The Heritage Centre - TrustNews July 1991
The repairs to the exterior of 52/54 Upper Brook Street being undertaken by the City Council have taken longer than was anticipated, but are now complete and the building appears much as it would have looked when built in late Georgian days. We are grateful to the City for what they have done. It is now our turn to carry out improvements to the interior, and externally we are planning to construct a porch over the old south entrance door, a hanging sign, and a footpath crossing so that a parking space can be provided on the north side for the use of stewards.
Many of the changes being made internally will be for the benefit of the stewards. There will be a new front entrance onto Upper Brook Street, and a raised floor area with counter and sales facilities, which will provide a view of much of the ground floor. The Carnegie Exhibition previously on this floor will be moved to the upper floor, and a new kitchen will be provided replacing the original entrance room. Gas heating is being installed, towards which the Gas Board has generously made a grant. We have also received a donation towards the cost of repairs from Shell, for which we are indeed grateful. It is hoped the centre will be open early in July, and we have fixed an official opening for Friday September 6th.
On Easter Monday, Trust members, Elizabeth Proudman, Phil Yates and Alan Cooke assisted Sally Taylor of Radio Solent in a programme based on Winchester which took the form of a Treasure Hunt. If anyone taped the programme Alan Cooke would be pleased to hear from them.
Finally, we believe that the refurbished Heritage Centre will have a lively future, and Alan Cooke, the Honorary Manager is anxious for new stewards to come forward. Any members willing to help man the Centre should contact him on Winchester (0962) 864292. Two hours once a month would help, and the opening hours are 10.30 am - 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm. Sundays 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm (closed Mondays).
The refurbished Heritage Centre, 52/54 Upper Brook Street