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
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