| Heritage Open Days |
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Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture. Free of charge and literally on people's doorstep, Heritage Open Days is an event for everyone, whatever their background, age and ability. Co-ordinated nationally by English Heritage, the event thrives on the enthusiasm and expertise of local people. Thousands of volunteers from all walks of life share their knowledge and memories with some 800,000 visitors every year, making Heritage Open Days England's largest voluntary cultural event. Heritage Open Days will be held this year in St. Ives from The Bridge Chapel The Corn Exchange, The Pavement
This restored Grade II listed corn exchange was re-opened as a community building in 2010.
Open: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 2 pm
Muslim Prayer & Education Centre, The Broadway
Previously the North Hunts Constitutional Club which was built in 1891 on the site of the old Unicorn Inn.
Open: Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 4 pm
Holt Island Nature Reserve
Opposite the Waits, entry by Thicket Path behind the Parish Church. This island has a significant history of cultivation of willow plantations for harvesting of willow wands for the local basket making factory.
Open for history guided tours on Friday 10 am to 4 pm
Open as usual on Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 4 pm (no guided tours)
The Town Council Chambers, Market Hill
This 1850 Victorian House is now home to the Town Council, and up the Grand Staircase to the first floor former library, now the Council Chamber, can be seen Council Regalia and History Displays.
Open: Friday 10 am to 4 pm
Heritage Cruises, from the Quay
Operated by The St Ives Riverboat Company, enjoy the heritage of the town from the river, running throughout Friday/Saturday/Sunday.
Seats can be reserved by calling 07906 257308. See local board for timing & charges.
The Norris Museum, The Broadway
Opened in 1933, the exhibits tell the story of Huntingdonshire from early times to present day, including a current special art exhibition of paintings by Bradford Rudge, showing local scenes. Rudge was the art master at Bedford Grammar school and taught our most famous local artists the Frasers.
Also, especially for the Heritage Open Days there is a chance to see some of the items in our collection not currently on show. Have fun with our gallery trails and quizzes too. Entrance is Free, just drop in. Children under 10 must be accompanied. Open: Friday & Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 2 pm to 5 pm
The Parish Church of All Saints,
This 15th Century Church with wonderful Ninian Comper Screen, is one of the ‘1000 Best Parish Churches’. May be serving drinks, plus a cake stall
Open: Friday 11 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 2 pm to 4 pm
The Methodist Church , The Waits
Built in 1904, close to where John Wesley preached in 1774.
Open: Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 12 noon to 5 pm
Church of the Sacred Heart, Needingworth Road
This church was designed by Pugin; originally sited in Cambridge, it was moved to St Ives in 1902.
Open: Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 12 noon to 4 pm
The Free Church, Market Hill
This Grand ‘Nonconformist Cathedral’ was built the 1860s, and in 1980 was totally refurbished and reconstructed. The distinctive exterior of the Church was retained but a first floor was added to the interior. Photographs of thisreconstruction are on display upstairs in the church..
Open: Friday & Saturday 9.30 am to 4 pm, Sunday open for service only at 11 am
For more information contact:
The Civic Society of St Ives 01480 385 999
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