Organiser Feedback

Every year, after the September event we gather comments from our organisers and post a representative selection on this page.

Organiser Feedback 2009

‘Felt well supported throughout.’
S. Strange - Pickering Quaker Meeting House, North Yorkshire

‘We found the principle of having free entry to a heritage site allowed us to put on an event which was spectacularly successful.’
S. Whittle-Bruce - DMDHS/St Edmund’s Church, Downham Market, Norfolk

‘I love the pink logo, as it stands out a mile!’
J. Marcham - Transition Chesterfield, East Midlands

‘We were very busy - children playing sack races, tug of war, hoola hoops, whilst people sat in the sunshine eating cake and drinking tea and people queuing to go round the windmill on guided tours.  Lovely!  ‘
Wilton Windmill, Wiltshire

‘A positive learning experience generating community feeling and pride.’
Royal Shakespeare Company Heritage Tour

‘It’s likely that we have gained 2 more volunteers workers - a real bonus!’
Newland Charcoal Iron Furnace, Cumbria

‘Very positive, everyone was very keen to see behind the scenes and commented on the great opportunity of being able to explore. ‘ Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, West Yorkshire
‘We had a fantastic time planning and being involved and the feedback we received made it all worthwhile. We have already got our first meeting planned for November.’
D. Mallinson - Waddow Hall, Lancashire
‘All aspects excellent.’
R. Rogers – Canterbury, Kent

‘A super way to advertise events and venues in local areas, to raise awareness.’
J. Hartshorn - Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, Warwickshire

‘Thank you very much for your support and advice - each year it just gets better.’
C. Wheatley - East Grinstead Society, West Sussex

‘Well organised - continues to be a success.’
A. Pugh - Friends of Beckett Street Cemetery, Leeds, West Yorkshire

‘I thought HODs was very well dealt with considering the problems in changing hands after the dissolution of the Civic Trust. I was kept informed and up to date and the information materials were brilliant!! ’
G. Tate - Groundwork, Easington Village, County Durham

‘Brilliant publicity posters, bright and colourful.’
Keeley Metcalfe - Middleham Heritage Project, North Yorkshire

‘Two of us were interviewed by Radio Solent (broadcast on the Friday) and some visitors had heard that, but most found us on your lovely clear website.‘
Hockley Water Mill, Hampshire

‘Our busiest and most rewarding HOD to date.’
Hertford Quaker Meeting House, Hertfordshire
‘Many of the visitors had visited your website and commented that they came to Harwich as so many attractions were open for Heritage Open Days in a small area.’
Redoubt Fort, Essex

‘You were always friendly and effective.  Keep it up for next year.’
M. Plant - Dagnall Street Baptist Church, St Albans, Hertfordshire

‘Balloons are always good to show something unusual is happening.’
Rosemary Hannibal - Canterbury, Kent

‘Visitors were really positive about the whole event. They really enjoyed the cavalry display and many people commented how great it was to have a large community free event like this.’
Hardwick Park Roman Weekend, County Durham

‘A fantastic way to make people aware of our local heritage.  No improvements necessary.’
D. Peck - Winchester College Enterprises,, Hampshire

‘Very happy.  HODS always brings in a good number of extra visitors’
C. White - Padley Manor, Gatehouse & Martyrs Shrine, Hope Valley, Derbyshire

‘Received a round of applause - so I think they enjoyed it!’
Ashburton: Bishops, Tin and Sheep

‘We are very happy to under the banner of HODs with all their support.’
B. Carruthers - Eyre Mortuary Chapel, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

‘Many visitors left praise in the comments book and several promised to come again and bring their family and friends’
Furness Abbey, Cumbria

‘The HODs tips: evaluation made easy notes are excellent. Good ideas for next year.’
H. Ashley - St Hilda’s Church, Hartlepool, County Durham

‘The general response has been very positive, we have even had 2 new junior choir members as a result of their visit. Well worth all the hard work.’
St Leonard’s Church, Padiham, Lancashire

‘Without English Heritage, HODs would not have taken place and it is an important part of the calendar.’
L. Thacker - Birmingham Conservation Trust, West Midlands

‘We very much look forward to taking part again in 2010.’
C. Saxton - Moseley Industrial Narrow Gauge Tramway and Toy Museum, Redruth, Cornwall

The Heritage Open Days team would like to invite comments from organisers about Heritage Open Days in general, special projects they have set up as part of the event, and their experiences as organisers. Please email us your comments, ideas and experiences, on hods[at]english-heritage.org.uk. A selection of your comments will be posted on this website to share with other organisers.