August 2021 Open Day
As Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, we give thanks to our funders the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Nottinghamshire County Council Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), and extend an open invitation to the community and funders to experience first hand, our historic spaces and see the work we’ve undertaken to interpret our heritage, at our August 2021 Open Day.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Worksop Priory church and its 14th Century, Grade 1 listed gatehouse reconnect the community to their centuries of heritage, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Nottinghamshire County Council.
Worksop Priory Gatehouse has enjoyed a multi-use past throughout its 700-year-history and in 2019 the Worksop Priory & Gatehouse Community Trust secured funding to help them develop as an organisation, and to explore potential uses of the building which had unfortunately been placed on English Heritage’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.
August 2021 Open Day
As part of the 2021 Heritage Open Days scheme and the national Ride+Stride for Churches day, on Saturday September 11th from 10am – 4pm the church and gatehouse will be open to the public. Thanks to our funders and professional organisations we have created a new logo, branding, and online presence as assets with which the Trust can engage the community and future funders, and deliver their long term aims.
Overcoming the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, where planned physical in-person interpretation was redeveloped as dynamic, digital assets, the Trust created an engaging online presence. Website and social media channels deliver Key Stage 1 and 2 learning activity packs; an estate agent-style opportunities brochure seeking to identify a future use for the building; a downloadable craft activity to ‘make your own Gatehouse’; and a light-hearted 30 minute animated film (to be shown in the church), charting the Priory and Gatehouse’s history – including links to the Pilgrim Fathers and renowned illuminated manuscript the Tickhill Psalter, now housed in the New York Public Library in America.
New interpretation
An imposing 6m long interpretive display is set to take centre stage in the church, as the Priory and Gatehouse reopens to general admission as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Visitors will learn of the historical significance of the Gatehouse; how it was even used as a school; and why the Priory site is important to American visitors seeking to trace their heritage.
Trust Chair, Fran Walker said: “We’ve had to adapt our plans multiple times as the pandemic developed but have ultimately created a wealth of interpretation – physical and digital, which will engage our community across all ages. An open invitation is extended to the community and funders to experience our historic spaces and see the work we’ve undertaken to interpret our heritage. Admission and refreshments will be free.”
ENDS
For further information, interviews or images, please email Fr. Spicer or call 01909 472180.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
A guide to events and more information about Worksop Priory & Gatehouse Community Trust can be found at:
EVENTS
LEARNING ACTIVITY PACKS
WORKSOP PRIORY GATEHOUSE – THE MOVIE
A digital overview of the Tickhill Psalter, created at Worksop Priory, is available on the New York Public Library’s website.
Click here to download a PDF copy of the press release.
