Thanks to new volunteer recruitment, a free museum is to extend its opening hours from this summer.
Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery is to pilot opening in afternoons on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from the summer holidays until December.
The museum and gallery showcase town treasures and artwork by local artists or depicting local scenes — including temporary exhibitions in the Spotlight Gallery.
Volunteer Julie Blackburn with young visitors at a town hall open cells event. Photo: Supplied
Another open cells event is also to take place at the town hall this summer, on August 14 and 15, and will this year explore Victorian schools and Newark slipper baths.
Becky Fawcett, who looks after the museum and its team of volunteers, said: “We have wanted to open up more hours for a long time, and this will give local residents, families and tourists more opportunity to discover our incredible art collections, the beautiful Georgian ballroom and the story of the mayors of Newark.”
A successful drive to recruit new volunteers — who are involved in welcoming visitors, supporting family learning, and collections care — earlier this year has resulted in the team growing enough to offer the additional hours.
From July 22, the new opening hours for Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery will be Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am-3.30pm. These will be trialled with a view to making the changes permanent.
It is currently open from 10.30am-1pm from Wednesday to Friday, and 10.30am-3.30pm on Saturdays.
Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery is managed by Newark Town Council and offers free admission to everyone.