Volunteering at The Workhouse

As part of the 30th anniversary of National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) The Workhouse at Southwell is holding another of its popular volunteer recruitment days on Tuesday 3 June between 10am and 12noon.The National Trust property already has over 250 volunteers in a range of roles and the charity as a whole benefits from 3.77 million hours of volunteer support a year.

The event provides an informal opportunity to meet staff and volunteers and find out about some of the 30 different roles on offer. Over 40 volunteers attended the previous session and most have since joined The Workhouse volunteer community which also has an active social element with trips to other National Trust properties, local attractions and on-site events such as a summer barbeque and Christmas party.

‘We are particularly looking for male costumed interpreters to participate in living history events and to support work with schools visiting The Workhouse, as well as room guides and refreshment hosts,’ says House Manager Sarah Spurrier, ‘full training is offered to new volunteers and many shadow those already active in various roles’ she adds.

Alan Viles, from Little Carlton near Newark, has volunteered for 18 months in various roles but specialises in costumed interpretation, working with visiting schools and on Pop up Paupers and Graft and Gruel events. ‘Both my wife Maxine and I volunteer at The Workhouse I find working with schools very rewarding and enjoy challenging the children’s 20th century perceptions’, says Alan. ‘The more I get involved the more I want to do, I hope to progress up the ranks from playing a pauper to playing Master soon!’ he adds.

‘It is great helping in the refreshment room, I really enjoy meeting visitors, staff and volunteers and as people linger over a drink or a snack it gives time for a longer chat’, says Maxine.

The ‘Taste of Volunteering’ event is free of charge but please book a place by calling 01636 817260. For more information on this and other events please see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse