Swindon 175 is steaming ahead with plans to mark this special year.

Swindon 175 will mark 175 years since GWR directors gave the go-ahead for the world-famous Swindon Railway Works to be built in Swindon.

The Swindon Chamber of Commerce in association with the Marriott Hotel are taking part in the commemorative events and heard an outline of the plans from Caroline Black, the project manager of Swindon 175, at a special lunch. 

She explained how it was Brunel's Great Western Railway which put Swindon on the map and how it now grew to a town of 200,000 people with many diverse industries.

She also said: "The sound of Swindon will again be heard across the town over Easter.''

The 175 celebrations will be marked by the sound of replica hooters from the old railway works, which are now attached to the roof of Steam Railway Museum. Teh original hooter was sounded daily as a timely reminder to the workforce.

"The replicas will be sounded on Tuesday, March 22 to mark the celebrations and then on Saturday, March 26 at precisely 4.30pm to mark the exact moment the works closed down, 30 years ago.

"The original hooter is still in position over the Swindon Designer village but has been silent for 30 years."

The Swindon Chamber has quarterly lunches in association with the Marriott.