Central Community Spaces

01/05/2026

It's coming!...

The Swindon Shimmyers will be hosting their annual Hafla on the 9th of May in support of Prospect Hospice.
Email @ [email protected] for your tickets!

27/04/2026

Our first craft de-stash event is on Saturday 16th of May, 11am - 1pm. We know how much you've hoarded and now is your chance to sell it! Follow the link to book a table or pop along to grab a bargain. All profits go towards restore Swindon's heritage buildings in the Railway Village.
https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/crafters-de-stash-sale/

13/03/2026

What’s happening at your community centre this weekend?

VAS are hosting Women’s Wellness Day! ✨🎀🌸

29/01/2026

New signs.
New spaces.
Launching Spring 2026 — keep an eye on our socials 👀

12/01/2026

Swindon Heritage Preservation is now inviting guest speakers for our 2026 programme!

We’re looking for people who have a story, insight, or passion to share about any aspect of Swindon, heritage, railways, people, or culture.

Whether you’re a historian, researcher, enthusiast, archivist, engineer, author, or simply someone with a fascinating story, we’d love to hear from you!

Our previous talks have covered everything from railway history to local architecture, community memories, industrial innovation, and book launches. So if your work or interests touch on Swindon or its history in any way, you’re welcome to put yourself forward.

If you’d like to give a talk this year, please get in touch with your idea. Please email: [email protected]

Let’s celebrate Swindon’s past, present and future together!

15/12/2025

04/11/2025

Places still available for this fabulous opportunity to make your own festive door wreath. To book your place, follow this link, refreshments provided. https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/festive-winter-wreath-workshop/

🎄 It may still be September, but with less than 100 days till Christmas, it’s time to get festive! 🎅 Last year we were fully booked, so don’t miss your chance to join our Christmas Wreath Workshop!

🌿 Create your own handcrafted winter wreath using fresh evergreens and beautiful natural decorations. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a total beginner, we’ll provide everything you need, plus a warm drink and biscuits to keep the holiday spirit flowing!

📍 Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square
📅 Saturday 6th December
🕥 Morning session: 10:30 AM
🕐 Afternoon session: 1:00 PM
💷 £35 per wreath (includes all standard materials + refreshments)
✨ Optional extras like lights and hooks available on the day

🎟️ Spaces are limited and fill up fast, so book now using the link below and make something truly magical for your home this Christmas!

https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/festive-winter-wreath-workshop/

30/10/2025

Tonight at the Central Community Centre, Michael Gray talks about The History Of Tarot followed by personal readings. Free to SHP members, only £5 for non-members. Book your place with this link
https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/the-history-of-tarot-by-michael-gray/

🔮 The History of Tarot – Talk by Michael Gray

From ancient mystery to modern psychology, Tarot cards have fascinated for centuries. Are they dark magic, a tool for self-awareness, or something else entirely?

Join us for an illuminating talk with Michael Gray as he explores the origins of Tarot, how readings work, and the mythic journey behind the cards.

🃏 Discover historical designs
🧠 Learn how Tarot evolved

📅 Thursday 30th October, 7:30 PM
📍 Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG
🎟️ Book now: https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/the-history-of-tarot-by-michael-gray/

12/08/2025

We are proud to share that we have secured a grant of £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to fund the next restoration phase of the Cricketers!

This funding will be used to complete the conservation of the remaining ground floor area, including the bar, kitchen, toilet block and storage room, with the aim of returning these spaces back into permanent community use.

The grant will secure the future of a piece of Swindon’s industrial and social history, and support community wellbeing, social capital and belonging by providing flexible modern spaces for groups, businesses, family and friends to meet, work, relax, and learn more about Swindon’s rich heritage.

This follows the successful completion of the lounge room and basement in autumn 2024, alongside the restoration of the building’s outdated utilities and structural integrity.

The funding will also support the organisational sustainability of Swindon Heritage Preservation as we take on new responsibilities and works with local partners to advance the cause of conservation across the Borough.

Together, we will bring back Swindon’s heritage.

https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/2025/08/250000-from-the-national-lottery-heritage-fund-for-the-next-phase-of-the-cricketers-restoration/

12/08/2025

Bring the whole family to the Railway Village Museum for an interactive tour with Mrs Smith, a busy housewife from 1901!

Actress and history aficionado Louise Jordan brings history to life as she invites everyone into her cosy Victorian cottage.

Families will love this hands-on FREE experience as it brings Swindon history to life in a way that everyone can enjoy, as part of Heritage Open Days 2025!

Kids and adults alike get to step inside a real Victorian cottage, meet Mrs Smith, and see what life was like over 100 years ago. With chances to join in, like helping with the washing, it’s a great way to learn about Swindon’s past.

Performances are on both Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2025 at 12:30 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM.

Learn more on our website:
https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/all-events/step-back-in-time-meet-mrs-smith-in-her-victorian-cottage/