Volunteers needed for renovated castle

COULD you be a tour guide helping to bring one of Rotherham’s most important heritage sites to life?

History lovers are being sought to help visitors when Boston Castle opens after its £1.2 million renovation.

Work will start in August to add a two-storey extension with an entrance foyer, platform lift, stairs, and toilets.

It will give access to the various levels of the castle, which will have extensive refurbishment, including restoration of the 18th century battlements and windows.

A Rotherham Borough Council spokeswoman said: “The project is now seeking volunteers who would like to get involved in aspects of visitor management at the site, including delivering guided tours.

“To achieve this the authority will be offering quality training that will be delivered through Dearne Valley College resulting in an NVQ Level 3 module.

“Volunteers are also being sought to act in other capacities, such as helping to organise events, looking after the sensory garden and helping with school trips.”

Janet Worrall, secretary of the Friends group, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to help visitors, both local or from further afield, to discover or rediscover the history surrounding this important site.

“Boston Castle and Boston Park are both grade II-listed and in their own way both have been very important to Rotherham’s heritage since 1776, when Boston Castle was built.

“One hundred years later in 1876, Boston Park became Rotherham's first public park and has been popular ever since.

“The tour guide training will enable volunteers to learn about the history of the building and how it has evolved over the years.

“It will also allow us to separate the myths from the facts in relation to the naming of Boston Castle by the Earl of Effingham.

“The training will then enable volunteers to pass on this and other stories to visitors in an informed and interesting way.”

The scheme has been planned and funded in part by the council and is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has contributed £590,000, plus a Biffaward of £50,000.

Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering, including the tour guide training, should contact the Friends of Boston Park and Castle on 01709 361861.