Mole Valley District Council

Why we take part 

Heritage Open Days is a fantastic opportunity for local communities to connect with the past on so many levels. They’re able to visit such a wide range of incredible sites, some of which might be familiar, others not so much. Each year a different theme allows sites to uncover new histories and tell new stories to visitors. 

What we do for HODs 

I coordinate all the events in Mole Valley, working with around 50 organisers across the district and creating a brochure to promote their offers. Each year we put together a programme of events ranging from factory and theatre tours to meadow wetland walks, and intriguing talks, attracting around 10,000 visitors. 

I also organise the involvement of two Local Authority owned venues - Dorking Halls and Pippbrook House. We use these as venues to host talks and screenings by other groups as well as running our own tours and exhibitions.

Working in partnership

This year, Pippbrook House became a flagship event, supported by Findmypast as sponsors of the festival’s ‘Everyday Histories’ theme. Using existing knowledge, research by Findmypast and my own investigations, I created a brand-new exhibition telling the story of the house, its occupants, workers and their connections to the local community.

I don’t come from a museum or heritage background, so learning how to interpret historic records and present them in an engaging way was a challenge. Findmypast’s research drew out some fantastic stories so there was a great starting point and with the help of local museum volunteers, we produced (hopefully!) an engaging and interesting exhibition that is now on permanent display.

The difference it makes

At Pippbrook, telling these fascinating stories has enabled us to understand the building and its significance in a new light. It has given us new avenues to explore in how we present and programme in the future. Pippbrook House has been largely unused for the past 15 years and our participation this year coincided with its recent renovation and reopening as a cultural venue for the community.

Across our area, visitors are able to access and understand their local history in a really first hand way, crucially without any financial barrier to entry. And organisers have a really strong national platform to promote their involvement and their offering to a very engaged audience.

Best bits

Our experience with the festival is always positive! The national team are so helpful and full of great ideas. They put so much time and support into helping the community and making the festival a success. It’s always fantastic to see so many local people discovering a hidden gem right on their doorstep.

It was particularly special at Pippbrook this year as through the research carried out, I managed to get in touch with descendants of the Victorian owners! Having never visited before, they were thrilled to finally see the place their ancestors built and lived in. We both learnt more about the family from each other and uncovered even more stories to research.

Find out more 

• Pippbrook House – Dorking Halls 

• Visit Mole Valley 

• More case studies - Meet other local organisers 

• Get involved - Taking part in Heritage Open Days