If ever there is a lesson in not judging an epic book by its fragile cover, here is one.
Unwilling to succumb to being knocked off our community shelf, Downham and District Heritage Society determinedly continues in its bid to secure a new, permanent home in the old fire station building in Priory Road.
Two serious work phases have n
ow been detailed, the first of which includes completion of a business plan, applications for charitable recognition, a change of constitution, and the start of a public appeal for donations.
If the public appeal can raise £30,000, the group becomes eligible to benefit from a scaffold-type funding system initially by way of small grants, then through a matched funding process to a possible total of £172,000. (This figure far exceeds original renovation estimates on the Priory Road building of £130,000.)
However, basic pre-requisite of any of this is for the group to first either own or have leasehold on suitable premises.
Presently, the particular one in question is owned by town council. An official plea has now been made by the Society for the council to reconsider the future ownership/tenant options.
Meanwhile, operating from its temporary home on the town hall balcony, the Society continues working to increase its vast cache of local memorabilia. A current plea is for Festival Pin Badges from the years 1991, '92, '96 and 2006. Also, for any festival documents and really good photographs. Items can be donated as a gift or a loan and receipts will be given. For more details contact Kathleen Wiseman on 01366 383355. Alternatively, visit the town hall balcony on a Friday or Saturday morning from 10am.
From mid-March the Society will be supporting Downham's St. George's day events by organising a light-hearted St. George and Dragon display upstairs in the town hall.
It is also running a colouring competition for under 11s. Entry forms for this can be collected from the town hall. Winners will be announced and the prizes given out on Saturday, April 25. Completed entries must be received by April 23.
- Several complaints have been made about the bad state of the footpath leading from the bottom of Tesco car park through to the Rowans. Ownership of this culvert appears to be a bit of a mystery but, rest assured, local officials are checking it out.
- This year, bookings for the town hall are said to be "well up" and bringing in a strong revenue. Good news also that the interior will soon be getting a professional deep, spring clean.
- Downham Methodist Church is holding a thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 1, at 10am, to mark 25 years of Downham Boys Brigade 1st Company.
All former brigade members from any company or era are most welcome to attend.
