Celebration Event marked End of an Era for Friends of Cannon Hall Group

Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust hosted an afternoon tea celebration for the Friends of Cannon Hall on Monday to mark the closure of the long-standing volunteer organisation. Since they were formed in 2004, they have helped with the upkeep of the gardens through their volunteering efforts, and have also raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Cannon Hall.

The group has helped support a variety of projects such as regularly conserving and funding exhibitions in the museum, organising living history events and speakers, providing tools and equipment for the gardening team and acting as a channel for various grant bids and legacy donations. This is just a small snippet of the work that has been undertaken by the group in the nearly 20 years since they were formed.

The group also oversaw the running of the plant and book shop within the Walled Garden, which generated regular funds for the site. The pre-loved Bookshop has recently been taken over by Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust who will continue to manage the shop, alongside dedicated volunteers at the site.

Whilst the group has decided to close, the remaining members will still be involved within the site through the volunteering programme on offer at Cannon Hall Museum, Park & Gardens.

Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust has been entrusted with the remaining funds from the group and will spend it appropriately to continue the upkeep of the gardens.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It was a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of the Friends of Cannon Hall and to pass on our thanks for their passion and commitment over the last twenty years.

“Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens has benefitted greatly from the support of the group and we’re delighted that many of the volunteers will remain involved.”