Magdalene Tower v1 3

8/10/2019 Magdalene Tower v1 3

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Magdalen Tower: Stony Stratford

Activity Plan


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Magdalen Tower Activity Plan

CONTENTS

1. Introduction2. Review of current position3. Aims of the activity plan4. Visitor market5. Activity plan6. Delivery of the action plan7. Measures of success8. What difference will the project make?

1. Introduction

Stony Stratford is located on the important trading route of the Roman Watling Street at a crossing of the River Ouse. The town

dates to at least 1194 ad when a market was founded under Richard I. Magdalen Tower is the late 13 thcentaury remains of Mary

Magdalen Church, the church befell a fire in 1742 that caused significant damage and destroyed much of the town.

The Tower passed from the Church of England to Wolverton and District Council and subsequently transferred to Milton Keynes

Development Corporation and now sits with Milton Keynes Council. The condition of the Tower has been recognised in the building

at risk register at the Council and concern voiced by local residents and the Town Council. This has lead to the formation of a

steering group including the Town Council, Stony Futures, Stony in Bloom, Sony Stratford Business Association, Stony Stratford

Archaeological Society, local schools, youth groups and members of the public.

The Activity Plan is an integral part of the Magdalen Tower project and has been produced by Milton Keynes Council working with

local partners. It will ensure the people of Stony Stratford and those who visit have a strong connection with the Tower. Through the

activities people will be able to participate in, learn and share in the story of the Tower and understand its significance today.


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2. Review of current position

The Tower is embedded in the history of Stony Stratford, it features on the logo of the sports club, is part of the Britain in Bloom

route and is studied by local children in school. In recent years the condition of the building has declined despite a resurgence of

interest in the Towns heritage. Despite its location in the heart of the Town it is not immediately obvious as its link to the High Street

is through a narrow passage. However, the juxtaposition of busy High Street and the serene calm of the ancient monument is a

considerable asset for the Town. The project will build on the existing local interest and through the exploration of the rich narrative

increase both understanding and participation of the Towers and the wider of the town. To date the Tower has already attracted a

financial contribution from MKC (50,000) and a successful grant application to WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental) has

boosted this by 49,000.

3. Aims of the activity plan

The main strategic aims that shape the approach to activities and participation at the tower are:

1. Interpretationthe activities will support individuals and groups exploration of the various themes and do this in a way that is

appealing and appropriate. The emphasis will be people focused so as to develop personal connections and relevance.

2. Events (Informal learning) - ensure the Tower is connected with other events and celebrations in the Town and to establish an

annual event in its own right

3. Learning (Formal) - the project will interpret the history and significance of the Tower and in turn will contribute to the historical

significance of the whole town.

4. Linking Heritage the importance and significance of the Tower will become a lynch pin to Stony Stratfords Heritage linking

themes together. Through the activity plan both the Tower and the wider heritage will become better known locally and in the wider

area.


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5. Management - the project steering group, staff and volunteers will manage the Tower in an efficient and effective manner to

ensure its sustainability and continued contribution to the Towns heritage.

4. Visitor market

It is envisaged the size and scale of the proposed Tower project is such that in itself will not constitute a major destination

attraction. However, as a key feature of the Town it will compliment the current heritage offer of the Town and Milton Keynes as a

whole. Thereby it will improve the overall tourism offer:

Fig 1. Magdalen Tower Local Catchment

Within 1000m :Stony Stratford5,000 people

Within 2000m:Galley Hill and Fullers Slade2,500 people

Within 3000m:Wolverton and Geenleys8,400

Within 4000m:New Bradwell, Stacey Bushes, Hodge Lea and TwoMile Ash9,650

Total population living within 4000m of the Tower isover 25,000 peopleThis will expand by severalthousand in the coming years as the new homes arebuilt to the south of Stony Stratford.

