COMMEMORATION plans in Swindon for the centenary of the Great War were launched at Radnor Street Cemetery on Saturday.

Volunteers, representatives from Swindon Council, friends of the cemetery and the general public piled into the chapel at the centre of the grounds to hear about the plans.

Another attraction proved to be the Sanford Street School Great War memorial, which recognises some of the names of those Swindon men who lost their lives in the conflict.

The plaque was rededicated to the cemetery’s chapel by the council ahead of next year’s commemorations.

Mike Pringle, one of the chief organisers for Swindon in the Great War, the title for the union of volunteers planning to lead next year’s events, said: “It’s about making that connection between now and then.

“It’s about what it means today and what it meant in those days. We’ve got to remember these things. They shouldn’t be forgotten.”

At Saturday’s launch the chapel in the cemetery grounds was announced as the meeting space and base for the organising committee.

The council has also agreed to allow the use of the town’s museum and art gallery in Bath Road, with artefacts, documents, and materials from the council’s own collections being made available to the committee.

There are likely to be community-led exhibitions, talks, open days and evenings, tours to bring people, including school children into the venues provided by the council to promote the heritage of the area.

Special editions of Swindon Heritage magazine, covering different aspects of the town in the Great War, have also been commissioned and will work with schools in the area on content.

More than 100 people packed into the chapel on Saturday and Mike was totally surprised by the level of support the project is already receiving.

“We didn’t even get as far as advertising this event, but the numbers here show they are just generally interested in the topic.”

Council Leader David Renard (Con, Haydon Wick) represented the council at Saturday’s launch and made clear his joy at what was in store for the town and the memories of those lost.

Speaking to the audience, he said: “I’m delighted to see so many people here today. Heritage in Swindon certainly has some momentum behind it at the moment.

“Businesses are telling us this is really important for them when relocating here. In the past it was always the quality of schools, but now they are telling us that the leisure facilities are also important in these decisions.

“In terms of the council’s future commitment, times are hard and the money isn’t around we would like to invest.

“In this cemetery, we have been working with the probation service to get the gravestones cleared up for the next year’s commemorations.

“Rededicating this plaque is also part of what we can do. We are interested in new ideas too, if anyone’s got them.”

If anyone is interested in assisting the committee of Swindon in the Great War, they are encouraged to contact the group via email at swindoninthegreatwar@gmail.com, via telephone at 07768 917466, or via their website swindoninthegreatwar.wordpress.com