Parish Council
Finch Foundry experienced a highly successful year in 2024. We exceeded our visitor number targets, and our visitor survey results indicated that Finch Foundry consistently met or surpassed visitor expectations. The knowledge and dedication of our volunteer tour guides and staff members were highlighted as significant assets. Additionally, the Finch Foundry team was nominated for a National Trust award for customer service, achieving a “Highly Commended” status for the exceptional service provided to our visitors.
The weather posed significant challenges, particularly towards the end of the year. St. Clement’s Day had to be rescheduled due to snow and high winds, and the rescheduled date was ultimately cancelled because of Storm Darragh.
The 2025 season commenced with substantial work on the gardens. The Castle Drogo Garden team, along with rangers from Lydford, spent a day reducing the large yew tree, which will now be maintained as a hedge as originally intended. They also dedicated time to hedge laying part of the burying ground passage.
We have made significant strides in improving our access standards. New initiatives include the introduction of a Braille guide, large print and easy-read guides, an access map, and a tablet with photos from the upper rooms for visitors who cannot access the gallery.
This year, we created a new Finch Foundry welcome leaflet, which now includes information on local community amenities, the heritage centre, and the riverside walk.
Several projects are planned for this year. We will commence work on the balcony area to strengthen it and ensure it is watertight. The Launder, which is leaking badly, will be addressed, with plans to make it watertight and works to progress throughout the year. Preparations for renewing the roof of the Foundry are also underway.
We are in the early stages of planning renovations for the car park, site signage, and Mill Meadow (the old fire site). As part of this work, we aim to engage with the local community during this planning stage.
Changes to the gallery interpretation will progress through the year.
We look forward to another successful year and appreciate the continued support of the Sticklepath Parish Council and our community.