7:58pm Friday 11th September 2009
By James Wallin
SWINDON should be proud of its railway heritage, according to music producer and train fan Pete Waterman.
Pete will be guest of honour at the Swindon Railway Festival at Steam Museum this weekend.
He is no stranger to Swindon having seen the town transformed from a hub of the railway industry to one of the fastest growing towns in the country.
“It’s like chalk and cheese,” said the former Pop Idol judge about the difference between the Swindon of today and in the 1950s.
“When I was kid I used to come and look around the works for half a crown.
“In those days Swindon seemed absolutely colossal. The whole town was based around the railways and it was just amazing.
“These days it’s very much a modern town and you’ve got people dotted all over the place. There doesn’t seem to be so much of a centre.”
Pete said he thought Swindon was similar to many big towns in not making the most of its heritage.
He said: “Young people these days think heritage is boring and it’s normal for towns not to make a big deal out of it. But for me coming to Swindon was like a pilgrimage. It’s a shame that all that heritage isn’t represented more across the town.
“People in Swindon should be proud of that past.”
Pete is a regular visitor to the festival and has always been a strong supporter of the Steam museum.
He said: “I think it’s an absolutely great event. It’s a lot of fun for children and adults and there’s loads to see.
“I’m here to show off my model trains, which are my pride and joy. People often ask me about them because everyone knows I’m an absolute train nut. I really enjoy being able to talk about them.
“I’m always happy to come back to Swindon and to Steam and I’m sure this year will be another great festival.”
As well as the chance to see Pete’s famous “just like the real thing” trains, visitors to Steam today and tomorrow can see traction engines, wagons and locos as well as railway talks and the launch of the new Castle Class Swindon 7037 Hornby model.
The show is open from 10am to 5pm on both days. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £5.50 for concessions. For more details call the museum on 01793 466 619.
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