For 10 years, a homage to the calculating, scientific, artificial intelligence of the computer and the calculator at Swindon’s Museum Of Computing has battled for attention in the shadow of the Wyvern Theatre.

The fact it has survived for so long is testament to the hard work of volunteers who have kept the operation open for two days a week since 2003. The museum is devoted to the history of computing and digital development. It was the first of its kind in the UK dedicated to the history of computing.

This Christmas the museum has opened its doors to those looking to try computer games with a festive twist.

Anything Christmas-related is dug out from the backroom and for their Challenge Santa event, with curator Simon Webb likely to be the sacrificial lamb donning a Santa outfit.

The 53-year-old, who co-founded the museum with Jeremy Holt, has anticipated a typically busy Christmas period.

“When the kids are off school we get quite busy, not just with families, but with bigger groups from all over the country,” he said.

It was 25 years ago when Simon, an IT engineer, and Jeremy, a solicitor specialising in IT matters, first began talk of starting a museum.

Simon began hoarding historical items while Jeremy began hunting down premises, until they found their home in Theatre Square.