A HISTORY society will launch a fundraiser in 2024 to raise between £8,000-£10,000 and start a heritage centre.

The Ilminster History Society collects information and documents about the history of the town and now needs a permanent place to store its items.

A spokesperson for the society said: “As most of you know, both history societies [Ilminster History Society and the Heritage of the Ile] have been looking for a place to start a heritage centre but this has proved to be much harder than we thought.

“What we ideally want is a premise to display all that we have and to meet you all and hear your stories - and after extensive research, we think it is going to cost between £8,000 - £10,000 to make this possible for one year.

“So, in 2024 the Ilminster History Society will be fundraising like mad to make this possible in 2025.

“We hope to have lots of fun along the way and meet as many of you as possible so keep your eye on our page during 2024 to see what we are up to.

“To kick us off we present a ‘Going Back to The Sixties Night’ on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at The Shrubbery Hotel, 7.30pm.”

The evening includes a two-course meal followed by a small ‘Sixties Quiz’ and then dancing to sixties music until midnight. The cost is £25.”

Ilminster History started as a Facebook group for residents of Ilminster (past and present) to share stories and pictures of Ilminster in days gone by.

In the latter part of 2021, Ilminster History was registered as a charity and this allows the organisation to fundraise and apply for grants as well as ensure it will continue for years to come.

As well as research by the trustees the site accepts contributions in many forms from residents of Ilminster and new contributions are always very much welcome.

The society aims to put on talks and exhibitions and publishes a newsletter for members, we also record an oral history podcast interviewing people about days gone by in the town, which is available on most podcast platforms.

For more information call phone 01460 54164.