Over 40 volunteers who give up their time to help The Forres Heritage Trust run and maintain two of the town’s most historic buildings were treated to an afternoon celebration with a buffet to thank them for everything they do.
The Trust has a team of just under 50 people who regularly help with welcoming tourists to both Nelson’s Tower and the Tolbooth, organising events, looking after the archives and sorting hundreds of photographs, and carrying out maintenance and cleaning work at the buildings.
Both buildings open to the public from the start of April and the end of September and can only function with the support of the volunteers, but there are other tasks that take place all year round.
Peter Haworth, a trustee and the volunteer co-ordinator said that although forty plus volunteers may seem a lot, more are required.
“It’s important to me and my fellow trustees who are all volunteers too, that we recognise the hard work and dedication of the volunteers. Frankly if it wasn’t for the band of people who give up their time, these buildings would not be able to open to the public and the Tolbooth would not be in the fine condition it is in now. These buildings are hugely important to the history of the town and are important tourist attractions. Nelson’s Tower alone welcomed over 2500 visitors including people from Alaska, China, Russia, South Africa, Columbia and Brazil. It’s very popular.”
However, Peter added, more volunteers are needed: “We have had a dedicated group for a number of years and they have been fairly constant, but they are also generally of the more mature ilk, and it would be great to get some more younger people on board.”
Attending the thank you event was volunteer Jean Samuel, who has been involved with the Forres Heritage Trust since it was set up by John and Meg Mackenzie in 2011.
In 2011, concerned about Moray Council’s plans to close the Tolbooth and Nelson’s Tower, Mr Mackenzie called a public meeting and helped establish the Trust to safeguard the landmarks. The Trust now owns the Tolbooth and looks after the running of Nelson’s Tower on behalf of Moray Council.
Jean explained why she has volunteered for the last 15 years: “I was basically recruited by Meg who asked me to help organise the rota of volunteers for Nelson’s Tower. It was completely new, so we just got on with the job and made it work. I really loved it at the time and still do. Even now, people were invested in making sure these two building are looked after. However, we do need more people to come on board. Some of us are not getting any younger.”
She added: “I have really enjoyed meeting people who visit the buildings from all over the world and also getting to know my fellow volunteers. It’s a lot of fun.”
Travis Bremner joined as a volunteer at the start of the spring season and is the youngest person to get involved at just 17-years-old.
He said: “I have really enjoyed the season. I have mainly been volunteering at Nelson’s Tower although I have shadowed some of the volunteers at the Tolbooth. It’s not difficult, you just need to be friendly and welcoming. It’s been great meeting new people, and I am excited to continue volunteering next year when the buildings reopen.”
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with the Forres Heritage Trust you can contact Peter by emailing: FHTvolunteers@outlook.com