Over 30 people gathered on Monday 17th June, to discuss joining the Friends of the Maison Dieu Dover.

They enjoyed a building site tour with a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to climb to the top of the bird's nest scaffold to see conservators at work. The skilled team at Arte Conservation are busy reinstating Victorian art architect and designer William Burges' decorative scheme on the Connaught Hall ceiling.

Followed by a presentation on the plans for setting up the Friends of the Maison Dieu Dover, and of course a tasty lunch and a chance to chat.

What is the Friends of the Maison Dieu?

The Friends will support the building through volunteering at events and activities, as well as leading their own events, activities and fundraising opportunities.

It will be set up as a small charitable organisation with a fundraising capacity. It will have a committee with nominated members and hold regular meetings to plan activities.

As well as supporting the building, the members of the Friends will have access to exclusive membership events throughout the year such as, trips, workshops, lectures, first views. They will also be able to take part in free training such as audience engagement, collections care, research, H&S etc.

How can I get involved?

You can give as much or as little time as you have to being part of the Friends, all are welcome to help us support this historic building.

You can join as a member and support the DDC Maison Dieu Engagement team by volunteering at our events. You could also support the Friends committee in planning and running events and fundraising on behalf of the Friends. If you have more time to give you could become a member of the committee to help run the Friends. And of course all are welcome to make the most of the exclusive members events.

In September we will be hosting an AGM for those interested in being on the Friends committee to be voted in. For those who would like to be a member rather than on the committee then please still attend to vote in your committee.

For those that were unable to attend this introductory event or would like to find out more please join us for a webinar to discuss the Friends of the Maison Dieu, on Tuesday 23rd July 7.30 - 8.30pm. Please follow this link to book your space: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/33055cb4-70bf-4119-a6fc-a289ab2c03c5@97d0cb53-199d-4c70-a001-375e8c953735