Can you help out at heritage centre? (From Ledbury Reporter)

Can you help out at heritage centre?

2:44pm Friday 5th February 2010

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LEDBURY’S Heritage Centre is on the lookout for new volunteers as it looks to consolidate on a hugely successful year.

The historic Church Lane building’s future came under threat last spring, when Herefordshire Council decided to close the centre and transfer some of its displays to the Masters House.

However that decision was reversed after lobbying from residents and town officials, and the centre went on to enjoy one of its best ever seasons, attracting 30,000 visitors in just five months of opening.

One of the reasons cited for the original decision to close the centre was a lack of volunteer stewards.

However, when it emerged that the centre was under threat there was a swell of support, with dozens of local people volunteering.

Although numbers rem- -ain stron, existing volunteers are currently holding a recruitment drive ahead of the 2010 season, which will start at Easter.

Herefordshire Council’s heritage department has organised a meeting for volunteers in the Burgage Hall, Church Lane, at 10am on Thursday, February 25, and it is hoped that potential volunteers will attend and find out more about what the role requires.

Anne Ralph, who volunteers at the centre, explained: “It does not have to be a huge commitment by any means. You could sign up for a couple of hours a week or fortnight, or you can simply go on the relief rota. Also there is always plenty of relief if you cannot make it for any reason.”

Mrs Ralph feels that the Heritage Centre is an important asset for Ledbury.

“An amazing number of people come and look around. It’s an important building for both local people and tourism,” she said.

“I find that volunteering is very rewarding. It’s quite interesting and you meet all sorts of people.

“There is no obligation so we hope to see as many people as possible at the meeting.”

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