´óÏó´«Ã½

Gloucestershire families will get a unique chance to learn about the county's war history at a special free event on 8th November. The story of the county's servicemen and women will be told at the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s 'Wartime Discovery Day'. It features rare Gloucestershire Regimental artefacts, wartime memorabilia from the Cotswolds, county medals and antiques specialists, local re-enactors and Family History experts.ÌýÌý

The event is being hosted by STEAM - The Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon on Saturday 8th November, when the venue will be waiving its normal admission fee. Special guests include the author and TV historian Richard van Emden and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Points West presenter Will Glennon.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the end of World War One and the ´óÏó´«Ã½ is staging the Family History day in commemoration of the Armistice. The event covers the nine decades since 1918 and includes film shows, talks, military vehicles plus fascinating exhibits from the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and the Cirencester Air Raid Shelter Museum.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Unique Experience

Event organiser Trish Campbell said; "We want to bring young and old together in the act of Remembrance and give everyone a unique experience".ÌýÌý

People from Gloucestershire are being invited to take along family stories and heirlooms from the Great War to be uploaded onto a special memorabilia website. It might be a photograph of a loved one, a treasured telegram or a momento from the trenches. But don't worry if you're not too computer-literate; a team of helpers will be on hand to assist with the technical side of things.

Meanwhile, antiques expert Simon Chorley from Prinknash and medals specialist Terry Duncan from Westbury on Severn will be giving advice and valuations on all your 20th century collectables, souvenirs and militaria.

Other highlights at the 'Wartime Discovery Day' include:

• Author talks by Michael Walsh (Brothers in War) & Mark Sutton (Swindon's War Dead)
• Royal British Legion exhibition
• The Gloucestershire Family History Society
• First and Second World War Fashions
• Severnside Military Vehicle Trust display
• ´óÏó´«Ã½ at War exhibition
• The Great Western Front Association
• A Service of Remembrance at 2pm

Visitors will be able to book tickets for a series of free film shows including the poignant final episode of 'Blackadder Goes Forth' (cert PG) and an acclaimed film from ´óÏó´«Ã½ West about the Last Tommy, Harry Patch.

As final preparations were being made for the event, organiser Trish Campbell extended a welcome to people of all ages; "The aim of the day can be summed up in three simple words - discover, share, remember".

Entrance to the museum and all the 'Wartime Discovery Day' activities are free of charge. The event is being held in association with STEAM, Swindon Borough Council, Swindon College and the Royal British Legion.

Event Details

Wartime Discovery Day
Venue: STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA
Date: Saturday 8th November 2008
Time: 10am-5pm
Museum Admission: Free

Getting There:

By Road: From major routes into Swindon, follow the brown tourist signs for Outlet Centre or Great Western Heritage Area, or the ‘M’ for STEAM Museum sign. Parking is available in the north and west car parks of the Outlet Centre.

From Swindon Railway Station: There is a taxi rank at Swindon station. Walking from Swindon railway station – turn right outside the station and walk along Station Road towards Emlyn Square, staying on the right-hand side of the road. Walk through the second underpass on the right – signed Great Western Business Centre, and up the ramp at the end. Walk past the National Monuments Record Centre, turn left and follow the pedestrian route to STEAM. This is a 10 to 15 minute walk.

Accessibility: The Museum is fully accessible with lifts and ramps giving wheelchair and pushchair access throughout. Disabled toilet facilities are also available. Guide, hearing and companion dogs welcome (dog bowls available).

Refreshments: Drinks and light refreshments are available in the entrance hall.