The Offa's Dyke Centre in Knighton will reopen to the public at the Easter Weekend, it has been announced.
The Offa’s Dyke Association said the centre will open its doors for the season from Good Friday, April 15, and then on weekends and bank holidays – although it is hoped that this can be expanded if more volunteer support can be found to help greet visitors and serve teas, coffees and snacks.
The ODA is a charity primarily funded by membership subscriptions and donations and responsible for the conservation of the entire 177-mile long dyke and the associated path, as well as providing educational and outreach activities in communities along the length of the Dyke.
The centre is not owned by the ODA but rented from Powys County Council, is just one part of the ODA committee’s work.
The charity’s chair, Dr Penelope Foreman, is hoping that the centre can build greater links with the community.
She said: “We’ve had closure and restrictions to our opening and events throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, but our brilliant staff and volunteers have kept going through all the challenges and can’t wait to welcome the people of Knighton and beyond again.
"We’ve got a fantastic space for gathering, learning, exploring, catching up over a brew and cake – and we want to make sure we can open as much as possible. Volunteers are at the core of what we do – and everyone, no matter what part of the ODA they help with, is just as important. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, interested in conservation, or love meeting and talking to people, this is a brilliant place to come and help out.”
For the centre to stay open and expand its offering to visitors, people need to come forward to help, and it is hoped a committee of volunteers can be formed to have input into the future development.
To get involved email cjwplant@yahoo.co.uk or oda@offasdyke.org.uk or just come along whenever the centre is open and introduce yourself.
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