NEW HERITAGE CENTRE
As the society enters its third decade we can, courtesy of the exceptional generosity of Horwich Town Council, look forward to a new era focused around a major new Heritage Centre in the former rifle range at the Resource Centre. Here we have much more opportunity to do justice to the rich and varied history of Horwich and all the people who have helped to make us so proud of the town today. The new centre was officially opened on Sat. March 4th 2006 with the Mayor of Horwich, Stephen Rock, hosting the opening ceremony.

Pictured above is the official hand over by the Mayor of the new premises to Horwich Heritage.

ABOUT HORWICH HERITAGE...

Horwich Heritage was formed in 1984 following a series of public meetings aimed at re-establishing a sense of local pride in the wake of the closure of Horwich Locomotive Works the previous year. At the time there was no single body in the town dedicated to preserving its rich heritage although the group has always been indebted to the contributions made over the years by local historians. Horwich Heritage first began to hold its meetings in the Public Hall, moving to its own Heritage Centre within Horwich Resource Centre in 1995. It gratefully acknowledges the consistent support given by Horwich Town Council, Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council and the Resource Centre to the development of its activities. Membership currently numbers around 200 and the group meets every month to hear from a variety of speakers on subjects of local interest.

The groups aims are:

  • To stimulate public interest in and appreciation of our area.
  • To provide suitable premises for the display of social and industrial history.
  • To secure the preservation, conservation and improvement of features of general or historic interest.
  • To promote tourism and encourage use of the surrounding countryside as part of a heritage framework.
  • To encourage research into the history of Horwich and Rivington and to publish the results.
  • To provide a social and educational service giving advice and information.
  • To raise funds to enable the pursuit of our objectives.

On this website you will find details of how to become a member of Horwich Heritage, dates of forthcoming meetings and events, a list of publications available from the society and information about the permanent exhibition and archive at the Heritage Centre.

We hope you find that Horwich Heritage has something to offer and welcome your interest, suggestions and support.

Stuart Whittle
Chairman