Discover Downham is a new Heritage and Learning Centre for the town, due to open Spring 2016.
We are converting the Old Fire Station into a Heritage & Learning Centre - to conserve and display objects, photographs and documents relating to Downham Market and the surrounding villages. It will be a centre for visitors and locals to explore the history of the town. There will be heritage related workshops for all ages, a programme of learning for local schools and a multi purpose activity area available to hire at affordable rates. There will be plenty of opportunities for volunteering.
Why the community needs usTHE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE AN EXCITING AND VIBRANT ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS OF ALL AGES CAN MEET AND ALSO EXPLORE THE HERITAGE OF THE LOCAL AREA. A LEARNING OFFICER EMPLOYED FOR 2 DAYS A WEEK WILL WORK WITH A CORE TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS TO PROVIDE SCHOOLS, GROUPS AND FAMILIES WITH A STIMULATING ACTIVITY PROGRAMME. WE ARE CURRENTLY RAISING ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO ENHANCE THE SMALL GARDEN AREA OUTSIDE THE OLD FIRE STATION.
Our impact on the communityTHIS IS A £649,000 PROJECT, WE ARE FUNDED BY THE HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND, WREN, AND OTHER CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL SUPPORTERS. BY CONVERTING THE OLD FIRE STATION INTO A HERITAGE & LEARNING CENTRE AN INTERESTING AND WELL KNOWN BUILDING IN DOWNHAM MARKET WILL BE SAVED. IT WILL PROVIDE A NEW SETTING FOR AN IMPORTANT COLLECTION OF LOCAL HISTORY, AND BECOME A HUB FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. ANY SUPPORT YOU CAN OFFER THIS EXCITING PROJECT WILL BE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED.
As we move into the next stage of he project, volunteers are needed for research,writing, and helping to put the new displays together. Come Spring 2016, volunteers will be needed to run the newly opened centre.
