Our new heritage display was officially opened at the weekend by Councillor Helen Chaffey, Westmorland and Furness’ Cabinet member for Communities and Culture. Helen represents the Kent Estuary ward that includes Arnside.
New display
The exhibition tells the story of Arnside’s maritime heritage. The estuary acted as the port for Kendal, with large sea going vessels coming up to Milnthorpe bringing cargos from places like Liverpool, West Indies and the Baltic. In the nineteenth century leisure sailing developed with the building of large houses on the estuary. Crossfields were leading builders of Morecambe Bay Prawners and yachts, including Arthur Ransome’s Swallow. The Sailing Club’s clubhouse is housed in an old customs bonded warehouse overlooking the Promenade.
Jane Caldwell our Commodore with John Crossfield
Special visitors at the opening were John Crossfield, aged 92 and his daughter Tricia, descendants of the Crossfield Boat Building family
The new display was funded by a grant from Westmorland and Furness Council.
Councillor Helen Chaffey said “I am delighted to open the Club’s new heritage display. Arnside has a significant maritime history. The new display tells the story of the village’s maritime heritage. Part of the role of the Council is to support local community organisations to develop schemes that help improve community facilities. I am delighted that we funded the new facilities.
Downstairs Panels
Jane Caldwell, Commodore of Arnside Sailing Club said “I would like to thank the Council for the grant. We see our Clubhouse as a cultural hub for the local community and for visitors to the village. The building has a growing reputation for live music attracting nationally known acts. It is used for social events. The grant has enabled us to install the new display telling the story of the village’s maritime history and buy new music equipment.”
“We plan opening the display at weekends over the summer. See our website and facebook site for announcements. The Club is charity promoting water sports and maritime heritage.