Sixty years young: diamond jubilee for History Society
A local heritage society celebrated its 60th birthday in fine style last Saturday, January 24th.
The Horncastle History & Heritage Society ran another of its popular Archives Days at Horncastle Community Centre – and the crowds flocked in to see a range of exhibits about the town’s rich history. There were also several films showing key events from the past.
They were delighted to welcome back Pearl Wheatley, who was their first Secretary back in 1966, holding that post for nearly 20 years. Miss Wheatley is also well known to past pupils and students of QEGS as their headmistress.
Pearl spoke of the Society’s earliest days. It was formed as Horncastle Civic Society in January 1966 to “find ways of improving the town and to protect its heritage.”
Back then, historic buildings were under threat and the town had a traffic problem – showing that things haven’t changed all that much. The construction of Jubilee Way was controversial, as Pearl explained.
Fast forward to 2026, and the Society’s aims are still very similar – but they do so much more now, including walks, talks, exhibitions, maintaining the town’s archives, running a local history museum and book publishing.
A Society spokesperson said: “Our Archives Days are consistently good fun, and it was lovely to mark our Diamond Jubilee in this way. We are always happy to share what we know and what we have with members and visitors.”
For more information, and how to Join the Society, visit their website at www.horncastlehistory.co.uk.