Link - The Workhouse in Southwell appeals for volunteers

You’ll need to go to the BBC website for this as the text is linked in with the photos and I can’t copy it. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/nottingham/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_9377000/9377993.stm

Stamp of approval for Nottingham Castle

Nottingham Castle has been recognised by VisitEngland for its excellent customer service through the national tourist board's Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS).

The Castle was praised for its image, presentation of staff and welcome.

Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Customers at Nottingham City Council, said: "Nottingham Castle is a fantastic site enjoyed by local people and visitors alike. Being accredited by VAQAS gives external confirmation that customers will enjoy excellent service when they visit. 

"It is a huge honour for the team at Nottingham Castle and recognises the hard work they put in day in and day out, from the exhibition team and maintenance team, to the trading team and front of house staff. We would like to thank Renaissance East Midlands who funded this assessment.

"If you've not been to the Castle recently, or have friends and family due to visit soon, why not make a date to come along to this popular and historic Nottingham attraction."

During the application process, an independent assessor visited the Castle considering various aspects such as the layout of the attraction, the range and quality of signage, the appearance and cleanliness of the grounds, quality of presentation and interpretation, appearance and attitude of staff, retail, catering and toilet facilities, information leaflets and attractions inside the museum. 

Recent improvements at the Castle over the past year have included:

• a new Hood in the Wood Gallery - a new Robin Hood themed feature telling the story of Nottingham
• improved audio and video facilities
• a wide range of information leaflets which can be picked up on site, including details of The Nottingham Museum of Life, Green's Mill, Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey .
• The Castle was also praised for its local exhibitions such as the along the River Trent exhibition currently showing in the Mezzanine.

James Berresford, VisitEngland's Chief Executive said: "We know 59 per cent of Brits feel they don't make the best use of their time. A day out at any of our amazing cultural attractions like Nottingham Castle can be as inspirational as it is enjoyable.  The VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque is a stamp of approval showing our visitors that the attraction they are visiting offers a high quality and memorable experience."

The Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS) is managed by VisitEngland and, through its network of regional assessors. It has an incredible reputation for instigating, modifying and shaping change to the customer experience at visitor attractions across England. The scheme encourages participants to make VAQAS work for them as a management tool. 

Industry support has been consistently strong with participants eager to take on board the recommendations of their local assessor.

Nottingham Castle is a magnificent 17th century ducal mansion built on the site of the original Medieval Castle, with spectacular views across the city. The Castle has a turbulent past, linked to kings and conquerors and still has a maze of original caves hidden beneath its imposing walls.

For further information about Nottingham Castle please visit Nottingham Castle. For events at Nottingham Castle visit What´s On in Nottingham

From: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13234

Villagers consulted on Peak Conservation Area Changes

PEOPLE in Hathersage are being consulted on plans by the Peak District National Park Authority to change the boundaries of the village's conservation area.

A draft document has been drawn up which outlines the proposed small extension to the conservation area, which would take in Oddfellows Row and Bank House on Station Road for their "architectural and historic interest".

A spokesman for the national park authority said: "Hathersage was originally a small farming community.

"Its location beside two brooks was a catalyst for development and `` expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries from an agricultural settlement to an industrial one.

"Part of the special interest of the Hathersage Conservation Area lies in its setting on the bottom of the Derwent Valley and within the cleft of The Dale, so that from almost any location in the village, the hills provide a green backdrop to the gritstone buildings."

Documents outlining the proposals will be on show at the authority's headquarters in Baslow Road, Bakewell, or online until the consultation period ends on Saturday, February 12.

A public meeting on the plans will also take place from 4pm on Wednesday, February 9 at Hathersage Memorial Hall in Oddfellows Road.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/Villagers-consulted-on-Peak-conservation.6679545.jp