I began volunteering in 2016, just after my brother passed away. I wanted something to help me through this difficult period, but also to help with my crippling shyness and nervousness, and because of my love of history. Looking at me now, you would never know how shy I was, and I owe a lot of that to volunteering at NCMG.
I started at Brewhouse Yard, and when that closed for refurbishment, I moved to Wollaton Hall. I love knowing the building so well and knowing all of the behind-the-scenes areas, and sharing my love of the building and the history behind it with members of the public, even if it is only the location of the loo!
It has helped massively with my confidence and I have learnt more about talking with members of the public and communicating with them, which has helped in other areas of my working life; and I have also made many friends.
Over the years, I’ve been involved in various exciting roles:
- Assisted with the Dinosaurs of China and Titus the T-Rex exhibition
- Dressed as a Tudor in the Tudor Kitchens
- Played a ghost during Halloween haunted tours
- Took part in archaeological digs
- Aided the curator in photographing and cataloguing new acquisitions
- Served as a backmarker on tours of the off-site storage facility
- Conducted object handling sessions for visitors
- Acted as a steward when Antiques Roadshow filmed at Wollaton Hall
Volunteering at Wollaton Hall continues to be a fulfilling and enjoyable part of my life, allowing me to engage with history, support public education, and contribute to the preservation of this remarkable site.
