AN aspiring reporter from Sir Bernard Lovell Academy, has written about Kingswood Heritage Museum as part of a new young reporter scheme, labelling it a "hidden gem" writes Josie Hole.
Tucked away on Tower Lane, Warmley, and run by a team of volunteers, Kingswood Heritage Museum is an underappreciated attraction in the local area.
Filled with information about the local area, the museum is the perfect place to visit as a family or whenever you feel like it!
Co-founded by four enthusiasts of local history, it was officially opened in 1997 as an accredited museum, situated beside the windmill tower, which is the oldest, tallest and most complete industrial tower in the country.
They began collecting artefacts and gathering information about the history of the area in 1980, so they could put together an exhibition about stories and life in Warmley and surrounding areas.
The museum is centred around the story of William Champion, a man who made the incredible discovery of zinc, and his operations took place right here in Warmley and Kingswood.
The site also explores the World Wars, motorbikes and individual stories of people who used to live in the area, to just name a few exhibits.
Alan Bryant, the curatorial director at Kingswood Heritage Museum, believes that it is important to share the stories of the local heroes and especially that of William Champion.
He says that when he left school, “nobody knew about William Champion” and that they “should have learnt about it” and “this amazing man”.
He wondered “why the kids of Warmley hadn’t been told about this”, so “made it a purpose that [he] wanted to tell the story”, and their work is obviously educating the community well, as they’ve been visited by many schools, scouts and local groups, then “go away with the words William Champion”.
Kingswood Heritage Museum brings lots to the community, not only through its exhibits, but the space is also used as “a community hub”, with a gym and DIY clubs that also take place in the building.
They received the Queen’s award for voluntary service in 2013, which is “the equivalent of an MBE for a community group”.
While you may not have heard of it, when it reopens after the Winter holidays, it’s certainly worth a visit to make the months of January and February a little more interesting!
