New community archives facility is launched in Lowestoft

With the strapline of "Keeping local history local" the Lowestoft & District Independent Archive (LADIA) organisation was unveiled at the Old Court Building in Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft on the first day of the Heritage Open Days in the presence of dignitaries.

Cheers! Mayor of Lowestoft Sonia Barker cuts the cake as dignitaries celebrate the launch of LADIA in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

These included Waveney MP Peter Aldous, East Suffolk Council leader, Caroline Topping, mayor of Lowestoft Sonia Barker and deputy mayor Nasima Begum, Beccles mayor Christine Wheeler and Bungay mayor Frances Betts.

As a new charitable trust, LADIA has been formed and governed by six local history enthusiasts to preserve the local history of north east Suffolk within the area.

The LADIA committee and trustees at the launch of LADIA in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Bob Collis, chair of the LADIA, welcomed those present and explained how LADIA came about - revealing it was the idea of trustee Ian Robb while lying in his hospital bed post operation.

"We grasped the idea and advanced it to where we are today," Mr Collis said.

Executive officer Michael Sims said: "We heard that the old court archive might be available, and we discovered that it contained shelving and so on and was purpose built for court records – so was ideal for our use.

"A charitable trust was formed and after working through a number of formalities we are now ready to launch."

The celebratory cake as the LADIA facility is launched in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Chris Brooks read a message from Peter Colby, the owner of the building, which said: "It is my decision that the archive society can occupy the area that has been assigned to them.

"I wish to see the trustees make the archive work for Lowestoft.

"I am proud of my heritage as a Lowestoft fishing family, and I wish future generations of young people to have the knowledge of the history of Lowestoft."

The LADIA facility is launched in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Aldous said: "This is a unique location on the edge of the Beach village, and this is an ideal building for an archive – so very well done."

For details of the group visit its Facebook page.