Assuring The Future
The “Assuring the Future” project concentrates on increasing intellectual access to the Palace and Gardens, and firmly places the role of the Palace in a historical context as well as a present day context, exploring the relevance of the Palace to the changing work patterns within the Bath and Wells diocese. It will enable a new way of working with new audiences. We know that we have an enormous amount which we can offer to a much more diverse range of visitors and site users. This project will create the environment in which our vision will become reality.
Our aspiration is access. We want to extend greater access to this wonderful, nationally important site. We want to be able to interpret it in ways which are effective, exciting, thought provoking and relevant. We want to assure the future by ensuring that its importance in terms of buildings, landscape and archaeology are recognised and its place in the history of the county and local community understood and made relevant.
We want to ensure that the site retains its place at the heart of the local community and is effective in a role within the heritage network which defines the City of Wells . We want to involve our local communities in doing this.
In order to achieve this aspiration we need to be able to improve the visitor facilities on site. We need to be able to offer high quality interpretation in a range of formats. We need to clarify and direct the learning offer from the site. Above all we want to ensure that we are working to deliver a resource for all of our communities.
We recognise that there are physical and intellectual obstacles which need to be addressed in order to achieve our goals. This project will address these barriers and will provide the opportunity to draw together the various elements of the site to offer a holistic experience for our visitors.
How You Can HelpYou can help the Palace Trust by:
You can make a donation in the following ways:
- By cheque (made payable to The Palace Trust )
- By debit or credit card (please click here to complete and print the form)
- When you visit us.
If you are a UK tax payer please complete a Gift Aid Declaration so that the Palace Trust can claim the tax back on your donation.
The Palace Trust is currently recruiting volunteers who would like to offer some of their time and skills to help us conserve a part of the heritage of Wells and Somerset . Volunteers play a vital part in helping our visitors to enjoy their experience at the Palace and Gardens. You may like consider supporting us further in this way, or you may have a friend or relative who may be interested in volunteering. If so, we would love to hear from you.
Volunteering opportunities at the Bishop's Palace and Gardens do not require any specialist knowledge and individuals are given the chance to use their existing skills and to learn new ones. On joining as a new volunteer you will be invited to take part in full induction and training to make sure that you are fully prepared. You will also be given the opportunity to work with other volunteers to build up your confidence and to get the most out of your experience. You will also have a great opportunity to meet like minded people who also have a passion for heritage and gardens.
Over 140 people from all backgrounds currently volunteer at the Bishop's Palace and Gardens for a variety of reasons. They are directly involved with welcoming visitors and have a hugely important role in helping people get the most out of their time here.
There are a number of different volunteering roles to be considered:
Stewards Available at a number of points across the Palace and Gardens, Stewards are available throughout the day to assist all our visitors. As well as looking after the day visitors, there will some coordination of events and conferences that are going on, so Stewards will be expected to have a good understanding of the entire goings on across the site.
Meeters and Greeters
The welcome of the public is an essential task as they approach the Palace from across the drawbridge. Meeters and Greeters have a unique opportunity to capture the attention of the public and tell them about what can be discovered if they came in to the grounds. Volunteers in this role will find it easy to communicate with people, be confident in talking to members of the public from all walks of life and be passionate about telling as many people as possible of what lies on the other side of the gatehouse.
Daily Guides
Guided tours help our visitors to understand more of the historical significance as well as the role of the Palace within the Diocese today. Full training is given and it is a chance to really make a difference to the enjoyment of the visitor experience.
Other Roles
We would also be very happy to hear from you if you feel as though you may be able to help us in another role. We occasionally require help with tasks like administration, events and maintenance. Please register your interest with us and we will be happy to talk to you about possible vacancies.
For further information about these and other volunteering roles, please contact us on 01749 678691 or email us at
anneli.connold@bishopspalace.org.uk.
Season Tickets are a vital source of income for the Palace Trust. By purchasing one you are able to enjoy the gardens all year round, and at the same time, you are supporting our work to keep the Palace and grounds open for the public to enjoy in the future.
Season Tickets are available to purchase from the Palace gift shop and represent excellent value for money at just £17.00 for a single ticket and £30.00 for a double ticket. Cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase. If you are a UK tax payer, pleas remember to sign the Gift Aid declaration when you purchase your ticket so that we can claim the tax back and make your donation go even further.
The Bishop's Palace and Gardens have teamed up with Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton, to offer its Season Ticket Holders 50% off the price of admission at the gardens when they produce a valid Bishop's Palace season ticket.
|
Home Page
