PLANS have finally been announced for the highly-anticipated unveiling of Westbury Heritage Centre’s new home in late summer, after it was hit by delays due to pandemic restrictions.
“We are planning to open the heritage centre on the first floor of the library early in September,” says society chair, Sally Hendry. “Of course, our precise dates depend on circumstances way beyond our control but be assured you will get your invitation to the opening as soon as it is certain.
“We are already starting to plan the way the exhibitions will look and would love to hear suggestions about topics you would like covered.”
The society’s collection was moved into storage at the library in August 2020, but due to Covid lockdowns volunteers have not been able to access it or to plan for the transformation of the first floor room that will house it and the exhibitions.
“Covid has affected us just as bad as many other shops, businesses, museums etc and our plans for a grand reopening of the heritage centre in the new venue of the library had to be put on hold,” said Sally.
But she said they had remained positive and used the down-time to develop a new website and build its online presence with Facebook, as well as keeping in touch with members with regular bulletins.
The new website www.westburyheritagesociety.org.uk is “much more user friendly, easy to navigate and even has an online shop so if you want to buy one of our books, maps or other goodies, you can do that without even leaving home”, says the society, and invites people to share their thoughts, comments and suggestions.
The society has been keeping in touch online via its Facebook page “Old Westbury Wiltshire” and through the White Horse News during lockdowns. “Westbury heritage is so important to us and we can’t let Coronavirus set us back!” Sally says. “Our Facebook pages have garnered hundreds of views with locals keen to read about local history and to post their own memories and comments.”
The society has also asked for residents’ contribution to its part in creating the town’s neighbourhood plan by taking part in a local heritage assets survey – this means suggesting buildings or features that you think are an important part of Westbury’s heritage and which are not already listed.
So far, the metal railings that still survive, the Victoria garden which occupies the old Town Mill pond, the site of the mill at Wellhead woods, and the lakes that were once iron ore workings have been included. To find out more at http://bit.do/HistoricWestbury
The move from the society’s former High Street premises, funded by Westbury Town Council, has provided a dedicated space for displays of the town’s history and the large collection of local artefacts.
There is a storage facility on the top floor and plans are afoot for more outreach activities with schools and local organisations, including talks, walks and exhibitions.
