Weelsby Hall opens doors to the public for Heritage Open Day

GRIMSBY, U.K. - Sept. 27, 2023 - PRLog -- Linkage welcomed several hundred visitors to the stunning Weelsby Hall on Sunday, 17^th September. There were guided tours of the building from volunteers, delicious teas and cakes and the grounds were opened to the public. There was a chance for a chat with Linkage staff about our plans for the building and the Weelsby Hall appeal. Described by one visitor as a "Cracking piece of history with massive grounds" the Grade II listed hall is vitally important to Grimsby's heritage and particularly its fishing heritage. It was built for George Sleight, first Baronet of Weelsby, as his country seat in the late 1890s.

Visitors said, "What a brilliant day, thank you to all who made it possible to see one of Cleethorpes' hidden treasures." Another commented "It was fabulous! Such a gem linked to the history of Grimsby's fishing heritage too. I'd love to see it restored and open to the public" and a third wrote on social media "It was a privilege to wander around the hall, listen to the guides and be in awe of the grounds. Let's hope they get funding to restore it to its former glory."

Several visitors talked to Linkage Fundraiser Natalie Lunt about their experiences at the Hall. One worked at the college for 9 years and remembers the students, and another talked about her grandmother who had worked at the Hall as a housemaid.

The Heritage Open day was part of England's largest festival of heritage and culture, when over 5,000 events happened across the country. If you visited, you're invited to take part in their online visitor survey about your experience and have a chance to win a £250 Fortnum and Mason hamper or a National Trust admission pass. Take the survey here. (https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/survey)

Natalie Lunt was delighted with the positive comments form the public. "If you wish to get involved with the future of Weelsby hall please join our volunteers group, who will be supporting a range of activities at the hall and helping us fundraise to keep the building in good repair and enable more public access in the future". You can read more about the group and how to apply here. (https://www.linkage.org.uk/support-us/weelsby-hall-volunt...)

Natalie and Linkage CEO Valerie Waby would also like to extend a big thank you to all the Linkage staff, volunteers and guides who gave up their time and made it possible to open up the Hall for the afternoon.