A HERITAGE centre is shining a light on the history of two Ryedale towns.
Malton and Norton Heritage Centre is a history group centred around a collection of artefacts linked to the towns of Malton and Norton.
The centre is home to the Woodhams Stone Collection.
This collection was originated by the late Sid Woodhams and John Stone.
As reported by the Gazette and Herald, Sid spent more than 60 years collecting objects relating to local businesses and trades, while fellow collector, John has collected hundreds of postcards and photographs showing the streets and landmarks of Malton, Old Malton and Norton and surrounding villages, from about 1900 to the present day.
Sid and John very generously agreed to gift their collections to the towns of Malton and Norton with the express wish that they should be displayed to the public in the towns where they originated.
In terms of the collection itself, Thomas Howard Campion, one of the centre’s trustees, said the exact number of objects featured is ‘colossal.’
The collection ranges from photographs through to postcards, letters, newspapers, maps, trade brochures and any other objects that have been documented about the area.
Larger items relate to local trades, businesses, and industries where brewing and agriculture are well represented – and are kept in a larger unit in Malton.
Read more about Malton and Norton's hidden history
In addition to researching artifacts, the centre offers services such as tracing family history.
“We endeavour to connect with the local townsfolk in as many ways as possible and we do welcome approaches from those around us who enquire about family history,” added Howard.
The centre also take part in 'outreach' activities with local schools and shops in a 'heritage trail,' as well as creating exhibitions to coincide with national events.
Until August the collection of artefacts was on display to the public at a unit in Commercial Street, Norton.
Since then, the group has taken over a unit in Buckrose Court, Norton, which it is now in the process of developing for public use.
During this process, however, the displays remain temporarily behind closed doors.
The heritage centre has a website (www.maltonandnortonheritagecentre.com), as well as a 5,500 member Facebook page (Malton and Norton Memories) which is very closely linked to the collection.
Howard said this Facebook page has become a ‘potent medium for discussions on local topics.’
There are currently fifteen volunteers at the centre - some of whom are trustees.
The centre’s annual general meeting will be held on Thursday, December 8, at 2.30pm in Norton Town Council Offices.
Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, and refreshments will also be available.
More information about Malton and Norton Heritage Centre, and the Woodhams Stone Collection, can be found at www.maltonandnortonheritagecentre.com/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here