Dozens signing up to help at Shugborough Hall
Dozens of people have signed up to volunteer at cash-strapped Staffordshire visitor attraction Shugborough Hall following a plea from bosses in the wake of budget cuts. An appeal was launched for people to come forward.
Opportunities ranged from being a room guide to helping in the car parks. Almost 100 supporters flocked to an open weekend at the attraction to get more information about volunteering and bosses said around 30 people had signed up. It is hoped the move will save the estate money,
Staffordshire County Councillor, Pat Corfield, cabinet member for culture and communities, said: "The open day was a thorough success and we had a great response from the public.
"It had snowed heavily the previous night and we were worried that this would prevent people from attending, but many persevered through the weather and came to find out more about how they could get involved in our historic estate.
"Visitors were given access to some of the hidden gems of Shugborough that they could help to maintain and there was huge enthusiasm and interest in what's involved."
Councillor Corfield added that the volunteering would be an opportunity for people to become part of the Shugborough family.
Currently, there are opportunities available in the Mansion House, the servant quarters, in the estate's gardens team, and on the working farm.
An appeal for volunteers came afer Shugborough's programme of events was scaled back as a result of the latest round of cutbacks, which will save £148,000.
The venue opens to the public again on March 22. One of the first events of 2013 includes a bridal fair on February 3.
Highlights on the programme at Shugborough this year includes the Moscow State Circus which is there from April 23 to 28.
It is the first time the show has visited the attraction.
