Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a National Trust site like Castle Drogo?
If so, you could go behind the barrier and help with the running of this unique place by becoming a volunteer. The property, just off the A30 between Exeter and Okehampton, is currently recruiting volunteers for the 2008 season and is keen to hear from people who are interested in getting involved.
© NTPL / Charlie Waite
As a charity, the National Trust is greatly dependent on the help of its volunteers. It would not be possible to open Castle Drogo without the volunteers who generously give their time to assist in the running of the site. If you want to make the most of your free time and do something that is interesting, enjoyable and rewarding, why not consider getting involved as a volunteer? You can meet all kinds of people, learn new things, join in social activities and have fun as part of the active community within the ‘last castle to be built in England’.
There are many varied opportunities for volunteers across the site. You could assist with conservation, helping to care for the fascinating house with its quirky collection, or help support the visitor services team by assisting with the property’s wide ranging events programme and providing customer service at Visitor Reception. The retail and catering teams are also looking for volunteers this year to help in the busy shop and tea-rooms. Castle Drogo is particularly looking for volunteers to act as Room Stewards or Garden Stewards this season, especially at weekends, providing a warm welcome to the thousands of people who visit each year and ensuring they have an interesting and enjoyable time with us.
Whatever your interests or availability, there is likely to be a volunteer role for you so why not see another side of Castle Drogo and spend your time in beautiful, grand surroundings, by crossing the barrier and joining the team of volunteers helping to ensure this remarkable property remains the interesting and inviting place for which it is renowned.
Richard Morris, Volunteer, says:
‘I’ve been volunteering for several months now and it has been a fascinating experience to see what happens behind closed doors and to actually get involved with helping to run a place like Castle Drogo. It’s been a real eye opener for me as I’ve got to see the property from a different perspective, try all sorts of new things and learn a lot, as well as having a lot of fun.’
Volunteers do not need to have any prior knowledge of Castle Drogo as all necessary information and full support is provided. Volunteers also have their travelling expenses reimbursed, have the opportunity to go out for trips and meals and, after a qualifying period, receive free entry to National Trust properties and a discount in their shops and catering outlets.
For more information about any of the volunteering opportunities at Castle Drogo, please contact Julie Tucker, Visitor Services Officer, on 01647 433306 or email julie.tucker@nationaltrust.org.uk
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