Members of The Lochmaben Heritage Community Trust last week welcomed a small number of guests to the town hall for the opening of The Lochmaben Heritage Centre.
A series of A2 display boards have been installed and offer fascinating facts about Lochmaben’s ancient history, such as kings, queens, earls and lords from 1200-1900, ‘eminent sons’ past and more recent, local industry sport.
Members of the trust – Pam Linton, Anne Wyllie, Ricky Nolan, Tony Hancock, Dug Pettigrew and Hugh Gregory – worked together to form the exhibition with the aim of increasing local community use of the building.
A trust spokesman explained an approach was made to Dumfries and Galloway Council where plans for a heritage centre were discussed.
He continued: “These plans received a positive response and the council’s continuing support has been a major factor in the opening of the centre coming to fruition.”
At last week’s opening, Pam Linton, on behalf of the trust, welcomed attendees who were drawn from representatives of local groups in the town and personnel who had contributed to the development of the centre.
Thanks were also extended to communities director Derek Crichton, customer services manager Ailsa Freeman, Ewan Mcintyre, Delyce Robson and ward worker Steven Wylie for their help and support over the past 18 months.
The spokesman said: “The inspiration for the local historical element came from research previously carried out by the late Dr Jack Wilson whose daughter, Professor Fiona Wilson, had been invited to open the centre who duly cut the tape to the centre followed by a rendering of “The Lochmaben Hornpipe” played on the mandolin by Fiona’s husband.”
The Heritage Centre is spread over two rooms and a televisual show has been installed showing images of the more recent history of the Burgh.
The trust have said the centre is just the beginning, and with ideas and opinions from residents they hope to be able to use the town hall for greater community use covering all aspects of life including club use, workshop experiences as well as aspects of the arts, i.e. painting, craft, music and theatre.
A public meeting will be held in due course.
