NEW displays were unveiled at Workington’s beloved Helena Thompson Museum on Tuesday and one remembers a well-respected councillor and rugby league historian.

Tuesday July 13, at the Helena Thompson Museum was the official opening date of 2 new display area’s, the Harrington Room and Joe Holliday’s Rugby League memorabilia.

The Harrington Room was officially opened with the cutting of the red ribbon by the Mayor of Workington, Councillor Herbert Briggs who attended with wife Mayoress Tracy Briggs.

The room includes memories of Harrington over the years with photographs, books, items of interest from Keys Chemist, shipping and the carnivals.

Councillor Briggs said: “The room is wonderful, there is so much information to look at and read and what makes it really special is I am Harrington Councillor.

Councillor Briggs added that he looks forward to returning for a longer visit when he is available to do so. He also thanked the museum for the invite and wished the directors every success for the future reopening.

The display with councillor Joe Holliday’s rugby league memorabilia was opened by his wife Dorothy Holliday, Joe sadly passed away in November 2020 and apart from his family, Joe’s love was Rugby League and especially Workington Town.

Part of Joe’s collection is now on display including photos, programmes, shirts and Joe’s 3 books he wrote and so much more.

Dorothy said: “He would have been very proud and really pleased for others to be able to see and enjoy his collection.”

Dorothy added that she is very proud to cut the blue ribbon and officially open it, she thanked the museum directors and Stephen Jones for offering to put Joe’s collection in the museum, a place Joe was always very fond of.

“Dorothy also thanked her daughter Patricia Poole museum manager for sorting through for many hours her dad’s collection to make the wonderful display.”

Both ribbons were cut with 9ct gold mounted steel scissors presented to Helena Thompson when she cut the silver tape and declared open the new Maternity Wing in July 1932.

Patricia Poole, Museum manager said: “ It has been a lovely day even though not as we had originally planned, but we look forward to seeing visitors back at the museum from Monday July 19.”

Beckstone Primary School and Harrington St Mary’s were originally set to attend but were unable due to the continuation of Coronavirus restrictions.