Next year sees the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway, the 80th anniversary of the death of Alfred Williams and the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Friends of Alfred Williams. What better time to have a party?

Dr John Cullimore, the chair of the Society, along with vice-chair Graham Carter and secretary Caroline Ockwell, are already in talks with a major venue in Swindon over the hosting of the festival, which will include music, drama, displays and stalls, as well as activities to involve local schoolchildren.

John said: "The festival will provide a focus for all those interested in Alfred Williams, including those already aware of his life and works, and those people who are yet to discover him. "We are aiming to put on a big festival that we hope will capture local people's imagination, but it's important that it's a beginning, not an end - as we have longer-term plans to make the name of Alfred Williams as revered as we think it should be.

"So we will be appealing for Alfred's admirers to come forward and help us spread the word - and we ask that you start by visiting the section of this website."

Look out for much more information about the festival in the coming weeks.

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