The catchment are includes also includes areas ofdeprivation as outlined in the Milton Keynes SocialAtlas 2012

Within 4000m there are the significant heritage sites ofBradwell Abbey, New Bradwell Windmill, BancroftRoman Villa and Milton Keynes Museum.These sites are linked by the pedestrian and cycle pathsystem known locally as the redways

Stony Stratford


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i. Local residents

A significant market with many residents using the local facilities and passing by the Tower. A programme of activities at the Tower

across the year and through different themes will maintain interest and participation. Presently local residents either walk past on

the high street oblivious to the Tower or use the site as a cut through with little regard to its historical and social importance.

Local school groupsdo visit the site as part of their curriculum; there is significant opportunity to increase both the number of

schools visiting (in excess of 100 schools across MK) and the breadth of their studies they under take.

ii. Day Visitors

Visiting Milton Keynes on a day trip where a visit to Stony Stratford and the Tower will be part of the things that they will see and

do. Predominately from April to October but may be attracted by special seasonal offerings. Tourists visiting the county on a

short break, especially at weekends, possible attracted by other events such as the International Arts Festival

Special Interest Groups interested in ecclesiastic, medieval, social history and urban geography will be celebrated, as well as

the important characters that have been connected with the Tower.

iii.Visitor Forecast

Taking account of the audience level investigated above, overall visitor forecasts are based on assessment of the realistic levels

identified. These predict total visitor numbers up to 8,000 a year assuming the Tower is fully incorporated in-to the civic calendar of

the town and a dedicated set of resources and events are delivered. Present support from all sectors of the community would

suggest this is achievable and sustainable.


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5. Activity plan

Key activity themes have been identified for involving target audiences:

Theme 1 - Collaboration & Partnership Working

Consultation with Heritage Skills HUB-Midlands has presented a number of conservation training opportunities that can be

delivered during restoration of the Tower. It is envisaged that this training will be relevant to a wide range of stakeholders, including

community groups, private homeowners, volunteers and others. The proposed training plan is a mix of accredited and unaccredited

training initiatives based on the scale and nature of the construction programme. This would include:-

Introduction to lime mortars - guided volunteer activity following 1 day introduction;

Introduction to stone carving - Maintenance and Repair of Heritage Buildings;

Local community Hardhat guided tour day' - Reading a Traditional Building'Guided Walk & Talk

Collaboration with the Big Five = Milton Keynes Collection

The Milton Keynes Collection is a collaborative partnership of five museums and heritage organisations : Bletchley Park, Cowper

and Newton Museum, Discover Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes Museum and Bradwell Abbey who have joined forces to:

Raise awareness of the rich history of Milton Keynes within and beyond the city;

Work together to win public and commercial support for its conservation, interpretationand development;

Share resources and expertise in areas volunteering, collections handling learning and marketing; Inspire more people to get

involved and help secure Milton Keynes unique heritage for future generations.

All of the five attractions currently feature an annual programme of events and activities; forming a critical mass and important part

of what visitors can see and do. Magdalen Tower will be promoted through these venues and the output of the project will form part

of a travelling exhibition to be displayed in these and other public venues.


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Theme 3 Local Ownership

Audience research has shown the strong potential for developing a core audience amongst local residents. Local ownership is

critical to the success of the project. Residents hold a wealth of stories and learning that could inspire a new generation if tapped

into creatively and effectively. Holding workshops where local people can share their stories with the experts and vice versa and

shared local history events are just some of the ways to begin breaking down perceived barriers with each other. Dedicated events

for specialists and for family fun can clearly signpost to different segments to attend at times that are most relevant to their

motivations to engage. Strong communication structures with new and existing audiences will be an important part o f managing this

change process to help them feel valued and an integral part of the process.

Theme 4 - Interpretation

The Tower Project will ensure that the stories of the site and its surrounding area are presented and understood by everyone

regardless of background and ability. Interpretation will offer a wide range of ways to learn about the heritage of the site through

exhibition displays, video/audio and display panels. The project aims to be holistic thus much of this interpretational material will be

an outcome of the engagement activities thereby ensuring project synergies, building personnel connections and self-esteem whilst

delivering cost effective solutions.

