Ormskirk Heritage Hub Forges Partnership for Cultural Strategy Development
Ormskirk Heritage Hub CIC is collaborating closely with the 'Spark' team from West Lancashire Borough Council's Economic Regeneration Team, led by Community and Wellbeing Development Manager Phil Rigby. The primary objective is to craft a comprehensive Cultural Strategy over the next year, encompassing all sectors including Heritage, Performing Arts, Music, and The Arts. This strategy will be shaped by the individuals actively involved in these activities across West Lancashire, ensuring it reflects community input and aspirations.
Upcoming Conference to Set Strategy Timetable
A two-day conference is scheduled for the end of March to establish a detailed timetable for the strategy's development. Ormskirk Heritage Hub will participate alongside several other heritage groups from the district. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of those who cherish the history and heritage of Ormskirk and the surrounding area, fostering a stronger cultural identity.
First Real Museum in Ormskirk Created in Decommissioned Phone Box
In a significant milestone, Ormskirk Heritage Hub CIC has developed and curated the town's first real museum. The decommissioned K6 phone box, originally designed by Liverpool Cathedral Architect Giles Gilbert Scott, was transferred to the Heritage Hub late last year. Inside, a series of dioramas now depict various aspects of Ormskirk's history, offering a unique glimpse into the town's past.
Fundraising Efforts for Pop-Up Museum Gain Momentum
There is now a promising opportunity for a larger pop-up Museum or Heritage Centre to open near the town centre this summer. This follows successful fundraising by the Hub through the Spacehive match-funding programme from Lancashire County Council, complemented by generous grants from local councillors. The project seeks to create a dedicated space for exploring local stories and engaging younger generations.
Volunteer Duo Drives Heritage Initiatives with Passion
If you have enjoyed a local history walk, a school talk, or one of the captivating stories about Ormskirk's past, you have likely experienced the dedication of volunteers Dot and Kathryn. Both are deeply committed to preserving and promoting Ormskirk's history, having met through the Ormskirk & District Family History Society and sharing a common goal of making local history accessible, engaging, and relevant for everyone.
Backgrounds and Contributions of Key Volunteers
Dot has lived in Ormskirk intermittently for 30 years, attending school here and working in local record shops on Burscough Street and Aughton Street in the 1970s. She has researched and shared local history for years, with many recognising her work from the Ormskirk Advertiser Nostalgia column, where she has authored over 500 articles. Kathryn moved to Ormskirk in 1999, working in libraries for more than 30 years and finishing her career as a stock manager with Sefton Library Service. A lifelong history enthusiast, she has focused on making historical collections more accessible, including digitising documents during the Covid pandemic to help people explore their roots.
Heritage Hub Activities and Future Plans
Together, Dot and Kathryn run Ormskirk Heritage Hub, delivering a range of services including local history walks, school visits, talks, community events, and support for local initiatives like the Gingerbread Festival through the Ormskirk Community Partnership. Their 'Look Inside Museum' in the old phone box provides a tiny yet fascinating window into Ormskirk's past.
Fundraising Target and Community Engagement
To realise their dream of a pop-up museum, the Hub needs to raise £3,384 within the next 60 days. Every donation contributes to bringing Ormskirk's history to life for the community. Plans are in place to offer several talks in various venues across the town over the summer, and a secure notice board on the back of the phone box will publicise scheduled heritage events. Guided tours of the Phone Box micro museum will be conducted in the coming weeks to explain the plans for Ormskirk's first museum.
