A PRECIOUS gem which celebrates the town’s history is calling out for help.

Knutsford Heritage Centre is appealing for volunteers to help run this much-loved visitor attraction.

Val Bryant, the centre’s manager, said: “We have a wonderful but small group of volunteers and unfortunately that means the centre currently only opens two days a week.

“We would love more volunteers so we can increase our opening hours, hold more events and exhibitions, and help promote the history of our wonderful market town.”

Knutsford Guardian: A young visitor sits in the Sedan chair at Knutsford Heritage CentreA young visitor sits in the Sedan chair at Knutsford Heritage Centre

This registered charity is housed in a timber framed building previously known as Musgrave’s Yard, a former tinsmith and ironmonger.

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It is run entirely by volunteers and opened in 1989.

The history of the King Street building can be traced back to August 3, 1292, when Knutsford became a market town after William de Tabley paid for a charter from King Edward I.

The centre is home to a gift shop, an award-winning courtyard garden, a small exhibition centre and the Millennium tapestry.

Val said: “The pandemic has badly impacted our volunteer base with many choosing, understandably, not to return.

“This means we are struggling to open the centre as much as we wish. Volunteers can opt for as many or as little sessions as they wish.

“The duties can include helping in the gift shop, showing visitors around the museum, offering tourist advice, and generally helping with enquiries.

“Full training is given, we are a friendly bunch and really appreciate any help offered be it one day a week or just a couple of hours.”

Anyone interested can email info@knutsfordheritage.co.uk or call in between 11am and 4pm on Friday and Saturday when the centre is open.