A series of blue plaques have been awarded to a selection of buildings in Boston, seeing the formal launch of the Boston Town Centre Heritage Trail.
The ceremony, held at Fydell House, was organised by the Boston Preservation Trust Civic Group, and formally presented new plaques to 4 significant buildings enriched with local history.
50 people attended a presentation at, Fydell House at 11am on Tuesday 22nd October 2024 to help celebrate the well established Heritage Plaques Scheme in Boston. This was organised by, The Boston Preservation Trust Civic Group, who have updated and put together a comprehensive register of Boston’s Heritage Plaque Register.
Later, the register was formerly passed to Deputy Mayor Councillor Suzanne Welberry by Mr Dudley Bryant MBE FRCIS (rtd), The Chair of the Civic Group.
The event was also an opportunity to launch their new, Boston Town Centre Heritage Trail leaflet, with a QR code linking to their new Heritage Plaque website pages with further information on each plaque. (Thanks to Poynton’s for sponsorship, Mr Steve Johnson GIS Officer South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership for the trail map, and The History Of Boston Group support and Chris Cook for printing).
There were also the unveiling of four new blue heritage plaques (produced by a local firm Hutson’s Sign) and after the presentation the Deputy Mayor Councillor Suzanne Welberry was invited to unveil two and assist with the other two.
The Arbor Club in South Street Boston, the new blue plaque was unveiled by Deputy Mayor Councillor Suzanne Welberry with the help of Sandra Lewinsky, a local historian. The building owner, Mr Shane Gray, stated, “he was delighted with the plaque and the event”.
Next was a blue plaque for Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878) at Lindum House. This was unveiled by Katie Edwards, Boston Borough Council Placement Officer and Mr Gary Smallacombe from Lincolnshire. Co-operative Funeral Services, who stated they “are honoured to be working in such a distinguished building, with an amazing history” and after recent renovation are “hoping to add more history to it in many years to come”.
Next was a blue plaque at The Warehouse, 50 High Street, formerly known as the Van Smirren building on Doughty Quay.
The Deputy Deputy Mayor Councillor Suzanne Welberry was helped by Rachael Whitewood-Moores (whose grandmother was Mary Farmer) and Sabah Hadi the new building owner. Whilst unfortunately there was still scaffolding up, the three women were able to successfully negotiate the surroundings.
Sabah stated, “I’m so thrilled this moment has arrived. We are very near to completion of the restoration of the warehouse and it’s not only an honour to have a blue plaque to celebrate the building, also some of the families who lived here”.
Mr Zac Whitewood-Moores was a previous resident and the blue plaque supports his late mother’s Mary Farmer and step fathers life work, Terry Moores in the creative arts, which have been exhibited throughout the world. There was also an exhibition of their work at Fydell House tearoom.
The group then walked to Scott House in Sirkbeck Road, where the group were welcomed by the people they support and staff from Lincolnshire County Council Day Care Centre for adults. The blue plaque was unveiled by Mr Dudley Bryant MBE and a person who is supported by Scott House.
This new blue plaque with provides a summary of the previous occupants of the building which was built as a designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott.
If this wasn’t enough Scott House opened their doors where people they support and staff showed all the visitors their workshops and exhibits including the original workhouse clocks. Refreshments were enjoyed in their new café. Sam Leggatt, the Manager of Scott Housewhich is Lincolnshire County Council Day Centre for people with learning difficulties, acquired brain injury and physical disabilities stated, “Her clients were thrilled to be part of this big day and be directly involved in the unveiling”.
Those with energy left were treated to a walking tour of the Heritage Plaques in Boston town centre, using the new leaflet.
From Boston’s Salvation Army Corp was Corp Officer, Major Michelle Woodhouse, whose was able to add a story about Catherine Mumford/Booth who lived in Boston before moving to London and forming The Salvation Army.
