RENOVATION OF LOCAL HERITAGE CENTRE TO BEGIN THIS WEEK

The Manx Lottery Trust has awarded £10,000 to Foxdale Heritage. 

The Heritage Centre, which celebrates the diverse heritage, history and culture of Foxdale, is, in fact, the old Railway Station building adjacent to Foxdale School, dating back to 1886. The funding will be used to renovate the facility and make the building structurally secure.

The Heritage Centre was first opened in 2004, having previously been the Foxdale Community Centre, and opens once a month, annually as part of the Manx National Heritage Open Days and, periodically, in conjunction with walks and visits organised by railway enthusiasts from on and off-Island. The members are also happy to open the centre when specifically requested by individuals or groups.

It has close links with the local community including Foxdale School, which has used the centre to collect interesting facts and information for history projects. Members have also been invited into the school to deliver presentations on the history and heritage of Foxdale. 

Secretary of Foxdale Heritage Centre Stuart Lambie said: ‘We are delighted to be awarded such a generous grant from the Trustees of Manx Lottery Trust. The centre is an integral part of Foxdale’s heritage so the funding will go a long way towards ensuring that we can continue to open to the public and educate visitors on our history.

‘Our heritage evenings have been very well attended and received positive feedback, and we are hopeful that the improvements will encourage even more people to attend such events  - thank you Manx Lottery Trust.’

Manx Lottery Trust Chairman Sarah Kelly added: ‘Foxdale Heritage Centre plays an important role in telling the story of our Island’s rich history, and we were very pleased to support the renovation.’

To find out more about Foxdale Heritage Centre visit its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FoxdaleHeritage/