So what is the Local History Fair?

It's part of the Alfred Williams Heritage Festival. The festival runs for two days, but the Local History Fair takes place only on the Saturday afternoon - November 13, 2010, from 10am to 4pm. It will be a completely free festival, with free entry for visitors. More about the rest of the festival

Where is it happening?

In STEAM, Swindon's railway museum - specifically in the Great Western Hall, which is the large hall at the far end of the museum, alongside the main line, which also houses the Wall of Names of railway workers.

What's it all about?

The Local History Fair will feature displays of historic and archive material (by the Alfred Williams Heritage Society) plus talks about Swindon men who fought in the First World War; Alfred's folksong legacy; and the story of Alfred's life - all organised by this Society. But we also want other local heritage enthusiasts to take part, so have room for stands on which groups and individuals can mount displays about their interests and talk to visitors.

What's the aim?

To share information about the heritage of Swindon and the surrounding area - and ultimately to turn it into a celebration of our proud past.

Does my stand have to be relevant to Alfred Williams?

No. We are inviting exhibitors with anything interesting to show and tell visitors about our heritage. These may include historical societies with specific interests; individuals with interesting artefacts and collections; authors of local history books who are bringing copies to sign and sell; local history groups specific to one local town, village or area; people interested in family history; the owner of an historic vehicle who would like to bring it along; people who have interesting collections of historical items; people researching a particular aspect of our heritage... As long as there is some connection with our past, it's suitable!

How much will it cost?

Nothing. We are subsidised by a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, who are keen to make this a true community event, so there is no charge to have a stand - nor, indeed, to visitors.

What if I have never exhibited before and don't have suitable display materials?

Don't worry if you've never exhibited before. The Local History Fair is an informal event, and it will not matter if your stand doesn't look like something out of the Ideal Home Exhibition! We will be providing tables for all exhibitors, and we may also be able to help with display materials or make suggestions for putting on the best possible display. We will be contacting all exhibitors before the event to check they have everything they need.

What can I bring?

It's up to you. Your stand could feature photo albums, display boards, display cases, artefacts, memorabilia, documents - all of which you may or may not choose to let visitors handle. If you think you have something of interest, bring it along. You are also welcome to bring whatever publicity material you have, to give away to visitors.

Who is the fair aimed at?

We are hoping to attract anybody with an interest in local history, but also their families. The Alfred Williams Heritage Society is committed to spreading the word to children as a means of encouraging a pride in our local heritage, so exhibitors are being encouraged to aim at least part of their display at children.

Can I sell items from my stall?

Yes. It is not a trade fair or craft fair, but if you have items that you usually sell to raise funds or want to run some kind of promotion, such as a tombola or other competition, feel free! This is your chance to promote, project and publicise your organisation or your hobby.

Can I make a noise?

Because half of the hall will be divided by a curtain and used for talks between noon and 4pm, displays that generate excessive noise, feature loud music or include anything else that would interfere with these events are unsuitable.

What about public liability insurance?

All exhibitors will need some kind of public liability protection, which is a condition of the venue. Many organisations already have this, but if you don't, then we can advise. We are liaising with our own insurers with a view to extending coverage to individuals. Once requirements are confirmed, we will look into this further and see what we are able to offer.

There's only me to man my stand. What if I need a break?

We are hoping to provide volunteers from among our trusted supporters, to help individuals who are manning a stand on their own. That way, you will not only be able to take a break at a pre-arranged time, but can also circulate and enjoy the rest of the exhibition. In the same vein, if you need help with loading and unloading material, we will have volunteers to help.

Who are the other exhibitors?

Confirmed exhibitiors so far include:

The Friends of Alfred Williams
The Swindon Advertiser
Paul Williams (William Hooper postcard collection)
The Swindon Society
Mark Sutton (First World War)
The Richard Jefferies Society
Wroughton History Group
The Highworth Historical Society
Rodbourne History Group
David Macey (Co-op collection)
John Price (antiquarian books)
Roger Trayhurn (Empire Theatre history)
Chris Park (Acorn Education)
Wiltshire Folk Arts
Swindon Libraries
The New Mechanics' Institute Trust
Lydiard House
Thamesdown Transport

When should I sign up?

Now! Although we have lots of space, we must accept exhibitors on a strict first-come-first-served basis, so the sooner you can confirm your participation, the better. Don't worry about the finer details yet; we'll iron those out later. There is another advantage in confirming early, because we are already publicising the event, and can already mention confirmed exhibitors in promotional material. By signing up now, you will also be mentioned in a colour brochure we are producing to publicise the whole festival, and in a series of features that will be appearing in the Swindon Advertiser in the run-up to the festival. We'll also provide links and information about you on our website.

How do I sign up?

Just email Graham Carter in the first instance, and we'll put you on our list. We'll arrange to meet to discuss your involvement in more detail, and check that you have everything you need before the big day.

If I can't be on a stand, can I still be involved?

Yes. We are looking for volunteers to help us run the Local History Fair and the rest of the festival. Email us if you can help.

If you have any more questions, email Graham Carter.