The “Didcot Dairy Story” exhibition, hosted at the Cornerstone Arts Centre throughout August, celebrates the history of Didcot’s once-major dairy, Job’s Dairy. Organized by a volunteer group, it highlights the dairy’s impact on the community and industry through historical artifacts and personal stories.
The “Didcot Dairy Story” exhibition is a new initiative celebrating the significant history of Didcot’s dairy industry. Running throughout August at the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot, Oxfordshire, this free exhibit has been organized by a committed volunteer community group. The exhibition began as a project started in 2021 by archaeologist Dr. Leah Hewerdine and Ruby Livesey of the Story Museum in Oxford, who gathered materials through crowdfunding and grants from Didcot Town Council. It provides an engaging look into the history of Job’s Dairy, once one of the largest privately-owned dairies in the UK, and explores its impact on the local community and industry.
Historical Significance
Job’s Dairy, founded in 1819, established itself as a significant force in the dairy industry over the decades. The Didcot branch, acquired in 1935, played a crucial role in this legacy. The branch was renowned for its extensive dairy processing and bottling operations, reflecting the growth and modernization of the dairy sector during that era. It also housed a chicken farm, showcasing the dairy’s expansion into diversified agricultural operations.
The facility, located west of the old railway line, became a central feature of Didcot’s industrial landscape. Its prominence in the community was marked by its role in providing employment and supporting local economies. After being sold to Express Dairy in 1970, the Didcot branch continued to be an important local business until it was closed in 1987. This closure marked the end of an era for Didcot, as the dairy had been a key part of the town’s identity and economy for decades. The exhibition highlights the impact Job’s Dairy had on the region and celebrates its contribution to the local community and the broader dairy industry.
Exhibition Details
The “Didcot Dairy Story” exhibition showcases a wealth of historical information and artifacts related to Job’s Dairy and its impact on the local community. The project has been a collaborative effort involving contributions from the Roberts Foundation, Express Dairy Tales, and community members. Artifacts on display include archival materials and a miniature ox created by Sobell House Hospice, a feature supported by a fundraising initiative that raised £1,000.
The exhibition has been brought to life through crowdfunding and grants from Didcot Town Council. Archaeologist Dr. Leah Hewerdine and Ruby Livesey, from the Story Museum in Oxford, spearheaded the project, ensuring that the community’s involvement remained central to the exhibition’s development.
Community Involvement
The exhibition has drawn on the personal stories and memories of Didcot residents, many of whom have loaned items for the display. The dairy was a significant part of the local community, with many former employees and their families sharing their experiences and memorabilia. This personal connection adds a heartfelt dimension to the exhibition, reflecting the dairy’s role in shaping the community’s history.
The “Didcot Dairy Story” exhibition is more than a historical showcase; it is a tribute to a cherished local institution. By highlighting the dairy’s past and its impact on the town, the exhibition preserves the legacy of Job’s Dairy and celebrates its contribution to Didcot’s history. Visitors to the Cornerstone Arts Centre have the opportunity to explore this fascinating chapter of local heritage and connect with the community’s shared memories.
