Sunlight breaking through the trees in the New Forest
The jewels in Southampton’s heritage crown will be open for visitors over Heritage Open Weekend on Sat 13 September. Organised by the Southampton & District Transport Heritage Trust (S&DTHT), The Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery (FoSOC) and SS Shieldhall, Saturday will see a free heritage bus service link various heritage sites within the City. These include the SS Shieldhall, Southampton’s steamship based at Dock Gate 4 in the Eastern Docks, the Southampton Tram Group and Dunkirk Little Ships Workshop (also at Dock Gate 4), Tudor House and The Old Cemetery, where guided walks will be given at 11.30, 12.30. 13.30 and 14.30. Entrance to all these heritage sites will be free of charge. The bus will also visit SeaCity Museum (entrance fee payable). The SS Shieldhall will also remain open on Sunday 14 September.
Nigel Philpott of SS Shieldhall commented: ‘The Heritage Open Days Weekend gives an opportunity for people to appreciate the hidden history of Southampton – it’s great that we are able to present our history in a packaged way with various organisations coming together, linked by the heritage bus. Most of these attractions are kept open by voluntary organisations, and the volunteers are looking forward to giving guided tours and bringing the history of their sites alive.’
To see the Heritage Bus timetable for Sat 13 September please visit www.sadtht.co.uk, and to see the full list of Heritage Attractions open in and around Southampton (including All Saints Church Fawley and Townhill Park House and Gardens ) visit http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/laa/southampton
