The rich history of Overton Community Centre will be brought to life this September as the village takes part in this year’s Heritage Open Days.
Taking place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, the free event will explore the fascinating story of the Grade II listed building and the generations of people whose lives have crossed its threshold.
Under the theme “The Ground Where We Stand: Everyday Lives at a Crossroad,” visitors will discover how the site has played an important role in village life for centuries.
Long before it became the Community Centre, the location served as a coaching inn where travellers stopped to change horses. It later became home to postal services used by local residents, including celebrated author Jane Austen and her family. As a village school, countless children learned to read and write within its walls before the building evolved into the thriving community hub it is today.
Across the weekend, visitors can enjoy a varied programme of guided walks, talks, tours, historical displays and children’s activities, offering something for all ages.
Admission is free, although donations towards the event will be warmly welcomed.
Organisers are also looking for volunteers to help bring the building’s history to life. Opportunities include dressing in period costume, leading guided tours, running traditional playground games and assisting with classroom activities.
Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more can contact heritage.overton@gmail.com.
The Heritage Open Days weekend promises to be a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to step back in time and discover the everyday stories that have shaped one of Overton’s most historic buildings.