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CELEBRATE SWINDON'S HERITAGE DURING THE ANNUAL NATIONAL 'MOMENT' TO EMBRACE HISTORY & HERITAGE

Every year in the UK, thousands of volunteers across the country open up venues and landmarks to the public to celebrate the history and culture of England.

Heritage Open Days began in September 1994 as part of a European initiative to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of countries across the continent.

The aim was to throw open the doors of historical monuments or venues - especially those who are not usually open to the public. Swindon and Wiltshire are no exception and both the town and county have participated in this festival of culture and this year will be no exception.

Here are a few of the venues which will be part of the so-called HODs project this year:

Central Community Centre Heritage Festival

Address: Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BG

About: Explore this historic building, once a hospital and emergency facility for injured railway workers. Browse the stalls, meet local organisations, get a taste of Swindon's food history and enjoy a delicious cream tea.

Dates/Time:

Saturday 11th September 2021: 10.00am - 4.00pm with cream teas at 2.30pm - 4.00pm
Sunday 12th September 2021: 10.00am - 4.00pm with cream teas at 2.30pm - 4.00pm

Find out more by visiting: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/central-community-centre

Cultural Heritage Institute Swindon - Food History, Heritage and Future

Address: Royal Agricultural University Cultural Heritage Institute, Unit 11, Carriage Works, London Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5FB

About: Ever wondered what people ate in the past? Ever wondered what we might eat in the future? Take a visit to the former GWR Carriage Works and the Cultural Heritage Institute to find out how we are using history to shape the future of food.

Dates/Time:

Saturday 11th September 2021 : Open 10am to 5pm
Sunday 12th September 2021: Open 10am to 4pm

Find out more by visiting: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/cultural-heritage-institute-swindon-food-history-heritage-and-future

The Bakers

Address: Bakers Arms, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BN

About: Pop into this historic former bakery for refreshments and browse our local history display. Try your hand at making origami bees and hear about the work of Transition Swindon, or enjoy other family craft activities. Built in 1846, this building was originally owned by the GWR as one of four pubs in the Railway Village. Later it became a bakery.

Dates/Time:

Saturday 11th September 2021: 10am - 4pm
Sunday 12th September 2021: 10am - 4pm

Find out more by visiting: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/bakers

The Glue Pot

Address: Glue Pot, 5 Emlyn Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BP

About: Enjoy Real Ale produced by local brewers and bar snacks, and join the landlord for a talk on the history of this Grade II listed building. The Glue Pot was a public house frequented by the GWR carriage workers. They kept their glue brushes soft in glue pots situated in the bar before going back to work. Come and join the pub landlord for a talk about the history of this building, which is still a pub today. You can also take the opportunity to enjoy a locally brewed Real Ale!

Dates/Times:

Saturday 11th September 2021: 11.30am - 11pm - Talk: 3pm for 30 mins
Sunday 12th September 2021: 12pm - 8.30pm - Talk: 3pm for 30 mins

Find out more by visiting: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/the-glue-pot

The Pattern Store

Address: Pattern Church, Penzance Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 7JL

About: The 1897 GWR Pattern Store is open to the public for guided tours for the first time since renovation. The Grade II Pattern Store has been completely renovated with original historic features restored and the building revitalised to make a home for Pattern Church.

Find out more by visiting: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/patternstore

Crofton Beam Engines Physical Open Day 2021

Address: Crofton Pumping Station, Crofton, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3DW

About: Crofton Beam Engines, a site built when steam was king! Visit this unique Grade 1 listed canal-side Georgian steam pumping station, housing an original 1812 Boulton & Watt and an 1846 Harvey of Hayle Cornish Beam Engine. Please note that there is no booking required.

Dates/Time: Sunday 12th September 2021 - Pumping Station open 10.30am -4pm.

To find out more or for full opening times please visit: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/crofton-beam-engines-physical-open-day-2021

Health Hydro

Address: The Health Hydro, Milton Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5JA

About: Find out about the origins of this iconic building which has been meeting the health and leisure needs of Swindon residents since the 1890’s. Just turn up to see the main areas and exhibition or for hourly guided tours of the interior. Please note that booking is not required.

Dates/Time:

Saturday 11th September 2021: 12pm - 4.30pm. Tours at 1200, 1300, 1400 and 1500 hours
Sunday 12th September 2021: 12pm - 4.30pm. Tours at 1200, 1300, 1400 and 1500 hours

Find out more by visiting: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/health-hydro-milton-road

Railway Village Museum

Address: Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ

About: Step back in time and visit a former Great Western Railway worker’s cottage in the heart of Swindon. Find out what it was like to live, work and eat in a Victorian railway town and take a tour of the area with one of our local guides. Pre-booking is preferred. Main site is free to explore but tours should be pre-booked via Katie Knowles on [email protected].

Dates/Time: