A new collaborative venture, the Loughborough History and Heritage Network – a joint initiative between Loughborough University, Charnwood Museum and members of the local community – will be launched this week, on Thursday 18 December.

The Network has been established to bring together individuals and groups with a shared interest in the heritage of Loughborough and Charnwood. Its website – www.lboro-history-heritage.org.uk – provides a platform through which people can share information and memories about local history.

The Network has been spearheaded by Alison Mott and Dr Robert Knight, from Loughborough University’s Department of History, Politics and International Relations, and Fiona Ure, Local Heritage Officer at Charnwood Museum.

“Every one of us knows stories from the past, either because we were there when events happened, or we’ve been told about them by friends and relatives,” says Alison. “We need to share these stories and cultural experiences to ensure they’re not lost to future generations. We’re hoping that the new Loughborough History and Heritage Network will become an easy-to-use resource for groups and local residents, both past and present.”

The Network brings together details of events happening around the region, contacts for local heritage organisations, and news and stories about Loughborough and Charnwood in the past.

Among the historical projects included on the site are Loughborough’s Great War, which provides a local perspective on World War One, and the current Ladybird Books exhibition at Charnwood Museum.

If you have any local history stories, you’re aware of any heritage projects, or you’d like to attend the launch of the Network, Alison Mott (T: 01509 228174, E: A.S.Mott@lboro.ac.uk) would love to hear from you.