Image published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.
Ten years ago Mark Sutton was instrumental in seeing the Sanford Street School War Memorial removed to Radnor Street Cemetery Chapel. Swindon Council’s children’s department had moved out of the former school during 2012 and the building was empty and vulnerable, its future hung in the balance – demolition was even being suggested!
Today the building is known as the Swindon Community Hubb and is run by Voluntary Action Swindon, accommodating the Citizens Advice Bureau, Swindon Advocacy Movement and the Swindon Carers Centre among many other local voluntary organisations.
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend the unveiling of a portrait of the architect Brightwen Binyon and to listen to Martin Robins, a pupil from 1961-66, talking about his long association with the school.
Guests were also able to join James Moss on a tour of the building, which still includes many original features.
The memorial in the Radnor Street Cemetery Chapel includes the names of several sets of brothers who died in the First World War. Mark knew the history of all of them – how they lived and how they died.
The memorial can be viewed during our guided walks when the chapel is open. Our next walk is on Sunday May 7, meet at the chapel for 2 p.m. For more information visit our Facebook page.
Mark Sutton and the Sanford Street School War Memorial
Portrait of Brightwen Binyon – architect of Sanford Street School
Radnor Street Cemetery 
Good morning. Is there an on line list of the names on the Memorial Board?
Thank you
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Hi Pat – we do not have an online list. If there is a name you are searching for I can check for you.
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That was quick
I would be looking for Frederick Hughes (WW2 ) he was my uncle
Thank you
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Hi Pat – the memorial is for those who died in the First World War only. Unfortunately, there is no known memorial for Sanford Street School commemorating those who died in the Second World War.
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