The Gloucester Civic Trust is working on a Heritage Lottery Bid to help fund activities in 2011.  The theme will be on family entertainment – heritage based. As part of the bid a training progamme is being considered for volunteers, both existing and new, to help them further develop their heritage skills.
 
In particular, the course will  be aimed at attracting younger members to the Civic Trust as well as encouraging existing volunteers to continue their personal research and development. 
 
The course would be open to all civic trust volunteers who man the many buildings around Gloucester and others who wish to become involved in Gloucester’s heritage.
 
St Michael’s Tower will continue to offer themed walks and talks as per last year.  The themed walks are fund raising activities for St  Michael’s Tower to help pay for running costs.
 
In addition, there will be a new themed walk on St Kyneburgh which will start at the newly created St Kyneburg Square  (Kimbrose Triangle).
 
The main Tower event for 2011 will be on Saturday 11 June.  By popular demand we have the return of the rare breeds on the Cross. The rare breeds are an insight into our agricultural heritage with  displays and information on animal conservation.
 
There will also be a craft fayre in the Gate Streets. Considerations are being made to ask  local charities and community groups if they would like to have a stall in Southgate Street taking advantage of the new wide pavements. This is being considered by Gloucester City Council.
 
Family entertainment such as Punch and Judy and  folklore story telling will also  be held around the Cross area.
 
The Tower  is now rented out to Cards for Good Causes, so volunteers are taking a well earned rest and planning ahead for next year.
 
The Tower re-opens on 17 March with a display on the Gloucestershire Regiment.
  
Volunteer help: we can never  have enough volunteers, and help is always needed when we are really busy, such as school holidays and on Saturdays. If you are looking for something which is varied, fun and something where you can learn a lot about the city you live in, why not become a volunteer at St Michael’s Tower? Phone 01452 330356.