ARKELL'S Brewery, which grew up alongside the Great Western Railway, has helped Swindon175, the team celebrating 175 years of Swindon’s railway heritage this year, to commemorate Sir Daniel Gooch.

The celebration took place on what would have been his 200th birthday on August 24.

Swindon175 unveiled a brand new bust of Sir Daniel Gooch at Arkell’s Brewery on Hyde Road. The bust has been made by talented young sculptor, Fatima Alves, a student at Swindon’s New College.

Graham Taylor, Principle of New College said: “New College students and staff are delighted to be involved in Swindon 175 and the Sir Daniel Gooch celebrations. New College course leader Dan Hazelton and the Design and Technology students have relished the challenge of producing a lasting legacy for Swindon’s unsung hero of the railway age, and one who had a profound impact on the growth of Swindon."

The Gooch bust was designed and produced in college using the latest 3D printing techniques.

“The celebration at Arkells is going to be wonderful. Can anyone think of a better combination than steam trains and beer,” said Mr Taylor.

Daniel Gooch was born on in 1816 in Northumberland. He was recruited by Isambard Kingdom Brunel at the age of 20, with the title of ‘Superintendent of Locomotive Engines’.

A hugely successful train engineer, he was also responsible for identifying Swindon as the location of Brunel’s railway works and for designing the first complete locomotive to be built here. He died in 1889 at the age of 83.

George Arkell, managing director at Arkell’s Brewery said: “We were delighted to host the celebration of Sir Daniel Gooch at the brewery."

Caroline Black, Project Manager of Swindon175 said: “Swindon175 is about celebrating our past, present and future so it was absolutely fitting that we handed this project over to the students to create their own style of traditional bust, but with a modern take. Sir Daniel will “go on tour” over the next 12 months and will also take pride of place in the Brunel Centre, Central Library and Steam Museum with other venues yet to be confirmed.

In celebration of 175 years of Steam in Swindon, Arkell’s is brewing three special cask beers. Golden Gooch will be available from August 29 and Hooter from October 3. From November 7, the final beer, Steam Powered will be available across the Arkell’s estate of pubs.