Stony Stratford is already developing its heritage image which confers a feeling of a place where people will have an enjoyable

experience together and learn something new of interest. Magdalen Tower will support this and add further dimensions to the

heritage offer. The project will communicate regularly with stakeholders and the wider communitty; seeking opportunities to

establish two way dialogue though the use of existing successful channels where possible.


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Theme 5 - Education and learning

Collaborating with partners will be a key way for the Tower Project to reach out to target audiences who are already involved with

other relevant organisations. The types of other education and learning activities that will be run are set out below:

i. Formal learning

The research undertaken shows that formal education audiences are a significant target audience to build in on the existing

programme and further develop. Activities will include:

Learning outside the classroom focussed on local history projects using the heritage of the site and Tower to link to the following

educational themes:-

- Conservation (built) skills - Genealogy and social research - Fire and Browne Willis - Ecology and Biodiversity

Encouraging schools to use the Tower and Stony Stratford for broad based heritage / history projects;

Training programmes such as historicalresearch or conservation.

ii. Informal learning Events and Activities

The types of informal learning activities that would be developed are categorised under following broad headings:

Part of the Local calendar of events including Stony Live and In Bloom with activities such as storytelling, dressing up drama

activities, art and craft classes and music activities

Weekend practical activities to engage all the family

Introduction of an annual day to celebrate the Tower, potentially 2ndAugust - the traditional day of the St Mary Magdalen Fair -

which chiefly consisted of toys and cattle.

Tours such as a history trails linked to other historical sites of interest in and around Stony Stratford.


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iii.Linkages and context with local Heritage

The Tower will act as a hub for encouraging these visitors to explore the wider area as part their visit, with interpretation that will

focus on the rich history of the local area. New signage will direct visitors through a series of themed discovery trails and guided

heritage walks. These trails will be promoted through:

Discovery Trail leaflets

Website with links and downloadable activity sheets

Downloadable SMART phone themed trail walks

A programme of volunteer assisted guided walks, talks and work-parties

Volunteers will be supported through a specially developed training scheme offered to our volunteers aimed at skills building and

information provision which will enable them to lead on participatoryevents such as guided walks and educational talks.

Wider MK Links Magdalene Tower Stony Stratford Heritage

The City Discovery Centre

The Living Archive
http://www.livingarchive.org.uk/content/category/what-we-do/documentary-arts/documentary-arts-project-archivehttp://www.livingarchive.org.uk/content/category/what-we-do/documentary-arts/documentary-arts-project-archivehttp://www.mkmuseum.org.uk/http://www.mkmuseum.org.uk/


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6. Delivery of the Activity plan

The project will clearly rely on the valuable support of volunteers, and the initial community consultation process has clearly

identified a high level of potential commitment to secure this help. However, to meet the day to day operational requirements, it will

be important that key staff and management arrangements are adequately resourced with the addition of appropriate level ofprofessional expertise to build and develop the visitor and community activity programmes.

At the commencement of the project, a Project Manager will be appointed for the development period up to the completion of the

project. This role will include coordinating the overall conservation and building works and the establishment of the overall

community and visitor experience. The Project Manager will support the construction programme, acting as the link between the

build and restoration team, steering group and other stakeholders and co-ordinating the activity plan. The Project Manager will

develop training programmes for volunteers, accredited where possible. This will facilitate volunteersability to contribute to the

delivery of the Activity Plan and promotion of the Tower and wider local heritage.

Project ManagerMilton Keynes Council

Lead architect

Milton Keynes Council Stony Stratford Town Council Affiliated groups

Friends Group -Local Residents

Futures GroupArchaeological Society

In Bloom Group

Specialist providers

Bell Ringers

Fire BrigadeHeritage skills hub

Interaction

Ward Councillors

Heritage OfficerConservation Officer

Engagement Officer

Town Councillors

Project GroupYouth Council

News letter


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A recording and monitoring programme, supported by trained volunteers will be implemented during the development of the project.

Monitoring will be carried out against the key milestones and financial targets in order to measure progress of the project. The

project will monitor the delivery of project benefits and outcomes and the financial performance in terms of expenditure.

