People will be given a unique opportunity to have a look around a historic building that's currently undergoing work to be a community space in Masham. 

On Saturday (September 28) and Sunday (September 29), Peacock and Verity in Masham will open its doors for the first time after several weeks of renovations at 15 Silver Street in Masham, which they are converting into a historical experience and housing. 

Under the plans, not-for-profit company Peacock and Verity Community Spaces (P&VCS) hope to offer four affordable homes that will only be available to people with family, work or historic links to Masham.

A look at how the building used to beA look at how the building used to be (Image: PEACOCK AND VERITY) Meanwhile, the ground floor will be restored into a Victorian grocers from when the building was in its heyday and there will be an Edwardian-style tearoom inspired by the café that was part of the building in the 1900s.

It will also bring a Post Office counter back to Masham and create a new heritage centre celebrating the story of the town and the area.

To give the project an even more local touch, it will tap into Masham’s rich sheep-farming heritage by using wool to insulate the building with help from Leeds Beckett University.

 

A drawing of how the building used to look in MashamA drawing of how the building used to look in Masham (Image: PEACOCK AND VERITY) It's this rich sheep-farming heritage that ties into this weekend, with the Masham Sheep Fair taking place.

While the ambitious plans are taking place, the not-for-profit company have insisted that this 'open event' is to give people a taste of what has been created and allow people to see what will be possible - but has stressed that there is still plenty of work to do until its fully open.

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The shop that is been converted has been a grocer for 300 years, with people encouraged this weekend to join Peacock and Verity Community Spaces (P&VCS) in the 1850.

The company has said it will give people a chance to see "a time before mass advertising or individual packaging - a time when trusting your grocer was crucial to having fresh, healthy food."

As a special treat, the company are also hosting Jared Clark and the Bedale Bakery this weekend.