September 2018
Civil Defence in Swindon During the Wartime & Austerity Years
Julie Davis This talk is about Swindon’s wartime British restaurants and Civil Defence in the town in the post war period. I also mention other things to do with Swindon in wartime and showing the Lodgings Restriction Order of 1940 and the arrival of the US troops etc.
Find out more »October 2018
The Poppy – A Symbol of Remembrance
Bill King This Talk explains how, following the Great War of 1914-18 , the Poppy came to be recognized and adopted as the symbol of Remembrance for those who died. The poppy is now seen as the symbol of Remembrance for all those who have died in conflicts through to the present day.
Find out more »November 2018
The House
Paul Wilkins This talk explores the world of the Highworth & Swindon Poor Law Union Workhouse during the 19th century. It’s early years, what life as an “inmate” was really like, and examines the treatment of its children.
Find out more »June 2019
June meeting and AGM
Come along to hear Martin Collison talk about Carrots, Culture and Courtisans followed by our AGM. This presentation includes the early history of Covent Garden, its “change of use” from the centre of the Bawdy & Bagnio houses catering for the rakes in Georgian England to its current position as a premier tourist meeting place for street entertainment. It will also include the cultural aspects of the area, particularly the nearby Royal Opera House. There is one slightly “racy” slide…
Find out more »July 2019
The Unknown Warrior
The Revd. John Railton's talk is about the genesis and development of the concept of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, the brainchild of one of his forebears, Revd. David Railton, who served as an Army Chaplain in the First World War. Venue: Jennings Street Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG
Find out more »August 2019
Video Night: The Evening Advertiser and a District Nurse
Gordon Shaw presents two videos. The first is about the Swindon Advertiser and was made by reporter Flicky Harrison illustrating the printing of the paper and the retired printers reminiscing about their life in the print. The other video follows the life of a countryside-based District Nurse in the 1930’s. Venue: Jennings Street Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG
Find out more »September 2019
Not Forgotten – A Three Part Tale
Peter Williams presents a Three-Part Tale which deals with the effects of the Great War as social history. Peter discusses the contrasts in how the casualties from the wealthier strata of society were memorialized with how those from the working classes were remembered. All classes suffered terribly, but some were better placed to ensure that their losses were not forgotten than were others. Venue: Even Swindon Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG
Find out more »October 2019
Coleshill’s Secret History – The Auxiliary Units
Liza Dibble from the National Trust will run through the history of the Auxiliary Units, how Coleshill became the GHQ, what the training consisted of and how it was all kept top secret. Also, what there is to see now and the walks that the National Trust have at Coleshill. Venue: Jennings Street Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG
Find out more »November 2019
Northleach
Peter Dawson presents this talk about the Cotswold village of Northleach. He outlines its history, prominent buildings and the burgage plot system allowing the local residents a parcel of land to grow food for themselves. Venue: Jennings Street Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG
Find out more »February 2020
George E Hobbs – Poet, Preacher and Polymath
Graham Carter and Noel Ponting tell the story of a Rodbourne man who was a devout Wesleyan Methodist, Swindon Advertiser columnist, poet, astronomer and respected GWR foreman. Their publication titled "A Swindon Wordsmith" will be available to purchase after the presentation. Admission: Members £1 Guests £2
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