6:54pm Monday 6th July 2009
By Jeremy Grimaldi
THE author of a new book about the history of Swindon’s railway works expects it to be the most comprehensive account of the factory to date.
Peter Timms, 55, who lives in Lawn and has been featured in the Adver on a number of occasions, completed In And Around Swindon Works, 1930 to 1960 at the end of last month.
In the book Peter not only interviews ex-workers from the once huge industrial plant which dominated the town, he also recounts people’s childhood memories of the works going back to the 1930s.
The book comes hot on the heels of Peter’s last publication, Working At Swindon Works 1930-1960, which took him four years to complete.
The second and final volume of the study will cover aspects including the design and development of steam and diesel locomotives and the range of heavy engineering work done for the Ministry Of Supply during the war.
Peter said: “There are also more stories about the various characters, both male and female, and the conditions as remembered by them.
“I have described the manufacturing processes, office routines, medical care and the position of the works within the Great Western Railway Company.
“I have also written about how the GWR affected the home and social lives of employees in those far off days, so different from life today.
“I took early retirement because the first book took so long to complete and I finished this one in just 13 months.
“It wasn’t that I rushed it but I was able to work on it virtually non stop.
“Although there is still a lot of interest in the GWR and its manufacturing facilities there won’t be a third book.
“I couldn't find enough new material for one thing.”
He added that copies of his second volume will be limited.
A hundred copies will be available now and 100 will be at the Steam Museum Festival in September.
Also included are a study of the railway estate and works fire brigade, the work of the General Stores, and both academic and practical training given to workers.
The book, the profits of which will go to the Prospect Hospice, costs £14 and Peter said he is happy to deliver the book within the town for free.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the book, which is not available in shops, is asked to call Peter on 01793 436902.
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