The Indispensables.

Last week some of us turned our attention to recruiting more volunteers to the Trust’s team - the Trust could not do all that it does without its volunteers. (Indeed, the Trust was founded in 1895 by 3 volunteers and by last year we had 55,000.)  Jean and Jean, who are themselves volunteers, co-ordinate communications for our North Lakes team.  Theatre by the Lake generously allowed them to use the theatre foyer to mount a display to illustrate some of the work we have done and several people were there to talk about the wide range of opportunities.  Ten people ‘signed up’ on the day which was a great result for J & J.

Theatre by the Lake foyer

Plenty of choice!

Whoever walks through the door, we should be able to find them a role that’s right both for them and for us.  You could litter-pick while walking the dog, help with administration, work out with practical jobs such as repairing gates, be house stewards at Wordsworth House …  we can find something to suit your interests  and your available time.

Contact J or J to discuss joining our team.

Jean.Wilson-Jowsey@nationaltrust.org.uk        Jean.Braidwood@nationaltrust.org.uk  

   

We are now also planning a year ahead for working holidays – next year there will be 2 week-long holidays and 2 four-day long weekends in the Borrowdale area.  Because these are larger groups, we tend to involve them in larger projects such as creating access-for-all footpaths, resurfacing footpaths and the installation of the recycled board walk at the southern end of Derwentwater.  The following are examples of some brilliant teams we have had recently.

Creating an access-for-all footpath

The morning rush hour.

A new board-walk from recycled materials.

The Elizabethan dam maintenance team.

Resurfacing a footpath

Briefly, these will be groups of 12 - some of them come alone and make good friends.  They make a nominal payment for food and accommodation that will be either in Isthmus Cottage with its views down Derwentwater or a camping barn in a stunning elevated location at High Snab Farm.  There will be much more information in due course – check at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-trust/w-volunteering.htm  where you will also find information about local volunteering and voluntary internships for your career development.