Making Friends at Elsecar Heritage Centre
Past, present and future – a new programme of events has been organised to celebrate Elsecar Heritage Centre’s history, culture and natural environment, this summer.
The season of tours, talks and guided walks will lead to the creation of a ‘Friends of Elsecar Heritage Centre’ in the autumn. This new group will help to re-develop the rich heritage of the Earl Fitzwilliam’s former ironworks and colliery workshops and support major new plans to restore and enhance the Newcomen-type Beam Engine.
Friends’ Group volunteer Steph Pollard said: “The idea is that, once established, the Friends’ Group will enjoy opportunities to look behind the scenes and get involved in improvements at Elsecar Heritage Centre.
“Friends will be able to find out more about the many and varied businesses at Elsecar today; take part in events and raise money to invest in new features which will develop the Heritage Centre as an historic community resource, visitor attraction and cultural centre for the 21st century.”
Elsecar’s important mining and ironworking history dates back to the late 18th century and the birth of the industrial revolution. The Newcomen Beam Engine, built to draw water from Elsecar New Colliery, is an internationally significant ‘scheduled ancient monument’ and 2012 marks the tri-centenary of its invention by Thomas Newcomen.
If you are interested in getting involved, attending events or supporting the group in any way at all, call the site office on 01226 740203; or simply come along to any of the summer events. Everyone is welcome.
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I find the Heritage Centre one of the most interesting sites in the Country. I visit virtually every month.