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Powis Castle could scale back tours through lack of volunteers
Tuesday 18th January 2011, 11:17AM GMT.
Tourist attraction Powis Castle could be forced to close off some of its rooms to visitors because of a lack of volunteer tour guides, it was revealed today.
Bosses say the castle, one of the most popular attractions in Mid Wales, is “desperately” short of unpaid staff.
Unless more tour guides can be found, rooms will have to remain under lock and key as all have to be staffed in order to remain open.
Allison Pritchard, assistant visitor services manager at the castle, said: “This year we were hoping to try and open up more rooms for the public to see, so as a result we need lots more volunteers, especially room guides.
“But if we don’t get volunteers, we have to start closing rooms, which then obviously means a knock-on impact on our visitors’ enjoyment. Powis has many rooms which must be staffed in order to open.
“The cellars, for example, house rare tun barrels and original wine bins and it would be great to bring this forgotten servants’ area back to life.
“The house team at Powis have also put a lot of effort into reinstating the original smoking room.
“If we are able to recruit more volunteers, we intend to open the room to greater visitor access to allow better viewing of the paintings and Tompion clock.”
She added: “But it’s not just room guides, the castle needs help across the board — from selling raffle tickets, to helping in the office, shop, restaurant, garden and also with school groups.
“Last year, Powis Castle acquired a people carrier to transport less mobile visitors to the castle and lower gardens. But it needs more volunteer drivers.”
Recruitment days will be held on February 2 and 6 between 10.30am and 1pm.
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what they make a fortune to go in and go in the grounds to see plants i lived near the place for years cant afford to take my family with 6 kids. need to look at the entrance fees before they say they cant afford to have volunteers. they get plenty coach tours in and out in summer talk about being tyte.
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