ONLINE and outdoor activities gave hundreds of people the chance to find out more about Liskeard’s heritage as well as future plans for the town.

Liskeard Unlocked events take place every year as part of the national Heritage Open Days.

This year the organisers, which include the Town Council, museum, Stuart House, Old Cornwall Society and local churches, had to radically rethink their plans to keep people safe.

Events in the Cattle Market and at Castle Park were helped by the good weather. 

In the Cattle Market, people took the time to find out about plans for the redevelopment of the site, and enjoyed browsing and buying from a local food market; the next market which will be held on Saturday October 10.

At Castle Park, families took part in forest school activities, while people of all ages could try out macro photography with help from a museum volunteer.

Cornwall Council’s Making Space for Nature project talked to many local residents about proposals to improve the natural aspects of the park for wildlife and people, and got feedback about how the park can be made better.

People were also able to visit a socially distanced exhibition in the Public Hall, which included information on buildings which were not able to open, and provided another chance to view the Emily Hobhouse exhibition.

St Martin’s Church hosted an exhibition on the proposed Making Space for Nature improvements in the churchyard.

Brian Oldham led two walks on Saturday through gardens, parks and the churchyard, talking about the stories of local residents connected with each place.

On Sunday, geologist Callum Beeson explained how the stones used in key local buildings tell us about the priorities of the builders. 

Two online talks, Brian Oldham on Liskeard’s wool history, and Rachel Bennett on the history of Stuart House, attracted enthusiastic audiences, some of whom were listening in from far afield.

There was also a positive reception for a set of videos on the VisitLiskeard website, which included virtual tours of two private houses, two local rail videos and a video on the restarting of the town clock.

The clock itself had its faces covered in pink (the Heritage Open Days colour) to celebrate the weekend.

Mayor of Liskeard, Rachel Brooks, who chaired the organising group, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the events and to have the opportunity to talk to people face to face. 

“It shows that with imagination and collaboration it is possible to organise successful events, even in the current circumstances. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make them happen and everyone who took part.”

Resources from the weekend will remain up on the Visit Liskeard website – and you can take the online tours of houses, gardens, and the Looe Valley Line, until at least September 20.