After being closed for two months, the Bishop’s Palace gardens were allowed to re-open on 24th May, followed by the chapel and Palace a few weeks later. Some restrictions were put in place, such as continued social distancing, and a one-way system to provide easy access.
It was lovely to be on-site, particularly in the first few days of re-opening, walking around the grounds and welcoming visitors. Many visitors remarked on how happy they were to be back - especially people who did not have access to a garden or open space during lock-down. The cygnets were born in lockdown, so they attracted a lot of attention!
In the last couple of months I have taken part in a variety of on-line training and “webinars” - including a “Dementia Awareness” event organised by Alzheimer’s UK; an event on “Looking After People’s Data” run by the charity Spark Somerset, and an insight into the “Domestic Recovery Campaign” for tourism and heritage sites in England. This last one was particularly fascinating. Organised by Visit Bath and Visit Bristol (under the umbrella of Visit England), it described what would be required of tourism/ heritage sites as lockdown relaxed. The “Good To Go” status, which the Palace achieved, is essentially confirmation that the organisation is adhering to government regulations, so that employees can return to work, and visitors will feel safe to visit. This is essential to reinvigorating the tourism sector.
At the moment I am working remotely, contacting local hotels and accommodation owners, to enquire about their opening process following lock-down, and to let them know that the Bishop’s Palace has re-opened, as a local visitor attraction. I have also continued my role as a Ward Area Coordinator for the Wells Coronavirus Network- an organisation that continues to succeed due to the hard work of many volunteers. Additionally, I am planning to start a Masters degree in Heritage Management in September, so I can put this internship to good use!