St Mary’s Church and Lowdham signal box opens to public for Heritage Open Days

There is the chance to take a closer look at two historic village landmarks as part of the free Heritage Open Days next month.

The national scheme sees attractions across the country open their doors to the public from September 8-17.

In Lowdham, there are two open day events.

On Saturday, September 9, Southwell Minster’s head guide Joanne Johnson will be running free tours at 10.30am and 2pm of St Mary’s Church.

It’s a chance to discover everything from the history of the 12th Century building, including the secrets of its ancient font and the purpose of a hidden door.

Meanwhile, the fully restored signal box will be open on the weekends of September 9-10 and 16-17.

As well as completing one of the regular hourly tours explaining the role of a rural 1950’s signalman, on these weekends, visitors will be able to see first-hand what a Lowdham signalman had to do on a busy Monday morning in 1954, and the consequences of a coal train running 20 minutes late.

An additional evening event will take place from 7.30pm-9pm on the middle Tuesday, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience life in the box as it gets dark.

Find out more about the events at www.heritageopendays.org.uk – search for ‘Lowdham’.

Booking is advised for the free signal box events.