A MAJOR heritage attraction in Weymouth ‘could not operate’ without its strong force of dedicated volunteers.

The Nothe Fort is a preserved piece of history brought alive by a museum collection, interactive displays and exhibits.

And staff have admitted the fort would be nothing without its team of volunteers.

Steve Booth, administration manager, said: “We have seven members of staff and 70 volunteers. The work they do for us is incredible. It saves us a lot of money but they are here because they want to me.

“The fort has a wide range of personalities from all walks of life. Most of them are of the older generation but we do have some young volunteers too and we would love to see more.

“Not many people know about the small army of willing volunteers that offer many skills and a great deal of time to the day-to-day operations and ongoing maintenance programme.

“But in order to maintain this attraction, we always need volunteers to operate in all areas of the fort.

“Volunteer roles include working in the shop or at reception, assisting at events, graphic designers, model makers - the list goes on. During the winter our volunteers have been helping us with our improvements to the fort, like our new reception area.

“I can’t even begin to describe how much we owe to our volunteers. They are all incredible. I don’t know where we would be without them.

“Some come and volunteer with us for a few weeks, some a few months and some stay for years.”

One of the fort’s longest serving and still highly-valued volunteers is now 92.

Eric Manton, a former graphic designer and college lecturer said: “I strongly believe working at the fort has provided many interests and comradeships over the years as well as a lot of fun.

“And of course it gets me out of the house.”

When asked about what is the secret to longevity, he replied: “Whisky and women - and both can be located at the fort.”

Fort chairman Brian Martin said: “We could not operate without them and owe them much gratitude for their time and dedication as well as countless achievements over the years. The sustainability of this local heritage attraction is in their hands.”

Another area for volunteers to get involved in is the fort artillery. The group was formed as an addition to the fort but has become a mainstay, giving parades and cannon and musket firing displays.

They have proved very popular at special events and practice on a regular basis throughout the year.

The Nothe Fort is open this week for half term, until Sunday, February 19.

From February 26 it will be open Sundays only before opening daily from April 1 until September 30.

Events for the fort’s 2017 calender include: The World of Peter Pan in April; Matchstick Fleet Exhibition in June and July; The Moonlight Swing Band in June; Medieval Encampment Weekend in July and Victorian Day in August.

The Nothe Fort is always looking for volunteers to assist at the events.

For further information contact the fort on 01305 766626 or visit nothefort.org.uk