Sir Daniel Gooch Bust Makes Its Way To Orbital Office

Back in August 2016, New College student Fatima Alves designed a contemporary style 3D design bust of Sir Daniel Gooch in commemoration to what would have been his 200^th birthday, and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson had the honour of unveiling him.

Sir Daniel Gooch is considered the “father of Swindon’s railway” for it is Gooch who transformed Swindon from a small hilltop town into a thriving place where people could move to work and make a living for themselves. He did this by convincing Isambard Kingdom Brunel to build the Great Western’s engine works in Swindon, providing jobs and also giving the opportunity for people to become skilled and educated workers.

To celebrate his birthday and it being the 175^th year since the birth of the Swindon Railway Works, many events have been taking place throughout Swindon. These include the Swindon Art Trail and Arkell's Brewery releasing three special cask beers, as well as the bust of Sir Daniel Gooch which has been making its way around Swindon to honour him. This tour will be taking place until next August for a whole year of it travelling around Swindon and has so far the bust has been to the Brunel Centre, the Central Library and the Steam Museum. He is now residing in Justin’s Office, where he will stay for a month.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I’m very excited to host this fantastic tribute to Sir Daniel Gooch, not only in recognition of his impact on Swindon’s heritage, but also as the former MP for Cricklade.”