THERE will be plenty for families to do at Swindon's STEAM museum this Easter.

The council has announced that a new exhibition covering female pioneers in railway engineering, an air raid shelter experience and an opportunity to climb aboard Swindon-built GWR locomotives are just some of the activities available over the Easter holidays.

A brand-new special exhibition programme for 2023 entitled ‘Great Women’s Railway’ explores the important contribution women made to the Great Western Network. The first exhibition, entitled In a Man’s World opens on Saturday, April 1

In a Man’s World gives a voice to four female pioneers in railway engineering. Films produced in partnership with Prime Theatre, supported by Wiltshire Community Foundation and Arts Council England, will be played in two of STEAM’s exhibition areas.

In these films, actors bring the stories of Elsie Winterton, Hettie Bussell, Sarah Guppy and Karen Harrison to life in dramatic narratives explaining their contribution to science and engineering.

Previously unseen objects from the STEAM collection will put their lives into context.

In addition to this, on April 5 and 12, STEAM is opening its reconstructed Air Raid Shelter to the public for the very first time. The Air Raid Warden will be sounding the warning siren and ushering visitors to safety.

Visitors can discover an incredible collection of original Second World War objects and ephemera as they experience the dark and cramped conditions of the shelter. They will also learn how people passed the time and kept morale high by trying their hand at identifying the British and enemy aeroplanes, while the noise of the Blitz raged on. 

STEAM’s fortnightly Meet the Railway Workers experience is also back on April 1 and 15, hosted by the museum’s friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, this activity offers visitors the chance to enjoy guided tours of STEAM and climb aboard iconic Swindon-built locomotives, including: No. 3717 City of Truro, No. 6000 King George V and No. 2818.

All of these is accompanied by a new White Rabbit Pocket Watch Trail. 

Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for culture, heritage, leisure and town centre experience, said: “With such a great range of educational activities taking place over Easter, a visit to STEAM is a exciting way for all of the family to step back in time and experience Swindon’s rich history.

Tickets are available through the STEAM website: www.steam-museum.org.uk.