FORMER rail workers whet their whistles and swapped tales of the good old days at a special Christ-mas party.

More than 100 members of The Lounge Club for former rail works staff met at Emlyn Square Community Centre in the Railway Village.

The members usually enjoy elevenses and a talk by a guest speaker but yester-day that all changed.

Members swapped their tea and biscuits for mince pies and brandy and some even swapped their flat caps for shiny hats decorated with streamers.

A singalong led by keyboard player John Holmes completed the festive party atmosphere.

Founder member Ken Tanner said: "We only do this once a year. It's a one off and the atmosphere is great."

Ken said he had no idea the club would be so popular when it was launched in 1986 following the closure of the works.

It started life as a job club but soon turned into a social event for workers to catch up with their friends from the workshop.

In fact it is so popular that the club is not currently accepting any new members.

David Ellis, 70, said: "As much as we would like to it is just not possible. As you can see we are already packed."

In the hall pensioners danced to carols and waved British flags to the tune of land of Hope and Glory. Violet Strange, 78, from Moredon said: "I have had a lovely time and it's all down to the company here."

Her husband Clifford was employed at the rail works for more than 45 years.

The 77 year-old said: "I couldn't give you a single best memory because they are all good.

"I have been coming to this club for more than 10 years and I know most the people here from when we worked together."

The Railway Works opened on January 4 1938.

The factory went on to produce some of Britain's best known locos, including George V and the Evening Star.

Men were said to have wept when the factory closed on March 26 1986.

The Swindon Development Agency was set up to provide employment for the thousand or more people who were left with out work.

It later became the Lounge Club.

For more information or to volunteer as a guest speaker call David Ellis on 536794