Downham Market heritage centre Discover Downham scoops up lottery prize

It was a case of beginners luck for Discover Downham as they bagged a crash prize shortly after joining a lottery scheme.

The heritage centre registered as a charity with West Norfolk Council’s lottery and has been encouraging members to support by buying a weekly raffle ticket for £1 – with every 50p being donated to a charity of their choice.

A total of £1,000 was won by Discover Downham as part of the West Norfolk Wins fifth anniversary birthday competition.

Trustees Peter Thorpe and Sally Dobson said they were delighted to be presented with the cheque in the Mayor’s parlour at Lynn’s Town Hall.

The centre has decided to spend the money on two card machines after having a growing need to accept card payments. The remainder will be spent on the conservation of two banners that decorate the centre.

The banners are said to be the once-prized possessions of many friendly societies during the 19th and 20th century and were widely used by communities.

A spokesperson for Discover Downham said: “The front side of one banner shows the name ‘Anchor of Hope Lodge’ and the other ‘Anchor of Foresters’, both of Stoke Ferry.

“On the reverse sides are biblical scenes with the texts ‘Go Thou And Do Likewise’ and ‘Unity is Strength’.”

The Banners are thought to be circa 1890 and are said to be in very good condition for their age, but they do need some repairs which will have to be undertaken by a textile conservationist.

More research is being undertaken and Dave Flower will be giving a Talk at Discover Downham on Wednesday, February 21 named ‘Pennants, Flags and Standards.’

Kathleen Wiseman, trustee for Discover Downham, said: “This £1,000 is very timely and most welcome and we’d urge everyone to support this lottery.”