2016 was a benchmark year for Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre as it emerged from a Lottery and Uckfield Town Council funded restoration to open its doors in April of this year.
This new beginning was an exciting step forward as Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre was opened to all on 24th April 2016. The aim has always been to see this unique building placed firmly in the heart of the community.
With the appointment of Maria Kirk and Nicola Stewart as the first Heritage Eduction Officers a thriving education programme was established and many local schools visits were welcomed. An exciting number of events quickly followed ranging from evening talks through to music concerts welcoming many more visitors.
The appointment of Paul Dearn as the Heritage Centre Manager was another first in the latter half of 2016. Many local community groups started to use this unique building for their own events on a regular basis.
Our Friday Open Days in November and December saw the team open the doors to visitors who wished to explore the building.
Towards the end of 2016 Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre joined in the ever popular Uckfield’s Christmas late night shopping event which proved to be extremely popular. Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre emerged from 2016 looking forward to 2017 keen to build on its successes.
In 2017 we have in place our now established evening talks held every month, a thriving education programme, music concert series and much more. If you wish to hold an activity why not contact us.
For the first time we aim to have a programme of exhibitions starting in February with our WW1 & WW2 Community Event – A community event exploring life for Uckfield and district people during World War 1 & 2. This will be followed by our Wedding exhibition in April which will showcase the different designs of wedding dresses worn throughout the years with many of the wedding dresses exhibited loaned by local Uckfield and district people.
We will be holding our very own Wedding Fayre as Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre celebrates the fact that it is licenced to hold Weddings and Ceremonies – we very much look forward to hosting our first ever wedding in June. What a unique building to have your wedding in on your special day.
From April onwards we will welcome back our Friday Open Days over the remainder of the year so visitor can enjoy and explore this wonderful building once more. The newly refurbished shop will be accessible, stocked with a range of new items, including many potential gifts on sale from local artists.
As can be seen the future looks very exciting for Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre and for all our visitors.If you would like to support us and be part of the team as a volunteer then please do contact us. Watch this space for much more to come throughout 2017.