Preparations for an upcoming Heritage Open Day in Cockermouth were disrupted by what organisers feared could have been a blast from the past!
Volunteers from the town’s Heritage Group and the Kirkgate Centre were helping to audit and re-pack artefacts held at the centre for next month’s event – when they came across a brass World War 2 artillery shell!
Because records were inconclusive, organisers promptly alerted Cumbria Police who then called in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, based in Catterick. After a nervous, two-hour wait for the bomb disposal experts to arrive, volunteers and Kirkgate staff could relax when the shell was declared completely safe.
“It certainly livened up the audit!” said Kirkgate Chief Executive Emma Heys. “I must admit we had a nervous wait for the army team to arrive, complicated by the fact that we had an event on at the centre that night.
“Thankfully, the police were in attendance to ensure that everyone in the centre and in surrounding properties were kept safe until the experts could examine the shell, which turned out to have had its internal mechanisms removed.”
The Heritage Open Day takes place at the Kirkgate Centre on Saturday, September 12 (10am to 4pm) as part of the national Heritage Open Days programme, which runs across the UK from September 11 to 20.
The Kirkgate Centre houses the town’s heritage collection on behalf of the Cockermouth Heritage Group and September 12 represents a rare opportunity to view important items from the collection.
Helen Johnston, Community Projects Officer, said: “Kirkgate Arts and Heritage cares for a collection of objects, photographs, maps and local memorabilia relating to Cockermouth and the wider area.
“From factories and shops, to family life, schools and local events, the collection preserves the everyday stories of our area’s past for future generations to explore.
“We’ll have fascinating items from the collection out for people to view as well as a display of our Heritage volunteers’ favourite and most intriguing objects.
“Drop in at any time on the day. It’s free entry, and refreshments will be available. No need to book.”
For further information, and details on all Kirkgate events, contact the Kirkgate office on 01900 829966.
ENDS ….
NOTES TO EDITORS
Kirkgate is a charity based in Cockermouth, Cumbria. It operates an arts and heritage centre as well as working with towns and villages in West Cumbria to encourage a diverse programme of arts, culture and entertainment. Its vision is to ensure that creative talent is valued, developed and supported with opportunities for all to engage actively with, and enjoy, the arts, local heritage and community life.
The Kirkgate Centre brings the best cultural, theatrical and entertainment events to Cumbria. From the best feature and documentary films to live streaming of top London shows, to local talent, heritage exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy and more, there is something for everyone.
In the historic Kirkgate Quarter of the Gem Town of Cockermouth, sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park, the Kirkgate Centre is the perfect venue for special occasions, conferences, meetings, courses, exhibitions or private film screenings.
Kirkgate manages Arts Out West which stages performances in community venues from Furness to the Solway, ranging from nationally-recognised theatre companies to international musicians with events that are as much a social occasion as a performance. It is a member of the National Rural Touring Forum supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
Follow @kirkgatearts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
For more information:
Emma Heys 01900 829966 enquiries@thekirkgate.com www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