Volunteering at the museum
Thinking of joining us?
We are always keen on
recruiting additional volunteers to join our friendly team of volunteer hosts
for the summer season. Hosts receive
training and work in pairs to run the museum on the days it is open to the public. Now
is a great time to get involved, there are are jobs that need to be done
over the winter and you can become familiar with our collection ready for the summer. We
can arrange for you to visit the Museum so we can tell you about the ways you
can share in telling our story even if it is not a day we are normally open.
**Stop Press**. New position in our team:
Ever thought you would like to try marketing? An opportunity
in the voluntary sector appeal to you?
Check our our job description for a Marketing and Engagement
Volunteer. We would be delighted to have you
join our team and help us promote our lovely little museum.
What we do...
There are a variety of ways in which you can help us, but the main one is to be a host in the Museum. We always need two people there when we are open to the public.
Being a host involves:
Meeting and greeting the visitors; We look after the reception area and the little shop ( very popular!) We keep records of visitor numbers, report any issues, and look after security.
Helping people to have an enjoyable time; If there's school visit or a weaving demonstration we will be on hand to help out. There's time to eat lunch, have a coffee and a chat and of course, to catch up with a bit of local history ourselves.
Keeping an eye on the items in the Museum and displays.
Some practical things like opening and closing up the building at the beginning and end of the day.
You don’t need to have any particular knowledge of textiles or of history, but having an interest in these things will make it more rewarding for you. If you decide that you would like to help us we will give you a full induction.
Other roles
There are other ways in which you assist us, these include:
Joining the Committee;
Helping to catalogue the items in the Museum’s collection;
Helping to care for and conserve the Museum’s artefacts;
Demonstrating a craft in the Museum – ideally linked to wool;
Helping to design and produce publicity material;
Promoting what we are doing in all sorts of ways, particularly via social media;
Helping with the general administration;
Helping to organise events in or about the Museum;
Helping to raise funds for the Museum.
Researching the background to some of our artefacts for exhibitions or pieces on the web.
Please talk to us if you have other skills you would like to offer.
What our volunteer hosts say:
Proud to show visitors this local history gem, always an enjoyable experience
As a new host I was welcomed to the team very warmly. Now looking forward to my second hosting season
