MORE people power is needed to turn Tavistock’s Guildhall into a visitor attraction and community space by 2020.

Tavistock Heritage Trust is looking to at least double its volunteer opportunities in readiness for the re-opening of the former magistrates’ court, police station and cells as a World Heritage mining landscape interpretation centre.

A team of 40 volunteers currently run the Visitor Information Centre at Court Gate but more volunteers will be welcomed to fill a range of roles with the trust as it prepares the guildhall for its new purpose following a £1.6-million refurbishment taking place over the next 18 months.

One key project involves recording the experiences of people who worked at the court and police station — as well as witnesses, reporters and those who were in the ‘dock’ — to bring alive the workings of the court in interactive displays. Volunteers will be guided by a professional historian and trained in oral history interviewing and recording.

Opportunities are also open for learning and events volunteers to help with activities for local schools and families, in particular supporting school visits and family fun days to running courses and workshops.

The trust is also on the look out for volunteers to lead heritage walks, guiding visitors and local people on a range of walks themed to illustrate aspects of the town’s fascinating history.

Trust chairman Ian Penrose said: ‘Our wonderful volunteers have answered some 6,000 queries from visitors and townspeople in the seven months since the Visitor Information Centre reopened.

‘There is a lot of interest in what Tavistock offers and that will only grow once the guildhall is open. There is a strong tradition of volunteering in the town and we want to add to the range of opportunities available for everyone who wants to be involved.’

More information on the full range of volunteering opportunities will be revealed at an information event at the United Reformed Church, Russell Street, Tavistock, at 5pm on Monday, March 11.

Details of how to register for the event can be found at www.heritageintavistock.org/volunteer together with more details about all the roles and how to apply.