Swindon Group
About the event
7pm to 9pm, Thursday 20 March 2025
Join the Swindon Group's March " Free Talk" by Graham Carter - Moonies, Movers and Shakers.
This talk will be about all about Swindon and Wiltshire people and the ‘Association of Wiltshiremen in London’ It is a history of the Association of Wiltshiremen in London.
However, there are other themes too, including cool things you may not have known about the county, and its fertile sub-genre, people you didn't realise were born in Wiltshire.
The 'Moonies in London', as they were known (referring to Wiltshire people being known as Moonrakers) met for an annual dinner and speeches in the capital. The reports of these gatherings tell us much about Wiltshire people and their achievements, what bound (and perhaps still binds) them together, and about life in the county in the past that isn't obvious in other sources:
The deep roots of organisations such as the Moonies in London (they were one of several); the role of the military in society; the shifting of influence between the upper and middle classes; social etiquette; attitudes to women; attitudes to charity and the 'deserving' poor; the role of apprenticeships in Swindon's railway history; and much more besides.
Refreshments will be available as usual. There is also free parking but do please register your car on arrival at reception. There will also be information on future events coming up, opportunities to view past club magazines and socialise in the bar.
Members and their guests are welcome to join us please respond to the Eventbrite invitation to book you free tickets.
Price
Free
The Holiday Inn, Swindon, SN3 6AQ
