Volunteering Opportunities at Horsey Windpump

man dressed in green national trust branded clothing is speaking to a lady in a blue jumper whilst standing in front of the red brick tower of Horsey Windpump. The bottom of the white sails are visible in the top of the photo.

During 2018, the restoration project of Horsey Windpump will complete and will be reopened to paying visitors and to our members. This is your chance to get involved right at the start, to continue the restoration project, share the story ‘so far’ and engage visitors with our local industrial heritage. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to bring alive the story of Horsey Windpump for our visitors and to help maintain and look after this broadland icon. We have exciting and flexible roles on offer in which no two days will be the same.

So, what roles are on offer?

Horsey Windpump Volunteer

What's involved?

You will be ….
• Providing a warm welcome to visitors to Horsey Windpump, checking membership cards, selling tickets and giving out leaflets or trails. 
• Developing a good knowledge of Horsey Windpump and the wider offer so that so that all visitors receive accurate and relevant information to enhance their visit and ‘make a day of it’
• Assisting colleagues and fellow volunteers in the maintenance of the working equipment.
• Interpreting the water drainage process to visitors through answering questions, giving talks or leading short guided tours.
• Assisting with special events or any other circumstances as required.
• Becoming familiar with and then following the National Trust’s Health and Safety Policy at all times.

Horsey Windpump with new stocks awaiting fitting of the new sail frames, February 2018
The red brick tower of horsey windpump in the distance with new stocks that look like a cross. in the foreground are reeds and the light is red as it is taken at sunset
Horsey Windpump with new stocks awaiting fitting of the new sail frames, February 2018

This role will suit you if you are...

• Full of enthusiasm, hoping to inspire visitors of all ages
• Passionate about Horsey and its history
• Organised and able to manage your time
• Someone who loves meeting new people – there will be plenty every day!
• Cheerful and positive, whatever the weather!
• Interested in Mills, construction, conservation, the Broads or if you want to learn about these. You don’t need to be an expert but as a guide you’ll pick up lots of facts and figures to inspire people with each introduction you give.
• You will need to be a team player, who can be flexible about what you do on a day-to-day basis. Above all, you’ll need to be prepared to roll your sleeves up and muck in with whatever task needs to be done.

The restored and conserved curb on Horsey Windpump
red brown teeth of the curb of Horsey Windpump
The restored and conserved curb on Horsey Windpump

By getting involved you could...

• Have the chance to realise a dream and learn more about the area’s industrial heritage.
• Be the ‘millwright’ and share information about the mill, the restoration works and further plans for the future.
• Make visitors feel welcome, answering any questions & encouraging them to get involved. 
• Help visitors understand why we need to take care of special places.
• Learn more about Horsey & Heigham Holmes, so you can share all that’s special – indoors and out
• Help visitors to discover more, making suggestions so they can enjoy their day.
• Become part of an exciting, newly-formed team taking on a new challenge for the first time.
• Have the chance to take a sense of ownership over the success of the Windpump project.
• Derive the personal satisfaction of making Horsey Windpump an interesting, exciting and enjoyable part of the visitor experience.
• You are important in making things run as smoothly and safely as possible

Full induction, training, branded clothing and expenses will be provided.

For more information please email horseywindpump@nationaltrust.org.uk or call Alex on 07483 425764 or apply by clicking here

 

 

Horsey Windpump Maintenance Volunteer

Support the maintenance of the newly restored Horsey Windpump and help visitors to understand its workings and feel welcome.

The third new sail frame being fitted to Horsey Windpump, February 2018
A crane is lifting the third white sail frame onto Horsey Windpump. There are two other frames already fitted which are sat horizontally
The third new sail frame being fitted to Horsey Windpump, February 2018

What's involved?

• Provide a warm and friendly greeting to all visitors and engage them in the work we are doing 
• Ensure all safety guidelines are followed
• Share the story of the ongoing restoration project and the progress of the works so far, relay technical information so that it is easy to understand
• Maintaining the mechanical operations of the Windpump, from visual checks to oiling and greasing and operating the controls!!

Millwright Tim Whiting building the petticoat around Horsey Windpump's cap
The millwright is hanging off the side of the red brick tower of Horsey Windpump underneatth the white wooden cap
Millwright Tim Whiting building the petticoat around Horsey Windpump's cap

This role will suit you if you are...

• Technically minded, have a background in engineering or similar skills
• Enjoy meeting and engaging with new people and share with our visitors the conservation work we are doing. 
• Able to provide a consistent level of excellent customer care at all times, even when greasing the worm gear. Multi-tasking is essential! 
• Happy spending time outdoors in all weathers and to work safely at the top of the windpump. 
• Full of enthusiasm for Horsey Windpump, her inner workings and the ongoing conservation project.
• Passionate about our nation’s industrial heritage, keeping it alive and helping to make it accessible to all.

It was a surprise to find an old piece of narrow gauge railway track holding together the cap structure
An old rusted piece of narrow gauge railway track that was found inside the cap
It was a surprise to find an old piece of narrow gauge railway track holding together the cap structure

By getting involved you could...

• Have the chance to realise a dream and learn more about the area’s industrial heritage.
• Be the ‘millwright’ and share information about the mill, the restoration works and further plans for the future.
• Make visitors feel welcome, answering any questions & encouraging them to get involved. 
• Help visitors understand why we need to take care of special places.
• Help visitors to understand the workings of the Windpump as well as the ongoing care and attention required to keep her sails turning.
• Share the progress of the project and explain both what they can see and what you are doing.

Full induction, training, branded clothing and expenses will be provided.

For more information please email horseywindpump@nationaltrust.org.uk or call Alex on 07483 425764 or apply by clicking here