JUST over a year since its opening Lymm Heritage Centre has already established a strong identity at the heart of the village with three exhibitions attracting over 7,000 visitors.
Around 500 people, including many school children, have participated in learning sessions and other outreach activities with it opening Thursday to Sunday every week – 1 till 5.
The Centre is now looking forward to a busy Autumn programme. On September 9th and 16th it is participating in the National Heritage Open Day programme when it will displaying a fascinating collection of World War One artefacts including some Lymm related material. Experts will be on hand to show and explain the items.
Work is also well underway too on an exhibit that tells the story behind the dinosaur’s footprint at the lower dam. This will include a life size model of a chirotherium – the giant lizard that made the footprints. This will “emerge” later in September and will be supported by a fascinating geology trail that will take visitors to many hidden corners of Lymm.
More new exhibits are planned before year end including Gold! which will tell the little known story of how Lymm became the country’s leading supplier of gold leaf for famous buildings worldwide.
The heritage centre will of course also be marking the centenary of the Armistice with a window exhibit and inside display that marks this momentous event. In addition the education team will be leading a number of sessions for local schools using a newly created village trail supported by activities at the Centre. Evening activities will be a new feature too.
On August 22nd there is a friends and volunteers evening. It’s an illustrated talk titled “Little Belgium in Lymm” and features a recently discovered archive of photographs of life at Oughtrington Hall for a group of Belgian refugees during Word War One. ( Some of these images will also be on display during the Heritage Open Days)
On September 12th the Centre celebrates its links with the Daniel Adamson Society with the first local showing of a recently made film about the rescue and renovation of the incredible Art Deco tug/Steamship “Daniel Adamson” which operated on the Manchester Ship Canal. There will be the chance to meet some of the restoration team and also win a rare Edgar Hodge print of the Danny.
The Centre is run entirely by volunteers and with so much happening there is always need for more help and expertise. If you would like to get involved or just find out more about any of the above visit the website www.lymmhic.co.uk or call 01925 754080. It’s a great way to make new friends and learn more about the history of the place where you live.
Chair Alan Williams said: “All of the Centre’s exhibitions and activities to date have been supported by a Heritage lottery Fund award but we will also rely heavily on public support to make the whole project sustainable .
“If you support what we are doing please think about making a contribution however small – or large!
Donations can be made online at www.lymmhic.co.uk/donate
