Built by Catholics in 1581, its Elizabethan timber frame wraps round the great hall with its dramatic twisting staircases to the fine rooms and attics above, while the nineteenth century extensions offer several different spaces. It’s listed Grade II*, and its atmospheric interiors and garden attract enthusiastic volunteers.
The Wymering Manor Trust’s aim is to restore, convert and build a sustainable future for the manor, for local people to enjoy as their ‘home from home’, as they manage the building to earn its keep by letting rooms for events, meetings, education and training, putting on plays, ghost hunting, socialising and new activities. Once restored, it will be a centre for the local community and a catalyst for regeneration of this deserving area of the city, offering help in wellbeing, tackling loneliness and isolation, developing personal skills and bringing the community together to shape its future.
They’re on track to raise the £5.9m they need with the application to the final stage of lottery funding and matched fundraising. The Trust have consultants’ plans for business development, financial feasibility, design options, audience development, catering and weddings and interpretation. Now key areas of focus for the trustees are: developing forward plans, strategy development and maintaining financial viability.
To make the plans a reality, The Trust are seeking new trustees and a secretary who recognise the contemporary role of heritage places, spaces and culture, and who value the contribution they make in creating and sustaining social, educational, environmental and economic development, as well as supporting the importance of volunteering to our community. Together, the trustees will shape the next key stages of the manor’s future. They are particularly interested in applications from people with specific expertise or experience in any of the following:
*community development and supporting volunteers
*fundraising
*small business development
*public relations and social media
*heritage and museum development
*commercial and/or property legal experience.
Please apply via email to applications@wymeringmanortrust.org.uk.