Monitoring will be carried out on a regular basis with quarterly reports prepared. These will set out actual performance against

forecasts in terms of events and activities and any more detailed qualitative and quantitative feedback.

7. Measures of success

The project will measure how effectively the project engages and involves audiences in their heritage through:

the number and range of events and activities takingplace at the site and the number and make up of people participating

the number and breadth of partners online web hits, the time spent by visitors onlineand participation in accessing deeper learning resources

volunteer retention and feedback

Quantitative and qualitative feedback from audiences on their experiences and enjoyment

8. What difference will the project make?

7.1 The difference for Heritage

The most significant difference that this project will make to local heritage is the restoration and preservation of the MagdalenTower Schedule ancient monument and making the Tower accessible to the public. This achievement in itself will help save the

heritage of the site for future generations, creating a lasting legacy. In this particularly case the HLF projects restoration work to a

heritage standard will aid the longer-term maintenance and conservation making it more cost efficient and supporting future

sustainable stewardship and management.


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The project will bring the Tower back to life and broaden the understanding of the site, its heritage role, encouraging stewardship

and involvement between a broad range of stakeholder, key partners and the local community, thus safeguarding it for the future.

The education programme will develop historical information that can be shared from generation to generation. This information will

be based around the story of the Tower and its importance to local heritage, local and national heritage. The project delivery

programme will help link the heritage in the town and elsewhere in Milton Keynes.

7.2 Difference the project will make for People

Both the capital building works and the dependent education programme flowing from this, will make a difference to a wide range of

visitors and users from local, regional and national level. This will create a greater understanding and appreciation of the Schedule

Ancient Monument (SAM) site, its physical and intellectual value. This will enhance the sense of place, pride and awareness of

local heritage whilst challenging people to participate and investigate their local history. Through the delivery of the capital works

programme that will be developed following a detailed access audit and interpretation plan, the site will be fully DDA compliant and

welcoming to visitors with special needs.

The project will make a difference to the way in which people interpret their local heritage, and this will be achieved from both a

physical and intellectual perspective. Physically, the project will deliver a 3D sitemap or interpretation plan that will be beneficial to

all people, with and without sight problems. New signage and information boards, that are easy to understand and in keeping with

the surroundings will also be installed as part of the project. The delivery of the project will generate a greater number of activities

and events for more diverse audiences. It will also increase the opportunities for local residents and businesses to participate in

their heritage, including skills training and a volunteer scheme that encourages people to have a sense of ownership and

involvement.


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Theme 1. Collaborating and Partnership working

Activity Audience Benefits Resources Cost Timetable Targetmeasures

Evaluation Meeting HLFAims

The Heritage Skills Hubtraining plan will offer a mix of

accredited and unaccreditedtraining initiatives including:- lime mortar courses Repair/Maintenance Introduction to Stone carving Guided tour day Open Day / Craft Fair 'Reading a TraditionalBuilding'Guided Walk& TalkCHC will also work with othertraining organisations such asCAGE Greater Nottingham todeliver contractor specific

events.

It is envisaged thatthis training

programme willbe relevant to a widerange of stakeholders,including communitygroups, privatehomeowners,volunteers and others.

Conservationskills training

for local residentand communityorganisationswhich will give agreater context. Inturn this willenableparticipants tolearn about andunderstand thesignificance andhistory of theTower and site.

Working inpartnership

withHeritageSkills HUB andwork withspecialistcontractors

8000 Implementtraining

throughouttheconstructionperiod andbeyond.2014 - 2016

Achieve atotal

participationof 300individualsover 2 yearperiod

Increasedknowledgeand skillsable to usethis in otherheritagecontexts

Monitor numberAnd

performance ofparticipants.

Participationand Learning

Heritage Cluster Event

Ensure local heritage groupsare aware of the project andthe synergies are achieved. Reinforce town trail withgoogle images Incorporate heritageinformation in TowerInterpretation Share ideas and experience

Local Heritage groupsand interestedindividuals

Ensure acoordinatedapproach to theheritage in StonyStratford

Projectmanager

Meeting space

Inoverallpmbudget

In-kind

Every 6months

Participationof heritagegroups.

