Category: Industrial heritage

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Looks to Raise £100K to Help Secure its Future

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Looks to Raise £100K to Help Secure its Future

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The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum, Widnes, is looking to raise £100,000 to help restore their reserves and strengthen Catalyst’s resilience as it works to open, in early 2027, its new, NHLF supported, gallery.

As the only chemical museum in the country, the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum protects an extraordinary part of Britain’s, and Widnes’ history – from the scientists and innovators who changed the chemical industry to the thousands of people whose working lives were shaped by it. Its also a space where children discover science, families experiment together, schools learn outside the classroom and local people explore stories connected to their own families and communities.

There are many ways to support Catalyst, from corporate membership and sponsorship to partnerships, donations and in-kind support. And of course you can visit the museum, which is based in Widnes, Cheshire. To learn more follow this link: Help Us Keep the Chemistry Going

To donate to the museum follow this link: Catalyst Donate

The Catalyst Discovery Centre & Museum, Widnes. Image Copyright Dr Michael Nevell.
Heritage Alliance Creating Connections Event: South West England, 26th November

Heritage Alliance Creating Connections Event: South West England, 26th November

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The Heritage Alliance is running a new series of free regional, in-person, events this autumn and winter. The ‘Creating Connections’ events bring together heritage organisations, academics, and sector partners, in an informal, conversation-led gathering. Funded by a National Lottery Heritage Fund Resilience Grant, this fourth event takes place in Bristol and covers South West England.

The event takes place on the 26th November 2026 in the Great Eastern Hall at SS Great Britain, Bristol Dockyard from 10am to 5pm. The day will explore shared heritage sector challenges across South West England through project case studies, conversations on academic collaboration, practical advocacy tips, and an open fundraising forum with funders.

Whilst this event is open to any heritage organisation or professional regardless of membership, Heritage Alliance members will have an exclusive meet & greet opportunity at 09:00. Heritage Alliance members also have priority access to ticket booking, until 5 November 2026.

To book your free tickets click on this link

Trustee Vacancies at Industrial Sites

Trustee Vacancies at Industrial Sites

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Several Industrial Heritage sites, or the umbrella organisations that run them, have opportunities for new Trustees, this autumn in the Midlands and South West of England.

The SS Great Britain Trust is looking for two new Trustees to join their committed group of people who already give their time, expertise, and insight to help govern the SS Great Britain Trust and safeguard the future of one of the world’s most significant historic ships. Trustees play a vital role in ensuring the SS Great Britain Trust has a vibrant and sustainable future. The deadline for applications is Friday 6th November. Further details here: SS Great Britain Trust – AIM – Association of Independent Museums

Birmingham Museums Trust, one of the largest independent museum trusts in Britain and which includes amongst its nine museum sites the listed 1771 Sarehole Mill Museum, the listed Museum of the Jewelery Quarter workshops, and the Trust’s industrial museum ThinkTank, is seeking new Trustees. The musuem is embarking on a transformative period following the launch of their 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, ‘Laying the Foundations’. The deadline for applications is Monday 16th November. Further details here: Birmingham Museums Trust – AIM – Association of Independent Museums

One of Smith & Pepper’s jewellery manufacturing workshops in the Jewellery Quarter Museum. Image courtesy of Birmingham Musuems Trust.
Heritage At Risk Capital Fund Grants to Support Industrial Sites

Heritage At Risk Capital Fund Grants to Support Industrial Sites

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The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund helps save heritage buildings in the greatest need from at-risk status, with an emphasis on their role within communities. Now in its second year, and part of the £1.5bn ‘Arts Everywhere Fund’ delivered by Historic England, the Grants for 2026 have been announced. Nearly £13 million will support 20 recipients in England, including several industrial heritage sites.

The four industrial heritage sites receiving support in 2026 are:

  • Bourne Mill, Colchester, Grade I (£224,200)
  • Shildon Railway Institute, Grade II (£617,905)
  • Sommerfeld & Thomas Warehouse, King’s Lynn, Grade II (£902,632)
  • The Pin Factory Annexe, Gloucester, Grade II (£380,000) (in addition to a grant in 2025)

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: “Nothing tells the stories of our nation quite like the historic buildings at the heart of our communities. But too often they are a far cry from their former glory with leaking roofs and crumbling stonework. Thanks to this funding, the much loved buildings that fill our hometowns with character will be keeping the doors open to communities for years to come.”

Sommerfeld & Thomas Warehouse, King’s Lynn, Grade II. Image courtesy of Historic England.
The Pin Factory Annexe, Gloucester, Grade II. Image courtesy of Historic England.
Heritage Crime Conference, Lancashire: Blackpool, November 2026

Heritage Crime Conference, Lancashire: Blackpool, November 2026

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A free Heritage Crime Conference, focussing on Lancashire, will be held on 27 November 2026. Although the focus is the county of Lancashire, individuals from communities, sites, and societies across the heritage sector and outside Lancashire, including industrial heritage sites, are invited to attend in order to hear about protecting heritage assets from crime and sharing best practice experiences.

The conference is being run by Lancashire Constabulary, LANPAC, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Blackpool Council, Fylde Council, and Wyre Council. The event will provide practical guidance on preventing and responding to heritage crime, alongside opportunities to connect with experts and fellow custodians. A key focus of the day is strengthening partnerships, improving communication, and supporting a joined-up approach to safeguarding Lancashire’s heritage for future generations.

