FROM the ancient royal palace in Havering-atte-Bower to priceless Saxon artefacts, Havering is steeped in rich history and culture.

Yet it took a long and arduous 10-year battle by councillors and historians to establish a local museum, opened this May, to celebrate the borough’s heritage.

Visitors can listen to that extraordinary story today (Saturday October 2) from 12pm to 4pm at Havering Museum, in High Street, Romford, as part of wider, four-month project called “I Heart History” - funded by a �9,900 Lottery grant.

Museum outreach and development officer, Dr Michelle Johansen, said: “The story of Havering Museum is a remarkable one, worth recording and sharing as an inspiration to others. With a shared enthusiasm, and a consistent single-mindedness the difficulties of providing an economically sustainable museum to serve the whole widespread and disparate local community has been worked through and delivered superbly well.”

There will also be lively Q&A with key figures in the museum, and young people can take part in hands-on art workshops, .

Costumed gallery staff, poetry readings and music in the galleries will create a lively atmosphere.

A postcard survey will invite members of the community to tell the museum why they “heart” history.

Admission is free with museum entry.

Havering Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 12 noon to 5pm and Saturday 11am to 5pm. For further information on this and other events at Havering Museum see: www.haveringmuseum.org.uk or call: 08452 707 737.