Drop in to help the busy Ledbury Heritage Centre

The half-timbered building, which was built around 1480 as a boys’ grammar school, is now a museum and is a popular attraction for many visitors to the market town.

The museum contains information about the poets John Masefield, who was born in Ledbury, and Elizabeth Barrett-Browning, who spent some of her childhood at nearby Hope End.

There are also exhibits about Ledbury’s railway and canal history, and the nearby Malvern Hills.

The centre already has around 50 volunteers on its books, but a few more are needed for this season and organisers hope the session, from 10am to 2pm on the day, will add a few more names to the list.

Heritage Centre spokeswoman, Sally Holliday said: “Volunteers staff the museum seven days a week for seven months of the year. Hear about some of the developments that are taking place – the oral history project, a programme of children’s activities, and research into the use of the buildings in the Homend over the last 150 years. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided.

“The Heritage Centre will be opening this year on Monday April 1. Last year we had nearly 24,000 visitors coming from all parts of the globe.”

Mrs Holliday added: “Visitors particularly enjoy the atmosphere of the building, the huge chimney, the construction of the building itself and the friendliness of the volunteers.

“But it goes without saying that the building can only be open throughout the season as a result of the efforts of our wonderful band of volunteers. There are over 50 at present but we have a few gaps to fill for the coming season.”

She added: “Support is provided and you don’t have to be an expert to play a valuable role at the Heritage Centre. If you have time on your hands and are looking to make a very worthwhile contribution to Ledbury and its heritage.”

At the drop in session on March 23, would-be volunteers will be able to talk with existing volunteers, to see what is involved.

Further details: 01531 633637.