The former poet laureate, Sir John Betjeman, once described Swindon Village as "a jewel in Cheltenham's Crown". Much has changed since then. Forty years ago Swindon was a rural farming community just outside Cheltenham's boundary. Now it is an area of residential, retail and industrial activity albeit still bordered by much farmland and open country. Members of the Swindon Village Society believe that it is a good place to live and would wish to keep it that way.

Thanks to initiatives by the Society the old village was designated a Conservation Area in 1986. This has helped us preserve the heart of the village, the older houses and many fine trees.

A sense of history will also help to bind the community together. Swindon's history is over one thousand years old. The society has a History Group that has published several collections of articles on the history of Swindon and talks on the subject to other societies. This is an ongoing project which includes recording the memories of many of our older residents.

The Society holds monthly meetings that may take the form of a talk on local history, flora and fauna or perhaps a guided walk or a visit. For instance in recent years these have included seeing the fossils and rocks of Cleeve Hill, guided bird walks and visits to noted local gardens and museums.

Erosion of our environment is an ever present danger with the threat of unsympathetic development or unwanted incursions into the surrounding green belt. The society is not against change but is for maintaining the village as a reasonable community in which to live a little aside from the pressures of outside life. If you feel as we do and have an interest in finding out about and preserving our heritage give us your support and if you can give a little of your time and talents to help our work.

To promote high standards of planning and architecture in the village.

To research local history, geography and architecture and make the results known.

To secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest.

Membership is open to all who are interested in our aims and programmes.

£5.00 per member per year

£8.00 per family per year or for joint membership

Committee

Chairman Barry Simon 521723

Treasurer Julia Spencer 269106

History Hazel Luxton 232114

Meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of the month at the Village Hall at 7.45pm. However on some months, particularly in the summer visits are made to gardens, museums or churches and these may take place at other times and days. For up to date information see the Swindon Village News, look out for notices on the village notice boards or, best of all, contact a Committee Member. All meetings are open to non members at £1 entry. If you want to see what we are like just come along to a meeting and say hello.