Gainsborough Old Hall has been recognised with a prestigious Sandford Award for excellence in heritage education, celebrating the site’s outstanding contribution to learning and engagement. The Sandford Award is the leading quality mark for heritage education in the UK, recognising organisations that deliver high-quality learning experiences for visitors of all ages. This national recognition highlights the dedication and creativity of Gainsborough Old Hall’s site team in bringing history to life for schools and community groups.
In their report, the independent assessors praised the site, noting: “The unique setting of the hall, its Tudor kitchens and links to Henry VIII give opportunities to explore multiple topics and pursue learning objectives. Combined with online resources from English Heritage, the visit offers the chance for young people to explore Tudor life in an engaging session and is deserving of the Sandford Award.”
This latest success marks a significant milestone, bringing the total number of Sandford Awards across English Heritage sites to 15.
Last year Gainsborough Old Hall, together with the Friends of the Old Hall Association, launched a £10,000 bursary scheme designed to remove financial barriers that have prevented some schools from bringing pupils to visit. The scheme allows schools to apply for funds to cover the cost of KS1 (ages five to seven) and KS2 (ages seven to eleven) Discovery Visit workshops, as well as coach travel. It is available to primary schools within a 40-mile radius of the site that have over 23% of students receiving free school meals.
More information on the schools’ bursary scheme can be found at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk.
Christmas Market
Next on their events calendar is Gainsborough Old Hall’s much-loved Christmas Market on the first weekend in December. Go along on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December, 10.00am to 4.00pm (last entry 3.15pm). Entry is free. The event will feature stalls selling handmade wares to suit all pockets and tastes – perfect for finding unique gifts and Christmassy homeware! There will also be festive music throughout the Hall and refreshments available from their café.