Swindon bus company Thamesdown Transport has officially named its four new buses in a ceremony that also underlined its commitment to the town’s 175th anniversary celebrations.
In keeping with the company’s tradition, the Alexander Dennis Enviro200 single-decker buses now sport the names of classic Great Western locomotives built at the town’s rail works. 
But by choosing to commemorate four Castle class engines, Thamesdown has also helped celebrate the two men who 175 years ago literally put Swindon on the map.
Sir Daniel Gooch and Isambard Kingdom Brunel chose open fields near the then sleepy hill-top town of Swindon as the site for the Great Western Railway’s first works in 1841 on the route of its London-Bristol line.
Nearly 100 years later the two were commemorated by the GWR by having Swindon-built Castle class locos named after them. Thamesdown chose to name the other two buses Sudeley Castle and Sarum Castle.
The Mayor of Swindon Andrew Bennett officially named the Sir Daniel Gooch bus, pictured below, while Isambard Kingdom Brunel was unveiled by Thamesdown managing director Paul Jenkins.
Sudeley Castle was launched by Alexander Dennis key account manager Frank McGhee and Sarum Castle was launched by Stan Scott, who joined Thamesdown Transport 30 years ago directly from the newly closed rail works where he had been a coach trimmer. Today he uses the same skills as the bus company’s upholsterer. 
In another commemorative touch, the historic Swindon hooter – which marked the start of working day in the works – was also sounded during the unveiling ceremony.
Thamesdown commercial director Peter Oliver said: “Swindon has a history steeped in the excellent provision of public transport, and the legacy of the skills that the railway left us is strong at Thamesdown.
“We are proud to associate the naming of our new buses with the Swindon 175 celebrations.
“We also hope that this investment makes bus travel more comfortable and a great option for getting around Swindon.”
Thamesdown board of directors chairman Mike Bawden said: “This investment is very welcome and marks the start of a fleet-renewal programme.”
The 39-seat buses, which are replacing older vehicles, will be used on route 16, which operates from Fleming Way to Great Western Hospital via New College. The vehicles feature high-backed seats to increase passenger comfort, along with free wi-fi.
A further six Alexander Dennis Enviro200 buses will be ordered later this year by Thamesdown under its £1.4m fleet-renewal programme – its first investment in new vehicles for four years.
Swindon’s 175 anniversary celebrations will include a year-long programme of community events, art trails, festivals, education, heritage and history exhibitions – including one on Sir Daniel Gooch and his role in creating the town.
Swindon175 will also provide an opportunity for Swindon to reinforce its credentials as a prime, forward-looking business location and showcase its reputation for innovation.
Business group Business West – which runs the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative – is leading the year of celebration in conjunction with the town’s STEAM museum.
It has already gained support from many local organisations including GWR, law firm Thrings, Arkell’s Brewery, jewellers Deacons, British Land and construction firm Beard.
Some 171 Castle class engines were built at the Swindon works between 1923 and 1950.
