Cogges QAVS presentation

On Saturday 11 February, the Lord-Lieutenant presented the QAVS to Cogges Heritage Trust. Cogges was awarded this in 2022. Owned and operated by Cogges Heritage Trust, Cogges Manor Farm saw 45,000 annual visits in 2019, pre-Covid, making it Oxfordshire’s No. 3 visitor attraction. Cogges Manor Farm was set up by Cogges Heritage Trust’s volunteers in 2011 after Oxfordshire County Council ceased operation of the site for educational purposes in 2009, after sustaining annual losses of up to £250,000. The number of volunteers has grown from 40 to 200, which is 16 times the number of both full-time paid staff and FTE paid staff. Volunteers contributed approximately 16,050 hours in 2021 and participate in all 11 of the customer-facing functions (animal care, garden care, general maintenance, visitor welcome, café support, Gift Shop sales, craft activities, site presentation, events support, education and learning, and guided tours), as well as office administration.

The Lord-Lieutenant was taken on a tour of the Farm, before presenting the Chair with the crystal trophy. After a ceremonial cake cutting, she then had the opportunity to meet with many of the volunteers.