Welcome to Joseph Thomson Local Heritage Centre
Sundial Cottage
Welcome to the Joseph Thomson Local Heritage Centre. Although the Centre has been developed jointly by the communities of Penpont, Keir and Tynron to commemorate the life of Joseph Thomson, a Victorian explorer of Africa, who was born in the cottage in 1858, it also celebrates the culture of the local communities represented.
The Group's Mission Statement is:
"the preservation of the legacy of the Victorian African explorer, Joseph Thomson and the local heritage of Penpont, Keir and Tynron for everyone to learn from and enjoy".
The aim of the Group is to preserve and maintain Sundial Cottage, to tell the story of Joseph Thomson's life and legacy as well as being the Local Heritage Centre for the communities of Penpont, Keir and Tynron.
Could you help support our local Joseph Thomson Heritage Centre?
An appeal is out for new volunteers to come forward, to help with maintenance, administration and development of the Centre.
If this is something you would like to get involved in, please contact JoAnne McKay.
See full details and contact information below.
For the past twenty years this building and its contents have been diligently maintained and developed by a dedicated group of volunteers representing these three parishes, but the years and ill health have taken their toll and the number of volunteers has dwindled. Those that remain have now concluded that they can no longer continue to keep this valuable asset going without new members. We are therefore appealing for new volunteers to come forward to help with the maintenance, administration and development of the Centre. If new members are not found, it is difficult to see a way forward for the Centre.
We urge anyone interested in the Centre (or simply for more information) to please get in touch with JoAnne McKay on 07562 363429 or by email to info@penpontheritage.co.uk by 31st March 2026
If you would like to make a donation to the Group, please click here to contact us. Thank you.
