National Lottery Heritage Fund
National Lottery Heritage Fund
A Journey through Kidderminster’s Town Hall
In 2023 Kidderminster Town Council were awarded a £249,696 grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Restoration and Heritage Volunteer Programme.
We are developing a programme of heritage activities that celebrate and reveal the history of the building, its people, and the town.
To do this we are carrying out the following key elements of the project plan:
has been awarded to Kidderminster Town Council by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Refurbish and Re-display Assets
Refurbish and re-display a number of assets including the Town Charter and Seal of King Charles I presented to Kidderminster in 1636 in recognition of the town’s role in the Civil War.
Restoration of the William Hill Organ
Carry out works to restore and redecorate the William Hill organ casing and pipework situated in the Music Room. Installed in 1855 it is of international importance and is described by many as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of the whole building.
Primary Schools Project
Develop a primary schools project to create a self-published book of drawings detailing the history of the Town Hall and key items and artefacts that are contained inside the building. This will be the guidebook when the Town Hall re-opens.
Appoint a part-time Heritage Volunteer Co-ordinator
To recruit, train and support a team of heritage volunteers to design and deliver a series of heritage tours.
Restoring and Remounting
Conserve, clean and where necessary, remount the town’s art collection.
Recruit an Evaluation Consultant
To report on the critical stages of the project.
Partner with Higher Education Leisure and Hospitality Students
Develop a partnership with Higher Education leisure and hospitality students who will help support the tour programme when the building reopens. The work will focus on helping to develop the customer service skills and confidence building when speaking in public of those who participate.
Building Preservation
To carry out some stonework repairs and repointing to the window balconies and parapet stonework.
Update on project
Newsletter Issue 2: Summer 24
Newsletter Issue 1: Spring 24
Volunteering Opportunities
Funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has allowed us to create a volunteer programme to develop and deliver heritage activities that celebrate and reveal the history of the building, its people, and the town.
We hope that local people will get involved with this project. There are a number of very different volunteer roles including research, restoration, digital media, a schools project, and assisting in the interpretation of the building’s heritage. Volunteers will also be involved in the design, delivery and management of tours around the building and lead town hall tours both pre and post-opening of the refreshed building.
For further information on volunteering opportunities please contact:
Heritage Volunteer Coordinator: Jackie Murrall
Telephone: 07818 506779
FAQ's
Who can volunteer for Kidderminster Town Hall?
Anyone can volunteer and we’d really appreciate your help.
I don’t have any experience in the heritage sector, can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! We have a variety of roles and most don’t need previous knowledge or experience. We provide relevant training for all our volunteer roles, and we look for people who will enjoy the role and have time to embrace volunteering at Kidderminster Town Hall. Volunteers are valued for bringing additional skills and new perspectives to the organisation. Roles include:
Research volunteer
Digital Media volunteer
Oral History and Transcription volunteer
Tour Guide volunteer
Social Media and Marketing volunteer
What skills do I need to volunteer?
The skills required will depend on the nature of the role. For some roles, there is no specific set of skills required and we only look for enthusiasm, commitment and workplace values. The role requirements are clearly stated in the role description.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering for Kidderminster Town Hall will help you feel connected to the community. You will use your existing skills and knowledge in a productive way and develop new skills such as research, communication skills, design of resources which could strengthen your CV. You will meet new people and improve your self-confidence which can contribute to your sense of wellbeing. Volunteers may explore new areas of interest and learn about the town’s heritage and its development. Involvement in your community will undoubtably lead to a greater sense of connection as well as really making a difference to Kidderminster and its residents as well as visitors to the town.
Can I be flexible about what day and how regularly I volunteer for the Town Hall?
Volunteering for Kidderminster Town Hall can be very flexible and volunteers may be involved in a range of roles on a one-off, short-term or on a long-term, regular basis. The amount of time needed is different for each opportunity and is outlined in the role description. You can discuss your availability and level of commitment with the Heritage Volunteer Coordinator.
What support do volunteers get?
All volunteers will receive relevant training required for their role, including a volunteer induction with the Heritage Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers have a named person who is their regular point of contact while volunteering. so that they feel supported and confident in what they’re being asked to do.
Do you have a Volunteer Policy?
Yes, you will be issued with a Volunteer Handbook with those details during your induction and will have access to all other related policies
Will I receive a reference for my volunteering?
We’re happy to supply references for volunteers. For us to provide a thorough reference we advise that you volunteer with us regularly for at least three months.
Keep up with the latest
Our classic central building is steeped in history & culture, providing opportunity for modern events, performance, meeting space or weddings.
Lighting up Kidderminster
Kidderminster’s Town Hall is delighted to be putting the spot-light on Kidderminster during the winter period with the new Light Up Kidderminster project.
The Town Hall @ Home Project
As part of Kidderminster Town Hall’s Cultural Recovery Grant Project received in October 2020, Town Hall launched our online project ‘The Town Hall @Home.
The Winter Arts Project
Last Christmas ran a number of festive events throughout the month of December for our community to spread the festive joy!
We worked hard to ensure that all of our performances are Covid-safe, and some restrictive measures have been put in place along with a pre-booking system to avoid overcrowding our venues.
GET IN TOUCH
Visit Us
THE TOWN HALL IS NOW TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
We are undertaking a major transformation project which will make the venue more accessible to the people of Kidderminster and surrounding areas. We are due to reopen in 2025.
Contact Us
01562 732158
Projects
Kidderminster Town Council and Town Hall are grateful to the Architectural Heritage Fund for their financial support, enabling Market Research, Audience Development and Business Planning to proceed.
Design & Managed by Nettl of Kidderminster