Meet Andrew

Retiring from work can be a traumatic landmark for some and when my own retirement was imminent, I looked for an opportunity to expand my horizons and to meet and interact with new and interesting people.

I was aware that Sutton Hoo was a spiritual and magical place and, having researched all the useful information on the internet, I applied to become a volunteer at Sutton Hoo.

As a previous software engineer, I have found volunteering to be a different but wonderful experience aided, particularly as a newcomer, by a group of friendly and passionate fellow volunteers.

Volunteering activities are wide and varied and I have developed a number of new skills ranging from geo-physics to appearing in plays, all with the ultimate aim of providing an exceptional visitor experience at Sutton Hoo.

I have enjoyed leading visitors on guided tours but spend most of my volunteering time as an Exhibition Centre Steward providing assistance to visitors on all things Anglo-Saxon, all things Sutton Hoo and a multitude of other wide ranging topics.

There is a vibrant social scene at Sutton Hoo providing frequent opportunities to meet up with like-minded fellow volunteers including walks, talks, coffee mornings, BBQs and others.

With no specific interest in history nor Anglo-Saxons, I was initially unsure whether to apply to be a volunteer at Sutton Hoo; I needn’t have worried, it is such a rewarding experience.