas, there were train to speak to supporters about the required to attend both evenings.
these stories for future generations. hundreds - particularly women - who work and activities of Prospect, or to Anyone interested in becoming a
Many soldiers from Swindon took their place in the factories and express their appreciation to groups Prospect Hospice ambassador should
fought in the First World War. A on farms in a huge effort to ensure war who have raised funds for it. contact Amy Francombe or Andrew
central part of the commemorations time production was maintained and The hospice is holding an informa- Thompson on 01793 813355.
will be remembering them and tell- the country could feed itself. tion evening for would-be ambassa- • Join the Prospect Hospice Lottery
ing their personal stories. And there ‘Swindon in the Great War’ will dors on Wednesday 9 October, and a and you could win £1,000. See the
should be a rich seam of tales to tell. involve exhibitions, events and a blue training evening on Wednesday 23 advert on page 43.
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6 swindonlink.com • October 2013

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