Wednesday 30 May 2012

Willing volunteer


Well, I went into that castle as a 'potential', and came out wearing an official name tag, having been warmly welcomed and introduced to many other volunteers, and also to the staff room and biscuit tins, filled with just the dull, plain biscuits (Rich Tea, digestives, Nice, and so on) that I prefer.

I start next week, buddied up with an experienced volunteer, on "Peri" - as in peripatetic, which in every other National Trust property is known more simply as "tea break cover". This means I will get to spend 15 minutes in every room, although thankfully I won't be expected to know much about each.

However, I do now know something about the wonderful 17th Century ceiling in the dining room and where the little figure of the hunter (looking suspiciously like a cherub) with his bow, and the deer (complete with arrow) are positioned. Oh, and the exact spot in another room that people feel is haunted. And no, I'm not telling.....


I think this is going to be fun. So far, I have elected to attend one morning a week, and have just realised that I have double-booked myself with my yoga class and must rectify this immediately. I would not like to be the person compiling the volunteer rota.....

14 comments:

hasenschneck said...

That sounds fun! x

jabblog said...

Oh, well done:-) That sounds like a lot of fun.

Anonymous said...

I hope you sort out your yoga and castle days. thank you for the link, it was very interesting.

Lynda (Granny K) said...

One of my ex-bosses is a volunteer at a NT castle in Somerset. I wonder if it is the same one. His first name is Malcolm and he has white hair.

desiree said...

I hope you can also playact and dress up as the woman in the photo ( website of castle), that would be fun!!

judy in ky said...

This is definitely going to be a lot of fun... for you and for us! I find it fascinating. I am going to read all about it. I wish we had castles here instead of old log cabins!

Anne said...

Just remember not to sit n the furniture or touch things (both of which I would promptly be guilty of!)

Karen said...

God, that plaster is absolutely amazing and the carvings to die for.

I'm so jealous. I want castles here in the States (not those McMansions built by the nouveau riche).

Ginnie said...

Oh, excellent! Lots of eye candy there?

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

I have wondered about volunteering somewhere but can't work out how to find the time - too many family commitments just now. Would love to have a go though so will be fascinated to hear how it goes.

Emile de Bruijn said...

Rachel, great to hear you will be volunteering at 'the castle' - I am envious of you standing under that great ceiling (spending my days in the National Trust's nice-but-plain Swindon office) :)

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

Very nice !
I'm envious . Here , volunteering seems to be limited to climbing 300-odd steps up an old church tower and not a cherub in sight . ( Just the Pearly Gates , if I did it more than once ) .

Marcheline said...

Where do I sign up? 8-)

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hope you enjoy the experience. They are lucky to have you!

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