Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum’s volunteers are justifiably proud to have received the Silver Award for Team of the Year at the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards 2025. The team work hard to make the museum as successful and welcoming as it is today and they truly feel that the 5,000+ volunteer hours invested last year have been worth it. They will be aiming for gold next year.
They have played host to several Cub and Scout groups so far this year and look forward to welcoming more groups. They really enjoyed showing the children round and were impressed with their knowledge and good manners. The team’s ex-miners are always happy to visit local schools, young people’s groups, social groups and care homes in and around Mansfield to talk to students and adults about Nottinghamshire’s rich mining history.
The Ramblers and Lincolnshire Co-op Wellbeing Walk, held on the last Friday of the month, are becoming more popular. The walk lasts roughly 60 to 90 minutes and they have coffee and biscuits at the museum afterwards. Well-behaved dogs are very welcome.
The team were very pleased to support Bilsthorpe Parish Council with their Big Clean 2025 and were surprised at some of the items found in and around the village. Nearly 300 bags of rubbish and tyres were collected – much more than the target of 180. A big thank you to all the councillors and village volunteers who made such a big effort to clean up the village.
Billsthorpe Heritage Museum is now open on Sundays; Mondays and Wednesdays from 10.00am until 4.00pm; entrance is free, as is tea and coffee, although any donations are very welcome. You can also support them through the Newark and Sherwood Community Lottery, where one of their supporters won £2,000 in February.
Anyone who is able to offer help with the Bilsthorpe Miners Memorial Garden is encouraged to get in touch. The team needs to control the weeds and begin planting for the summer. Those interested can contact the museum by telephoning 01623 871533 or 07443 439499, or by emailing Bilsthorpe_heritage@yahoo.com.
Find them on Facebook, Instagram and visit their website, www.bilsthorpemuseum.co.uk or email them at bilsthorpe_heritage@yahoo.com.