For more details and to book a place on the conference follow this link: Heritage Crime Conference Tickets, Friday, November 27  •  9:30 AM – 3 PM | Eventbrite

Industrial Heritage Network Meetings 2026: More Dates Added

Industrial Heritage Network Meetings 2026: More Dates Added

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The in-person Industrial Heritage Network meetings, run by the IHSO project, return this autumn, and two new dates have been added for regional meetings in Cornwall & Devon and the South West. These meetings are a great way of meeting fellow industrial heritage people, working at industrial heritage and archaeology sites, and exchanging experiences.

The themes for this year’s meetings are liaising with schools and adapting to hotter summers. The confirmed dates and venues for the in-person meetings in Cornwall & Devon and the South West are:

  • Cornwall & Devon, 29 Oct: Roby Trust, Tavistock
  • South West, 30 Oct: Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre, Bristol

If you would like your site to take part in these friendly and free meetings please email the IHSO, Dr Michael Nevell, for more details: michael.nevell@nationaltrust.org.uk

Delegates at the Cornwall & Devon IHN meeting at King Edward Mine Museum in 2019. Image copyrigth Dr Michael Nevell.
Historic England Launch New Fund: Neighbourhood Heritage – Grants for Communities

Historic England Launch New Fund: Neighbourhood Heritage – Grants for Communities

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Historic England (HE) have launched a new grant fund – ‘Neighbourhood Heritage: Grants for Communities’. This is designed to support communities to use (industrial) heritage as a way of shaping the future of their local places. Historic England are looking to provide 21 grants of these grants worth up to £15,000.

Heritage is more than historic buildings, sites and stories; it can help communities to build confidence, strengthen local identity, create new relationships and influence decisions about the places where they live. HE are interested in funding projects that will discover what people value about their neighbourhoods while improving how heritage can help communities to participate in shaping local change.

Successful applicants will support communities to use heritage as a way of shaping the future of their local places. Projects must be co-created, within an area of IMD1-3, and working with underrepresented communities.

The deadline for applications is 27 November 2026. Details on how to apply here: How To Apply for a Neighbourhood Heritage Grant | Historic England

North UK Mills Group Online Talk, October 2026

North UK Mills Group Online Talk, October 2026

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The North UK Mils Group provides an opportunity for organisations and individuals working with or interested in mill buildings to come together, network, and discuss. Their latest free online lecture will take place on 15th October.

The October talk will be given by Mildred Cookson – former miller, founding trustee of the Mills Archive Trust, committee member and past Chair of the SPAB Mills Section. She will talk about the changes she has observed over the course of her career in milling and as a part of the organisations aiming to preserve and support its practice for the future.

The North UK Mills Working Group is a collection of interested individuals and organisations (including Heritage Trust Network and SPAB Scotland) who have come together to explore how people and organisations working with mills could be better connected with each other and help keep these buildings, skills, and mill cultures alive and accessible. The group offers an opportunity for organisations working with or people interested in mill buildings to come together, network, and discuss.

To book your free place follow this link: North UK Mills Group – October 2026 Tickets, Thursday 15 October  •  10 AM – 11:30 AM GMT+1 | Eventbrite

Watermil image courtesy of North UK Mills Group.

Dates for In-person IHN Autumn 2026 Meetings

Dates for In-person IHN Autumn 2026 Meetings

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The in-person Industrial Heritage Network meetings, run by the IHSO project, return this autumn, and the first round of dates are now available. These meetings are a great way of meeting fellow industrial heritage people working at industrial heritage and archaeology sites and exchanging experiences.

The themes for this year’s meetings are liaising with schools and adapting to hotter summers. Our first meeting of the season was last month (August), when the North West IHN met at Helmshore Textile Museum, where there was a great turn out and lively discussion. The confirmed dates for the in-person autumn 2026 meetings so far are:

  • Yorkshire IHN, 30 Sept: National Musuem of Mining, Wakefield
  • North East IHN, 14 Oct: Locomotion, Shildon
  • East Midlands IHN, 16 Nov: Taylors Bell Foundry, Loughborough
  • West Midlands IHN, 17 Nov: Hereford Waterworks Museum
  • South East IHN, 19 Nov: The Brickworks Museum
  • London IHN, 20 Nov: Postal Museum

If you would like your site to take part in these friendly and free meetings please email the IHSO, Dr Michael Nevell, for more details: michael.nevell@nationaltrust.org.uk

Delegates attending the North West IHN at Helmshore Textile Museum in August 2026. Image copyright Dr Michael Nevell.

Industrial Heritage Sites Recieve Sandford Awards for 2026

Industrial Heritage Sites Recieve Sandford Awards for 2026

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Ten industrial heritage museums and sites have received a Sandford Award for 2026. This is a leading mark of quality for heritage learning, and is run by Lincoln Bishop University alongside the Heritage Education Trust. Applying for the Sandford Award is an opportunity to reflect on, strengthen, and gain independent recognition for the learning experiences sites offer.

The industrial museums and sites that have been recognised for their excellence through recieving the 2026 Award recipients | Heritage Education Trust are:

  • Bradford Industrial Museum
  • Discovery Museum & Tyne & Wear Archives
  • Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre
  • Hopetown Darlington
  • Middleport Pottery
  • National Museum of Computing (Bucks)
  • National Tramway
  • Port Sunlight Trust
  • Tower Bridge
  • Watercress Linbe Railway Heritage Trust

The Award is respected because it is independently assessed, expert-led and based on on-site assessment visits, not paperwork alone. Holding one can also aid further grant applications. Applications for the 2027 awards open on 30 November.