Great Western Italian Day September 12th 2010   GWID 2010 returns to its one-day format this year and will take place in Swindon on Sunday September 12th between 10am and 5pm. The event will be located between the National Trust Central Office, the Designer Outlet Shopping Centre and the STEAM Museum, thus offering something for various interests in addition to the Italian machinery on display. The site is next to the one which we used in 2006 for Great Western Alfa Day (click here for a report), so is right on the doorsteps of all of these attractions.            The Designer Outlet Shopping Centre has over 100 stores of all types plus various refreshment facilities, completely under cover within part of the Grade II-listed former Great Western Railway works. Click here for full details of the wide range of shops offering goods at up to 60% discount and just outside the regular farmers market will also be taking place outside.             STEAM is a static but very interesting museum devoted to the Great Western Railway and not only is 2010 the 175th anniversary of the formation of the GWR but on the day of our event they are holding their Railway Festival, which includes a rare opportunity to see the British steam car which broke the Steam World Land Speed Record last year (139.8mph!), trade stalls, 14 model railway layouts, a traction engine and a real ale bar. Click here for details of the museum (admission charges apply) and these additional attractions. The National Trust Central Office will also be open throughout the day to allow attenders to visit their shop and cafe - click here for further information. The event will run from 10am to 5pm. Display vehicles should arrive from 9am and must be in place by 11am: Event parking will be allocated on a 'first-come' basis. Entry will be free for IAMC members and £2/vehicle for non-members The route from M4 J16 is to follow the Great Western Way (A3102 and B4006), following the 'Outlet Village' and 'Steam' signs all the way to the Bruce Bridges junction (a four roundabout sign). At Bruce Bridges keep to the right hand lane and proceed forward along Kemble Drive. At the next roundabout turn right and then very shortly turn left following the NMRC sign. You will then come to a grass oval island. Bear left and take the clockwise route around the oval, ignoring the first exit on the left. At the end of the oval, take the second exit BUT keep right at the barrier on the right of the pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the Display Zone. If directed to the overflow car park, this is further around the oval at the third exit. (In summary, from M4 J16 keep going straight ahead at the first six roundabouts and bear right at the seventh, then take the next left turn). SatNav users should enter 'Kemble Drive, Swindon' as their destination. Spectator parking is available for a small charge in the Outlet Centre car park opposite the National Trust building and also at other locations around the Outlet Centre. For a map click here - the event takes place just off 'Linslade', which will be found if you magnify the area. '''' This page will be updated as necessary, so please mark September 12th in your diary and check here occasionally for any additional information.