The Trustees only became aware that this item, a snuff box with the 1896 team on it which was produced by H Thomas, a director who was the proprietor of the Eagle Hotel, was up for auction only after the auction had closed. Fortunately, the lot had a reserve price on it which was not reached. I approached the auctioneers and managed to purchase it at a reduced price and will be donating it to the museum.

I have also acquired a set of badges of the 1969 League Cup winning team. The great thing about these badges is that all fifteen of the players who appeared in the Cup run are included. Thus we have a badge not only of the twelve who appeared at Wembley but also Mickey Blick, Owen Dawson and Chris Jones.

Last but certainly not least of items acquired this month is the donation of a framed Chris Kamara shirt which has been kindly donated by David Coe. David acquired it for £500 in an auction in aid of Swindon’s Downs Syndrome Group and was kind enough to donate it to the Museum. Coming in a year in which Chris was honoured by the EFL it is a great acquisition.

I must not conclude this month’s column without including a tribute to Ally McConnell of the Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office. We have agreed to stay in touch and ensure we do not bid against each other. The relationship has already born fruit in that a Bank Book showing payments made from Swindon’s Account in the 1920’s, which had an estimate of £700 to £800 which the Trustees did not feel they had the resources to purchase has been acquired by the Record Office at Chippenham and can be viewed there on request. I am immensely grateful that Ally has arranged for every page to be copied and supplied to us so it is in our electronic archive. Financial irregularities are not a new thing among the entries is the line, Silver Short Fall £3 3 shillings!