The Gainsborough Heritage Centre has a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep the centre open every weekend. However, as the centre’s popularity has increased we are calling out for more volunteers to assist the team to maintain the service. There are many roles available with a specific need for tea room and visitor experience assistants during the centre’s weekend opening times.
The grand re-opening of the Heritage Centre in 2016, saw the launch of new displays, such as the industrial exhibition of Gainsborough-made products and machinery from local firms, such as Marshall’s, Roses, Sandars, and Edlington’s. These displays are currently developing with objects previously stored in the archives on view in the new exhibition cases. The centre also is now home to a 20th century themed street that showcases former shops from Gainsborough’s past, featuring a post office and house scene. The unique research library houses a wealth of resources from newspaper articles, records of births, deaths and marriages as well as a photographic and oral history archive.
There has been a rise in visitor levels including to the centre’s tea room, exhibitions and research library. Volunteers provide an excellent service and would love this work to continue with additional helpers.
Gemma Clarke reflected on her volunteering experience at the centre and said: “I started volunteering at the centre when I was in the sixth form and I had very little confidence. However, as I got involved with more and more opportunities, the team of volunteers encouraged me in all the work that I have done and continue to do so. So if you enjoy talking to people, learning about local heritage or would like to gain more skills, the Heritage Centre is the place to be, so please get in touch.”
The centre’s temporary Dambusters exhibition closes on Saturday 14th July and commemorates the 75th anniversary of the raid. The exhibition explores the story of the Dambusters raid codenamed ‘Operation Chastise’, and tells the story of Flight Lieutenant ‘Johnny’ Johnson DFC, who was one of the original Dambusters and Gainsborough’s best known and loved war heroes.
Gainsborough Heritage Centre is hosting a talk, on Wednesday 11th July, to be given by John Steel titled, ‘Marshall Built Bristol Fighters’ at Gainsborough House, 18 Parnell Street, Gainsborough DN21 2NB. This talk will detail the story of the First World War and the impact of the Marshall built Bristol Fighters. The talk will begin promptly at 7.30pm and the cost will be £4.00, with tea and biscuits available during the interval.
The ‘Telephone Exchange,’ themed tea room highlights the history of the building and is situated on the ground floor. They serve a lovely range of refreshments and is open every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday and is well worth a visit!
The Centre is open every Tuesday and Saturday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm, and Sunday from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Last admission is at 3.30pm. Admission charges are £3.00 for non-members of the Association and free entry for members to visit the displays and undertake research in the archives. Group visits to the Heritage Centre can be arranged and staff will organise to open the Centre for a weekday or evening session. Standard membership of the centre is £10.00 for a year running from January to December and life membership of the Centre is £100.00.
Further details can be obtained about the Heritage Centre or events by email to chairman@gainsboroughheritage.com or visit www.gainsboroughheritage.co.uk or call 01427 610526.