King's Lynn campaigners launch new Guildhall research and schools programmes

A new research group has been set up by campaigners seeking to secure the future of a historic Lynn arts complex.

Leading figures from the worlds of history and architecture have joined the group established by the Shakespeare’s Guildhall Trust (SGT).

And a second group has also been set up to help develop links with local schools.

The moves follow the formal registering of the St George’s Guildhall as an asset of community value, which was announced last week, and the launch of the SGT’s campaign to renovate the King Street site at a public meeting in January.

SGT trustee Tim FitzHigham said: “We said we must put our heritage front and centre but couple that with forward looking education and outreach work. Working with schools is a key aim of the new trust.

“These two new groups are delivering on those promises and I’m thrilled.”

The heritage research group includes town historian Dr Paul Richards, who wrote the original guide to the Guildhall for the site’s owner the National Trust, and Professor Elizabeth Pye of University College London.

Mr FitzHigham said: “We are exceedingly fortunate to have such great people on the research group.”

Meanwhile, the schools’ group is being led by Dr Veronica Sekules and co-ordinated by Tricia Rowlands.

And the trust is also planning to stage an event on April 23 to mark the anniversary of Shakespeare's birth.

Trustees’ chairman Ivor Rowlands said: “None of us expected the speed at which this is moving, and the research group and school initiative are really exciting.

“We’re still looking for more volunteers who can help us right now, so anyone who has suitable skills and time to get involved, please contact us.”

Anyone wishing to get involved in the new groups should email research@shakespearesguildhalltrust.com or schools@shakespearesguildhalltrust.com for further details.