Could you spare a couple of hours once a fortnight or every week to help keep the historic Guildhall open to the public? Totnes Town Council is now looking for volunteers to join the existing dedicated team of helpers to make sure this special building and its contents can be enjoyed by thousands more local people and visitors this year. Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to a ‘Welcome 2024’ event with the Mayor and the existing team of volunteers at 11.30am on Friday 15 March 2024 at The Guildhall.
Cllr Emily Price, Mayor of Totnes, said: “The Guildhall is a real gem, showcasing the history of our town. We could not open this building to the public without the help of our brilliant volunteers so we are truly grateful to them all. Our volunteers welcome visitors, answering questions and bringing the Guildhall to life. We have plenty of information available for you to use, so there’s no need to be a history buff already! You don’t need to worry about handling money – the Guildhall is free to visit, although donations are very welcome! And you don’t need to commit to helping every week if you don’t want to – any time you can spare is hugely appreciated.
“Our volunteers make such a difference, enabling the Guildhall to open – but we’re also happy to hear that they really enjoy helping out too. Volunteers have explained how it helps to keep them active and how much they enjoy meeting new people – both their fellow volunteers and visitors to the Guildhall. So, it really is a win-win situation. We’re always looking for more people who want to help out. If you think that could be you, please do get in touch with Becky on 01803 862147 or email: civichall@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk and come along to our welcome event, speak to the other volunteers and find out more.”
Located behind St Mary’s Church, the hope is for the Guildhall to open to the public from 2 April 2024 until the end of October, Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm. Volunteers can work in pairs or on their own on a 2-hour shift (either 11am-1pm or 1pm-3pm). The Guildhall is located next to the Town Council’s office, so an officer is always on hand if you need them.
The Guildhall dates back over 1,000 years and offers a fascinating insight into the history of the town. Inside you’ll see the old town gaol and magistrate’s court as well as the Council Chamber where Oliver Cromwell is said to have sat to plan the closing stage of the Civil War in 1646. Admission is free, but donations to help with the upkeep of the building are welcome. The building may occasionally need to be closed for Council events and weddings. Last year, the Guildhall volunteers welcomed over 6,200 visitors.
Photo: The Guildhall volunteers enjoying a thank you reception with the Mayor, Cllr Emily Price, In November 2023.
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For more information, please contact Lucy Ferrier info@visittotnes.co.uk or call 01803 862147