|
 Has
the 2004 event become a new benchmark for the future?
This year’s Heritage Open Days event was a winner, with
several new buildings participating and added value in the
Taste of Somerset event in the High Street (organised by Town
Centre Manager Lucy Ball), which could become a regular
occurrence over HODs weekends. Sunday’s high spot was the
Mecca Bingo Hall, which was inundated with visitors, eager to
see its palatial pink, turquoise and gold, Art Decco
interior.
The Old Municipal Building also attracted
a lot of interest, particularly as there may not be another
opportunity to see the old Mayors’ Parlour and Committee room,
or the schoolboy graffiti, carved into the stone window
reveals in the Great Hall. Attempts to adapt this wonderful
old building for use in the private sector have failed because
there are so many covenants and restrictions attached to it
that it would be impossible to bring it up to modern
disability or Health & Safety standards, so TDBC are unable to
take bookings after next April.
 The opening
of the Old Municipal Buildings was a Civic Society initiative.
Many thanks to those who acted as stewards - not only did you
do a great job of showing around over 100 visitors, but your
enthusiasm in drawing attention to our promotional display in
the foyer and telling people about the Civic Society has
resulted in at least four new members. Thanks also to Jo for
the vast pot of coffee that kept us going, and, of course, to
David McCubbin of TDBC Tourist Dept who put so much work into
arranging and publicising the weekend.
Now is the time to start thinking about buildings you would
like to see open for HODs 2005. No prizes, but the best
suggestions will be printed in the Newsletter and strenuous
attempts made to talk the owners into participating.
Fran Pitt |
