Local history fans are looking for more participants to take part in Heritage Open Days next year.
Max Lunn, who has almost finished renovating Hebblethwaite House on Westgate in Bridlington Old Town, and Bridlington librarian Sarah Hutchinson are holding an open meeting on 19th January at 2.pm at the central library on King Street in Bridlington.
Said Max: “This year has seen a significant increase in the number of buildings in and around Bridlington, that are not normally open to the public, take part in this annual festival that celebrates our History and Heritage.
“We have also had historic talks and demonstrations of traditional boatbuilding skills. All of this was free for any of us to visit and take part in. Bridlington saw an increase in visitors during the ten-day festival – which is good for all businesses, as well as helping to promote Bridlington and The Wolds to people from further away.
“The theme this year (2023) was “Creativity Unwrapped” and Bridlington has much to be proud of when you look at the creative talent that has been born, lived, and worked here over the Centuries. Architects, Artists, Composers, Novelists and Filmmakers.”
“Some of the famous Bridlington residents that have contributed to the town and society are:
William Kent was responsible for developing Palladian Architecture as well as Landscape gardening.
“David Hockney, Britain’s most significant artist of the last 100 years, lived here for several years and created a range of significant artworks based on the Wolds landscapes.
“Mark Herman wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Brassed Off (1996), he is best known for writing and directing the 2008 film The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
“Being part of the Hull and East Yorkshire Magazine for Heritage Open Days has given Bridlington good coverage to a much wider audience and exposure for the sixteen places to visit in and around the town.
“Max opened his own home, Hebblethwaite House for the first time, this was a voyage of discovery for him and his wife and also for the many visitors. The house was built in 1670 and was a house until 1800, then a Bank for 200 years – as well as housing the Registry Office from 1950 until 1977.
“We met people who were married in the house and people who used to bank here. Several retired Bank employees helped us to fill in some of the gaps in our knowledge. My personal favourite was to discover that Woody Woodmansey, (the drummer in David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders band), was married in the house. This was a great bit of music trivia to some but Bowie is one of my musical favourites.” Max added.
Next Septembers Heritage Open Days events will take place from 6th to 15th of September 2024 and the national event will be celebrating its 30th year.
Each year has a theme and next year’s theme is Connections, Routes and Networks.
“This has all sorts of possibilities for Bridlington and the surrounding areas. The Roman Roads across the Wolds, The Port of Bridlington was used by Romans, Augustinian Monks as well as merchants based in Bridlington.
“The Railways were built by George Hudson and arrived in 1846 making it an early part of railway development in Britain.Amy Johnston was associated with Bridlington and Sewerby.
“It would be great to open up more buildings, offer more talks, tours, and interactive events for people to visit and take part in. Do you want to help by being a volunteer? Can you help us to open a building that is not normally open? Could you give a talk? We can help you organise and plan for this, which will make it simpler for you.” explained Max.
