Kirkgate Arts and Heritage’s latest community heritage project will be celebrating the history of beer and brewing in Cockermouth.
The Cockermouth Heritage Group will be exploring the origins of brewing as a cottage industry in the town up to the closure of Jennings Brewery and the effect that has had on the local community, with a series of free events and an exhibition.
The project will be running until the end of December 2024, with events through October to December, leading up to an exhibition about the history of Jennings Brewery which will be on display at The Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth, from December 6 to 16.
The Beer and Brewing in Cockermouth Project has been funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Kirkgate Youth Theatre, for young people between 10 and 18 years old, is working on performances inspired by the history of brewing for the project. Members will be showcasing their work at their show in December.
Heritage Talks:
Monday 11th November, 6pm – Beer and Brewing in Cockermouth talk with Phil Tattershall
Phil Tattershall will be talking about beer and brewing, as well as sharing some stories from Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth. Phil was a tour guide at Jennings Brewery from 2005 until COVID put an end to the tours in 2020.
Book here: https://thekirkgate.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873665440
Monday, 9th December, 6pm – Tales of a pub landlord with Joe Fagan
Joe Fagan will be sharing his experiences as a pub landlord in Cockermouth. Well-known in the town, Joe was the landlord first at The Bush on Main Street in 2009, and then The Swan on Kirkgate, from 2016 until his retirement earlier this year.
Book here: https://thekirkgate.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873665441
As part of the project, Kirkgate Arts and Heritage is launching the new Cockermouth Crack reminiscence group, on the 7th November and 5th December (first Thursday of the month) from 1pm – 3pm.
A time to chat and share memories about Cockermouth’s past over a cup of tea/coffee. From food to school days, to work and travel and all sorts in between. There will be photos and artefacts from the Cockermouth Heritage Collection for people to have a look at. Free and open to all, you don’t have to be ‘local’ to join in, no need to book, drop in when you can.
Did you work at Jennings, or one of the pubs in Cockermouth? Or are you related to someone who did?
The group wants to hear your stories and memories. They’d also love to see any photos, memorabilia, scrapbooks and more you might have at home … They might even include some of them in our Brewing in Cockermouth exhibition in December.
They’re holding two drop-in sessions on 22nd October, come along any time between 1pm – 3pm or 6:30pm – 7:30pm.
They’ll also get out a few beer and pub-related items in the Heritage Collection for you to have a look at.
Details about all the events are on the Kirkgate’s website.
For more information about the project and the events, contact Helen Johnston, Community Projects Officer, at helen@thekirkgate.com or ring 01900 829966
-
- The Brown Cow pub in Cockermouth in circa 1940-50s
-
- Jennings Dreys lined up in the brewery yard
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Kirkgate Arts and Heritage 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.
Kirkgate Arts and Heritage 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 Facebook and Instagram
For more information:
Emma Heys m. 07919 178284 l: 01900 829966
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