LPHS – Police Museum
HERITAGE CENTRE, CUMNOCK
Local retired Ayrshire businessman Jim Smith QFSM, former retained Fire Officer in Cumnock (Brother of RPOAS Ayrshire member Bill Smith), recently created a collection of historic Scottish Memorabilia, including Steam Engines; vintage Fire Engines, Fire Service Memorabilia, Heavy Goods Vehicles; Cars & Vans; Farming Machinery; a Telephone Exchange and various other interesting artefacts, including a display of ‘Mauchline Ware’.
All in an effort to attract tourism, grow the local economy, whilst educating future generations on our past through local partnership.
POLICE MUSEUM
Jim approached the Lanarkshire Police Historical Society and generously offered space and facilities to create a Police Museum in a part of his Industrial Unit at Caponacre Industrial Estate, Cumnock KA18 1SH.
The Police Museum has only been possible with the enterprise, drive and enthusiasm of LPHS Committee member Jim Manson, with assistance from other Committee Members.
The Police Museum, is a small part of the Heritage Centre and has been stocked with a vast array of artefacts, including local items, that should pique the interest of many former police officers and their families, as well as members of the public. It also has a realistic police cell (with original cell door from Douglas Police Station) and volunteers dress in authentic, original police uniforms.
The Police Museum complements the amazing collection of the other items on display.
For example, Ayrshire Officers may be aware of the late Constable William ‘Bill’ Reid (RIP 14/09/2019) who began his police career in Ayrshire Constabulary at Prestwick, later serving in the traffic department as a patrol officer and driving instructor, retiring from Strathclyde Police in 1998, then becoming a civilian driving instructor at the Police Training Centre, Jackton, retiring in 2014.
Bill had a passion for articulated vehicles and lorries. He amassed a vast collection of British Transport Books; models; photographs and videos and these are all on display in ‘The Bill Reid Memorial Room’.
The Heritage Centre, at present, is open by invite/request only; former and serving police officers, their families and friends are offered the opportunity to attend. Groups are particularly welcome, the Police Section can provide for around ten at one time, while the whole facility is big enough to accommodate groups of 50. It is estimated that two hours would be sufficient to view the full displays, although there are no time restrictions.
Opening Times
It is envisaged that ‘open days’ will be arranged and visitors could be staggered at various times throughout the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day visit or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for evening visits) in the hope to satisfy demand. Wheelchair access is possible. Entry is free.
To allow attendees to be collated, would those interested in coming along to any future events please email any of the following:
heritagecentrecumnock@btinternet.com
george.barnsley@lphs.org.uk
henry.harper@lphs.org.uk
with the names of person(s) attending and an estimated time. Invites will be issued when there is sufficient interest.
