Volunteer Role Description Volunteer Historical Researcher What is a Volunteer Historical Researcher? Historical research is like trying to do a jigsaw without all the pieces. If you're a detective interested in finding and piecing together the stories of Penllergare Valley Woods, we need you!
What’s involved? Volunteer Researchers look into the history of Penllergare, finding snippets of information to help restore Valley Woods to its former picturesque glory. They look into John Dillwyn Llewellyn’s interests in photography, astronomy, landscape design and scientific discovery. They help to fit Penllergare into the bigger picture of the industrial past of Swansea. Volunteer Researchers will: •
Understand what is currently known about Penllergare and help to identify the gaps of knowledge
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Research on the internet, in libraries and archives for information on particular subjects
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Keep accurate records of what is looked at, what is found and where it's found
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Make the information available to The Penllergare Trust for use in interpretation of Penllergare Valley Woods
At the time of registration, you’ll be invited to choose an area of research you would like to follow, or we’ll be happy to suggest topics we need to know more about. Volunteer Researchers will be managed by the Volunteering and Events Organiser and will be requested to follow the Penllergare Trust's Volunteering Policy at all times.
What do I need? Volunteer Researchers should: •
Have internet access
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Be able to visit the West Glamorgan Archive Service and other archives in the area
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Be willing to attend informal meetings of the Research Team to exchange ideas and information
Volunteer Researchers may borrow any books or publications from The Penllergare Trust library or arrange to talk to any of our specialists.
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract
What’s in it for you? •
Being at the forefront of an exciting project to protect and promote Penllergare Valley Woods as an essential historic and recreational space for Swansea
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Satisfying your thirst for knowledge
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Expanding your existing understanding of the local area
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Meeting people from all walks of life and making new friends
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Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated Volunteer Researchers team
This role will suit people who… •
enjoy historical detective work
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are organised and meticulous
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are fascinated by Penllergare's past
Want to sign up? We encourage all new volunteers to register with The Penllergare Trust in the first instance. Contact details are as follows: T: 01792 344224
E: contact@penllergare.org
About Penllergare Valley Woods Penllergare Valley Woods was once a famous gentry estate and home to John Dillwyn Llewelyn, the notable 19-century horticulturalist, philanthropist and pioneering photographer. It was Llewelyn’s vision and landscape design in the picturesque tradition that made Penllergare one of the most renowned parks and gardens in Wales. After decades of dereliction and vandalism, the Penllergare Trust was formed as an independent charity in 2000 - completely independent of the local authority and of Government. It has relied in donations and legacies and money raised from activities and commercial operations for income and thankfully it has been supported by a Friends group and many volunteers without whom it simply could not manage. Together with supporters, The Penllergare Trust aims to protect and open to the public Penllergare Valley Woods, a valuable community amenity and asset for the whole of Swansea and beyond. About the restoration project: www.penllergare.wordpress.com About the Trust: www.penllergare.org
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract