Page 24 - link magazine

Swindon Wide

Town’s largest community event

in Swindon175 year

More than 5,000 people attended the Swindon Mechanics Institute Trust
Children’s Fete on 9 July in GWR Park to mark the 150th anniversary since
it first took place in 1866 in the very same venue.
It was held every year until 1939, with a break for World War I. The
Mechanics Institute Trust revived the tradition in 2002 and have held
several fetes since then. But according to trust chair Daniel Rose, 2016 was
not a year to be missed. “Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and local
sponsors, a small organising team and lots of volunteers, we were able to
put on a great free event that brought together families from all areas of
the town, as well as a range of community organisations, to celebrate an
important part of Swindon’s heritage.
“And we sustained the tradition of giving cake to every child.” Enjoying cake Annabel Hill, 9, Amy Hill, 3, Taylin Fouracre, 8

Recreating the historic photo from the past, above and below. Note the
carousel in the same position in GWR Park
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Jacob HiHo in front of the children at the fete
www.visionvisit.co.uk 01793 232 588 See the full image gallery at: www.bit.ly/childrensfete2016

24 swindonlink.com n August 2016

August 2016 Master Pages.indd 24 21/07/2016 19:05