More than 140 visitors attended the free Thirlmere Be-Dammed exhibition that was held at the Recreation Hall last Saturday.
Thousands of people pass by the reservoir on the main A591 road without ever knowing the story behind it and this event helped lift the veil on life in the area before and after it was dammed by Manchester Corporation.
“It was absolutely terrific,” said the Rev Dr Susi Wood, who is chair of the Wythburn and Thirlmere Group, which organised the event. “It was very much a living historical look at the past with some really wonderful evidence of life in the valley before and after the dam.”
There had been a “fantastic” response to an appeal for stories, mementoes and pictures, and they were shown alongside the main displays by the Rev Geoff Darrall and Ian Hall, who have written many books about the area, aerial photos from Patrick Holmes, which gave context to the stories and illustrated the development of the valley right up to the new United Utilities pipeline taking Thirlmere water to west Cumbria.
There was also a display of old forestry tools provided by Donald Angus. One was used to shave off part of the inside of a clog to accommodate a bunion. The story of a local lass who became the Countess Ossalinsky was also told.
One of the picture story boards showed priests who had served the area since the 1880s and there was a rather macabre mask on display which farmers had used to slaughter animals.
“It used to be a vibrant independent valley that was decimated by the damming,” said Dr Wood. “But history is very much alive. There have been many books written and photographs taken of old buildings which were made available to exhibition.
“People attending got to know about what was a massive event in local history. It’s 100 years since it happened but it’s still very much alive.”
There was generous support with home baking and the Wythburn and Thirlmere Heritage Group is massively grateful to all the bakers and helpers in the kitchen who served more than 100 teas.
Teas sales and purchases of the Rev Darrall’s book and donations together raised more than £500. The money will be used to support the work of the heritage group, which contributes to local projects like restoring milestones, signposts and benches.
The group also runs a monthly programme of Wythburn Watchers – volunteers who keep an eye on the church and ensure it is maintained and kept open for everyone who appreciates a quiet place in a busy world.
Anyone interested in Thirlmere history and the group should contact secretary Sarah Nicholson on 017687 80090 or [email protected]
