Wisbech, Fenland and Hidden Gems January 2017
The titles of this column are because there is so much fantastic history, cultural activities and amazing small businesses in Wisbech and throughout the Fens that were often called “hidden gems”, so I wanted to shout about them! I have however not been mentioning the Museum and the Castle as much as I could recently, partly as you might get bored of me enthusing about them, but also as they have both been in a kind of limbo for a few months. I couldn’t however pretend there was nothing going on and still write a column about local culture.
The museum I believe is steadily moving along, getting in qualified outside help to consider all aspects of its business and coming up with a plan. I am going to be offering further help (I already do some work for them), as I’m determined that such an important place for Wisbech, the Fens and beyond is not lost. I feel the same about the Castle – the starting point from which the town and district grew. While its most recent reincarnation is a large formal house, where it sits, and the history of all that has gone before it, is so important that we must make sure it is saved for the town. Again, I’m keen to contribute what I can to help.
However, if most people don’t see the need for either building, then why keep them? May I strongly suggest a visit to the Museum soon, to see what’s there and why we should keep it? Even regular visitors will find something new. Ask questions, they are very knowledgeable. Kids love it too, especially the stuffed animals and Minecraft rocks!
My own thoughts are that we need to know where we’ve come from and we need to know what mistakes, or good decisions, were made in the past so that we are able to create a good future.
If the lessons history can teach us do not inspire, then perhaps simple economics can show the value in culture – visitors spend locally. Those businesses employ local people, who also spend locally. Businesses can then afford to spruce up their premises, donate to local causes, create new events and more. A thriving economy is good for everyone.
The photo is of the Museum, taken from the Castle. You can see where the Museum building subsided slightly as it was built over the original Castle’s moat!
Email: lorena@redbarncreative.org.uk
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