THERE is something rather special about a village being able to celebrate its own sporting legend while, at the same time, celebrating the people who have worked tirelessly to preserve the story of the village itself.
This year marks 50 years since Lymm’s Peter Collins became Speedway World Champion – a remarkable achievement that still resonates half a century later.
In 1976, Collins was just 22 when he travelled to Katowice in Poland and produced a near-perfect performance to take the world title in front of a crowd of more than 120,000 people. It was the sort of sporting triumph that puts a name permanently into the history books.
And yet, 50 years on, it is particularly fitting that his remarkable story is being celebrated at a place which is itself preserving Lymm’s history for generations to come.
The Lymm Heritage Centre has put together a superb exhibition celebrating Peter’s incredible career, complete with championship-winning bikes, leathers, helmets, trophies, memorabilia, photographs and film.
But for me, there is another story behind this exhibition which deserves just as much recognition. The story of the volunteers.
The Heritage Centre is a wonderful example of what can happen when people stop talking about what their community should have and actually roll up their sleeves and make it happen.
I remember writing about the dream of a Lymm heritage centre many years ago, when it seemed more aspiration than reality.
Su and Alan Williams helped turn that dream into something tangible. Su was the originator and co-founder of the project, while Alan has continued to play a leading role.
Sadly, Su is no longer with us. But every time those doors open, every photograph is displayed, every memory is shared and every visitor discovers something new about Lymm, there is a little bit of Su’s legacy alive inside.
That, surely, is what a living memorial should be.
And what makes the Heritage Centre even more remarkable is that it isn’t some heavily funded institution staffed by a huge professional workforce. It is run by volunteers. The Centre says almost 50 volunteers are now involved, bringing together skills in research, archiving, education, exhibitions, fundraising and much more.
So as we celebrate Peter Collins’ golden anniversary, perhaps we should also raise a glass to another group of Lymm champions – the people quietly giving their time to ensure that our past isn’t forgotten.
Because history isn’t simply about old photographs and dusty objects. History is about people.
And thanks to Peter, Su, Alan and the army of volunteers at the Heritage Centre, Lymm continues to tell its story remarkably well.
Those paid huge sums to help run Warrington Borough Council should sit up and take note – they could learn a lot from the many amazing volunters in our community.
Like wise, elected members who vote to increase their allowances during times when others are struggling to put food on the table because of council tax rises way above inflation should take a hard look in the mirror.
