Why Not Get Involved? Because The Spike Needs You!

Published on: 24 Jun, 2018
Updated on: 24 Jun, 2018

The Spike is a real gem of a heritage attraction in Guildford. A time capsule, being a surviving part of Guildford’s union workhouse where vagrants could get a bed for the night, in a cell, within the hard regime that then existed.

The Spike is open for business!

It’s become such a popular place for visitors of all ages, it currently heads the list of top rated things to do in Surrey on Trip Advisor. That’s some testament to the Charlotteville Jubilee Trust a self-funded organisation that runs this building entirely independently.

School children enjoying a visit to The Spike.

It is popular with school groups, many special events are held and there is a permanent exhibition that charts how the workhouse infirmary transformed into St Luke’s, one of Guildford’s two main hospitals; while the trust also manages a thriving community centre within the building.

Volunteers are vital to The Spike’s smooth running – and more are needed as its popularity increases.

An open day is being held on Sunday, July 8, from 1pm to 5pm, aimed at potential new volunteers.

Why Not Go Along? Have a tour, meet some of the current volunteers and hear why they find it such a fascinating unique place and project to be a part of.

Volunteers are vital to the smooth running of The Spike. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved.

Visitors can pop in for some refreshments and look around the building in Warren Road to learn about this 1906-built Casual Ward of the Guildford Union Workhouse and see for themselves how ‘undesirable’ vagrants with their disruptive influences were kept separate from the structured routine of the workhouse and the poor who were accommodated therein.

There are lots of opportunities to become involved. The Spike needs tour guides and assistants, grounds handy persons (light work only), education and events assistants and occasional helpers.

The trustees say: “Why Not Get Involved?” Chances are, if you do, you won’t regret it!

The men’s corridor at The Spike.

The Charlotteville Jubilee Trust was founded 16 years ago to provide, among other things, a community centre for the area which is Guildford’s first ‘suburb’. It is 10 years since the Trust re-opened this important historic building for public use after spending more than £1.6 million on its refurbishment.

The Guildford Montessori Nursery School based at the Spike has been rated outstanding by Ofsted.

The Spike had originally been earmarked for demolition as the site of the former St Luke’s Hospital was redeveloped for housing. Some say it’s the luckiest building in Guildford to have survived – one that was designed not to be handsome, but completely functional and good at its job.

Go along on the day, or for more information call 01483 598420. Email: omgp@charlotteville.co.uk