Saturday, February 10, 2024

Armoury's restored lock-up shop now back in action


* The front of the lock-up shop on the A5.

Following years of restoration by the Armoury Conservation Trust (ACT) the lock-up shop on the A5  - by the traffic lights at the junction with Castle Street - is ready for action.

Local carpenter Iain Ashcroft's craftsmanship has fulfilled the vision of architect Jamie Coath to restore the shop front to a design in keeping with its neighbours and its Victorian heritage.  

The work was partially funded by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's Sustainable Development Fund.  

The shop is a usable space once more, and the Armoury Conservation Trust has announced that The Little Learning Company took occupancy from February 1 to coordinate their programme of heritage skills training across Llangollen and the surrounding areas. 

The Little Learning Company has designed and delivered training on heritage crafts, including felting and canal folk-art, in locations such as Llangollen Railway and Pentredwr Community Centre.  



They are expanding their capacity by training more tutors and expect to offer courses in additional heritage skills such as dry stone walling soon. 

ACT Chairperson Sue Hargreaves said: "I am pleased the Lock Up Heritage Centre is able to host an organisation whose activities align with our aims of heritage, community and education.  

"I am looking forward to working in partnership with The Little Learning Company, to get the shop back into purposeful use benefitting the local community, and to develop the profile and activities of the Lock Up Heritage Centre itself."

Little Learning Company Director Laura Davies said: "We are thrilled to be able to use The Lock Up as our heritage skills base in Llangollen, and we are looking forward to continuing to partner with the fantastic organisations and groups in and around Llangollen. 

"Big thanks go to Gwlangollen for putting us in touch with the Armoury Conservation Trust and for helping us bring our heritage skills programme to life.

"Keep an eye on the shop window for details of our upcoming courses. If there is a particular heritage skill course you would like us to offer please contact Michelle@thelittlelearningcompany.co.uk"

* The project is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, awarded by Denbighshire County Council. 

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