Volunteers Week takes place 1 – 7 June every year and is a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you. This 37th annual Volunteers’ Week is taking place during the #MonthofCommunity. Running throughout June, #MonthOfCommunity brings together organisations with a range of events in order to encourage us all to think about and join in with activities happening in our local communities.
‘Volunteers are at the heart of the museum and work alongside our small team of paid staff in a wide range of roles. Without our committed and skilled volunteers, the museum would not be able to function effectively and would be unable to fulfil its charitable objectives. We work as one team, whether roles are paid or voluntary, and everyone’s contribution is valued highly. After Covid 19, we’re carefully working towards getting back up to our full cohort of around 30 volunteers of all ages, abilities and interests.’
Bodmin Keep Director, Mary Godwin
We asked three of our current volunteers for their thoughts about volunteering.
Profile 1: Zillah (Visitor Services and Learning Outreach Volunteer)
I have been volunteering at the museum for about three years. I was first introduced to the museum when I volunteered to be part of the First World War trench experience programme.
I wanted to volunteer at the museum because I had an avid interest in First World War poetry as an ex English /Drama Teacher. I had also just moved to Bodmin and it seemed a good way to become involved in the community.
The best thing about volunteering at the museum is working with a great team, meeting lovely people visiting the museum and the opportunity to use my teaching experience in the learning team. As I am retired it gives me a sense of purpose. In summary I just love it!
Profile 2: John (Maintenance Volunteer)
I started volunteering at the museum in January 2015 after paying a visit to research my Dad’s Army records.
I had a chat with Trevor who was in charge then and he asked if I had any spare time. When I started, I helped to arrange and clean displays in cabinets and did other general jobs. I stripped and cleaned all the guns on the wall in the Armory with the help of the Internet. This was great as I have always been into guns and of course all this was done wearing gloves.
With a change of management, the focus of my volunteering became maintenance. The people and other volunteers I have met while volunteering here makes it worthwhile. I have encouraged a number of friends to visit, which allows me to show them around. All in all, it’s a very interesting place to spend a few hours!
Profile 3: Linda (Visitor Services Volunteer)
I’ve been volunteering at the museum for five years this August. I moved from East Devon to Cornwall, did history as part of my degree and love it so decided to volunteer. I love the building and telling others about it!
I like meeting people and telling them things that they shouldn’t miss so that that they enjoy their visit. I really like to encourage them to find out about the history of the barracks.
Volunteering here gives me a purpose, routine and an opportunity to chat to people which I love. I get a lot out of this as I’m a gregarious person.
Current Volunteering Opportunity
We’re currently looking for a Fundraising Administrator. If you have a few spare hours and this sounds of interest see https://bodminkeep.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Fundraising-Administrator-Volunteer-Role-Description-Updated-May-2021-Final.pdf