The Mechanics' Institution Trust are inviting the wider community to take part in their Sharing Swindon's Story Heritage Lottery Fund project for Heritage Open Days 2018.
On Saturday 8 September they will be hosting a 'Show & Tell' event at Central Community Centre where Swindon residents are invited to bring along items or stories which relate to the early days of Swindon, to share with people of all ages from across the town.
Anyone who has something to share – this could be photos, family records, medals, theatre tickets or even just memories – which relate to the Mechanics' Institute, the Medical Fund Society, The Children's Fete or anything else they consider might be of interest is invited to bring them along so that the young people can learn from and record them.
The event will be open to all members of the public to attend and enjoy the items on display, but will also be an opportunity for the young people who have been involved in the project over the summer weeks to share some of the creative work they have produced in response to the things they have learn about the town through their research visits.
“We want to encourage anyone in Swindon who has memories, objects or stories that they could share with the young people involved in the project and others attending the event to be involved in this event and help us to share Swindon's story with the wider town. It would be a great help if anyone who can be part of this could contact us ahead of time to let us know they are coming and what they would like to bring, so that we can ensure a space is set up for them to do so” says Becca Lewis, the Arts & Heritage Co-ordinator for the project.
People’s recollections of their social and cultural interests would be of particular interest. This may be about ballroom dancing or football, as well as schooling and holiday memories. The young people will be keen to interview and record anyone who is willing to help them see Swindon through older eyes.
The Trust are also hoping that former residents of the Railway Village and workers of the GWR will come along and share their memories of decades past.
The Railway Village Museum will also be open on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September between 10am and 3pm and guided tours will be given around the Railway Village at 10.30am and 1.30pm on both days.
Daniel Rose, Exectutive Director of the Mechanics' Trust said, “We always look forward to Heritage Open Days and welcoming new people to the Railway Village. This year we are particularly pleased to also be able to involve local people in our Sharing Swindon's Story project. We'd like to say a special thank you to the Heritage Lottery Fund and National Lottery players for making this possible.”
Heritage Open Days is a national festival during which places of historic interest open their doors for free for people to visit and celebrate their heritage and communities. It's a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences they may not otherwise. It brings together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers each year.
Sharing Swindon's Story is a Heritage Lottery Funded Young Roots Project organised by the Mechanics' Institution Trust in partnership with Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Swindon Local Studies, Prime Theatre and Viewpoint Community Media. The Trust are keen to hear from other local history and community groups who would like to take part in the project.
To contact this Trust regarding this project and the Show & Tell event please email [email protected] or telephoning 07784 338636.
People can also follow the progress of the project on newly set-up social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by searching for 'Sharing Swindon's Story' and using the hashtag #SharingSwindonsStory.
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