Key Points
- Councillor Ian Aldcroft, Mayor of Horwich, officially opens new Horwich Heritage exhibitions, including ‘Horwich at War,’ ‘Horwich in 1945,’ and ‘Horwich Primary School Art’.
- The launch commemorates significant anniversaries: 110 years since the end of WWI, 80 years since D-Day, and 80 years since the end of WWII.
- Events coincide with Horwich Heritage’s 40th anniversary, celebrating the society’s growth from its foundation following the closure of the Loco Works in 1985.
- The exhibitions highlight the sacrifices of locals during the world wars and showcase schoolchildren’s art inspired by local history.
- Both the Mayor of Bolton and Mayor of Horwich attend the celebratory events, alongside society founders Stuart Whittle and Geoff Waine.
- The Heritage Centre offers free admission, a programme of talks, and ongoing displays covering Horwich’s industrial, social, and wartime history.
- Exhibitions run through various months in 2025, including themed instalments such as ‘Our Ancient Past’ and ‘The 1980s’.
- The society pays tribute to the contribution of founding members and volunteers, whose efforts shape the centre’s ongoing mission to preserve local heritage.
A landmark event in Horwich sees Mayor Ian Aldcroft open new exhibitions at the Horwich Heritage Centre, commemorating profound moments in local and national history, whilst marking the milestone 40th anniversary of Horwich Heritage itself. The exhibitions, which include ‘Horwich at War’, ‘Horwich in 1945’, and ‘Horwich Primary School Art,’ pay homage to the wartime experiences and resilience of the community, and celebrate the involvement of local schoolchildren in preserving the town’s story.
What Did Councillor Ian Aldcroft Say About the New 'Horwich at War' Exhibition?
As reported on the official Horwich Town Council website by their communications team, Councillor Ian Aldcroft, Mayor of Horwich, inaugurated the highly anticipated new exhibition ‘Horwich at War’ at the Horwich Heritage Centre. Speaking at the event commemorating 110 years since the end of World War I, 80 years since D-Day, and in 2025, 80 years since World War II ended, Councillor Aldcroft acknowledged the profound sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and the civilians on the Home Front.
"This exhibition tells of the suffering and loss, but also the heroism and resilience of wartime generations. It is a fitting tribute to those who ensured the freedoms we enjoy today," Councillor Aldcroft remarked, according to the official statement on Horwich Town Council’s website.
The exhibition, which runs until February 2025, has been curated to commemorate those harrowing and heroic years in local and national history, providing context through artefacts, photographs, and personal accounts from local families and veterans.
How Are Milestone Anniversaries Being Marked by the Heritage Centre?
According to coverage by the Horwich Heritage Centre’s own documentation and official website, the opening of these exhibitions overlaps with several significant historical milestones. Besides the world wars, 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Horwich Heritage itself, a society established in the wake of the closure of the Horwich Loco Works in 1985.
As detailed by Yahoo News UK journalist and the Horwich Heritage chairman, Stuart Whittle, the weekend’s events serve a dual purpose—honouring those who contributed to the war effort and recognising the work of local historians and volunteers over four decades:
As Stuart Whittle, chairman of Horwich Heritage, told Yahoo News UK,
“It is quite an accomplishment. We are a fully-fledged heritage centre now, with over 300 members, and a plethora of activities. This is a tribute to everyone who has been involved over the years."
Who Attended the Opening and What Was Their Contribution?
The event attracted notable guests and long-time contributors to the society. Both the Mayor of Horwich and the Mayor of Bolton attended, alongside key founding figures such as Stuart Whittle and Geoff Waine, who have been with Horwich Heritage since its earliest days. According to Yahoo News UK’s reporting, the occasion also paid homage to society mainstays, including Waine Norman Pendbury, Almond, Geoff Pollitt, Ken and Betty Ainsworth—of whom only Betty Ainsworth is still living.
“The success of Horwich Heritage has been built on many shoulders over 40 years, and we should particularly remember the remarkable contributions of our committee members and volunteers,” Whittle explained to Yahoo News UK.
Volunteers are praised for keeping the centre operational six days a week, ensuring a steady supply of new speakers, events, exhibitions, and archival material, further contributing to the ongoing mission of the Heritage Centre.
What New Exhibitions Are on Display?
Horwich Heritage’s itinerary for 2025 features a succession of themed exhibitions. According to the Heritage Society's official statements, currently on display are the ‘Horwich at War’ exhibition and, from August 2025, new displays entitled ‘Horwich in 1945’ and ‘Horwich Primary School Art,’ which showcase the efforts and interpretations of local children.
Yahoo News UK noted:
“Horwich Heritage has on show two new displays, ‘Horwich in 1945’ and ‘Horwich Primary School Art.’ They will be on display for three weeks, shining a light on the creative legacy and resilience of the town’s younger generations”.
Throughout the year, the centre will also display ‘Our Ancient Past’ (March–May 2025) and ‘The 1980s’ (September–December 2025), aligning with the 40th anniversary theme.
How Did Horwich Heritage Develop Over 40 Years?
As detailed on the Horwich Heritage website and by Yahoo News UK, the society was established by local residents to restore civic pride following economic upheaval in the 1980s. From humble beginnings—initially holding meetings in the Public Hall, then relocating to more suitable premises as its membership grew—the Heritage Centre has evolved into a versatile archive and exhibition space.
In the words of Stuart Whittle, as stated on the society’s website:
“As we approach our 40th year, we look forward to further developing our activities based on our much-admired Heritage Centre. We have the opportunity to do justice to the rich and varied history of Horwich and all the people who have helped to make us so proud of the town today”.
The Society coordinates a broad array of activities: producing local history books and DVDs; hosting historic walks and lectures; providing advice on family history; and sharing new research into the history of Horwich and Rivington. With over 300 current members, its influence in the community remains strong.
What Can Visitors Expect at the Centre in 2025?
According to information published by the Horwich Heritage Centre, the centre features free admission open days, ongoing exhibitions, educational talks, and opportunities for visitors to join as members for £10 per annum. Non-members and visitors can attend meetings for £2 per session, providing accessible opportunities for all to engage with the town’s past.
- Talks and lectures cover diverse topics, such as ‘The Lost Gardens of Lancashire,’ ‘Worsley Delph,’ ‘Northerners,’ ‘The English Civil War in Lancashire,’ and a celebration of ‘40 Years of Horwich Heritage’.
- The centre welcomes partnerships, fresh research, and ongoing suggestions from the community, reinforcing its role as a focal point for historical and social education in the region.
For more information and ongoing updates, members of the public are encouraged to visit the official Horwich Heritage website or call the enquiry lines provided.
Why Is This Moment Significant for Horwich?
Reporting across local sources, from the Horwich Town Council’s official communications to Yahoo News UK coverage and the society’s own statements, it is clear that the opening ceremony and anniversary events celebrate more than just historical milestones. They represent the perseverance and community spirit that characterise Horwich, reflecting both on the tragic sacrifices of its past and the collective achievements of generations determined to preserve its heritage for the future.