Project Description
Goosnargh & Whittingham Heritage Group (GWHG) was ‘born’ in March 2015 and has a base in the Community Room at St Mary the Virgin church in the village. As part of our aims and objectives we encourage local residents to recognise and acknowledge the history of the area in which they now live.
“GWHG was established by a group of volunteers in 2015. We share with children and adults, stories, documents and illustrations describing Goosnargh and Whittingham past and present. We work with people to help them appreciate their local heritage and encourage them to become involved in preserving and promoting it.” www.gwhg.org.uk
One of the largest employers in the area was Whittingham Hospital (Asylum) and many workers lived in the village as well as in the houses specifically built for the workers. Goosnargh & Whittingham Heritage Group has been collecting documents and artefacts for preservation since the founding of the group and, thanks to the generosity of villagers and visitors with a past connection to the area, have several items of interest regarding Whittingham Hospital.
These include photographs of Whittingham and its workers and inmates, Nurse Badges, a collection of memorabilia belonging to an ex-Polish soldier and a map of the hospital from 1914. Regular posts, including photographs, are to be found on the GWHG Facebook page.
Members’ meetings vary between people presenting illustrated talks about an aspect of local heritage, visiting local heritage sites, conducting research or participating in workshops. GWHG has also been involved in the Whittingham Lives project.