Ways to get involved

We have  various organising committees covering every aspect of running a business, a museum and visitor attraction – perhaps drawing on experience in your working life.  This is an ideal role for people with good organisational skills  and like working behind the scenes.

Our sewing group meets each week – or when there’s a “job on”, like repairing children’s aprons for visiting school groups or making costume for our guides.  Basic sewing skills help – and a love of needlework!

Volunteers have been helping look after the School since the 1980s (pictured). Today, our small maintenance team of “fixers” gets to work most Mondays, but there’s always a list of jobs so other times may be better for new helpers.  There’s a range of tasks to suit different skill levels.  Old buildings like ours  “appreciate” a regular deep clean too – if that’s your thing.

Our gardening team gets together most Thursdays – but one or two prefer to help independently at present, to maintain social distancing! All the beds and the wonderful Wilderspin Playground are a result of their efforts. They also manage plant sales to raise funds. New gardeners are welcome but won’t remain novices for long!

Our shop volunteers help with purchasing, display, record keeping and stock checking etc.  It’s an ideal role for staff who want to “pop in” at times convenient to them if a regular commitment isn’t possible.

Every Friday our Collections Group meet.  We have an archive and a collection of museum objects which need proper care and attention.  If you like methodical tasks – like cataloguing, sorting and filing  – as well as being involved with interesting items – this role might suit you.

We want new displays and temporary exhibitions – requiring research  and design.  This would be an good opportunity to get involved with a one-off project initially.  A good knack for display would be useful – but creative imagination would be even better!

We have an Events Group which meets regularly to share ideas and help plan and promote special events.  It gets exciting as an event approaches!

To help with tour guiding all that’s needed is confidence to talk to groups and a passion for the stories we tell. We provide the training and information you need. Our stewards meet and greet visitors so are a crucial part of our “Wilderspin Welcome” – an ideal role if you enjoy meeting people and chatting.  One or two have a connection with the Church School – but the key requirement is to enjoy people!

Community volunteering is a great way for young volunteers to meet people and build self-confidence. Weekend or holiday volunteering is also an impressive thing to include on a young person’s curriculum vitae in preparation for college courses or the world of work in these challenging times.  Over the years, we’ve helped a number of school and college students – and they’ve helped us behind the scenes and front of house.

Restoration of the former Chapel next door is a new project – volunteers have begun to improve the building but help is needed to work up and then run this part of the Museum. Apart from our own museum uses, we’ll be using the building for community events – including music, dance and drama, and clubs. At this stage, the help we need is to seek funding and get the Joseph Wright theatre and the rest of the building restored and refurbished.

None of our volunteer work would happen without someone or a small award-winning team organising it all.  We don’t have a volunteer coordinator at present.  Someone who is a good motivator, organiser and “team player” would be a perfect fit!  Is that you?

Some of our volunteers with our banner publicising our Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.