The Ormskirk Heritage Open Days festival continues from September 11 to 20, offering a variety of free events that explore the town's rich history. Highlights include the opening of the West Lancashire Freemasons' main hall, a guided tour of Coronation Park, a heritage pub walk, and a talk on the History of the Hayfield.
Freemasons Hall Opens Its Doors
The West Lancashire Freemasons have joined the Heritage Festival for the first time and will open their main masonic hall rooms, located above the O’Brien’s Tea Room on Park Road, to visitors. The hall hosts meetings for the Priory Lodge and the Aughton Lodge within the Ormskirk and Bootle Masonic Group, and houses regalia and insignia for many historical aspects of freemasonry in Lancashire.
Visitors will gain insight into the work the freemasons do to support charities across all sectors of society and worldwide. Admission is free, with tours running from 11am to 3pm on Thursday, September 17. A lodge member will guide visitors around the hall and answer questions.
The history of the lodges includes many local philanthropists and entrepreneurs who helped build Ormskirk into a successful centre for agriculture and commerce. Edward Bootle-Wilbraham, the 1st Lord Lathom of Lathom House, served as Provisional Grand Master while also being Deputy Grand Master of the whole country, with the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) as Grand Master.
Guided Tours and Talks
Across the road from the Masonic Hall, a guided tour of Coronation Park will take place from 2pm to 4pm on Friday, September 18, led by the Ormskirk Heritage Hub Team. The tour covers historical details from before the park was built in 1905 and includes a quick diversion through the Parish Church graveyard. At the bandstand, there will be a display depicting the park's pictorial history and changes over time. The tour is fairly accessible, with detours for wheelchair access, and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. To book a free place, email ormskirkhh@gmail.com.
On Tuesday, September 15, a guided walk around the Heritage Pubs of Ormskirk will explore existing and long-lost venues. This one-off, limited-space tour starts at the Queens Head on Moor Street at 6pm prompt and takes in probably 50 venues where pubs used to be or still are. The tour is free during the Heritage Festival season, but it is hoped to offer it in the future for donations to the museum. The tour is expected to last up to two hours and will end at the Cricketers. To reserve a place, email ormskirkhh@gmail.com.
On September 14 at 1.30pm, the Ormskirk Heritage Hub will present a talk on the History of the Hayfield in the bar area. There are up to 40 spaces available, and lunches can be purchased prior to the presentation. The talk covers the site's history from medieval times to the modern day and lasts around 45 minutes. Book direct with the venue: 01695 571157.
Council Chambers and Clock Tower Celebrations
On Wednesday and Thursday, September 16-17, the Council Chambers on Derby Street will be open to the public for tours of the art deco chamber and the town regalia from the old Town Hall. Historic mayoral robes and other items from previous councils kept in the mayor’s parlour will be on display. Opening times are 11am to 3pm each day, with no booking required and groups welcome.
On Sunday, September 13, during the special 150th anniversary celebrations for the clock tower, a small heritage quarter will be set up at the bottom of Church Street, where several local Heritage Groups will have special displays. The Ormskirk Heritage Hub Pop-Up Museum is hoped to be open that Sunday, with more details to be published in the coming weeks.
At the Motorfest event in Coronation Park on Sunday, August 30, the Ormskirk Heritage Hub will have a large gazebo with full details of the planned events for the Heritage Open Days Festival, including a programme of planned events. There will be an opportunity to book places in advance if needed.
This year, it is hoped to let the National Trust, which runs the festival, know how much interest there is in the town's wealth of history. The Ormskirk Heritage Hub CIC encourages support in promoting the area and attracting heritage tourists.
