Over the past year, The Roman Baths Foundation has made significant strides in various areas, contributing to our mission and enhancing our impact.
Visitor numbers at The Roman Baths recovered well after the pandemic. However, they have fallen over the past three years because of pressures in both international and domestic markets. As a result, current unrestricted income sources were lower than the previous year. As part of the future fundraising strategy, the Foundation plans to grow unrestricted income by widening the ways visitors, communities, donors and partners can give. This will help build financial resilience and support long‑term planning.
The Foundation was established in 2015. In November, the Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary with its supporters in The Pump Room. The event highlighted the impact of the Foundation to date, through the creation of the Clore Learning Centre, World Heritage Centre, and the opening of The Gym area in the museum. These spaces provide new ways for people to engage with Bath’s extraordinary heritage. Since these opened:
- 50,000 people took part in learning sessions at the Clore Learning Centre.
- 27,000 people joined wellbeing activities at the Clore Learning Centre.
- 300,000 visitors explored the World Heritage Centre.
- 74 volunteers supported the World Heritage centre.
- 6,800 volunteer hours were given over three years at the World Heritage Centre.
- 3.6 million people visited the Roman Baths, after The Gym opened.
In conjunction with this milestone, after a rigorous recruitment process, the Foundation welcomed new trustees to the board to support these future ambitions. The unprecedented response of high calibre candidates reflects the opportunity for, and admiration of, the charity.