Landguard Fort has helped see off the French, the Dutch and the Germans at various times of its 400 year life, but is now in a battle with an unseen enemy.

The sturdy old building on the Langer peninsula is once again showing incredible resilience but needs reinforcements to secure its sustainability and financial future after being forced to close for five months due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Although the fort has reopened to the public, it is weekends only and on a booking system with larger number of volunteers required to ensure the public's safety. That has meant a lower than usual income and one of the best ways to improve their finances would be to open during the week as well - but that means more volunteers to man the fort.

Nicola Barker, Landguard Fort general manager, said: "When we are open it is very good. We are getting through teething problem and are improving with the booking system.

"It is great to have the doors open as it is an amazing place for Felixstowe and if we could open up more we would.

"That would need more volunteers to be able to open during the week because we are needing to use eight or nine volunteers now, rather just two or three a day."

Knowing all about the fort, the history or military experiences is not a pe-requisite and a wide range of people (18 or older) have been able to utilise their skills.

Nicola added: "It is mainly front of house roles; welcoming guests, advising people on bookings, being in the ticket office, scanning tickets encouraging people to use the hand sanitisers.

"We have various steward points at the shop or tea room for example so knowledge of the fort, or its story is not important as till experience for example.

"If you do have knowledge that would be helpful but it is not a necessity as we do have guides and experts to help visitors."

Guided tours are off the agenda for now, which also effects funding, and the Landguard Fort Trust has not yet benefited from any grants.

Due to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers putting in almost 13,000 hours between them, along with Nicola, the only full time employee, supported by Donna Duncan who is the only part-time paid staff, nearly 27,000 people were able to enjoy visiting Landguard Fort last season.

The volunteers can claim travel expenses but their reward lies mainly in being part of a friendly community, engaging with the public or using their skills to ensure the future of the fort for generations to come.

Volunteer Viv B summed it up when she said: "I love volunteering at the fort because I like meeting people and feeling connected as part of a team. I enjoy our social events and keeping history alive."

If you are interested in volunteering contact: [email protected]