SCORES of volunteers in towns and villages across Wiltshire are taking part in events to celebrate the county’s fantastic history and culture.
Up to 54 events are being held across the county during National Heritage Week, including a sheep walk in Trowbridge, behind-the-scenes tours in Chippenham, and a chance to take a peek inside the Devizes Town Lock-Up, giving people the chance to imagine what it would be like to spend the night there.
Between September 8 and 17, there will be talks, open days, tours and guided walks to interest a wide range of people from children to adults.
It will give residents and visitors a chance to see some hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.
Events are taking place in Avebury, Bradford on Avon, Castle Combe, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Great Bedwyn, Larkhill, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Salisbury, Stourhead, Swindon, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Wilton.
Vistors will get the chance between September 10 and 17 to see the unique and charming Almshouse and Schoolroom in Corsham endowed by Lady Margaret Hungerford in 1668 which are considered amongst the finest in the country.
Pre-booking is required and closes on Saturday, September 9.
Westbury Museum is celebrating the town’s history with a guided walk featuring all of the town’s ten blue plaques along with other buildings of especial interest.
A special exhibition at the museum will also feature the blue plaques along with detailed background information about these historic markers.
The walk, which will take place on Saturday September 9, starts at 2pm from the town’s library in Edward Street. Tickets cost £5, the walk will last about an hour and a half, and people are invited to turn up on the day.
Local historians Liz Argent and Sally Hendry will be leading the walks which will focus on Westbury’s historic centre along with its many historic buildings and the stories that go with them.
Sally Hendry said: “The heritage society which runs the town museum in Westbury House has been looking at ways to involve more people in their town heritage.
“As well as talks, walks and exhibitions, the society recently screened a film about Eric Ravilious, the war artist who painted the iconic picture of our own white horse.
“The event proved popular with almost 100 people attending the film show at the Laverton. The society now hopes to have a repeat showing.”
Recently, the museum hosted the first of a series of workshops. The event on Saturday focussed on how to research the history of your house.
“Led by experts Steve Hobbs and Dorothy Treasure, the event was a great success, offering research tips on everything from maps and censuses to the town’s changing street names,” Mrs Hendry said.
The museum is always looking for volunteers. If you think you can help or are just interested in knowing about future events please email info@westburyheritagesociety.org.uk, visit them on Facebook at Westbury Museum or log into www.westburyheritagesociety.org.uk.
The Masonic Lodge in Morris Lane, Devizes, will also be opening on Saturday, September 16 for a National Heritage Open Day event.
Originally a girls school, the building was purchased by the Wiltshire Lodge of Fidelity in 1881 and has been a masonic hall ever since.
A spokesperson said: “We will be explaining a bit about freemasonry in Devizes and more widely, putting some myths to bed and encouraging people to come to the lodge and explore for themselves.”
To view the full list of events in Wiltshire, click here.
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