Amersham Heritage Day

Each year in September Amersham holds a Heritage Day. In 2009 it will be held on 13th September, starting at 11 - 4.30pm.

Organised by volunteers - usually property owners or managers - for local people, Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event. Events are held all over England and last year events attracted up to 1 million visitors around the country. The Civic Trust gives central co-ordination and a national voice to the event, which is made possible by funding and support from English Heritage.

Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

Free of charge and literally on people's doorstep, Heritage Open Days is an event for everyone, whatever their background, age and ability.

Around the entrances to Amersham Old Town advertising boards will be giving details of where to find the attractions for Amersham Old Town's Heritage Open Day, which will be held on Sunday 13 September. A town crier will announce the times for the events during the day, which this year will include Woodside Morris Men, sponsored by the Crown Inn, Doyle Dancers, classic car displays, steam organ, clowns, animal farm, Punch & Judy, sponsored by the Amersham Society, balloon making, face painting and a bouncy castle. There will be a free vintage bus service supplied by the Amersham and District Motor Bus Society, scheduled to run between Oakfield Corner and Whielden Street in Old Amersham.

Local organisations, including straw plaiting and beekeepers will be taking part and refreshments will be provided by the Townwomen's Guild in the Market Hall, on behalf of the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted, and both the Bensheim and the Krynica Town Twinning Societies will be offering light snacks near the Memorial Gardens. Places of interest to visit during the afternoon include the Drake Chapel and St Mary's Church, the Quaker Meeting House in Whielden Street, the Methodist Church and King's Church in the High Street.

The Amersham Museum will be open from 11.00am with a reduced entry fee and they are organising free guided walks around the town starting at 12.30pm. There will also be two walks to the Amersham Martyr's Memorial at 11.15am and 2.15pm. The Amersham Band will be playing in the Memorial Gardens from 2.30pm providing an opportunity to sit down and enjoy some popular music. Further details of the events and attractions during the day can be obtained in advance from Amersham Town Council and on the day timetables of the day's events will be available from the Information Point under the Market Hall.

We look forward to seeing you there.