WESTBURY’S new heritage centre is offering a real chance to get into history.
Visitors can get hands on with a range of glove making and woollen mill tools as well as checking out the quality of the Westbury cloth that once was world famous.
A range of informative cabinets contain a diversity of artefacts ranging from shuttles used in the town’s woollen mills, whistles and pocket watch from the days of the Great Western Railway and even the original hooter from Bitham Mill.
Visitors can see just what workhouse inmates had for supper, view a range of on-screen historic images and enjoy the new range of informative displays.
And for a trip down memory lane, visitors can sit at a Victorian desk, try their hand at old school copy writing or even don a dunce cap or mortar board!
“We wanted to show that history can be fun as well as informative and hope we have provided something for everyone” said Brenda Pyne, Heritage Society vice chair.
Westbury Heritage Society was founded in 1992 with the aim of making residents and visitors aware of the rich history and heritage of the former mill town.
Its first venue for exhibiting its wide range of local artefacts and photographs was in Angel Mill, then in a shop unit in the High Street where it was for 16 years. Its new home is on the first floor of the Grade Two listed Westbury House which houses the town library on the ground floor.
The society holds a variety of talks and changing exhibitions and always welcomes new members.
The heritage centre will initially be open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30 to 4.30pm with one hour break for lunch at 1pm. From October, opening hours will be increased in line with the library. The centre is staffed entirely by volunteers and is always looking for extra help. If you would like to volunteer, pop in or email info@westburyheritagesociety.org.uk
