Welcome to the Swindon Area
History
Swindon has a long history of association with engineering, starting with the establishment by Brunel of the famous Great Wesern Railway Workshops. Following the demise of the railway industry, Swindon has diversified dramatically and, from a single-industry town, has become a thriving centre of manufacturing and commerce.
The Swindon Panel of the IMechE was inaugurated on 5 February 1975 and evolved into the Swindon Area as a consequence of the re-organisation of the Regional Network on 27 May 1998.
The business of the Swindon Area is conducted by a committee based in Swindon. Members are encouraged to volunteer to serve on the committee where their contribution will be warmly welcomed.
Geography
The geography of the Area is defined by postcodes. It covers all areas with Swindon (SN) postcodes plus Bath postcodes BA12 - BA15. This area stretches from Faringdon in the East to Bradford-on-Avon in the West and from Swindon in the North to Devizes in the South. The Area serves approximately 600 members of which around 200 have registered addresses in Swindon.
Events
The annual programme of events starts around September and runs through to May the following year. Typically, seven events are organised each year including industrial visits, lectures and finally a social evening. In putting together the programme the committee tries to cover a wide variety of interests. Suggestions for future events are always welcome from members.
Simon Tansey
Chairman
08 September 2010 | 13:00 - 16:00
Afternoon visit to the Science Museum Library ar Wroughton and Tour of Hangar D4 (Part of the Science Museum's Large Objects store)
For information on what is in hangar D4 use the following link
http://www.petergoodearl.co.uk/laceygreen/days/wroughton/hangard4/index.htm
For updates on all Science Museum news and events sign up to their free e-newsletter at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
27 October 2010 | 11:00 - 13:00
With ASI being an approved specialised aircraft decommissioning and recovery company this is an excellent opportunity for members to see how such work is undertaken at Cotswold Airport.
Note: Spaces are very limited and reserved on a first come first serve basis. Transport will be provided from Swindon at 10.15hrs.
11 January 2011 | 18:30 - 20:30
A presentation hosted by Simon Tansey - Royal Mail Engineering on ‘Postal Automation’ and conducted in conjunction with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
16 March 2011 | 18:30 - 20:30
INFORMAL GATHERING to explore the mechanics of working within the IMechE Swindon area committee. and how it could assist with your IMechE ambitions followed by a Nomination Meeting
13 April 2011 | 18:30 - 20:30
LECTURE “21st Century Energy” by Tim Fox – A look at population growth and meeting longer-term energy needs
10 May 2011 | 18:00 - 20:00
LECTURE “Driverless Vehicle Technology” Joint lecture with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
20 May 2011 | 19:00 - 22:00
Home to the lords of the manor of Clevedon for centuries, the core of the house is a remarkable survival from the medieval period. The house was purchased by Abraham Elton in 1709 and it is still the much-loved family home of his descendants today. Note: the Elton family opens and manages the property for the National Trust. Source http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-clevedoncourt.htm
