The Cotswold Heritage Centre Revisited (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

The Cotswold Heritage Centre Revisited

In a time when, thanks mainly to the Internet, the study of family history had never been more popular and the development of tourism more necessary to help redress the decline in manufacturing, those who are interested in the history and heritage of the Cotswolds were dealt what seemed to be a mortal blow.

It was with sadness and incredulity they heard the news of the impending demise of the Cotswold Heritage Centre with its closure in 2002. It seemed that once again saving pence was to out weigh common sense. However, all being well by the time this edition of Essence is published the Centre at Northleach will once again be open to the public.

This is in no small way due to public pressure, not least from the inhabitants of Northleach itself. One might be tempted to criticise the initial closure decision and the fact that it will not be as extensive a public exhibition as before, but it does mean that the Centre has a future and visitors will once again have opportunity to sample our Cotswold heritage.

The public will be able to view the courtroom and in the outside storage area the collection of agricultural implements including part of the Lloyd Baker-Collection which includes a number of impressive Cotswold wagons. A new innovation in the former shop area, the glazed gallery nearest the entrance, will be a caf, which it is hoped will attract the passing tourists on the Fosse Way.

Wishing the new venture well the writer would hope that once again the Centre will become an important venue for school parties. In former days he used the facilities for class visits and found them to be some of the most rewarding for the children. This was in no small part due to the enthusiasm of the staff, paid and voluntary.

Many of the latter came from the Northleach area and had specialist knowledge of the crafts and skills they were able to pass on to visitors of all ages. Our photographs include Ashton Keynes Primary School children learning the art of butter making and re-enacting a case in the courtroom. These practical activities are so often remembered long after the contents of a glass case.

Part of the former House of Correction is occupied at present by the Cotswold Conservation Board. They are moving into larger premises within the centre and plan to provide an interactive display on the heritage of the Cotswolds within the public area.

It is planned to open the revamped centre without an admission charge so it will be up to everyone to support in other ways, particularly by publicising its existence. It is each generation's responsibility to preserve and conserve its unique heritage. Our local area of the Cotswolds has a unique landscape and history dating back to the earliest times of the human occupation of Britain.

This is a heritage of which we can be justly proud and which we should do everything in our power to maintain and treasure for those who will come after us.

The reopening of the Cotswold Heritage Centre is proof that if enough people are passionate about their heritage minds can be changed and decisions reversed.