A MAJOR centre that has stored and displayed hundreds of years of history for Callington and its surrounding villages is under threat due to a lack of volunteers.

This year has seen a lot of interest in the history of mining in Cornwall and this culminated with the ‘Man Engine’ phenomenon which stopped at Drakewalls and Kit Hill on its way through the Duchy back in the summer. It celebrated and honoured many miners from the town who worked at the various mines across the area but this history is now under threat due to a lack of volunteers at the Callington Heritage Centre in Liskeard Road.

Cllr Dave Williams, who is one of Callington Town Council’s representative at the centre, said: ‘The heritage centre has offered an amazing link into our collective past. The town has a long history in mining as well as agriculture and the collections they have provide a wonderful resource for people looking at how the town was created.’

His views were echoed by Portreeve and Town Mayor Cllr Mark Smith. He said: ‘Like many clubs and associations in our town, the heritage centre relies on volunteers and the very future of the centre is now in doubt if we cannot find people willing to help preserve our history.

A few hours a week from a few people could make a big difference in securing a part of our past that would be a shame to lose.’

Cornwall Councillor for Callington and town council Andrew Long said he would fully support efforts made to keep the centre open: ‘I am very keen to support keeping the heritage centre open and would back the attempt by the council and the heritage centre to find new volunteers.’

Anyone interested in helping, even for a few hours a week, should contact the town council in the first instance for more information on 01579 384039 between 9am and 1.30pm, Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]