Projects

Developing the Old Prison

As owners of the Old Prison, we work hard to care for this important heritage building, and share its stories with our visitors. Our work at the Old Prison is definitely a long-term project. We are proud of how far we’ve come and excited to see what the future brings.

We are delighted to offer a range of programming at the Old Prison. Visit our news page to find out about upcoming events; from crafting fairs to exhibitions and cabarets to ghost hunts, we are proud to offer something for everyone!

We are a small charity and rely on a wonderful team of volunteers to support our work. We offer full induction into our volunteer roles and ongoing support. Find out more about current available roles here.

Visit our new website to find out more about our work at the Old Prison.

A huge thank you to National Lottery players who make our work possible.

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, this project will also provide an opportunity for local people to gain both qualifications and employment.

Two Saddlery apprentices and two Stone Masons have already completed their apprenticeship courses and are now working in the industry.

In addition, we have teamed up with CPRE Gloucestershire and will be supporting two apprentices in Hedgerow restoration. This project will deliver the hedge-restoration work where it is most needed, with two newly recruited apprentices joining our Cotswold Craft Apprenticeship Scheme. The project will bring in CPRE volunteers, community members, school children and Cotswold Wardens (from Cotswold National Landscape) to help with the project on specific days. They will not only restore hedgerows but also benefit from the practical and commercial skills necessary to be able to be employed as a hedge layer once they complete their training.

We are continuing to fundraise for this project to ensure we can work with as many apprentices and craft employers as possible. If you would like to help you can donate here.