LOOE’S heritage centre on the harbourside is opening from today – and is offering a great, safe experience for families and vistors in social bubbles.

The centre at the Old Sardine Factory in West Looe is packed with interactive activities and informative exhibits on the town and its fishing industry, and will be open in July and August from 11am to 4pm (Thursdays – Sundays).

’As a way of opening safely while lockdown eases, the Heritage team has worked hard to devise a system of pre-bookable 45-minute slots,’ said a spokesperson.

’This means groups can book safely in the knowledge that they have private access to all the archive slideshows, films and exhibits that the Heritage Centre has on display.’

Splatt the Seagull’s ‘Let’s Go Fishing’ is a particular favourite, say staff at the centre.

’This 15-minute film was especially commissioned by Looe Harbour in 2019 and gives a fun, educational overview of how the fishing fleet in Looe really works.’

Each private access booking slot is for a group of up to six people and includes a ‘stories and anecdotes of Looe’ tour by one of the team, plus an activities goody bag for each of the children.

The Heritage Centre is part of the East and West Looe Harbour and Bridge Charities. It opened two years ago on 3 July 2018 in the restored Old Sardine Factory building in West Looe. It has quickly become a favourite for families, visitors, locals and all who love the rich maritime history of Looe.

Heritage Centre manager, Emma Wilkinson said:

‘Being Covid Secure has meant that we are unable to offer the usual programme of ‘Takeover Days’ and children’s arts and crafts activities that people have seen in the Heritage Centre in previous summers. But we really wanted to be part of the ‘opening-up’ of Looe, so we worked hard to develop this new offering.

‘Even though we were not lucky enough to secure one of the Arts Council Covid-19 Emergency grants, working on their application during lockdown helped us develop our new guided tour and realise that we could be creative and diversify. Looking at what the Vancouver Maritime Museum in Canada did to re-open safely in June, before we were able to, also gave us brilliant inspiration that we could do it too!

‘Families can’t always go to the beach, especially when the weather is not so good. So, we’re pleased to be providing a really fun alternative in Looe. ’

Bookings online are strongly encouraged in line with the Heritage Centre’s Covid Secure safety measures.

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