The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, in Chippenham, is celebrating its ten-year anniversary with a family fun day on Saturday 28 October, 10am-4pm. The day will be packed with fun activities for all the family to enjoy, and it’s a double celebration, marking 70 years of the Wiltshire and Swindon Archive Service.
Entry to the fun day is free, and it promises to be an enjoyable event for the whole family, with a chance to try archery and see knights in training with the College of Chivalry, and the opportunity to ‘stand and deliver’ with a highwayman.
There will also chances to get creative with the ARTeologists, and a paste paper making workshop led by our archive conservators, plus the historic Pelham Puppets.
Rarely seen treasures from the archives will be on display, including items relating to Beatrix Potter, Florence Nightingale, Hans Christian Andersen, kings and queens, and American presidents. Visitors will be able to discover other rare objects, preserved by the object conservation team.
There will also be the chance to enjoy digging into the past with local archaeologists, behind the scenes tours, exhibitions, family history and refreshments will be available in the pop-up café.
Richard Clewer, cabinet member for heritage, said: “We’re really pleased to be hosting this fun day to celebrate and mark ten years of the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre building in Chippenham, and 70 years of providing the Wiltshire and Swindon Archive Service.
“During this period the service has collected and preserved the written heritage of people, places and communities of Wiltshire and Swindon dating back 800 years; and, most importantly, it has made the collection accessible to everyone.
“It is a credit to the service that it will receive the Archive Service Accreditation at the event, from Jeff James of the National Archives and John Glen MP. The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre provides a state-of-the-art facility for archives and heritage services, and the accreditation recognises the successful partnership between Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council in delivering these services.
“The day will be fun-filled for the whole family, with activities for all ages, and we look forward to welcoming people to the history centre on this special anniversary.”
Find out more about the day and the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre here.