Improvedcoordinationand sharingofinformation

Monitor numberAndperformance ofparticipants

Participation


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Theme 2. People



The Conservation

Volunteerswill

offer a mix oftraining initiativesand activitiesincluding:-The Ecologicalimportance ofchurch yards.Habitat creation

build nest andbat boxes

Relevant to awide range of

stakeholders,includingcommunitygroups such asBritain in Bloom,privatehomeowners,Volunteers andothers.

The activitieswill increase the

understandingand importanceof churchyardsand listedbuildings forbiodiversity.

Working inpartnership with

The ConservationVolunteers

4500 Sessions runningover

18monthsoncesite is free ofconstruction

Achieve a totalparticipation of

300 individualsover 2 yearperiod

Raiseawareness ofthe value oflisted buildingsand theirenvirons forbiodiversity

Numbers ofindividuals

engaged.

Managementplan for thelandscape


Training volunteercustodians

Local audiencesand particularlymore diverse

local audienceswho may notfeel anyconnection withthe tower orheritage

Empowers localpeople andemploys word of

mouthcommunicationwhich is both astrong methodofcommunicationand costeffective

Time inputs ofproject managerand specialist

training andmaterials forvolunteers

1200 Ongoing processcommencing atproject

commencement

Increasedinterest andparticipation of

the localcommunity

Establish agroup ofvolunteercustodians

Number offriends andguides recruited

Feedbacksessions



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Theme 3. Local ownership and existing audiences



Stony Live - Linkto existing event

enhance thiswider event withappropriate livemusic / poetry

Localcommunity and

further afield

Broaden theappeal of

existing eventreanimate theSAM withappropriatemusicopportunity tolisten to heritageinstruments

The Stony Livegroupinclude

in their literatureand link withmusicians,

300 to supportartists and

musicianperformance

2015in linewith Stony Live

Calendar

Participation

Horticulturalimprovements-

Localcommunity

Make the Sam amore attractivespace and anopportunity toincreasebiodiversity

The StonyStratford InBloom

325 materialscontribution fromHLF. Labourand trainingcontribution inkind from in

Bloom Group

Over the twoyears of theproject

Include theTower as a keypart of the greeninfrastructure

Numbers ofindividualsengaged.Include in the

Britain in BloomRoute

Participation

Bell ringing Localcommunity

Provide aenjoyable andinteractiveevent.

Link to previoususe of the site.

Bucks BellRingers

Contribution inKind

Two events overthe course of theproject

Generate localinterest andparticipation

Numbers ofindividualsengaged.

Participation

Carol Singing Local familiesand children

Provide aenjoyable andinteractive event

Link to previoususe of the site

Local schools Contribution inKind

Christmas 2014onwards

Establish aregular carolsinging event atthe SAM

Carol Concert isheld with aminimum of oneschoolparticipating

Participation


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Theme 4. Interpretation

0Activity Audience Benefits Resources Cost Timetable Targetmeasures


Video work shop Young people Opportunity toresearch the

heritage andengage youngpeople in aninteresting way

Project managerJCC Local

Media Initiativesor Interaction

2400 (120 achild x 20

children)

3 months Young peoplegain a greater

understanding ofthe heritage ofthe tower

Production of 1or more short

film based onthe childrensowninterpretationand learning


Leaflet Local communityand further afield

Promote the siteand its heritageimportance

Promote self-guided tours

Project managerLiving archive

Reworking ofschool packinformation, typesetting andprinting x 1000leaflets700.00

Two events overthe course of theproject

Production ofleaflet.

Feedback fromvisitors, steeringgroup and otherstakeholders.


Guided tours Local communityand further afield

Brings heritagelife and builds

understanding.

Supports thevolunteercustodianelement

Staff from theConservation

Department(MKC)Friends ofMagdalen tower

Contribution inKind

Two events overthe course of the

project

Local peoplegain a greater

understanding ofthe site and itsheritage context

Numbers ofindividuals

engaged


Google MapsPhoto Tours

Local communityand further afield

Innovativemethod toengage withpeople and offerheritage training

Self-guidedtours

Living archive Costs met withinthe web pageworkshops

Produced overthe course of theproject.

Initial trainingcan be builtupon throughaccess to theweb site

Local peoplegain a greaterunderstanding ofthe site and itsheritage context

Photo Tourproduced andanalysis ofdownloads


Interpretationdisplay

Visitors to theTower

Brings togetherthe story of theTower and theengagementoutputs of otheractivities

Project manager 5000 forproduction ofhigh qualityinteractivematerial to besited in thetower and toured

Produced overthe course of theproject.

Feedback fromvisitors, steeringgroup and otherstakeholders.



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Theme 5. Education, learning and participation


Evaluation MeetingHLF Aims

Develop new

learningmaterial

Establish aworking groupof teachers

School

children andtheir families

Enables teachers

to make best useof visits.Offers varied andexciting learningopportunities.Links with thecurriculum

Living archive

Develop the packutilizing theproducts of otherwork streams i.e.genealogy, webpage andinterpretation

3000

(500 forwriting, testingand evaluation500 forartwork - 2000for printing/cdrom)

Over the two

years of theproject

Teacher/Pupil

pack- links tocurriculum andis fit forpurpose.

Pack is produced and

used by a minimum of 3schools.

Feedback from usersschools/teachers/pupils

Participation

and Learning

Web page Localcommunityand furtherafield

Participants learnabout the localheritage and gainnew researchskills

Living archive 200 per day x10 days =2000


Local peoplegain a greaterunderstandingof the site andits heritagecontext

Numbers of individualsengagedNumber of hits on website


Genealogy Localcommunity

Record the gravestones forprosperity andresearch thegenealogy.

Participants learnabout the localheritage and gainnew researchskills

Living archiveHeritage OfficerConservationOfficer

200 per day x10 days =2000


Local peoplegain a greaterunderstandingof socialheritage.

Gravestonesare mapped andrecorded

Numbers of individualsengaged


FireAwareness

Schoolchildren andtheir families

Explains how alocal brigade wasformed

connecting thepast with thepresent

Fire Brigade Contribution inKind


Number ofSchools andother groups

visited

Numbers of individualsengaged

Learning

Magdalenevent

Localcommunityand furtherafield

Brings together allthe heritagestrands of theproject.

InteractionStony StratfordBusinessassociation

3000 = 15artist days @200

Two eventsover the courseof the project

Create asustainableannual event

Numbers of individualsengaged.Friends/Custodians andother stakeholders are totake this forward as anannual event able



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Budget

Heading Activity Description Project Costs In-kindcontribution

Heritage Skills Hub Built Heritage skills training 8000Heritage Cluster Coordinate local heritage organisationsTown Council meeting space 400

Conservation Volunteers Natural Heritage training 4500Training volunteercustodians

Training to raise skills and esteem of volunteers to lead walks and talks 1200

Stony Live Heritage music in keeping with the medieval heritage theme andmonument

300

HorticulturalImprovement

Contribution towards in Bloom Groups contribution 325

Bell ringing Opportunity to try bell ringing and learn about its history Bucks Bell

Ringers

200

Carol singing Carol singing - Schools, pupils, parents and wider community School andTeacher input

Video work shop Engage young people in heritage through video media 2400

Leaflet Art work/type setting and printing 700

Guided Tours Heritage event with stakeholder and friends as guides and interpreters 1000

Interpretation display Production of panels 5000

Learning materials Curriculum based school packs 3000

Web page Training for community to produce a heritage web page and photo tour 2000

Genealogy Social Heritage Skills: record gravestones and research social history 2000

Fire awareness Linking the Tower fire, the establishment of the fire brigade and firesafety Buckingham Fire Safety

500

Magdalen Event Research and creativity workshops and event 3000

Total 32,325 2,100

Magdalene Tower v1 3

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