PLANS for a heritage centre in Lymm village are a step closer – based in the former Royal British Legion Club which closed earlier this year due to falling numbers.
The vision of local residents Alan and Su Williams now looks set to become reality with the news that the working group has the chance of taking up a lease on the former Legion premises in the centre of the village – most recently known as the Boat Stage.
Club membership had been dwindling for years and in March the property department of the Royal British Legion decided it was time to dispose of the building.
“It appeared to be ideal for our needs – a good size and close to village centre and canal” said Su Williams “but as a newly formed group there was no way we could raise the money needed to purchase it.”
It was at that point that local businessman Howard Platt stepped in. Howard, who was born and raised in the area explained, “I went along to one of the meetings and was impressed by the commitment of the group and the case they were making for a centre. I see it as an opportunity for me to put something back into my community as well as it being a sound financial investment.”
The volunteer group who are called the “Lymm Heritage and Information Centre” are now working toward registered charity status before launching an appeal for funds to help set up and run the centre which will also act as a tourist information point, an outlet for local artists, authors and craftspeople and an education centre for local schools.
“We can see so many positive uses for a centre like this” commented the group’s chair Alan Williams “and we have a had plenty of enthusiastic feedback from members of the public and interested voluntary groups including our local primary schools. We can’t wait to get started on what we believe will be a valuable asset for the community”.
The other good news is that as part of the agreement the local British Legion Branch will continue to have access to the building for meetings and for the organisation of the annual Poppy Appeal.
The Roll of Honour which currently hangs in the centre will also be integrated into the heritage display.
The group is now on the lookout for volunteer help in a variety of areas.
For more details Email: [email protected] Website:www.lymmhic.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/lymmheritage Telephone 01925 754080
The Royal British Legion building which is currently closed
