THE new trustees of the Judge’s Lodging Victorian courtroom museum at Presteigne have toasted the signing of the transfer of ownership from Powys County Council (PCC) that puts the building into community hands.

A champagne celebration accompanied the signing on St David’s Day marking the start of a new era for the building under the charitable Judge’s Lodging Trust Limited.

The museum of Victorian justice in the Grade 2* listed early 1800s house, which opens to the public for its new season at Easter, is packed with original artefacts and houses the Presteigne Community Collection.

A painstaking restoration in 1997 opened the building up to the public, revealing its original decor and gas lighting, dining and sitting rooms, bedrooms, kitchen and courtroom, embodying the heritage of Presteigne as the commercial and social hub of Radnorshire.

Faced with a decreasing budget PCC initiated an asset transfer in 2013 with the Lodging’s managers and trustees deciding to take it on rather than risk it being wound down and closed again.

With support from the Welsh Government, work is starting to upgrade the audio experience for visitors and create a new welcome area and shop.

Work will start in April on the building’s roof, making it sound for the future and then repainting the front.

“It’s exciting, challenging and scary, probably in equal measures. We are proud of its achievements of the last 21 years and will work to build on these. We aim to keep up the fun levels,” said Gaby Rivers who has been looking after the historic gem since its opening to the public, during which time it has racked up many awards.

Diane Gwilt, chair of the Judge’s Lodging Trust and keeper of collection services for the National Museum Wales, said: “There are indeed many challenges to face, to take the Judge’s Lodging forward to its rightful place as a developing, living part of Radnorshire again.

“The next couple of years are critical to securing a working, living future for the Lodging and we hope people will support us in this journey into a new future.”

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities if you want to be involved with the project, whether it is helping with visitor welcome and services or keeping the house and gardens up to scratch.

The volunteer team is a growing, enthusiastic body and everyone is welcome. Talk to Gaby or email volunteering@judgeslodging.org.uk if you are interested in getting involved.