13-14 September 2008

The Open Days were very successful, and from the feedback I have received from the participants there was an increase in visitors. It was certainly helped by the fine weather.

The Freemasons' Hall were overwhelmed by their visitors - over 400. This was the first year they had participated and will definitely be included next time. Broomhill Pool had 700 visitors and received many donations towards their Appeal. St Stephen's Church, the Tourist Information Centre, were fully booked for their tours.

The Willis Building did manage to open their doors but unfortunately it was too late to include them in our leaflet, but they will participate in 2009. Endeavour House was open again after two years and had approximately 90 visitors along with Grafton House.

There was a lot of interest in the churches, and I should like to mention St Peter's which is now converted into a rehearsal and concert venue for the Ipswich Hospital Band and with its permanent displays is also very much a heritage centre. St Lawrence Church, which had not been open to the public since the early 1980s and is now a very successful town centre community facility and cafe, was also a popular place to visit.

This was the first year I have organised this event and I should be interested in any feedback from our members regarding the Heritage Open Days; all contributions and suggestions would be welcome.

Dianne Hosking