Projects
With such a large area as the Cotswolds, and a remit that covers the protection and enhancement of its heritage and environment, our projects can and do vary considerably. Read on to learn more about our current projects.
Renovating the Old Prison
We are very near the end now! Works started in November to transform the Old Prison. We are replacing the two glazed structures on site; the cafe and the museum. The old (and rather cold) glazed areas are being replaced with warm, fit for purpose glazing. While we are working on the 18th Century building, we are also repairing the roof, replacing the kitchen and washrooms too.
We can’t wait to finish and will update you here when the Old Prison will be back open to the public. Thank you for your patience.
In the meantime, we are hosting an exclusive preview of the renovated site on Saturday 18th May. As well as a chance to have an exclusive look at the newly refurbished site and learn all about our next round of exciting plans for the Old Prison, we will welcome you with a complimentary drink and a wonderful range of delicious canapes. There will be a cash bar on site and we hope some music to get you in the party spirit! From 8 pm our Charity Auction hosted by Philip Allwood will give you the chance to get bidding! Nearer the time a list of our auction prizes will be published….but expect to see fine wines, weekends away and dinner-party promises!
You can buy tickets from April from W J Castle Butchers or the Black Cat cafe in Northleach, or online here
We look forward to welcoming you at the Old Prison; thank you for your support!
The Cotswold Craft Apprenticeship Scheme
Protecting the heritage of the Cotswolds is a natural step for us. Our research has shown a strong need for rural heritage-skills apprenticeships here in the Cotswolds. With significant gaps in the heritage skills sector, and a real need for these skills to maintain the heritage of the area, we are working to bridge this gap. What’s more, when delivered, this project will also provide the opportunity for local people to gain both qualifications and employment.
To deliver this project we hope to be partnering with a local college to jointly provide a full apprenticeship scheme for a number of different rural heritage-skills.
We are very close to meeting our fundraising target for this project. If you would like to help you can donate here.
Support Us
You can support our projects, click here to find out more
Tell Us Your Story – The History of the Old Prison
As part of our work to protect and enhance the heritage of the Cotswolds, we are collecting people’s stories and memories of the Old Prison from its time as a House of Correction, Petty Sessional Court and Police Station. By the 1930s the main cell blocks were no longer in use. Some 40 years later the Petty Sessional Court and Police Station also closed. An important part of preserving the history of this heritage building for future generations is to capture any stories or memories you may have. We would love to hear from you.
You can tell us your story about anything related to the Old Prison in Northleach by email to info@thefriendsofthecotswolds.org. We’ll be happy to contact you to check facts and obtain more information if needed. We hope that in collecting these memories we will be better able to tell the story of the Old Prison.
Thank you.
Support Us
You can support our projects, click here to find out more