Great Western Railway (GWR) has sponsored the purchase of 100 copies of the illustrated history of Swindon by local artist and author, Hannah Dosanjh, in conjunction with the Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Barbara Parry.
The book, entitled ‘A Railway Town called Swindon’ and beautifully illustrated, provides a unique learning tool for children to learn about their town. Aimed at three to 11-year-olds, it tells the story of Swindon and its growth through ‘Isambark Kingdog Brunel’ and ‘Spaniel Gooch’.
More than 40 full colour pages of detail and a rhyming story takes readers on a journey of discovery through Swindon’s incredible industrial railway history and social impact.
The initiative comes ahead of World Book Day on Thursday 7 March.
Councillor Parry said: “As soon as I saw this book I was wowed by it. It truly is a unique learning tool for the children of Swindon and thanks to GWR’s help, it will help our children learn about the town.
“It really is a brilliant way to explain our fantastic history and I hope this will give them a real pride when they realise just what this town has achieved.”
Self-confessed history ‘anorak’, author and artist, Hannah Dosanjh, said: “When I first had the idea for the book, I never realised the impact it would have.
“I am so pleased that every school child in Swindon will now have access to the book and learn about Swindon’s history.”
GWR Business Assurance Director, Joe Graham, said: “Swindon is as important today for GWR as it was when Brunel and Gooch first chose the town for the world-famous railway works.
“This book is a great way to tell that importance to those who could become the GWR engineers, train drivers and station managers of the future and we are really pleased to help the mayor in getting this into schools.”
The book can be purchased through Hannah’s own website hannahdosanjh.co.uk.