BUSINESS owners in Chagford have been showing support for the building of a new heritage centre by displaying posters about the town’s history in their shop windows.

The Chagford Local History Society is in the process of creating a heritage centre and has received support from local residents and business owners who have shown an interest in the town’s past.

A total of 19 businesses have displayed posters that highlight the history of the town and the facts about the building.

Each poster has historic photographs and a short text to show and explain the history of each particular premises.

Devised and researched by volunteers from the Chagford Local History Society, the displays are the opening salvos in the new project for the town.

With a £32,700 grant from Heritage Lottery Fund, supplemented by a £5,000 grant from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee fund, the Chagford Local History Society is realising an aspiration it has nurtured on behalf of the community for many years.

The money will be used to fund the creation of a heritage centre and archive for Chagford inside of the Jubilee Hall and building work has now begun.

In tandem with the heritage centre, the project will run a series of activities about the town’s history, offering many opportunities for volunteers to get involved. 

Ralph Mackridge, secretary of the Chagford Local History Society, said: ‘There are some really eye-opening images and fascinating information on these posters which will attract the attention of visitors and residents alike.

We’re delighted that 19 businesses have got involved by giving over some of their valuable window space. Chagford’s shop windows are always worth a look. We hope that our displays have added to their interest.’