Have you ever had the overwhelming urge to step back in time?
Visit the places and shops from your childhood, see the now-boarded up shops and derelict buildings which were once part of your life. The bustling marketplace, the cinema where kids would queue for the Saturday matinee, Hinds the bakers, Eastmans the butchers, Curtis’s shoe shop, Liptons with the smell of bacon and cheese, the indoor butter market, and good old Woolworths to name but a few.
Lord Street, with Surfleets butchers where the rabbits and braces of pheasants hung outside (a sight to give you nightmares), The Black Bull and Tiger Inn, hearing the clucking of chickens at Stennants Tuesdays auctions, and not forgetting the sound of Marshalls siren.
All long gone now, but not forgotten thanks to a group of enthusiastic young lads who 30 years ago shared a dream – a dream for the town to have a museum so future generations will know what life was like in this lovely little market town in the olden days. With hard work and determination the lads’ dreams became reality, and the Gainsborough Heritage Association was formed.
If you haven’t visited yet, put it on your to do list; you certainly won’t be disappointed. The Centre is charity-based so relies heavily on funding and memberships to keep going. They could not do so without all supportive members and the dedicated volunteers, who give up their valuable time to keep the wheels turning.
If you are interested in joining the friendly team please contact the Centre or pop in for a chat and fill in the form.
The Centre is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10.00am to 4.00pm, situated on the corner of North Street (DN21 2HS). Go along and take a walk back in time for just £3.00 (children free if accompanied by an adult) or consider becoming a member for £15.00 a year.
The Centre is disability-friendly, equipped with toilets and a lift to all floors, and features a cosy café offering light refreshments and homemade cakes as well as a book shop featuring local authors, plus gifts and memorabilia.