TREASURE THE TREASURES ON YOUR DOORSTEP!
NEWBURY TOWN HALL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Newbury Town Hall is throwing open its doors to the public on Saturday 17 September from 10am to 2pm as part of England’s Heritage Open Days events, so that everyone can view the Council Chamber, The Civic Staircase, The Town Hall portraits, the Council’s maces and other civic regalia. This includes the Town Hall Honours Boards, which list the Mayors of Newbury, going back to 1596 and features many well-known local families.
Although meetings in the Town Hall are open to the public, and there are often coffee mornings and other community events in the Chamber, it appears there are still a lot of Newbury people who have not visited the Chamber. The event is FREE, including refreshments, and all are welcome. A lift is available for anyone who has difficulty with the steps and staircase.
For 2022, there will be a special display which celebrates 25 years of Newbury Town Council as part of their Silver Anniversary commemorations since their reformation in 1997. The display highlights key community projects which have impacted local people in the town.
As a highlight of the event, local historian David Peacock will be giving illustrated talks about the Town Hall at 11am and 1pm where you will be able to further learn about the history of the how the current Town Hall was built, and the buildings positioned here in days gone by.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Mayor Newbury, Cllr Gary Norman said, “Come and meet me for a chat in the Town Hall and learn about 400 years of history at the same time. Find out what the maces are used for, and why Newbury has two of them. Discover why Newbury has a teazel on its flag, the name of the Mayor’s Bear and why 2022 is so special for Newbury Town Council.
The Town Hall portraits are on the civic staircase, which leads to the Council Chamber are most impressive and include the portrait of “Jack of Newbury” dated 1550, as well as King George III and Queen Charlotte. “The Newbury Coat” is also on display, featuring a very famous story from Newbury’s industrial past.
The Victorian Town Hall (facing the Market Place) was built from 1876 to 1878 and The Town Hall clock and clock tower were added 3 years later, in 1881. The Municipal Offices (facing Mansion House Street) were built from 1909-10.
Heritage Open Days is the largest heritage festival in the country and every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate the country’s history and culture. ‘Heritage Open Days’ operates as part of the National Trust with funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission. For details and opening times, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk .
Contact:
Elisa Adams, Civic Manager elisa.adams@newbury.gov.uk 07538 334106
Cllr Gary Norman, The Mayor of Newbury gary.norman@newbury.gov.uk 07801 046115
